Madison Rolfe

Nuffield Health will close the crèche at its Newbury Fitness & Wellbeing Club on 1 September 2026, citing sustained low usage. Parents have expressed disappointment and launched a petition seeking to reverse the decision, arguing that David Lloyd would be the only remaining local crèche and that its childcare would be inaccessible to some families. The closure follows a similar campaign after Nuffield Health shut its crèche in Milton Keynes.

Newbury Library is inviting residents who helped create the Newbury Mosaic to celebrate its 21st anniversary. The free event will include opportunities to find contributed sections, meet artist Paul Forsey, view historical photographs and receive commemorative badges. The mosaic was created in 2005 by more than 4,000 local schoolchildren and residents and depicts aspects of Newbury’s history. Additional workshops and talks by Forsey are planned.

Thatcham-born fashion designer Rita Qaranbach designed a black-and-red saree featuring Spider-Man-inspired web details, shooter rings and more than 50,000 embellishments for beauty creator Atifa Arshad to wear at the UK premiere of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Made by a tailor in Pakistan over approximately 1,000 hours, the garment attracted widespread online attention and positive fashion commentary. Qaranbach, who is now based in London and has also created looks for other premieres and major awards events, hopes her journey will encourage young women in West Berkshire to pursue ambitious creative careers.

Communities across the Thames Valley and the United Kingdom commemorated PC Andrew Harper on the seventh anniversary of his death. A petition opposing the proposed early release of convicted killers Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers has surpassed one million signatures. Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said the public response reflects concerns about justice, sentencing, public confidence and the need for victims’ families to remain central to release decisions. Police and other law-enforcement leaders have urged the UK Government to reconsider the plans and conduct rigorous risk assessments.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust is marking its 75th anniversary after decades of campaigning and volunteer work saved the canal from neglect and possible closure. Originally constructed between 1794 and 1810, the 87-mile waterway connecting Bristol and Reading was reopened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 after a major restoration supported by volunteers, public funding and a £27 million National Lottery grant. The canal now serves as a restored heritage, nature and community corridor. Anniversary events include a boat journey from Bristol to Reading, while future plans focus on converting the Trust’s Devizes headquarters into a community hub, improving visitor facilities, expanding educational programs and investing in electric boats.

Twenty-four-hour temporary traffic lights will operate on Monks Lane at the Rupert Road junction in Newbury until August 28 while Scotia Gas Networks repairs and replaces a gas main considered at risk of failure. The work was scheduled during the school holidays to reduce disruption. Additional traffic management will be used on Andover Road on August 20 and 21 while two footway blockages are cleared.

Shaw-cum-Donnington Parish Council has asked West Berkshire Council to increase its councillor allocation from nine to eleven, citing population growth from new developments and a larger electorate. The request is part of a Community Governance Review assessing whether parish arrangements reflect current communities. Resident consultations remain open until 3 September, with any approved changes due to take effect at the May 2027 parish elections. Lambourn Parish Council has separately requested fewer councillors and changes to ward arrangements.

Thatcham KidsFest will return on 27 August 2026 with an under-the-sea theme and activities across the town centre from 10am to 3pm. The programme includes arts and crafts, recycled-materials shows, live entertainment, gaming, comedy and art workshops, a market on the closed High Street, library activities, emergency-services displays, recreation-ground attractions and a town-wide sea-creature trail. Thatcham Town Council is organising the event with support from Picture It Framed, Amegreen Children’s Services and Gardner Leader.

Kennet School in Thatcham has received the Platinum Artsmark Award for the third consecutive time, recognising its deeply embedded arts culture and extensive provision in art, music, dance and drama. Assessors praised its Arts Open Month, partnerships with arts and education organisations, and efforts to make creative opportunities accessible to all pupils. Acting headteacher Max Gayler said the award reflected the dedication of staff and the creativity of students.

Thousands of people attended a free Rathayatra festival organised by ISKCON in Newbury, featuring a chariot procession through the town centre and family activities in Victoria Park. Organiser Phil Alexander said more than 1,000 vegetarian meals were served, alongside mantra meditation, dancing, entertainment and the distribution of yoga and meditation books. Deputy mayor Sarah Slack attended. The organisers plan to hold a similar festival in Basingstoke on August 29, while further meditation and spirituality events are scheduled in Newbury.

Berkshire Afrofest returned to The Moors playing fields in Thatcham, bringing families together for free African food, music, dancing, games and charity stalls. The event was organized by Community United in partnership with Thatcham Town Council and Avila UK, with Alice Kunjappy-Clifton praising the volunteers, sponsors and community support. Thatcham Mayor Mark Lillycrop described the turnout as excellent and said the festival provided an opportunity to promote cultural diversity. Organizers also paid tribute to Greenham Trust chief executive Chris Boulton, whose absence was felt after his support for the inaugural 2024 event.

Siblings Simone Eggleton and Danny Jury have taken over Thatcham’s Mill House pub and officially reopened it with a family-focused event that attracted large crowds. The new management aims to restore the venue as a welcoming community hub for families, local clubs, sports fans and other residents, with entertainment such as shuffleboard, virtual dance, live performances and darts leagues already available. Food service is expected to launch soon.

Greenham Trust has appointed Patrick Smith as its new chief executive, starting August 17, 2026. Smith brings more than 36 years of experience in UK real estate investment, development and asset management, including nearly three decades in Frogmore’s senior leadership team. He succeeds Chris Boulton, who died in January after a long illness. Greenham Trust manages Greenham Business Park and other property assets in West Berkshire and North Hampshire, using the resulting income to support local charitable causes; it has distributed more than £85 million since its 1997 foundation.

Families gathered at Parkway Shopping Centre in Newbury for the free “Commotion in the Ocean” event during the summer holidays. Activities included bubble performances by Bubbleologist Bubblina, stilt-walking lobster and mermaid characters, ocean-themed crafts, and a poster trail with sweet rewards. Hundreds of children took part in the workshops and interactive entertainment.

Lambourn Parish Council has requested a review of its councillor numbers and ward arrangements, proposing to retain the existing ward structure while reducing the number of seats. The parish has 3,042 registered electors across four wards, including nine councillors for Lambourn, while National Association of Local Councils guidance suggests 10 to 11 councillors overall. All scheduled parish elections have been uncontested since 2000. Residents can submit feedback until September 3, 2026, with approved changes expected to take effect at the May 2027 elections.

A cyber security incident at Beacon CRM, a platform used by more than 1,500 UK charities, may have exposed encrypted database backups after attackers used compromised login credentials. Berkshire Youth and Newbury Soup Kitchen are among the West Berkshire charities potentially affected. Possible data includes contact details, emergency contacts and charity involvement records; Newbury Soup Kitchen says limited identification or health information may have been held for some people, while neither charity stores payment or bank details in Beacon. No misuse has been identified, and Beacon says its systems are secure, but investigations continue. Supporters are urged to watch for phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links and change reused passwords.

West Berkshire Council has approved the pre-commencement planning conditions for the 40-acre Kennet Valley Wetland Reserve in Hungerford, allowing construction to begin in September. Led by the Town and Manor of Hungerford, the approximately £1.5 million project will restore former water meadows with ponds, scrapes, reedbeds and marshes, while creating public spaces for recreation, wildlife observation and environmental education. Twenty-three acres will be physically accessible and 17 will remain viewable to limit disturbance to wildlife. The project includes a £700,000 education centre that will become the new home of Action for the River Kennet, alongside £800,000 of wetland restoration work; fundraising is under way.

East Ilsley author Helen Saxton discusses the controversy surrounding Amanda Knox’s sold-out Edinburgh Fringe comedy show, Cartwheel, which explores motherhood and Knox’s experience of being wrongfully accused and convicted of murder. Meredith Kercher’s sister Stephanie has called for the show’s cancellation, arguing that it risks trivializing violence against women. Knox maintains that critics are judging a show they have not seen and that she is presenting a personal story through comedy. Saxton accepts Knox’s right to tell her story but argues that choosing comedy may be unnecessarily cruel given the lasting impact on Kercher’s family.

Wasing Estate used the Farm24 digital campaign to document 24 hours of activity across its 4,000-acre West Berkshire farm, including caring for an organic Sussex cattle herd, harvesting crops and preparing pumpkin fields. The campaign highlights the knowledge of its multigenerational team, the estate's environmental stewardship and its efforts to connect consumers with the journey from farm to fork. Wasing's organic beef and spelt support food offerings across the estate and through partners including Doves Farm.

Sarah Hewitt, 28, of Newbury, admitted driving a black BMW without due care and attention on Park Avenue in Thatcham on 4 February. Reading Magistrates’ Court adjourned sentencing so a special-reasons hearing could be arranged, where Hewitt will argue that extenuating circumstances mean her licence should not be endorsed or disqualified. She was released on bail.

Firefighters from Berkshire and Hampshire spent about three hours extinguishing a substantial grass and woodland fire on Raghill near Aldermaston. Crews used beaters, hose reels and a specialised water carrier to control the blaze, while Theale firefighters later returned to check for remaining hotspots.

Newbury Men’s Shed, the second Men’s Shed group in the area, officially opened its new premises in Shaw on August 1. The community group, founded by mechanical engineer Nigel Thorne, aims to help men socialise, learn practical skills, build friendships and reduce loneliness. Around 70 people attended the opening day, and the group has already attracted 60 members. Members will establish a workshop using donated equipment, including tools, a workbench, a router table and a Myford lathe. The group is seeking sponsors to support its long-term sustainability and is welcoming new members during weekly sessions.

Hungerford Town Council announced the results of the 2026 Hungerford in Bloom competition, which recognized residents, businesses, community groups, schools and allotment holders for their gardening and environmental efforts. Emma Binns won the best front garden and Margaret Wilson Eco Award, while Jonathan and Rachel Hale won best back garden and the Newcomer Award. Local pubs, restaurants, community groups and schools also received awards, alongside numerous allotment holders across the Marsh Lane and Fairfield sites.

Fir Tree Lane will be closed around the clock at its junction with the A4 London Road in Newbury from August 17 to August 27, 2026, while OUC Group, working for Scottish and Southern Electricity, carries out new connection works. Drivers heading to West Berkshire Community Hospital are advised to allow extra time because other nearby utility and roadworks are already causing disruption. Residential and emergency access will remain available, with a signed diversion provided for through-traffic.

David Pawley, an 86-year-old Newbury resident, admitted driving without due care and attention on Enborne Road on January 14. Reading Magistrates’ Court fined him £392, ordered him to pay £157 in costs and a statutory victim services surcharge, and endorsed his driving licence with six penalty points.

A man in his fifties died at the scene after being struck in a collision involving an HGV and a pedestrian on the eastbound M4 near Membury Services in West Berkshire. Thames Valley Police is investigating and appealing for witnesses, including drivers with dash-cam footage. The motorway remains closed eastbound between junctions 15 and 14, causing significant delays, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

The M4 remains closed eastbound between junction 15 at Swindon and junction 14 at Hungerford after a jack-knifed lorry collided near Membury Services at about 8am. Emergency services remain at the scene, with four miles of congestion and delays of approximately 75 minutes. Thames Valley Police are advising drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Newbury Tattoo Convention attracted thousands of visitors to Newbury Racecourse for its largest event yet, featuring about 150 tattooists, 40 traders and family-friendly entertainment including BMX and motorbike displays, a strongest man competition, a rodeo bull and axe throwing. Organiser Lee Priddy said the event had grown substantially since its 2021 launch at the Corn Exchange and emphasised support for local artists, businesses and suppliers. One tattooist completed a record 27 pieces over two days, while visitors and artists travelled from across the UK and one attendee came from the United States.

Thousands attended the 25th anniversary Battle Proms concert at Highclere Castle, featuring historic cavalry combat, a Red Devils parachute display, a Spitfire flypast and performances by the New English Concert Orchestra. Highlights included a James Bond medley, appearances by the Battle Proms Belles, Elgar, Tchaikovsky and Beethoven works, live cannons and fireworks. The event raised £14,000 and counting for Armed Forces charity SSAFA, with the concert scheduled to return to Highclere on 31 August 2027.

Bingo Buddies, a Newbury-based bingo and fundraising group, is seeking greater awareness, donations and raffle prizes to support small charities and people in need. The group has raised £9,000 for Thatcham Rugby Club, donated items to Berkshire Women’s Aid, helped The Castle School create a sensory room and delivered Christmas parcels to local care homes. Founders Cindy Bunce and Caroline Lovelock say they want to expand their community support through charity bingos, jumble sales and other fundraising events.

The NHS is offering a free, one-off MenB vaccination programme to eligible young people starting university or certain residential further-education courses for the first time. The programme targets specific birth cohorts, with appointments available through community pharmacies and no GP registration required. Two doses, at least 28 days apart, are needed, with first doses available until 31 December 2026 and second doses until 31 March 2027. More than 10,000 young people in South East England received a first dose during the opening week, and officials are urging those who have not booked to do so early enough to complete the course before the academic year begins.

Motorists in and around Newbury are warned of several holiday-period road closures. Burys Bank Road will close on August 14 for work to replace a telephone pole, while the A34 northbound between Speen and Donnington will close overnight from August 13 to 14 for carriageway construction by National Highways. Access for residents and emergency services will remain available on Burys Bank Road, and drivers from Greenham are advised to use the A339 and Thornford Road.

Harry and Sheila Whitehouse are celebrating 70 years of marriage on August 11, having first met as teenagers in Small Heath, Birmingham, and married in 1956. Originally from the West Midlands, they raised four children in Solihull before moving to Thatcham in 2025 to be closer to family. The couple now have seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter, with another great-grandchild expected in October. They are also due to receive a personalised anniversary message from the King.

Five parks in West Berkshire—Northcroft, Goldwell Park, Victoria Park, the City Recreation Ground in Newbury and Calcot’s Linear Park—have retained the international Green Flag Award for high-quality management and community value. The parks are managed by West Berkshire Council and Newbury Town Council, with staff, volunteers and community groups credited for maintaining them as safe, welcoming and accessible spaces. The awards are administered by Keep Britain Tidy and coincide with the scheme’s 30th anniversary.

Rail lines between Reading and Newbury have reopened after an emergency incident near Midgham, but Great Western Railway warns that disruption may continue until 10:45 a.m. Passengers whose trains are cancelled or delayed can use nearby services without extra cost and may claim Delay Repay compensation if they arrive at least 15 minutes late.

Richard Farley has become manager of Newbury Business Improvement District after working at the Kennet Shopping Centre from 1997 until its closure in February. He described the role as a dream position and said it would build on his experience in events, marketing, safety, cleanliness and representing local businesses. The BID, established in 2012, supports major town-centre events and aims to attract more visitors, while the former Kennet Centre site is set for redevelopment as Old Town, with mews housing and reduced retail space.

Newbury’s PickleFest returned for its second year at Delphic Brewing Company, drawing an estimated 600 visitors and 70 homemade entries from across West Berkshire. The expanded event included a road closure, live music, food vendors and app-based public voting, which attracted more than 400 votes—up from 150 the previous year. Entries included pickles, kimchi, hot sauce, honey and jam, with Francesca Rosier-Parker, Niamh Broadbank, Craig Browne, Jammy Bastards, Barry Holt and Damian Tomczik among the winners.

A person reportedly died in Newbury on July 27 following crack cocaine use, while two others were reportedly hospitalised. West Berkshire Council said police and the coroner are investigating and that it remains on alert. A wider alert from the council, health services, police and ambulance services advises people not to use drugs, or, if they do, to avoid using alone, carry naloxone, test new supplies with a small dose, use drug-testing strips where possible, and seek urgent medical help for breathing problems or wounds.

Thatcham Pre-School marked 60 years of serving the community with a celebration attended by current and former staff, families and friends. The event highlighted the setting’s history from its origins as Thatcham Playgroup, founded by Mary Smith, through several community-hall locations and decades of fundraising and family involvement. It also marked the departure of manager Jodie Conyard after four years and the appointment of Carly Jefferies, who has worked alongside her for 11 years and began at the pre-school as a volunteer and apprentice. The setting says it will continue its family-oriented approach.

More than 20,000 people attended Newbury Krazy Races, where teams raced handcrafted soapbox karts downhill from Strawberry Hill to The Broadway. Newbury Velo won with a time of 25.35 seconds, followed by The Rectory Clinic and Lincolnshire Rough Ashlars. PALS won awards for performance and teamwork, while Scott Waters Racing took the best-designed kart award and Lincolnshire Rough Ashlars won the public vote. The event also featured Carnival Alley, bringing together charities and community organisations, with Volunteer Centre West Berkshire serving as headline charity and benefiting from sales of a limited-edition beer by Indigenous Brewery.

The Classic Vehicle Show will return to Newbury Showground on August 2, featuring classic cars, car clubs, Watership Brass and the 100-year-old Bullnose Morris Van used in Downton Abbey. Visitors can enter a prize draw for a child’s electric BMW car donated by Group One BMW, Reading. Public entry costs £9, and classic vehicle owners may arrive before 10am.

A lane at Newbury’s Robin Hood roundabout will close around the clock from July 27 to August 16 for carriageway widening, increasing capacity for traffic heading toward Shaw and the A4 at Thatcham. Resurfacing will follow from August 17 to August 28 during overnight closures, alongside traffic-signal upgrades, vegetation clearance and new road markings. Drivers are warned to expect delays and check route restrictions before travelling.

The Campbell family of Newbury has created Treasurescape, a phone-free, two-kilometre activity trail featuring 13 puzzles and local-history facts. Designed by sisters Leila and Scarlett with help from their parents as a home-school project, the booklet raises funds for Guide Dogs while supporting the fostering of Oregon, a 14-week-old Labrador guide-dog puppy. Sixty per cent of profits will go to the charity and 40 per cent will fund Oregon’s equipment, treats and toys. The family hopes the trail will encourage people of all ages to explore Newbury and feel more connected to the town.

Thatcham lorry driver and father of five Marcus Peters has created Biker Meetup, a UK-focused app that helps motorcyclists find nearby riders, group rides and curated routes. The app includes a radar for locating other users, more than 80 routes, the GPS-based Biker Bounty collection game and an automatic crash detector that texts selected contacts with a rider’s location. Developed with AI software Emergent and launched in June after 22 upload attempts, the app has attracted more than 3,550 users and generated 340 rides. Peters hopes to expand it, although developing the app has left him with less time to ride himself.

Barbara and Bill Clarke celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a garden party at their Newbury home, joined by family and friends. The couple received a congratulatory message from King Charles and Queen Camilla. Married since 1954 after meeting in Hampstead Norreys, they raised three children and have lived in Newbury for five decades. Their son Clive credited their enduring companionship for the longevity of their marriage.

Pupils at Speenhamland Primary School in Newbury launched their dragon mascot Trodon into near-space using a high‑altitude helium balloon, completing what may be a record‑setting primary school mission. Led by PTA chair Josh Knight, the project involved a year of planning, Civil Aviation Authority approval and careful technical preparation. Trodon ascended to around 100,000 feet before the balloon burst as designed, with its descent tracked to a landing site in Newick, East Sussex. All equipment and pupils’ artwork returned intact, prompting celebration at the school and highlighting the project’s aim to inspire children in science and exploration.

A decade-long £850,000 refurbishment has transformed an unused building at Thatcham Park C of E Primary School into a modern early years facility, increasing nursery capacity from 32 to 45 places. The project, funded by West Berkshire Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy and the Government’s Basic Need Fund, incorporates sustainable design and achieved an A+ energy rating. School leaders and council officials highlighted the investment’s importance in improving early years education and supporting local families and the wider community.

Police are seeking witnesses and footage after a 7.5‑tonne vehicle failed to stop following a collision that seriously injured a cyclist at the junction of Urquhart Road and Station Road in Thatcham. Anyone with dash‑cam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Thames Valley Police, quoting the provided reference number.

Newbury’s Krazy Races soapbox derby returns on July 26 with 15 teams, expanded entertainment, and large crowds expected after last year’s strong turnout. The event features handcrafted racing soapboxes, family activities, the Artisan Market, and appearances from Paddington. A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast is planned, adding a major highlight. Organisers from Newbury BID and Krazy Races anticipate another vibrant community celebration.

A group from the Education Business Partnership completed a 25‑kilometre charity walk from Kennet School in Thatcham to John O’Gaunt in Hungerford to raise funds for their youth-focused programmes. Led by CEO Kate Barrow, the 15 participants trained in hot weather and completed the route along the Kennet and Avon Canal, finishing later than planned after covering 27 kilometres. Despite concerns about heat, the group stayed motivated and aimed to support their work with local schools across West Berkshire.

Volunteers from the local Women’s Institute revitalized the garden area at the Thatcham Memorial Foundation by planting in containers and refreshing hanging baskets. Their work created a more inviting space for residents and visitors, with additional support from Morne Kriel for transporting materials. The foundation expressed gratitude to all involved for enhancing the community memorial area.

A bearded collie named Murphy is featured by Dogs Trust Newbury as a friendly eight‑year‑old seeking a quiet, patient home. He enjoys walks, spending time with people and food, and may live with older children who are calm. Murphy needs to be the only pet, should be walked on a lead, and is sensitive to loud noises. He is housetrained, travels well, can be left for short periods and follows a grain‑free diet. Dogs Trust encourages gradually increasing his time alone as he settles into a new home.

Theale Green School earned the Platinum School Games Mark Award for the fifth consecutive year, placing it among a small number of schools nationwide recognised for outstanding commitment to sport and physical activity. The award highlights the school’s focus on participation, leadership, inclusion and student wellbeing, supported by dedicated staff, volunteers and the wider community. School leaders praised the achievement as evidence of a strong culture that promotes active lifestyles and broad sporting opportunities for all students.

A new venue has been secured for the second Newbury Men’s Shed, led by mechanical engineer Nigel Thorne, after months of searching. The facility, located next to Shaw Social Club, will open on August 1 and aims to provide a space for men to socialise, share skills and work on projects together. Membership is expected to grow following the venue announcement, and the group has also recently obtained an allotment to develop off Craven Road.

Large crowds gathered in Newbury for the fifth annual Pride celebration, with organisers calling it one of the best events yet. Up to 1,500 participants joined the parade through the town before continuing festivities in Victoria Park, featuring live music, performances and community activities. Volunteers ran the event with support from local sponsors, and attendees braved hot weather aided by a designated cooling tent.