community yearbook 2018

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Newbury Weekly News

Newbury Weekly News

Yearbook

‘Celebrating a year in the life of our community in 2017 through the pages of the Newbury Weekly News’

JANUARY A helping hand for the homeless CALLS to end homelessness in Newbury gathered

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

support after it was revealed that the number of people sleeping rough in West Berk- shire had trebled since 2010. With temperatures plummet- ing, local campaigners, volun- teers and politicians joined forces to ignite a community response and try to finally put an end to the issue. Shocking new figures show that across the UK, the number of homeless people has increased by 16 per cent year on year. Experts said the true number of homeless people in West Berkshire is difficult to deter- mine, but agreed it was far higher than the 14 quoted in Government statistics. And with West Berkshire Council forced to make cuts to funding for mental health services and support for

Red phone boxes in East Garston, left, and Boxford Last call for payphones

Our wonder ful Watermill THIS was the year The Watermill celebrated 50 years as one of the most successful regional producing theatres in the UK. West End transfers, national and international tours and awards garnered at home and on Broadway have cemented the Bagnor theatre’s reputation. During its anniversary year, three Watermill shows transfered to London in the spring and its production of Crazy For You, starring Tom Chambers, toured the UK. In the early 1960s, David Gollins, with the support of his mother Judy, had the vision and the foresight to create one of the smallest and most beautiful professional theatres in the country from a derelict watermill on the banks of the River Lambourn, in the hamlet of Bagnor, just outside Newbury. The converted mill seats a maximum of 220 people. David Gilmore became artistic director from 1976 to 1978 and in 1981 Jill Fraser, together with her husband James Sargant, bought the theatre. Jill was a co-owner of the theatre from 1981 until her death in 2006. Her vision led The Watermill to build an excellent reputation worldwide. She developed it from a local rep, opening 26 weeks of the year, into an year-round producing house. Paul Hart, the theatre’s current artistic director, previously associate director for Propeller, continues the bold, ensemble-driven approach to Shakespeare. His 50th anniversary season included a new production of Twelfth Night, reimagined in the 1920s. Sheepdrove Organic Farm and Eco- Conference Centre is the principal sponsor of the production. Directed by Paul Hart, the produc- tion toured nationally and internationally in repertoire with Hart’s 2016 production of Romeo + Juliet with Neal’s Yard Remedies as UK tour sponsor.

vast majority of them. Figures show that 15 of the 60 phone boxes in West Berks that are set to be removed were not used at all in the previous year, while others have only been used a hand- ful of times. The most used payphone in Newbury in 2016 was the one

SIXTY of West Berkshire’s public payphones– includ- ing iconic red telephone boxes in rural villages – are set to be removed, unless communities step in to ‘adopt’ them. BT says that use of the phones has declined by more than 90 per cent in the last decade and, as a result, is proposing to get rid of the

People were living rough in freezing conditions in Newbur y

place and getting them engaged in the community.” The calls came after the managing director at Newbury-based company Swift Logistics, Adrian Smith, called for businesses to help the homeless back into work after discovering one of his tempo- rary employees was forced to live in a tent.

vulnerable young people last year, those without a home are finding it increasingly difficult to turn their situation around. Long-time charity worker Catherine Knight said:“It’s about the community that we live in, pulling together. “We want to help these people make a lifestyle change – it’s about getting them in the right

by St John’s Post Office – with 387 calls in one year. NWN hits the headlines THE Newbury Weekly News appeared on Meridian News .

Many tears for trainer LAMBOURN was in mourning after Grand National-winning Many Clouds collapsed and died after winning the race of his life. He dealt Thistlecrack a first-ever defeat when claiming the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham. Oliver Sherwood’s Hennessy Gold Cup star looked in great shape as he came through under regular rider Leighton Aspell, but after reach- ing the winning post, the 10-year-old collapsed and died from a pulmonary haemor hage. It sent the stunned crowd into silence and an emotional Mr Sherwood said:“He’s been the horse of a lifetime. He’s died for me and the team today, doing what he does best. “I’ve been in the game 32 years and horses like that don’t come along very often. ”

Camera crews visited the paper’s offices in Faraday Road to see how the paper was celebrating its 150th anniversary. When the NWN was first published, in February 1867, the lightbulb and the car hadn’t even been invented. Walter Blacket and Thomas Whieldon Turner founded the Newbury Weekly News from a stationery shop at 34 Northbrook Street. Mr Blacket took over his family’s ailing stationery business, but was keen to start a local newspaper. He sought an editor for his venture and found TW

Turner, a former printing apprentice at Blacket’s, who had become a reporter on the Cheltenham Examiner . Mr Turner returned to Newbury and on February 7, 1867, the NWN was launched to an expectant public. A Meridian News cameraman films in the NWN press hall

Many Clouds was paraded through Lambourn after winning the 2015 Grand National

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JANUARY

Marla’s Christmas joy THIS little girl from Newbury couldn’t stop Newbury Weekly News W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_3

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Parking profits rise WEST Berkshire Council made almost £1.5m £1,969,542 from car park ticket sales and a further £130,636 from on-street ticket sales.

through parking charges, fines and permits in the last financial year. Figures revealed the local authority ended 2015-16 with record profits of £1,497,830 from its parking operations – £237,000 more than the previous year’s total of £1,260,043. The surplus included funds generated from all parking activities, including off- street and on-street ticket sales, penalty charge notices (PCNs) and permits. It was the fifth year in a row that parking profits had risen. Between April 2015 and March 2016, West Berkshire Council brought in

smiling after being given a new hand for Christmas. Marla Trigwell was born with- out a left hand, but the three- and-a-half-year-old barely took off the printed prosthetic since she received it from Newbury and District Hackspace. The 3D printed hand – a piece of cutting-edge technology – was made specifically for her by the local community group. After many weeks tweaking the printer, the group presented Marla with her hand, wrapped like a Christ- mas present. Marla’s mother, Joanne Taylor, said she thought she had prepared herself for the event, but could not contain her emotion. She said: “I was a mess and in floods of tears. The look on her face made it all worth- while.”

A total of £236,110 was paid to the council in parking fines, while £46,277 was paid in bus lane PCNs. Along with other miscella- neous income streams, the council took in a total of £3,049,776 during the finan- cial year. However, West Berkshire Council spent a total of £1,551,946 on running its parking operations, an increase from £1,492,626 in 2014/15. Parking charges in council- run car parks in Newbury, Thatcham, Pangbourne, and Theale all increased in the previous year.

Bentley makes an instant impact NEW SIGNING Warren Bentle y described Hung erford Town as ‘the perfect fit ’ as he slotted in seamlessl y to score on his de but after coming on with 30 minutes to go in Crusaders ’3-1 home win over Whitehawk in National Lea gue South. That goal was the perfect fit f or his new club as well, and it came after the pr olific marks- man signed f ollowing his r elease by troubled Gospor t Borough. Bentley had onl y met his new team-ma tes on the night of the ma tch at Bulpit Lane . Izzy’s back with a bang NEWBURY AC’s Izzy Fry bounced back to form to win the senior girls Berkshire Schools Cross Country Championships at the Showground. Running for Park House, she tackled the tricky conditions made worse by a hard overnight frost and reversed her result in the recent Berkshire County AA Championships by beating off the challenge of Reading AC’s Kirsty Walker. St Bart’s Luci Robertson was 11th in the year 8/9 race and Kitty Shepherd-Cross of Downe House came home third in the year 10/11 age group. All three earned invitations to represent Berkshire Schools at Brands Hatch in February.

Marla Trigwell shows off her 3D-printed hand

charity that helps children born with upper limb differ- ences and their families. “We learned there’s not a lot that she won’t be able to do. If she wants to do, it she can.”

Miss Taylor thought that her daughter wouldn’t be able to perform certain actions because of her missing hand. But she was proved wrong after contacting Reach, a

Radio club chimes in AN amateur radio club helped a Lambourn man keep the village’s ancient church clock ticking over. David Harris was first called upon to help when the clock chimes at St Michael and All Angels Church went wild and Mr Harris needs to hear the chimes. He said: “Unfortunately, partly due to my age and partly because of a new building that’s been put up, I can’t hear them properly any more.”

Danyl Johnson presented the winners with their cheques Dancing in the street! SIX neighbours from Thatcham were £30,000 better off after their lucky over the shock of winning. I’m retired now and there’s nothing that I need, but it’s lovely to know that there’s money there if I want to do something.” postcode won them a combined £180,000.

and would not stop striking. That was back in 2002 and, having fixed the problem with the help of a clock- maker, he has kept meticu- lous records ever since. These show that, despite now having a electric wind- ing mechanism, the clock gains a few seconds from time to time. The only answer is to physi- cally adjust the mechanism

Having heard of his plight, the Newbury And District Amateur Radio Society (NADARS) stepped in. Following a visit to Mr Harris’ home, NADARS member Phill Morris said: “We’re designing and fitting a radio transmitter to go in the clock tower, and fitting a receiver in his house.” The clock is first mentioned in an inventory of 1636.

The Barfield Road winners, who play with the postcode RG18 3BL, scooped the People’s Postcode Lottery’s Street Prize. Grandmother Heather Hopkin said she was plan- ning a special birthday cele- bration with her winnings. She said: “I’m still getting

One other lucky RG19 4PG resident scooped a £1,000 cash prize in the daily prize. People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, former X Factor star and Eurovision hopeful Danyl Johnson presented the winners with their cheques.

David Harris at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lambourn

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FEBRUARY Wheel deal for Puffy Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Return of the moognificent Bongolian THE Bongolian, aka Nasser Bouzida, is a multi-instrumentalist, who has long been a local favourite. Known as the frontman of Big Boss Man, among other things, the former Newbury musician moves seam- lessly and effortlessly between keyboards and bongos/percussion and shifts between jazz, funk, soul and psych with ease. Truly a musician with talent to spare, wrote Brian Harrington, when Nasser returned to his hometown for a gig at Arlington Arts. “The Bongolian’s funky, mesmerising keyboards and percussion beats grabbed the audience and, within seconds, anyone who wasn’t dancing was tapping their feet. This was what the audience had been waiting for. “Tracks like Mr Woo and Jan Hammer Of The Gods, from his latest album Moog Maximus, were outstanding, while the use of slideshow images and a live dancer/fire eater added to the sense of spectacle. “The enthusiasm of the audience for The Bongolian was such that I was left wondering why we weren’t treated to a longer set. Here is a band that commands attention and really gets an audience moving. Hypnotic beats and funky rhythms a-plenty. Hugely enjoyable. Yet again Arlington Arts have succeeded in bringing great music to Newbury. We should count ourselves lucky to have a venue which features such huge range of artists to our doorstep.”

PUFFY, the paralysed dog looking for help with her recovery received her new set of wheels. The female Chinese Crested Powder- puff has been enjoying her new- found freedom after an appeal to help get her back on her feet. Puffy’s nerve connection in her hind legs was severed after she was struck by a car in a hit-and-run inci- dent two years ago. Puffy had been using home-made wheels, built from plastic plumbing, cart wheels and a harness. But the makeshift harness put a lot of pressure on her front shoulders and vets recommended a pedal cart to help Puffy’s rehabilitation. Her owners, Thatcham couple Mike and Danielle Cass, set up an online fundraising page to give their beloved pet the wheels she needed. Mr and Mrs Cass had raised £485 of the £1,500 needed for Puffy’s special wheels but the clock was ticking as their fundraising page would close on February 4. Following a Newbury Weekly News

It’s now 20p to spend a penny TOWN councillors approved plans to install turnstiles at the Wharf public toilets. The move meant a 20p charge to use the facilities. The turnstiles cost around £10,000 to install– covered by West Berkshire Council– and the town council will receive revenue of around £5,520 each year. Adrian Edwards (Con, Falkland) said:“To spend a penny isn ’t quite the objective, but I would recommend 20p. We can always change it if we are not breaking even.”

Puffy with her new set of wheels

report in January, more than £1,000 was donated in two-and-a-half days. Mr Cass said: “We were completely overwhelmed and humbled, not only by the number of donations we received, but how generously people were giving. “There seemed to be a real desire to

help and we’re so thankful for every- one’s support, they’ve made a really big difference to Puffy’ s life.” Indeed, Mrs Cass said that Puffy was loving her new wheels. “As soon as we put her in them for the first time her tail was wagging like crazy and normally she doesn’t wag her tail.” West Berks feels wrath of Doris WEST Berkshire felt the force of Storm Doris. Strong winds uprooted a tree on the A339 close to St Gabriel's School, leaving the road blocked until around 3.30pm. Gusts also blew the roof off one of Thatcham Town Cricket Club’s buildings. West Berkshire Council said that it received 94 calls regarding storm damage on Thursday while Thames Valley Police said it had received an extra 1,000 calls. At Benson, in Oxfordshire, the top windspeed was recorded at 57mph.

Bridge reopening eases traffic congestion AT last there was some good news for Newbury’s motorists as

one-way for the time being, and is trafic light- controlled. This is until land to the north of the bridge is developed by Amirantes as part of the Sterling Cables development. The road will be widened and the bridge should be able to accommodate two- way traffic by early 2019. Newbury MP Richard Benyon cut the ribbon to declare the bridge open. Mr Benyon said: “The impact of these works on Newbury has been huge, but also crucial.”

Boundary Road was officially reopened. The road, one of the town’s busiest through routes, was closed for 12 months from January 2016 to allow Network Rail to carry out essen- tial works to heighten the railway bridge ahead of electrification. However, there were cheers as the first vehicle to use the new bridge – a Newbury Tools van – passed over. The bridge is still only

Newbury MP officially opens Boundar y Ro d bridge

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Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Breath tests for boozy revellers

Adam roars home in international BRIMPTON teenager Adam Collings scored a stunning win in the Hawkstone Interna- tional Motocross meeting in Shropshire in an event that attracted the top interna- tional teams to the first major meeting in the international motocross calendar. The 15-year-old Pangbourne College student won the youth MXY2 class on a 125cc machine against riders up to three years older, and competing on 125cc and 250cc bikes. He qualified in pole position with a best lap time of 2 minutes 18.180 seconds with a top speed of 42.98 kmh and went on win the first two of the three races. He finished sixth in the third to finish four points clear of a 39-strong field, claiming the overall class title. “It was fairly hard around here on the 125,” he said, “especially in some of the boggy bits where the 250 riders could just open the throt- tle and use their extra power to get away. “But as long as I kept my corner speed up it was all right. It’s been great racing against the 250s though, I enjoy the competition.” Herring’s top man HUNGERFORD

Revellers suspected of having had too much to drink could be asked to submit a breath test by door staff before entry to the venue. Insp Lugg said the equipment will be given to the town ’s busier venues, adding: “We’re not saying they can ’t let them in– that’s at their discretion – but it’s about spotting potentially-vulnerable people early. “We will expect the venues to use the equipment. They’ve been bought for them to use and if they are not using them we’ ll be asking why not.” Speaking about the bodyworn cameras, he added:““People make complaints to us about being assaulted either inside or outside the venues, or sometimes even by members of staf, so this will also help us in terms of prosecutions.” However, Insp Lugg was keen to stress the measures are being introduced to safe- guard those on a night out, rather than for law enforcement reasons.

BOOZY revellers could be asked to take a breath test before entering some pubs and bars, as police look to make Newbury a safer place to be on a night out. The new scheme, funded by Thames Valley Police, also saw bodycams issued to door staff at a range of licensed premises in the town centre. Police said the move would help to iden- tify people who may become “vulnerable” during a night out, while also clamping down on alcohol-related disorder. Inspector Matt Lugg from Newbury Police Station said:“It’s all about getting people home safely. “It’s about being able to identify the people that may be vulnerable and taking action if needed.” Thames Valley Police has purchased seven handheld breath test machines and seven bodycams, which will be handed out to select town centre pubs and bars in the coming weeks. TO celebrate its 150th anniversary, the Newbury Weekly News teamed up with West Berkshire Brewery to brew its very own beer in what is believed to be an industry first. The NWN beer features a mixture of pale Maris Otter Barley, crystal malt, chocolate malt and roasted barley to give it a bitter, smooth and fruity taste. It is called Mr Blacket and Mr Turner, after the newspaper’s founding fathers Walter Blacket and Thomas Turner. The beer is now on sale at the West Berk- shire Brewery shop in Yattendon and will soon be coming to a pub near you. In January, NW N chief executive James Gurney and editor Andy Murrill were invited along to Yattendon to see first- hand how the beer made its journey

John and Betty Ferryman on their wedding day in 1945 Husband and wife die on same day “THEY lived, loved, travelled and died together.”

After the war, Mrs Ferryman worked as a council rent collector and also helped to run Royal Air Force Association bingo nights. After completing his engineering apprenticeship with the Merchant Navy, Mr Ferryman worked as a senior mechanical engineer at Reed Boardworks at Colthrop Mill. The couple loved to travel and were keen caravaners, still head- ing over to the continent when they were in their 80s. Bob said:“John and Betty were a couple with a traditional outlook on life, from an era when home technology meant listening to your Ekco wireless set.

Newbury couple John and Betty Ferryman had been due to mark their 73rd wedding anniversary in April. But Mr and Mrs Ferryman, aged 93 and 96, both died from heart attacks on the same day at their family home. Their son, Bob Ferryman, said: “It was the kindest thing because either would have been lost with- out the other.” Mr and Mrs Ferryman married on April 2, 1945, and spent the next 72 years as husband and wife.

Cheers to NWN ’s 150th

Town midfielder Ian Herring was named as the Vanarama National League South player of the month for January. Herring, who cele- brated his 33rd birth-

Restaurant is top of the Pots A WEST Berkshire restaurant was named as one of the best in the country by The Sunday Times . The Sunday Times Top 100 Restau- rants does not rank the establish-

day on Valentine’s Day, was the first Hungerford player to win the award following his commanding performances, notably during the unbeaten run that took the side into fourth place in the table. “He really deserves it,” said Wilkinson. “And it’s a big honour for the club as a whole that ‘Spud’ should be recognised in this way.”

ments in the list, but selects a winner for each of eight regions. The list was compiled by a judging panel which includes columnist Jamie Oliver, Antonio Carluccio and Nick Jones. The Pot Kiln was one of 11 restau- rants recognised in the South East and one of two from Berkshire, alongside Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in Bray.

The Pot Kiln, in Frilsham, was listed in the newspaper’s presti- gious ‘Top 100 Restaurants’ list in its monthly food magazine The Dish on Sunday. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including wild game hunted by founding partner and celebrity chef Mike Robinson.

Newbury Weekly News

chief executive James

Gurney, left, and chairman Jeremy W illis with the limited edition beer from barley to bottle. The bottle labels and pump clips were designed by NWN graphic designer Helen Layton.

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Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Shock stance on shoplifting POLICE announced that they would no longer be sending an officer out to all instances of shoplifting in Hungerford. past month alone. Sgt Holly Nicholls, stand- ing in for the local team’s Inspector Warren McKe- own, dropped the bomb- shell at a Hungerford She added:“Our main priorities are violence against the person, burglaries, theft from motor vehicles and so on.” Town councillor

Town Council meeting. She revealed that, in a “new delivery model”, complaints will be dealt with under a triage system and said:“ For example, we wouldn ’t necessarily deal with shopliftings of less than £100 now” – in other words, nearly all of them.

Officers will now only be sent out if more than £100 worth of items are stolen. The shock announce- ment was made as Hungerford’s former police station goes up for sale, and as the neigh- bourhood team reported five instances of shoplift- ing in the town in the

Carolann Farrell asked: “So, less than £100 and you won’t be coming out to it?” Sgt Nicholls replied: “Yes. We won ’t be making arrests all the time and taking it through the courts – it’s not practi- cal.”

Duncan Goodhew with pupils in the new Mar y Hare School swimming pool Olympic ace opens new pool

Lobster tales MOTORISTS passing through the centre of Hungerford did a double-take as a pair of giant pincers waved at them. The upcycle sculptor JK Brown was again a featured artist at Oil gallery, in the town. His lobster was called Without End and was symbolic of the notion in folklore that the lobster lives forever. “It’s a great take of a female lobster with eggs,” said curator Justin Cook. “The piece is made from stainless steel bowls and curry dishes. The side body is made from fish knives and micro chain to represent the eggs. The tail is made from cutlery and a lemon squeezer. “JK Brown once again has delivered a thing of beauty with a great ironic twist.”

A flipping good day for everyone

The school’s Sink or Swim appeal raised a total of £423,000 through a range of fundraising events to fund the new state-of-the-art pool. The new facility also features a ‘Pool Pod’ to help individuals with reduced mobility to get in and out of the water with ease.

PUPILS at the Mary Hare School for deaf children made a splash as they celebrated the opening of their new swimming pool. Following a fundraising campaign, the school welcomed Olympic swim- ming champion Duncan Goodhew MBE to mark the occasion. After opening the pool, Mr Goodhew stayed on to give the pupils some swimming tips. A FORMER mayor of Thatcham jumped ship and left the Liberal Democrats to join UKIP. Gary Johnson said that he applied to join UKIP before last year’s referen- dum result because he felt like a ‘lone sheep’ with the Lib Dems. He said:“I wanted us to retain our own laws and put a control on immi- gration. The problem was I was like a lone sheep out of the flock of Lib Dems. “The majority of them wanted to stay in Europe and wanted to promote that and I couldn’t do that.” Mr Johnson, who represented Thatcham West as a town councillor for the Lib Dems from 2011 until 2015, said the backlash from his former party had become“unbearable”. After he was welcomed at UKIP’s Newbury branch AGM, Mr Johnson

School fundraiser Anne Munby said: “We are very grateful to all those who donated to make this possible.” Former mayor switches to UKIP

THE town ’s best tossers descend edon Market Place for the annual Newbury Pancake Race. Crowds gathered to watch 20 teams from local businesses, chari- ties and organisations battle it out for the coveted winner’s medal. The Pancake Day cele- bration has become a tradition in Newbury and aims to raise funds for the chosen charity of organisers Soroptomist International Newbury and District. This year, the funds were donated to The Rosemary Appeal, which is raising money for a cancer and renal unit at West Berks Community Hospital. From Harry Potter and tooth fairies to French

A‘fairy’ flips a pancake during the Newbur y Pancake Race

chefs, the race was a spectacle for those who braved the cold. This year’s race sponsors were Accounting and Taxation Centre, Briars Dental Centre and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. The relay races were spon- sored by Henwick Prop- erties, Gecko Communi- cations and Newb ury

Weekly News . Tosser of the Year was Adam Woodley from the Harry Potter-themed team representing accountancy firm Ross Brooke, while the Best Dressed Award went to the team from Briars Dental Centre with their dentistry-themed costumes.

said he had always been anti-Europe and “didn’t expect to be controlled by Brussels” after entering the union. Chairman of the West Berkshire Liberal Democrats, Dr Tony Vickers, said: “He clearly wasn ’t happy with our position on Europe. I respect his decision.”

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MARCH

W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_7 Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Huge rise in council tax

year is the £200,000 reduc- tion to the drainage main- tenance budget. Lib Dem leader Lee Dillon declared that the budget “painted a fairly bleak picture of the financial pressures we are under” . He added:“These cuts are seeing us go backwards, not forwards.” Acting council leader Graham Jones said local government was facing a “perfect storm”, with Government grants being cut while demand for services continued to rise. He said:“It gives me no great pleasure to propose the [council tax] increase, but I do it in the knowl- edge it is the right thing to do.”

IT WAS announced that council tax would rise by almost five per cent from April, following West Berkshire Coun- cil’s approval of its budget for 2017/18. Parking charges would also increase in council- run car parks in Newbury, Thatcham, Pangbourne and Theale. The council needed to save £8m in the next financial year after having its Government funding slashed from £33m in 2011 to £3.7m in 2017/18. The majority of the £8m would be found through the council tax rise, park - ing charge increase and internal redundancies within the council.

Trainer Nicky Henderson with My Tent Or Yours

and

Bartholomew Manor Oldest building ages 40 years

Double delight NICKY Henderson could hardly have asked for a better start to his Cheltenham Festival week than his two winners on the opening day. Altior’s odds-on triumph in the Racing Post Arkle Novices’ Chase was followed by Buveur D’Air’s win in the Stan James Champion Hurdle. It was the trainer’ s sixth win in the race, taking Henderson’ s festival tally to a record 57 with the prospect of more to come. And there was even the bonus of old favourite My Tent or Yours coming home second behind the Noel Fehily-ridden Buv eur D’Air to leave the trainer bubbling, but still considerate of his second-placed horse. “Noel has given him a beautiful ride. Well done him,” said Henderson. “You feel sorry for My Tent Or Yours . W e have won the Champion Hurdle, but that is now three Champion Hurdles he has been second in as well as a Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.” Second for Ladies NEWBURY LADIES secured runners-up spot in South East West One of the Women’s Championship with a 27-14 win over Windsor at Monks Lane. The result also served as a morale booster for Newbury ahead of their Berkshire Cup show- down with the same opponents on April 9. Peace And Co at his yard in Lambourn

However, funding to some vital public services will be either reduced or axed entirely. Funding to West Berk- shire Citizens Advice was due to be slashed by £30,000 – half the £60,000 originally proposed. Among the most contro - versial of the cuts this Lib Dem leader Lee Dillon

Bartholomew Manor was the prop- erty of Sandleford Priory, which closed in the 15th century and passed into the ownership of St George’s Chapel, Windsor. The discovery advances the date of the earliest identified building in Newbury by 40 years. The previous earliest known date was 1476, assigned by tree-ring dating in 2013 to 17-18 West Mills.

NEWBURY’s oldest building has been traced back to the medieval period and pre-dates existing records by 40 years. Tree-ring dating has traced Bartholomew Manor and the adjoining Manor Cottage, which were constructed at the same time, to around 1436, placing them within the reign of King Henry VI. During the medieval period, Tutti tragedy HUNGERFORD mourned the loss of veteran Tutti Day ‘Orangeman’ Paul Lewington. Mr Lewington died suddenly on Tuesday, February 28, just two months before he would have fulfilled his Hocktide duties for 2017, as in years gone by. He was aged 52. His duty as Orangeman was one of bodyguard to the Tuttimen while they visited the commoners to collect their ‘head pennies’ on Tutti Day. Constable of the Town and Manor of Hungerford, Ellie Dickins said: “He was always smartly dressed and carried out his duty with professional dignity as well as a sense of fun.”

Digging up the past ANCIENT woodland near Silchester was excavated in order to reveal its prehistoric past. A series of six or more previously unknown prehistoric monuments were discovered by University of Reading archaeologists in Pamber Forest, using aerial survey techniques. Partial outlines of the monuments were found through the examination of enhanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) images, by aerial interpreter Krysia Truscoe. Research manager Dr Catherine Barnett said excavation and analysis of the forest sites were essential in gain- ing an understanding of the nature of prehistoric homes, farms, mortuary sites and routeways.

Cycle path OK FUNDING for a new £5.7m cycle path linking Newbury to Windsor was confirmed. West Berkshire Council would be investing a £100,000 grant from the Department for Transport into the scheme, while three quarters of the cost would be picked up by the Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership. The route follows the A4/A329 cor idor between Newbury and Ascot and aims to improve cycling connectivity between Berkshire’s leisure, residen- tial, commercial and employment centres. It will also act as a link to attractions in the area, serving popular visitor desti- nations such as Legoland and Windsor Great Park.

‘Orangeman’ Paul Lewington

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Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Gang raids arcade A GANG staged a dramatic raid on Hungerford Arcade. “The damage and loss of stock was bad, but our internal

Splashing around! THERE was glorious sunshine for Newbury’s first- ever puddle jumping event. The Market Place was a hub of activity, with firemen making regular appearances in their engine to replenish the puddles – and they even joined in with the children for a splash. The event was organised by Newbury Business Improve- ment District and sponsored by the Kennet Shopping centre. There was also face painting, bungee trampolining and chil - dren’s rides.

security measures prevented much more from being taken. “The incredibly fast response time of the police was also a factor in limiting the time the criminals were inside the building.” He added:“Hungerford Arcade has a massive range of the most wonderful antiques and it is because of this that we are such an attractive target for break-ins. “However, we won ’t be deterred and we will redouble our efforts in ensuring the security of our building. ”

Before smashing their way into the heavily fortified antiques centre, the burglars drove spikes into the tyres of police cars parked nearby, to witnesses, one raider had to leap into the boot of a getaway car and almost fell out. Arcade manager, Alex Rogers, said: “This was a small group of well-organised criminals. “They used heavy-duty hand tools to smash a window at the front of the shop to gain entry. try to prevent pursuit. Even so, according to

Choreographer back to his roots ACCLAIMED choreographer James Cousins returned to Newbury, his home town, to present his latest work, devised and created with dancers in Korea as part of the British Council’s Shakespeare Lives project, co-funded by Arts Council England and the Arts Council of Korea, writes Penelope Brookman. Shakespeare’s character Rosalind presents a progressive heroine, who confidently refuses to let her gender inhibit her, and in this work Cousins questions whether a modern day Rosalind still needs to adopt masculine traits in order to achieve equality. The choreogra- phy made full use of the strength and flexi- bility of each of the four dancers, with a range of transitions from fluid moves to robotic gestures, changing pace constantly and crossing the usual concepts with regard to weightbearing, lifts and falls. James Cousins developed his love of dance as a pupil at Park House School, exploring a range of dance styles and groups before going on to study at the London School of Contemporary Dance, and then joining Mathew Bourne’s company as a dancer. In a pre-show talk he discussed his passion for choreography and how fortunate he had been to have so much support in developing his career, and his own company, and stressed that his intention is always to stimulate and involve his audience in his work. This is a young man who values the past and is confidently building a bright future. The Newbury audience welcomed him warmly and thanked his dancers with loud applause.

A little girl enjoys the puddle splash in Newbur y’s Market Place

Flats or offices? PLANS to convert offices on Newbury Business Park into 129 flats met with stern opposition from town councillors. is hoping to convert three existing office buildings into three blocks of 43 one-bed

Berkshire Council about this. Lynne Doherty (Con, Northcroft), pointed out, however, that more affordable accommodation must be developed in the town. “We need affordable homes,” she said. “The type of development is something that we need, but I

apartments under Permitted Development Rights (PDR). But town councillors objected to the proposals and revealed their mounting frustrations at the loss of protected busi- ness space in Newbury. Chairman of the committee, Anthony Pick (Con, St John ’s) said: “I’m seriously disturbed by these developments. We should make a very strong recommendation to West A TEACHER who abused his position of trust to rape a vulnerable pupil in his care was jailed. English teacher Francis Julian Beaumont had evaded justice for 10 years and continued to teach at Brock- hurst and Marlston House Preparatory Schools in Hermitage.

If given the go-ahead, the move would have a “disas- trous” effect on Newbury’s premier business park in London Road, as well as on the ongoing protection of business space in the town, according to members of the council’s planning and high- ways committee. Developer Stonegate Homes

Have a great Hocktide Hocktide in Hunger ford THE town of Hungerford celebrated the ancient tradition of Hocktide – the only place in the UK to have maintained it. Girls from John O’Gaunt School. This year, a former Tutti Man, Jim Scarlett, stepped in to fill the void left by his

agree that it’s not ideal.” Dave Goff (Con, Clay Hill) said: “We could see the end of Newbury Business Park if this goes ahead.” Teacher jailed for raping pupil

predecessor Paul Lewington, who died in February, aged 52. The Tutti Men were Town and Manor stalwart Bruce Mayhew – who first fulfilled the role decades ago – and hairdresser Lesley Bradley. Originally the Tutti Men collected rent to ensure fish- ing and grazing rights, but today they collect kisses instead of pennies.

The second Tuesday after Easter marks the end of the town council’s financial and administrative year. Bellman Julian Tubb summoned the commoners of the town to the Hocktide Court at the Town Hall, while two Tutti Men and the Orangeman visited every house with commoners’ rights accompanied by four Tutti

But a court heard how he developed a relationship with a boy, only to repeatedly abuse him between March 2005 and April 2007. Sentencing Beaumont at Reading Crown Court, Judge Stephen John said that he “took advantage of his youth and vulnerability” to perform sex acts.

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Newbury Weekly News W:286.501mm H:0.353mm ISSUEDATE_ID 2_9

Thursday, 25 January, 2018

Crowds flock to Open Day MEMORIES of the 2015 Grand National winner

Tributes to council leader “WE have not only lost a leader, but a friend.” flooded in and a book of condolences in the council of ices in Market Street was signed by colleagues, council staff and friends.

Thorne boots Blues to glory IT WAS a bit scary, it was tortuous, it was unnerving at times, but Newbury Blues held on to seal promotion from South West 1 East with a 25-22 play-off win over Cleve- don. Blues not only sealed their first promotion in a decade, but finally got to that light at the end of the tunnel of recovery from the darkest days in the club’s history. The next step may be big, but Blues looked forward to it with a united core of home-bred talent, bulked by imports from all over the region. Clevedon came a bit further than that, away from homely rope-surrounded confines to the comparative colosseum of what was once a Level 2 ground. They did look a little unsettled in the first period, but settled after the break and went so Crusaders’ play-off blow HUNGERFORD TOWN’S Vanarama National League South promotion hopes were thrown into turmoil after their ground was ruled as unfit to stage play-off matches. An email received from the league confirmed that Hungerford had failed to meet ground stan- dards for the play-offs – despite passing all the requirements to compete in the league. The provision of 140 more seats is the issue, although the club has those ready to go in should they reach the end-of-season knock-out. “We can have those in this week,” said chairman Nigel Warrick. “ We had no idea they had to be in now. There is so much confusion about it all. “We got promoted to this league and spent the time working to reach the ground grading by Match 1. We raised the money, we did everything we had to do to be compliant and then we find we have another mountain to climb. “What’s being asked is unrealistic. If you go up into a league and win that league, you should have a season to prepare yourself if you go up.” But tries and bonus points counted for nothing, and Blues skipper Dan Thorne booted 20 points – just what was needed in a one-off knock-out match. close to wrecking Blues’ dream by out-scoring them three tries to one.

were evoked at this year’s Many Clouds Lambourn Open Day. As usual, thousands flocked to the village for its big day. More than 25 racing yards and horse exhibitions gave an insight into the running of top yards and some ran displays, such as horses using hydrotherapy pools. A whopping £32,000 was taken at Nicky Hender- son’s Seven Barrows yard alone – an all-time high. Sprinter Sacre was still the star attraction, despite not racing for a year, but the likes of

That was the touching tribute from West Berkshire Council’s acting deputy leader Hilary Cole to her former colleague, Roger Croft. Mr Croft tragically died due to the injuries he sustained in a car crash, a collision which also claimed the life of his wife, Zelda. Mr and Mrs Croft, who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2015, were travelling in France when tragedy struck on February 13. His death sent shockwaves through- out the community– not least among fellow councillors, politi- cians and Newbury and District Swimming Club, where Mr Croft was president. Tributes and messages of support

And at an emotional meeting of West Berkshire Council’ s executive last week – the first since Mr Croft’s death – a minute’s silence was observed to remember him. The council’s chief executive, Nick Carter, said: “I will remember Roger for his energy, drive and vision. We will all miss his energy, his real passion for serving the communities here in West Berkshire and, of course, his friendship and humour.” Newbury’s Conservative MP

Altior , Might Bite and Buveur D’Air were still hugely popular. Mr Henderson said: “We’ve got an absolutely huge crowd today. It’s great to see so many people interested in these

wonderful horses.” Lambourn’s legendary former jockey, Sir AP McCoy, won the Waitrose Celebrity Show Jumping, edging out Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Nico de Boinville.

Richard Benyon last week said Mr Croft was “ utterly unyielding in his desire to get the best for the people of West Berkshire”. Holiday hero

“When she came around, she came around so quick, it was from nothing,” he recounted. “I’ll never forget how she looked when she came out of the water and I ’ll never forget that feeling when she came back.” The toddler spent two days in hospital before returning to the hotel. “She came out on our last day there and we were reunited with her and her family,” said Mr Parker. “They were obviously very emotional.” However, Mr Parker played down his actions saying his “training took over”. He said:“I remember feel- ing very calm despite all the panic around. I just did what I’ve been trained to do for the last 13 years.”

A FIREFIGHTER from Newbury was praised for his bravery to “act in the face of fear” after saving the life of a toddler who was pulled unconscious from a Dubai swimming pool. Oliver Parker was on his honeymoon with his preg- nant wife, Heidi, and two children when the two-year- old was spotted motionless in the pool of the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach. Her distraught father pulled the girl out of the water and lay her on the side as by-standers looked on in horror. It was then Mr Parker’ s training as a firefighter kicked in. “We were leaving the pool area and I just heard a lot of screaming,” said the 33- year-old. “It was quite obvi-

Marchers hold a minute ’s silence for the Wstminster attack

Marching for peace A MULTI-faith event was held in the town centre to condemn the Westminster terror attack. The event, under the banner Not In My Name, was organised by Newbury Mosque and Muslim Youth Group to remember those That was followed by speeches from local Muslim leaders, Newbury MP Richard Benyon and the mayor of Newbury, Julian Swift-Hook. A spokesman for Newbury’ s mosque congregation, Lucky

Oliver Parker

ous she had drowned – it was just horrific. “She was completely blue and not breathing. I just went into complete work mode.” The heroic fireman performed the emergency life-saving procedure for three minutes in a desper- ate effort to bring the young girl from Finland back from the brink of death.

who were killed and injured. Marchers walked from the mosque in Pound Street to Newbury Town Hall, before there was a minute’s silence for the victims of the attack, a laying of flowers and prayers.

Nizami, said:“ These were not the actions of a Muslim but an act of a terrorist who does not believe in God or humanity. We are British; we are British Muslims and no one will take that away from us.”

Welcome to

Hungerford

A bright and spacious care home

Hungerford Care Home, in Berkshire, is located just two miles from the picturesque market town of Hungerford. Here you’ll find amenities, eateries and river walks. FOODAND DINING

Our 52 bedrooms are set across two floors and each wing has its own light and airy lounge and dining room with views of the gardens, meaning peace and tranquillity is never far away.We have a number of well-maintained gardens and greenhouse with wheelchair access.There is a mature orchard, sheltered seating area and secure sensory garden suitable for residents with dementia.

PERSONALAND QUALITY CARE When you arrive at Hungerford, we’ll sit down together to understand you, your life story and your needs.We’ll then create a personal care plan together with you, our carers and your relatives. Our nursing and dementia care is first- class: we provide the most up to date training for our carers, and support for our residents. All residents are treated as individuals, with their life experiences directly shaping their care plan. We also provide excellent respite care for short term stays.

At Hungerford, we love our food.We firmly believe that when you eat well, you live well too. Each day our chef prepares restaurant style, 3-course meals combining variety with a balanced diet and an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. We can also cater to any dietary or health requirements.

To arrange a visit and see for yourself, please contact the Home Manager Hungerford Care Home Wantage Road, Hungerford Newtown Berkshire RG17 0PN Tel: 01488 682002 hungerford@brighterkind.com www.brighterkind.com/hungerford

“”

Hungerford care home is amazing. The staff are always polite and welcoming.