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Compton & Downlands Weekly News, Thursday 24 October 2024

Compton & Downland Weekly News header

Thursday 24 October 2024     

Our usual round-up of local news includes jabs, closures, community support, pumpkins and education – plus a farewell from Cognition, flood preparation in Compton and a warning about an email scam. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Compton area events include Scarecrow Trail & Dracula. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Farewell from Congnition

As mentioned before, Cognition Land + Water has now all but finished its decontamination of the former Pirbright site in Compton. The company has recently provided us with a summary of the final stages of the work and some revealing before-and-after photos which we’ll be publishing as a separate post for next week’s issue. The article will also be available in the December/January issue of Compilations magazine which will be dropping through letterboxes in Compton and East Ilsley in about a month’s time.

“We wish our client, Homes England, and their chosen developer our very best wishes in taking the site forward,” Cognition’s statement concludes. All the evidence suggests that whoever the developer is will have a clean site to work with. When the approval was granted at planning committee a couple of years ago, a few members expressed fears that corners might be cut and the job generally handled less than professionally. I shared these misgivings. Time will tell: but it seems, and not for the first time, that I was wrong. 

If you feel differently, please get in touch with Cognition directly on 03333 494 400 or compton@cognitionltd.com, and let us know as well.

• Flood preparation

Compton Parish Council is keen for residents to receive this update from the Flood Warden for Compton. It’s not great news…

Recent heavy rain (September had three and a half times times the historical average) means that the groundwater around Compton is as high as it has ever been at this time of year. The groundwater levels have also started to increase about a month earlier than usual. This means that it is very likely that the Pang and Roden will flow through Compton this year, and that this will start earlier than last year. Since the groundwater levels will be high it is very likely that those residents who have to pump out their cellars will have to start this earlier than they usually do.

It is also important that residents with riparian responsibilities keep the course of the Pang and Roden clear. The website of the Pang Valley Flood Forum has all the latest data on groundwater levels as well as links to plenty of other useful information.

• Scourge of our time

A few years ago, Penny fell for a scam resulting from a friend’s facebook messenger account being hacked. A dear friend has just done the same. They both were scam-aware but, at that very moment, were also distracted. Try to remember that if someone you know contacts you digitally, however plausible their request, first ask them a question only they would know the answer to. Or just give them a call. These days, banks are good at reminding you about scams before you make a BACS transfer: now scammers are asking for gift vouchers to be bought on platforms like Amazon because they don’t have such warnings.

This year’s Scams Awareness Week campaign run by the Public Protection Partnership and Citizens Advice focuses on investment and financial planning scams. At a time when many people are in debt or concerned about the cost of living, investment opportunities that offer large profits can seem irrestistable and fraudsters are using high-pressure sales techniques to get vulnerable consumers to invest in their schemes.

If the deal seems too good to be true it usually is. If someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly, encourages you to pay quickly or share personal information, they are a scammer. Likewise if someone calls saying they are from your bank and are asking for any kind of information, even if they know a lot about your account, just hang up. They have probably hacked into your account but just need your code to withdraw funds from it. Call the bank back on a number you trust.

On top of the financial loss, victims often feel shame and embarrassment. But that’s what the fraudsters rely on so you don’t report the crime. Remember they are the guilty party, not you.

• Other news

• Good news that Friends of Compton Primary School’s annual Scarecrow Trail has received enough entries to go ahead from 28 October to 3 November. See details here.

• West Berkshire Health & Wellbeing encourage and remind everyone, that as winter approaches it is time to check your eligibility for flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Book now here.

• As millions of pumpkins hit supermarket shelves and make their way to homes across the country, Forestry England is reminding us not to leave spent pumpkins in forests or woodlands regardless of well-meaning social media posts encouraging people to leave them for wildlife to eat.Pumpkins are not natural to woodlands and can make some animals, including hedgehogs, very poorly. Decomposing food waste can also attract pests and spread disease.

• The Complaints & Standards Committee conducts regular, thorough reviews of the complaint-handing and review processes within Thames Valley Police, helping to ensure that the force achieves the highest levels of integrity and trust within the community. Volunteer Connect are currently looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about community, perhaps retired professionals or young adults wanting to pursue a career in public service. Full training will be given, including observation of frontline officers at work, and out of pocket expenses paid. If you are interested or would like further information, please email info@volunteerconnect.org.uk

• Aldworth Road in Aldworth will be closed from Friday 25 to Tuesday 29 October, between its junction with Coombe Road and its junction with Haw Lane to enable Thames Water to install new mains and service connections. All enquiries should be directed to Network Plus on 03339 960672. A plan of the closure can be found here.

• West Berkshire Council is inviting residents to nominate individuals and groups for The Community Champion Awards 2024. All nominations will be judged by an independent panel and the winners will be presented with their award at a ceremony to be held in February 2025. Say a big thank you to those who have contributed to your community by nominating online here. The closing date is 11 November 2024. Paper nomination forms can be obtained by calling 01635 503973.

• Tickets are selling fast for Compton Players‘ Dracula on October 24, 25, and 31 as well as November 1 and 2. There will also be a special one-off late-night performance on Saturday 26 October, which includes a meal. You can book now here or call 07554 842207.

• For other Hampstead Norreys news visit the Parish Council’s facebook page.

• Follow the Downlands Practice – Social Prescribing facebook page for details of social get-togethers and community support. And quick reminder it has drop-off points for West Berkshire Foodbank at its surgeries in Compton and Chieveley.

• The Funky Noodle in Chaddleworth offers a delicious take-away and delivery service. See its October menu here.

• Calling young families – do pop along to Compton Stay, Learn & Play in Compton Village Hall on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. See here for details.

• Click here to see the October 2024 edition of Chaddleworth News. Items covered include a farewell, an epic cycle tour, marrows, cricket, Halloween dogs, reports from the local schools, a harvest supper, the pub, the Village Hall and news from other local clubs and organisations. To subscribe, to contribute, to advertise and to get more information on the publication, contact David at ChaddNews@gmail.com.

• Would you like to volunteer your business expertise to help Education Business Partnership prepare our local young people for work? EBP needs volunteers for in-school sessions across Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford and Kintbury.

• Have your say

Have your say on current consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:

Extension to Newbury Town Centre pedestrianisation hours – deadline 5 November 2024.
Draft Waste Management Strategy 2025-2032 – deadline 6 November 2024.
Draft Carers Strategy 2024 – 27 – deadline 17 November 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.

• Ilsley Evergreens welcomes all to join its coach day trips. Just call Tony on 07780 994297 or 01635 281997 to book a place.

• Downland Volunteer Group has an 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 on its website. 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 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

• West Berkshire Museum‘s Focus on Compton Exhibition until 5 October 2025.

• Mon 28 Oct to Sun 3 Nov Compton Scarecrow Trail.

• Tue 5 Nov Xmas Pudding & Rum Butter Making, Hampstead Norreys Village Hall.

• Sat 23 Nov Candlelit Market, Hampstead Norreys Community Shop.

• Sun 15 Dec Christmas Market, The Swan Compton.

• 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.

• Aldworth Saturday Market at Aldworth Village Hall, RG8 9SE from 10.30am to 12noon 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 its facebook group for details.

• Autumn Group regular meetings include the Hobbies Club at the Wilkins Centre, Compton. Visit its 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 meets at Aldworth Village Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month (within the school term time) from 10am to 12noon. 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 its 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 West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 10 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: matters arising; a report from the ward member; planning matters; financial matters; parking; the Village Hall; and speeding.
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 9 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the ward member’s report; police matters; roads, footpaths and byways; planning matters; open spaces; speeding; emergency planning; and financial matters.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 9 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a possible bicycle pump track; a report from the Community Co-ordinator; the telephone box; village housing; new trees; repairs and maintenance; planning matters; financial matters; and drainage issues at Butts Furlong.
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 5 September and you can read the minutes here.
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 3 September 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 Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the Sports Pavilion; planning matters; and financial matters.
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 25 July 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 Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 July 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 Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 July 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 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.

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.

Archives

To see earlier Compton & Downlands & Surrounding Area Weekly News columns, please click here.

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