Stretching from the River Kennet to the Enborne River
and including the famous Greenham Common with its outstanding
views, the Parish - on the southern edge of Newbury
- is fast becoming a major residential area and centre
for leisure, business and shopping.
From humble origins as a small priory and home to veterans
of the Crusades, Greenham expanded in the late 19th
century. St Mary’s Parish Church was established
in 1876 and its members play an active part in the community.
The Common was requisitioned during World War 2 as
an airbase and continued as such for the RAF and USAF,
culminating in the arrival of the American Cruise missiles
in the 1980's. Demonstrations, mainly by women, against
nuclear weapons, occurred following their deployment.
In 1997 the airbase was restored to common land with
850 acres being used once again for grazing and leisure
purposes. A further 150 acres were used to create New
Greenham Business Park, which employs 2000 people. Greenham
Common Trust manages the funding of the Common from
the business rentals and makes awards to many local
good causes.
On the outskirts of the Parish there is a thriving
retail outlet housing many well known stores. Mill Hall
(formerly Greenham Lodge, a Primary School for the Deaf)
and the Hilton Hotel can be hired for functions. Newbury
Racecourse, created in 1905, also provides a useful
conference venue, nursery school and golf range. Crookham
private golf club was established in 1873.
The Council meets monthly on the second Wednesday of
the month at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church Hall, Greenham
at 7.30pm. Parishioners and interested groups are encouraged
to attend and express their views on local matters. |
