Welcome to Brightwalton News

Martine & Jay are looking forward to seeing you at the pop up drinks on the 10th of March from 7pm . Its less than 2 weeks now! 
It would be great to see some more new faces, these pop up pubs are a great way to get to know people in the village, and have some fun. 
There will be a selection of beer, larger, wine (supplied by Nick Arkell) and soft drinks as well as a few nibbles (home made Thai spring rolls!). 
Please let Jay & Martine know on the Pop Up Drinks email if you can make it. 

M4 Junctions 12 to 13: Bridge Refurbishment – Update
 
West Berkshire Highways have provided an update on the traffic management information for the bridge refurbishment works taking place along the M4 near Bradfield.
 
As previously advised, long-term monitoring has found that the two bridges which carry the M4 over Ashampstead Road and Dark Lane, near Bradfield in West Berkshire, require extensive repair due to chloride-induced corrosion.  Critical repairs are required to address the defects and ensure the structures remain in a safe and serviceable condition.
 
CLOSURE OF DARK LANE AND ASHAMPSTEAD ROAD (WEST BERKSHIRE)
The local authority roads which run beneath the M4 must be closed for safety reasons due to the restricted height available and due to the activities involved.
 
·         Closure of Dark Lane (beneath the M4) – from Monday 6 March through to Thursday 4 May 2017
·         Closure of Ashampstead Road (beneath the M4) – from Monday 13 March through to Friday 26 May 2017
 
During the closures a clearly signed diversion will be in place via Bradfield, Chalk Pit Farm Road, A340 Pangbourne Road, Tidmarsh Lane, Gardeners Lane and Buckhold Hill, which has been approved by West Berkshire Council.
 
WEEKEND CLOSURES
The programme of weekend closures of the M4 has been revised to not only avoid bank holidays but also the school Easter half term holiday, where traffic flows may increase along the M4.  The closures are now currently scheduled to take place from 9pm Friday through to 6am on Monday on the following weekends:
 
·         Friday 31 March to Monday 3 April 2017
·         Friday 5 May to Monday 8 May 2017
·         Friday 12 May to Monday 15 May 2017
·         Friday 19 May to Monday 22 May 2017 (contingency weekend only)
 
During these closures a clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4 (through Newbury, Thatcham and Woolhampton).
 
Confirmed dates for these closures will be displayed in advance on signs along the M4.
 
On selected weekends in July, there will also be restricted lanes open, from 9pm Friday to 6am Monday, on the following weekends:
 
·         Friday 7 July to Monday 10 July 2017 (Westbound only)
·         Friday 28 July to Monday 31 July 2017 (Eastbound only)
 
Significant delays are expected during these weekend closure periods, and it is advised that you plan ahead of your journey to allow for extra time or avoid this route where possible.
 
If you have any questions or if you’d like you know about the work please log your enquiry through Highways England’s customer control centre:
 
·         Phone: 0300 123 5000
·         Email: [email protected]
·         Post: Highways England, Bridge House, Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, GU1 4LZ

West Berkshire Museum at the Wharf in Newbury have a range of craft events for all the family running over Easter and Shaw House has family activities running, including planting your own wild flowers and making your own spring time animals! 

Shaw House are running their traditional Spring Food and Craft Fair on Sunday 2nd April, 11am till 4pm. Full details can be found here:.

After 16 years of service to the Downland Benefice, Reverend John Townend retires in April. His last service will be in Brightwalton on Sunday the 7th May, with a special lunch to follow after in the village hall. All welcome, further details to follow. 

Reminder that the Village Hall AGM & Fete meeting will be held in the hall on Tuesday 7th February. Wine & Nibbles from 7pm, meeting starts at 7.30pm.

We have received the following notice from the Highways Agency - Between February and September 2017 Highways England is undertaking essential repairs to the 2 bridges which carry the M4 over Ashampstead Road and Dark Lane, near Bradfield in West Berkshire. This work will involve road resurfacing, replacing the central reserve deck beams, bridge joints and sections of the safety barrier. During works to demolish and install the large bridge deck beams we will need to shut the M4 between junctions 12 and 13 on selected weekends, from 9pm Friday to 5.30am Monday. These closures are currently planned for:  Friday 31 March to Monday 3 April 2017  Friday 7 April to Monday 10 April 2017  Friday 5 May to Monday 8 May 2017 A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4 (through Newbury, Thatcham and Woolhampton).