Community Yearbook

18 Thursday, 21 January, 2021

SEPTEMBER Lessons in safety at school Thieves damage castle Newbury Weekly News

ENGLISH Heritage spoke out after Donnington Castle was targeted by thieves. Vandals stole lead from the roof of the landmark and the damage incurred left the site vulnerable to intruders. Matters came to a head last Saturday, when the castle’s main gate was found unlocked. Ben Wood, who came across the scene, said: “My son found that it [the castle] had been broken into. “Padlocks have been cut with bolt cutters. The doors are open and a sheet of lead has been removed. “I worry thieves will return, and also that it’s a health and safety issue as you can get on

MASKS and social distancing was the new norm at St Bartholomew’s School in Newbury after pupils returned. For many pupils it was their first time inside a classroom in six months, and they were greeted by a raft of measures to guard against the spread of the virus in the school. The biggest change was that masks were mandatory for pupils in communal areas and outside. Pupils were also required to keep two metres apart from teachers and pupils in other year groups, wipe their tables with antibacterial wipes at the start of each lesson, not to leave their seat without permission and follow the one-way systems around the school. The school hall was reorganised to keep the years separate, while hand sanitiser were been installed throughout the school.

Visitors flock to Shaw house sculpture show THE eagerly-awaited Altered States Open Air Sculpture Exhibition opened at Shaw House and proved extraordinarily popular with a huge turnout of family visitors. The expansive Orangery Lawns were trans- formed into a sculpture park where visitors could wander around a varied array of works in wood, metal, stone and metal resin and discover innovation and imagination encapsu- lated in traditional, modern and contemporary work, sourced throughout the country. Government guidelines regarding the pandemic were observed at all times, with sculptures well spaced apart to allow social distancing within the grounds. This exhibition had been scheduled for May but, its postponement had given people a much- needed and deserved space in which to wander and wonder post-lockdown.

the roof.” The castle was built in the 14th century and was laid siege by Parliamentarian troops in the English Civil War. All that remains of the complex today is the gatehouse.

‘Save Piggy Woods’

A PETITION was launched calling for greater powers to protect “precious” woodland in Thatcham from being lost. The Plantation – bordering Floral Way, Blackthorn Drive, Violet Grove and Withybed Way on the Dunston Park estate – had been put up for sale for £250,000. The property description says that the land“ could hold development opportunities subject to the relevant planning consents” as it is not designated as greenbelt. Residents from across the town rallied to protect the 6.4 acres of ancient woodland, known as Piggy Woods. They called on West Berkshire Council to put measures in place to prevent the space from being lost. A petition said:“Thatcham’s ancient woodland and wildlife site is under threat of possible development and

Animal centre rescued

Home’s Newbury store voted to support Trindledown Farm as their charity of the year. The pet shop’s own charity, Support Adoption For Pets, helps hundreds of pet rehom- ing organisations in the UK. This summer’s fundraising appeal – Save our Rescue Centres – had to be adapted and staff at Trindledown Farm were overwhelmed when the store called to tell them it had raised £1,397.

A GREAT Shefford animal rehoming centre received a boost from Newbury’s Pets At Home store. The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT)’s Trindledown Farm base had been facing an existential threat due to the coronavirus crisis. Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the centre has been unable to raise vital funds to help rescue pets with day-to-day essentials. However, in January, Pets at

denied public access. “These much-loved woods must stay open for everyone in the Thatcham community to enjoy. They really are a valued community asset.” The woodland formed part of Dunston House and is desig- nated as ancient woodland.

Founding member of the Save Our Woodland The Plantation Sue Lister said: “It’s where memories are made for children and people who are older have got memories of it. “It’s precious to people. We need that woodland.”