  The year 2020 was like no other and the people of West Berkshire came together in a great show of strength to support those who needed help.
Through our Community Champion Awards for 2020, we are honoured to recognise outstanding local individuals and groups who went above and beyond to help their community last year. We added four new Covid categories including a "Big Thank You" award to acknowledge the special contributions made in response to the pandemic.
With more than 100 excellent nominations submitted by residents, the independent panel of three judges had their work cut out for them to determine the winning entries! However, after much careful consideration, they have now chosen the Winners, Highly Commended, and Commended across eight award categories.
See the Community Champion Award 2020 results and video announcement.
Congratulations to all of the winners and every individual and group nominated!
Want to be a part of something big? We publish a number of draft proposals and research activities throughout the year for your feedback.
We now invite you to provide your views on the following public consultations now underway. Your views will be highly important for shaping the plans further.
Newbury Sports Ground
Newbury Rugby Club has been identified as the preferred site for the new sports ground which would include a high-quality artificial grass pitch, stadium, floodlights, and a changing room and function room. The site would be available for community use for rugby, football and other sports and activities. Let us know what you think of these proposals by 28 February 2021 here.
Local Plan Review 2020 - 2037 (Emerging Draft)
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This plan aims for West Berkshire to be a welcoming place for business, provide residents with sufficient housing, and facilitate well-designed and sustainable development. The draft proposal extends the existing Local Plan from 2026 to 2037 to accommodate new housing needs as well as adopt environmentally-friendly development measures.
Read more and take part in the consultation. Deadline: 5 February 2021.
See more consultations which are open for feedback
To provide your feedback on other Council consultations now underway, please visit our consultations website.
Sign up to receive information about upcoming Active Travel consultations
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We are committed to encouraging "active travel" by introducing more walking and cycling opportunities throughout the district. From next month, we will begin a series of consultations asking residents for their views on how we can make cycling and walking safer and easier, including during the pandemic and beyond. To be kept informed when the consultations start, please register here. |
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Set aside an hour to skill
The government has launched a new campaign called An Hour to Skill to inspire people to spend one hour a week learning online with The Skills Toolkit
The free online courses will not only improve your skills and keep your mind active, but could also boost your future job prospects.
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Learn the skills and tools to improve your mental health
Recovery in Mind is offering weekly, free online courses to help adults in West Berkshire learn skills to manage and improve their mental health. Subjects include: 5 ways to wellbeing, self-compassion, coping with anxiety and stress, and being more positive.
Visit the website to see more information and register.
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Keeping active indoors
Staying active helps overall health and can improve balance, flexibility and muscle strength, reducing the likelihood of having a fall or needing medical attention. Exercise can also help the release of the 'happy hormones' endorphins and can help promote a sense of wellbeing. There are a wide range of free, indoor exercise sessions online for all abilities, including seated workouts, so it is worth having a look at different options. These sessions are particularly aimed at adults in later life or those with restricted movement.
See list of active indoors courses (scroll down the page).
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