Parish cafe
The Christmas 2024 parish cafe included a presentation to Sue Watts marking her co-founding of the community market 18 years ago, and her hard work in keeping it going ever since. She has now taken well-earned retirement.
The cafe was also visited by Chris, Jo and Luke from Thames Valley police neighbourhood team. They stayed for tea and cake and met villagers. The team is based jointly at Hungerford Fire Station and Newbury Police Station, and they serve an arc of rural villages spreading from Hungerford, north of (but not including) Newbury, to Calcot.
Elm Farm and White Hart planning applications approved
The White Hart change-of-use application (#24/00582/FUL) to turn the former pub into four housing units has been approved.
The parish council raised no objection to the application, but 27 letters of objection and four of support were submitted.
Also approved was application #23/02550/FULMAJ in which the owners of Elm Farm plan to demolish redundant farmstead buildings and build a new house. The proposal had 23 letters of support as well as commendation from the parish council.
This approval, together with work that has started on the adjoining former White Hart skittle alley site, will bring the total number of potential households on the site to four.
What's on in the village
November
Thu 28: 14.00-16.00 parish café in village hall
December
Wed 4: E&HM Garden Soc Xmas evening in village hall
Sat 14: 10.00-13.00 community market in village hall
Thu 19: 19.00 village carol singing
More info:
Community market/Lanie Allen 07775 804143.
Ladies who Brunch/Lanie Allen 07775 804143.
Circle of Friends/Sue Watts 07884 004418.
Mobile library/Sandra Edwards 01635 519827.
Parish café/Anne Budd 01488 657022.
Hamstead Hornet
The December 2024 issue of the Hamstead Hornet can be seen here. Next issue due out early December.
Mobile library threatened
WBC is proposing to abolish the mobile library service from next April, which will affect those who make use of its regular visits to Ash Tree Grove.
Arguments in favour of abolition include reduced demand for the service, and cost. The current vehicle needs to be replaced at an estimated cost of £200,000.
You can have your say in the council's final decision by completing a survey here by 23rd December.
Whether or not the mobile service continues, borrowers who are unable to go to the library can join the At Home service, through which books can be delivered to their home every three weeks. Ring Sandra Edwards on 01635 519827 (mornings) for more details.