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 1980s. 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. Parishioners and interested
groups are encouraged to attend and express their views
on local matters. |
