Do you live or work in a rural or semi‑rural area of Berkshire? We want to hear from you!

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We are gathering feedback to better understand the needs, challenges, and priorities of rural communities across the county.

We’re exploring whether a Community Development Worker could make a meaningful difference in supporting local goals, strengthening services, and helping rural areas thrive.

To get a full picture of what’s needed, we’re hoping to collect responses from people across Berkshire’s villages and rural neighbourhoods.

🕒 The survey takes just 5 minutes, and your voice will directly influence how CCB plans future support and resources.
👉 Take part here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TD7BD6Y

Thank you for helping us build stronger, more connected rural communities across Berkshire.

Housing Needs Survey – Speen Residents

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We are carrying out a Housing Needs Survey on behalf of Speen Parish Council, and we are inviting all residents of the parish to take part.

The purpose of this survey is to gather accurate, up‑to‑date information about local housing needs. This insight is vital in helping the parish plan responsibly and ensure that any future housing reflects the true needs of the community.

Survey forms will be delivered to homes in Speen this week, and we strongly encourage all households to complete theirs. You can also complete the survey online here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPEENHNS

All responses will be treated confidentially and used solely for assessing local housing need. Any personal information provided will be held securely by CCB in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 and will not be shared with any other organisation, including Speen Parish Council.

You can read CCB’s full Privacy Policy at http://www.ccberks.org.uk.

Thank you for helping us build a clear picture of Speen’s housing needs.

Community Spotlight: West Berkshire’s Moveability Classes in Action

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by Andrea Malcolm, Project Development Officer

I’ve recently had the pleasure of getting out and about to witness the incredible impact of Debbie Medlin’s Moveability classes firsthand. From cognitive challenges to cream cakes, here is my experience of how our local villages are staying active!


Chieveley Village Hall: Brains and Brawn
Last Thursday, I joined nearly 30 residents at Chieveley Village Hall for a session that was as vibrant as it was vigorous. I’ll admit, I expected a gentle sit-down, but Debbie’s expert choreography provided a true masterclass in inclusivity. It wasn’t just a physical workout for me; the clever movement sequences provided a brilliant cognitive challenge. I found that staying fit is just as much about brainpower as it is about balance!


Lambourn: The Perfect Recipe for Wellbeing
The energy continued on Friday when I visited the Lambourn group. I arrived with fresh cream cakes, which proved to be the ultimate motivator! While the exercises had us all working hard, the true magic happened during the social afterwards. For me, the post-class tea and chat is an invaluable lifeline, providing a deep sense of friendship and support that clearly benefits Lambourn and all its surrounding villages. I was felt so welcomed that I was even told I could come every week!

Debbie runs seated chair exercise classes at venues around West Berkshire. Available at Hermitage, Thatcham, Newbury, Lambourn and Chieveley.
For more information and to find your nearest class, visit: www.moveability.org.uk

From Oxfordshire to Berkshire: Celebrating Community-Led Housing Intiatives

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By Maria Kelly, Rural Housing Enabler

On Saturday 21st February I attended a meeting of the Oxfordshire Community Led Housing Group, hosted by Stonesfield Community Trust at the cosy White Horse Community Pub, Stonesfield.  Stonesfield Community Trust, established in 1983, it was one of the first Community Land Trusts in the UK.  It owns and manages affordable housing in the village for people with a local connection, and the White Horse pub.  The meeting was attended by representatives from several local Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and other community led housing organisations, all at different stages of the journey and facing different challenges and opportunities.

During the day we explored how groups can work better together to deliver a growing potential pipeline of community -led homes, particularly in rural areas where finding suitable land and traditional Housing Associations to develop homes can be difficult.  We took a walk around Stonesfield to look at some of the homes built and managed by the Trust, which blend seamlessly with the older architecture of the village. We looked at a new area in the heart of the village where a glove factory operated in the 1970s, which will soon be the site of three new affordable rented homes built by the Trust.  The new houses will be adjacent to the picturesque Stonesfield Church and Oxfordshire’s oldest gaol – a listed ‘lock up’ owned by the Blenheim estate! 

Thank you to Fiona Brown and Kay Sentance from Community First Oxfordshire for inviting me along, and to the CLTs attending for making me feel so welcome.

There are many ways that communities can own and lead on the development of community assets such as housing and facilities – just consider the amazing work of village hall trustees and parish councils. One of Berkshires few Community land Trusts is Windsor Ascot and Maidenhead CLT, (Home – Windsor Ascot Maidenhead Community Land Trust) which is being supported by CCB to take on affordable housing and other assets in the Royal Borough. Through freehold ownership, CLTs can ensure that housing and other assets are available to the community in perpetuity and cannot be sold off privately or otherwise lost. 

If you are interested in finding out more about Community Land Trusts, contact maria.kelly@ccberks.org.uk

Supporting Berkshire Communities With Free Energy Advice This Spring

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This Spring, our dedicated Energy Advisors, Helen and Mina, are travelling across Berkshire to provide practical, face‑to‑face support for residents who may be struggling with rising energy or utility costs.

As part of our ongoing commitment to helping families stay warm, well, and informed, the team are partnering with local organisations and community venues to make energy advice more accessible than ever.

This week, they are visiting the welcoming Speen Community Café, offering guidance tailored to individual household needs.
In February, they met with families supported by Home‑Start Bracknell Forest, helping parents understand their energy options and find ways to reduce bills without compromising comfort.

Throughout March, Helen and Mina will also be attending West Berkshire Council’s ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions, where residents can drop in for free, confidential, and friendly advice on managing home energy use.

Where to Find Our Advisors in March

Our team will be available at the following community locations:

Wednesday 11 March, 1–2pm
Thatcham Larder, Frank Hutchins Hall

Tuesday 17 March, 1–3pm
Newbury FoodBank, The Kennet Christian Centre

Thursday 19 March, 1–3pm
Thatcham FoodBank

In addition, Helen and Mina will be visiting:

  • Thatcham & Central Family Hub – Monday 23 March
  • Salvation Army Playgroup, Slough – Thursday 26 March

If you work with families or individuals in Berkshire who would benefit from personalised, in‑person support, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Our team can help with energy efficiency advice, navigating utility bills, and identifying ways to reduce household costs.

📩 For more information, contact:
Helen Dean – Helen.Dean@ccberks.org.uk