Community Yearbook 2020

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 16 January, 2020

Facelift for Discovery Centre ONE of the“ jewels in Thatcham’s crown”

Bid to boost West Berks

Through collaborative working between these companies and others, it is hoped that Newbury West Berkshire will help the district grow and prosper. One key message at the launch event was the importance of not just attracting young people to Newbury and West Berkshire, but also to retain them. Newbury BID chief executive Russell Downing said: “The retention of a young workforce in Newbury has been a problem ever since I came here and it is getting worse.” Newbury West Berkshire is non- political and independent of the council. However, the two organisations will work alongside each other to achieve similar aims.

LOCAL businesses, entrepreneurs and organisa- tions attended the official launch of Newbury West Berk- shire, a new economic develop- ment company set up to help boost the district’s economy. More than 100 people accepted an invitation to hear more about the not-for-profit company, which was formed to help raise the profile of Newbury and West Berkshire and promote it as a good place to work, live and raise a family. A number of organisations are involved, including Vodafone, Newbury Racecourse, the Newbury Weekly News , the Corn Exchange, West Berkshire Brew- ery, Roc Technologies, Greenham Trust and Newbury Business Improvement District (BID).

underwent a facelift to enable visitors to enjoy the town’s lakes. The Nature Discovery Centre, which is managed by the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, officially opened its new waterfront project. The project transformed the lakeside by the centre from a muddy bank into a more accessible area for people to enjoy all year round through a new

Wila wonders net title again WILA Lighting outgunned Brights 64-31 to retain their Newbury Netball League Steiner Premier Division title. Wila knew that victory in their final game would clinch top spot– but the title was assured anyway as rivals Q Associates slipped to a surprise defeat at the hands of Jets Xtra. Brights didn’t make it easy for Wila, though, as they started well and ended the first period level at 8-8. But after that, Wila took control, with their defensive trio of Rachel Caswell, Sophie Lightowlers and Claire Beasley only allowing Brights to score four goals while they rattled up 21. Payne reigns supreme NEWBURY Athletic Club hammer thrower Charlotte Payne started the 2019 season in sensational style. Payne’s winning throw of 59.97m at Kingston was a huge personal best and launched her into the UK number one spot at under-20 level. It also placed her at number one in Europe and third in the world in the under-18 age group. Payne is now ranked the best under-20 female hammer thrower in Great Britain since 2014, despite being two years younger than most of her rival. Her performance also qualified her for the Euro- pean under-20 Championships in Sweden in July.

“we have had all weathers”, since the

here because it was tired. “We have got ramped access that we didn ’t have before.” She added that the new canopy had been tested as

canopy seating area. Centre manager Liz

project started in Novem- ber. The area was designed by Katy Bott and built by Greenham Construction.

Shearer said: “It was obvi- ous from the start that we needed to do something out

Crusaders saved AFTER several weeks of uncertainty, the future of Hungerford Town Football Club was secured. During an emergency fans forum in March, it was

announced that chairman Steve Skipworth, secretary Mike Hall and treasurer Terry Wild would be stepping down at the end of the season. But successful business- men Patrick Chambers and Carl Reader stepped in to take in the roles of chairman and vice- chairman respectively. Chambers owns a family business which develops residential park bungalows for both semi- retired and retired people. Originally born in Nottingham, the 58-year- old moved to Eastbury and

Queen’s day at the races THE Queen soaked up the

first meeting of the 2019 Flat season on what proved a sunny but chilly afternoon. Joined by her racing advisor John Warren, the Queen was greeted by Newbury Racecourse chairman Dominic Burke. She also spoke with racecourse director Lady Lloyd-Webber and her husband, world-renowned composer Lord Lloyd-Webber.

Chairman Patrick Chambers, left, and vice-chairman Carl Reader

spring sunshine on day two of the Dubai Duty Free Spring Trials Weekend at Newbury Racecourse. Wearing an emerald green ensemble, she spent time chatting to jockeys Frankie Dettori and James Doyle in the parade ring. More than 7,500 racegoers were in attendance on Saturday for the

he watched his first game at Bulpit Lane when Crusaders hosted Slough Town on April 6. Meanwhile, Reader, 38, is an author and a business adviser for the Daily Express. After announcing his new

role, Chambers said: “I want to help the club become more viable. “I have had a few good meetings with Ian Herring. He is a manager with a very bright future because he is committed to the clubs.”

Race license no. 2020-39906

Newbury 10K - Sunday 24th May 2020

Market Place, Newbury, Berkshire

Roc Newbury 10K Distance: 10km multi-terrain For ages 16 and over Start time: 10.00am Entry fee: Unaffiliated – £16 - UKA affiliated £14

Pre 10K run for ages 5 – 11 years Approximate distance: 0.9km A run prior to the Roc Newbury 10K for ages 5-11 (in school years 6 or below.) Start time: 09.10 Entry fee: £4

Pre 10K run for under 16s Approximate distance: 1.5km A run prior to the 10k for ages 10-15. Start time: 09.20am Entry fee: £4

COMPETITION

There is a competition to design the logo which will feature on the T-Shirts which will be worn by all runners. This is open to children aged 10 and under. To enter please email your design to competition@roctechnologies.com by Feb 28th. The winner will be announced in the Newbury Weekly News in March.

Online Entries are available at Run Britain.com

Roc Technologies are an award winning, fast growing IT and business services company head quartered in Newbury with offices throughout the UK. Roc delivers secure IT services and solutions to some of the worlds largest organisations in the private and public sector using process enabled digital transformation to deliver exceptional outcomes. Roc is committed to supporting local community initiatives and charitable causes as part of its core value to make a difference. For more information about Roc services and opportunities please see www.roctechnologies.com or call 01635 581188