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 We are delighted to announce that work on the Tudor Garden at Shaw House is now complete. The project, led by West Berkshire Council's Community Services was made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Designed by horticulturist and designer, Andrea Fearon from Ivy Hill Garden Design, this unique community space has been created with relaxation in mind and is perfectly placed to enjoy views of Shaw House.
Andrea kindly volunteered her time to construct the garden with a thoughtful approach to the historic setting, the environment and our local wildlife. While the plants are all true to a Tudor period garden, the style in which they have been planted offers a contemporary interpretation; with ornamentals, herbs and vegetables being mixed in the borders rather than separated into dedicated spaces.
The garden is now open for visitors to enjoy, but as the planting took place during the winter months, we would encourage you to return during the summer months to see the garden in full bloom. Shaw House is open to the public every weekend 11am – 4pm until the end of September, and Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm during school holidays.
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Northcroft Lido open for 2025 |
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 Northcroft Lido reopens it's doors for swimmers to jump into the 2025 Spring/Summer season from today (2 April)!
The heated, Olympic-length pool is ideal for some ‘al fresco’ lane swimming during the spring and summer months, while the interactive splash pad and 6-metre spiral flume offers the perfect opportunity for families and friends to have fun in the water. Outdoor swimmers and families can also enjoy the popular decking area of the lido where people can relax next to colourful beach huts that create a seaside feel.
The iconic 150-year-old outdoor facility underwent a £5million refurbishment in 2023 to provide an enhanced experience and its popularity among locals continues to rise.
Open until the end of September, Northcroft Lido will be hosting a variety of events over spring and summer. Visitor numbers are limited, and booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.
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We’re delighted to announce the upcoming instillation of a 3G artificial playing pitch at the Cotswold Sports Centre in Tilehurst.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project will redevelop the multi-sport courts situated behind the sports centre.
The development will include a 3G surface with suitable fencing and goals to be primarily used for football, although the space will be available for residents to book and use for a range of sports.
The new pitch will be the same size as the existing courts, allowing for small-sided match play and will be used for a mix of social and formal sport for local clubs and teams to book as a training space, but also for parties and activities.
Our Leisure officers and Councillor Nigel Foot will be at the Cotswold Sports Centre on Tuesday 8 April between 4:30pm and 6:30pm to share designs for the pitch space and to answer any questions you may have. There is no need to sign up if you wish to attend.
As part of the sports centre offering, Everyone Active will run an exciting and varied programme at the facility, on behalf of West Berkshire Council. Work starts in Spring for completion early Summer.
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Keep up to date on road closures in your area by using the map of roadworks, including those of utility companies, on our website to plan your journeys. Click the link below for more information.
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 L-R Mike Cleary (General Manager), Cllr Claire Winser, Ben McKevitt (Head of PE), Cllr Billy Drummond (Chairman of West Berkshire Council), April Peberdy (Service Director - Community Services at West Berkshire Council), Alhaji Bah (Beejacks) (Studio Instructor) and Jeanette Hodge (Leisure Officer at West Berkshire Council)
Residents were welcomed to the official opening of Hungerford Leisure Centre’s new multi-functional activity and fitness studio last Saturday.
The leisure centre is now able to expand its fitness offering and increase the number of group exercise classes so that residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy the variety of instructor-led classes available in the brand-new studio, such as HIIT, yoga and Pilates, as well as the popular Les Mills fitness series!
Why not book in a session to try the new space out.
 Head down to Shaw House on Sunday 13 April, 11am – 3pm for the Love Local Artisan fair!
Join us to celebrate all things local and explore unique craft across over 70 stalls throughout the House and outside. From homeware, garden goods and clothing to jewellery, food and drink; there will be plenty for everyone.
Grab lunch in the Shaw House café or from outdoor caterers and support the creative talent West Berkshire and surrounding areas have to offer.
For younger visitors there will be themed craft and colouring in the Activity Room and trail sheets to explore the house with.
The fair is pay on the door, adults £2, children £1 (free for children aged 3 years and under).
 The Easter holidays are coming and so is our Easter Holiday, Activity and Food (HAF) programme!
We have a new HAF club open with Adventure Dolphin and Berkshire Youth. Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or climbing, there’s something for everyone. There are both primary and secondary school places still available.
Please contact Hannah Lee for more information.
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Anyone can watch our Council and Committee meetings in person at our Market Street offices in Newbury and live on our YouTube channel to view the important decisions made by councillors on issues such as planning, waste services and schools.
Upcoming public meetings include:
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As you know, reliable broadband and mobile connectivity are essential for both work and everyday life. We're committed to ensuring that everyone in Berkshire has access to the digital skills and services they need—but to do that, we need to hear from the people who use them.
Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group have launched a short survey to gather feedback on broadband, mobile coverage, online access and barriers to digital across the county. If you live in Berkshire, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey before 16 April (link below).
Your input will help shape future improvements.
 The Public Protection Partnership was one of three local authorities selected to undertake a National Trading Standards funded project (Operation Joseph) to conduct test purchasing of ‘nicotine free’ vapes both instore and online. The vapes were selected from stores as being seemingly compliant as they were MHRA Notified Products (registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency).
The project, which ran from July 2023 until March 2025, involved purchasing products which were sent to independent laboratories for testing of tank size and nicotine content and 10% of samples were also tested for the presence of heavy metals.
Laboratory tests were conducted on 121 samples supplied by all three authorities:
- 24 contained more than the 2ml legal limit while 39 had 1.5ml or less
- Three contained more than the 20mg/ml of nicotine
- One exceeded the limits for both liquid content and nicotine strength
- 28 failed to comply with the requirements of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016
- Aluminium, iron, lead and nickel were found in some of the samples.
You can read more about the work the PPP is doing in relation to the regulation of tobacco and vaping products here.
If you suspect a store is selling non-compliant disposable vaping products then you can contact 01635 519930 for Trading Standards, or email tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk
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Exhibition: 100 Years (and more) of Newbury Cycling |
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Head down to West Berkshire Museum from 9 April - 18 May for a new exhibition celebrating 100 years of Newbury Road Club.
It all started in 1925 when a 17-year-old boy placed a Newbury Weekly News advert suggesting local cyclists get together and form a new club. However, cycle clubs had been flourishing in Newbury for many years before that.
As part of Newbury Road Club’s centenary celebrations, this exhibition charts the history of Newbury cycling from its earliest origins.
West Berkshire Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm. Entry is free but donations are most welcomed.
Image courtesy of Newbury Road Club
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And finally...
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Did you know we have study spaces in all West Berkshire Libraries where you can enjoy free WiFi, use library computers or bring your own laptop or other device? We have charging points too! Study spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, no need to book, but please be aware that places may be limited and there may be background noise at times when a library is hosting an activity. For example, this is usually the case on Wednesday mornings at Newbury Library, when Educafe takes place. Please check with your local library to see when activities are held.
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