Holybrook Parish Council

13/08/2026

A set of two keys was found at Linear Park and handed in to the Parish Office yesterday.

If you think these might belong to you, please drop by or get in touch with us to claim them. We’re open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00

To ensure they return to their rightful owner, we’ll be asking you to describe any key rings, distinctive markings or the specific types of keys on the ring.

Contact details below ⬇️

Address: Beansheaf Community Centre, Charrington Road, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7AW

Phone: 0118 9454 339

Email: [email protected]

11/08/2026

“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

That was the question Vyv James, Chairman of Friends of Linear Park (FoLP), put to Reading MP Olivia Bailey during an informal flag-raising at Linear Park on Tuesday.

For Ms Bailey, who joined FoLP members for the occasion alongside members of her team, raising a Green Flag was a first.

The gathering marked Linear Park retaining its Green Flag Award for 2026/27, continuing an impressive run of 17 consecutive years of Green Flag recognition since 2009.

Linear Park is managed by West Berkshire Council, which has responsibility for the park and its ongoing management and maintenance. FoLP works alongside the Council, with its members volunteering their time to support the care of the park and its natural environment.

The Green Flag Award recognises well-managed parks and green spaces, with high standards for maintenance, environmental management, sustainability, biodiversity and community involvement. Retaining it year after year reflects the work that goes into keeping Linear Park a welcoming place for the many people who use it.

Here’s to another year of the Green Flag flying over Linear Park.

11/08/2026

Holymead Playground – Swings Update

A quick reminder that the toddler swings at Holymead Playground are now back in use following their recent replacement. With the summer weather and school holidays in full swing, we hope families enjoy making the most of the space.

01/08/2026

28/07/2026

August Newsletter Out Now

Dear Residents,

Our August 2026 newsletter is now available on the Holybrook Parish Council website.

We welcome Laura Norgate, who has joined us as Parish Operations Manager and Clerk to the Council. Many of you will have the opportunity to meet her over the coming months as she continues in her role with the Parish.

This edition also introduces our new “Meet Your Councillor” series. We’re starting with Jagan Veerati, who shares a little about life in Fairfields and his early experiences on the Council. With a few vacancies currently open, it’s a lovely way to see what being a Councillor is really like and how rewarding the role can be.

You can download the full newsletter on our website:https://www.holybrook-pc.gov.uk/_UserFiles/Files/August_2026.pdf

16/07/2026

Mill Lane Road Closure: July – August 2026

West Berkshire Council has advised of a 24‑hour road closure on Mill Lane, Calcot, from 27 July to 21 August 2026 (Deerhurst Close to the A4 Bath Road).

Reason: Gas mains replacement
Promoter: Southern Gas Networks
Contractor: The Clancy Group
Contact: 0800 912 1700

Access: Residential and blue‑light access will be maintained.

Additional restrictions:

No right/left turn into Mill Lane from the A4 as required.

The buses‑only restriction between Pollards Way and The Chase will be suspended; the bus gate will be temporarily filled.

Diversion route:
https://one.network/?GB151066820

Thank you for your patience while these essential works take place.

14/07/2026

Another Summer Reading Challenge is here!

Did you know this year’s theme, Read to the Beat, is music‑inspired and designed to make reading even more fun for children across West Berkshire?

Children aged 4–11 can take part at any West Berkshire Library, choosing up to six books to enjoy over the holidays and collecting rewards as they go. There’s also a Mini Challenge for pre‑schoolers and a Book Challenge for older children and adults, so the whole family can get involved.

Libraries will be hosting creative, music‑themed activities throughout the summer, including hands‑on workshops with Berkshire Music Trust.

Joining the library is free, and children can borrow up to 15 books at a time, with access to e‑books and e‑audiobooks too.

Find out more about the Summer Reading Challenge and local events at www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries.

Image credit: Berkshire Council

14/07/2026

Know any young person who would like to build useful skills, grow their confidence and play a meaningful part in shaping their community? West Berkshire Council, in partnership with Berkshire Youth, has opened applications for the new West Berkshire Youth Council, giving young people aged 12–17 the chance to influence decisions that affect their lives.

The Youth Council will be run by young people and will offer a space to discuss important issues, represent their peers and work directly with councillors and council officers on policies, services and projects across the district.
Applications are open from 6 July to 14 August.

To support the launch, the first Youth Forum will take place on:
Wednesday 15 July 2026 from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at the Waterside Centre, Newbury.

The forum is open to all young people in West Berkshire. It’s a friendly space to share ideas, meet the team behind the initiative, ask questions and explore how to get involved.

For more information or to apply, please email [email protected].

Image credit: West Berkshire Council

02/07/2026

Beat the Heat and Support Environmental Sustainability

A quick reminder that our Community Litter Pick is happening next Saturday, 11 July, and we're looking forward to seeing many of you there!

With the warm weather continuing, you may be thinking more about how our local environment responds to hotter conditions and what we can do to support initiatives. The good news? Small, local actions like clearing the litter from our green spaces directly support environmental sustainability and climate resilience by:

* Protecting wildlife already stressed by high temperatures
* Reducing pollution that can worsen heat impacts on local habitats
* Keeping waterways and green corridors healthier, helping them cope better during warm spells
* Strengthening community climate awareness, showing how simple, meaningful actions add up to real environmental benefit.

The day's forecast is warm and partly sunny, so please come dressed for the heat with light clothing, sun protection, and anything you need to stay comfortable outdoors. We will have light refreshments available to keep you hydrated and refreshed as we work together.

Your time and care will show in Holybrook's green spaces long after the morning is done.

For warm weather health advice, please visit: https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/hot-weather/

17/06/2026

For Your Information ⬇️

Help Shape Future Health Checks

Residents are invited to take part in a short anonymous survey from NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care about the Health Check programme. Feedback will help inform how the service can better support people to stay healthy. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and is open until 30 June.

Link to participate: https://feedback.digital.nhs.uk/jfe/form/SV_3Jd5m1Qskk2HYuG?

Immunisation Information Session - Theale Library

The Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust team will be at Theale Library to offer information and advice on local immunisation programmes. No booking is required. Simply drop in for a chat.

Call 0118 930 3207 or email [email protected] for more information.

Source: West Berkshire Council Residents Bulletin