No. 137 June 2020 Free

Well, there does seem to be a chink of light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope it continues to expand with no adverse consequences. is planning to re-open on 1 June for Years R, 1 and 6 and children of key workers (p3) and teachers and parents can find a new resource to help children readjust to the new ‘normal’ on page 13 – and it’s FREE so do have a look.

Rosebourne is now open with two separate entrances for the garden centre and the food hall. And so is Recycling Centre in Padworth Lane, but you need to book a slot to take your rubbish there (see p8).

You will see that we have a few dates for your diary now so things are definitely looking up. Zoom conferences seem to have come into their own as the virtual world takes over, but what a bonus it has been, not only for keeping in touch with family and friends but also Council meetings and church services (p12) – and there’s even one for pets (p8). There’s also the Virtual Fête in aid of Aldermaston and Churches (p3) which has already been going a week and comes to an end on 6 June. That means there is still time to take part and buy your raffle tickets! See p10 for what’s happening at Douai Pavilion.

Keep well, stay safe – and keep smiling through! Mary & Sheila

Deadline for next issue: 25 June 2020 Dates for your DIARY  Monday 1 June PC via Zoom (p5); Deadline for Scarecrow Competition (p7)  Saturday 6 June End of 2-week Virtual Fete (p3)  Sunday 7 June Pet Service via Zoom (p8)  Tuesday 9 June Aldermaston PC via video conferencing (p4)  Monday 15 June Padworth PC via Zoom (p2)  Friday 18 July Deadline for entry in Beenham in Bloom competition (p6)

Padworth Newsletter is available online at https://www.padworthparishcouncil.gov.uk/newsletter

This Newsletter has been printed by Qwerty Ltd, Units 14-18, The Markham Centre, – 0118 930 2222

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Padworth Parish Council

You are invited to attend a meeting of Padworth Parish Council on  Monday 15 June at 7.45pm As a result of COVID-19 the meeting will be held via Zoom video conferencing. The primary business of this meeting will be to fulfil our legal requirements in declaring and approving our year end accounts and audit. The meeting will be shorter than our usual bi-monthly meetings; therefore if you have any particular topic you would like to discuss during the Public Session it would be helpful if you inform me prior to the meeting [email protected]

This is the link to the Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/2623372699?pwd=dDRMb3FzREd3dlJ3ZytGM3pZdGdzQT09 Meeting ID: 262 337 2699 Password: 878528 Christine Heath Parish Clerk

Padworth Village Hall

This is CLOSED until further notice but do bear in mind when restrictions are lifted we have a hall, a field, and other items listed below for hire. FOR HIRE - in addition to the Hall, other items available to hire are: Tables – chairs – crockery – cutlery Rates are very reasonable. There is ample parking plus a recreation ground, and a fully equipped kitchen. If you are interested, please contact Stuart Unwin – 0118 971 3513 www.padworthvillagehall.info

Beenham Community & the Coronavirus Do you Need Help? Want to talk? Are you Self-isolating? Feeling poorly? Worried and unsure?

Please feel free to contact any of the co-ordinators below who can link you with someone who would like to help or post a message on the ‘Beenham Community’ Facebook group.

Janette Hammond 07917 818283 Ali Riches 0118 971 0521 / 07887 878796 Bev Sharp 0118 971 0418 / 07830 367607 Lottie Wadsworth 0118 343 0608 / 07866 398800 / [email protected]

Aldermaston Parish Council & the Coronavirus

We are working with the local church to ensure that everything that is practical is done to help our more vulnerable members. Our local vicar, Revd. Jane Manley, is also a member of Aldermaston PC and she has agreed to coordinate our efforts. If you are currently self-isolating and require assistance, e.g. with shopping or collecting medicines, please let her know. Equally, if you are able to assist in the provision of such services, please make yourself known to her. She is contactable on 0118 971 2891 / email: [email protected] Take care Aldermaston Parish Council Tel: 0118 970 1576 / email: [email protected]

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ALDERMASTON CE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Our staff are currently working towards a phased re- pupils and adults on site. We will have to see how opening of the school from 1st June, in line with things develop over the next few weeks to see if any Government guidelines. As you will be aware from other classes can return ahead of the summer the daily news, this topic is the subject of much holidays. In the meantime we continue to support the discussion and remains a fluid situation. However, we children's learning at home, accepting that many hope to welcome back pupils from Years R, 1 and 6 families are juggling work and childcare. Parents and plus children of Key Workers, if their parents wish carers have done a great job at this difficult time for them to come to school. We will take every care to so many people. ensure as safe an environment as we can for all

Cathy Jones, Foundation Governor Summer Fête in aid of Aldermaston & Wasing Churches

Padworth and Aldermaston WI

Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm in Padworth Village Hall

Due to the corona virus and the Government’s instruction, WI meetings and social events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future. We are still a Women's Institute so if you have any issues or problems please do not hesitate to contact me or a committee member and we will do whatever we can to help you. In the meanwhile try to keep active, positive and safe. Sheila Jay, President, Padworth and Aldermaston WI 0118 971 3367

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Padworth Environmental Group (PEG)

Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PadworthEnvironmentalGroup

Or get in touch with Clare on 07415 239140 or [email protected] or Dawn on 07740 863167 or [email protected]

Padworth Ladies at Lunch

We will not be meeting for some time now so please take care and keep safe.

Any queries please do not hesitate to contact me, Caroline Givan on 07808 400843 / 0118 982 1743 Or email [email protected]

Aldermaston & Wasing Ladies Group Meets on the 2nd Thursday each month in Aldermaston Parish Hall at times given All events cancelled until further notice. Daphne Moore 0118 971 2263

ALDERMASTON PARISH COUNCIL – Notes of Meeting – 12 May 2020

Once again, because of the Coronavirus restrictions, we held a ‘virtual’ Parish Council meeting using videoconferencing. This time we invited public participation by contacting our Clerk, but no-one did so there was no Open Forum. A video recording of the meeting is posted on the APC website.  We are still waiting for WBC Planning Enforcement to Help during Lockdown respond to our concerns regarding land adjacent to Torre The local support arrangements during the Coronavirus House. Their failure to respond in a timely manner has restrictions are being coordinated by Rev Jane Manley, and resulted in Approval of residential use by default appear to be working well. If you would like to be involved, either as a volunteer or as a recipient of support, please contact Padworth Sawmills Jane on 0118 971 2891, email: [email protected] In a similar vein, the recent fire at Padworth Sawmills has highlighted our concerns with what seems to us to be Planning unauthorised activity at the site. We had 4 Planning Applications to review, 3 being for Listed Building Consent and 1 for a building extension. We agreed to The Rec record No Objection to: We are looking at ways to water-proof the Lock Up at the  Internal work at 24, The Street (“Cobblers”) Recreation Ground. A key issue appears to be the tiles on the  Double Garage and two storey extension at The Old roof and how long they have been there. If you have any early Warren, Reading Road pictures of the Lock Up, we would appreciate sight of them.  Demolition of a Coal Shed at The Dene, The Street  Support of a Defective Beam at The Hinds Head, It appears the skateboard ramp is more popular than we Wasing Lane expected. If you have any views on it then please let us know.

 WBC have decided that Planning Permission is not Finances required for the installation of solar panels on the roof of The internal audit of our accounts shows everything is the Village Primary School satisfactory. Many congratulations to our Clerk, Christine  On Appeal, the Inspector found in favour of WBC at The McGarvie! Warren, Reading Road, and agreed a house should not be built there (behind Lyngwood) Our next meeting  WBC have agreed to an Extension of Time for the Manor  Tuesday 9 June at 7.30pm House and grounds; the deadline is now 1st September 2020 This could well be by video conference again.  We have received revised plans for the proposed Lidl development, incorporating an emergency access onto For full information on Parish Council matters, please visit Road. The access would only be used in the our website at www.aldermaston.co.uk event of an emergency at AWE, and has been proposed at the request of the WBC Emergency Officer. Despite Dave Shirt numerous requests, we still do not know when this 0118 971 2549 Application will be determined by the WBC District Planning Committee (it is now over a year since it was first submitted)

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BEENHAM PARISH COUNCIL – Notes of Zoom Meeting – 4 May 2020

Online PC Meeting This was our first Zoom PC Meeting. After sorting out a few technical issues, and deciding that a backdrop of Sydney Harbour was not appropriate, it all went smoothly.

Anyone can come to these meetings (in the same way as they can come to physical meetings), but they should contact the Parish Clerk before the meeting.

Coronavirus Pandemic The Council thanked everyone who has helped in so many ways during this difficult time.  The group of volunteers who are here to help with shopping, or to listen if you are finding it all very difficult. Contact Lottie on 0118 343 0608/07866398800/ [email protected]  The nightly sing-a-long and weekly disco, which I can just about hear from my garden. Please remember to stay-at- home for these event.  The kind people who trimmed the base of the lime trees on the Rec so that WI could put up bunting for VE Day Commemoration, and to Ollie and Will who cleared it away  The people who are working hard to make PPE for our front-line NHS and Care Workers. There seem to some very non-standard uniforms out there!

Planning There was just one planning application: 20/00665/HOUSE – 37, Stoneyfields. Side and rear extension - No Objection

The final appeal decisions on several long-running planning issues relating to Wessex Downs Golf Club are as follows: Application no Location Proposal Decision Appeal 3209701 Wessex Downs Golf Club, Cods Change of use to include partly built club house and staff flat. Allowed Hill, Beenham Residential occupation of timber building ‘The Greenkeepers Appeal 3199829 Wessex Downs Golf Club, Cods ChangeLodge’. of use to include partly built club house and staff flat. Dismissed Hill, Beenham Mobile home as residential unit. Use of land for storage of materials, building plant, equipment including containers. Appeal 3199841 Wessex Downs Golf Club, Cods Certificate of lawful use or development is sought for stationing of Considered Hill, Beenham a caravan for residential purposes. lawful Appeal 3199845 Wessex Downs Golf Club, Cods Certificate of lawful use or development is sought for the storage Considered Hill, Beenham of building materials and machinery, together with the stationing lawful of shipping containers for the storage of materials.

Local Plan Update are outside of the Settlement Boundary in an AONB. As reported in previous months, WBC has asked Parish Whilst there is some industrial development in this area, we Councils for comments on draft planning policy for consider that any more industrial development would have settlement boundaries and possible sites for development a serious impact on the “feel” of this part of the AONB. (HELAA). The PC agreed to have no comments on the This area is overlooked by the village of Beenham, so any current settlement boundary and settlement hierarchy. The development will be very visible (and noise travels as well). following comments on the HELAA sites for Beenham were agreed: Website Work is continuing on a new website for the PC. This is Beenham Village: BEEN 2,7,8,9 - No comment, as all have required to comply with the latest regulations for Council been assessed as unsuitable. websites. The existing Beenham Online website will : BEEN1 – This is a narrow strip of land continue as a community run website. The contact email between the A4 and the railway line. It has been assessed for Beenham Online is [email protected] . as potentially developable in part for residential  Have you joined the email distribution list, so you development. This site is very narrow, and next to a very will get copies of this Beenham newsletter and other busy road. The only connection to the rest of Aldermaston local news? If not please sign up on the front page Wharf is at one end (going past Aldermaston Station). of Beenham Online. Whilst we accept that the area north of BEEN1 has been developed for residential use, we do not consider that this WBC Maintenance is a suitable site for residential use. Consideration could be  We have asked WBC to expedite cutting the grass given to commercial or industrial use, which is more outside the school, but they say they have a big appropriate to a location near a busy road. Aldermaston backlog of similar work. Wharf is designated as a Smaller Village, so development  We continue to press WBC for a date when they will is normally only allowed within the Settlement Boundary. If carry out work on the sides of the road on Beenham residential development is desired then a site that is Hill and Bourne Lane. contiguous with the rest of the Settlement should be found. Playground BEEN3,4,5,6 – These four sites are assessed as potentially Although the playground equipment is out of action at the developable for B2 (General Industrial) or B8 (Storage and moment, we have had our yearly safety inspection. This Industrial) Employment on the Landfill Sites. These sites identified a number of minor items that require attention. 5

The most significant item is the surfacing in the playground, Finance which now has gaps between each “tile”. The report will be Expenditure this year has been less than budget, and reviewed, and a phased schedule of works will be £9,400 has been transferred to the Reserve Account. This prepared. is mainly because planned projects have not progressed. However, income from the Community Facilities is zero at Padworth Recycling Centre the moment, whilst the costs have not changed. Dominic Boeck said that WBC hopes to reopen the Recycling Site at Padworth as soon as they can develop as At the present time all PC payments are by cheque which safe way to operate the site. (See page 9 of this Padworth must be signed by two Councillors. Electronic banking has Newsletter.) not been possible when payments must be authorised by more than one person, but we are investigating new systems that may make this possible.

The next Parish Council meeting will be online on  Monday 1 June starting at 7.00pm All parishioners are welcome to attend. All correspondence to the Council should be addressed to the Parish Clerk: [email protected] . Peter McEwen Parish Councillor

Distribution of these Beenham Notes As the Parish Magazine is not being printed and distributed at the moment these Notes will also not be printed (except for posting on the noticeboards). Online copies are being distributed as widely as possible, and a copy is available on Beenham Online. The Notes will be included in the Padworth Newsletter, which is a good source of local news. See https://www.padworthparishcouncil.gov.uk/newsletter .

BEENHAM VILLAGE EVENTS – SUMMER PROGRAMME 2020 (NB: This includes ALL of Aldermaston Wharf and we have been assured that the judges will come down your way! Eds.)

As you are aware, the planned events for Summer 2020 can no longer take place. We at BVE tried to think of what would be possible, although like everyone else we have no idea how things will develop. We have put together a few events, to give us all something to think about (apart from Maths worksheets and/or delivery slots). If you have any more ideas please let us know.

 June – Scarecrow Festival. Entries by 2nd June. See next page  July – Beenham in Bloom. Judging in the last week of July. See below  31 August – End of Isolation Picnic. Save the date! See page 6

Beenham In Bloom 2020

Let’s get Beenham’s front gardens blooming! And this includes Beenham and Aldermaston Wharf!

In this strange world we find ourselves in, there is still time to start planting your baskets and tubs by sowing seeds or buying online

Once again The Six Bells’ Trophy will be awarded for the best hanging basket or tub of flowers in the village, displayed in your front garden for all to see.

Judging will take place during the last week of July

To enter please email Pat Owen [email protected] by Friday 18th July

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Beenham Scarecrow Festival 2020 Well what a difference a month makes! Beenham Village Events has decided to cancel the Fayre for this year which was to have been on June 27th, BUT we will still hold our annual Scarecrow competition.

Beenham is (or will be when we come out of isolation) celebrating 100 years of the Club and the WI, so we have decided the theme for this year’s Scarecrow Festival is “Famous people or fictional character of the last 100 years”. They could be from Beenham or from somewhere else so there is a huge number to choose from - just let your imagination go!

If you would like to take part in the Scarecrow Festival, all you need to do is to make your scarecrow, on the above theme and ensure it is able to survive life outside for at least a week or so. Then display it in your front garden by 1st June in time for the judging which will take place over the following few days. ALTHOUGH STRAW IS LOVELY TO MAKE YOUR SCARECROWS LOOK AUTHENTIC, WE’VE DECIDED THAT THIS WILL NOT BE A JUDGING POINT THIS YEAR. SO USE WHATEVER IS TO HAND TO MAKE YOUR SCARECROW! This could be an ideal project to carry out with the children and we very much look forward to spotting them around the village.

If you plan to make a scarecrow and would like it to be included in the judging for the John Thurley Cup, please email me your name and address, with “scarecrow” in the subject box, by 2nd June. It would be helpful if you could also email a photo of your scarecrow once it is in position. And please don’t send your entry via Facebook!! Thank you!

As last year we hope to award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes and the winners will be announced at a grand celebration picnic on the Rec at some point in the future when we return to normality. We WILL all meet again, so watch this space!

Lesley McEwen, [email protected]

Save the date! Beenham’s coming-out-of-social-isolation Picnic on the Rec August 31st - Bank Holiday Monday From 12 Noon As you know, the VE day clelebration events for the bank holiday weekend of 8/9/10 May, the Centenary Celebration Party on June 6 in the Victory Hall and Club, and also the Summer Fayre on June 27, all had to be sadly cancelled, due to government restrictions regarding Covid- 19. So, in order to have something to look forward to……

Beenham Village Events is tentatively planning a fun event on the Rec on the August Bank Holiday Monday - 31 August - as hopefully by then we will be out of isolation. Everyone can bring along a picnic and we will be able to share an enjoyable afternoon filled with fun events for all ages!

Mobile Library The mobile library is not running until further notice due to the Coronavirus and Government guidelines.

PREMIER GARDENS AND FENCING

Fencing ● Paths & Patios ● Driveways ● Decking ● Brickwalls ● Block Paving Turfing ● Shed Bases ● Sand & Gravel ● Driveway, Patio Cleaning & Repointing

Tel: 0118 971 4987 Mobile: 07833 642740 Website: www.premiergardens.biz

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Veolia Household Waste Recycling Centres New booking system, opening hours, site restrictions and recycling facilities

Our recycling centres re-opened on 14 May for essential the sites if it cannot be stored temporarily at home safely visits only. There will be strict social distancing guidelines (without causing risk of injury, health or harm) or disposed in place and a new appointment booking system. of safely by other means such as through the Bulky Waste Collection service, online selling sites or retailer take-back We are expecting the demand for our recycling centres to services. be high and the booking system will help us to ensure There are some additional restrictions at Newtown Road safety measures and social distancing guidelines are and Padworth. Please check the updated Household followed. Waste Recycling Centres before you set off for a list of acceptable and non-acceptable vehicles. Before booking an appointment please note that your rubbish and recycling can only be taken to

DO NOT VISIT IF YOU ARE IN SELF-ISOLATION OR HAVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS

How to book an appointment Before you visit the recycling centre:  Check to see if all waste materials can still be taken. If there is an issue with disposing or recycling of a type of material we may have to stop accepting it  Consider the site layout when loading waste into your car  Check travel times and any restrictions in place  Have your permit or ID and proof of West address with you  Have a copy of your booking confirmation with you (either a print out or on your phone)  If you have a van you must bring your pink or purple permit, otherwise you will not be permitted entry  You can book online by going to the West Berks Council website or call 01635 519080. You will need to have the registration number of the vehicle to be used and permit details to hand..

At the Recycling Centre  Turn up for your appointment on time (during the 30 minute allocated time slot) - if you are early or late, you will be turned away and will have to book another appointment for the following week  Be patient if you have to queue  Ensure that only one person leaves the car while on site (our staff cannot help with your waste)  Listen to site staff for instructions on using the site safely  Maintain social distancing of two metres

Locations: Newtown Road Recycling Centre and Padworth Recycling Centre Opening times: 9am to 6pm - seven days a week

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WHATEVER THE WEATHER!  I’m not sure if it’s because I’m so busy every day, and now a late evening walk, he is often 3-400 yards away, pecking late into the evening, but this year seems to be going by so at something delicious but he spots me instantly and quickly. Almost halfway through 2020 already. I thought comes running, never flying, for his late snack. I know that when l retired l would really be able to get on top of the raptors like buzzards can see for miles but l am surprised garden. I don’t want it to be immaculate but l like it tidy. Ezzy can see that far and knows it’s me. Every bed l look at has so many plants (not weeds, The bird feeders are back in use, not at the winter level, remember) that are not what l want there, especially grass but the goldfinches are tucking into the niger seed, the this year, common vetch and cleavers (goose grass). great spotted woodpeckers into the peanuts, and the I named 2020 as the Year of the Primrose. Well, the greenfinches into the sunflower seeds. Very few tits month of May has definitely been one for Rhodies. Never though. before have we had every single one in flower, and all with so many blooms. There are several which have not I told you in April that my Echium candicans, ‘Pride of flowered for years, if ever, e.g. Gomer Waterer, Creole, Mrs Madiera’, had 3 tall flower spikes. That was wrong - it was Lewinsky, Betty Wormhold and Caroline Fulford. Echium pininana. The candicans and wildpretii have yet to flower. I’m trying not to be pessimistic, but I fear for next year’s Rhodies if we don’t get some rain in June. It is so dry and My thanks to Gyles Brandreth for this...with no doubt hot, not a good combination for gravelly gardens. Years apologies to William Wordsworth! ago l visited Beth Chatto’s garden in Essex, and really liked I wandered lonely as a cloud her newly created gravel garden. This had never been Two metres from the madding crowd watered again after the plants were established and looked When all at once my name was called excellent. The thought of digging up most of my garden To enter Waitrose hallowed hall now to create something similar is very daunting. Perhaps It was the pensioners’ special hour if l was 47 and not 77 then I’d give it a go. Perhaps Mother I’d gone to get a bag of flour Nature and climate change will do it anyway. I am using But I forgot when through the door sprinklers but feel guilty doing it. What I had gone to Waitrose for The last frost did some damage, especially to the young The Waitrose staff were extra kind leaves of the Rodgersias, the Gunnera and surprisingly, the I told them it had slipped my mind top of the beech hedge. They asked what else I had forgot They clearly thought I’d lost the plot There are several stars at the moment....in the bulbs it is I phoned my wife again to ask Ixia Venus, some newly acquired and some late planted She reminded me of this special task Anemone Blandas and the three colours of Camassias. In ‘I need some flour to bake a cake the shrub department, it is the ever reliable Deutzias, the With all that cream you made me take’ Cistus’s especially a Cistus x incanus, grey leaved with soft ‘Ah yes I recall.’ I had to lie pink flowers, and the Japanese Snowbell, Styrax, which is I dared not ask which flour to buy covered in blossom with a wonderful scent. But then I saw them next to the tills A bunch of golden daffodils! I’m very pleased to say that the Crambe and Rheums which had their buds eaten are now producing new shoots. Keep safe and gardening! Remember it is not a Curfew, it The pheasants, whom l blamed, have moved on, the hens is Care for U. no doubt sitting on eggs somewhere in the garden, while Mike Warner the cocks are out in the field. Our tame ‘Ezzy’ still follows me around demanding peanuts. When l go into the field for

Miscellaneous items from District Councillor Graham Bridgeman’s Report Community Cash Float e-newspapers – an increase of a staggering 127.39%. The A float is available to community volunteer groups to allow Library service offers its members access to free resources for the reimbursement of a volunteer’s costs when they are from BorrowBox, OverDrive, RBdigital and PressReader, shopping for those that are self-isolating but do not have which was launched in May 2019. enough cash to cover those shopping costs – once the Customers who are not already a member of the library, individual pays them for the shopping they then return the can join online giving them free and instant access to the e- float money to the community group. Thus the fund will library. For details visit www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries. always return to balance, and will be repaid to the Council at the end of this crisis period. Council Tax Holidays A reminder that, for individuals in receipt of Council Tax For groups who have registered with the Community Support, a grant of up to £150 has been applied to the Support Hub and who require such a float, please contact resident’s account – they do not need to apply for this. the Hub on 01635 503579 to make an application. For those who have experienced a sudden drop in income Libraries as a result of the COVID-19 consequences on their Despite the libraries being closed since March, to minimise employment income a Council Tax ‘holiday’ (can be risks to users, staff and volunteers, the overall levels of discussed by contacting our Local Taxation team. More items borrowed has gone up by 6.8% in the 12 month information can be found on our website: period to March. This is largely due to loans of almost https://info.westberks.gov.uk/article/36859 90,000 e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and . 9

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Home energy efficiency grants and collective switching news from Council

Heat the Home Counties energy efficiency grants

A consortium of councils (Bracknell Forest, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Runnymede, Spelthorne and West Berkshire), in partnership with the HEAT Project and Happy Energy Solutions Ltd are working together to make homes healthier, warmer, and more energy efficient. Grants are available towards measures such as boiler upgrades, central heating systems, insulation, and renewable energy systems.

Central heating grants, funded by the consortium’s successful bid to the National Grid’s Warm Homes Fund; are also available. These are for households who currently have no heating, such as open fires or plug in electric heaters, or those who wish to switch from electric storage heaters to a full radiator heating system. Grant funding can also be provided towards the cost of a new mains gas connection, or, in rural areas, the new heating system can be fuelled from LPG, and in some cases, by a ground source heat pump.

You may be eligible for a grant if your household income after tax, Council Tax and energy costs is less than £35,000 per year, or if someone in your household receives benefits. Residents looking to take advantage of any of these grants can call Heat the Home Counties on 01344 888930, or go to www.heatthehomecounties.org.uk. All works are subject to survey, eligibility criteria and limited funding. NB property surveys will not take place until it is safe to do so, however funds are limited so get in touch to be survey-ready for when surveying is able to restart.

West Berkshire Energy Switch - See if you can pay less for your energy bills

The West Berkshire Energy Switch is a free to join scheme which gives residents the chance to see if they can make savings on their fuel bills. This may be particularly relevant now with many earning less than they would have usually and others with increased energy costs from working at or being at home more than usual.

Since 2016, over 724 households have switched supplier through the scheme, saving over £161,500 between them.

A one-day reverse auction will be held in May; with suppliers competing with their best offers, and the winning supplier/s then sending registrants their personalised offer for consideration. Auctions are held each year in February, May and October.

There is no obligation to switch. Sign up and see if you can save. To register or find out more, visit www.westberks.gov.uk/communityswitch

You will need to have your latest energy bill to hand, as you’ll need the details during the registration process.

Registration and acceptance is open until 30th June, and offers will begin to go out from 1st June. The sooner you sign up, the sooner you will receive your offer.

West Berkshire residents without internet access should contact  the Big Energy Switch on 0800 048 8439 Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.30pm by 21st June to register Remember to have your energy bill or annual statement to hand when you call.

East Family Hub - Calcot Messy Mondays Monday Mornings (Term-time only) from 10am – 11.30am in Padworth Village Hall Messy play for under 5s and their parents/carers £3 per session If you would like more information about the Family Hub and how we can support you and your family with under 5s, please feel free to get in touch with us. The East Family Hub – 0118 945 6157 Curtis Road, Calcot RG31 4XG Jo Roberts, Manager – [email protected]

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CHURCH MATTERS

Flower Rota for St John the Baptist, Padworth

2020 CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE June Elizabeth Porter July Sheila Evered & Lois Warner August Carol Coker & Hazel Ewart September Jenifer Beale & Jill Paul October Lorna & Roger Jones November Carol West & Mary Dance December Sheila Jay & Wendy Wood

Church Services The church buildings may be closed, but the choice of church services is wider than ever. You can now try out a service in Melbourne or Delhi without leaving your bedroom (and without having to clean your shoes!). Some services are recorded on YouTube, some are live on YouTube (which allows you to chat with our friends during the sermon) or fully interactive on Zoom (can get a bit hectic if too many people talk at once).

Some services in the Padworth area are:  Benefice – Weekday Zoom Services at 9am and 9pm. Sunday Eucharist at 10am. https://mortimerbenefice.blogspot.com/  Aldermaston and Benefice – YouTube Sunday service at 10am, Thursday Compline at 8pm. Contact Jane Manley [email protected] .  Friends of Beenham Church – Informal Zoom service at 9am on Sunday. Contact Tim LeBlond [email protected] .

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A great new resource from The Human Values Foundation

If you have young children in your family then this could be of interest to you.

* Coming soon from The Big Think: Circles of CARE - 4 free kits with sessions that support teachers & children aged 5 to 11 recovering together & reconnecting with each other in caring ways. Designed for teachers but parents can use them too. Go the https://www.thebigthinkcommunity.org For more information write to: [email protected].

College Students’ Exam Howlers  In the first book of the Bible, called Guinessess,  During the Middle Ages, everybody was middle- Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. aged. Murder was nothing. However the Magna One of their children, named Cain, once asked: “Am Carta provided that no free man should be hanged I my brother’s son?”, and Jacob, son of Isaac, stole twice for the same offence. his brother’s birthmark.  The sun never set in the British Empire because the  Pharoah forced the Hebrew slaves to make bread British Empire is in the east and the sun sets in the without straw. Later, Moses led them to the Red west. Sea, where they made unleavened bread, which is  Queen Victoria was the longest queen. Her death bread made without any ingredients. was the final event which ended her reign.  Without the Greeks we would not have any history. They invented three kinds of columns -Corinthism, Doric and Ironic.

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Useful Numbers and Contact Information

Aldermaston CE Primary School: 971 3362 [email protected] Chair of Governors Samantha Chaventre [email protected] Aldermaston Parish Councillors: Dave Shirt (Ch) 971 2549 http.//www.aldermaston.co.uk Sophie Crawford 971 2236 Olly Hinton 971 2410 Alison Faulkner 971 4686 Jane Manley 971 2891 Rob Smith 971 0142 Angela Woodley 971 2803 Aster Communities Neighbourhood Officer Rachael McCarthy 01264 405692 [email protected] ASB Officer Sue Barton 01264 405583 [email protected] Beenham Parish Councillors: Graham Bowsher (Ch) 07557 967575 Graham Bragg 971 3688 Andy Livens 07958 472644 Peter McEwen 07717 718608 Frank Wood 07488 268735 Benefice Office – Aldermaston Brenda Scott 981 3441 [email protected] Benefice Office – Mortimer 933 3704 [email protected] Churchwardens Roger Jones 933 3136 Elizabeth Porter 971 3136 Environment Agency 0800 80 70 60 (24-hour number) Flower Rota Elizabeth Porter 971 3136 Padworth Ladies at Lunch Caroline Givan 982 1743 [email protected] Mobile Library 01635 519827 Neighbourhood Watch Rectory Road Mike Warner 970 0391 The Fallows Network Rail Gail Evans 01793 777471 [email protected] Network Rail 24 hour Helpline 08457 114141 Newsletter Mary Dance 970 0288 [email protected] Sheila Evered 933 1451 [email protected] No 3 Bus route 959 4000 www.reading-buses.co.uk Padworth Environmental Group (PEG) Dawn Denton 07740 863167 [email protected] Parish Clerk (Aldermaston) Christine McGarvie [email protected] Parish Clerk (Beenham) Jennie Currie 01635 580190 [email protected] Parish Clerk (Padworth) Christine Heath [email protected] Padworth Parish Councillors: Mike Warner (Ch) 970 0391 [email protected] Jonathan Johnson [email protected] Max Joseph max.joseph@padworthparishcouncil,gov.uk John Miller [email protected] Andy Tucker [email protected] Tommy Tucker 971 2180 [email protected] Advisory Committee: Chairman Mike Warner 970 0391 Police Neighbourhood Watch team 101 Veolia Environmental Service Daytime 0203 567 2900 [email protected] Out-of-hours 08701 660 309 Village Hall - Caretaker Stuart Unwin 971 3513 [email protected] Chairman Chris Henkey 971 2329 [email protected] Volunteer Bureau 983 1814 Website manager Christine Heath [email protected] Website http://[email protected] West Berks Council 01635 551111 Local Councillors Aldermaston (inc Padworth) Dominic Boeck 971 0330 [email protected] Bradfield Ross MacKinnon [email protected] & Mortimer Graham Bridgman 933 1707 [email protected] Royce Longton 993 3952 [email protected] Geoff Mayes 933 2536 [email protected] Planning Department 01635 519111 Highways & Transport WBDC Customer Services 01635 519080 Environmental Health 01635 519192 Fly Tipping & Waste 01635 519080 Emergencies (out-of-office hrs) 01635 42161

♦ ♦ Padworth Parish Website ♦ ♦ www.padworthparishcouncil.gov.uk Please send your contributions to: [email protected]

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PILATES LIVE ONLINE

My Body Control Pilates classes are available for everyone, whatever your age and ability. If you would like to book or find out more, contact Heather

£11 per class. Email: [email protected] Call: 07785 254313 Pilates in Burghfield and Beyond

Bramley Clift Meadows Padworth Village Hall Tuesdays – 9.30am & 10.30am Wednesdays – 9.30am Fridays – 11.30am Fridays – 9.30am Burghfield St Mary’s Parish Centre Mondays – 9.30am, 10.30am, 7pm & 8pm Wednesdays – 6pm, 7pm & 8pm Fridays – 1.30pm

During the corona virus I am holding live web classes throughout the week. Please send me your email address to register.

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