Community Yearbook 17012019

AUGUST

Library service is ‘safe’ WEST Berkshire Council insisted it could keep its library service 44 per cent and recruiting volunteers instead. Newbury Weekly News W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_17

Thursday, 17 January, 2019

running“for the next few years at least”, despite it costing the local authority £1.4m to run last year. Faced with a £19m cut to its budget in 2016, the council considered closing eight of the district’s nine libraries, leaving just Newbury open. But following Government advice and a public backlash, the council amended its proposal, cutting staf by

A report detailing the first year of the restructured service revealed that the council spent £1,405,143, while gener- ating £176,234 in income – a net cost of £1,228,909. The restructuring saved the council around £580,000 a year. In 2016, the district council asked the 59 town and parish councils in West Berkshire to contribute towards keep- ing their nearest library open.

England call for Fin FIN Rossiter described it as a‘dream come true’ as he prepared to represent England under-18s for the AON international series in South Africa. Rossiter, from Upper Woolhampton, was one of 26 players in the squad for the tournament, which saw England play France, Wales and a South Africa schools team. Rossiter said:“ The feeling of making the squad for the series is really quite surreal – it’s a dream come true and I don ’t think any other feeling quite comes close to it. “Our ambition is to go out to South Africa and put a marker down for the season, which hope- fully means when we get to the Six Nations festi- val we can win all our games.” The former Pangbourne College student, who now attends Wellington College, praised his family for their continued support. The 17-year-old forward used to play for Newbury Rugby club between the age of four and 14 before representing King’s College Old Boys for two years. Rossiter then moved to the London Irish academy when he was 13. Bell’s Vipers debut LAUREN Bell made her debut for the South- ern Vipers in a Women ’s KIA Super League match against Yorkshire Diamonds. The 17-year-old former St Bart’s School student took 0-17 from three overs during their 16-run victory at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton. Playing alongside New Zealand star Suzie Bates and England wicketkeeper Tammy Beaumont, Bell, from Hungerford, said: “ I was pretty nervous, but it was a good game to be a part of.”

Under cover of the night

Saturday’s line-up featured local band Ricky and The Gamblers, followed by the Kopycat Killers. Country & Blues duo Colorado River kicked off proceedings on Sunday, followed by Lambourn-based Uncov- ered and the Britpop Boys. AC/DC tribute band Hells Bells brought the weekend to a close with a thunderous performance. Newbury BID event manager Laura Adamson said: “This is exactly what the Market Place should be used for.”

Holy cow! IT’S not every day that you look out of your window to see a cow strolling down the street. However, that was exactly what many Greenham residents witnessed on Sunday evening, including NWN photographer Phil Cannings. The fugitive was spotted moo-ving around Kempton Close after two days on the run. The 16-month-old heifer, who does not have a name, escaped from Greenham’s St Mary’s Church when her owner, Chris Austin, was loading a herd on to a truck. There was a big turnout, with visi- tors travelling from far and wide to enjoy the music and sunshine. THE first Newbury Covers Festi- val proved a hit among locals and visitors as crowds flocked to the town’s Market Place to hear cover bands belt out the hits. The two-day event – a collaboration between Visit Newbury (a part of Newbury Business Improvement District) and Livewire – saw a number of bands paying tribute to their musical influences.

Rolling back the years TENS of thousands of people

bands and hundreds of traders descend on the 177-acre site.

flocked to Newbury Showground as Retro Festival returned to delight a record number of vintage enthusi- asts. The three-day event saw a range of classic vehicles, motorcycles, retro

Three jam-packed marquees with 60 live acts across a variety of music genres provided the entertainment at the festival, which was celebrating its 12th year.

Drug dealer must pay cash back THE leader of a “high-level” cocaine dealing gang in Thatcham

gear for standard prison issue cloth- ing as he was jailed for six years for supplying a class A-controlled drug. And now, when he is released, there will be no cash waiting after the crown ordered him to pay back £7,000 or face another three months behind bars.

was ordered to hand over thou- sands of pounds in drugs cash. Steven Rackham lived the high life, jetting off to luxury resorts, dressing sharply and driving fast cars, but last September he swapped the designer

FREE TASTER SESSION Pyle Hill, Newbury, RG14 7SW Every Saturday 8.30am - 10.30am

Bowls isn’t just for the retired. It is a game of skill played by men, women and children of all ages and ability. An ideal way to make new friends whilst staying active and healthy. The rules are simple and easily picked up, the level of skill is up to you!

Play with like-minded bowlers from as little as £1.40 per hour Facilities for the less abled including wheelchairs, ramps, aids etc A thriving club with over 400 members

Come on your own, with a friend or the family (min.age 9 years) and have a go with nothing to pay! our friendly coaches will take you through the basics of the game. Equipment provided, just bring flat soled shoes. See you there!

For details, call Graham: 01635 42881. Angela: 01635 32053 / 07729 183373 www.wbibc.co.uk