Community Yearbook 2020

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 16 January, 2020

Greens make gains THE Conservatives kept control of West Berkshire

Judith wins Euro role NEWBURY’S new Member of

the European Parliament (MEP) spoke of her surprise after being elected. Judith Bunting, who stood as the Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Newbury in the 2015 and 2017 general elections, was voted in alongside colleagues Catherine Bearder and Anthony Hook for the South East of England. Mrs Bunting was third on the list of Lib Dem MEP candidates and with parties needing a large share of the vote to see their candidates elected, her chances looked slim. She said: “It’s all a bit of a surprise. We knew it would be tight, but we didn ’t believe it would happen until they put the

Council– but a surge of yellow votes ensured the Lib Dems made huge gains. And history was made as the Green Party gained their first-ever seats on what proved to be a dramatic day of local elections at Newbury Racecourse. There were emotional scenes as Carolyne Culver (Ridgeway ward), Steve Masters (Newbury Speen) and David Marsh (Newbury Wash Common) were elected for the Greens. Mr Masters broke down in tears as he said: “Ten years ago I was homeless, fighting depression, with no idea how to break the cycle. “This victory is for everyone who feels lost and without hope.” Although the Conservatives managed to hold on to the district council, the resurgent Lib Dems took

Lauren sets the pace FORMER Hungerford Cricket Club pace bowler Lauren Bell made her mark for Berkshire. Bell played in each of Berkshire’s first three county championship games, which they all won, including a 74-run win over Somerset. She said:“We have a really strong squad this year as we have England players Anya [Shrubsole] and Heather [Knight]. And the former St Bartholomew pupil believes the support of her teammates has developed her own game. She said:“ I batted with Heather last week and just having her there definitely helps me out, and it’s the same with Anya when I am bowling. “I am learning a lot off them and they’re giving me a lot of time.” Dolan calls it a day DANNY Dolan believes it was the right time to take a break and step down as manager of Tadley Calleva. The decision was by Dolan, who called time on his Tadley career after eight seasons in charge. And although he hasn’t left to join another team, he felt it was time to step away from management for now. He said:“There is no real reason for it, but I have been at the club for eight years now and I think maybe I have taken it as far as I can.” Tadley finished their first season in the Wessex League Premier Division in a respectable eighth and Dolan was delighted with the season. He said:“What I have done for the club has been good, the chairman has been absolutely brilliant, as have the committee, supporters and players.” Lauren Bell (left) with England captain Heather Knight

numbers in front of us.” Mrs Bunting was among 16 Lib Dem MEPs elected. She said there was a “good mix of people” who are completely new and full of ideas, and four or five experienced MEPs who know how the system works.

The Green Party celebrate as Carolyne Culver is elected

Then-council leader Graham Jones said:“Against the national backdrop we are delighted to keep control of West Berkshire Council with a clear majority.” The make up of the council prior to the election was 46 Conservatives, five Lib Dems and one spare seat.

back control of both Newbury and Thatcham town councils, claiming 19 of the 23 seats on Newbury and 15 of the 18 on Thatcham. The Conservatives suffered a number of high-profile losses, with several senior councillors losing their seats.

Chick out the newcomers! KEEPERS at Beale Wildlife Park were feeling emu-tional following the hatching of three emu chicks. The eggs were fathered by a Scottish emu called Forest, who did very well, considering he’s quite a nervous bird with vision problems. The three babies will grow quickly into one of the biggest birds in the world – after ostriches – at approximately 1.9m tall. Beale Park director Stephen McKeown said:“We’re very excited to have emus in our collection. “They’ll bring a new dimension to the park in terms of conservation, education and fun.”

Players enjoy the high life THE chief executive of Newbury-based IT company

rugby and the highest game of full contact rugby in history, 6,331m above sea level at the Rongbuk Glacier near Mount Everest’s Advanced Base Camp. The team that took part in the extreme challenge included rugby stars Lee Mears (England) and Shane Williams (Wales). Mr Franklin said: “The chal- lenge was much harder than I expected. The combination of the altitude, extreme temperatures and lack of sleep really takes its toll on the body after a while.”

ROC Technologies made history by being part of a group of adventurers who broke two world records for the highest-ever game of rugby and touch rugby. Matt Franklin was joined by a team of former international rugby players, business executives and people from the rugby community on Mount Everest. The team played mixed touch

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Make 2020 the year you hear better