Thursday 23 April 2026
Our usual round-up of local news includes an important film screening, an amazing challenge, blade sharpening, a fund, a Friday trip, foul water, a library and a survey. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.
Upcoming Compton area events include Live Music and Plant Sale. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.
• A film that needs to be watched
On 27 November 2025, an event took place in Westminster Central Hall that was barely reported by the mainstream media. It was the UK’s first ever National Emergency Briefing (NEB), where “ten leading experts delivered a critical briefing with the latest on the threats presented by the climate and nature crisis, and the science-based pathway forwards.” The event was described by the Royal Meteorological Society as “frank, non-partisan, and rooted in public service. The speakers painted a picture of a country unprepared, but not incapable.”
The aim of the NEB is to pressure the government and public service broadcasters into holding an urgent televised national emergency briefing for the public and to run a comprehensive public engagement campaign so that everyone understands the profound risks the climate crisis poses to themselves and their families.
Everyone is encouraged to sign a letter to the Prime Minister which states: “Under the Communications Act 2003, all public service broadcasters must inform the public on major national and international issues. The UK has so far failed to meet these obligations. The Climate Change Committee has also urged the Government to provide trusted public information.”
The second phase of this campaign is the roll-out of local community screenings of a 50-minute People’s Emergency Briefing documentary. Outlining the human impact of climate and nature breakdown for our health, food systems, national security and the economy, the film is being compared to Dirty Business and The Post Office v Mr Bates. The film will be screened at several local locations (see screening map here) currently including Hampstead Norreys, Newbury and Brimpton. Other venues are being added. All (over 16s) are welcome. Book your free entry here.
The organisers of the Hampstead Norreys on 23 June are looking for a few more people to help spread the invitation and assist on the day. If you are interested please contact Piers on nebpangvalley@gmail.com.
• Other news
• Compton C of E Primary School are proud and excited to support twin brothers Ben and Jake and their amazing challenge to raise money for the school. Ben will be cycling 5km every single day, while Jake will be running 1.2 miles daily throughout the month of May. Click here if you’d like to donate to their fabulous feat.
• Neil the Blade Sharpening man is returning by popular demand to Hampstead Norreys this Sunday 26 April. He will be parked in the front shop courtyard between 9am and 12 noon so pop along with your knives, garden tools, chisels etc. See here for more details.
• A heads up that on Monday 16 March 2026, the Government announced £53 million of financial support across the UK to help address the rising cost of heating oil. This support is being delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). If you think you may be eligible, please check West Berks Council’s website.
• The next Fantastic Friday trip run by the Downland Volunteer Group is to Kew Gardens on Friday 24 April and Wisley on Friday 8 May. DVG also offers shopping trips to Newbury and Wantage. See all details here.
• Greenham Trust’s April news includes upcoming grant application deadlines, explanation of how to apply for Trust Top-up (match funding), Community Wellbeing Fund grants awarded, Newbury Community Resource Centre’s Essential Household Goods Scheme and much more…read all details here.
• On 10 April, Compton Parish Council added a post to its website with the title “Foul Water Network Pressures and the Institute Development”. You can click here to read it. This relates to issues arising from the development at the former Pirbright site for 160 homes. This is one that Compton PC accepts and largely supports. However, issues remain and both the PC and the local Ward Member are doing their best to ensure these are addressed. Our column last week looked at this in more detail.
• The consultation expiry date for the 160 homes on the Pirbright site was Wednesday 15 April: however, as this hasn’t yet been determined, you should still be able to comment on the application and it’s very important that residents have their say. You can see all the planning documents here and quote reference number 26/00261/RESMAJ. Compton Parish Council has submitted specific concerns, particularly to do with the foul-water network. You can read the minutes of their meeting by clicking here.
• Have your say in West Berkshire Council’s 2026 Residents Survey on topics like waste and recycling, planning, education, social care, street maintenance, communication, feelings of belonging and safety, and optional questions about wellbeing. Click here to complete the survey by Sunday 10 May.
• Quick reminder that the Pop-up Library at Compton Village Hall is on the second Thursday of each month, from 10.15am to 11.45am. See more library information 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.
• Brian Quinn’s second volume of short stories and parodies, Gravity and Rust, is 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:
- Proposed nominations for the Local List of Heritage Assets (March 2026 – deadline 30 Apr.
- Planning Public Access Service feedback survey 2026 – deadline 7 May.
- Residents’ Survey (2026) – deadline 10 May.
- Proposed amendment to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2025-30: protected plates and accessibility – deadline 15 May.
Parish and town councils also run consultations from time to time: see the appropriate website/s below under Council contacts.
Volunteering and jobs
• Click here for local volunteer opportunities.
• Click here for local jobs (includes volunteer roles).
Local events and activities
For more information on events and activities across the Penny Post area, see the website calendar.
• Dates for the diary
• Fri 24 Apr Fubar Live The Swan Compton
• Sat 2 May Plant Sale Casey Fields Farm Shop & Vicar’s Game
• Sat 2 May Safari Supper Compton
• Wed 6 May Summer Music Concert The Downs School
• Sat 16 May Plant Cake and Book Sale St Mary’s Church Hampstead Norreys
• Sun 7 Jun East IIlsley Sheep Fair Millennium Green
• Fri 19 Jun Compton’s Got Talent Compton Village Hall.
• Sat 4 Jul Compton Fete Compton Recreation Ground.
• Sat 11 Jul Inaugural rock festival in aid of Berkshire Women’s Aid, 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.
• 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.
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. For more details visit menopausecafe.net or contact Cathy on 07787 517871 catherineleatham@gmail.com.
• 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.
• Sick or dead wild birds might be infected with bird flu so please don’t touch them. 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.
• 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.
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 Chaddleworth Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 31 March and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: planning matters; and the Chaddleworth Community Plan.
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 16 March and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a councillor co-option; planning matters; a Ward Member’s report; road safety; highways; planning matters; financial matters; dog bins; and repairs and maintenance.
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 9 March and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: a report from the Ward Member; the Community Co-ordinator; planning matters; financial matters; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes of 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 March and you can read the minutes 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.
You can also click here to read the minutes of the annual parish assembly which took place on 9 April.
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 East Ilsley Parish Council for which minutes are available took place on 13 January 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 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 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.
