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Due to drop through your door any day, the May edition of the Brickleton News 
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Welcome to... West Berkshire
A menu of exciting activities for families in West Berkshire with young children, giving them great suggestions for how to have fun and learn at the same time. Brightwalton Parish Council
VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR Brightwalton Parish Council now has Casual Vacancy and wishes to recruit someone onto the council. Could this be you? Are you interested in serving your local community? · Do you want to serve your Community? · Do you have time or expertise which could benefit your Community? · Do you want to make a difference to all those around you? · Do you want to represent the views of local people? If you would like to make a difference, and be involved in shaping the future of your local Community, why not step forward and apply to fulfil this role? Parish Council meetings are every other month, usually on the 2nd Monday of the Month at 7.30pm If you are interested and would like to find out more please speak to one of the Parish Councillors or the Parish Clerk: [email protected] / 07811 322994 Eligibility Criteria · You are registered as a local government elector for the parish; · You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish during the whole of the 12 months before the day of appointment; · Your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of appointment has been in the parish; or · You have lived in the parish or within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months before the day of appointment. Closing date for applications to be with the Clerk No later than 12th July 2023. Update 9th July - For Clarity, as stated in the May Minutes - This vacancy follows the local elections, therefore each application will be considered and the seat will be filled by co-option at the 17th July Parish Council Meeting. If I look back over the 10 years that I have been Chairman of the Parish Council, I feel proud of the great team of Councillors we have, what they have achieved and the sense of Community Spirit they bring to the role. This is my last year that I will be reporting back to you. As always it has been a busy year for the village. The highlights of the year have been : The appointment of Katherine Moore into the new role of Brightwalton Village Co-ordinator. Having raised the funding for a 2 year project as part of the ASPIRE programme, we were delighted to welcome Katherine into this new role. Within her first three months she has launched a Youth Club drawing in 18 primary school aged children. The Church Mouse Soup Kitchen is live and being run by Diane Widborne and Sue Sayers. So far 3 Soup lunches have been hosted. There is lots more being planned including several concerts, craft activities and sales, most of which are making good use of the new kitchen and area at the back of the church. We had a wonderful turnout for the Jubilee picnic on the playing field and the Coronation picnic more recently.  his picture of the pre-fete party sums up the strength of the community in Brightwalton. This was a lovely informal evening that marked the start of another very successful village fete – all run by volunteers from the village.
The fabric of the village has been well maintained this year with updates to the playground, highway improvements on Common Lane, and new Cricket nets in place. The one project that is proving challenging, which we feel is a vital asset for the village longer term is to continue to push forward on extending the reach of higher-speed Broadband coverage. At the time of writing the project is on hold whilst we wait to find out if we are included in the next phase of central government funding. We hope for more progress next year. Finally in terms of finances for the year. Against a total income of £11,900 which included grants for the play equipment, we have managed to stay within £20 of our budget thanks to the excellent stewardship of Sarah our Parish Clerk. We were also able to make good use of the £1,700 of Community Infrastructure Levy funds carried over from last year to help complete the projects and avoid using further Parish Council savings. Invariably costs are expected to rise again in the coming year, however we have managed to keep the precept increase to 4%. As we look forward, I am delighted to hand over the reins of the Chairman’s post to Tim Wyatt. Tim has been an active member of the Parish Council since 2017 and for the last 6 months has been Vice Chair. A significant feather in the cap of Brightwalton is that West Berkshire Council Community Team have already been in touch with us to use the Village Co-ordinator model as best practice to potentially be rolled out to other parishes. This together with a review of the Parish Plan is a good place for Tim to take over and start a new phase. Shaun Orpen  Brightwalton Parish Council is pleased to announce that Brightwalton Youth Club will be restarting at Brightwalton Village Hall from Monday 17th April 2023 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The Youth Club will be run by a team of volunteers and is affiliated with Berkshire Youth. Open to all primary school aged children, each week we will have games and activities as well as a craft table available. We have also booked in some activity sessions through Berkshire Youth. During the summer months we hope to make use of the field and play a range of outdoor games. There will be lots to do and a chance for the children to relax and enjoy spending time with friends and making new ones. There will be free fruit available at each session as well as a tuck shop where the children can purchase a snack. We will run term time on the following dates: 17/04/23, 24/04/23, 15/05/23, 22/05/23, 05/06/23, 12/06/23, 19/06/23, 26/06/23, 03/07/23, 10/07/23, 17/07/23. To book your child/ren into youth club please use this form: or you can contact [email protected] for further information. A separate payment request will be sent once you have completed the form with either a termly donation, weekly donation or pay it forward option (if requested). You can also pay by cash. All forms must be completed by 15/04/23 All regular volunteers are DBS checked and have received safeguarding training. If you’d like to volunteer to help at a session please contact us on the above email Wednesday morning 8.30 till 10am drop in for tea and coffee and the church. Every Wednesday during term time.
Monday 6th March & Monday 27th March lunch at Brightwalton Church
17th April & 15th May All welcome to drop in for a soup lunch anytime between 12 & 2pm Cake donations for afters can be dropped off on the day There is no charge for lunch but donations are welcomed For further info please see Diana Whidborne or Sue Sayers or contact Katherine on [email protected] Geoff Grayer has signed up to the Downland Practice Patient Participation Group to represent Brightwalton. He has fed back as follows from the February 2023 meeting, here are the matters effecting patients:
1) I raised the matter why phlebotomy was no longer done at the Practice. Dr. Cave gave a convincing answer, which was basically staffing problems. It is recognised that it is not easy to make an appointment via telephone to WBH, and this is being addressed. 2) Patient Survey in November 2022. We were not presented with details, which I was told could be found on the NHS Web Site. But to summarise, the medical staff were highly commended, but there was dissatisfaction with the reception and on-phone staff. This was of high concern, and the management was considering how this could be addressed. 3) Pharmacy. I raised the question of why it now closed at lunchtime. Dr. Cave explained; basically it is a staff and money problem. However, an automatic dispensing machine is being considered for prescriptions, which would be available 24hrs/day. This is obviously quite expensive, and a survey might be held on how useful this would be. Early days yet, but the Manager is looking into this. The next meeting is scheduled for mid-June. Geoff. If you have any matters you would like to raise or questions your would like to ask at the next Patient Participation Group meeting, please email [email protected] and we will ensure these are passed on.
I am delighted to welcome Katherine Moore as the newly appointed and first Brightwalton Community Co-ordinator.
This is a very exciting and new part time role for the village. We have been raising funds to launch this new initiative as a 2 year pilot project. Katherine’s role is to put together events and activities to help us bring the village together, encouraging the provision of mutual support and friendship. The role will specifically provide opportunities to get together, meet people, learn new things, share skills and information and where required opportunities to seek additional support. I am delighted that Katherine has agreed to take on this challenge. Many of you will know Katherine for her already very active participation in the village as part of the Village Hall Team, Friends of the Brightwalton School or for the Dance lessons she regularly provides. I know Katherine will welcome ideas from people in the village. We have already had several people come forward to offer support for some of the initiatives being planned. If you feel you can add something and can spare a bit of time to help others in the village, I am sure Katherine would welcome you getting in touch with her at : [email protected] Shaun Orpen, ASPIRE Project & Brightwalton Parish Council Chair The Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG), comprising all six Berkshire local authorities, are working with market providers and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Barrier Busting Task Force to minimise barriers to Digital Infrastructure investments, reducing rollout costs and delays and leading to further investment into the county.
Last year, DiG ran their first Digital Survey, which was designed to help them identify where there may be gaps in the digital infrastructure by asking how residents and businesses across Berkshire access and use the internet. The responses from the survey are being used to inform our Digital Strategy, and you can view the analysis of the results online. Improving access to broadband, public access WiFi and mobile services is a key element of the Berkshire DIG work, and they are working with mobile operators and platform providers to provide better access in all Berkshire regions. Why we want your views As more and more services move online we need to understand why some residents aren't accessing them this way, whether that's because it's a struggle to afford internet access, data or a device, such as a laptop or phone, they aren't confident or they don't feel safe online. We also want to understand what people can do online, whether that's ordering food and gifts, online learning and job searching, or contacting friends and family or a healthcare professional. Sharing your views and experiences with us, or helping someone who may not usually go online to do so, will help us understand where and how we need to focus resources to improve services and provide solutions. We'd also like to know if your habits have changed since the pandemic e.g., has the amount of time you spend on the internet or streaming TV shows increased, or you have become more confident using online services such as banking or booking travel or holidays? What people can, and can't, do online is important to us and we want to hear about it. How to take part If you'd like to share your experiences with them, please complete online their survey, which should only take about 5-10 minutes. Complete our survey You can download a version of the survey for someone who doesn't go online here [394KB] . Please send the completed survey to Berkshire DIG Digital Inclusion Survey, Ground Floor (ICT Area), Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5LD. Alternatively, call 01635 503894 to request a paper copy. The closing date is midnight on Sunday, 19 February 2023 The Brickleton News January edition will soon arrive on your doorstep, a copy to download is available here:
The Parish Council has organised a qualified instructor to provide Emergency First Aid at Work training on Saturday 4th March 2023 in the Village Hall from 9.30 till 4.30. Successful completion of the course will result in a certificate valid for 3 years, useful for your own knowledge, volunteering and work.
Cost will be £55 each - we have a few places still available, please get in touch if you are interested in attending. Email - [email protected] GP Leaving the Downland Practice | The Downland Practice
Dr Victoria Ashall will be leaving the Downland Practice on the 10 March 2023. The Downland Practice are saddened by this news. Since joining the Downland Practice in November 2022 other personal reasons have arisen for Dr Ashall and it has become necessary for her to relocate employment closer to home. This will cause some movement of patients who are on Dr Ashall’s patient list. This will likely be a temporary allocation of patients to another GP in the surgery until we have resolved the workforce gap. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause to patients who are currently registered with Dr Ashall. We will keep you updated on any recruitment developments in the coming weeks. GP Locum – Dr Curtis Dr Curtis will be working at the Downland Practice from the 12 January 2023, this role will be as a Locum GP and he will be seeing patients from all of the Surgery GP lists in an aim to reduce patients waiting times. This is a NHS funded post and is short term only, Dr Curtis will not be having his own list of patients whilst he is working as a Locum GP. Request to change GP The Downland Practice receives a number of requests to move their registered GP’s. These requests are normally dealt with on a monthly basis but can be longer depending on other issues in the practice. Patients can expect to receive confirmation of their registered GP by text message in response to their request. Patients are moved from time to time when GP list sizes need to be reduced. GP list sizes are reduced due to over subscription, (this results in longer waits to see the GP) list sizes are reduced to improve wait times for patients. Patients who have not yet seen their registered GP but request to move to another GP list can expect to stay with their current registered GP. The Downland Practice has a boundary area of 120 square miles. In order to ensure that patients can be give appropriate medical care in a timely manner, the GP’s cover a specific area across the Downland Practice Boundary. Patients who join the practice are allocated their GP according to location. When there is a GP leaving the practice then a letter is sent to the household advising what actions are taking place to provide them with a registered GP. Downland Practice – At Capacity Today the 4 January 2023 the Downland Practice has no capacity to deal with the on the day demand. Patients will be requested to ring 111 so that their condition can be assessed and 111 will advise of action for these patients. The Buckinghamshire / Oxfordshire and Berkshire (BOB) Integrated Care Board (ICB) have been informed that the Downland Practice is unable to manage the on the day demand. The may be the need to cancel routine pre-booked GP appointments to free up GP’s time to see patients with on the day demands. This may cause some concern for patients who have to have their routine appointments cancelled. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause our patients who are affected. Private Fees 2023 The Downland Practice private fees for 2023 will be posted this month on the website. This is for Non-NHS Work that is paid for by the individual. Any requests for private work that are received after the 18 December 2022 will be processed in January 2023 and will be subject to the new fees. /practice-information/private-fees-and-charges  Carols around the Christmas tree this Wednesday (21st December) at 6.30pm
Join us for a glass of Mulled Wine, nibbles and carols around the Christmas Tree, for all the family. The November update from the Downlands Ward Councillor, Clive Hooker is available to download here: It includes lots of information on warm hubs and cost of living help from WBC
The quarterly magazine produced by the West Berkshire Countryside Society is available to download here:
Winter 2022 Upstream Come and join in with this special festive event in Brightwalton Churchyard on Wednesday 21st December at 6.30pm. The Christmas tree will arrive in early December and will be lit up as a central point for the Carol Service, which has now become a village traditon. We will be warming the festivities up with mulled wine and soft drinks. Put the date in the diary, bring the family, invite friends and neighbours, we look forward to seeing a great turnout!
Soon to arrive through your post box the September Brickleton News (please note this was delayed to accommodate the Parish Council meeting, which was postponed from the 12th September for the period of mourning).
West Berkshire Council Press Release 29/09/22 New Cost of Living Support Hub to support residents this winter A new Cost of Living Support Hub is being created to support residents facing financial hardship this winter. The hub will provide a single point of contact for residents struggling with the rising cost of living. It will provide advice as well as matching residents’ needs with support provided by local charities and voluntary organisations. It’s expected to open in the coming weeks, with more details about how to access it announced soon. The new hub is being created by West Berkshire Council in partnership with Greenham Trust and the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire – and will see it work closely with the local community and voluntary sector. Ahead of the launch in October, initial activity will include working with partners to map food providers and other voluntary sector support for residents affected by the cost of living to ensure a comprehensive range of support is available to refer residents to as required. Speaking about the new Cost of Living Support Hub, Leader of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Lynne Doherty, said: “This new hub will provide a one stop shop for residents struggling with bills and wanting to find out what help is available locally. It will bring together different agencies, skills, knowledge and service provision to ensure residents are supported through a tough winter. “Through the pandemic and the support provided to Ukrainian families we’ve seen what can be achieved when the community comes together and I’ve no doubt this hub will also make a difference for vulnerable residents.” Chris Boulton, CEO of Greenham Trust: “This winter is going to be particularly hard for many people. Working closely and collaboratively with the council and voluntary sector, the hub will mean we can support local people across the whole community who need it the most as quickly as possible. In times of crisis, we need to act fast. This hub will do that.” Volunteer Centre West Berkshire Director Garry Poulson says “We know that the voluntary and community sector will be pulling their considerable weight and assisting people and their families at a time of great stress and strain. This hub will seek to ensure that no one falls through the cracks and gets the help they need, be it emotional, practical or financial help via the dozens of organisations in West Berkshire that have an empathy with the plight of people in these tough times” The Cost of Living Support Hub will be the latest in a range of support for residents impacted by the rising cost of living. This includes:
Licensed bar from 7.30pm to 10.30pm in Brightwalton Village Hall,
Friday 30th September Please find attached a copy of the August west Berkshire Council update from Ward Councillors, Clive Hooker
We are arranging a village working party for Sunday 9th October, there are jobs for all ages, great social effect with the benefit of refreshments, cake and sausage baps!
We will be meeting at the village hall at 10am, please bring hedge cutter and strimmers if you have them are happy using them, rakes, gloves and general tools. One of the task will be wild flower sowing, perfect for all ages! More details to follow, please save the date Thank you |
AuthorThis is written by the Parish Clerk with input from the village. Planning ApplicationsClick here to find out more about the planning process and to view all the current planning applications in Brightwalton. Archives
August 2024
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