Callum Maggs

Jane Brackenbury won West Berkshire Golf Club’s ladies’ championship for the 13th consecutive year, scoring 168 over 36 holes. James Cameron won the men’s title after defeating reigning champion Jason Kendal in a three-hole playoff. The report also details winners in the senior, veteran, handicap, net-score and stableford competitions, along with West Berkshire’s senior and veterans’ team victories.

Hungerford Town will host Wokingham Town at Bulpit Lane in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round on Friday night. Hungerford enters the tie after a 4–1 victory, with striker Nnamdi Prince Nwachuku expected to lead the attack following his two-goal performance. Wokingham advanced with a 2–0 win over Corsham Town, powered by a brace from Sean Moore. Both clubs are competing for progression and the financial rewards of a deeper cup run.

Thatcham Town lost 3-1 to Abingdon United in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North, despite Levi Heholt pulling a goal back before half-time. Kintbury Rangers suffered a 5-0 defeat against Frimley Green in the Velocity Wessex League Division One, with Elliott Cannon scoring twice late on. Tadley Calleva progressed in the Hampshire Senior Cup after beating Clanfield 8-7 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.

Eight-year-old Mastiff crossbreed Max has been adopted by Tracey and Pat after spending 273 days in the care of Dogs Trust Newbury. Rescued from a hoarding situation, Max was repeatedly overlooked because of his age and size despite being affectionate and popular with staff and volunteers. He moved into his new home in May 2026 and is now settled, with his family sharing weekly updates. Dogs Trust credited more than £30 million raised by Postcode Lottery players with helping fund care and rehoming services for over 125,000 dogs since 2014.

Local trainers enjoyed a successful two-day Summer Festival at Newbury Racecourse. Lambourn trainer Clive Cox was the leading figure, completing a Saturday double with Coppull's Group 2 Hungerford Stakes victory and Addison Grey's handicap win, both ridden by Hector Crouch. Cox's filly Art Of Life also finished second on Friday. Harry Charlton secured the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes with Wine Dark Sea, while Richard Hannon won Friday's seven-furlong handicap with Assaranca.

Hungerford Town recovered from a midweek defeat to beat Hartpury 4-1 in the Southern League South Division. Nnamdi Prince Nwachuku scored twice, while an own goal and Ackeem Stewart's first-start strike completed the victory after a chaotic opening ten minutes. Manager Danny Robinson praised the team's second-half control and said the goals would boost confidence among his forwards. Hungerford now turn to the FA Cup, hosting Wokingham Town at Bulpit Lane.

Licensed waste carrier David Berridge, trading as The Van of Dave, was ordered by Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court to pay £1,372 after pleading guilty to two offences connected with waste fly-tipped at Apsley Lane in Hurstbourne Priors. Waste removed from a Sovereign Housing Group bin store in Newbury was found at the site, while transfer documentation was incomplete and could not be linked to disposal records. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council prosecuted Berridge and stressed that waste carrier licence holders remain responsible for ensuring lawful disposal, even when they do not personally remove the waste.

Construction has begun on the Enborne Community Solar Farm in West Berkshire, the district’s first community-owned solar farm of its kind. The 2,756-panel, 1.695 MWp installation is expected to generate about 1.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough for roughly 500 homes—with surplus power exported to the regional grid. Elevated panels will allow sheep grazing, while field margins are intended to improve biodiversity. Residents will be able to take a direct stake through a community benefit scheme, and local leaders hope the project will encourage other communities to develop their own renewable-energy schemes.

Falkland’s teams recorded two notable victories over the weekend. The first XI defeated Henley 2nd XI by 51 runs after Bobby Brown scored 101 and later took four wickets, while the second XI beat Harpsden 1st XI by 19 runs, with Gul Faraz Afridi taking seven wickets. Falkland Women’s first XI completed a 108-run win over Binfield, powered by Meika King’s 122. The club’s third and fourth XIs lost, the fifth XI received points after a forfeit, and the women’s second XI conceded their fixture.

Thatcham Town FC will launch its new women’s team, The Kingfishers, with a friendly against Reading FC Women at Waterside Park on August 23, 2026. The event is intended to promote women’s football, strengthen the clubs’ partnership, attract local families and raise funds for Thatcham’s upcoming competitive campaign. Kick-off is at 2 p.m., with affordable admission, grassroots mascots, half-time activities, food, drinks and support from main kit sponsor Jones Robinson.

Smile n Shine in Newbury is marking five years under the leadership of Dr Bhavika and Dr Ketan with the Smile Giveaway 2026, a makeover package valued at more than £10,000. The prize includes Digital Smile Design treatment, beauty and wellness services from several local businesses, and a professional photoshoot by Charman Photography. UK residents aged 18 and over may apply, subject to dental suitability checks and consent to documenting their transformation; the winner will be announced on 30 October 2026.

Firefighters from several Royal Berkshire stations are tackling a wildfire covering about two hectares of scrubland on Crookham Common. Residents have been told to avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed, while Thames Valley Police and Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue are assisting. The incident remains ongoing. The fire coincided with a UK government emergency alert warning millions of people of a very high wildfire risk and urging them to avoid activities such as disposable barbecues, fireworks and firepits that could start fires.

Around 20 regulars of The Plough on the Green walked from Kintbury to the Newbury pub on August 1 to raise money for Dingley’s Promise. Customers who could not participate also sponsored walkers. The event is part of the pub’s annual fundraising campaign, which aims to raise £3,000; through the Big Give’s match-funding scheme, the charity could receive £6,000 to support local children and families.

A wildfire broke out in fields near Bourne Road in Pangbourne, sending smoke toward a nearby railway line. Fire crews from six Royal Berkshire stations and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended, bringing the blaze under control after about four hours and 20 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains undisclosed.

Weavers Coffee Shop in Weavers Walk, Newbury, will close at the end of August 2026 after 36 years in business. The family-run café thanked customers and staff for their support, while local customers expressed sadness and shared memories of the shop as an important part of the Newbury community.

Newbury & Crookham Golf Club’s Captains’ Charity Day raised approximately £7,500 for Bridge for Young People through golf competitions, donations, a tombola and a silent auction. Daniel and Karen Yeo won the main competition with 52 points, while Val Watson marked a hole-in-one by donating £100 to the charity. The club also lost 5-2 to Burnham Beeches in an annual match but defeated Tidworth 4-3 in a mixed fixture.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which operate Royal Berkshire Hospital and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, respectively, charge £19 for qualifying long stays, making them the most expensive hospital parking options in South East England according to Fast Loan UK data. University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust ranks next at £18.60 for 24 hours, while several trusts elsewhere in England charge more. Hampshire Hospitals raised its fees in April 2026, citing inflation, while both trusts say parking revenue covers maintenance, security and access-related services rather than producing profit. Concessions or free parking are available for eligible groups, including blue badge holders and some frequent patients, but hospital parking remains controversial because of costs, payment complexity and limited spaces.

A live report follows A-level, BTEC, T Level and other vocational results across schools and colleges in West Berkshire. Institutions report strong pass rates and high proportions of top grades, with students securing places at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Warwick, Bristol and Southampton, alongside apprenticeships, employment and gap years. Mary Hare School recorded a 95% pass rate, while Kennet School reported its best results in a decade and Pangbourne College its highest-ever proportion of A* grades. The report also highlights careers and clearing advice for students who did not receive their expected grades.

Siblings Simone Eggleton and Danny Jury have taken over Thatcham’s Mill House pub and formally reopened it with a family-focused event that attracted large queues. They aim to restore the venue as a welcoming community hub through entertainment, clubs and activities for families, sports fans, dog walkers and local groups. Food service is expected to launch soon, while events such as live entertainment, bottle-top bingo and darts leagues are already taking place.

Newbury Cricket Club’s First XI defeated Eversley 2nds by seven wickets in Division 4A, with captain Simon Digweed scoring an unbeaten 79 after Newbury bowled Eversley out for 160. Newbury’s Second XI lost by 13 runs to Stratfield Turgis & Hartley Wespall despite a promising start, while the Third XI received full points after its opponents conceded. Mortimer & West End, Goring-on-Thames, Sulhamstead & Ufton, and Cove also recorded wins in their respective divisions.

Hungerford Town suffered a 1-0 defeat to Melksham Town after Daniel Paul Mcbeam scored in the 99th minute. Tadley Calleva produced the strongest performance of the evening, beating Knaphill 4-0 through two goals from Brad Neal and further strikes by Jack Alexander French and Charlie Barlow, while Knaphill also had Jack Carrod sent off. Thatcham Town recovered from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Wokingham Town, with Archie Denton and Charlie Knight scoring the comeback goals.

Kintbury Rangers extended their unbeaten start to the Velocity Wessex League Division One season with a 1-1 away draw against Alresford Town. Archie Goode gave Rangers a first-half lead after 24 minutes, but Samuell Freeman equalised for Alresford in the 66th minute. Kintbury held on for a valuable point, leaving them with two draws and a win from their opening three matches, and will now host Mangotsfield United in the FA Vase.

Tadley Calleva defeated Bemerton Heath Harlequins 2-1 at Barlow Park to advance in the FA Cup. Scott Costello opened the scoring in the 25th minute, Brad Richards equalised shortly after half-time, and Kieran Rodgers restored Tadley's lead with a decisive 70th-minute strike. Manager Joe Lawler praised the win and the team's ability to manage a difficult second half. Tadley will visit Hamble Club in the next round on 22 August.

Fraser Bell scored on his Hungerford Town debut as the Crusaders drew 1-1 with Tiverton Town in their Southern League South Division opener at Bulpit Lane. Tiverton took the lead through Louis Jagger Cane in the 22nd minute, but Bell equalised before half-time. Hungerford dominated much of the second half and pushed for a winner, but could not convert a late chance. Manager Danny Robinson praised the performance of his newly assembled side and singled out 18-year-old Bell as the best player on the pitch.

Theale and Tilehurst defeated Aldershot by eight wickets after dismissing them for 112, with B Hussain making an unbeaten 55. Thatcham Town lost by three wickets to Wargrave 2nds despite Simon Lewis’s 71, as Matthew Townson’s unbeaten 57 completed a late chase. Sulhamstead & Ufton drew with Kidmore End after both sides posted substantial totals, while Purley on Thames held White Waltham to a draw following Usman Ijaz’s unbeaten 73.

Work has begun to install new floodlights at Newbury Town’s Faraday Road football ground. The upgraded lighting will enable evening matches and training throughout the year, improve pitch visibility and safety, and provide more opportunities for local residents to use the facility. Councillor Nigel Foot described the project as progress toward further improvements supporting grassroots sport and the wider community.

Falkland Cricket Club endured a mixed weekend. Its first XI lost by six wickets to Amersham in a high-scoring Division 1 match despite James Bird's 87 and three wickets, with Michael Payne's unbeaten century guiding Amersham to victory. Falkland's second XI recorded a 67-run Division 3A win at Royal Ascot after Gul Faraz Afridi and Jaipaul Powell took nine wickets between them. The third and fourth XIs were defeated by Thatcham Town 2nds and Woodley 2nds, while Falkland's women's first XI narrowly lost to Berkhamsted by three wickets in the Home Counties Premier League.

Thatcham Town defeated Cinderford Town 5-1 at Waterside Park after a goalless first half, scoring five times after the break. Levi Heholt opened the scoring, Kyle Tooze converted a penalty, and Cinderford's Tino Shumba briefly reduced the deficit before Andrew Matthews, Charlie Knight and Callum Winchcombe completed the rout. Thatcham Town advance to the FA Cup Preliminary Round, where they will play Mangotsfield United away.

Newbury Blues are adapting their pre-season training because prolonged hot, dry weather has left pitches across West Berkshire hard and potentially hazardous. Head coach James McAvoy says the club is managing injury risks through modified workloads, mats and pads, hydration, and reduced reliance on contact sessions, while continuing to develop attacking and defensive fundamentals. The squad is now moving into a game-model phase after adding 12 players and promoting colts to the senior team. McAvoy also called on the Rugby Football Union to improve the scheduling and availability of artificial pitches for pre-season fixtures.

Juniper House, a new specialist school in Theale, West Berkshire, will open in September to provide tailored education for around 20 pupils aged eight to 16 with needs including autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties and trauma-related experiences. Run by Amegreen Children’s Services, the school will offer small-group learning and is accepting referrals. It will operate from a former Englefield Estate office, which has been converted into a secondary school facility. The project expands Amegreen’s existing network of schools and children’s homes in response to growing demand for specialist provision.

The annual Outside25 memorial weekend at George Michael’s former home in Goring-on-Thames raised a record £28,000 for national charities and local community causes. The total was £8,000 higher than in 2025, with beneficiaries including Childline, Electric Umbrella, My Cancer My Choices, local schools, the Goring Library and St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Fans marked ten years since Michael’s death with tribute performances, video messages from musical collaborators and a charity auction supported by Andrew Ridgeley’s donation of a rare Royal Mint commemorative coin.

Eddington Hill in Hungerford will be fully closed from 9:30 a.m. on August 17 until 3:30 p.m. on August 18 while Volker Highways carries out essential repairs for West Berkshire Council. Drivers should expect local delays, allow extra time or use alternative routes, while footway access will remain open.

Nala, a four-year-old French bulldog–pug cross in Dogs Trust foster care, is seeking a patient home where she can be the only dog. She is affectionate, housetrained, comfortable travelling, and enjoys toys and cuddles, but needs a cat-free home, limited time alone initially, continued muzzle training, and positive support during veterinary care. She could live with calm secondary-school-aged children and have dog-walking companions.

Chris Harrison retained the Newbury & Crookham Club Championship after a 36-hole scratch stroke play event held in challenging, firm conditions. Trailing Ash Ilott by one shot after the opening round, Harrison recovered from an early double bogey to shoot 72 and finish on 143. Ilott needed a birdie at the 18th to force a playoff but his putt caught the lip. Bradley Hopkin finished one shot behind on 144, while Ilott won the 4–9 Salver and Jonathon Wright took the 10–18 Salver.

Fire crews from Berkshire and Hampshire spent about three hours extinguishing a substantial grass and woodland fire at Raghill near Aldermaston. Crews used beaters, three hose reels and a specialised Zetros water carrier, while Theale Community Fire Station later returned to check for remaining hotspots.

The Historic Ridgeway Project has received a £129,100 Historic England grant to continue its work until 1 May 2028 and expand from the central 30-mile section of the Ridgeway Trail in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire into Buckinghamshire, reaching Whiteleaf Hill. The funding will support project staff, conservation projects, tools, transport, archaeological surveys and volunteer opportunities. The expanded initiative aims to assess and improve the management of 47 Scheduled Monuments, identify vulnerable heritage sites, strengthen public engagement and combine archaeological and ecological conservation with education, access and wellbeing activities.

Hungerford Town manager Danny Robinson has urged supporters to turn out in force for Saturday’s Southern League Premier South opener against Tiverton Town at Bulpit Lane. Following a major summer overhaul that left only one returning first-team player in the lineup, Robinson said the club had enjoyed a productive pre-season and was in a stronger position than in recent years. He expects a difficult match against fellow relegated side Tiverton, which he believes has recruited exceptionally well, while stressing the importance of the supporters’ continued backing after last season’s struggles.

Organisers of the Yattendon and Frilsham Fete are inviting residents from Yattendon, Frilsham and Burnt Hill to help shape the 2027 event after pausing the annual fete for the first time in more than 250 years. A public launch and consultation will take place at Renegade Brewery on 10 September, hosted by the Iliffe family, Yattendon Estate and Fete Committee. Residents can share ideas about creating a sustainable fete that continues to reflect the character of the surrounding communities.

Around 1,000 exhibitors and thousands of visitors attended the 33rd West Berkshire Classic Car Show at Newbury Showground, which featured vintage cars, classic motorbikes, historic military vehicles and commercial transport. The event moved from Prior’s Court School to accommodate its growth and included trade stalls, charity stands, refreshments and music from Watership Brass. Proceeds are being donated to blood cancer charities including Blood Cancer UK; the club’s rallies have raised nearly £350,000 for blood cancer research since 1993.

Tadley Calleva manager Joe Lawler praised summer signings Logan Lowes and Alfie Burton after the club opened its Combined Counties League Premier South campaign with a win over Metropolitan Police. He highlighted their energy, versatility and ability to operate on either wing, while noting that Lowes scored an impressive goal. Lawler said Tadley’s football was promising but inconsistent, particularly during a 20-minute second-half spell when they surrendered possession, and stressed that the team still needs to develop before reaching its best form later in the season.

Newbury’s City Arts Chalkfest returned to Market Place, where families, young people and experienced artists created chalk artworks across the town square. The free drawing activities and a competition supported by £1 donations raised funds for City Arts’ local creative initiatives, with drinks donated by Gail’s for volunteers. Local artist Diana Pattenden will judge entries in four age categories, and winners will receive City Arts gift vouchers, with results expected on the organisation’s Facebook page during the week beginning August 17.

A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crew from Theale Community Fire Station responded to a tractor fire on Church Lane in Ufton Nervet shortly before 7 a.m. Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish the blaze and remained at the scene for about 30 minutes to ensure it was safe.

Newbury’s approximately 400-year-old Donnington Castle Oak has been shortlisted among 10 finalists for the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year 2026 competition. The oak, nominated by local teacher Jade Palmer, has a 5.8-metre girth and survived the cannon fire directed at Donnington Castle during the English Civil War. Public voting remains open until 29 September, with the winner due to be announced in October.

Two roads in Beenham, Picklepythe Lane and Back Lane, are closed for more than five weeks while Thames Water Utilities carries out supply disconnection and alteration works. The closures run until 6pm on September 1, with full vehicular restrictions and a maintained pedestrian walkway on Back Lane. Drivers are warned to expect delays, use alternative routes and consult one.network for live updates and formal diversion details.

A new accessible children’s playground has opened at the Grade I-listed Shaw House in Newbury. Funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy, the facility occupies part of a former netball court and includes sensory equipment, a nest swing, accessible carousel, balance trail and specialised safety surfacing. West Berkshire Council vice-chair Martha Vickers officially opened the playground, while children from local charity PALS were among the first visitors.

Tadley Calleva and Thatcham Town begin their new league campaigns on August 1. Tadley, competing in the Combined Counties League Premier Division South, will look to recover from last season's play-off semi-final defeat after finishing second, starting at home against Metropolitan Police FC. Thatcham Town, transferred to the Premier Division North after finishing 15th in the South division, travel to Penn & Tylers Green FC aiming to begin their new campaign positively and improve on last season.

Falkland Cricket Club’s 3rd XI, 4th XI and Women’s 2nd XI recorded impressive victories, defeating Cove 2nd XI, Mortimer & West End 2nd XI and Abingdon Vale respectively. George Hawkins took five wickets and Aaron Graham scored a rapid fifty in the 3rd XI win, while Yudeesh Balachandran’s three wickets secured the 4th XI’s 21-run thriller. The Women’s 2nd XI won by nine wickets after Hope Langlands and Izzy Gibson reduced Abingdon Vale to 45. Falkland’s 1st, 2nd, 5th and Women’s 1st XIs all suffered defeats.

Young people from across West Berkshire presented coding and robotics projects at the Bytes & Build Robotics Expo in Newbury, marking the end of a 12-week programme organised by the Kairali UK West Berkshire Unit. The event included remarks from Newbury mayor Jo Day, a presentation on artificial intelligence by Akash Viswam, and reflections from student participants. Parents and community representatives praised the programme for building technical skills, confidence, creativity and teamwork. Course coordinators Sreejith VP, Shahanas Shan and Dijin Dinesh were recognised for mentoring the students, while organisers pledged to create further opportunities in science, technology, engineering and coding.

Alan Cuthill won the Reeds Thatcham Angling Association’s Honorary Secretary Shield with 6lb 6oz of grayling, dace and roach caught on the Kennet & Avon Canal below Bulls Lock. Roger Eason finished second with 4lb 7oz. The club’s next match is scheduled for July 26 at Whitehouse Lake in Tadley.

Reloaded Bar in Newbury offers a mixed programme of daytime discos, themed brunches and family-friendly Little Ravers events alongside late-night entertainment. Its Jungle Room provides interactive VR darts, shuffleboard and UV beer pong, with private hire available for celebrations and corporate events. Operated by Mike and Sonja Wall, the venue has hosted celebrities and UK music acts, serves pub-style food and discounted drinks, and provides free DrinkSafe protective covers. It is closed Monday to Wednesday and operates late from Thursday to Sunday.

Thatcham Walking Rugby competed at the world’s largest walking rugby festival at Kingswood RFC in Bristol on 11 July, joining 52 teams from 42 clubs. The team played six matches, winning two, drawing two and narrowly losing two, while the event focused on enjoyment, respect and camaraderie rather than official scores or league standings. Thatcham is inviting players of all ages and abilities to attend its weekly Wednesday training sessions, with no previous rugby experience required.

Residents of Care UK’s Winchcombe Place in Newbury joined families, staff and local people for the Unity Cup, a friendly football match designed to celebrate sport and strengthen community connections. Thatcham mayor Mark Lillycrop participated, while Winchcombe United defeated Maple Rangers 5–2. Residents enjoyed traditional football snacks and shared memories, with home manager Claire Cullen highlighting the event’s role in bringing generations together.

Downland Sports Centre in Compton will receive more than £60,000 in investment for a gym refurbishment funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Everyone Active, which operates the centre in partnership with West Berkshire Council, will install new Life Fitness equipment for functional training, resistance and cardio exercise, alongside new flooring and refreshed décor. The gym will close during the works and is expected to reopen in early September, while the sports hall remains open. Members will be able to use several other West Berkshire facilities during the closure.

Three West Berkshire athletes—hammer thrower Charlotte Payne, distance runner Izzy Fry, and javelin thrower Ben East—begin their events at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Payne competes in qualifying on July 27 with a final on July 28, Fry races directly in the 10,000‑metre final on July 27, and East starts javelin qualifying on July 30 ahead of a July 31 final. The athletes aim for podium finishes as local supporters follow their progress.

David Fisher, 81, is on trial at Reading Crown Court accused of 12 charges involving more than 100 historic sexual offences against three girls, including rape, attempted rape and gross indecency. After previously denying any sexual contact during a police interview, Fisher told jurors that he had consensual sex with two older complainants, claiming he believed they were old enough and had concealed this from his partner. The prosecution alleges he targeted the girls by offering them rides before taking them to secluded woodland in Berkshire, where he abused them. Fisher disputes the complainants’ accounts, including their ages and allegations of rape. The trial is continuing.

Richie Sanderson, owner and head chef of Bucklebury’s award-winning gastro pub The Bladebone, is opening The Diddy Deli next door in Chapel Row on July 24. The deli will serve coffee, drinks, pastries and a lunchtime menu, while selling meat, fish, vegetables, cheeses, cured products, bakery items and other goods from suppliers associated with The Bladebone. It will also offer next-day ordering and plans to sell Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer for takeaway. The business will operate Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 9am to 3pm.

Thames Valley Police chief constable Jason Hogg has opposed the possible early release of Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who were convicted of manslaughter after PC Andrew Harper was killed in 2019. Hogg argues that Harper’s Law would require life sentences if the pair were convicted today and says their release under newer Sentencing Act rules would be wrong. He has written to the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and Justice Secretary to formally express his concerns.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the main perpetrator in the death of PC Andrew Harper will not be released early, while apologizing for Wes Streeting’s joke about prison releases. Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber is urging the Government and Lord Chancellor to introduce emergency legislation to prevent Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, convicted over Harper’s death, from benefiting from early-release provisions in the Sentencing Act 2026. Barber argues that their possible release would distress Harper’s family, undermine public confidence and expose wider problems with blanket early-release measures.

Soul Reason marked its fifth anniversary with an impressive concert at Arlington Arts, led by Maia Hendrickx. The Newbury choir was praised for its disciplined, expressive vocals, rich harmonies and varied soul, groove and pop repertoire, while its live band provided tight accompaniment without overpowering the singers. Highlights included a spellbinding a cappella performance of The Beatles’ “Because,” strong soloists on several numbers, and an energetic finale featuring Aerosmith’s “Dream On.” New support act Some Kind of Middle showed promise but would benefit from more experience, stronger attention to dynamics and greater balance between slow and upbeat songs.

David Perry, 57, admitted owning an XL Bully dog that attacked and seriously injured a child in Compton, leaving her permanently scarred and suffering psychological trauma. The dog, named Pads, was later destroyed. Perry said he could not control it because of its strength and his medical conditions, while the defence maintained it had been on a leash. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, given a three-month night-time curfew, banned from owning dogs for two years, and ordered to pay £500 compensation from his benefits.

JLS singer Aston Merrygold, his wife Sarah Louise Merrygold and their three children visited Newbury’s Northcroft Lido, enjoying its slides, splash park, swimming facilities, ice creams and soft play. A video shared by Sarah received more than 1,000 likes. The leisure centre is extending its summer timetable from July 22 to September 4, including additional family swimming, lane swimming and dedicated special educational needs and disability sessions.

Wasing Estate near Aldermaston has been named the UK’s Most Desirable Venue by Bridebook after receiving the highest number of customer enquiries among 25 shortlisted destinations. The 4,000-acre West Berkshire estate is highlighted for its wedding venue, live music programme, wellbeing retreats, corporate events and festivals. Its wider appeal is linked to regenerative farming, estate-to-plate dining, biomass heating and habitat restoration, while CEO Andrew Perkins says the recognition reflects the team’s commitment to the land and memorable hospitality.

The Castle School Post-16 held its annual World of Work celebration to highlight tailored work-experience and employment opportunities for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities. Local businesses, civic representatives and school staff attended, with awards presented to Greenham Control Tower Café, PromoTrade, City Arts and Everyone Active. Donnington & Co received an Outstanding Contribution award for its long-standing partnership, including work placements, workplace tours, paid employment and disability-awareness initiatives.

Rosie, a five-year-old German wirehaired pointer at Dogs Trust in Newbury, is seeking a calm, pet-free home with a consistent routine and plenty of human company. She is affectionate, house-trained, relaxed indoors, comfortable travelling and polite with other dogs, but needs gradual confidence-building and should not be left alone for long periods. A household with children aged 11 or older may be suitable.

Two crews from Newbury Fire Station responded to a garden shed fire on Enborne Street in Newbury at 1:04 p.m. on Sunday. Firefighters used two hose reels to extinguish the blaze and protect nearby homes and gardens, completing the incident after 53 minutes.

Pangbourne Rotary Club’s annual Dragon Boat Festival raised £6,500, exceeding its initial target of just over £4,000. The club donated £3,900 to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and Faith Christian Group in Reading, while allocating £2,600 to its own Charitable Trust. The event has generated more than £100,000 for charities over its 25-year history, with racing crews raising a further £250,000 through sponsorship.

Newbury Better Health and Fitness Centre will host a free Commonwealth Games-themed community sports weekend on July 18 and 19, 2026, in partnership with Team England. Members and non-members can try activities including padel, pickleball, basketball, swimming and athletics, alongside free Body Pump, yoga, step aerobics and Pilates masterclasses. Advance booking is required for specific sessions, with non-members able to register for a free Better UK account. Equipment will be provided, and attendees are advised to wear suitable clothing, bring water and disclose relevant medical conditions.

Newbury defeated Wokingham 3rd by six wickets in Division 4A after Charlie Anstey took 7-44 and Lewis Mitchard scored 59. Rohit Sengupta completed the chase unbeaten on 31, giving Newbury a 26-point haul. Newbury's second and third teams lost heavily to Woodcote and Hampstead Norreys 2nd, while other local results included wins for Emmbrook & Bearwood, Theale & Tilehurst 2nd and Sulhamstead 2nd.

Hungerford Town have announced nine new signings as part of an extensive summer rebuild aimed at mounting a promotion challenge. The recruits include midfielders Sheldon Wright, Amie Kamden-Fotso and Owen Smith; wide players Sam Tanner and Gael Kileba; forwards Ackeem Stewart and loan signing Dylan Griffen; and defenders Fraser Bell and Josh Rodrigues. The players arrive from clubs including Tadley Calleva, Binfield, Reading City, Westbury United, Slough Town, Cirencester Town and Sutton Common Rovers.

Tadley Calleva manager Joe Lawler is targeting continued improvement after last season’s play-off heartbreak. The club has begun pre-season preparations, prioritizing player fitness and opportunities for reserve-team prospects despite a semi-final penalty shootout defeat at the AFC Aldermaston Trophy. Tadley have lost key players Aime Kamdem and award-winning Sheldon Wright to Hungerford Town, but around 90% of the squad is expected to remain. Lawler says the players will set their own objectives before the season, while Tadley aim to improve overall performances and go one better. The club will open its competitive campaign with home ties against Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the FA Cup and Roman Glass FC in the FA Vase.

Newbury Pride will take place at Victoria Park on Saturday, featuring a Rainbow March through the town centre followed by a free festival running from noon to 6:30pm. The event will include two stages, live music, entertainment, local traders, craft makers, charity stalls, and food and drink vendors. Founded in 2019, the volunteer-led charity relies on community support to keep the festival free.

A large skip caught fire on Hambridge Lane in Newbury at around 12:40 p.m., blocking the industrial estate road for more than two hours. Crews from Newbury and Theale fire stations used breathing apparatus, hose reels and foam to extinguish the blaze and damp down the area, while a later reinspection checked for remaining hotspots.

The Bucklebury and Marlston Horticultural Society’s Summer Show attracted a record 224 entries despite prolonged hot weather. Vegetables were especially strong, while heat reduced sweet pea, berry and hanging-basket entries. Alan Renaut, Prue Matchwick and Derek Matthews led the flower, homecraft and floral-art sections respectively, with children and photography classes also receiving strong praise. The society will introduce exhibiting workshops before its 2027 shows and is encouraging residents to enter the Autumn Show on September 5.

The A34 northbound was closed between the M4 at Chieveley and the A4185 at Chilton after a car left the carriageway and came to rest in a ditch shortly after 11am. Thames Valley Police and emergency services warned that the road would remain blocked for several hours during collision investigations, causing severe delays. Drivers were advised to avoid the area, remain hydrated in the extreme heat, and contact the ambulance service if they became seriously unwell.