Village Market
An indoor market is held in the Victory Hall on the 2nd Saturday of each month except for January and August. To book a stall, contact Alan Wheatley, Tel. 971 0260
Beenham Art Group
The group meet on a Tuesday morning from 9.45am until 12.15pm in the Victory Hall. All abilities are welcome. Any interested persons should contact Sunny Still on 9712255
Beenham Walkers
Beenham Walkers is a small friendly group of local walkers who meet on alternate Thursday mornings during term time for a two- to three-hour walk. Sometimes they walk from Beenham; on other occasions, they drive to villages such as Pangbourne, Mortimer and Bradfield. Occasionally, the walk includes coffee or lunch in a pub.
If you are interested, contact Jenny Newitt for details, Tel: 971 3580
Beenham Investment Group Ltd. (Greyfield Wood)
Greyfield Wood is a 40 acre wood at the west end of the village. It is owned by the Beenham Investment Group which is in turn owned by about 40 households, mainly within the village. It is managed as community woodland and there are paths through the wood. People wishing to become actively involved are invited to purchase shares in the company.
Contact Chris Penley, Tel: 971 3752
UK Wolf Conservation Trust
Butlers Farm in Beenham village is home to the UK Wolf Conservation Trust and houses seven wolves in three enclosures. The Trust has a magazine (WolfPrint), one hundred volunteers, 2,500 supporters and three levels of membership. Further details on the Trust Page or on their web site: www.ukwolf.org
Sporting Clubs
Badminton Club
The Badminton Club is held in the School Hall every Tuesday evening 8:30 -10pm.
The club is friendly and not at all competitive.
Contact Mr and Mrs Stares, Tel: 971 3481
Bucklebury Badminton Club
Bucklebury Badminton Club play at Elstree School in Woolhampton where they have four courts. Club night is on Tuesday evenings from 8 to 10 p.m. The standard is mixed and you can come for fun or for more serious matches. They have teams in the Newbury league and are looking for more men to play in divisions two or four. Ladies are also welcome as are men who don't want to play in the matches. Check out our website for more information http://buckleburybadminton.intheteam.com or just turn up on any Tuesday evening.
Football
The football clubs in Theale (Theale Tigers), contact Dean Proudley proudley33@aol.com, and Thatcham (Thatcham Tornadoes), website: http://thatchamtornadoes.intheteam.com/modules/page/page.aspx?pc=home organise teams for children in the local leagues.
Swimming
The nearest District Council swimming pool is at the Northcroft Centre in Newbury. However, three local schools now have their pools available for use at specified times. The schools are:
Kennet School Leisure Centre Tel: 01635 871112
Willink Leisure Centre Tel: 983 4845
Bradfield College Sports Complex Tel: 964 4600 (members or members’ guests only)
Tennis
The Indoor Tennis Centre at Bradfield College Sports Complex is open for booking by members of the public. There are three excellent courts which can booked up to six days in advance. Open Mon-Fri 07:00-22:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-21:00. Costs vary between £14-19 per court per hour depending on the time of day.
For an annual fee of £50 families can play as often as they like. (A joining fee applies, and reduced rates for singles.)
Tel: 964 4600
Douai Park Tennis Club plays at Douai Park. Coaching is available.
Web site: http://www.douaitennis.org
Theale Green Leisure Centre
Attached to Theale Green school, the leisure centre runs fitness classes, aerobics and circuit training, trampolining courses and gymnastics. Badminton and tennis courts are available and there are outdoor football pitches.
Tel: 932 3725
Clubs & Activities for Children
Brownies
1st Beenham Brownies meets in the School Hall every Thursday in term time from 6pm - 7.30pm. During sessions, the girls work on achieving badges, planning trips out (a recent one was to Legoland Windsor), and fundraising for local charities such as the National Children's Deaf Society and the Guide Dogs for the Blind. If the girls aren't busying themselves with these activities, then it's screaming and laughing to be had by all with popular team games and crafts.
If your daughter is aged between 7 and 10 and would like to experience the organised chaos, then please contact Samantha on 07762 711978.
Beenham Toddler Group
The Toddler Group meets on Fridays from 10:00-11:30 in the Community Room. It enables those with babies and young children to meet together and talk while the children play in a safe and welcoming place. There is a craft table most weeks and the weekly get-together finishes with some songs. It is run by parents and carers who provide a snack for the children and tea or coffee for the adults on a rota basis.
Contact Bev Emes, Tel: 971 0418, e-mail: bevemes1@aol.com
Beenham Pre-School Group
The Pre-School Group (formerly the Playgroup) for 3-5 year olds is held in the Community Room. It has sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9 to 12 and Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Children learn to become independent and to socialise. They are also introduced to letters and numbers. The group is small and friendly, with an excellent child: adult ratio. The Pre-School Group has close links with Beenham Primary School, so the children have the opportunity to become familiar with the children, buildings and site before they go to the school full-time.
Contact Judith Wickes Tel 971 2665
Beenham After School Club (The Wolves Club)
The club aims to provide safe, high quality childcare for children aged 4-11. The children are in a secure and stimulating environment and have the opportunity to learn through play activities. They can choose a healthy snack from a wide range of options. It is held in the Community Room and has access to the school grounds.
The club is open between 3:05pm-5.45pm Tuesday-Friday during school term times. It is also runs Fun Days from 8:30am-4:30pm on Beenham School INSET days and for part of the summer holidays. It is open to all primary age children. Places can be booked monthly in advance: booking forms are available from the school office Tel: 971 3397. E-mail: beenhamprimary@westberks.gov.uk |
