Notice of Casual Vacancy for the Parish of Greenham

(Racecourse Ward)

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 87 (2) of the Local Government Act 1972, that a vacancy exists in the office of Councillor for the Parish of Greenham

A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if, on or before the fourteenth day from the date of this Notice (not counting a Saturday or Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a Bank Holiday), ten electors for the ward/parish give notice in writing to the Returning Officer requesting such an election.

The address of the Returning Officer is

West Berkshire Council, Council Offices,
Market Street, Newbury RG14 5LD.

If no such notice is given the Parish Council will take steps to fill the vacancy by co-option.

Dated: 11 April 2024

Signed: Kim Lloyd
Clerk
Greenham Parish Council

Drones - flying safely and legally

Most people will either have flown or seen a Quadcopter type drone being flown about. But how many of you are aware that drones present a hazard to aviation and are subject to the law through the Air Navigation Order?

What is meant by the word ‘drone’? The public and press use the phrase for almost anything that flies and does not have a pilot. This article and the use of the phrase ‘drone’ focuses on those systems that are affordable, commercially available and weigh no more than 20kg, though the majority weigh considerably less.

Most of the commercial drones come in the form of Quadcopters, Hexacopters or even Octocopters, and vary in price and capability. At the bottom end of the market are models that are simply toys, small very lightweight, with limited range and endurance. About £100 will get a Quadcopter with a camera, whilst not of ‘professional’ quality these drones can weigh in the region of 1kg and can have a range that takes them beyond the operator’s line of sight. For several hundred pounds, you can purchase a drone which has full HD video, a range of beyond 1km and decent battery endurance. These drones weigh in the region of 3kg, perhaps more if purpose built or exceptionally capable. Almost all of these drones, with the exception of the very small toys, have the capability to fly to several thousand feet.

In addition to the standard drones – controlled by a hand held 2 stick controller and operated by eye, increasingly there are those which are operated by what is called ‘First Person View’. This is where the operator will fly the drone using a normal controller but will be viewing images transmitted by the drone either through a set of goggles or on a screen.

It ought to be mentioned that legally, model aircraft are also considered drones. These range in size from small light weight models to gas-turbine powered scaled replicas – capable of very fast speeds and weighing close to 10kg.

Drones are readily available on the high street and internet, and are being sold in their thousands, and it is not hard to see why. Not only are they affordable and capable, but they are great fun to fly or operate, and have great utility. Whilst most people use them for personal recreation, they are also very popular with photographers and those that use photography in their business, like estate agents or the media. Those who work at height now use them to get information before climbing or instead of climbing, survey companies use them and large parcel delivery companies have an aspiration to use them for deliveries.

So, drones are here to stay, but what is the problem? In simple terms, for the vast majority of drone users, there isn’t one, but there are those who operate their drones too high or too close to airfields. In 2016 there were over 50 reports from pilots of commercial airliners that their aircraft had almost hit a drone. Military aviation is not immune, there have been near misses with Chinooks at Benson and Odiham, likewise for fixed wing aircraft at Cranwell, and in 2016 a Navy Lynx at 2000ft missed a drone by an estimated 30-50 feet. Whilst there is work ongoing within the aviation industry to fully understand the implications of a drone hitting an aircraft, it doesn’t take much imagination to understand the likely consequences of 3kg of metal and plastic, including the lithium-polymer battery, hitting a helicopter windshield or, perhaps worse, the tail rotor at 100mph. Likewise for a fixed wing aircraft but at greater speeds, hitting the canopy or disappearing into an engine intake. So if you or members of your family are one of the many owners of a drone, or are thinking of buying one then you need to read on.

If you are using a drone for personnel use then you are governed by the Civilian Aviation Authority (CAA) Air Navigation Order 2016, specifically Article 241 (endangering the safety of any person or property), Article 94 (small unmanned aircraft ) and Article 95 (small unmanned surveillance aircraft). This is the law and you can, and individuals have been, prosecuted for breaking it. The new Drone Code is available to download at http://dronesafe.uk/ along with a useful Drone Assist App created by the CAA and air traffic control body National Air Traffic Service (NATS) to help individuals understand their responsibilities.

Essentially your responsibilities are:

to know how to fly your drone safely, and do so within the law

to understand that the operator is legally responsible for every flight

to keep your drone in sight at all times – stay below 400ft

not to fly your drone over a congested area, never fly within 50 metres of a person, vehicle or building not under your control

ensure any images you obtain using the drone do not break privacy laws

avoiding collisions – you should never fly a drone near an airport or close to aircraft. It is a criminal offence to endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight

There are several other things to think about – what is your drone going to do if it runs out of power or fails? Is it going to land/fall somewhere safe? Are you far enough away from people, buildings and more importantly airfields if you lose control of your drone? Also bear in mind that you can be several miles away from an airfield and still be a hazard to manned aviation. Height is very difficult to judge from the ground, you might still be able to see your drone, just, and yet be well above 400ft. You should also consider that many military helicopters will often return to an airfield from all directions at 500ft and fixed wing aircraft can start descending from 1000ft about 3 miles away. So the message is this – if you are going to use drones, have a really good think about where you are, keep your drone in sight, consider what aircraft might be flying about and keep clear – it is your responsibility.

In summary, drone technology is extremely useful, great fun to use and is here to stay. But used wrongly it does pose a genuine hazard to manned aviation, so make sure you know the law, stay within the law and fly safe.

10 things you need to know about flying drones

drones can and do present a very real hazard to manned aircraft – pilots (including military pilots) have reported over 50 near misses with drones last year alone

drones (including model aircraft) are subject to the law through the Air Navigation Order

it is your responsibility to fly safely and within the law – if you don’t (and individuals have been) you could be prosecuted.

never fly a drone near an airport/airfield or close to aircraft. It is a criminal offence to endanger the safety of aircraft in flight

keep your drone in sight and below 400ft

do not fly over congested areas and never fly within 50m of a person, vehicle or building not under your control

if you wish to use a drone for commercial purposes (get paid) then you need to have permission from the CAA

ensure any images obtained do not break privacy laws

if your unit wishes to buy a commercially available drone for Defence activities (photographs, multimedia, and surveys at height) it becomes regulated by the MAA and you must follow their rules

finally, Follow the Drone Code, have fun and fly safe

This article has been taken from

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/drones-are-you-flying-yours-safely-and-legally

If you see anyone not following the Drone Code, please report them to the Police, calling 101

Greenham Parish Council are once again inviting Greenham residents to enter the Greenham in Bloom Springtime Competition. If you would like to enter please click on the page Greenham in Bloom page for an entry form. 

We cant wait to see all your Springtime Pictures!

Here are some of the winning pictures form last year.  There are garden vouchers to be won, along with a engraved plague for the overall winner.

Please save the date Thursday 25th April 2024. At 7pm Greenham Parish Council will be hosting the Annual Parish Assembly in the Greenham Control Tower.

This is not a Greenham Parish Council meeting, it is a meeting for YOU, the elector of our parish to attend and raise any concerns you may have in our community. Speakers from local groups/organisations have been invited to attend to speak about there group/organisation. (More news to follow on who but we have hopefully secured 9 speakers which is great news!)  The Assembly will commence with a statement from the Greenham Parish Council Chairman regarding what Greenham Parish Council have been up to over the last year.

We would really love to see you there. Refreshments will be provided.

If you run a group or have a local business in the parish and would like to attend to display some of your material to help promote your business, please do get in touch with the Clerk on clerk@greenham.gov.uk 

Please save the date of 25th April and we really do look forward to seeing you there.

Greenham Parish Clerk 

Click the link to find out more about Greenham's Community Larder. 

Greenham Parish Council (GPC) has been asked by some local community groups to look at how the Diamond Playing field’s existing community building might be replaced due to its dilapidated condition. GPC have done some initial work with West Berkshire Council (WBC), who own the Diamond Field and currently manage the building, with the aim of ensuring should a replacement be affordable that it meets the whole community’s needs. This survey is designed to ensure we have gathered as much information as possible from our community. The survey is open to all ages.

Please complete the survey and email to clerk@greenham.org.uk The survey can also be found on the Parish Council Facebook and Greenham Community Pages. Alternately if you would like the Clerk to email you a survey, please email clerk@greenham.org.com to request one.

Your input is valuable in helping us understand the needs and preferences of our community regarding the design and purpose of a new community building. This survey aims to gather information to ensure that the building aligns with the community's desires and needs.

A vacancy has arisen for a Councillor on Greenham Parish Council.

If you would like to make a difference in your local community and be involved in its future shape and represent the views of local people to ensure they count. Then why not become a Parish Councillor.

No specific qualifications are needed to become a Councillor - life experience is the best thing to bring to the role. It’s vital that members represent all sections of the community.

You will need to be 18 years of age and over, have no criminal convictions and live in the Parish, (or at least 3 miles outside the parish)

If you would like to find out more, please contact the Clerk, clerk@greenham.gov.uk for more details or why not contact one of the Councillors, contact details can be found on the website under the Councillors page.

Greenham Parish Council (GPC) has been asked by some local community groups to look at how the Diamond Playing field’s existing community building might be replaced due to its dilapidated condition. GPC have done some initial work with West Berkshire Council (WBC), who own the Diamond Field and currently manage the building, with the aim of ensuring should a replacement be affordable that it meets the whole community’s needs. This survey is designed to ensure we have gathered as much information as possible from our community. The survey is open to all ages.

Please complete the attached survey and email to  clerk@greenham.gov.uk 

Please email the Clerk if you would like a survey emailed to you. 

Your input is valuable in helping us understand the needs and preferences of our community regarding the design and purpose of a new community building. This survey aims to gather information to ensure that the building aligns with the community's desires and needs.

Greenham Parish Council and the Greenham and Crookham Commons Commission invite you to the Beating of the Bounds of Greenham and Crookham Commons.

Meet at 3pm for an introduction, a talk about the commons, a short service and then a walk across the common at the border of Greenham and Crookham Commons. 

Then back to the Control Tower for free refreshments and any questions

We look forward to seeing you there. 

The Seasonal Wardens for Greenham, Crookham and Snelsmore Commons are conducting visitor surveys for the ground nesting bird season 2023 (from 1^st March to 31^st July). We'd love to have feedback on your experiences on the Common during this time, your opinion on how it has been managed, what is important to you and any suggested improvements. It only takes 5 minutes, just follow the QR code in this link. The survey is open until the end of July.

Dementia Cafe - Corn Exchange Newbury

West Berkshire Demential Friendly October calendar of events

Community Governance Review

The first stage of the review was completed without any problems.

The results of the survey were analysed, and the recommendations drawn up for approval to publish the 2^nd round consultations, by the Governance and Ethics Committee of West Berkshire Council.

This request to publish a 2^nd round of consultation for 6 weeks has been approved, and has now been published on the WBC website for public consultation and comment.

The link to this report and the website links are included below.

The link to the Community Governance Review results, report, maps etc.:

https://www.westberks.gov.uk/GPCParishReview

The link to the round 1 results and recommendation report:

http://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/documents/s106128/2022%2007%2022%20CGR%20Report%20for%20GE.pdf

June 2022 Volunteering Opportunities within West Berkshire

These are the links to the WBC Consultation and Engagement Hub page https://www.westberks.gov.uk/GPCParishReview to show the background to the review and the link to the survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GPCParishReview.

Thank you 

Clerk 

Greenham Parish Council

Please find attached details of events organised by TuVida for Carers Week 6-12 June 2022 to display and share with carers.

Carers Week information is also promoted on the West Berkshire Directory:

CarersWeek 6-12 June 2022 - Free Carers Events | West Berkshire Directory

Carers Week 6-12 June 2022 - Information Event Thurs 9 June | West Berkshire Directory

Further information for carers is also available on the West Berkshire DirectoryAre you looking after someone? - Search Results | West Berkshire Directory and also on our website Being a Carer - West Berkshire Council

Archaeology of Roman Berkshire

Spend a day with the Berkshire Archaelogical day school for a day of all things archaelogical#

For more information about the day, get in touch directly with the school 

Sovereign Housing Youth Panel

Are you aged between 18 and 25? The Sovereign Youth Panel gives young people the opportunity to be held and influence changes in housing

Details of how you can get involved in the attached poster

March Volunteering Opportunities

Please see attached notice for volunteering opportunities now available. 

Full Contact details are in the notice

Come along to a Community event being held on the 12th February 2022, at 10am.  Greenham Parish Council will be planting cherry trees near the Diamond playing field. 

All are welcome to get involved. 

Refreshments will be provided  and if you can bring a spade or Fork, that would be great. 

See you all there and if you need any further information, contact clerk@greenham.gov.uk

West Berkshire Library App - Now Available

Manage your library account and anything else Library related with the new West Berkshire Library app

Available from the App Store and Google Play

West Berkshire Bin Collections

Check the link detailed in this information from West Berkshire District Council,  to see if your bin day may be changing

Opportunities to volunteer within West Berkshire

Please see attached opportunities to volunteer within West Berkshire

Have a happy Christmas and New Year

St Mary's Church, Greenham - 18th December 2021

Join St Mary's church on the 18th December for a Nativity Trail in the churchyad and church Hall. 

The opening event takes place on the 18th December and the trail continues until Boxing Day.

There will be carol singing, mince pies and mulled wine

Have a happy Christmas and New Year

Greenham Councillors met last Saturday 13th December to plant three Cherry trees in honour of lives lost to Covid.

Cllr Ken Neal was on hand with a digger to help plant the trees, whilst Councillor Puffett and Councillor Blackborow helped to plant the trees. Cllr Austin and Cllr Barnett were also in attendance.

There were also members of the Greener Greenham Group on hand to help with the planting process.

You can see all three trees planted in the north western corner of Stroud green, by the junction with Greenham Road

Please see displayed poster for Volunteering opportunities in WBDC

New Footpath - New Road, Greenham

Pressure from your Parish council has secured a commitment and confirmation from the West Berkshire Planning Authority that in the future, there will be a new off-road footpath linking New Road and Pyle Hill between St Mary’s church and The Willows School, created initially by the two new housing developments and also linking to the existing path through West Wood, which was the work of former parish council Chair Diane Smith.

The development of the footpaths will be phased as the consented development work takes place over the next couple of years. 

When the other recently consented development goes ahead linking Pyle Hill to Pinchington Lane next to the retail park, it will provide a pleasant, almost level, traffic free ‘active travel’ route for everyone in the parish living at the top of the hill.

Following a request from one of our councillors and with the strong backing of a group of interested local residents, Greenham Parish Council applied for the Diamond (aka the John Mello Playing Field) on Pigeon’s Farm Road to be listed as an Asset of Community Value. We are delighted to announced that this application has been successful and the Diamond and the structures on it are now included on the Local Register. In practical terms, this means that if there were a proposal to sell this land - or grant a long lease to a third party, the landowner (in this case West Berkshire Council) would have to notify GPC as a representative of the local community. If the community wished to purchase the land, the procedure confers a Community Right to Bid, where the sale is delayed to give the community time to consider whether they wish to buy it and to raise the necessary funds.

For more information on this process, please see here: https://mycommunity.org.uk/what-are-assets-of-community-value-acv

The Parish Council is continuing to explore ways in which we can further protect this space for the local community. If you would lie to be involved in this process, please contact the Parish Clerk.

West Berkshire Library is now fully open and welcomes everyone back

The Libary is currently open between 9am and 5pm on Weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturday

The Library is closed on Sundays

More information can be found here

Greenham Parish Council does not currently have an allotment site. The Parish Council is exploring the possibility of creating allotments within the parish for residents. A suitable site would need to be found; funding sourced for the purchase/rent of the land, legal fees, water supply and formation of an allotment association.

If you are a Greenham parishioner and would be interested in having an allotment or have any comments to make regarding the idea then please complete the Council's survey at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RPXQJLZ or contact the Clerk via the Contact us page.

Our local wildlife trust, BBOWT, has updated the guidance for users of Greenham & Crookham Commons to protect birds that are starting to nest on the commons at this time of year.

The commons are home to a number of rare species including nightingales and skylarks. To avoid disturbing the birds from 1 March to 31 July all users are asked to keep to the main paths marked on the map. There are 3 green zones were owners are encouraged to exercise their dogs, these are marked on the map and can be identified on site by short green posts. Dogs should be kept on leads and under close control.

The map can be viewed by clicking here.

More information about the work of the Wildlife Trust at Greenham & Crookham Commons can be found online at www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/greenham-and-crookham-commons

There this a new housing development building built to the west of New Road, Greenham. Thames Valley Archaeological Services have been contracted to carry out excavations onsite and a wide range of finds have been discovered.

Further information will be added to the webpage http://tvas.co.uk/news/post036-Greenham.html as the work progresses, but there are already several round houses as well as the tantalising edges of two ring ditches on the eastern boundary, which could represent the remains of Bronze Age round barrows, but which cannot be fully investigated at this time. A very Late Iron Age or early Roman burial has also been found, with an unusual flagon. There are also features which are likely to be medieval, or post-medieval.

Many of the pottery and samples have been taken back for analysis by the finds experts, to be written up in a final report, with the archive eventually deposited in West Berkshire Museum. We therefore won’t get the whole picture for a while, but it’s an exciting glimpse into the lives of people who lived in our ward, from over 3,000 years ago up to more recent times.

The Community Support Hub had released its latest update. 

The document is not fully accessible if you have any issues reading the document please visit https://info.westberks.gov.uk/coronavirus-support to access the information in an alternative format.

We would like to make you aware government funding is available to help people living in rural areas get better broadband. There are two schemes currently available, Rural Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme and Universal Service Obligation.

Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme

Up to £1,500 per home and up to £3,500 for each small to medium size business (SME) is available to support the costs of installing gigabit-capable broadband. Funding is provided through the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. Gigabit-capable broadband offers the fastest and most reliable speeds available – of up to 1000Mbps or 1Gbps. Final speeds depend on the package purchased, but the aim is to provide enough capacity for now and for the future.

To qualify for the scheme, you must live in a rural area, be unable to get broadband speeds of 100Mbps or more and apply as a group of two or more premises.

Check your eligibility for the scheme by completing the postcode check at www.gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk and then follow our simple step-by-step guide located on our website www.superfastberkshire.org.uk

Universal Service Obligation

If you’re receiving 10Mbps or less, you may be eligible for the Universal Service Scheme. For more details and to check your postcode for eligibility go to www.bt.com/broadband/USO