Thursday 1 August 2024
Our usual round-up of local news includes interesting items, a sponsored walk, tea, rocks and a circus – plus news of a welcome pause on the schools clawback issue. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Afternoon Tea with the Aldworth Giants. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• Pausing the claw
The furore about the proposed clawback of surplus funds from several schools in West Berkshire (including The Downs) has not gone away but, it being August, there’s not a great deal that can be done over the next month or so. Both sides, if I can use such an adversarial term, will be looking over the situation and the regulations and hopefully establishing some common ground.
The basic positions seem to be unchanged: West Berkshire Council believes that the clawback process has been managed correctly and that the money is needed sooner rather than later; many of the schools feel that in some cases the sums have been incorrectly calculated and that the timing has been deeply problematic.
Between these two positions there’s the possibility for any amount of nuance and compromise. WBC’s Leader Jeff Brooks said last week that he invited any school which had concerns about the process to contact him, and I understand that several have done so. I’m sure we can rely on him to respond. A good deal of work should thus be taking place behind the scenes, therefore, but as far as news is concerned matters have probably reached a definite pause.
WBC’s Minority Group Leader David Marsh told Penny Post on 1 August that he “welcomed the fact that Councillor Brooks has responded to what we’ve been asking. It’s good that he’s giving the schools an opportunity to state their case rather than rushing into a decision. Hopefully the matter will have been resolved by the end of the summer.”
The next public outing for the issue will be at an extraordinary Full Council meeting of WBC on 5 September.
I’m grateful to Jeff Brooks for having taken the time to respond to various questions I had. Despite this, I’m still not completely clear about whether the account the money is held in, the way it was raised or the extent to which it’s been committed is the key factor in deciding whether it can be clawed back. However, assurances have been given that the matter will be carefully considered so I don’t think there’s much to be gained from going over these now. To have unambiguous definitions emerge from the discussions is really what’s needed.
Other news
• Quick reminder about West Berkshire Museum’s Focus on Compton Exhibition from 2 October 2024 to 5 October 2025. If you have any interesting items which represent Compton’s history that you would like to loan for the exhibition, please contact Museum Curator Janine Fox on janine.fox1@westberks.gov.uk or 01635 519532 or 07787 828189.
• 1st Compton Guides, part of Girlguiding West Berkshire, is looking for volunteers to join its enthusiastic leadership team. If you are interested in finding out more please click here.
• Although the kids have only just broken up from school, it’s worth flagging up the annual sponsored 10k walk on Thursday 19 September for all The Downs School & Sixth Form, students and staff in September to raise vital funds for the school. Good luck, there’s six weeks to train and gather all those sponsorships.
• In the meantime, The Downs School & Sixth Form are excited to announce projects that they have planned for the summer. One is to update the top floor of its GT building from three classrooms rooms to five as well as continuing refurbishment, painting classrooms, fixing furniture and deep cleaning. Two corporate volunteer teams will be donating their time to help maintain their grounds, for which they are very thankful.
• It’s the last chance to get involved in The Big Butterfly Count which runs until Sunday 4 August. Given that the weather has taken a turn for the better at the moment, why not take the opportunity to assess the state of our butterfly population. Click here for more information.
• St Mary’s Church in Aldworth invites you to Afternoon Tea with the Aldworth Giants every Wednesday until the end of September from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. A selection of delicious homemade cakes and treats is served with teas, coffees and much more.
• Berkshire Vision is a local sight loss charity providing a wide range of support services to anyone who is blind or visually impaired in Berkshire, including a full programme of adapted sports and social activities lined up for August. With opportunities to enjoy a drink and a chat at one of its social groups across the county to swimming, dragon boating, tandem cycling and much more. For full information call 0118 987 2803 or click here.
• For more inspiration regarding family and children’s activities this summer holiday see our Local Summer Holiday Guide for days out, family activities, summer camps, fun for free and some great recipes to enjoy making at home.
• Quick reminder about West Berkshire Foodbank drop-off points at The Downland Practice surgeries in Chieveley and Compton. The foodbank has sadly experienced a drop in donations in recent months which has made it extremely difficult to ensure they can provide the support to those in crisis in the area. Even if you could add just one item to your shopping list each week, it would make a huge difference.
• Friends of Compton Primary School are excited to announce the return of Happy’s Circus, which was a sell-out show last year. Tickets are available now for Saturday 21 September at Compton recreation ground here.
• West Berkshire Council wants feedback on its SEND Local Offer website, which includes information about the services available for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Berkshire. Have your say on the website and how easily you can find the information by participating in the survey here. For more surveys to participate in, please see the have your say section below.
• Keep an eye out for some lovely rocks that the 1st Compton Squirrels have painted and hidden about the village. Let them know on their facebook page if you find any.
• If you know someone who finds it difficult to visit the library, through age, disability or other special circumstances, the library may be able to come to you. Contact West Berks Libraries “At Home” service by phoning 01635 519827 or email library@westberks.gov.uk
• Would you like to help inspire the future workforce? Education Business Partnership helps prepare our local young people for the world of work, and to do this EBP relies on the support of local businesses and professionals. If you would like to volunteer your expertise please see here for more details.
• The Rural Business Grant Scheme funds micro and small businesses located in rural areas across West Berkshire to help facilitate growth, diversify, and support the rural economy. See details here on how to apply.
• For road closures and other news visit Hampstead Norreys Parish Council‘s facebook page.
• Have your say
Have your say on current consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:
Draft Parking Review of Off-Street Parking Places Amendment 13 (REF0013IM) – deadline 2 August 2024.
Argyle Road, Hampton Road and Derby Road, Newbury: Proposed 20mph speed limit – deadline 9 August 2024.
Draft Nuisance Policy 2024-2027 – deadline 19 August 2024.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Local Offer User Voice Survey – deadline 1 September 2024.
West Berkshire Bus Service Survey 2024 – deadline 8 September 2024.
Draft West Berkshire Statement of Gambling Principles 2025-2028 – deadline 12 September 2024.
Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
• Latest local newsletters
Community notices
• Have your say on current consultations by West Berkshire Council. Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
• Drop-in café at St Mary & St Nicholas, Compton on the last Wednesday afternoon of the month at Compton Village Hall. Refreshments and friendly chit-chat. Open to anyone.
• Downland Volunteer Group has a new electric HandeBus. For those wishing to use the HandeBus or volunteer to help the DVG’s work, contact 07713 813 523; dvg.handebus@btinternet.com; or at www.downlandvolgroup.org. More information can also be found here.
• U6, U7 and U16 footballers are welcome at FC Cougars. Please contact graham on graham@fccougars.com.
• Compton Parish Council is keen to remind residents to please take rubbish home with them if litter bins are full.
• Compton Karate based at Aldworth Village Hall is a small and friendly dojo that welcomes new members.
• For how to avoid scams and what to do if you unluckily get caught, please see important advice here from Citizen’s Advice. There is no shame if you do get caught out by scammers (Penny has) and you must seek help and warn others.
Local events and activities
For more information on events and activities across the Penny Post area, see the website calendar.
• Dates for the diary
• Every Wed until end Sep: Afternoon Tea with the Aldworth Giants, St Mary’s Church, Aldworth.
• Sat 21 Sep Happy’s Circus Compton Recreation Ground
• Sat 28 Sep Family Prize Bingo Compton Village Hall
• Regular events and groups
• Stay, Play and Learn at Compton Village Hall on Thursday mornings during term for children 0-4 years to socialise with others, exploring a variety of play activities and crafts. Book online with West Berkshire Council here.
• The Handybus service to Wantage picks up Chaddleworth and Leckhamstead residents from their homes on the second and fourth Tuesday morning. The round trip will cost £4. See here for more details and how to book.
• Marcham Cricket Club welcomes new cricket players and officials.
• Tea and a Chat on Mondays from 9.30am to 11am at the Wilkins Centre in Compton: all welcome.
• Downland Practice – Social Prescribing reminds patients that Hillier’s Garden Centre is delighted to be able to host the Ladies Breakfast Club on the second Wednesday of every month.
• Wellbeing and mental health free one hour introduction session with Recovery in Mind and The Downland Practice. Please contact pm.downland@nhs.net to book your place.
• Drop Off/Drop In Coffee Morning every Wednesday during term time at Brightwalton Church from 8.45 to 10am.
• Free coffee and cake morning at The Wilkins Centre in Compton from 9.30 am to 11 am every Monday.
• Aldworth Saturday Market at Aldworth Village Hall, RG8 9SE from 10.30am to midday sells fresh fruit and vegetables, groceries, stamps and cards plus tea and coffee. Contact Kathy on 01635 578090 or e-mail kathyneville@outlook.com
• The Gents Breakfast Club created by The Downland Practice – Social Prescribing is proving popular. If you would like more information please contact nicky.ager@nhs.net.
• Compton Tots on the first and third Thursday of every month at Compton Village Hall from 9.30am to 11am. Providing a safe, fun and educational space, in partnership will Compton Pre-school for 0-5 years and costs £2 per family (cash only).
• Quiz night at The Crown and Horns in East Ilsley every Thursday from 7pm with prizes to be won. You can reserve a table by calling 01635 281545 and see more information here.
• Brickleton Babes Baby and Toddler Group in Brightwalton Village Hall. Join their facebook group for details.
• Autumn Group regular meetings include the Hobbies Club at the Wilkins Centre, Compton. Visit their facebook page for details. Anyone from surrounding villages very welcome.
• Aldworth Art/Painting Group at the Aldworth Village Hall on first and third Tuesday of every month from 9.30am to noon. Details on the East Ilsley Communicator (issue 105, p 21) here.
• Aldworth Craft Group meet at Aldworth Village Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month (within the school term time) from 10am to noon. More details in the East Ilsley Communicator (issue 105, p 16), which you can download here.
• Hampstead Norreys Village Hall club and event information is on Hampstead Norreys Community website.
• Ilsley Under Fives meet every Wednesday between 10am to 11.30am at various locations throughout the Ilsley villages. Please join their Facebook group or see details here.
News from your local council
Note: “the most recent meeting” refers to the most recent one for which minutes (in some cases draft) or some other summary is available. Other meetings may have taken place since. Some councils publish minutes more promptly than do others. If the link is scored through this may be because draft minutes have been replaced by approved ones and the drafts file deleted. If so, please follow the links provided to the council’s website.
• The most recent meeting of Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 15 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a report from the ward member; matters arising; planning matters; financial matters; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 15 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a report from the ward member; speeding; footpath signage; council policies; highways; planning matters; financial matters; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 July and you can read the minutes here. items covered included: matters arising; financial matters; and planning matters.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: planning matters; the phone box; speeding; repairs and maintenance; and financial matters.
To see the dates and agendas for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see minutes from past meetings please click here. Please click here for details of the planning applications currently active in the parish.
• The most recent meeting of Chaddleworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a councillor co-option; planning matters; financial matters; the neighbourhood plan; repairs and maintenance; and reports from councillors and the Clerk.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 July and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: The Village Green; the 2024-25 budget; parking at Bell Lane; two councillor vacancies; financial matters; and mobile phone coverage.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 25 June and you can download the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
• The most recent meeting of Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 June and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates of future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see the agendas, please click here. To see the minutes click here. Please click here for the latest on Compton’s neighbourhood development plan (which has now been ratified).
• The most recent meeting of Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available took place on 23 May and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.
.• The most recent meeting of West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 14 May and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees) please click here.
• Compton & Downlands area council contacts
Parishes: Hampstead Norreys Parish Council, Compton Parish Council, Ashampstead Parish Council, Beedon Parish Council, Chaddleworth Parish Council, Brightwalton Parish Council, Peasemore Parish Council, Aldworth Parish Council, West Ilsley Parish Council and East Ilsley Parish Council.
West Berkshire Council: click here to visit the website.
News from other areas
• Penny Post area – please see the following separate sections: Hungerford area; Lambourn Valley; Newbury area; Thatcham area; Burghfield area; Wantage area; Marlborough area.
• News and views from across the area and beyond: please see the most recent Weekly News with Brian column.
