NNWN-11-18-2021-001

Est 1867

Thursday, November 18, 2021, £1.20

q

q

@newburytoday

newburytoday

Follow us through the week

The Newbury Remembrance service drew a large turnout, with hundreds gathering in Market Place for a service attended by MP Laura Farris and town mayor Billy Drummond Ref: 46-0321AH Crowds return in force to honour fallen on Remembrance Sunday

charities, schools groups and govern- ment officials played a part at a num- ber of services across the district. These Remembrance Day servic-

es, which were held in Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford, Burghfield, Pangbourne and the surrounding villages of West Berkshire and North

Members of the Royal British Le- gion organised events that were well attended by veterans, service person- nel and their families. In addition,

THOUSANDS of people gathered for services of Remembrance, as part of the nationwide tribute to those who lost their lives in war.

Hampshire, included readings of the Kohima Epitaph and the playing of the Last Post . n Remembrance, pages 20-29

Father: I didn’t kill my baby Mum and dad of month-old infant both say the other one could be responsible for his death, murder trial told of little Colby’s final hours.

telle Stroud, of Newtown Road, New- bury – denies causing or allowing the death of a child. Eloise Marshall QC, prosecuting, said that, in the early hours of May 9 last year, emergency services re- ceived a call from Ms Stroud to say that her baby son was not breathing. Paramedics arrived where she was then living, at Ashridge Court, New- bury, within minutes and discovered

that Colby’s heart had stopped. Significantly, said Ms Marshall, “by the time Colby arrived at hospi- tal, the doctors believed he had been dead for about 90 minutes”. She said: “If correct, that means that, at the time the call was made, Colby was already dead.” But Mr Lawton contested that ver- sion of events. Ms Marshall pointed out that, for

her part, Ms Stroud had accused Mr Lawton of killing Colby. She added: “The reason you’re so reticent to say Chantelle caused the injuries is because you know full well you caused them.” Mr Lawton replied: “If she wants to pass the blame that’s up to her. I’m just saying I didn’t cause those inju- ries.” n Continued on page 6

THE father accused of murdering his four-week-old baby son has told jurors he is baffled as to how little Colby Lawton sustained hor- rific injuries. But he told the court he believed the boy’s mother was capable of hav- ing done so. James Lawton took the witness stand at Reading Crown Court yester- day (Wednesday) to give his account

The jury has been told that Colby sustained multiple, horrific injuries in his short life, including 50 broken bones, a fractured skull and signs of strangulation. Mr Lawton, aged 28, of Boreham Field in Warminster, Wiltshire, de- nies murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. His partner – Colby’s mother Chan-

Evolution Tree Surgery And Ground Care Ltd Friendly, Local Service You Can Trust Up to 20% off all services booked by 31st March 2021 • Crown lifts • Pollarding UP TO 25% OFF IF BOOKED FOR DECEMBER • Pruning • Stump removal • Hedge trimming & removal • Fencing

• Tree surgery • Crown reductions

Proud members of

www.evolutiontreesurgeryltd.co.uk

where reputation matters

Please call Ben to arrange your free quote: 07917195806 / 01635 770630

Average score 9.94

2

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Newbury Weekly News

NEWBURY NEWS

Coach cash boost for rugby women Sponsors step forward after team’s appeal through the NWN

The Newbury Weekly News is proud to be the independent newspaper at the heart of West Berkshire and North Hampshire. We always welcome your feedback on how we can improve our service to the community.

EDITOR

Body found in search for missing man A BODY has been found in the search for a missing man from Kent whose vehicle was recov- ered in West Berkshire. Doug Carroll, pictured above, was 29-years-old when he was reported missing on April 20. He was last sighted in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on April 20, although his vehicle was found near the Ridgeway at Compton on April 21. On Tuesday, the body of a man was located in woods near to Mouls- ford, south Oxfordshire. Thames Valley Police has said al- though formal identification is yet to take place, the man is believed to be Mr Carroll. Det Sgt Nathan Adby, based at Abingdon police station, said: “Sad- ly, a member of the public has found a man’s body and we believe this to be Doug. “His next of kin have been in- formed and are being offered sup- port. “We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal to find Doug. “Our thoughts are with all of Doug’s friends and family at this very difficult time.” The death is being treated as un- explained but is not believed to be suspicious and a file will be pre- pared for the coroner.

Andy Murrill andy.murrill@newburynews.co.uk @andymurrill (01635) 886625

NEWSDESK

By SARAH BOSLEY sarah.bosley@newburynews.co.uk @newburytoday

(01635) 886655 Sarah Bosley sarah.bosley@newburynews.co.uk @sarahb_nwn

NEWBURY Women’s Rugby Club will be driving forward this sea- son, after putting out a plea for help in this newspaper. New sponsorship from four local businesses and an anonymous do- nor will now enable the team to trav- el to away fixtures, after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) – in a recent cost-cutting exercise – withdrew transport funding from the team, along with many other grassroots and community rugby clubs across the country. The cuts came despite the rise of English women’s rugby on the in- ternational stage and two impres- sive victories for the Red Roses over New Zealand in recent weeks and the club said the decision would have had “a devastating impact on the ability of the team to play away matches”. So vice-captain and openside flanker Kirsty Batten used the let- ters pages of the Newbury Weekly News to reach out for sponsorship. It proved to be very successful; four local businesses and an anon- ymous donor have come forward to help the women out. And earlier this month the results of this fund- raising became real when a Mor- ton’s coach turned up for a hastily arranged away friendly. One of the new sponsors, personal

SPORT

(01635) 886629 Liam Headd liam.headd@newburynews.co.uk

HEAD OF COMMERCIAL

James Harris james.harris@newburynews.co.uk (01635) 886660

The squad prepare for the trip, with Kirsty Batten, far left, captain Lizzie Harris third from left and Stephen McKinnon from Abstract Bodyworks, centre

ADVERTISING

training gym Abstract Bodyworks, was there to give the squad a proper send-off. Abstract Bodyworks executive trainer Stephen McKinnon said he was happy to contribute. “Women’s sport in general doesn’t get the right level of financial sup- port from national organisations so when I read Kirsty’s letter in the Newbury Weekly News I knew we had to help,” he said. “We want to see everyone have the opportunity to exercise and play sports at what- ever level, and if our sponsorship can help NWRC make progress in the league then that is great.” The team weren’t winners on the pitch on that occasion, but were de- News .................................................... 1-14 Letters ................................................ 16-19 What’s on ............................................... 10 Remembrance Sunday ......................... 20-28 Hungerford & Lambourn Valley news..... 29-30 Thatcham news ................................... 31-32 Village news.............................................33 North Hants news................................ 34-36 Announcements................................... 38-39 Local History ............................................40 N2 arts & entertainment starts.................41 Puzzles.....................................................46 Classified starts .......................................47 Property starts.........................................51 Jobs start.................................................54 Motors starts ...........................................56 Sport starts .............................................59 News, enter tainment, adver tising

lighted that the coach journey gave them the time they needed to pre- pare for the match in comfort and enjoy a safe journey home. Ms Batten said: “The generosity of our sponsors, coupled with the commitment of our fantastic play- ers, will no doubt help us to build throughout the season and into our next. And it’s not too late to help. We’re still raising funds for the rest of our away journeys and some new kit, so please get in touch with me at battenkirsty@gmail.com if you think you can help.” The team’s current corporate sponsors are Abstract Bodyworks, Belvoir Newbury, Jones Robinson and Wessex Woodland Services.

CIRCULATION LEAFLETS (01635) 886613 lesley.marriott@newburynews.co.uk DISPLAY (01635) 886643 RECRUITMENT (01635) 886646 recruitment@newburynews.co.uk CLASSIFIED (01635) 886643 advert@newburynews.co.uk

(01635) 886613

NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, RG14 2AD (01635) 524111

It may be a way off just yet, but the whisper is... ...CHRISTMAS IS COMING!

WWW.FOXANDHOUNDSNEWBURY.CO.UK info@foxandhoundsnewbury.co.uk T he Fox & hounds - Old Oxford Road - Donnington Newbury - RG14 3AP - 01635 40540 2 Course Christmas Dinner -£25.95 3 course Christmas Dinner -£28.95 Starting 3rd December to 31st December Tuesday – Saturday £10 per person non refundable deposit ClosedMondays Don’t miss our Festive Specials board Call: 01635 40540 THE FOX AND HOUNDS Closed Christmas and Boxing Day

n Daily news updates online at:

Newbury News and Media Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO - the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have an editorial complaint about a Newbury News and Media Ltd Publication, you should, in the first instance, contact the publication concerned. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

3

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, November 18, 2021

NEWBURY NEWS

Beer festival vows to keep the noise down Real ale event in the balance as critics say it is ‘too large and too loud’

By NIKI HINMAN niki.hinman@newburynews.co.uk @newburytoday

was told he was not able to speak with event organisers as they were ‘too busy’. Russell Davidson said “el- evated sound levels were re- corded throughout the day” and pointed to the failure of the event’s sound technicians to monitor the levels. The committee heard that the council’s monitored levels were different to those taken on site by the organisers. Another Newbury resident, Tim Polack, spoke up for the event. “It is an ideal event and the town would be worse off if it did not take place,” he said. It was further backed by Melissa Hughes, the chief executive of Newbury BID (Business Improvement Dis- trict) and Visit Newbury, who claimed the event is “a key event which helps put New- bury on the map”. The festival, which takes place in September, is billed as the biggest one-day beer festi- val in the South of England. Now in its second decade, it is run as a community event, supporting local breweries and musicians, and raising around £100,000 for local charities. Committee members will now spend the next few days digesting the evidence before announcing a decision.

THE Newbury Real Ale Fes- tival has admitted it could have done better to control noise levels at this year’s event. In a bid to save the show, it has pledged that “if it is too loud, we will turn it down”. The one-day-a-year festival at Northcroft was defending its licence after local residents demanded a review, claiming that the event was now “too big and too loud”. “Organisers seem unable to control it,” said Andrew Wyper, who added that the event should move to a bigger venue like the Newbury Show- ground. “My children had to listen to aggressive behaviour and foul language. “My ears were ringing at the end of the day. It is now a large corporate music event. “Each year it gets louder and bigger. A quieter commu- nity event for real ales would be supported.” The organisers also prom- ised to switch the stage back to its previous location and said this, along with some technical issues associated with the stage location, had

Plans for the 350 homes in Wash Water

Homes plans submitted PLANS for 350 new homes which would fill a green gap between Newbury and Hampshire have now been submitted. It will also add a number of “new services” to the area, such as a café/convenience shop near the entrance to the site.

Housing developer Bew- ley Homes has submitted an outline planning application for 350 dwellings on Common Farm, Wash Water, at the junction of Andover Road and the A34, just over the border in Basingstoke and Deane. It has also submitted a full planning application for the first phase of the development on the east side of the site, which will include 90 homes and a public open space. The plans haven’t yet been validated by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, meaning they are not yet pub- licly available. Bewley Homes said the plans will have a number of economic and social benefits, including 140 homes classed as ‘affordable’, and 878 direct construction jobs.

However, the plans received a backlash when they were originally unveiled earlier this year. The opposition group ‘Keep Wash Water Rural’ was subse- quently set up and at its first public meeting in August, 100 members of the public at- tended to voice their concerns about the scheme. Chris Garrett, who lives on Enborne Row, just north of the site, feared his house was at greater risk of flooding as the site is on the Enborne River floodplain, and said he had grave concerns over the increased traffic pouring onto the A343. He also pointed to the lack of provision for infrastruc- ture, and said doctor’s surger- ies were already struggling to cope.

An AC/DC tribute band at this year’s Newbury Real Ale Festival

could have been resolved by a telephone call at the time.” The meeting heard that on the day of the event at North- croft Park, the council’s own environmental health officer

contributed to the noise levels which broke the allowed limit on its licence. They said the stage was moved this year due to coro- navirus restrictions. Legal representative Jon Payne gave West Berkshire Council licensing sub commit- tee ‘an unreserved apology’ for the noise, adding that it was never the intention of the event to cause a disturbance in the locality. “Communication is the sum of it all,” he said. “This matter

“

It is an ideal event and the town would be worse off if it did not take place

Homes boost for Afghan families THREE Afghan families have now been given homes by West Berkshire Council. They have moved into privately rented, furnished accommodation and been given a fixed tenancy, support with school admissions, access to health care, financial aid and employment training and assistance. The families have been housed under the Government’s Afghan Locally Employed Staff (LES) Relocation Scheme. West Berkshire Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said: “Locally Employed Staff in Afghanistan have served our country and supported our troops, often facing and working in very dangerous conditions for both them and their family, and deserve our support to relocate to a country where they can rebuild their lives and remain safe.” They will also receive indefinite leave to remain, ensuring that they can settle permanently and continue to build their lives and future in the UK. The scheme has been put in place to protect the human rights of Afghan Locally Employed Staff who have supported British Forces deployed in Afghanistan. As part of the scheme, local authorities have been asked to support the relocation of Afghan families and West Berkshire Council pledged to take part in July.

Free local delivery andmanymattresses in stock For pre-christmas delivery Your local bed and mattress specialists Unit 9, ThatchamGarden Centre, Bath Road, Thatcham, RG18 3AN - 01635 897 665 Units 1 & 2, Windsor Drive, Devizes, SN10 2TH - 01380 887943 Unit 1, 23 Salisbury Street, Amesbury, SP4 7AW - 01980 874242 TheWendy House, 3 Farrell Close, Cirencester, GL7 1HW - 01285 897426

Award Winning Whole of Market Mortgage Brokers

First for all your Mortgage needs. Take a look at our new website www.firstchoicemortgage.co.uk

www.elitebedsandmattressesdirect.co.uk

Mrs Doherty said the district would consider taking in more families, but that would be dependent on more accommodation becoming available.

4

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Newbury Weekly News

NEWBURY NEWS

Funeral partnership raises £500k for forces charities A Thatcham funeral director has aided the Royal British Legion and Poppyscot- land in raising £500,000. It was one of 691 independent funeral directors who came together to raise funds. AB Walker & Son Ltd partnered funeral plan provider Golden Charter to donate £25 to the charities for every funeral plan they sell. Julian Walker at ABWalker & Son said: “As my brother and I have both previously served, we are extremely proud that our business sup- ports the Royal British Legion and Poppyscot- land in our fundraising efforts. “We see the charity as a vital support to those within the armed forces and as our busi- ness supports employment of ex-forces person- nel, we are thrilled to help in any way we can. “We believe our link with the charity shows the commitment and values of independent fu- neral directors. Our fundraising is an example of the support and service to our communities that the sector brings across the UK.” The funds are to support serving and ex-members of the British Armed Forces and their families. RBL head of corporate part- nerships Ben France said: “We are extremely proud of everything we have achieved in our fundraising partnership with Golden Charter and its independent funeral director partners since 2016. “We are truly thankful that the partner- ship has reached an incredible milestone of £500,000 raised.”

These beautiful autumnal colours were captured by Newbury Weekly News photographer Phil Cannings at Greenham Common

Beenham escape wolf Torak dies THE UK Wolf Conservation Trust (UKWCT) has announced the death of its oldest wolf, Torak. caused no damage, roaming for eight miles before being safely captured. despite running through a field of sheep and near people he was no threat to animals or humans re- sulting in good PR for wolves.

ness book series. He gained a large local following and, alongside other wolves at the sanctuary, had a classroom named after him at Beenham Primary School. However, Torak came into the national spotlight after breaking out of the trust’s grounds in Janu- ary 2018. During the ensuing pursuit, lo- cal schools were put under lock- down, with police and animal spe- cialists called in to help track him down. Despite the drama, Torak

Donations for Torak soared fol- lowing the international publicity, which also attracted new visitors to Beenham. An obituary posted on the UK- WCT’s website recalls Torak’s escape: “As you may remember he was happily caught by myself and brought safely back. He had his moment of freedom and was re- lieved to be back with Mosi. “His escapade with a happy end- ing demonstrated to the media that

Torak made national headlines when he escaped from the Been- ham sanctuary in 2018. The 15-year-old wolf died last week of natural causes, outliving companion Mosi by 18 months. He was born into the care of the Anglian Wolf Society in 2006, com- ing to Beenham as a cub. Torak was christened after the main character in Michelle Pav- er’s Chronicles of Ancient Dark-

“He was a wonderful ambassa- dor and truly special wolf: he will be much missed – but we have lovely memories.” The trust was founded in 1995 by businessman and hunting enthusi- ast Roger Palmer and his wife Tsa, who wanted to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding the animals. It closed its doors to the public in August 2018.

Time to dig deep for Children in Need THE Pudsey ears are out and the fancy dress costumes are ready to go. It can mean only one thing – Children in Need is back. The annual BBC fundraising day takes place tomorrow (Friday) with schools, busi- nesses, shops and individuals across the dis- trict taking part in a variety of events to help raise money. And one village pub has come up with its own way of boosting the funds – free beer for the whole weekend. The White Hart Inn, Hamstead Marshall, brews a range of real ales on site and from to- morrow evening until 5pm on Sunday, their Saviour Ales, as well as Symonds Cider, will be completely free of charge. Instead of paying for the beer, customers will be asked to make a donation of their choosing to Children in Need, using collection buckets on the bar. “Children in Need is a national institution and our customers and staff want to get in- volved,” said owner Stella Coulthurst. “We wanted to do something really special – there can’t be many pubs giving away beer for the whole weekend.” Let us know what you got up to this Chil- dren in Need. Send your stories and photographs to news- desk@newburynews.co.uk

A family run business since 1902

fuels

FUELADDITIVE FORAGASAND BOILERS – HELPS IMPROVE SYSTEM EFFICIENCY 01635 253 253 www.marshfuels.co.uk H C Marsh (Newbury) Ltd Ball Hill,Newbury, Berkshire. RG20 0PW

5

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, November 18, 2021

NEWBURY NEWS

Time to get quizzical in aid of Parcel Fund Competition will raise funds to help give Over-80s some festive cheer

Police seek woman after assault on bus DO you recognise this woman? Police have released a CCTV

image of a woman officers would like to speak to in connection with an assault on a bus in Newbury. At around 6pm on Monday, November 8, the victim was travelling on a bus from Newbury bus station to Reading when she was attacked by a woman. The offender jumped on the victim’s head, scratching her neck, and attempted to grab her throat before screaming at her. The offender then got off the bus in Newbury and ran down the street. Investigating officer Pc Richard Tarrant, based at Newbury police station, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who recognises the woman in this image to please get in touch as we believe she may have vital information in connection with this assault. “You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43210505810. “Alternatively, for 100 per cent anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

By JO FULKER jo.fulker@newburynews.co.uk @newburytoday

They will all be testing their brain cells to see if they can be crowned the quiz champions, have a fun evening and raise more funds for the ‘Over 80s Parcel Fund’. If you are more of a coffee person, then on Saturday, No- vember 27, from 10am to noon, come and join us for a cup of tea/coffee and a piece of home- made cake in Newbury Town Hall and meet Newbury may- or Billy Drummond. There will be a raffle and other stalls too, all to help raise more money for this year’s Parcel Fund. The lists have now been drawn up, food has been paid for and is being ordered by Sainsbury’s, which has the unenviable task of managing to order such vast quantities of mince pies, and other tasty treats that come in the parcels. Cubs are being rounded up from all over Newbury and the surrounding villages by Mo Osborne, an experienced Cub organiser, who is putting together a schedule to enable us to have helpers for the four hours that it takes to pack our

1,900 food parcels, while fol- lowing strict Covid rules. These are being packed next Sunday, November 28, togeth- er with kind volunteers from Sainsbury’s. If you would like to support our fundraising by donating through The Good Exchange your money will be doubled by Greenham Trust. Every £1 donated or raised by the public or local business- es and paid in via the fundrais- ing appeal on The Good Ex- change platform (up to £5,000) will be matched. If you would like to make a donation please go to https:// app.thegoodexchange.com/ project/19160/newbury-week- ly-news/newbury-news-over- 80s-parcel-fund 2021 If you would like to con- tribute by post, please send a cheque made payable to ‘NWN Over 80s Parcel Fund’ for the attention of Jo Fulker, to New- bury Weekly News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, New- bury RG14 2AD. For the latest news, see the Newbury Weekly News each week until Christmas.

‘THE pleasure you all give us with our Christmas Parcel you’ll never really know.’ That is just one of the many messages of thanks the New- bury Weekly News has re- ceived every year, since we first began helping residents at Christmas at the end of the 19th century. Every year since 1897, this newspaper has been helping West Berkshire residents bring some Christmas cheer into the lives of their older neighbours, through the Over 80s’ Christmas Parcel Fund. The fund started out as the ‘Two T’s fund’, when tobac- co and tea were sent to New- bury’s oldest residents. It was set up by Frank Still- man, an NWN reporter at the time who went on to become the second editor. The Parcel Fund has changed over the years, but the aim is still the same; to en- sure all our elderly residents

are never forgotten by their local community. It is just one way of us all saying a very big thank you for all they have done during their lifetime. The fundraising for this year is now in full swing, with the Bowler’s Arms Quiz night taking place tonight (Thurs- day). And, for the first time in 20 years, we have had to turn teams away. There will be 18 teams turning up to the newly-re- furbished Bowlers Arms, En- borne Street – coming from all over West Berkshire and as far away as Reading and Basing- stoke – to battle it out.

Police are seeking this woman in connection with an assault on a bus in Newbury

6

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Newbury Weekly News

NEWBURY NEWS

The launch of the Louise Purton Christmas Toy Appeal 2021

Ref: 46-1721D

Let’s make it a merry Christmas for all! Swift launches toy appeal to bring festive cheer to deprived children

Swift Group CEO Adrian Smith

Ref: 46-1721B

not everyone is as fortunate as they are.” Another long-time supporter of the appeal is Sainsbury’s and the Hectors Way store also acts as a collection point. Carol Irwin fromSainsbury’s said: “This appeal is particular- ly special and it is important for big businesses like Sainsbury’s to be a part of the community.” Other collection points are: Swift Logistics in Hambridge Lane, include Newbury Build- ing Society, Newbury, Hun- gerford and Thatcham; Inks Personalised, Thatcham; Hob- bycraft, Newbury; and Green- ham Trust, Greenham Busi- ness Park. The CFP is also one of the collection points for the toys, as well as the distribution point. CFP chief executive Kelvin Hughes said the charity had been involved with the appeal for about 10 years. He said: “2020 was tough be- cause we couldn’t get to every- one who needed help because of Covid and the lockdown. “We want to make sure we can support as many people as we possibly can this year.”

By GERALDINE GARDNER geraldine.gardner@newburynews.co.uk @geraldineg_nwn

THE 16th Christmas Toy Appeal was official- ly launched this week at the Community Fur- niture Project (CFP) in Newbury. Regular supporters of the appeal, which was started by Swift in 2005, gathered in Santa’s Grotto at the CFP in Bone Lane to mark the launch on Monday. The team at Swift, based in Hambridge Lane, re- named the appeal the Lou- ise Purton Toy Appeal in memory of company di- rector Louise Purton, who died from cancer in 2019. The logistic company, whose UK head office is based in Newbury, aims to provide gifts for children who social services class as being from deprived or fi- nancially-challenged back- grounds. To ensure these children have a happy Christmas, Swift has appealed for the donation of toys and games, suitable for boys and girls, from babies up to the age of 19. The items, which need to be new and not wrapped,

Adrian Smith, Father Christmas, Thatcham mayor John Boyd, West Berkshire Council chairman Rick Jones and Gary Norman, deputy mayor of Newbury Ref: 46-1721A

changed for toys and gifts at the grotto. Mr Smith said: “It’s not just about the ‘big present’, it’s also about all the little things that make Christmas so special for children.” Parsons Down School, Thatcham, has long been a supporter of the appeal and collects toys for the initia- tive. Headteacher Catherine Bull was at the launch with some of the pupils from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

can be left at any of the des- ignated collection points. Swift Group chief exec- utive Adrian Smith said: “It’s about the community looking after each other. “I am always touched by the generosity of the West Berkshire community and I want to thank all of our supporters for helping us deliver smiles to children across the area.” When the appeal started 15 years ago, it helped 200 people. Last year it was more than 750. “This year, we have printed 1,200 vouchers and we will print more if we have to,” he said. The vouchers are ex- parent reason. Later, as Ms Stroud slept, he said he heard Colby begin to make a “grunting sound”. Mr Lawton added: “He was a bit pale. I picked him up then I go into the sitting room. When I picked him up he wasn’t as responsive as usual.” Mr Lawton said he tried to feed Colby but said: “He started juddering and stuff, then gurgling. I noticed his breathing wasn’t normal at

Swift Group CEO Adrian Smith, Father Christmas and Community Furniture Project CEO Kelvin Hughes with Parsons Down pupils Ref: 46-1721E

WE WANT YOUR CAR NOW! PCP CAR LOANS SETTLED AND CASH BACK!! • Contact me to value your car – even if it is still on a PCP or finance agreement. • Your car might be worth more than the finance settlement and I would personally pay you the difference directly. • Thinking of part exchanging your car against a new car? Call me first as I may be able to pay you more for your vehicle. • ALL CARS AND VANS PURCHASED with immediate payment. - Keith Utton, Director

Mrs Bull said: “The ap- peal is an important part of our school community. It helps the children un- derstand the importance of caring for others and that Father: I did not kill month-old baby n Continued from front page Mr Smith said: “We want this to be Louise’s legacy. Board members at Swift and other companies will come and go, but it is important that this community appeal continues.”

All makes and models

that point. “He was really floppy – I picked up one of his arms... it just dropped back down. “I’m obviously really pan- icky at this stage. I thought he was choking.” He said he woke Ms Stroud, who called emergen- cy services and then noticed blood coming from Colby’s nose. Mr Lawton said he accept- ed that Colby had somehow sustained injuries that led

to his death. But, asked if he knew how they might have happened, Mr Lawton replied: “No, I don’t.” And asked whether he had done anything to harm his son, Mr Lawton replied: “No, I did not.” He accepted that he had doubted Colby was his bio- logical son, but denied de- manding a DNA test on his dead son at the hospital. The trial continues.

Autos

However, when pressed, he said he believed she was capable of inflicting fatal in- juries on her son. He said on the fateful night Ms Stroud had gone out to buy more alcohol for them both, leaving him to look after Colby. All was apparently well, said Mr Lawton, although Colby had uttered a high- pitched scream for no ap-

www.woodlandautos.co.uk Family business established over 31 years 01635 552233 8 Boundary Road, Newbury, RG14 5RR Please call Keith Utton on

7

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, November 18, 2021

NEWBURY NEWS

Switch on for Christmas Newbury lights up for the festive season with a day of activities for all the family

EVENTS throughout the day will include: n Family Panto Workshop at Newbury Town Hall n Santa’s Grotto at Parkway n Festive papercraft and decopatch drop-in workshops at The Globe’s garden n Family Christmas songs workshop at Hogan Music n Alternative kitch Christmas wreath at The Dolphin pub n Christmas tree decoration workshop at The Ugly Duckling n Christmas cupcake and cookie decorating with Colline’s Kitchen at the Waterside Centre n Christmas bath bomb painting at House of Bubbles, Kennet Shopping n Make your own Christmas cards workshop at The Works, Kennet Shopping n The Great Cider Mull Off with local cider makers at The Catherine Wheel n The Great British Beer Off competition at The Spare Wheel n Jewellery making workshop at Kreationz, Kennet Shopping n Try out high score activity machine in Market Place n Try out fitness classes at bstFitness – free entry all day for gym, sauna and swimming pool n Try out Mario Kart fastest lap competition at CEX, Kennet Shopping n Teddy Bear treasure hunt at Bas 'n’ Books, Kennet Shopping n Christmas colouring competition at Boswell’s, Kennet Shopping n Name the cuddly puppy competition at Hallmark, Kennet Shopping n Meet the Grinch and a Frozen princess at Barry Forkin-Toomers between 3pm and 4.30pm

By SARAH BOSLEY sarah.bosley@newburynews.co.uk @newburytoday

bury’s first Victorian Christmas Fayre will come to town. The fair will include a wide range of market stalls with trad- ers dressed head-to-toe in typical Victorian attire, alongside Victo- rian-themed roving performers, a Victorian carousel, live music and entertainment and, of course, Fa- ther Christmas. The event will take place be- tween 10am and 8pm on Friday and Saturday, December 3 and 4, with an earlier finish time of 5pm on the final day of the Victorian-themed fair on the Sunday. n Other towns in West Berkshire will also be turning on their lights in the coming weeks. Hungerford’s lights will be switched on from 3pm on Sunday, November 28 – at the Town Hall – with the annual Victorian Extrav- aganza and fireworks returning on Friday, December 10. For more details see page 30. The following weekend That- cham will be illuminated from 5pm on Friday, December 3, in the Broadway. Hundreds of Santas will then be dashing around the town in the Thatcham Rotary Great Santa Fun Run on Sunday, December 5, with a Christmas market at the Thatcham Memorial Hall on the same day. For more details see page 32.

NEWBURY will be lighting up for the start of the Christmas festivities this weekend. The annual Christmas Lights Switch-On is being extended into a day-long festival on Saturday, including more than 20 free work- shops and extra entertainment for the first time this year. Between 10am and 5pm, visitors can enjoy a full programme of free festive activities at select venues across the town centre. And then from 5pm, live enter- tainment and performances will occupy a screened stage in Market Place in the lead-up to the high- ly anticipated Christmas Lights Switch-On. Frozen ice-queen sisters will be on stage to ‘let it go’ post switch-on and the live music and performanc- es will continue until 9pm. Newbury BID, the not-for-prof- it organisation behind the Visit Newbury brand, is confident that the day’s programme of free family activities, including cookie deco- rating, Christmas wreath-making, character meet and greets, and pop- up choirs, will help enhance New- bury’s festive offering more than ever before. Newbury Town Council will be also be offering tours of the town IF you thought you caught a glimpse of George, Zippy and Bungle racing around Newbury recently, you wer- en’t mistaken. Three fundraisers donned costumes of the colourful characters – from 1970s chil- dren’s TV show Rainbow – at the weekend in a bid to raise cash of a defibrillator. Donna Parkin, 47, from Thatcham, came up with the idea to boost the fundraising efforts of the Old London Ap- prentice pub. The pub is raising money to buy a defibrillator after land- lady Caroline Amor rushed to the aid of a customer who had collapsed, giving him CPR be- fore paramedics arrived. Luckily, the man was OK, but it kickstarted the fund- raising effort to purchase the lifesaving piece of kit. “I have run marathons be- fore that were easier than that,” Miss Parkin said after- wards. “It was so hot. “I had bought the costume for a fancy dress competition and so I said I would do a 10km run in it. Someone said we should get George and Bungle to do it too; so we did. “I thought we had to do something difficult. It had to be worth sponsoring. Every- one runs, but it’s not often you see George, Zippy and Bungle running a 10k.” She said the trio – which also included Newbury men George Brooksmith as George and Danny Stevens as Bungle – devised their own route for the event, starting and ending at the pub to much cheering

Newbury gets set for Christmas

council building throughout the day. Newbury BID operations man- ager Alison Drummond said: “Our Christmas Lights Switch-On Fes- tival is set to be the best Newbury has ever had and is yet another event we are delivering as part of a heightened festive offering for Newbury this year. “We are so excited to deliver this day-long event for local residents to enjoy and we encourage everyone to take full advantage of the shops

and eateries across town that will be open for business ready for you to continue the festive fun in-store on the day. “We are so thankful to all of the organisations providing their ser- vices to help create a truly special and jam-packed day in Newbury and would like to give a heartfelt shout-out to the businesses which are offering their venue on the day.” The festive merriment will con- tinue next month too, when New-

Rainbow fundraising trio run to help raise cash to buy defribillator for pub

SAVE MONEY – BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

EXCEPTIONAL ECO GARAGE DOORS

EXCEPTIONAL AND AFFORDABLE GARAGE DOORS AUTOMATIC INSULATED ROLLER AND SECTIONAL DOORS REQUEST A FREE SURVEY TODAY

All doors shown in this advert and our website are locally manufactured by Skandoor in ourWinchester factory. • Fully automatic with easy key fob operation • Fully insulated, low maintenance, with excellent eco credentials • Locally manufactured and made to measure, with full colour range available • No deposit required and extensive warranty included

Covering all parts of Berkshire, Hampshire andWiltshire www.skandoor.co.uk 01962 600777

George Brooksmith (George), Danny Stevens (Bungle) and Donna Parkin (Bungle)

and applause. “We were very grateful to the people that stopped us to make donations and the people in the cars that also stopped to give us money,” Miss Parkin said. “People kept talking to us as we went and were donating money.” So far the run has raised £600, with more than £1,195 raised in total for the defibril-

lator. Miss Parkin, whose next event is the London Land- marks Half Marathon, said she was keen to do something to help buy something so im- portant. “None of us ever knowwhen we might need one,” she said. You can help support the fundraiser at www.justgiv- i ng . c om/ c r owd f und i ng / george-brooksmith-1

Open 7 days a week info@skandoor.co.uk

Proud members of

• Free disposal of old door • Trading standards approved

9.9/10 workmanship

The Area’s Number 1 Premium Electr i c Door Suppl ier

8

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Newbury Weekly News

NEWBURY NEWS

Ultimate triathlete ‘wows’ youngsters Global adventurer’s inspiring visit to Speenhamland School

By SARAH BOSLEY sarah.bosley@newburynews.co.uk @newburytoday

A GLOBAL adventurer who has rowed, climbed and cycled his way around the world has been inspiring pupils at Speenham- land School. James Ketchell – the only per- son to have ever completed the ‘ultimate triathlon’ of rowing the Atlantic, climbing Mount Everest and then cycling around the world – shared his exciting stories of ad- venture and achievement with the pupils at the Newbury primary school. He visited last week, when he wowed them with his tales of rowing solo across the Atlantic, cycling around the world on a sec- ond-hand bicycle, as well as scal- ing to the top of Mt Everest, before sharing the next stages of his fu- ture adventures too. Headteacher Julie Lewry said: “Having James Ketchell in to talk to all of our children was an amaz- ing experience. “Through captivating stories of his adventures around the world, he encompassed our school values and taught the children about the importance of working hard to achieve their goals. “From Foundation stage to Year 6, all the pupils were enthralled by the presentation and left the hall feeling truly inspired.” The pupils were encouraged to recognise the school values – re-

West Berkshire Community Hospital

Ref: 07-1615F.

£2m development for hospital

tic hub for West Berkshire. He added: “The Hospital Building Trust and, indeed, all the patients in the area were very grateful for the dona- tions from all the trusts. “They had already contributed a considerable amount of money to The Rosemary Appeal which resulted in the building of the renal dialysis unit and the cancer unit at the hospital three years ago. “That appeal raised £5.3m from pub- lic donation and trust donation.” Dr Tayton went on to say: “We are all very proud to have one of the most mod- ern community hospitals in the UK in West Berkshire with marvellous facili- ties for all the patients.” The many facilities provided at West Berkshire Community Hospital include comprehensive outpatients facilities, in-patient facilities for rehabilitation and palliative care, X-rays, physiother- apy, renal dialysis and provision of can- cer care, including chemotherapy. It is hoped that the building will be started in the near future and will be operational by June 2022.

THE West Berkshire Community Hospital has been given a cash boost for a new building with diagnostic fa- cilities. The Newbury and Thatcham Hospital Building Trust has helped donate a total of £2m to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for the construction of the new building in Thatcham. West Berkshire Community Hospital and Thatcham Rotarian trustee Dr Rob Tayton has said that the plan is for the construction of a new building close to the hospital. It is hoped that the building will house two MRI scanners and a new PET CT scanner. The donations were made with the help of Greenham Trust, the Peter Bak- er Foundation and the Storey Charitable Trust. He said that this would mean that many people from West Berkshire will not have to travel to distant hospitals to get scans, which will improve the patient experience in the area. Dr Tayton also commented that the trust is “very supportive” of the plan to make the community hospital a diagnos-

British adventurer James Ketchell with Speenhamland pupils

Ref: 45-2721

spect, responsibility, risk-taking, resilience and resourcefulness – in Mr Ketchell and see how these values could help them to achieve any goal. Mr Ketchell told the children that “the hardest part is believing you can do it”. “Doors of opportunity will natu- rally open when you work hard,” he added. “Break things into small steps – a little bit every day makes the big things happen.” One pupil, Oscar, said: “James Ketchell has inspired me to never give up on my dreams, no matter what anyone else says.” Another, Ella, added: “James

has encouraged me to be more of a risk-taker, which is something I find tricky, but I will keep trying.” Brooke said she was inspired by his stories of kindness from around the world. “He taught me to be kind to others because they will treat you the same way.” Mr Ketchell completed his ‘ulti- mate triathlon’ on February 1, 2014 – just seven years after a serious motorcycle accident left him with broken legs and the prognosis he would be unlikely to walk again. In 2019 he flew an open cockpit gyroplane around the world – set- ting a Guinness Word Record.

Man convicted of assault in breach of order Mr Needham, who was legally repre- sented by Gianpaolo Damiani, further admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour on the same occa- sion. Mr Needham was made subject to a further, 12-month community order and required to complete 120 hours un- paid community work.

TRACTORS I CHAINSAWS I CHIPPERS I HEDGE TRIMMERS

A NEWBURY man has been con- victed of attacking a woman. In the dock at Reading Magis- trates’ Court on Wednesday, Novem- ber 3, was Andrew Needham. The 59-year-old, of Kimbers Close, off Kennet Road, admitted assault- ing Gemma McMahon in Newbury on Thursday, June 3.

In addition, he was ordered to pay £85 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of £95. Finally, Mr Needham was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Ms McMahon.

The court heard his admissions meant he was in breach of a communi- ty order imposed for a series of previ- ous Public Order Act offences.

Get the Garden sorted this Autumn

Winter Out & About THE winter edition of Out & About magazine is out today (Thursday), packed with 100 pages of local features and lifestyle articles. You may be planning a Christmas with family and friends this year, so there are a few gift ideas, as well as some quick and easy party food tips to help you whip something up for any unexpected arrivals. We also paid a visit to Walters Turkeys in Aldworth, a family-run farm which this year celebrates 50 years in the business of rearing and selling turkeys, and found out about their busiest period in the run-up to Christmas. For petrolheads, there is a feature on the thrills and spills of a day out at Silverstone and you could win tickets to the Lap of Lights spectacle. You could also win a ride-on Sven, the reindeer from Frozen , and a luxury treatment from Andresa skincare. With all the usual motors, travel, interiors, pet talk and what’s on, as well as the latest on the farming world from Berkshire Farm Girl, you won’t want to miss it. Out & About is available free from outlets in and around Newbury. For a list see page 37.

With over 35 years experience, Kalehurst Garden Machinery is a name you can really trust.

D E N T A L C A R E CEDAR

GOLD AWARDED

Roy D Patel & Colleagues Bradley Moore House, 3 Bath Road Thatcham, Berkshire, RG18 3AG MONDAY - FRIDAY 7.30am - 8.00pm SATURDAY 8.00am - 1.00pm

ALL ASPECTS OF DENTISTRY

Commended by the British Dental Association Practice of the Year Award 2013

Telephone: 01635 867979

Come and speak to our team of experts for the best service in town.

KALEHURST AT HILLIER GARDEN CENTRE,

HERMITAGE, Nr NEWBURY RG18 9TG T: 01635 201623 E: kalehurstgm@aol.com Website - www.kalehurst.co.uk

www.cedardental.co.uk

MOWERS I RIDE ONMOWERS I SHREDDERS I STUMP GRINDERS

9

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, November 18, 2021

NEWBURY NEWS

‘I turned yellow like Marge Simpson’

A Newbury woman who has survived pancreatic cancer encourages others to be persistent with their GP, report by KATIE FRENCH

HELEN French, 60, was told the acid reflux she was experiencing was ‘probably gallstones and nothing sinister’ when she vis- ited her doctor earlier this year. The mother-of-two, who lives in Manor Park, said her symptoms were only taken seriously by her surgery after she started presenting with jaundice, which caused her skin and eyes to turn yellow. She underwent emergency sur- gery at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital in July to remove her pancreas and the tumour. Pancreatic Cancer UK said Mrs French’s case is ‘exceptionally rare’ as only 10 per cent of people diag- nosed with the deadly disease can be operated on. “I first went to my GP about heartburn, acid reflux and feeling full in April 2021. I was prescribed some medication and told it was probably gallstones and nothing sinister,” she said. Mrs French’s story comes as a poll carried out by the charity found that almost a quarter of people would wait three months or more before going to a GP with symptoms of the disease. The average survival rate across Europe is just five per cent, with one per cent living for 10 years or more after diagnosis. Symptoms include bloating, light stool colour, itching and dark urine. But because they are vague, it is of- ten hard to pick up, the charity said. The grandmother-of-two had not told her family about her symp- toms, but on her 60th birthday her daughters realised something was wrong when her usually hearty ap- petite was missing. “My grown-up children had tak-

turned yellow. We knew this couldn’t be normal and sent her upstairs to call 111.” Mrs French said: “I initially thought I had just caught the sun or it was the lighting in my house, but as each day went on I become more yel- low. I looked like Marge Simpson.” The next day, at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, she underwent blood tests and a CT scan, which re- vealed a mass on her pancreas. “I didn’t want to believe it was can- cer to begin with and hoped it was just a growth,” she said. “It was scary because in myself I felt fine. I was going through the stressful process of moving house at the time. The jaundice had become unbearably itchy, but I thought it might just be allergies from the pol- len.” She was referred to the Churchill Hospital. Luckily, due to how early

her symptoms had been caught and because of her normal BMI, they were able to operate and she under- went an emergency Whipple proce- dure – to remove the tumour. “It was scary, but I didn’t have time to think about it,” she said. “I had an eight-hour operation and, despite being wired up to drips and goodness what else, I was back up on my feet the following day after surgery. “I can’t express how grateful I feel to be alive. I was amazed by the speed and amount of planning that went on behind the scenes to get me into surgery. It absolutely blew me away. “I feel so very fortunate to be one of the very few people to receive an early diagnosis and able to have surgery for pancreatic cancer. “I nowwant to encourage as many people out there as possible to get help or advice if they are worried about pain in the stomach coupled with continual acid reflux which doesn’t go away with medication. “I was initially told it was ‘prob- ably gallstones’, which was enough to reassure me but not my daugh- ters, who insisted I pushed for fur- ther tests. “Being persistent can save your life.” A spokesman for Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “This case really stresses the importance of early di- agnosis.” Pancreatic cancer has the low- est survival rate of any common

Helen French prepares for her operation

en me to a fantastic Michelin-star restaurant to celebrate and things took a dramatic turn,” the business analyst said. “I found I could hardly eat a thing, which made me feel absolutely ter- rible. I started to feel so unwell, I couldn’t eat the meal and was sick.” Daughter Laura Verney, 30, said: “We were so worried about her. We encouraged her to go back to the doc- tors the following week.” Mrs French did go back to her doc- tor and was waiting for a referral when, a few weeks later, her skin started to change colour. Mrs Verney had invited the fami- ly around to meet her newborn baby when they noticed Mrs French was looking unwell. She said: “At first we thought mum looked well, she was looking slim and tanned, but closer up we realised her skin was sallow and the whites of her eyes had

Helen French recovering after surgery cancer in the UK. More than half of patients die within three months of diagnosis. About 80 per cent of people are diagnosed when the cancer is at a late stage and treatment is no longer possible. The charity said early diag- nosis was essential to give people the best chance of survival. Mrs French is now raising money for the charity as part of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, through a series of walks throughout Novem- ber. Visit her fundraising page at https://bit.ly/2ZRp45v For advice about pancreatic can- cer, contact Pancreatic Cancer UK’s free support line 0808 801 0707.

Helen French with her daughters and grand- daughter after surgery

“OnthefifthdayofChristmas, Newburygavetome…”

“FIVEoldthings!”

Visit Newbury this Christmas to shop, eat out and explore this idyllic market town, surrounded by West Berkshire’s most historic buildings. Step back in time and watch history be brought to life at the Victorian Christmas Fayre from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th December. Oh, “And the Parkway parking is cheap”.

@ VisitNewbury

CORN EXCHANGE ERECTED AD 1861

S

T

K

O

C

C

O

K

L

BARREL

T H E C H E Q U E R S H O T E L