News

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We are honoured to welcome Cllr Jerry Keates as the new Mayor of Hungerford Town Council and Cllr Chris Hall as the new Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Jerry Keates

Jerry has been a dedicated member of the Hungerford community since moving here with his wife Deborah in 2015, and is now in his fifth year serving as a Town Councillor. He joined the Council to give back to the town and is passionate about preserving Hungerford’s rich history and strong community spirit, while supporting thoughtful, sustainable growth within its AONB setting.

A strong believer in collaboration, Jerry works closely with fellow councillors, local organisations, and businesses to ensure community voices are heard. He takes a very hands-on approach and is a familiar face around town, often helping to organise and support key events such as the Platinum Jubilee, King’s Coronation, D-Day 80 commemorations, REME and Constables’ Parades, and regularly serving as MC for the Christmas Lights Switch On.

Jerry currently chairs the Highways & Transport Committee, working closely with West Berkshire Council, and is actively involved with the Royal British Legion, the Chamber of Commerce, Smarten Up Hungerford, and the Town & Manor. He is particularly keen to encourage greater participation from veterans in Remembrance events.

Supported by a fantastic team, Jerry looks forward to doing his very best for our wonderful town and its residents.

Cllr Chris Hall

Chris is a recent addition to Hungerford Town Council, bringing with him a lifetime of experience living and working in and around the town. His deep local knowledge and strong community connections are invaluable assets to the Council.

He has practical experience in project management, having successfully built his own home while overseeing contractors and budgets. In addition, Chris runs two local businesses, further strengthening his understanding of the town’s needs and opportunities.

Passionate about preserving Hungerford’s unique beauty and character while supporting its continued growth and modernisation, Chris is a highly welcome member of the Council. Alongside his duties as Deputy Mayor, he also serves as Deputy Chair of the Recreation, Amenities & War Memorials Committee.

A proud and historic moment for Hungerford.

On Saturday 25 April, 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME was formally granted the Freedom of the Town by Hungerford Town Council.

This special honour recognises the battalion’s long-standing relationship with Hungerford and their continued support of the community especially their respected presence at Remembrance Sunday services over many years.

The ceremony was conducted with dignity and warmth, celebrating not only military service but a deep and enduring bond with the town. It also fulfilled a vision first championed by former Mayor Martin Crane OBE, and later brought to life under the leadership of former Mayor Cllr Helen Simpson a fitting finale to her tenure.

A huge thank you to the battalion for their generous gifts, including a framed picture celebrating their motto “Arte et Marte” and a beautifully crafted piece of metalwork of the REME insignia.

A day of pride, partnership, and lasting connection.

Thank you for all our fab local producers and suppliers for our contribution to a celebration lunch in Hungerford Town Hall last Saturday for Freedom of the Town Award for REME battalion who made smoked trout blinis, beef fillet & horseradish cream on crout, venison with capers & grain mustard on crout, hummus, carrots & rocket sandwiches, rhubarb flapjacks, Apple, rhubarb & ginger punch and a Victoria Sponge Celebration Cake!

Nominations Now Open!

Hungerford Town Council is inviting nominations for the Freedom of the Town Award 2026.

This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the community through dedication, service, and positive impact.

Deadline: 24 July 2026
Nomination forms available at the Council office (Library building) or online
Winners announced: September 2026

Know someone who truly makes a difference in Hungerford? Nominate them today and help recognise their commitment to our town.

Hungerford in Britain in Bloom 2026 — Get Involved!

Hungerford Town Council is proud to be taking part in Britain in Bloom 2026, following our Silver award in our first ever entry.

We’re calling on local volunteers and sponsors to help make Hungerford look its very best. Whether you enjoy gardening, have creative ideas, or want to support the town through sponsorship, there’s a role for everyone.

Volunteer, sponsor, or support our green spaces and help Hungerford shine on the national stage.

Together, let’s make Hungerford bloom.

Get Involved Today

Let us know how you’d like to help:

Email: admin@hungerford-tc.gov.uk

Visit: Hungerford Town Council Office (inside the Library)

Call: 01488 686195

Hungerford in Bloom 2026 - Officially Launched!

Hungerford Town Council (HTC) is delighted to announce that Hungerford in Bloom 2026 is now officially open for entries!

Once again, we look forward to seeing the town come alive with colourful floral displays created by our wonderful community. From gardens and courtyards to school grounds, containers, pubs, and commercial premises, every entry helps showcase Hungerford at its very best.

Whether you’ve taken part before or are joining us for the first time, we warmly encourage you to get involved this year.

Entry forms for 2026 are now available and include full details of categories and judging criteria.
Entry deadline: 4pm on Friday, 26 June
Judging date: Saturday, 11 July

Both PDF and Word versions of the entry form are available, complete and return whichever format suits you best.

If you have any questions, please contact the HTC office at 01488 686195 or email admin@hungerford-tc.gov.uk.

We can’t wait to see your floral creations and celebrate another beautiful summer in Hungerford!

Hungerford Town Council’s Annual Grant Scheme 2026/2027 is Now Open!

Hungerford Town Council is delighted to announce that applications are welcome for the 2026–2027 Annual Grant Scheme. Grants are typically allocated in May/June, and the deadline for submitting applications is Friday, 3^rd April 2026.

As in previous years, all applications should be made through The Good Exchange at www.thegoodexchange.com. We encourage you to apply via this platform to benefit from potential match funding and to allow other funders using The Good Exchange to support your project.

Please ensure you review our grant policy before submitting your application. It is available here: Policies - Hungerford Town Council

If you already have an active application on The Good Exchange, please let me know your project reference number so I can access the relevant details.

If you are not using The Good Exchange, please let me know and I will send you an application form.

Please note that we cannot guarantee funding will remain available later in the year, so we strongly encourage you to apply before the deadline.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Deputy Clerk on 01488 686195.

Silver Award for Hungerford in Britain in Bloom! 

We’re thrilled to announce that Hungerford has won Silver in the Small-Town category of Britain in Bloom! 

This fantastic achievement reflects the dedication of our residents, volunteers, community groups, Hungerford Town Council and Town and Manor— all working together to make our town a beautiful place to live, work, and visit.

The judges were wowed by our stunning green spaces:
• Riverside meadows
• Historic landscapes
• Hungerford Common & The Marsh
• Canals, rivers, parks & community allotments

Special thanks to our community groups including Smarten Up Hungerford, Hungerford Allotment Association (HAHA), St Lawrence’s Church volunteers, Town & Manor, local businesses, and individuals who support the town and to all those who lovingly maintain these spaces for everyone to enjoy.

This award celebrates community spirit, collaboration, and the natural beauty of Hungerford. Let’s keep showing the country what makes our town truly remarkable!

Introducing Ridgeway Council - part of a two unitary council option for Oxfordshire and West Berkshire - West Berkshire Council

A proposal for two new unitary Councils - Oxford and Shires, and Ridgeway - West Berkshire Council