Thursday 2 October 2025      

Our usual round-up of local news includes a weight-restriction petition in West Ilsley, flood risks, housing needs, recycling, new members, ladies in retirement and compost. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Compton area events include Ladies Breakfast Club and Musical Get-together. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• West Ilsley’s petition

West Ilsley Parish Council has launched a petition calling on West Berkshire Council to implement a weight restriction on Bury Lane, following repeated incidents where HGVs have diverted through the village during A34 closures.

“The most recent event on 7 February 2025 saw hundreds of vehicles rerouted through West Ilsley, causing significant disruption, damage to infrastructure, and serious safety concerns,” a statement from the council reads. “Residents were left to manage traffic themselves, with no official support, and a resident was nearly struck by a lorry mounting the kerb.

“The petition (which is open until 12 November) seeks to prevent future occurrences by formally requesting a weight limit on Bury Lane, supported by signage and enforcement.”

Paper copies will be available at The Harrow and the Cricket Club. An online version is available here. West Ilsley Parish Council says that it “encourages all residents and supporters to sign and share the petition to help safeguard the village.”

• Other news

• As Autumn gains apace, the potential for more rain, and therefore potential flooding, becomes front and centre. Compton Parish Council is keen to remind residents that whilst they maintain the section of the Pang watercourse by the recreation ground, all other stretches are the responsibility of adjacent landowners. If your land borders the watercourse and the opposite side is a highway, you’re responsible for the full width so now is the time to check for blockages, remove debris, and help prevent flooding. For full details click here.

• Compton Parish Council has published the initial results of Compton’s 2025 Housing Needs Survey. The summary, produced by Connecting Communities in Berkshire, offers a first look at local housing needs and is already being used as evidence to respond to planning applications in the village. More insights will follow once the full analysis is complete. To view this summary click here.

• Compton and Downlands Menopause Cafe next meets on Saturday 11 October at The Swan at Compton from 10am to noon (also on 13 December at the same place). The idea behind the Menopause Cafe is for women to support each other and to offer a safe place to chat with others about menopause and perimenopause and its impact on lives and wellbeing. For more information or to tell us you’re planning to come contact Cathy on 07787 517871 or catherineleatham@gmail.com.

• West Berkshire Council has now introduced three-weekly black bin collections . To check when your next bin, recycling and food-waste collection day is (respectively every three, two and one week), use the online bin-day finder.

• 1st Compton Brownies is looking for new members. If you are interested in finding out more, please email lama@1stcompton.co.uk.

• The next Fantastic Friday trips in the Downland Volunteers Group Handebus will be to Cheltenham on Friday 3 October and Westonburt Arboretum on Friday 17 October. See here for details and how to book.

• This autumn Compton Players revisit a classic production originally staged by them in 1973. Ladies In Retirement by Edward Percy and Reginald Denham marks the 60th anniversary for their director Eric Saxton. Performances will be staged on 13 to 15  November and the box office will open shortly.

• West Berkshire Council is organising a free soil conditioner giveaway on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October at Padworth Integrated Waste Management Facility (RG7 4JF). For full details click here.

• As we’ve mentioned previously, in late 2024, an application was lodged by Archel Homes to build forty homes on the former Baxter Healthcare site in Compton. You can see the documents, and make your comments, by visiting WBC’s planning portal and entering the reference 24/02809/FULMAJ. You can also click here to visit the project’s website. As the matter has yet to be determined, and as there have been some changes made to the scheme, you can still comment on the application through the above link on WBC’s website.

• Compton Netball is back every Thursday at Downland Sports Centre from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. It costs £4 a session if you have a West Berkshire card and £5 without.

• The Focus on Compton exhibition is well worth a visit at West Berkshire Museum. It’s a fascinating look at the village’s history and archaeology and runs until 8 February 2026. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm and entry is free.

• Thames Valley Police advise the public that it is deer rutting season for the next couple of months, so drivers should be extra vigilant when  driving in rural areas, to avoid hitting one on the roads. For more details click here.

• The Downland Practice is looking for volunteer drivers to support their patients, by providing transport to essential medical appointments. Even if you can only offer one trip a month, your help would be hugely appreciated. Please call 01635 578394 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 11.30am) for more information.

• Local residents are invited to make more Poppies and/or Peace Doves to add to the display in Compton Church, for everyone to enjoy.

• Quick reminder that Compton Parish Council has created a detailed map of scenic walks in the area, that can be downloaded here, for free.

• The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service is offering a Free Safe & Well Visit to a whole host of individuals, see here.  To see if you qualify call Freephone 0800 5876679 or email SafeandWell@rbfrs.co.uk.

• Don’t forget the Household Support Fund is there to support those most in need. Priority will be given to households who are ineligible for other government support and vulnerable groups regarding the cost of living crisis. To apply click here.

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

• Latest local newsletters

• Chaddleworth News.
• West Ilsley News.

• Have your say on:

Consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:

• Extension of pedestrianisation hours for Newbury Town Centre from 10am-5pm to 10am-11pm trial – deadline 19 Nov.
• Springfield Primary School – School Streets Scheme – deadline 2 December.

Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.

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.

• Compton Netball, for all ages and all abilities at The Downs School Sports Hall. Please message Nadia Oriani Balfour  if you’re interested and she will send you a link to the WhatsApp group.

• West Ilsley Willows women’s cricket team West Ilsley Willows welcomes new members. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned player go along to meet the team at a Thursday evening training.

• The Downlands Practice Social Prescribing Facebook page has details of social get-togethers and community support.

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

• Ilsley Evergreens welcomes all to join its coach day trips. Just contact Liane on ilsleysevergreens@gmail.com 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

• Every Weds until end Sept Afternoon Tea with the Giants, St Mary’s Church, Aldworth.

• Until Feb 2026 Focus on Compton Exhibition, West Berkshire Museum.

• Wed 8 Oct Ladies Breakfast Club Hilliers Garden Centre.

• Sat 18 Oct Casual Music get together The Harrow West Ilsley.

• Sat 8 Nov Candlelit Market Hampstead Norreys Community Shop

• Sat 30 Nov Handmade Christmas Market Hermitage 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.

•  Compton Pop-up Library is on the second Thursday of every month from 10.15am to 11.45am, in Compton Village Hall. What’s more, if you tell them about the sort of books you like to read they will choose a selection for your next visit.

• Leckhampstead Pop-up Library is at Leckhampstead Village Hall on the first Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12pm. See details here. New library members very welcome to join.

• Allotment plots available at Newbury Lane allotment in Compton from £12.50 per year. If you’re interested please mail newburylaneallotmentmanager@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk.

• Marcham Cricket Club welcomes new cricket players and officials.

• Tea and a Chat on Mondays from 9.30 to 11am at the Wilkins Centre in Compton: all welcome.

• Downland Practice’s 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 10 a.m.

• 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 9.30 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 12 noon. Details here.

• Hampstead Norreys Village Hall club and event information is on Hampstead Norreys Community website.

• Ilsley Under Fives meets every Wednesday between 10am to 11.30 a.m 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 East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 9 September and you can download the minutes here. Items covered included: a Clerk’s resignation; a new member; the Ward member’s update; code of conduct; dog bins; fencing; speeding; repairs and maintenance; hedges; and financial matters.
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 8 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: speeding; a report from a Ward Member; Police matters; planning matters; defrillator training; the open space review; trees; and financial matters.
You can click here to read the text of the Chair’s address to the annual parish meeting, also on 19 May.
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 8 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a re3port from the Ward Member; the Village Co-ordinator; vandalism at the church; village housing; repairs and maintenance; planning matters; highways; 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 Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 4 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: financial matters; the Clerk’s report; the layby’s litter bin; and the budget report.
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 Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 1 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a report from the Ward member; planning matters; financial matters; the housing needs survey; and repairs and maintenance.
You can also click here to read the minutes of Compton’s Annual Parish Meeting on 10 March. We have also published the Chair’s address in a separate post which you can read here.
To see the dates of future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), agendas and minutes, please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 September and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the member’s bid; flowering bulbs; repairs and maintenance; planning matters; 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 Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available  took place on 24 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 Chaddleworth 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 Peasemore Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 21 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 1 May and you can read the minutes here.
You can also click here to read the minutes of the annual parish meeting on 20 May.
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: see the following separate sections: Hungerford area; Lambourn Valley; Newbury area; Thatcham area; Compton and Downlands; Burghfield area; Wantage area; Marlborough area.

• News and views from across the area and beyond: see the most recent Weekly News with Brian column.

Archives

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