Thursday 4 December 2025      

Our usual round-up of local news includes Project Groundwater proposes nature-based solutions for the Pang and 20mph speed limits – plus a trail, a raffle, a café, trips, decorations, calendars and free bus travel. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Compton area events include Compton Christmas Market & Lights Switch-on. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Nature-based solutions

Project Groundwater, part of Defra’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FCRIP), is working with communities across the Berkshire Downs and Chiltern Hills to drive innovation in groundwater flood risk management. One of the practical actions Project Groundwater is developing is the use of nature-based solutions.

Project Groundwater is running a Q&A Information Evening on the Pang Valley (East Ilsley and Compton) winterbourne restoration on Tuesday 16 December from 5:30pm to 7.00pm. You can register here. In this Q&A Information Evening, technical experts will introduce the Pang Valley Nature-Based Solutions Project.

This proposed initiative aims to recreate a seasonal winterbourne channel, improve flow away from East Ilsley pond and store and hold water on Dyson land before it flows to Compton. This will help to:

• Manage seasonal groundwater flows
• Hold back water
• Reduce sediment pollution
• Improve water quality in the River Pang.

• 20mph zones: the lessons from Theale

Several 20mph areas were introduced as a pilot scheme in Theale about a year ago (there are now five such zones in the village) and more are planned to be rolled out in other areas, starting with parts of Thatcham. There is a four-year project in place to look at all towns and villages in the district. More information is expected to be announced by WBC in the new year.

Given the amount of local interest these proposals might provoke, it seemed worth having a chat with Theale Parish Council to see how it felt the scheme there had gone.

In general, it seems to have been a success. One area is proving particularly difficult but in general it appears that it’s had the intended result of reducing speeds, if not to 20mph then to under 30. With the Police unwilling and unable to enforce these (or any other) limits except for now and then, this is as much as can realistically be hoped for.

The Council also made three other observations which other communities might want to bear in mind.

• There were initial teething problems, mainly with the positioning and visibility of the signs (to which WBC responded very promptly). On day one, therefore, check all of these and let the highways team know if anything needs improving.
• Theale asked for WBC to produce a six-month review with data, which it did. This enabled Theale PC to share with residents the proof that the measures were having an effect.
• Parish and town councils are no highways authorities and so don’t make or enforce any of the decisions. They are, however, often the first organisation to which residents complain when there are problems. When the scheme had been running for a couple of months, Theale PC invited WBC’s highways team to come to an open meeting to explain what it was doing and why. This helped people understand what was happening and made it clear to where any future comments should be directed.

• Other news

• The Compton Christmas Trail is now live, a fun and interactive way to celebrate the season while exploring the village. Just pick up your map from the village shop, then at each stop you’ll find a Christmas-themed question for the family to solve. Complete the trail by answering all the questions and return your sheet to the shop by Saturday 20 December. Every completed entry will be entered into a draw to win a Christmas hamper.

• Don’t forget that you can support your local primary school by entering Friends of Compton Primary School’s Christmas Raffle. Fifteen prizes include a beautiful Christmas tree from Yattendon Estates. Click here for more info.

• Would you like a safe place to chat with others about menopause and peri menopause and its impact on our lives and wellbeing? Compton & Downland Villages Menopause Cafe meets at The Swan at Compton on selected Saturday mornings from 10am to 12noon. The next date is Saturday 13 December. To find out more or to book a space call Cathy on 07787 517871 or email catherineleatham@gmail.com. For more details visit menopausecafe.net

• The next Fantastic Friday trips in the Downland Volunteers Group Handebus will be to Bath for Christmas shopping on Friday 5 December and to Oxford for Christmas shopping on Friday 12 December. See here for details and how to book.

• Quick reminder that attractive Compton and West Berkshire Calendars are being sold by Compton Chicks in aid of Berkshire Women’s Aid. To order your calendar, call 07773 252 744 or email chantal@appletreeuk.com. You can pay by cash, or make a donation directly to the Chicks’ fundraising page here.

• West Berkshire Council is pleased once again to offer free bus travel in West Berkshire on Saturdays 6, 13 and 20 December 2025. This initiative has been developed in partnership with other local bus operators  to encourage the community to get out and about over the festive season without the need for a car. Simply board the bus within West Berkshire and travel for free all day. The offer applies to journeys beginning and ending in West Berkshire – to make use of the free travel offer remember to ask the driver for a return ticket when you board. See more details here.

• Christmas decoration making in Compton Village Hall this Sunday 6 December, including mini wooden Christmas Trees, Gift Tags, Christmas Stars, Christmas Baubles and two different types of Christmas Wreaths. Book here. In aid of Compton Chicks’ chosen charity Berkshire Women’s Aid.

• The Downs School is offering a free six-week Parenting Challenge Course on Monday evenings, from 7pm to 9pm, from January 5 to February 9 next year. For full details click here.

• Hampstead Norreys Handbell Ringers are looking for new members. So if you are looking for a new hobby, have a musical ear and are keen on community, why not click here for full details.

• Hampstead Norreys Parish Council is looking to make Church Street safer by gathering evidence to support the installation of a children’s crossing place and hedgehog warning signs. Click here for The Children Crossing Survey (to be filled out by parents/guardians only) and here for the Hedgehog Sightings on Church Street Survey.

• 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. Paper copies are 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.”

• 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 to 4pm and entry is free.

• The Downland Volunteer Group is looking for volunteer drivers to provide transport for local residents needing to get 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.

• 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:

• Proposal for the expansion of the SEND Resource Unit (Phase 1) in Tilehurst – deadline 17 Dec.
• Draft Parking Review – Traffic Regulation Order Amendment No. 37 (Ref: PSA037) – deadline 18 Dec.
• Draft Updated Stanford Dingley Parish Design Statement (2025) – deadline 19 Dec.
• Draft Playing Pitch Strategy 2025-2041 – deadline 4 Jan 2026.
• Budget proposals 2026/27: To cease directly providing Adult Respite in the Community (ARC) services, which will be commissioned from alternative providers – deadline 12 Jan 2026.
• Budget proposals 2026/27: To extend and increase the peak-time hire charges for the artificial pitch at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground – deadline 12 Jan 2026.

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.

• Scam reminders from Citizens Advice with most common types of scam. The golden rule is if something seems too good to be true or doesn’t feel right it might be a scam, so take a moment and get advice or just ask a friend.

• 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

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

• Sun 7 Dec Compton Draghound Meet Hamilton Stables Compton

• Sun 7 Dec Christmas Market The Swan at Compton.

• Sun 7 Dec Compton Christmas Lights Switch On The Swan at Compton.

• Sun 7 Dec Candlelit Advent Service St Mary’s Hampstead Norreys

• Tue 9 Dec Hampstead Norreys WI Christmas Lunch The White Hart

• Tue 9 Dec Pang Valley Chalk Circle Frilsham Clubroom.

• Thu 13 Dec Christmas Quiz Compton Swan

• Sat 15 Nov Men’s Breakfast Hampstead Norreys Village Hall.

• Sat 13 Dec Christmas Extravaganza & Market Compton Village Hall.

• Tue 16 Dec Project Groundwater Q & A Scout Hut Compton.

• Wed 17 Dec Community Christmas Meal Hampstead Norreys Community Shop.

• Thu 18 Dec Christmas Carols  The White Hart.

• Sat 10 Jan Board Game Event 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.

•  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 West Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 18 November and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the weight-limit petition; planning matters; financial matters; the proposed 20mph speed limit; the Village Hall; the budget (£11,304) and the precept rise (£.76%) for 2026-27; flooding issues; and traffic management.
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 10 November and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: speeding and signage; the ward member’s report; the member’s bid; council policies; 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 Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 3 November and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: the Ward member’s report; the pop-up library; reports from working parties; planning matters; and financial matters.
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 Hampstead Norreys Council for which minutes are available  took place on 25 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 East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 9 September 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 Brightwalton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 8 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 Beedon Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 4 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 Aldworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 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 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 2 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. 

• 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.