Connecting Communities in Berkshire

08/09/2026

07/09/2026

📢 Newbury & West Berkshire Neighbourhood Watch Meeting

We're pleased to share details of the next Newbury Neighbourhood Watch / West Berkshire Neighbourhood Watch Meeting:

📅 Wednesday 18 November 2026
🕖 7.15pm
📍 Kersey Hall, Waterside Centre, Waldegrave Place, Northbrook Street, Newbury RG14 1DS
(Entrance is down the side of Camp Hopson)

Hear from Dave Stubbs about the fascinating Sulhamstead Police Museum, along with crime and community safety updates from the Police and Fire Service.

Crime prevention advice and literature will also be available.

Interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your road? Contact Angela Money BEM on 07774 962641.

Please note: There is no parking available at the Waterside Centre, but several public car parks are nearby.

01/09/2026

Many rural households across Berkshire rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm, but unlike mains gas and electricity customers, they have often had fewer protections when prices rise or things go wrong.

We're pleased to share this update fromAction with Communities in Rural England - ACRE highlighting plans to regulate the heating oil market following recommendations from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The proposals include stronger consumer protections, clearer pricing information, better support for vulnerable households, and improved routes for resolving disputes.

This is an important step forward for rural and off-grid communities, helping to ensure that heating oil users receive fairer treatment and greater protection in the future.

Read more here: https://acre.org.uk/more-protection-for-heating-oil-users-as-market-set-to-be-regulated/

28/08/2026

Thank You to Wokingham United Charities Thrive Fund

We're delighted to share that Wokingham United Charities has awarded CCB funding through its Thrive Fund to support our Energy Advice Project.

This grant will enable us to visit six groups at Wokingham Children's Centres and a SHARE food session in Earley, helping families learn practical ways to reduce their energy and water bills. It will also fund a training session for Wokingham Early Help staff, equipping them with the knowledge to support vulnerable families to cut household costs and improve financial resilience.

Over the past 10 years, CCB has helped families save money on essential household bills through energy and water advice. Thanks to this funding, we'll be able to reach even more local families who are facing financial pressures and help them build the skills and confidence to manage rising household costs.

Thank you to Wokingham United Charities for investing in the wellbeing of local families and helping us make a difference across the borough this autumn.

27/08/2026

Help MOVEability Expand Support Across West Berkshire

We are delighted that CCB is working with MOVEability on their funding appeal through The Good Exchange . Their seated exercise classes and social gatherings help older adults, people with limited mobililty, long-term health conditions or people experiencing isolation stay active, connected and independent.

The funding will support existing sessions in Lambourn and Newbury, while helping launch new classes in Hungerford and Aldermaston, bringing these valuable opportunities to even more people across West Berkshire.

If you're able to help, please consider supporting the appeal and making a difference in your local community.

https://app.thegoodexchange.com/project/21397/connecting-communities-in-berkshire/sit-stretch-connect-combatting-isolation-boosting-health-in-west-berkshire?mc_cid=cf980618e7&mc_eid=abd5627594

26/08/2026

Fundraising Workshop: Broaden Your Fundraising Approaches

Looking for new ways to fund your community building or village hall project?

Join usfor an online workshop designed to help trustees and community organisations explore a wider range of fundraising opportunities and diversify their income streams.

Tuesday 29 September | 10.30am to 12.00pm | Online

The session will cover:
• Online fundraising platforms
• Crowdfunding
• Village lotteries
• Engaging local philanthropists and supporters

You'll hear practical advice and real-life examples from representatives of easyfundraising, Chaddleworth Village Hall and CCB, who will share fresh ideas and proven approaches to help organisations raise funds more effectively.

Whether you're looking to strengthen existing fundraising activities or explore new income sources, you'll leave with practical tips, useful insights and greater confidence in your fundraising efforts.

Book your place via Eventbrite:
https://ccberks.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=79b2af64de0f7331631d8608c&id=4b2b6572f9&e=abd5627594



easyfundraising.org.uk Community Learning in West Berkshire

25/08/2026

Local Government Reorganisation is coming to Berkshire.

Recent Government announcements have confirmed that local government in Berkshire will change from 2028. West Berkshire, along with most of South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, will form the new Ridgeway Council.

While change can bring uncertainty, particularly for charities, community groups and volunteers, it also presents an opportunity to shape how public services and cross-sector partnerships work in the future.

We will be working closely with colleagues across Berkshire and Oxfordshire to help minimise disruption, support the voluntary and community sector through this transition, and ensure the voices of local communities are heard as the new authority takes shape.

We recognise this is a challenging time for many, including staff and elected members within existing local authorities. However, we are optimistic about the opportunities this reorganisation could bring to strengthen collaboration and create better outcomes for the communities we all serve.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with our CEO Tim or any member of the CCB team.
[email protected]

Community First Oxfordshire West Berkshire Council Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

24/08/2026

Connecting Communities in Berkshire August E-bulletin -

Included in this edition training events, local funding opportunities and community news.

22/08/2026

Fantastic to see Enborne's clean energy ambitions featured in Penny Post Post following the recent land inspection.

We're excited to see the project progressing and wish the parish every success as it works towards creating renewable energy alongside meaningful benefits for the local community.

Read the full story here: https://pennypost.org.uk/newbury-area-weekly-news-2/

Good luck to everyone involved!

21/08/2026

💰 Funding Opportunities This August

Looking for funding for your charity, community group, sports club, heritage project, or local initiative?

Click on this link for a range of funding opportunities currently available, including grants for: https://ccberks.org.uk/2026/07/27/funding-opportunities-in-august-2/

✅ Community projects
✅ Affordable housing and homelessness support
✅ Children and young people
✅ Veterans and military families
✅ Environmental and sustainability projects
✅ Heritage and local history
✅ Sports clubs and activities
✅ Financial wellbeing and employability
✅ Churches and community buildings