25 years of community growth: Holybrook Parish Council’s Annual Assembly explores local heritage and unveils green initiatives

Published: 03 April 2025

Holybrook Parish Council held its Annual Assembly on Monday, 31 March 2025, bringing together residents, organisations and community leaders to reflect on the past year’s achievements and discuss the future of the Parish.

Cllr Claire Tull, the Council’s Chairman, opened the event with a positive report highlighting key successes, including the launch of new initiatives such as the Community Payback Service and the upgrade of the Beansheaf Community Centre. She also recognised significant community events, including the D-Day celebration featuring a picnic at Linear Park and the Andy Alleyne (former Reading FC footballer) Bench Unveiling.

Reflecting on the Assembly’s evolution over the years, Cllr Tull remarked on how community engagement has grown positively, stating that it is a sign for the councillors and other public sector office holders to foster meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with members of their community for effective service delivery across all touchpoints: "From the early days, when only councillors and a handful of residents attended, we now see a growing number of engaged parishioners coming together to discuss matters important to our community. This is a testament to the strong sense of community spirit in Holybrook and brightens our hope for another successful year to come”, she said.

The council’s financial report, read by the Chairman, detailed grants and funding allocated to local organisations over the past year, alongside proposed projects for the upcoming financial year. Notable plans include the installation of solar panels at the Beansheaf Centre and new footpath connections in the Linear Park further demonstrating the Council’s commitment to sustainability and infrastructure enhancement.

Cllr Charles Croal, Chairman of the Community and Environmental Committee, provided an update on ongoing initiatives such as the community litter picks, held bi-monthly to promote environmental sustainability, and the Community Speed Watch programme in collaboration with Thames Valley Police, aimed at keeping local roads safe.

Reports from key community stakeholders, including Thames Valley Police (TVP), Friends of Linear Park (FoLP), West Berkshire Council’s Countryside Department, Beansheaf Community Pre-School, West Berkshire Therapy Centre and Hospital Radio Reading, provided valuable insights into their contributions to the Parish. Their hard work continues to play an integral role in maintaining and improving services for residents.

A highlight of the evening was the fascinating keynote talk by Beth Asbury, Assistant Archaeologist at West Berkshire Council’s Historic Environment Record (HER) and Outreach team who took attendees on a journey through Holybrook’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day. The presentation also shed light on local assets that could be listed in the HER, inviting parishioners to get involved in the process. Asbury recommended that parishioners take advantage of some resources and key outreach events to further deepen their knowledge of and contribute to the archaeology of Holybrook.

The assembly concluded on a celebratory note, marking 25 years of Parish growth with special long-service recognition for councillors and staff. Seven councillors, including the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, as well as the Clerk, were honoured for 10 years of service, while the Chairman and Vice-Chairman also celebrated 20 years of dedicated service. The presentation of the Community Spirit Awards added to the sense of appreciation and goodwill within the Parish.

Vice-Chairman, Cllr Mary Bedwell, who has served for over 20 years, closed the event by encouraging attendees to consider serving as councillors, noting that there are currently vacancies available for those wishing to play an active role in shaping the future of Holybrook. She stated that it is a rewarding role which is reflected in the amount of time so many councillors have remained on the Council.

For questions or comments regarding the annual assembly, please send an email to admin@holybrook-pc.gov.uk.

 *Photo description:  

From left to right: Cllr Claire Tull, Chairman, Holybrook Parish Council; Beth Asbury, Assistant Archaeologist (HER and Outreach), Development and Housing, West Berkshire Council and Cllr Mary Bedwell, Vice-Chairman, Holybrook Parish Council at the 2025 Annual Assembly of the Parish Council held on Monday, 31 March 2025.