Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Plan

Home , Sulham, Tidmarsh, Tidmarsh with Sulham, Tilehurst (civil parish)

protecting and enhancing our parish ii Tidmarsh with Sulham

1 The communities of Tidmarsh, Maidenhatch, and Foreword Sulham are situated in the North Wessex Downs Area 2 of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Introduction 4 Tidmarsh and Sulham are separate parishes with a Parish map single parish council. 5 Landscape 7 The history of Sulham and Tidmarsh 10 Profile of our parishes 12 Environment and planning 15 People and TIDMARSH MAIDENHATCH SULHAM community Tidmarsh, the largest of the Maidenhatch, a small Sulham, which is east of three communities, lies community within the Tidmarsh, is a hamlet of 19 either side of a route that Tidmarsh parish, comprises pretty cottages and historic Traffic and transport has been important to a group of houses in the buildings lying under the traders since Roman times. grounds of a converted shadow of beech woods. 23 The age and importance of manor house of the same Acknowledgements the village is reflected in name. details such as the 12th 24 century church with its Action plans Norman doorway and the local pub dating from the 13th century.

Cover: Aerial photograph of Tidmarsh and Sulham taken from the west looking east. © 2008 Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council Parish Plan 1 Foreword by Michael Broun Chairman, Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council Our thanks must go to the steering and focus group members who have constructively and voluntarily engineered this parish plan over the last two years.

There has been considerable and time. Other, more major actions, may consistent enthusiasm in constructing take longer. the parish plan and, after numerous meetings combined with public As the plan moves forward and targets consultations, the action plans were are achieved, it will lead to new formally adopted by the Tidmarsh with challenges where opportunities will Sulham Parish Council on 16 May 2007. arise for parishioners to become more aware and involved in its progress. The parish plan is divided into three major categories: environment, As privileged village communities living people, and traffic. within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is It now remains the task of the Tidmarsh important to address the relevant issues with Sulham Parish Council, supported affecting the quality of life that we by the community, to implement these value so much. actions. Certain actions can be implemented immediately, or at least Many thanks to everyone for all their within a reasonable amount of support in the past and in the future.

April 2008

Sulham dovecote 2 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Introduction by Robert Robertson Chairman, Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Plan Steering Group The concept of the parish plan was put forward by government and adopted by local councils as a method of establishing what matters to people in their own community.

Following extensive consultation During the evening several interested at a local level, parishes have individuals were recruited to form a been asked to produce action steering group. plans addressing all areas of Over the following months a brief mini- concern to residents which the questionnaire was circulated allowing councils will then use to guide space for comment and free text. The short and long term strategy. residents’ responses were then collated to form the basis of a more specific Many parishes have grasped quantitative survey. this opportunity and some are already reaping the benefits. The results were presented at a further open meeting and three focus groups were established to draft a series of The process questions with weighted responses to For the parishes of Tidmarsh and cover the defined topics. Sulham, the process began in May 2005 when West Berkshire Council and the The focus groups consisted of parish councillors, as well as others with volunteers from the villages; steering an advisory role, addressed a well- group members were attached to attended open meeting in the village each focus group to provide advice hall to explain the idea and structure of and guidance. parish plans and to encourage the The resulting detailed questionnaire, community to embark on one of their accompanied by a separate own. questionnaire for young people, was At that meeting views were expressed delivered to all households in the on the positive and negative aspects of summer of 2006 and achieved an life in the parishes and three major excellent 76% return rate.

areas of interest emerged: people, environment, and traffic.

Parish Plan 3

The action plans Interest has been raised in the parishes and we hope that more people will Analysis of the figures derived from the come forward to champion specific questionnaires enabled the focus causes which may be close to their groups to create action plans for hearts. Tidmarsh and Sulham. Some remain sceptical about the worth Each action plan contains a set of of this entire project to which many objectives. The objectives are people have given considerable time prioritised and each has its own actions, and effort and that scepticism may be timescales, and identifying partners, well founded. There is little doubt that both inside and outside the local financial restrictions and political community, who can help us achieve expediency may, at times, delay or it. thwart our efforts. However, we are The finalised action plans were much more likely to be heard speaking endorsed by the parishioners at an as a community with a single voice. open meeting in May 2007 and have Indeed, councillors have made it clear subsequently been adopted by the that parishes without a ratified plan will Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council, receive scant attention for any reviewed by relevant officers in West schemes or proposals that they may Berkshire Council, and ratified by the put forward. Eastern Area Forum. We must continue to work together to The action plans now form the core of achieve our goals. the overall parish plan and should not be seen as an end in themselves but as living documents subject to revision and renewal in years to come.

The action plans are inserted into the parish plan to facilitate smoother and less expensive alterations as and when the need arises.

The future It is important to recognise that the parish plan is just the beginning of achieving the aims of the community.

More effort will be needed by groups of residents to realise the aspirations expressed in the plan.

4 Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish map The red lines on the following map denote the parishes of Tidmarsh (left) and Sulham (right).

Landscape The adjoining parishes of Sulham and Tidmarsh lie in the northernmost reaches of the Pang Valley close to the River Thames.

An area of outstanding Parish boundaries natural beauty The Sulham Brook forms the boundary The Pang Valley is a small part of the between the parishes of Sulham and North Wessex Downs Area of Tidmarsh. Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) The parishes are bordered to the east which was established in 1972. by the deciduous Sulham Woods which It is worthwhile understanding the stretch from Purley Hall in the north to importance of this designation as it the Pincents Kiln Trading Estate in the shows why such a high proportion of south. residents enjoy living in the area. The M4 motorway forms the southern Natural beauty is not just the look of the boundary with mixed woodlands to the landscape but includes landform, west and open farmland to the north. plants and animals, landscape features, and also the style of human The land settlements developed over the centuries — everything that gives an The land in both parishes is area a distinctive character. predominantly chalk with the River Pang, a typical chalk stream, running The purpose of this designation is to northwards through Tidmarsh and conserve and enhance natural beauty supporting a wide range of plant and and, importantly, to take account of animal life including kingfishers, white the needs of agriculture, forestry and clawed crayfish, and the increasingly other rural industries and of the rare water vole. Rectory Meadow, Sulham economic and social needs of local communities. The responsibility for Moor Copse, a nature reserve south of achieving these purposes falls clearly to Tidmarsh village, is part of the Sulham the local planning authority, West and Tidmarsh woods and meadows Berkshire Council, which now has a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

legal duty under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to protect the AONB.

6 Tidmarsh with Sulham

The mill pond in Tidmarsh

A report in the 1930s described the Moving west up the hill on the opposite valley land as: side of the Pang Valley and on the western boundary of the parish is the ... being chiefly good, rich feeding small community of Maidenhatch, pasture, resting on alluvial or chalk living in the converted manor house of sub-soil, of excellent quality, being that name, its outbuildings, and mainly dairy and cattle feeding land. attractive houses built in its grounds. The arable land is exceptionally good for the production of potatoes, and yields fine crops of grain and hay. It is A charming position good warm soil of average depth. The 1930s report mentioned earlier referred to this area as: The predominant land use in both parishes continues to be agricultural, ... occupying a charming position in undoubtedly in excess of the average one of the most beautiful parts of the of 75% for West Berkshire and the County of Berks, a land of green national average of 68%. pastures, winding rivers, with well cultivated uplands, and densely The main farming activity takes place wooded valleys and hills notable for on the Sulham Estate where the diversity of scenery. generations of the Wilder family have been farming since 1497. Despite high levels of residential and commercial development over the intervening years, this description is still Settlements relevant to the current landscape and Sulham is a hamlet of pretty cottages at it is reassuring that its designation as an the foot of Sulham Hill, lying under the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty shadow of the beech woods almost in has recognised the importance of it the centre of the parish. Several of the being protected. cottages are thatched, with the characteristically-styled schoolhouse that served the children of both Sulham and Tidmarsh until the 1970s now converted to a private house as is the nearby imposing Rectory.

Tidmarsh was always the larger settlement sitting at the crossing of the road once used by monks and travellers from the great Abbey of Reading to Wallingford and the old turnpike road that in coaching days led from the Great West Road (now the A4) to Oxford — the round tollhouse still stands just north of the thatched Greyhound public house.

Parish Plan 7

Sulham dovecote

The history of Sulham and Tidmarsh When walking through our villages and their surrounding countryside, it is often easy to forget the historic environment that has made our community what it is today.

A closer look at the landscape The early occupation of Maidenhatch reveals many clues about the was confirmed by the discovery of flint past — from the 80 million year implements in 1895, while work in advance of the M4 motorway in 1970 old oyster shell and fossilised sea revealed a Romano-British farmhouse anemone found scattered in as well as a 4th century villa overlying the fields of Tidmarsh hinting at an earlier field system. The finds an early seascape, to the included a hoard of 6,000 bronze coins. The Toll House, Tidmarsh worked flint found on the edges of Sulham Woods. Sulham The manor of Sulham was recorded in The Sulham Gap, through which the the Domesday Book of 1086 and was River Pang now flows, provided the held by William de Calgi for the King. original route of the River Kennet in the Valued at £4, it had a church with its distant past. residents listed as 4 villagers, 6 smallholders, and 2 slaves. During the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods our earliest residents lived on For the next 600 years the manor the wooded slopes and hunted the passed through different ownership abundant animals that would have until in 1632 it was bought by the Wilder lived in the valley below. family who had held the nearby estate of Nunhide since it was granted to According to the Historic Environment Nicolas Wilder by Henry VII in 1497 as a Record, finds from the Bronze Age have reward for his faithful service. been found in Sulham, while field walking in Tidmarsh has uncovered The Norman church of St Nicholas was Roman pottery as well as several demolished and rebuilt by the bronze Roman coins. Reverend John Wilder in 1838, one of

many Wilders who became rectors of the parish; indeed, between 1823 and 1944 there was an unbroken line of them!

8 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Historical picture of The Greyhound, Tidmarsh

Aerial view of Tidmarsh in 1964

Sulham House was built in 1701 during The lordship of the manor suffered from the reign of William and Mary, and many changes from the 13th century, passed through various stages of including many legal disputes and development until its final major scandal. It belonged at one time to the alteration and extension, again by manor of Englefield until it was forfeited John Wilder in 1838. The estate remains to the Crown in 1585. in the ownership of the family today. Frequent changes of ownership Sulham dovecote, with numerous nest occurred throughout the 17th and 18th boxes set into the brickwork, was built centuries until it was bought by the by the Rev Dr Henry Wilder when he Hopkins family in 1798 with the estate Tidmarsh in the early was courting Joan, daughter of William finally being broken up with the sale of 1900s Thoyts of Sulhamstead, who he married the Maidenhatch and Tidmarsh Estates in 1768. The dovecote was located in 1937. At that time it consisted of 1,186 where each could see it from their acres with five main residences home and think of one another. including Maidenhatch House, The Manor House, Tidmarsh Grange, The Following the closure of the school in Mill House, and The Old Rectory. In Tidmarsh around 1904, Sulham School addition there were four farms, several provided an education for the children smallholdings, and over twenty of both villages until it finally closed in cottages as well as water meadows, the 1970s and the building became a copses, and the Village Club Room. house. Another view of Tidmarsh The mill in Tidmarsh provided a valuable in the early 1900s asset to the village for over 700 years Tidmarsh until it was finally closed in the 1930s Tidmarsh, unlike Sulham, is not and later converted into a residential mentioned in the Domesday Book, but property. this could be because it was included in the lands of another manor, lord, or The original corn mill, which was holding. probably in the same location as today's Mill House, was documented as It appears to have had a number of early as 1239 and for several hundred variations of its name, including years was held by the Abbot of Tedmers, Thedmerse, Thydemers, and Reading until the dissolution of the Tydmerssh. Suggestions for the monasteries in the 16th century. St Nicholas Church, meaning of its name range from Sulham common marsh to a Celtic alternative Tidmarsh’s most notable occupants, of Tyddyn Mar — a small farm for perhaps, were the artist Dora horses. Carrington and author Lytton Strachey, after whom Strachey Close in the The first documentation for the manor village is named. appeared in the late twelfth century when it was held from the King by John A fulling-mill first mentioned in 1592 has de Thedmers by service of finding one long since disappeared, but it is likely to Knight to guard the Castle of have been sited around Moor Copse Wallingford for forty days in the time of since a map of the late 18th century war. shows the site of the old mill. Parish Plan 9

Tidmarsh Mill in the early 1900s

The rich and fertile landscape of Maidenhatch Tidmarsh seems to have provided a Maidenhatch's first known residents wealth of resources to its manor and were a Romano-British farming the Abbey at Reading — a vineyard, a community during the 4th century AD. fishery as well as a warren of conys and a dove-house are all mentioned in It appears that this small settlement was documents. self-sufficient as facilities for grain storage, iron-smelting, and pottery- Not all of Tidmarsh's residents benefited making were found during excavation from the wealth generated by this of the site. Nothing further is known Sulham Stocks in the early agricultural economy and many of its about the settlement until it is 1900s labourers and elderly were supported mentioned in the 13th century. by the parish through the provision of bread etc. Following the Poor Law Sometimes known as Maydehethe or Amendment Act of 1834 when people Maydeneth, it was held by the Abbey could no longer receive 'outdoor relief' of Reading as part of the manor of a number of them were sent to the Pangbourne and had a mill worth 20 workhouse in Bradfield. shillings a year. Other notable buildings in the village include the Greyhound pub, the And finally... church, and the old tollhouse. The A perhaps rather surprising aspect of Outside Tidmarsh Mill in Greyhound dates back to the 12th the villages' history is the part played in the early 1900s century and is a timber-framed cruck the defence of the country during the house with a thatched roof. Prior to its Second World War. conversion to an inn in 1625, it was originally a church house called The Clearly visible today are a number of Grid Iron, the emblem of St Laurence. pillboxes and anti-tank blocks along the valley, but less obvious is the series St Laurence itself is a 12th century of anti-tank ditches now buried below church with a rare 13th century the fields originally built in case of polygonal apse, rare early wall invasion. Also no longer visible is a paintings, and splendid Norman font decoy site at Moor Copse. Known as a and doorway. Fortunately the church starfish installation, this fire decoy was escaped most of the ravages of designed to draw bombers away from St Laurence Church, Victorian rebuilding. Tidmarsh urban targets — in this case Reading. The main A340 from Pangbourne to The landscape of our villages has Theale, which now divides the village, supported its population for at least was formerly a turnpike road with its 8,000 years and continues to do so own tollhouse. However the route, today. With agriculture, country life, proved to be unprofitable and the trust and the buildings of the past, which still which ran the turnpike was closed in provide a focal point for everyday life, 1872 and the tollhouse became a it is imperative that our historic private residence. environment is protected and continues to be at the forefront of our villages' future. 10 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Cottages in Tidmarsh

Profile of our parishes The questionnaire, which was completed by 76% of households, provided information used to draw up a profile of our community.

We received 105 completed Sulham Lane, Sulham The parishes contain a high number of questionnaires from households older homes: in Tidmarsh and Maidenhatch • 45% of homes in Tidmarsh and Sulham and 28 from Sulham. are over 100 years old. • 27% of homes in Sulham are over 300 Note Maidenhatch, consisting of about 15 years old. properties and approximately one mile from Tidmarsh, is part of the parish of Tidmarsh • In Maidenhatch there are no homes and is only mentioned separately when under 20 years old. there are instances where data differs • In Sulham there are no homes under 50 significantly. years old.

Size and character Tidmarsh is roughly five times the size of Choosing to live here Sulham both in terms of the number of The expected pragmatic and practical recorded households and the reasons for moving into the parish were population size. not high on the agenda of the Although at first glance the villages of population. Tidmarsh and Sulham appear quite 58% moved into the villages because of different in character, there are in fact access to the road and rail network many similarities both in their and only 44% to be close to their place demographic make-up and in the of work. opinions expressed by residents of the two communities. These were hugely outweighed by aesthetic considerations with over 90% Dwellings stating that the rural nature of the villages within an Area of Outstanding The 2006 Register of Electors records Natural Beauty, the character of the 144 dwellings in Tidmarsh and 33 in dwellings, and the small friendly Sulham; a total of 177. It is interesting to community made the villages note, however, that according to the desirable. 2001 Census the number of occupied dwellings was 156 in Tidmarsh and 34 in Sulham; a total of 190.

Parish Plan 11

Length of residency In the under-45 age group, 68 (44%) are children and young people under the From the responses received it appears age of 18. that the average length of residency is perhaps not as long as expected. In Tidmarsh and Sulham 21% of the It is likely that some of the turnover is population is less than 18 years old: due to changes in tenancies of a small • 13 children are less than 5 years old. number of rented properties. • 15 children are aged between 5 and 10 years. 131 households answered the question • 40 young people are aged between on length of residency: 11 and 17 years. • 33% of households in Tidmarsh and 25% in Sulham have lived there for 5 years or less. • 51% of households in Tidmarsh and 43% Places of work in Sulham have lived there for between There is a wide variation in the 6 and 25 years. distances between homes and places • 16% of households in Tidmarsh and 32% of work though the majority (39%) travel in Sulham have lived there for more less than 10 miles to work and 18% work than 25 years. within the parishes.

Cars and bicycles Population As might be expected there is a high In 2001 the population of Tidmarsh was level of car ownership. A total of 247 391 and Sulham 80. As there has been cars were recorded by the 133 very little development since 2001, it is households responding. Considering unlikely that the population size has there are 262 people aged over 18 changed significantly. years, this is an average of almost one (0.94) car per person over 18. From the information received, the population is fairly evenly split between It can also be determined from the the genders (48% males to 52% responses that 71% of households run females) the exception being two cars or more. Maidenhatch where the ratio is 66% males to 33% females. In contrast, there are apparently only 28 bicycles used more than once a Of the 330 people who responded to week by the 330 respondents. the questionnaire, 144 (44%) were under 45 and 186 (56%) were 45 or older. This indicates that our community is rather older than the UK average of 59% and 41% respectively.

12 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Footbridge over Sulham Brook, the boundary between Tidmarsh and Sulham parishes

Environment and planning The local environment, both natural and man-made, creates the character of this area and is clearly of great importance to the residents of both villages, as indicated by the very high responses to many of the questions in this section.

Despite the majority of the It is unsurprising, therefore, that there is villagers having little direct a strong desire (over 90%) to see action contact with the land except as taken to preserve and maintain woodlands and hedgerows and also a leisure amenity for walking, the roadside verges that on many of cycling, horse riding, or carriage the lanes are being eroded by the driving, over 90% of respondents passage of inappropriate traffic such attributed the appeal of living as heavy goods vehicles. here to the rural nature of the villages (97%), the character of Footpaths the dwellings (92%), and the With over 70% of respondents claiming presence of the parishes in an to use the footpaths regularly, there is Area of Outstanding Natural undoubted backing for the regular Beauty (91%). maintenance of the network and such improvements as replacements for stiles to make easier access for the less This strong attachment to the natural mobile. environment was focused particularly on the rivers flowing through each village, the River Pang and Sulham View of West Berkshire District Local Plan Brook (and also the proximity of the West Berkshire Council will safeguard River Thames), on Sulham Woods, the and, where appropriate, seek the fields and meadows of the farmland enhancement and expansion of the surrounding each community, and the public rights of way network … improving footpaths and bridleways that intersect public access to the countryside … them. where this can be achieved without detriment to the landscape, agriculture, the rural character of the area or local amenities.

Parish Plan 13

Flooding Environmental pollution As mentioned earlier, the rivers are seen With the appearance and character of as an important and valued feature. the area being of such importance, anything adversely affecting this will be Although 80% of residents considered of concern. that flooding was not a potential risk to their property, well over a third had no This is seen in the strong reaction to the opinion on whether the Environment blight of fly-tipping, with calls for Agency was effective in keeping the stronger action both locally and at rivers clear to minimise the risk of district level. Environmentally, this is by flooding and to sustain and maintain far the greatest concern, significantly wildlife. In light of the floods in July 2007, higher than the noise pollution from the it will be appropriate to consider ways M4 motorway, passing traffic, and of increasing this awareness. aerobatic aircraft although action on these will also be targeted. The issue, however, of flooding on roads caused by blocked drains attracted serious dissatisfaction with 70% of Future development residents considering local authority Turning to the built environment, the work to be inadequate. highest response was to the need for strategic gaps to be maintained between the communities of Tidmarsh, Moor Copse Sulham, Pangbourne, and Tilehurst. Many villagers recognise and value the attraction of Moor Copse, the Site of Special Scientific Interest that spreads View of West Berkshire District Local Plan over both villages with its diversity of West Berkshire Council will not permit plant and wildlife. development which would detract from the open, or rural character of areas of However, there is a belief that a closer land identified as essential to the engagement between the maintenance of a clear physical and communities and the Copse’s owners visual separation between distinct settlements. (The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust) would serve not only to increase local awareness of Moor Copse this outstanding amenity but could The only relevant area in the West lead to ways of improving access Berkshire District Local Plan is between without impairing the tranquillity of the Tidmarsh and Pangbourne and action site. needs to be pursued to include the other villages referred to.

Parish map Easier access to, and the awareness of, features within the villages supports the production of a detailed parish map. 14 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Lychgate to St Nicholas’s Church, Sulham

There was much concern about future Tidmarsh considered the introduction development within the villages with a of mains drainage and gas to be small majority resisting any further important but Sulham and development. There was an Maidenhatch did not. Neither did these overwhelming view that any two communities wish to receive mains development should be in a style water. appropriate to the village affected. Views on whether street lighting was important in Tidmarsh were closer but a View of West Berkshire District Local Plan narrow majority opted against it. Development permitted in the AONB … Unsurprisingly the majority against street should favour conservation of the natural lighting was significantly higher for beauty of the landscape, visual quality Sulham. and amenity of the area. … West Berkshire Council in considering proposals for development will seek to conserve Moving forward and enhance the special features and diversity of the different landscape Many of the issues and concerns character areas found within West expressed by villagers have been Berkshire. identified already by West Berkshire Council as evidenced by the quotes from the West Berkshire District Local The issue of the provision of affordable, Plan. Support for their resolution should, that is, low cost, housing in the area therefore, be forthcoming from the attracted only a low response with a local authority. small majority against such provision. However, it is encouraging that further support across a wide range of subjects Planning that affect the character of the AONB Administration of the planning process will now come from the North Wessex found narrow support for the Tidmarsh Downs AONB Management Plan. with Sulham Parish Council but dissatisfaction with West Berkshire The items in the action plans range from identifying and protecting what local Council and, in particular, the lack of people value in the landscape and the enforcement of planning breaches. features of the AONB, through the visual and noise impact of the M4 Lychgate leading to Additional amenities motorway, improving woodland Millennium Green Parishioners were invited to look ahead management, countering the impact and consider a wish-list of additional of urban sprawl, control of fly-tipping, amenities for their communities. rights of way improvements, to the adoption of consistent approaches to Results were unexpected, with the major and intrusive developments in majority of residents opting for no the AONB. changes.

Parish Plan 15

Tidmarsh and Sulham community photograph, Summer 2007

People and community No matter how beautiful a setting, it’s the people who make it come alive. Here we look at some of the things that those in the parishes like and want.

The Greyhound public Community facilities and However, use of the hall is on a house, Tidmarsh booking-only basis and its popularity as services a venue means that availability is Facilities are limited in the community; limited, particularly in the evenings however, those establishments that during winter months. Nevertheless, provide services in the villages are there is a taste for increasing the scope generally highly valued with the village and number of activities undertaken in hall, the Greyhound pub, and the the hall, the most called for being Millennium Green being important to indoor fitness classes, local history, and around 90% of villagers and the parish adult dance amongst a wide variety of churches to 71%. Interestingly, 94% of suggested uses. respondents highlighted the importance of the post boxes in Special joint village functions in the hall Tidmarsh and Sulham and there was a are generally well attended, but the plea for a post box in Maidenhatch. survey underlines some ambivalence toward them with just over half of In terms of service developments, there respondents rating the annual quiz, the was little call for mobile shops or library village party, and the village show as (26%). The concept of a village shop/ important while a slightly larger number newsagent was favoured by 68%, but (64%) felt that the children's Christmas many recognised the doubtful viability party was of value. of such a venture. 55% of people pointed out a need for more provision The village hall has recently been of facilities for young people. refurbished with the installation of disabled access and toilets as well as a Tidmarsh village hall hearing loop. The next large project is Tidmarsh village hall the replacement of the roof with Being the only indoor facility for secular removal of contained asbestos. This will community functions, the village hall be an expensive venture and funding is has a high approval rating. currently being sought with some difficulty.

16 Tidmarsh with Sulham

The Millennium Green View of the Village Hall Committee The Millennium Green was developed The village hall is self funding and where grants have been sought they have been on a field purchased from a local used to make improvements to the fabric landowner and is managed by a board and amenities of the building. of trustees working on an established constitution. There is a widely held The popularity of the hall as a venue does feeling in the community that the mean that it can be difficult to add new regular courses/meetings, however it is space is not well utilised because of hoped that by utilising the new village restrictions imposed by this constitution. web site that the hall diary will be published so that availability can be The annual village fete, which is more readily viewed and then a booking periodically held on the Millennium made in the usual way. Green, is the most popular of all the organised joint village functions and is There is a large proportion of the villages’ population which do not attend the rated highly by 86% of the respondents. social events but those that do come find them enjoyable and then attend further There are a number of suggestions for events — generally 30 to 50 people increasing the usage of the green attend each event. The Village Hall including one-off events such as family Committee welcomes both new ideas fun days, the provision of facilities for and new members. ball games, and the possibility of personal hire. TIdmarsh vs Sulham Increased use of the hall could be Use of the Millennium Green for dog cricket match assisted by extension of the building to walking was an unimportant provide a separate room, but this consideration for most, recognising the would be a longer term aspiration. inherent risks and the space already available for this activity. The funding, maintenance, booking, major works, and organisation of functions in the hall are all run by the View of The Millennium Green Trustees Village Hall Committee. The trustees of the Millennium Green are sympathetic to the desire expressed by many villagers that greater use could be View of the Community Council for made of this facility. We look forward to Berkshire considering all proposals put to us and will consider them carefully against not only The Village Hall is the hub of the the guidelines and criteria laid down in community and is used by residents of all the Trust deed but also against the wishes ages. It provides a venue for activities of of the donor landowner and, importantly, all types and is run as a charity by the effect, if any, of such proposals on the volunteers in the parish. We have had a wider community. long involvement with Tidmarsh Village Hall, helping it to get Lottery money for the extension and a grant for the floor, so

we are really keen to keep seeing it well used.

Parish Plan 17

2007 Tidmarsh and Sulham village fete held in the grounds of Sulham House

Communication and Good neighbour scheme information Over 60% of villagers supported the The physical separation of Sulham, establishment of a good neighbour Tidmarsh, and Maidenhatch poses scheme to assist those who are elderly, problems for communication and the infirm, or immobile with practical dissemination of information on parish matters such as transport, collection of issues. prescriptions, and help with shopping.

The parish magazine is seen as a good/ At present, local people with such excellent source of information by 83% needs are assisted by neighbours and of villagers, Neighbourhood Watch by friends on an ad-hoc basis. 62%, and the village notice boards by A good neighbour scheme, possibly 48%. coordinated through the parish web site, would widen the network of those Parish magazine willing to help and provide more outlets Villagers are aware that our parish and information for people requiring magazine has become much more assistance. church orientated than those of neighbouring parishes and 70% of respondents felt that improvement of View of Volunteer Centre West Berkshire the magazine is desirable, with more Within West Berkshire at least 10 good breadth of social interest in its content. neighbour schemes exist. These schemes for the most part provide transport for The predominance of church-related those people that are unable to use material has stemmed partly from a public transport due to an infirmity of paucity of contributions on broader some kind be it temporary or permanent. topics and partly from the current In our opinion these good neighbour method of production and distribution schemes operate best at parish level, which depends heavily on the rector benefiting from local knowledge, local and church volunteers. volunteers, and local cash or in kind support to sustain them. The Volunteer Parish web site Centre would be pleased to offer further The development of a parish web site is help if required. strongly supported by 66% of the community. A web site (www.tidmarshwithsulham.co.uk) has now been established by a local Facilities for young people resident, and a volunteer webmaster Sulham and Tidmarsh are unusual, has designed the structure and although not unique, in having no oversees content. school in the parish and no available facility for people under the age of It is hoped that the web site and the eighteen to gather and socialise. parish magazine can be developed

hand in hand to improve communication in many areas.

18 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Houses on Sulham Lane

Youngsters attend numerous different Crime and social nuisance schools over a wide area and largely The villages are considered to provide have parents who are able and willing a relatively safe and peaceful to transport them to social and sporting environment. activities outside the villages, although a significant proportion also use public There are active Neighbourhood transport, bicycle, or walk to other Watch schemes and a regular article places. from the Pangbourne Police in the parish magazine gives useful The lack of facilities in the parish, and information and reassurance. the relative restriction of their use, allows very little chance for young Only 19% of respondents felt that fear of people to organise activities for crime adversely affected their lives. themselves. This is borne out by the Fewer were disturbed by antisocial responses to the youth questionnaire behaviour (8%) and noise from social which indicates that the majority only functions (6%). However, 68% of the become involved in local activities at community indicated that a threat to village events such as the annual fete, their safety from traffic was a family evenings in the village hall, and significantly adverse factor in their life the annual village cricket match. within the parishes. There were suggestions from the young people for organised sports, an View of Thames Valley Police equipped children's play area, and a Crime and antisocial behaviour are not youth club although fewer were an issue for most of the residents of prepared to help organise the latter Sulham and Tidmarsh and this can be than attend. Some of these suggestions evidenced by a public consultation would require the extended use of and meeting that was held in March 2007 in different attitudes toward the village Tidmarsh village hall for the residents of hall and the Millennium Green. both of these villages. The purpose of the meeting was for people to tell the police As yet, there has been no direct what their concerns were in the local area. discourse with young people as a group and this may prove quite difficult The meeting was well attended and the to achieve. two main concerns were vehicles exceeding the speed limit whilst travelling Cyclists on a flooded Linking youngsters through the parish through Tidmarsh on the A340 and Sulham Lane web site is a possibility which is being vehicles travelling at excessive speed on examined and continued efforts will be the roads around Sulham. The results of the meeting will be taken back to the made to listen to their opinions and local Neighbourhood Action Group to improve their access to facilities in the see what actions can be taken to resolve community. these issues.

Parish Plan 19

Traffic and transport Of all the issues addressed in the parish plan questionnaire and at village meetings, traffic and the problems it causes raise the most feeling and comment.

Traffic problems Three quarters of residents consider extremely serious or serious. The areas traffic problems in Tidmarsh, causing the most concern are shown Maidenhatch, and Sulham to be below.

Severity of traffic problems as seen by residents

Speeding/overtaking 49% 32% when entering / 14% 32% leaving Tidmarsh 25% 45% Vehicles at the bottom of Lack of a pedestrian 48% 30% Sulham Hill crossing across the 31% 38% A340 in Tidmarsh 33% 41% 45% 41% HGV traffic using Tidmarsh Lane 96% 4% 15% 48% 36% 47% Speeding along 4% 79% Sulham Lane 76% 14% Congestion at the Mill 34% 42% Lane/A340 junction in 15% 70% Tidmarsh 38% 42% 20% 39% 90 degree bend 4% 48% on Mill Lane 27% 38% Traffic approaching the Junction of Sulham Lane 15% 54% bridge by Tidmarsh Mill and Mill Lane (at the 11% 63% bottom of Sulham Hill) 73% 12% Parked vehicles 14% 28% obstructing 4% 40% pavements in Tidmarsh 14% 37% Sharp bend at the top 10% 30% of Sulham Hill (in 11% 30% Sulham Woods) 23% 38% Uncertainty of traffic 7% 38% priority over the bridge 21% 46% by Tidmarsh Mill 9% 26%

Extremely serious (Tidmarsh) Serious (Tidmarsh) Extremely serious (Maidenhatch) Serious (Maidenhatch) Extremely serious (Sulham) Serious (Sulham) 20 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Although there were many common • Analysis of specific causes of themes, feedback from Tidmarsh, concern indicated traffic speed and Sulham, and Maidenhatch generated volume as common factors. some difference in emphasis: • In Tidmarsh and Sulham, through • The A340 passing through Tidmarsh traffic is considered a major issue. and the narrow lanes of Sulham and Maidenhatch have their own impact • In Maidenhatch all respondents on the experience of residents. identified the use of Tidmarsh Lane by HGVs as a serious concern. Straddling the centre line at the base of Sulham Hill

Causes of traffic problems

What Tidmarsh residents think cause the traffic problems in Tidmarsh Lorries/HGVs Through traffic 13% Rat-running 15% 11%

Traffic speed 16% 9% School run

8% 17% Inadequate public transport 7% 4% Traffic volume Road width

Pedestrian /horse traffic

What Sulham residents think cause the traffic problems in Sulham

Traffic volume Through traffic

15% 14% School run 10% Rat-running 16% 9% Road width

19% 7% Lorries/HGVs 6% Traffic speed 4% Inadequate public transport Pedestrian/horse traffic Parish Plan 21

Cottages in Tidmarsh

• Overtaking both into and out of Structural traffic calming and more Tidmarsh, the lack of a safe speed cameras do not have any pedestrian crossing over the A340 popular support in the villages. Instead, that splits the village, and congestion stricter speed limits, flashing speed and queuing at the Mill Lane junction indicators, and more warning signs all with the A340 are considered gain strong support from more than 70% important matters. of residents.

• 84% of Tidmarsh residents called for a pedestrian crossing on the A340 to Public and private improve safety for children accessing transport school bus stops and to improve Other than school buses during term access to community facilities (like time, there is not a daily bus service the village hall and the Millennium available to the community and local Green). train stations are not conveniently accessible by foot. • In keeping with Sulham’s rural nature, 93% of its residents favour the As a result, public transport usage is designation of Sulham Lane as a very low. More than 90% of villagers do quiet lane. not use buses and, although trains are used by 32%, only 6% do so on a daily basis. Turning right out of Mill Lane, Tidmarsh

How residents use their vehicles

82 119 Leisure 15 9 15 61 127 Shopping 20 4 21 Mill Lane, Tidmarsh 37 7 School run 5 4 153 95 16 Commuting 1 7 100 94 21 Business 2 4 98

Daily Weekly Monthly Less than monthly Not used 22 Tidmarsh with Sulham

Sulham

These facts are reflected in the high The way forward level of car ownership, with, on The challenge now is for members of average, two vehicles for over 71% of the community to press the relevant households, where the main daily authorities to improve road safety and usage is for business and commuting. to make improvements to reduce the Almost half (47%) of residents said that impact of the ever-growing volume of they would use buses if service traffic on the quality of life in the improvements were made to the villages. timetable, reliability, and routes. Under these circumstances, the most popular routes would be to Pangbourne and the supermarket in Calcot.

Pavements and cycleways Because of traffic speed and volume, the absence of pavements on most roads, and the discontinuity and poor upkeep of those paved ways which are provided, many people feel at risk walking along the roads within the villages.

If pavements and/or cycleways were to be constructed, the favoured routes are: • Tidmarsh to Pangbourne continuous (91%) • Tidmarsh to Moor Copse Nature Reserve (80%) • Tidmarsh to Theale (80%) • A pavement or cycleway to Pangbourne along Sulham Lane had less support, attracting an overall vote of 68%, but only 50% from Sulham residents

Parish Plan 23

Acknowledgements First and foremost, our thanks go to the residents of Sulham, Tidmarsh, and Maidenhatch without whose input and interest the production of the parish plan, and hopefully the ensuing benefits to our community, would not have been possible.

Special thanks also go to the following for their contributions.

Steering committee Photography Rob Robertson (Chairman) Mark Farrington Rosemary Thomas (Secretary) Steven Webb Mike Broun (Parish Council Liaison) John Alderton Colin Pawson (Parish Council Liaison) Dorothy Pickering Geoff Arnold Jonathan Pearson Steven Webb Design Margaret Truscott Steering committee members in the early stages of production: Colin Limb, Dorothy Pickering, and Nigel Shepherd. Other acknowledgements Numerous organisations and individuals provided assistance, guidance, and Focus groups support including: Many thanks go to the focus group leaders and members who generously • Community Action West Berkshire, in gave their time and effort in forwarding particular, Sarah Ward who has the process of the plan. nurtured and aided this project from start to finish Environment group leader • Greenham Common Trust John Haggerty • North Wessex Downs AONB People group leaders Joanne Walker • Tidmarsh Village Hall Committee Gillian Alderton • Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council

Traffic group leader • Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish News John Alderton • West Berkshire Council Village history Karen Elliott 24 Tidmarsh with Sulham Action plans Inserted into the flap to the right, you’ll find the action plans that address the areas of concern to residents.

Each action plan contains a set of objectives. The objectives are prioritised and each has its own actions, timescales, and identifying partners, both inside and outside the local communities, who can help us achieve it.

The action plans are living documents subject to revision and renewal in years to come. Environment action plan

Priority Topic Objective Actions Lead Responsibility Partners Timescale

High Map of Tidmarsh and Increase awareness of features and • Research, design, and produce map • Environment Group • West Berkshire Council 12 months Sulham parishes amenities within the parishes • Make available as a leaflet and on • Berks, Bucks and Oxon web site and display board Wildlife Trust • Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council • North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Ordnance Survey •Webmaster

High Road drains and verges Improve effective maintenance of • Identify problem locations • Environment Group • West Berkshire Council 6 months road drains to eliminate flooding and • Institute reporting procedure • Tidmarsh with Sulham improve road safety • Raise awareness Parish Council • All villagers

Preserve and maintain existing • Compile evidence (map/photos) • West Berkshire Council verges, prevent or limit further erosion • Liaise with Traffic Group • Traffic Group by traffic, and test feasibility of • Consult West Berkshire Council on • Countryside manager reinstatement solutions • Local landowners • Recommend action by Tidmarsh with • Tidmarsh with Sulham Sulham Parish Council Parish Council

High Planning Raise awareness of local planning • Publish in magazine and on web site • Environment Group • West Berkshire Council 6 months applications and outcomes • Provide contact details and links to • Tidmarsh with Sulham appropriate West Berkshire Council Parish Council departments

Improve reporting of planning • Raise awareness in parishes breaches and effectiveness of • Provide reporting procedure enforcement action by West • Consult West Berkshire Council on Berkshire Council improving enforcement action

Medium Fly-tipping and litter Eliminate fly-tipping and litter in both • Consult West Berkshire Council on • Environment Group • West Berkshire Council 12 months parishes possible actions and legal remedies • Environment Agency available • Tidmarsh with Sulham • Research methods used by other Parish Council parishes and councils •Webmaster • Raise awareness, advertise "hot-line" • All villagers alert system in parish magazine and on web site

Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Plan Issue 1 (April 2008) Environment action plan (continued)

Priority Topic Objective Actions Lead Responsibility Partners Timescale

Medium Noise reduction Minimise noise pollution from, • Acquire evidence (noise log) • Environment Group • West Berkshire Council 2 years specifically, aerobatic aircraft, the • Liaise with adjoining parishes • Tidmarsh with Sulham M4, and motorbikes • Determine and support mitigating Parish Council measures • Civil Aviation Authority •Contact MP • Neighbouring parish councils •Highways Agency • All villagers

Medium Footpaths and stiles General improvement of rights of • Identify, justify, and recommend • Environment Group • West Berkshire Council 12 months way and access, including specific improvements, including • Tidmarsh with Sulham replacement of stiles methods and the cost of Parish Council implementing • Local landowners Create a circular walk through both • Identify route • Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust parishes • Negotiate with landowners • Consider signage • Implement

Medium Planning Produce a Village Design Statement • Establish plan and resources required • Steering Committee • West Berkshire Council 12 months reflecting residents' views on • Implement and lodge with West • Tidmarsh with Sulham maintaining and improving the Berkshire Council Parish Council appearance and characteristics of • Publish locally • Environment Group Tidmarsh and Sulham • All villagers Have the statement adopted by West Berkshire Council and incorporated into the general planning guidelines for the area

Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Plan Issue 1 (April 2008) People and community action plan

Priority Topic Objective Actions Lead Responsibility Partners Timescale

High Sources of information Ensure that Tidmarsh and Sulham • Review parish magazine style/content • People Group • Editor of the parish 12 months have the most effective • Create a web site by end of agreed magazine communication vehicles available to timescale • Local printers and them for sharing community news publishers and information on activities and •Webmaster services

Medium Sports activities for Set up sports activities, which have • Trial fitness classes at Tidmarsh Village • People Group • Rambling groups in 3 months Tidmarsh and Sulham been requested, across the two Hall West Berkshire villages • Set up walking group • Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council • Parish magazine

Medium Use of Tidmarsh Village Expand and extend the use of the • Set up a range of classes in response • People Group • External service 3-12 months Hall village hall to demand • Village Hall Committee providers • Parish magazine

Medium Development of TIdmarsh Investigate the possibility of • Review popularity of additional classes • People Group • Tidmarsh with Sulham 2-3 years Village Hall extending the building to and source funding • Village Hall Committee Parish Council accommodate extra use • West Berkshire Council

Medium Use of Millennium Green Increase utilisation and benefit of • Approach Millennium Green trustees • People Group • Millennium Green 12 months Millennium Green for Tidmarsh and regarding questionnaire responses trustees Sulham community and agree which items can be • Vibrant Villages actioned Scheme • Parish magazine

Medium Services for young people Start a dialogue with young people • Meet with young people to agree • People Group • West Berkshire Council 12 months to understand their needs in the suitable activities community

Low Additional services in the Advertise Good Neighbour Scheme • Insert in parish magazine and on web • People Group • West Berkshire Council 12 months community (for those who need it and those who site • Parish magazine can support it) in parish magazine •Webmaster and on web site

Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Plan Issue 1 (April 2008) Traffic and transport action plan

Priority Topic Objective Actions Lead Responsibility Partners Timescale

High Traffic problems Raise awareness of traffic problems • Highlight in Parish Plan • Traffic Group • Steering Committee 3 months awareness • Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council

High Traffic census information Gain further information and data on • Obtain and review traffic data • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 9 months traffic speed and volume to support initiatives

High Traffic accident tracking Get villagers to report and record • Set up an accident log • Traffic Group • All villagers 3 months accidents and near misses in the • Make villagers aware of the initiative • Neighbourhood Watch • Thames Valley Police villages and encourage reporting representatives

High Sulham traffic hazards Reduce excessive traffic speed on • Obtain information (including traffic • Traffic Group • Tidmarsh with Sulham 9-12 months and safety Sulham Lane data) to support speed restrictions Parish Council • West Berkshire Council • Thames Valley Police

• Get authorities to support initiative and • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 12+ months implement mitigation measures, such • Tidmarsh with Sulham • Thames Valley Police as, quiet lane designation, reduced Parish Council speed limits, and flashing warning signs

Improve safety at junction of Sulham • Work with Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 12+ months Lane and Mill Lane at base of Sulham Council and authorities to support the • Tidmarsh with Sulham Hill initiative, help identify the solution, and Parish Council get West Berkshire Council to implement improvements

High Tidmarsh and Reduce speeding and overtaking • Obtain information (including traffic • Traffic Group • Tidmarsh with Sulham 12+ months Maidenhatch traffic through Tidmarsh data) to get authorities' support for Parish Council hazards and safety restriction measures • West Berkshire Council • Thames Valley Police

• Identify improvement options, • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 18+ months establish optimal solution, and get • Tidmarsh with Sulham • Thames Valley Police West Berkshire Council to implement Parish Council

Improve junction of Mill Lane and • Raise awareness with authorities and • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 12+ months A340 to reduce congestion and gain support for improvement initiative • Tidmarsh with Sulham accident risk Parish Council

• Discuss improvement options • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 18+ months • Establish and implement optimal • Tidmarsh with Sulham solution Parish Council

Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Plan Issue 1 (April 2008) Traffic and transport action plan (continued)

Priority Topic Objective Actions Lead Responsibility Partners Timescale

High Pedestrian safety Safe pedestrian crossing on A340 in • Get pelican-style or similar controlled • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 18+ months Tidmarsh crossing in Tidmarsh • Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Council

Medium Tidmarsh and Reduce number of HGVs/lorries using • Work with businesses, Tidmarsh with • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 9+ months Maidenhatch traffic Tidmarsh Lane Sulham Parish Council, and West • Thames Valley Police hazards and safety Berkshire Council to reduce HGV/lorry usage of Tidmarsh Lane

Establish the degree of hazard posed • Consult further and seek information to • Traffic Group • Tidmarsh with Sulham 12 months by the 90° bend along Mill Lane decide whether improvements are Parish Council warranted/necessary • West Berkshire Council • Thames Valley Police

Medium Pedestrian safety Create safe pedestrian routes from • Highlight need for safe and improved • Traffic Group • West Berkshire Council 18+ months Tidmarsh to Pangbourne, Moor paved routes • Tidmarsh with Sulham Copse, and Theale Parish Council

Low Public transport Make questionnaire data available • Inclusion in village plan documents • Traffic Group • Steering Committee 3 months and on web site •Webmaster

Increase awareness of existing bus • Raise awareness of existing bus • Traffic Group • Steering Committee 3 months services and establish if services and review the need for •People Group improvements are worthwhile improvements, such as, improved • Bus companies frequency at peak times, route changes, and so on.

Low Village vehicle use Make questionnaire data available • Inclusion in village plan documents • Traffic Group • Steering Committee 6 months and on web site •Webmaster

Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Plan Issue 1 (April 2008) protecting and enhancing our parish