Community Yearbook 2020

SEPTEMBER

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 16 January, 2020

Marvellous mosaic A UNIQUE Roman mosaic, more than 1,700 years old and described by experts as “the most spectacular and

Sam’s repeat feat TEAM Kennet’s Sam Hart retained his Newbury Triathlon title. Hart, who is coached by Nick Bull, was one of only two runners from the 354-strong field to complete the course in under an hour. The 18-year-old’s time of 55:41.6 for the 300- yard swim, 22km bike ride and 5km run saw him romp home nearly four minutes ahead of second-placed Graham Stent of Tadley-based Banjo Cycles in 59.36.2. Hart was always in control of the race, which was based around Northcroft Leisure Centre, clocking 3:36.3 for the swim, 34.51.1 on the cycle section and 16.00.4 on the run. Stent was also in impressive form, with splits of 5:36.1, 34:33.9 and 17:44.4 to place second. Third place went to Reading’s Derek Neupauer, who just missed finishing under the hour mark as he clocked 1:00:09.6. First woman home was Claire Hall of the Army Tri team. She recorded splits of 4:53.2 for the swim, 41:15.4 for the bike ride and 19:30.5 for the run to finish in 1:07:11.3.

innovative ever found in Britain” was unveiled to the public at Boxford. The mosaic, measuring 6m square, is one of only three of its kind in the world, with one depiction only repeated mosaic is the triumphs of Greek heroes Bellerophon and Pelops. There are only two other known examples of the story of Pelops portrayed on a mosaic in the whole of the Roman Empire. Hundreds of visitors in the Vatican in Rome. The main theme of the

80 years of advice CITIZENS Advice West Berk- shire (CAWB) celebrated 80 years of the national charity. The Newbury branch – established in 1939– is one of Now called CAWB, it has operated from various locations and moved into its current premises in Broadway House in 2011. CAWB chief executive Sue Mackie said:“ Citizens Advice was formed at a time of the oldest in the country. The first volunteer-run

gathered around the dig site to hear one of the UK’s leading experts on mosaics, Anthony Beeson, describe the mythical figures depicted. The open day, attended by around 3,000 people from across the country, was the culmination of two digs at the Roman villa complex by a team of volunteers, organised by the Boxford History Project (BHP) and Cotswold Archaeology. The mosaic was first discovered in 2017. Farewell to Joyce

bureaux opened in 1939 and dealt with problems relating to the loss of ration books, homelessness and evacuation. The Berkshire branch closed after the war, but was revived

national emergency and its continued existence some 80 years later is testament to the ongoing need for a free, impartial, independent and confidential advice service to help people navigate life’ s complexities.”

in 1963 as the Newbury Citizens Advice Bureau.

He said: “It was marked ‘ARP [Air Raid Precautions] Home Office Issue.” On closer inspection, one of the phials inside was marked ‘Mustard Gas’ – a chemical weapon first deployed during trench warfare during the First World War. Martha Vickers, Margo Payne, Adrian Edwards, Phil Barnett and Julian Swift- Hook, expressed their thanks, as did Newbury Town Council leader Martin Colston and chief executive Hugh Peacocke. Mrs Lewis said: “I feel I was very privileged to do the job I did. I learnt a lot about charities and the people who did amazing things in our community.”

NEWBURY Town Council’s civic manager Joyce Lewis retired after 27 years of service. Former mayors, civic dignitaries, colleagues and other guests attended a special meeting at Newbury Town Hall to say thank you. Mrs Lewis was presented with a clock, flowers and a framed certificate. Previous mayors, including

Joyce Lewis (left) receives a thank- you present from Janine Westropp

Joshua’s hot streak THATCHAM ’S Joshua Streak struck gold for Team England at the International Youth Triple Crown Ten Pin Bowling Tournament in Dublin. The 16-year-old Kennet School pupil and former Newbury Youth Bowling Club member was part of the four-man under-19 team that won gold in the team and mixed doubles events. Streak also won silvers in the boys doubles and all events and bronze in the Masters.

Poison gas scare closes High Street

A real good day out

Stewart Hofgartner, proprietor of the Below

PART of Hungerford High Street was cordoned off and a building evacuated in a chemical weapons alert. The drama involved a biohaz- ards team from the Govern- ment’s defence research facility at Porton Down.

Stairs antique shop, revealed he and his wife had alerted the authorities as a precaution after a customer drew his attention to a Second World War item in a cabinet in his shop.

to sample the 250 real ales and ciders on offer and enjoy an afternoon of live music. Organisers estimate that 23,000 pints were served on the day and it was so busy that 500 people had to be turned away.

EVERYBODY was dancing in the moonlight as British rock band Toploader brought the Newbury Real Ale Festival to a close. A record crowd of 7,000 packed into Northcroft Playing Fields

New homes coming to Newbury

Available with shared ownership

New 1 & 2 bedroom apartments at Steel Hill available now from £80,000 for a 40% share

sovereignliving.org.uk/newbury 0300 330 0718

CGI depicts typical apartments. Prices based on purchasing a share with an additional monthly rental charge. Prices correct at time of print. Sovereign Living is a trading name of Sovereign Housing Association Limited, a charitable association.