Thursday 19 March 2026

Our usual round-up of Thatcham area news includes local government reorganisation, repairs, re-leafing, roadworks, the Festival, a call for sites and sporting champions. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Thatcham area events include Cold Ash Gardening Club’s Spring Show & Thatcham Repair Cafe. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• This week’s news

• Still time to have your say on 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 provides more details.

• This Sunday 22 March Newbury & Thatcham Repair Cafe is back at the Frank Hutchings Community Hall in Thatcham, from 2pm to 4.30pm. Bring a broken item in need of repair, such as electronic and electrical goods, clothes and textiles, pottery, wood items, toys etc. They also have mobile phone and IT advice, as well as tools and blades sharpening. Repairs are free but donations are appreciated to fund future events. To find out more, click here.

• Thatcham Town Council invites stallholders to trade at Afrofest 2026 on Saturday 8 August. They are particularly interested to hear from traders with a connection to, or products inspired by, African culture, to help create an authentic and vibrant market experience. To express your interest, please complete this form.

• This Friday 20 March, Thatcham Garden Centre is holding a ‘Re-Leaf’ fundraiser for its Greenfingers charity that supports terminally ill children and their families.

• Be aware that there will be roadworks on the A4 London Road/Floral Way Roundabout for footway improvement works, at the junction with Floral Way and Falmouth Way, between Monday 30 March and Friday 10 April. Temporary traffic lights will be in place for 24 hours a day. Delays are expected so plan your journeys according. Find out more here.

• As mentioned last week, applications are now open for anyone who’d like to participate in the Thatcham Festival 9 to 18 October. Thatcham-based individuals, community groups, charities, and arts and leisure organisations are invited to submit single or series event proposals. For more information and to apply, click here.

• West Berkshire Council has extended the deadline for its Call for Sites to 11.59pm on Monday 13 April. This an opportunity for landowners, site promoters, developers, and other interested parties to suggest land within West Berkshire that could be developed. These will be considered during the refresh of WBC’s current local plan. For more information click here.

• 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.

• Community United is seeking local businesses sponsors for its annual Cricket and Family Fun Day, Belonging Exhibition and Big Lunch. They have different tiers of sponsorships to suit different budgets and commitments. Click here to find out more or contact hello@communityunited.uk.

• Penny Post’s second volume of short stories and parodies by Brian Quinn, Gravity and Rust, is available from any bookshop, including the Hungerford Bookshop, the White Horse Bookshop in Marlborough and the Wantage Bookshop. Click here for more information.

• Latest local newsletters

• Benefice of Aldermaston and Woolhampton
• The Oaks, which covers Bucklebury

• Have your say on:

Consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:

Proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire – deadline 26 Mar.
Residents’ Survey (2026) – deadline 10 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 job opportunities (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

• Every Fri morning Thatcham Market, The Broadway.

• Sat 21 Mar Cold Ash Gardening Club’s Spring Show, Acland Hall, Cold Ash.

• Sun 22 Mar Newbury & Thatcham Repair Cafe, Frank Hutchings Hall, Thatcham.

• Sun 22 Mar Jumble Sale, Blue Beetle Ceramic, by the Thatcham Garden Centre.

• Sat 28 Mar Vintage & Retro Market, Thatcham Catholic Hall.

• Sat 28 Mar Stamp and Postcard Fair, Kennet School, Thatcham.

• Fri 10 Apr Mayor’s Fundraising Silent Disco, Frank Hutchings Hall, Thatcham.

• Wed 15 Apr Barnardo’s Coffee Morning, The Swan, Thatcham.

• Sat 2 May SwanFest, The Swan, Station Road, Thatcham.

• Thu 14 May Fundraising Golf Day, Newbury & Crookham Golf Club.

• Sun 31 May Newbury & Thatcham Repair Cafe, Frank Hutchings Hall, Thatcham.

• Regular events

• Thatcham Refillable stall every Friday at Thatcham Market. You can bring your empty bottles or adopt one. Its product range is plant-based and reduces single use plastic waste. Win-win.

• Family Bingo at Thatcham Rugby Club, Henwick Worthy Sports Club every Sunday. Doors open at 6:30pm, click here to learn more.

• Car boot sale every Sunday (weather depending) from Spring to Autumn, between 8.15am and 1pm at Thatcham Memorial Hall. Sellers are welcome to arrive from 7am (last admission 8am), no reservation is necessary, just a £10 sellers fee. Click here to learn more.

• Zen Fitness with Rachel offers relaxed daytime zumba and tai chi classes tailored to older adults in Upper Bucklebury and Headley as well as Newbury, Andover, Kintbury, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Kingsclere and East Woodhay.

• Learn the traditional craft of stick-making (including walking sticks, shepherd crooks and thumbsticks) at Calleva Stickdressers’ work days on the third Saturday of the month in Victory Hall, Beenham, RG7 5NN. New members very welcome. To find out more, please visit their facebook group or call 07864 180548.

• Help with family history research on Friday mornings at Thatcham Library with free practical advice from the Berkshire Family History Society. To book a session call: 01635 866049 or email thatchamlibrary@westberks.gov.uk to find out more.

• Bereavement Cafe at Hillier Garden Centre cafe in Hermitage on Thursday mornings. See more details here.

• Bucklebury Badminton Club is welcoming and friendly, with a competitive edge. To find out more, get in contact Helen at buckleburyb@gmail.com or call 07979 755 318.

• Board Games Club at Thatcham Library on the first Friday of every month, from 2pm to 4pm. There is no need to book: just drop in and join the fun playing some familiar games and learning some new ones.

• Sport in Mind runs free sport activities at Kennet Leisure Centre, Thatcham.

• Mixed Walking Touch Rugby sessions at Thatcham Rugby Club runs for all ages and abilities on the top pitch (near the astro pitch) at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground, Thatcham on Wednesdays, starting at 7pm.

• Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club at Thatcham Rugby Club on the first Saturday of the month.

• The Nature Memories Café at the Nature Discovery Centre, is a drop-in café on the third Tuesday of the month in the Lakeside Room, for people living with dementia accompanied by their loved ones/carers. You can also feed the ducks, try a new craft, or just enjoy a cuppa and chat with new friends.

• Barfield Handbell Ringers always welcomes new members and would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to try handbell ringing. No previous experience required, just contact Dianne on dianne@barfield.org.uk 01635 867421.

• Thatcham W.I. meets at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month at the Catholic Hall (along the A4) with small groups for book, film, craft, walking, coffee and gardening. For more information please email thatchamwi@berkshirewi.co.uk or call Pauline on 01635 866904.

• ASD Family Help for families of autistic children and adults holds free Teen Club sessions and a social club for adults.

• Sing Louder Choir is looking for new voices for its adult community choir from 7.15pm to 8.15pm on Thursdays at Frank Hutchings Hall. Please contact singlouderchoir@gmail.com or its Facebook page.

• United Reformed Church coffee mornings every Tuesday from 10am to 12noon.

• Thatcham Library clubs and events information is on the West Berkshire Library Facebook page or contact Thatcham Library at thatchamlibrary@westberks.gov.uk.

• Thatcham Baptist Church event and group information is on its What’s On web page.

• Glendale Church holds regular events for all ages. Further information can be found on its events guide page.

• Thatcham Youth Club activity details are on its Facebook page and website.

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.

• Thatcham Community Larder in the Frank Hutchings Hall offers affordable food items (starting at £3.50 per week), refreshments, friendly chat and activities. Join its Facebook group for more details. For more information contact 07500 764501 or victoria.roseblade1@westberks.gov.uk.

• Thatcham Town Radio broadcasts 24/7, run by a dedicated team of volunteers. People from all walks of life are welcome to volunteer and have a go. Listen now at their website or on your smart speaker.

• Newbury and Thatcham Handybuses are available for hire for local charities, non-profit and voluntary groups and sports clubs. To check availability, or if you have any queries, please contact Ross, Handybus coordinator, via 01635 37111 or handybus@vcwb.org.uk.

• Reusable period pants, as well as other sanitary products, are available for free at Thatcham Library (as well as other West Berks Library branches). Just ask at the main library desk to see what they have in stock.

• Friendship Club for young people of secondary school age, who may struggle to make friends or want to meet new people and grow their friendship group. Hosted by Thatcham Rugby Club hosts a every other Thursday 4.30pm to 6.30pm. To find out more, click here.

• 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.

• Welcome Space in the Alice Bye Court Lounge, Thatcham, every week. Free refreshments, make new friends, swap books, do jigsaws, take part in crafts and have a nice chat. Find out more here or email Gillian at nbjasmineweyr@gmail.com.

• Katie’s Wildlife Rescue in Headley south of Thatcham looks after injured birds and animals until they are well enough to be released back into the wild. See its Facebook page here.

• Thatcham Youth’s Young Leaders Programme for 13 to 18-year-olds helps teens develop valuable skills. To learn more about the role click here.

• Nature Discovery Centre’s latest news includes a wide range of volunteer roles, from retail, conservation, maintenance, office, gardening and wildlife engagement.

• Thatcham Pharmacy offers advice and prescribes NHS medicine for certain health concerns. Learn more about the “NHS Pharmacy First” scheme here.

• Thatcham Town Council offers small grants up to £250. Return the application form any time. There is no deadline as Councillors consider applications approximately once a month.

• Citizens Advice West Berkshire advice about scams. There is no shame if you get caught out by scammers and you must seek help and warn others.

• West Berkshire Food Bank donations are gratefully received at Thatcham’s Co-ops, Waitrose and the Sainsbury’s Local. Donation bins are usually near the till.

• Thatcham Connect on-demand service connects select villages in West Berkshire with Thatcham and the A4 between Thatcham and Theale. Trips need to be pre-booked via the passenger app. Further information on West Berkshire Community Connect page.

• Thatcham’s Litter Pickers are happy to lend their equipment for a few days or a week. Just email them at thatchamlitterpickers@gmail.com.

• West Berks Warriors all-girls rugby team for 10 to 14 years. All abilities are welcome. For more information, please contact Sam on thatchamrfcgirls@outlook.com.

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 Thatcham Town Council for which minutes are available was on 24 November and you can read the minutes here. Note that the Council delegates much of its work to committees. Click here for more on these.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Town Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Cold Ash Parish Council for which minutes are available was on 22 February and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: planning matters; the4 CCTV project; a tree preservation order; and the annualm parish meeting.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. Information about the progress of Cold Ash’s neighbourhood development plan can be found here.

• The most recent meeting of Brimpton Parish Council for which minutes are available was on 3 February and you can read the minutes here. Items covered included: Thames Water’s tankers; flooding at Able Bridge; the church spire; speeding; financial matters; and repairs and maintenance.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Woolhampton Parish Council for which minutes are available was on 21 January and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates, agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings, please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Midgham Parish Council for which minutes are available was on 12 January 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 the minutes, please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Hermitage Parish Council for which minutes are available was on 18 December 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. See also this page for up-to-date information about Hermitage’s neighbourhood development plan.

• The most recent meeting of Bucklebury Parish Council for which minutes are available was on 8 December and you can read the minutes here.
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, please click here.

• The most recent meeting of Frilsham Parish Council for which minutes are available was on 15 September and you can read the minutes here.
To see the dates and agendas and minutes for future Parish Council meetings (including any committees), please click here. To see the agendas and minutes, please click here.

• Thatcham area council contacts

Parishes: Thatcham Town Council, Hermitage Parish Council, Cold Ash Parish Council, Midgham Parish Council, Bucklebury Parish Council, Brimpton Parish Council, Frilsham Parish Council and Woolhampton 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.

Thursday 12 March 2026

Our usual round-up of Thatcham area news includes planning for Thatcham’s Festival, an update from WBC oif the Twin Paddocks site in Brimpton and Cold Ash’s meeting – plus community awards, donations, repairs, pollution, litter, Easter eggs, a call for sites and tool-marking. See also below for community notices and news from your local council.

Upcoming Thatcham area events include Cold Ash Spring Show and Thatcham Repair Cafe. See below for details, plus regular events and group activities.

• Planning for the Festival

This popular annual festival is set to return from Friday 9 to Sunday 18 October 2026, and applications are now open for those who would like to be part of this year’s programme.

Thatcham Town Council is inviting Thatcham-based individuals, community groups, charities, and arts and leisure organisations to submit event proposals. “Organisers can apply to host either a single event or a series of activities, helping to create a vibrant programme that celebrates the culture, creativity, and community spirit of Thatcham.

“The festival provides a great platform for local businesses, organisations, and residents to showcase their talents and bring people together. Whether it’s live music, a cultural exhibition, a sporting activity, a workshop, or something completely unique, we would love to hear your ideas and help bring them to life as part of this year’s festival.”

For more information and to apply, click here.

• Cold Ash’s meeting

Annual parish meetings (also sometimes called annual parish assemblies) have to take place between March and June every year. Not to be confused with the annual parish council meeting (at which formal business like the election of the Chair is conducted), they are an opportunity for residents to learn more about what the parish council has been up to in the year past, what it plans for the year to come and to ask any questions.

Some parishes are moving from a traditional “welcome, make a speech, any questions, thanks for coming” approach to one that has more of an exhibition feel, with stands from local groups including the parish council and with most of the time available for people to mingle and chat with whichever group interested them. This has been the approach taken by Hungerford for the last few years and it’s proved very popular. This year, Cold Ash decided to follow suit for its meeting on 7 March.

“The event attracted well over 100 people (probably four times the usual attendance),” Parish Council Chair Ivor McArdle told us. “Initial feedback has been very positive, with many groups reporting that they’ve attracted new members or been encouraged to run different events.”

You can read a report on the meeting by clicking here.

• Twin Paddocks site in Brimpton

West Berkshire Council has issued an update on the site known as Twin Paddocks in Brimpton Common, following the expiry of the twelve-month compliance period linked to an Enforcement Notice upheld by the Planning Inspectorate in March 2025.

“The Enforcement Notice requires the cessation of residential use at the site and the removal of associated structures, hardstanding and other operational development,” a statement from the Council confirmed.”The compliance period ended on 4 March 2026, and the Council has previously written to the landowner to remind them of these requirements.

“The Council has now received a new planning application for the site. This proposal is described as materially different from the scheme dismissed at appeal. The application is currently undergoing validation and will be published on the Council’s online planning portal once complete. At that stage, residents will be invited to comment.”

On 12 March a spokesperson for Brinpton Parish Council said that “the Parish Council supports the course of action proposed by West Berkshire Council and hopes it will lead to an early resolution of the situation.”

• Other news

• There is still time to submit your nominations for the Thatcham Town Community Awards 2026. If you know of an individual, group, organisation or business, whose efforts are making a positive difference across the town, please take this opportunity to celebrate their hard work. The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Thursday 19 March. To find out more, including category details and how to make a nomination, click here.

• Hermitage Pre-School is seeking donations for its Easter Trail event. They are particularly looking for soft toys and items for the adult tombola such as chocolates, easter eggs, pamper items, arts and crafts kits, prosecco, wine, etc. Donated items can be dropped off at the school, click here to find out more.

• On Sunday 22 March the Newbury & Thatcham Repair Cafe is back at the Frank Hutchings Community Hall, from 2pm to 4.30pm. Bring a broken item in need of repair, such as electronic and electrical goods, clothes and textiles, pottery, wood items, toys etc, for the clever volunteers to mend – if feasible. They also have mobile phone and IT advice, as well as tools and blades sharpening. Repairs are free but donations are appreciated to fund future events. To find out more, click here.

• 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. You can click here to read ARK’s thoughts about the programme and some of the messages it conveyed. You can add your voice to the call for clean water now on this page on the Rivers Trust website.

• The Thatcham Litter Pickers are back for their monthly litter picks around the town and surrounding area. The next litter pick is on Saturday 14 March, from 10am to 11am at the Moorside Community Centre. Everyone is welcome to join in and help keep our town clean. They can provide all the equipment and even have small litter pickers and hi vis vests for children. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

• To inform its new local plan, West Berkshire Council is holding a Call for Sites which runs until 11.59pm on Monday 30 March and is opportunity to suggest land within West Berkshire that could be developed. Submissions are welcomed from landowners, site promoters, developers, and other interested parties. These will be considered during the refresh of WBC’s current local plan. For more information on the Call for Sites and the submission form, click here.

• Easter Eggs needed by local charity Swings & Smiles who want to bring some Easter magic to the disabled children they support and would love donations from the community. If you are able to do so, please donate by Wednesday 18 March and please ensure they are nut-free. They particularly welcome any free-from eggs (eg gluten or dairy-free). For more information, reach out to the team office@swingsandsmiles.co.uk.

• 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.

• Thatcham Town Council is offering sponsorships to local businesses for its various upcoming events in 2026. Support your community and connect with thousands of residents while showcasing your business. Click here for more information about the packages available.

• 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.

• Latest local newsletters

• Benefice of Aldermaston and Woolhampton
• The Oaks, which covers Bucklebury

• Have your say on:

Consultations being run by West Berkshire Council:

Proposals for local government reorganisation in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire – deadline 26 Mar.
Residents’ Survey (2026) – deadline 10 May.

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

Community notices

• Welcome Space in the Alice Bye Court Lounge, Thatcham, every Thursday between 10am and 12noon. Free refreshments, make new friends, swap books, do jigsaws, take part in crafts and have a nice chat. Find out more here or email Gillian at nbjasmineweyr@gmail.com.

• Katie’s Wildlife Rescue in Headley south of Thatcham looks after injured birds and animals until they are well enough to be released back into the wild. See its Facebook page here.

• Thatcham Youth’s Young Leaders Programme for 13 to 18-year-olds helps teens develop valuable skills. To learn more about the role click here.

• Nature Discovery Centre’s latest news includes a wide range of volunteer roles, from retail, conservation, maintenance, office, gardening and wildlife engagement.

• Thatcham Pharmacy offers advice and prescribes NHS medicine for certain health concerns. Learn more about the “NHS Pharmacy First” scheme here.

• Thatcham Town Council offers small grants up to £250. Return the application form any time. There is no deadline as Councillors consider applications approximately once a month.

• Thatcham Volunteers Bureau provides transport to doctors, dentists, hospitals, shops or to visit friends and relatives for those who struggle with public transport. It is currently looking for drivers so please get in contact as this service is massively needed.

• Education Business Partnership needs volunteers for in-school sessions across Thatcham, Newbury, Hungerford and Kintbury to prepare our local young people for work.

• Citizens Advice West Berkshire advice about scams. There is no shame if you get caught out by scammers and you must seek help and warn others.

• The Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham has volunteering opportunities that range from helping in the visitor centre, outdoors conservation tasks, and helping us to engage with visitors to inspire them to take action for wildlife. Email ndc@bbowt.org.uk to find out more.

• West Berkshire Food Bank donations are gratefully received at Thatcham’s Co-ops, Waitrose and the Sainsbury’s Local. Donation bins are usually near the till.

• Thatcham Connect on-demand service connects select villages in West Berkshire with Thatcham and the A4 between Thatcham and Theale, replacing the 41 and 44 services and will operate Monday to Friday, but not on bank holidays. Trips need to be pre-booked via the passenger app. Further information on West Berkshire Community Connect page.

• Thatcham’s Litter Pickers are happy to lend their equipment for a few days or a week. Just email them at thatchamlitterpickers@gmail.com.

• West Berks Warriors is an all-girls rugby team for 10- to 14-year-olds currently looking for new players. All abilities are welcome and they train on Sunday mornings at Henwick sports ground. For more information, please contact Sam on thatchamrfcgirls@outlook.com.

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 Fri morning Thatcham Market, The Broadway.

• until 15 Mar World Book Day Treasure Hunt, Thatcham Town Centre.