Thursday 5 March 2026
Our usual round-up of local news includes further public consideration of the Pirbright application, Compton’s annual meeting and ARK looks at some dirty water business – plus, guides, books, a spring production, tools, allotments and the Foodbank. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Hampstead Norreys Mens Breakfast & Compton Pop-up Library. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• Compton Parish Council to consider the Pirbright application
As previously mentioned, the full application for 160 homes on this site has recently be submitted and validated by WBC. You can see all the documents by clicking here and quoting the reference number 26/00261/RESMAJ.
In last week’s column we looked at the history of this complex proposed development and some of the hurdles which it still has to cross.
Compton PC and the ward member have been watching this complex application very carefully and will continue to do so. Compton PC has forwarded the information on this latest application to its planning consultant to provide it with an advice note. It will also be holding a separate meeting to discuss the application. This will take place on Wednesday 11 March at 7 pm in the Wilkins Centre to discuss this application. All members of the public are very welcome to attend.
• Compton’s Annual Parish Meeting
This will take place on Monday 16 March at 7 pm in the Wilkins Centre. Everyone in the village is invited to take part.
“It’s a chance to hear updates from The Downland Practice, our District Councillor, the Parish Council, and local groups who keep our community thriving,” a statement from the Parish Council explained. “We’ll look back at the past year, share what’s ahead, and give space for residents to raise questions or ideas. Whether you’re new to the parish or have lived here for years, your voice matters. We hope to see you there.”
• Dirty business
Channel 4′ s recent hard hitting docu-drama Dirty Business will have confirmed what most of us know, and many of us have experienced first hand, about the failure to protect our rivers from sewage pollution and the devastating consequence for both wildlife and people. Marlborough-based Action for the River Kennet has been highlighting this issue for more than twenty years.
A statement from ARK pointed out that Windrush Against Sewage Pollution’s rigorous analysis of illegal sewage discharges, showcased in Dirty Business, ranks the Pang as the most “victimised” river in Thames Water’s region – and there are quite a few to choose from – with the worst offending works being at Hampstead Norreys.
“On the SAC-protected River Lambourn,” ARK’s statement continues, “where the works at East Shefford have been upgraded, illegal spills have still occurred. WASP’s analysis raises some serious questions about the sewage treatment standards.”
Nor does the Kennet get a clean bill of health, being ranked tenth in terms of rivers suffering most from illegal spills. To pick one example, the works at Kingsclere discharged into to the Kingsclere Brook illegally on 165 occasions between 2020 and 2025. Most people who’d committed 165 crimes in five years would be locked up – and that’s just one sewage works. WASP estimated that TW’s charge sheet for this period contains a staggering 8,499 separate incidents.
“The programme highlighted the fact that our rivers aren’t safe for recreation and would not reliably meet bathing-water standards because of the concentration of E.Coli and Total Coliforms present.
“Communities including Aldbourne and Stanford Dingley still paddle through sewage on a daily basis in winter and the impacts are not recorded in any figures. We need rapid investment in sewage treatment that is fit for purpose combined with strong regulation.”
You can add your voice to the call for clean water now on this page on the Rivers Trust website.
• Other news
• Compton FC will host Didcot Town at The Rec this Saturday 7 March in the North Berks Cup and will also have the second collection for West Berkshire Foodbank.
• The 1st Compton Girl Guides need volunteers to help girls aged 10 to 14 become their best selves, try new challenges and have fun. If you think this is you, get more info by email 1stcomptongirlguiding@gmail.com.
• Don’t miss the Pop-up Library at Compton Village Hall on Thursday 12 March and every second Thursday of each month, from 10.15am to 11.45am. West Berkshire Council is working with Compton Parish Council to provide this service. See more library information here.
• Compton Players are excited to formally announce their spring production of Cluedo on April 23, 24 and 25. Join a very unusual dinner party with iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard, for a fun night out.
• A quick seasonal reminder for dog walkers, that their pets (regardless of their temperament), will always be of concern to a prey animal like a sheep, especially when lambing is taking place. Panic in ewes from encountering dogs off lead may induce miscarriages. Click here for full guidelines from the National Sheep Association.
• In an effort to address the rise in tool thefts, Thames Valley Police are giving away free tool-marking kits (including faraday pouches and anti-theft number plate screws) for trades people in the area. Click here to apply for a kit while stocks last. TVP are also running free tool-marking sessions – see here for dates and locations.
• Up-and-coming athletes in West Berkshire are being given the chance to take their sporting careers to the next level with Everyone Active’s 2026 Sporting Champions scheme. There’s also an Everyone Active Community Champions initiative to support unsung heroes in the district. Nominations for both close on Friday 20 March. For more information, click here.
• If you would you like to grow your own fruit and veg this year, allotment plots are available now to Compton residents at Newbury Lane. If you are interested email newburylaneallotmentmanager@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk
• On Saturday 11 July, a private field in Compton will host an inaugural rock festival dedicated to raising funds for Berkshire Women’s Aid – a local charity supporting survivors of domestic abuse. The lineup includes The Funky Monks Red Hot Chilli Pepper experience, Sterofakeits and The Hormones. Every ticket sold directly contributes to providing crucial financial support for Berkshire Women’s Aid. Organisers hope the event will be a feast of music and community solidarity. Tickets will be available online here.
• West Berkshire Council has teamed up with Greenham Trust to launch a £110,000 Community Wellbeing Fund. Local community groups in West Berkshire can now apply for funding to support mental health, physical activity, and community wellbeing initiatives. Whether you’re running a community garden, a walking group, mindfulness sessions, or projects tackling loneliness, this fund can help grassroots organisations make an even bigger impact. To find out more, including how to apply, click here.
• A reminder to visit gov.uk’s webpage here to take part in the local council reorganisation consultation by Thursday 26 March. This is a government-led reform to change how councils in two-tier area are structured, replacing county and district councils with single unitary authorities. A statement from West Berkshire Council (and a very similar one from the Vale of White Horse) provides more details.
• Friends of Compton Primary School are preparing for their annual plant sale at Vicar’s Game in May and need your help. Both indoor and outdoor plants are desired, so for the green-fingered among you, perhaps now is the time to start seeding or planting. A variety of plants is desirable but a quick heads up that they already have a plethora of aloe vera and jade plants.
• The Downs School has launched a fundraising campaign to replace the football goalposts after many years of service – the very same ones Theo Walcott practised on. Parents can donate easily via Arbor and friends, family and supporters can get in touch with the school directly here if they would like to contribute.
• Quick reminder that if you see a sick or dead wild bird, it might be infected with bird flu so please don’t touch it. Report any dead wild birds you find to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. You can report it online or call 03459 33 55 77.
• Compton Parish Council is gathering further evidence of recent flooding issues. If you have any photos or videos from winter 2024/25 showing flooding, surcharging sewers or tankers operating on Aldworth Road and are happy for the parish council to use them, please email them to contact@comptonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
• Click here to see the 15 January 2026 edition of this column for a full report on the engagement event hosted by David Wilson Homes regarding the former Institute for Animal Health which took place in Compton on 14 January.
• Downland Volunteer Group offers shopping trips to Newbury and Wantage and regular Fantastic Friday trips, with dates coming soon for Portsmouth on Friday 13 March. See details here.
• The lack of social housing, particularly in rural areas, is consistently under the spotlight, however, villages can source help in a number of ways. Click here for full details.
• A gentle reminder that Brian Quinn’s second volume of short stories and parodies, Gravity and Rust, is now available from any bookshop, including the Hungerford Bookshop, the White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough and the Wantage Bookshop. For full info 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:
- Draft Planning Enforcement Plan (June 2025) – deadline 9 Mar.
- Help shape Thatcham’s proposed new Community Hub – deadline 10 Mar.
- Proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire – deadline 26 Mar.
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 & Downland Villages Menopause Cafe at The Swan at Compton on selected Saturday mornings from 10am to 12noon. 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
• Hampstead Norreys Handbell Ringers welcome new members. So if you have a musical ear and are keen on community, click here for full details.
• 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, please call 01635 578394 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 11.30am) or see here for more details.
• 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
• Sat 14 Mar Men’s Breakfast Hampstead Norreys Village Hall.
• Thu 12 Mar Pop-up Library, Compton Village Hall.
• Thu 19 Mar Downland Filling Station: Bishop Mary Gregory Hampstead Norreys Village Hall.
• Thu 26 Mar Quiz Night Crown and Horns, East Ilsley.
• Sat 18 Mar Quiz Night Yattendon Social Club
• Sat 28 Mar Saturday Morning Marks Compton Village Hall
• Sat 18 Apr Games 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.
• Free safe & well visit, by The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service. To see if you qualify click here, call Freephone 0800 5876679 or email SafeandWell@rbfrs.co.uk.
• The Household Support Fund is for 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.
• 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 noon. 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 noon 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 with Compton Pre-school for 0 to 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 Compton Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 2 February and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: matters arising; the Ward Member’s report; the Sports Pavilion; planning matters; financial matters; the sale of social housing; proposed 20mph zones; grazing licences; and parking issues.
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 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 22 January and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 15 January and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas of 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 13 January and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas of Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see the minutes, click here.
• The most recent meetings of Ashampstead Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 12 January and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 12 January and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 18 November 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 11 November and you can download the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 4 November and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 24 September and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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.
