Community Yearbook 17012019

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Newbury Weekly News

Yearbook

‘Celebrating a year in the life of our community in 2018 through the pages of the Newbury Weekly News’

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JANUARY

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Torak leads police on a merry chase TORAK, the wolf who led

The Newbury Weekly News

press hall

police on a five-and-half-hour chase after escaping fromhis enclosure in Beenham, was back at home, seemingly unfazed by his adventure. The 12-year-old Alaskan timber wolf escaped from the UKWolf Conservation Trust Centre and an eight-mile search across West Berkshire to find himwas sparked after staff discovered he was missing from his enclosure. Sanctuary staff, armed police officers, two police helicopters and animal capture specialists carrying tranquillisers were deployed during the hunt. Schools were advised to keep children indoors, while people were told not to approach Torak if they spotted him. Children attending a forest school in woodland on Westrop Farm in Cold Ash had to head back to farm buildings after Torak was sighted nearby. The headmistress of Harriet

50s musical ar rives ahead of UK tour

End of an era for NWN FOR 150 years, the

The NWN board says it took the difficult decision as it was becoming increasingly difficult to remain competi- tive against larger, group- owned print plants. NWN chief executive James Gurney said: “A day of mixed feelings. Sad that we will no longer be printing our own

Newbury Weekly News took enormous pride in the fact that the paper was printed in the community it serves. However, it was with a great deal of sadness that the paper’s print plant closed down, resulting in 28 staf being made redundant. The NWN is now printed in Cambridge by Iliffe News and Media, whose organisation is run by Lord Iliffe, who owns Yattendon Estates. Benyon saw the funny side to a fundraising campaign that was set up to buy him a bicycle after he was banned from driving. Mr Benyon was disqualified for six months under the totting-up procedure after being caught using his mobile phone behind the wheel in London and West Berkshire Green Party chair- man Steve Masters couldn’t resist taking a swipe at his political rival by setting up the Just Giving page titled ‘MP Richard Benyon needs a bicycle’. The plan was to buy Mr Benyon a cheap second-hand bike from eBay and donate the rest to the Eight Bells for

“REMEMBER piling on the hair lacquer, slicking down the fringe, boys wearing brothel creepers and ‘Edwardian’ drape coats and continually combing back their Brilliantined quiff and most of all the music – ah, the music – remember that?”, wrote N2 reviewer Caroline Franklin. The Watermill rolled back the years and rocked into the new year with Teddy , by Tristan Bernays, taking the Bagnor audience back in time in “a musical revelation that leaves you wanting more”. It will tour nationally before a London run. “This is an action-filled evening, which includes tragedy and a dance so fast it will take your breath away merely to watch. Teddy meets Josie, who is on a girls’ night out, and suggests going to listen to Johnny Valentine. The problem is they don’t have enough cash to get in, so they find a pawn shop where they threaten the owner with an ex-army gun Teddy has taken from home. When the owner sneers at the couple, things escalate, there is a shot and eventually the couple find themselves being interviewed by the police. “While the music and dramatic story domi- nate the evening, there are also Dylan Thomas-like descriptions not to be missed in Josie’s and Teddy’s dialogue – the ruined church is a ‘battered ribcage’ of a building hanging on the back streets of London, just one example of Bernays’ ability to use words to conjure up pictures. “This new-look musical directed by Eleanor Rhode has outstanding performances from every actor, producing a vibrant, exciting evening.”

Torak, the adventurous wolf

titles on-site ourselves, but also exciting that our much- loved titles will continue to be printed by another locally- owned and family-run press.” Buy a bicycle for Benyon NEWBURY MP Richard

House School in Frilsham, Harriet Hathaway, said: “We were walking down to the woods and I looked to the right and there was the wolf. “It was a majestic, beautiful- looking beast just trotting along. It was an amazing sight.” Olly Warner, 21, also spotted Torak in the wild and said: “I was down in the woods planting trees when I sawMike running

up the hill. “He said ‘there’s a wolf out and we have to leave the wood, come on’. We got out a bit quick.” The pursuit team dashed to Hermitage Road after Torak had been spotted in woodland belonging to Downe House School and the wolf moved through Cold Ash to Curridge where he was recaptured unharmed by wolf trust staff.

Bridge to the future A BRIDGE between Newbury Station ’s past and future took shape. Network Rail said the new footbridge would improve access and allow it to install the electrical equipment necessary for the elec- tric trains that will run on the line to Newbury. The new bridge coincides with a £6m upgrade to the station. Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership earmarked funds for the revamp, which saw improved connections for pedestrians, cyclists and those using public transport, with office space also planned.

Mental Health charity in Newbury. Mr Benyon said: “I think it is very funny and very amus- ing. As the proposal is to give the majority of the money to Eight Bells, I have contributed £10 myself.”

The new footbridge at Newbur y Station

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JANUARY

£2m parking surplus WEST Berkshire Council W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_3 Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Diver locates Tigris AN amateur diver believed he had located the wreck- He said : “They are all resting on the sea floor of what had been a naval mine barrage. “There could be more

age of a submarine lost during the Second World War, more than 75 years after it was adopted by Newbury. HMS Tigris was sunk off the Isle of Capri, in the Mediter - ranean Sea, on its way to Algiers in 1943, with the loss of 63 crew. But a 78-year-old Belgium man, Jean-Pierre Misson, thought he had found it, along with six other vessels. Mr Misson was car ying out sonar scans of the seabed between Tabarka and Cap Negro, off the coast of Tunisia, when he made the discovery.

made a surplus of £2m from parking charges and fines in 2017, figures revealed. The sum for the 2016/17 finan- cial year was the largest yet recorded by the cash-strapped local authority and came amid a series of parking price hikes by the council. West Berkshire Council’s total income from its parking oper- ations was £3,513,421 and, after subtracting running costs, it ended the year with a £2m surplus – again the highest recorded. However, by law, the council has to reinvest all this money back into traffic services. The figures included funds generated from all parking activities, including off-street and on-street ticket sales, penalty charge notices (PCNs) and permits. The total amount paid by motorists increased from £3,049,776 in 2015/16, while the

wrecks, I have not sonar- explored the whole area. “But to find the real identity of every submarine a visual approach is needed, which I don’t have the ability to do at my age and at that depth.” By measuring the size and shape of the wrecks, Mr Misson said he compared the results to details of the boats that are believed to have sunk in that area. He concluded that HMS Tigris was there and that the under- water graveyard could be the resting place of 250 British submariners.

McFadzen breaks PB in Medley final NEWBURY swimmer James McFadzen scooped three medals to steal the show on the final night of the Ontario Junior Inter- national in Toronto, Canada. The Loughborough University swimmer was representing GB and had already landed bronze medals in the 100m breaststroke and 100m backstroke. But the 18-year-old was a class apart in the 200m Individual Medley, winning both heats and final. McFadzen was fastest in the prelims with a time of 2:00.82 before breaking the two-minute barrier for the first time to land gold in a personal best time of 1:58.55. McFadzen returned to the pool for the final of the 200m Backstroke, again setting a PB as he clinched the silver medal in 1:57.14. Warrick steps down NIGEL WARRICK stepped down at Hunger- ford Town. The former chairman had been at the club for 12 years, in which time they have risen from the Hellenic League to the National League South. But increased family commitments and the growth of his company NJW Ltd means that he can no longer devote all his time to the club. He said: “If I do something, then I give it 110 per cent and at the moment I cannot do that. The club is in a great place. We have a good commit- tee, it is debt-free and in a good financial posi- tion.” Warrick has been a constant support, both financially and on the operational side of the club, for more than a decade.

were paid, bringing in a total of £225,440 for the council. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of PCNs issued to drivers in West Berkshire were for parking or traffic offences in Newbury (6,391). West Berkshire Council said it would not be reducing car parking charges in Newbury, despite widespread concerns that rising costs are driving people away from the town.

council’s parking operations surplus increased by more than £500,000, up from £1,497,830, compared to the previous year. Despite the rise in income, the amount paid in fines has reduced since 2015/16, with a total of 7,996 PCNs issued in 2016/17 – 955 fewer than the previous year. Seventy seven per cent of outstanding fines in 2016/17

Mystery camera fools drivers A MYSTERY mum is the toast of Great Shefford for making and installing this fake speed camera. have had some help.” The fake device appeared on private land off Wantage

Road. Residents, supported by the parish council, have long campaigned for real traffic calming measures – so far in vain. Mr Ackrill said:“Without doubt there’s a problem with speeding. The last time West Berkshire Council did a survey was over five days in February 2016. “That showed an average of 1,800 vehicles per day coming past there. Almost 48 per cent of them were exceeding the speed limit and, of those, a third were travelling at more than 35mph.”

The device, which bears a remarkable resemblance to the real thing, has already had a beneficial efect on traf- fic, according to some locals. Owner of The Village Shop opposite, Roy Plowman, said: “I’ve no idea who put it there, but if it slows traffic down and enables people to cross the road safely, then that’ s got to be a good thing.” The chairman of Great Shef- ford Parish Council, Steve Ackrill, was coy about the identity of the perpetrator, but said: “I expect she will

Meet is a lot of hot air COLOURFUL hot air balloons brightened up the

Club (BBAC) once again took on the organisation of the iconic event. There was a three-course dinner and design engineer and technical manager of Cameron Balloons Dave Boxall entertained guests with a presentation on Fedor Konyukhov’s recent record- breaking around-the-world balloon flight.

skies above Newbury. Balloonists of all ages gathered for the 46th international Icicle balloon meet. This year’s event, called Icicle Refrozen, took place at Donnington Grove Country Club. The 3.4.40 Region of the British Balloon and Airship

The fake speed camera in Great Shefford

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FEBRUARY Waterside ’s golden years Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Hampshire laureate a familiar face FOLLOWING a countywide competition launched on National Poetry Day 2017, the hunt for Hampshire’s Poet Laureate 2018 was over. Many recognised the talented poet Robyn Bolam (formerly published as Marion Lomax) from the time she lived at Bradfield. She was a great supporter of and frequent visitor to events at the Arts Workshop in Northcroft Lane, giving several readings there. A sensitive poet of emotional candour, northern landscapes and literary reference, her beautiful words were enhanced by her soft Northumberland tone. Robyn, now living in the New Forest, was chosen as Hampshire Poet 2018 from a strong field of writers who applied for the sought- after post from all over the county. The competition, led by Hampshire Cultural Trust, runs every other year and aims to foster local writing talent. Robyn has been commissioned to write poetry highlighting the trust’s wide and varied exhibition and project work during 2018. On hearing the news, she said: “Being chosen as Hampshire Poet 2018 is the best New Year present ever. I’ve been passionate about reading and writing poetry since primary school, so being able to pass on my enthusiasm to people of all ages, across the county, is a wonderful privilege. “Whatever your interest in poetry, I’m look- ing forward to meeting you – and if you aren’t interested yet, I’ll do my best to change that!”

NEWBURY Canoe Club cele- brated “a great legacy” as it marked 50 years of the Waterside Series races. More than 500 paddlers hit the Kennet and Avon Canal to mark the historic occasion. The races attract international canoeists, with Dutch competitors joined other paddlers from across the country in 50th anniversary event. Newbury Canoe Club member David Seward said the event had been a special day, adding that he was absolutely delighted that the series was still going strong. “We had one paddler who said ‘it’s lovely that a series has been going on for 50 years’. Only one race has been cancelled in the 50 years, because of foot-and-mouth disease. “Even when there’s ice and snow, we still run it. That’s the beauty of it. The whole point of doing it in winter is the challenge.” Mr Seward said that the transfor- mation of the canal from a place of dereliction had created an interest-

Royal approval for Kingwood PRINCESS Anne unveiled a plaque to officially open the pioneering Kurtsys- tems racehorse technology. The Princess Royal visited Kingwood Stud, Lambourn, and was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley. She was introduced to the inventor behind the monorail system – Mehmet Kurt and his son Kaan. Mr Kurt senior is one of Turkey’s leading industrialists and race- horse owners who owned the winners of the 1993 and 1999 Turkish Derby. He bought Kingwood Stud in 2011. Among the guests were jockeys, owners and trainers, such as Nicky Henderson, and West Berkshire Council chairman Quentin Webb. Bronze age bonanza WEST Berkshire Museum displayed hoards dating from the Bronze Age – 2500-800 BCE – to the late-18th century. This was the first time they had ever been shown in one place. The exhibition displayed the 13 hoards, all discovered in the district, in a special case which gave the impression of looking under the ground. West Berkshire Museum curator Ruth Howard said: “It was very exciting developing this exhi- bition; thinking about the people who lived in this area hundreds of years ago and imagining why they buried what we think of today as ‘trea- sure’ is what makes these objects so compelling. The Curridge Hoard, discovered in 1998, comprised a pot of 425 Roman coins, all of low value. However, the coins date over a 300- year period, from the first to the third centuries BCE, bearing the names of some of the most well- known Roman emperors of the time.

From left, original member Colin V are, membership secretar y D ve Seward and original members from 1968 Godfrey Pass and Cliff Gow at the Waterside Series 50th anniversar y presentations

ing challenge for canoeists. Among the hundreds of people in the 13.5-mile race were four paddlers who took part in the origi- nal race in 1968. And three original canoe club members turned up to present

prizes, joined by Brian Greenaway from Fowey Canoe Club, who handed out trophies. The Kennet Valley Canoe Club was formed in 1958 by the amalgama- tion of members of the Kennet and Avon Association and the regular Newbury paddlers.

Pancakes off the menu NEWBURY’S popular annual pancake race had to be called off after torrential rain meant it was too dangerous for teams to take part. However, the bad weather failed to dampen spirits on Shrove Tuesday and people gath- ered at St Nicolas’ Church Hall, where Soroptimists served up a pancake lunch to raise funds for The Rosemary Appeal. Guests had the option of choosing a meat or ricotta savoury pancake, followed by the traditional lemon and sugar filling for dessert, with tea or coffee. The lunch raised £260 for the appeal. Katy Hawthorne, who helped organise the event, thanked race sponsors Accounting and Taxation Centre, Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), Briars Dental Centre and Nick Herne Building Services. Team entries raised £560 for the appeal.

Robyn Bolam

BUILDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION Highwood Copse Primary School is the brand new, purpose built primary school, opening in 2019 at Monks Lane in Newbury. In partnership, Newbury College and Theale Primary School are working to ensure that this new School provides outstanding teaching and learning. The vision for the new school is for individual children to achieve their potential and to be ready and confident for their next steps in education. Our pupils will be at the heart of all we do and will benefit from education which encourages and supports them to be the best they can be. We are accepting applications directly for Reception class (ages 4-5) until 24 January 2019. We are also accepting applications for Nursery class (ages 3-4) throughout the year. Visit our website or Facebook page for regular updates and news of information events.

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FEBRUARY

Newbury Weekly News W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_5

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Rise in number of rough sleepers

Kalashnikov ’s on target in Hurdle TRAINER Amy Murphy was ‘lost for words’ after watching Kalashnikov race to victory in the £155,000 Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. The five-year-old 8-1 co-favourite, ridden by Jack Quinlan, shot down his rivals to clinch an

Road, Newbury, also came under fire, with allegations of drug- taking. In fact, 13 of the 14 homeless people that HWWB spoke to said they would rather

A DAMNING report revealed that there had been “an unprecedented rise” in the number of people sleeping rough in West Berkshire. Official estimates

impressive victory in a

sleep rough than stay there. Two people aged 18 to 24 said they became addicted to drugs during their stay and would not go back because of their wish to stay clean. Two Saints responded by saying it was“diffi- cult to balance the needs of all homeless and rough sleepers”

competitive field. Kalashnikov made his move three flights from home and stayed on strongly to win by four-and-a-half

suggested there were 20 people classed as home- less in the district in 2017. However, Health- watch West Berkshire claimed those figures “appear to be a major underestimation” of the true extent of the crisis. In its Homeless And Rough Sleepers Report

All systems go for scanner IT was all systems go for the new CT scanner at West Berk- shire Community Hospital ’s new Greenham Trust Wing. The machine was already machine would provide top-qual- ity X-rays, computer-enhanced to ensure that conditions can be diagnosed more easily.

lengths from Irish challenger Bleu Et Rouge , with another eight lengths back to third- placed Spiritofthegames . And Murphy, who only began training at Newmarket in 2016, said:“ It’s unbelievable – I am lost for words. I think he has proved that he can go for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Chel- tenham now.” Boardman bows out FORMER Hungerford Town manager Jon Boardman didn’t expect his time with the club to ‘go as well as it did’ during the eight years he spent there. The Crusaders announced that they would be revamping their management team in order to tighten the playing budget. As a result, Boardman and assistant manager Gary MacDonald were sacrificed, with Ian Herring – formerly joint boss with Boardman – taking sole responsibility at the club. Boardman thanked the club at which he spent the majority of his career. He said:“I’ve been at the club a long time and I’ ve had some unbeliev- able memories, and as much as it was a chal- lenge, I really enjoyed my time as manager. “I’m aware of the position the club are in,” he said. “They have to cut costs, there were three of us in the management team and they made the decision to get rid of myself and Gary. “I understand it’s better for the overall wellbe- ing of the club.”

He said the project was a good example of agencies working together and thanked the Cancer Care Trust, Hospital Building Trust, Greenham Trust, the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the radiogra- phers from the X-ray department and Ifor Sheldon from facilities management company Bellrock. Those present at the opening included Dr Marjon Bell and Julie Cameron from the Royal Berk- shire Hospital, Helen Atkins and radiographers from the X-ray department and appeal trustees, including Nick Galbraith, Paul Millard and David Ball.

performing more than 20 scans a day and the numbers are increas- ing. On Wednesday, February 7, there was a celebration to mark the milestone. Cash from The Rose- mary Appeal paid for the new building and the state-of-the-art equipment, such as the scanner. A computerised tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The Rosemary Appeal trustee Dr Rob Tayton said the high-tech

and that it would “not be appropriate to provide accommodation that excludes individuals who have drug and/or alcohol support needs”. It added that a recent survey suggested that 82 per cent of its clients were happy with where they lived and the support they received.

2018 , HWWB said the figure was much higher; finding 30 to 37 people on the streets on any given night. The report highlighted a lack of social housing as one of the primary causes of the problem. The Two Saints Hostel, based at Newtown

New challenge for principal

THE principal and chief executive of Newbury College, Dr Anne Murdoch, stepped down from the role after 17 years at the helm. Dr Murdoch left to take up a position with the Principals’ Professional Council, but was on hand to assist in helping the college open the new Highwood Copse Primary School on the site in 2019. Former deputy principal at Farnborough College of Technology, Iain Wolloff, replaced her. A special event was held at the college to recognise Dr Murdoch’s achievements over the years. She said: “It’s been a wonderful 17 years at the college. I joined just before the college moved from its old site on the Oxford Road to its campus on Monks Lane.

Last orders at Snooty Fox IT was time at the bar at one of Newbury’s landmark pubs as the Snooty Fox closed. The Bartholomew Street watering hole was a popular late-night mine – met some of the best people on the planet in that building and also met some fantastic oddballs as well.”

In October, the Newbury Weekly News reported on plans to convert the pub into a craft beer house by the Star Pubs & Bars company. As part of the planned renovation, it is proposed that the pub returns to its former name of The Globe Inn.

destination known for promoting live music and other entertain- ment over the years. Former manager Sherrieann Stephenson said on social media: “We all have our memories about the Snooty Fox and I wouldn ’t know where to begin when telling

“In the time I’ve been principal, I’ve seen approximately 70,000 to 80,000 students take our courses and developed the campus by adding a sports hall, training restaurant, construction centre, animal care unit, hair salon, and most recently, an engineering solutions lab.”

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MARCH

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Villagers in school vote THEALE residents narrowly voted in favour of releasing the land needed to build a new primary school in the villa ge. West Berkshire Council wants to build the £8m The debate about where to put the new school divided the community, and as a result, a parish poll was held to gi ve both sides the chance to have their say. But the parish poll was only advisory and West Berkshire Council has called on Theale Parish Council to hold a vote

on releasing the land. Residents who went to the polls were asked to voted on the following question: ‘Should Theale Parish Council relinquish the lease on the land at North Street Playing Fields to allow a new primary school to be built on that site as per planning consent?’

A total of 2,357 people were eligible to vote and 940 votes were cast, a turnout of 39.8 per cent. And it was a c lose call as 499 residents voted in favour (53 per cent), while 440 voted against.

school on the Nor th Street playing fields. However, Theale Parish Council, which leases the land from the Engle- field Estate, did not feel it was the right site and had so far refused to relinquish it.

Camilla pops in to Fair Close NEWBURY’S Fair Close Centre gave a royal welcome to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The Duchess was given a tour of the newly-refurbished facilities, met The Duchess was greeted by patron of the centre Harry Henderson and his sister, chairwoman Josie Reed. The royal visitor was introduced to the centre-users who run the second- hand shop in the foyer, cooks in the kitchen and volunteers who deliver the meals on wheels. Head chef Sue Hayes said:“ It was lovely to meet the Duchess. For her to come here and recognise what we do here is lovely. ” Digger ’s miracle rescue THIS little hedgehog luckily survived after being trapped in an volunteers and spoke to those who use the centre, which celebrated its 51st anniversary in 2018. It wasn’t the first time it has received a royal visitor– it was opened by the Queen Mother in November 1967.

Made in Wash Common DAVID Hatfull, for more than 25 years a corporate and editorial photographer, exhibited a new collection of 20 black-and- white portraits in the foyer of the New Era Theatre, concentrating on those people whose work – voluntary or paid – helps to meld and strengthen the Wash Common community of which he is a part. “The work, taken on traditional film with a Hasselblad medium-format camera and lovingly hand-printed, is unmistakably Hatfull,” showcasing his unique ‘seeing eye’, his approach, his compositional sense and his printing skill,” wrote Lin Wilkinson. “Beneath an initial impression of a gentle discursiveness lies firm control and organisa- tion of subject matter; in the selection of nega- tives to print, in the cropping and framing of images – what is included or omitted paramount – and in the skilled and sensitive printing. Everything the viewer sees in each final print was intended. “Each portrait is set within a context that shows the subject’s specific contribution to their community. These are not candid, journalistic, ‘caught’ photographs. All are made, deliberately set up, a process that always induces some element of self- consciousness in the subject, so part of Hatfull’s skill lies in catching a transitory expression or a fleeting moment of light. “As well as being a fine body of work, this exhibition is an important social document: a visual slice of contemporary history and a testament to a vibrant community at the beginning of the 21st century.” Fish and chip shop owners Sarah and Rui Rentroia

Loann ’s new lease of life

THIS Thatcham boy is all smiles thanks to a 3D-printed hand which has made a huge differ- ence to his life. Loann Burton was born with symbrachydactyly, a condition charac- terised by limb anoma- lies, resulting in his right hand not forming properly. The nine-year-old Spur- croft Primary School pupil showed off his blue and black hand, which was printed by local community group Newbury and District Hackspace (NadHack). The youngster said:“It makes me confident. On the first day I brought it [to school], a lot of people surrounded me. “I chose my favourite

underground pipe for a week. Digger, as he has been named, was rescued and taken to a hedgehog rehab centre in Thatcham. It is believed the animal fell into a trench below a property in Marlbor- ough, Wiltshire, and then, being unable to climb out, took shelter under the building where the pipe went up through the floor. Digger’s rescue was only made possi- ble because the home owners had heard scratching noises coming from the vicinity of some recently-installed pipework. Swift excavation of the floor uncov- ered the sorry hedgehog, stuck in a tight space, having been entombed when the pipe trench was filled and

Loann Burton

colour, blue, and another colour. “ It’s made a difference. Thank you for doing my arm.” The family were made aware of Hackspace as Loann is a member of Reach, a charity that helps support children

with upper limb difer- ence. His mother Sylvie: “He doesn’t use it every day, but it’s been giving him a bit of a confidence boost. “It’s given him the abil- ity to do simple things, like pull a chair or hold something.”

landscaped. A phone call to Hedgehog Bottom, Thatcham, turned out to be the start of a miracle as local hedgehog carers Joy and Ian Hunt rescued the unfor- tunate creature.

KNIGHT & SPIERS Thurs 21 March 2019 | 8pm Tickets £15.00 JO HARMAN Thurs 4 April 2019 | 8pm Tickets £14.00 (Pictured) MARTIN TURNER EX WISHBONE ASH Fri 5 April 2019 | 8pm Tickets £17.00 NICK HEYWARD Wed 10 April 2019 | 8pm Tickets £18.00 GYLES BRANDRETH Sat 18 May 2019 | 8pm Tickets £20.00 THE LISTENING ROOM Wed 12 June 2019 | 8pm Tickets £12.00

LIVEWIRE Sat 2 February 2019 | 8pm Tickets £17.50 POP DIVAS LIVE! Wed 20 February 2019 | 4pm Tickets £15.00

HIGHLIGHTS

KINGDOM OF MADNESS: CLASSIC MAGNUM Thurs 7 March 2019 | 8pm Tickets £20.00 THE ANIMALS & FRIENDS Thurs 14 March 2019 | 8pm Tickets £22.00 THINKING DRINKERS Fri 22 & Sat 23 February 2019 | 8pm Tickets £15.00 CHRIS DIFFORD Fri 1 March 2019 | 8pm Tickets £18.00

WINTER SPRING

2018/19

A season full of exciting live music, vibrant theatre, creative comedy and local performing arts groups.

MARCH

W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_7 Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Train pain for rail commuters

“SHORT-term pain for long-term gain” was the message to hundreds of West Berkshire rail passengers hit by cancelled services. Commuters had to trade trains for a bus replace - ment service between Pewsey and Theale while rail services ceased and stations closed throughout the district. The four-day ‘ blockade ’ was in place to allow Network Rail to perform vital work on electrifica- tion of the line, ahead of a new fleet of trains coming into operation in January 2019. The rail operator said that the four-day closures were its best option.

On Wembley way! THATCHAM Town beat 1874 Northwich to reach the FA Vase final at Wembley for the first time in the club’s history– where they will face Stockton Town. After a 3-2 away win at Wincham Park, the King- fishers secured a 4-2 aggregate semi-final victory thanks to a brace from Gavin James and one from Shane Cooper-Clark. After the game, an emotional Town manager Danny Robinson said:“Words can ’t describe that – they don’t come anywhere near. “Apart from getting to marry the love of my life, this is up there, I promise you that.” Around 200 Thatcham supporters and many club members made the long trip to the north-west. And they saw The Kingfishers score inside the first three minutes to ease their nerves. Greg’s Golden role BEACH volleyball referee Greg Thompson was delighted to represent Team England at of the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. Thompson received confirmation from the governing body last September that he would be officiating during the Games. Thompson, who lives in Hermitage and who has been refereeing since 2007, was in charge of a number of games during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He first started to officiate in matches at the local club in Newbury, but because the season only lasted between September and May, he started refereeing beach volleyball to further challenge himself.

District mauled by Beast HEAVY snow made West Berk- shire and North Hampshire look thrillseekers made the most of the snow days and shops in Newbury sold out of sledges.

Communications manager for Network Rail Simon Masters said there had been “teething problems”. “We admit that, but it’s not surprising because it’ s the first of a big period of disruption,” he said, adding that both staff and passengers had adapted to the arrangements. Scheme project manager

Caroline Saunders said: “This level of upgrade is unheard of for this area. “It’s short-term pain for long-term gain. We recog - nise we are disrupting in the intermediate [stage]. “I hope it can be under- stood we are doing this to maximise the opportunity to not cause any additional long-term problems.”

like a winter wonderland – despite it being the first two meteorological days of spring. The adverse weather – the Beast from the East– caused massive disruption, with trains cancelled and the majority of schools forced to close. But, despite the disruption, many Tributes to lawyer IAN Campbell, a popular and long- serving solicitor based in Newbury, died at the age of 67. A former pupil at St Bartholomew’s School in Newbury, he had been employed by Newbury-based law firm Charles Hoile all his working life. Mr Campbell’ s friend and colleague at Charles Hoile, senior partner Mike Davis, paid tribute and said:“Ian’s compassion, patience and ability to empathise led to a hugely-successful career. His clients were loyal and devoted to him. “He would always go out of his way to assist the vulnerable and disadvan- taged, as many of his clients were, not just providing help at the police station or representing them at court, but giving lifts, lending money and so on.”

Hills around the area, particularly at Northcroft and Goldwell Parks and Watership Down, became the focus of attention for many young- sters enjoying a second day off school. However, temperatures rose quickly and the big thaw began.

Walk to new bar NEW Australian sports bar Walka- bout opened its doors in Newbury following a £400,000 investment. Stonegate Pub Company purchased the Cheap Street venue, formerly The Diamond Tap, from JD Wetherspoon. Stonegate, which also owns the Slug and Lettuce and Yates brands, initially reopened the venue unbranded with a new menu, real ales and music. But an application to turn the former pub into a Walkabout was accepted last month. Walkabout, which boasts on its website of being the “ultimate party venue”, has a number of bars across the UK, including one in Reading. As well as the installation of 15 TV screens for sport viewing, the bar boasts an impressive food menu.

Tune in to Kennet KENNET Community Radio is now broadcasting live on 106.7FMMHz across Newbury and Thatcham. Kennet Radio’s resident astrologist Cordelia Mansall decided that 12.32pm was the best time for the station to offi- cially launch at Broadway House To celebrate the event, Thatcham mayor Ellen Crumly and deputy mayor of Newbury Margo Payne both cut a red ribbon. Chairman Julian Swift-Hook thanked all of the sponsors, donors and volun- teers who had made the dream of a community radio station for Newbury and Thatcham into a reality. The first full programme broadcast was Decades, a music show presented by Kennet Radio director Jeremy Sharp.

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Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Lib Dems’ double joy THE Liberal Democrats claimed both sea ts in the by-election in Thatcham West ward, triggered by the disqualifica tion and resignation of Nick Goodes fromWest Berk- shire Council and Thatcham Town Council. The Lib Dems said their stances were against them. Jeff Brooks was elected to West Berks Council with 48.2 per cent of the vote, while David Lister won the town council vote with 46.4 per cent. The turnout for the district council election was 34.3 per cent (1,702), while Thatcham Town Council’s stood at 34.2 per cent (1,693) of a total 4,597 electors. success inflicted a crushing defeat on the Conserv atives, but the Tories said circum-

Monty pops in for a carrot MEET Monty , the carrot-loving heavy horse. He became a celebrity in Kintbury after developing a taste for free fruit and veg from The Corner Stores in the High Street. Monty pulls the narrowboats along the canal for the Kennet Horse Boat Company and each day, after finishing work, he is taken back through the village to his field. But one day the owners of the stores, Jay and Anita Mungur, fed him a carrot and now Monty stops outside the shop and refuses to go on until he has had a treat.

Clare Hastings

Late bloomer EMINENT gardening writer Anne Scott- James lived for 15 years in Aldworth, next door to her daughter Clare Hastings, who co-wrote Gardening Letters to My Daughter with her mother. They shared a passion for their gardens and in the book she conveyed, in delightful light- hearted letters to Clare (the sister of Max Hastings), some of her immense knowledge on the subject. Now Clare is passing on her own knowledge to her daughter Calypso in Gardening Notes from a Late Bloomer, illus- trated by Osbert Lancaster, Clare’s stepfather. “I’m not dead yet,” she writes to Calypso, who will one day inherit Clare’s beloved cottage garden on the Berkshire Downs. “In fact I woke up this morning feeling quite chipper. I glanced out of the window ... and thought about you. And felt a frisson of panic. What if I were to be struck down before elevenses on the B4009? I realised that I needed to leave you a handbook about the garden. For you the countryside is a pathway from the car park to the door, to be completed on the run. But I’m not giving up.” Clare was a latecomer to gardening, daunted by Latin names and nervous around plants. Then she realised she wasn’t and never would be a ‘proper plantsman’ and that it didn’t matter. Since then she has explored the joys of gardening and now after many years’ experi- ence of her own cottage garden, Clare shares her gardening life notes with Calypso. The book, which Clare launched with a read- ing in her home village, is full of insight and humour, as well as practical information for newcomers to gardening. Gardening Notes from a Late Bloomer is published by Pimpernel Press at £12.99.

Steve Butler with Monty and Jay and Anita Mungur

Tory in retweet row A SENIOR Conservative councillor was forced to apologise after sharing online comments mocking Mr Boeck subsequently deleted his reposting of the comments. phobic, mocking tweets.” Mr Boeck later posted on Twitter: “I do believe without doubt that people of any

The chairwoman of Newbury Labour Party, Gemma Lowe, said: “West Berkshire Coun- cil has made a great deal of its commitment to improving the mental health of the community by raising aware- ness of its causes and fighting stigma. “Yet one of our senior elected representatives, Dominic Boeck, seems to think it’s acceptable to engage in trans- “I resolve to look closer at tweets before I retweet them and I regret any offence I may have given in this way. “I absolutely do not believe that anyone with gender issues is mentally ill.” ‘Reach out to residents’ gender and sexual orienta- tion must be respected and I will make sure my behaviour online and off reflects that.

transgender people as mentally disordered. Political opponents called for an inquiry after Dominic Boeck used his social media Twitter account to re-post other users’ comments. Mr Boeck shared comments by a poster, who wrote: “There are two genders but three options– 1 male; 2 female; 3 mental disorder.”

Kathryn Bossom gets a kiss from T utti men Mark Genders and Garr y Rees

It’s happy Hocktide! IF ever proof was needed that Hungerford is a town that cherishes its tradi - tions, then Hocktide is surely it. The town’s link with its Constable of the Town and Manor Ellie Dickins presented the Tutti Poles to Tutti Men, Mark Genders and Garry Rees, as they set off on their rounds, collecting‘ rent’ of pennies or kisses. The beautiful floral displays atop the poles are created

ancient past is renewed each spring on the second Tuesday after Easter as the Constable of the Town and Manor’s horn rings out across the High Street at 8am. The High Street was decked with flowers and ribbons of Hungerford blue as the Commoners were summoned to attend the Hocktide Court.

replacing Quentin Webb, whose two-year tenure as chairman came to an end. The ward member for Burgh- field, Mrs Jackson-Doerge has been a councillor since 2007. The chairman is the formal representative of the district council and is considered the ‘first citizen’ of the district.

THE new chairman of West Berkshire Council used her maiden speech to urge district councillors to “reach out and engage” with resi- dents, who she says could one day be standing in her shoes. Carol Jackson-Doerge was sworn in as West Berkshire Council’s chairman for 2018-19,

each year by Fiona Hobson of the Tutti Pole tea shop and restaurant. Then, accompanied by the Orangeman Jim Scarlett, and Tutti girls from John O’Gaunt School, they set of to collect the dues from commoners.

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W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_9 Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

Amberjack’s magnificent seven NEWBURY-based recruitment firm

Sad day as Swan closes

on their organic farming and 20 years at The Swan Inn. There were once five thriving pubs in the village alone. But times change and Mr Harris said: “Trade over the last two or three years has become progres- sively worse, with virtually no support from the village, with a few notable exceptions, and Mary and I finally decided to close. “This is a sad day for us as we have invested a lot of time and effort and some £2m in building, refurbishing and equipping to a high standard. “We have received national and regional awards for our organic food and real ales and supported two local breweries, Butts at Great Shefford and Indigenous at Chad- dleworth.”

IT WAS the end of an era as Bernard and Mary Harris have called ‘time at the bar’ for the last time at The Swan Inn, Inkpen. During a 22-year tenure at the 17th- century village pub, Mr and Mrs Harris scooped award after award. They became accredited members of the Campaign for Real Food, one of celebrity chef Rick Stein’s Food Heroes of Britain and winners of the Independent newspaper’s Restaurant Awards of 2007. The organic beef served in the pub was from their own herds and the pub was a fixture in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide from 1998 to 2007, in 2011 and 2012 and from 2015-2018. In 2016, the Prince of Wales sent them a letter congratulating them

Amberjack was short- listed for a staggering seven national industry awards. The company, which is based in Kings Road West, was nominated for the accolades at this year’s Recruiter Awards. The awards gala is the UK’s largest event for the recruitment industry, recognising outstanding achievements by agen- cies and in-house recruiters. Amberjack was in the running to secure its third Outstanding Outsourced Recruitment Organisation

Dettori ’s flyer in Flat opener RACING legend Frankie Dettori showed his class on the opening weekend of Newbury’s Flat racing season. A crowd of more than 8,200 enjoyed three G3 races and a thrilling £50,000 handicap. Dettori steered James Garfield to victory in the seven-runner G3 Al Basti Equiworld Support- ing Greatwood Greenham Stake. Newmarket trainer George Scott set his sights on the 2000 Guineas on May 5 at Newmarket, with Dettori again on board. Scott said: “I am delighted with that perfor- mance. “Frankie is keen to go to Guineas and he is the Ladies’ title triumph NEWBURY & Thatcham Ladies first-team captain Gemma Goss belie ves her team can compete near the top of the Premier 1 Division next year. After a successful season, the first team secured the league title and promotion after registering 17 wins from 22 games this year. A 4-0 home win against Wallingford brought the league season to a close – and preparations began immediately for life in the top flight. “This is a trial so he will come on for the race – he was fit enough and now will freshen him up with a couple of weeks to the Guineas.” man who knows the most about that. “He will be my first Classic runner.

ence, which recognises the company’ s work with Mars, and Best Graduate Recruitment Strategy, in recognition of its work with Network Rail in improving diversity.

Award, having been crowned winners of the accolade twice before, in 2013 and 2016. Amberjack ’s other short- listed categories included Best Candidate Experi -

Independence day

THE Corn Exchange marked its 25th anniver- sary by taking owner- ship of its landmark building to become a “truly independent char- ity”. West Berkshire Council handed over the Market Place building to the Corn Exchange Trust to help ensure arts and culture in the district are protected and nurtured for future generations. Against a backdrop of continuing reductions in public spending, the coun- cil informed the Corn Exchange Trust in July 2016 that it was no longer in a position to financially support the arts centre when the current funding contract ends March 2019. The trust has since been working with the council

Mayor’s parlour games NEWBURY mayor David Fenn attended the official opening of a new Ping Pong Parlour in an Ping Pong Parlours are pop-up spaces filled with table tennis tables.

pleased that the council has agreed to support us in this way. “It enables us to be a truly independent charity and it is my responsibility as the custodian of this wonderful building to ensure the arts and cultural activities we make happen here are protected for future genera- tions.”

and its core funders, Arts Council England and Greenham Trust, to ensure the future of the Corn Exchange. Director Grant Brisland said: “Passing the owner- ship of the building to the trust was one of our suggestions to set us off on the right path and we are

The aim is to provide a fun, acces- sible venue for people to play the game. At the official opening, there were exhibition games with top local players and prizes for children.

empty unit at Newbury’s Kennet Shopping centre.

The unit was transformed into a place where people could play the game for free.

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