August 2026
This update has turned out to be rather longer than usual, simply because there is so much to report! There is a great deal happening across the Lambourn Valley, and it is particularly encouraging to see so many of our newer initiatives becoming firmly established alongside the activities we have been running for some time.
Helping to make the valley safer
One particular area of focus has been helping to make Lambourn a safer and better prepared community. Hayley, our Community Organiser, has arranged a series of defibrillator training sessions and, so far, 35 local people have been trained in how to use a defibrillator. She has also organised first aid courses and a suicide prevention workshop, all aimed at giving residents the confidence and practical skills to respond when somebody is facing a medical or personal crisis. We are also encouraging certified first aiders to sign up to the GoodSAM app, which can be used by ambulance services to alert nearby trained responders when immediate intervention could make a difference before an ambulance arrives. This has already resulted in a number of emergency deployments locally. You can read more about this work here:
https://lambournjunction.uk/lambourn-valley-residents-learn-lifesaving-skills/
https://lambournjunction.uk/lambourn-residents-learn-skills-that-could-help-save-a-life/
https://lambournjunction.uk/helping-our-community-be-ready-when-it-matters-most/
A new home for 4LEGS Radio
There has also been some wonderful progress with 4LEGS Radio, which has now moved into and opened its new studio. As well as providing a permanent home for our local community radio station, it is creating opportunities for young people. A local student, Tegan, recently returned to the station after completing work experience there last year and hosted her own programme, becoming one of the station’s youngest presenters.
https://lambournjunction.uk/young-presenter-tegan-takes-to-the-4legs-radio-airwaves/
https://lambournjunction.uk/a-new-home-for-4legs-radio/
Bringing people together through singing
We have also launched the Lambourn Valley Singing Group, which has proved really popular. Led by Karen, the group is very much about bringing residents together and providing an enjoyable and informal way to meet and get to know one another through singing. Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability or previous singing experience. It is another simple but effective way of creating friendships and connections within our community.
https://lambournjunction.uk/new-lambourn-valley-singing-group-brings-music-friendship-and-fun-to-the-community/
Running, and a Fun Run for everyone
The Lambourn Valley Running Club continues to go from strength to strength and is now organising the Lambourn Valley Fun Run on 5 September. We want this to be a real family and community occasion. There will be races for all ages, starting with a 50 metre dash for our youngest runners and going all the way up to a five mile run for those aged over 12.
https://lambournjunction.uk/2026-lambourn-valley-fun-run/
The Lambourn Shed making a visible difference
The Lambourn Shed continues to make a very visible difference across the valley. One recent project has been the installation of a wooden bench near the Community Orchard, providing somewhere peaceful for residents to sit, reflect and enjoy the beautiful views across the orchard and the valley below. Most recently, the Shed teamed up with residents in Great Shefford for a community clear up of an overgrown roadside footpath. More than 15 volunteers turned out on a Sunday morning to cut back hedges, strim the grass and clear away the cuttings, making the path accessible again. The whole job took just one hour, which is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when local people come together and get stuck in.
https://lambournjunction.uk/great-shefford-residents-come-together-with-lambourn-shed-for-community-clear-up/
Lambourn Volunteers
Lambourn Volunteers continues to demonstrate the value of bringing together people who are prepared to give a little of their time to help others. Volunteers have been helping residents throughout the valley with practical tasks including grass cutting, garden clearance and other jobs that people may find difficult to manage themselves. Sometimes these are relatively small jobs, but for the person receiving the help they can make a very significant difference. Call Hayley on 01488 505050 if you would liek to offer your skills.
Welcoming new residents to the valley
We are also in the final stages of producing a new residents’ guide to Lambourn and the surrounding valley. What started as a relatively simple idea has grown into a substantial publication of around 40 pages, covering all aspects of life in the Valley of the Racehorse. It includes local services, community organisations, clubs, activities and useful information for people settling into the area. Following feedback from the community, we have decided to produce a printed version as well as making the guide available electronically. We hope it will help people moving into the valley to feel at home more quickly, find the services they need and, importantly, discover the many opportunities to become involved in community life.
The Food Bank continues its vital work
While there are lots of exciting new projects, the foundational activities of the Lambourn Junction continue to serve our community every week. Julie and Charles ensure that the Lambourn Food Bank continues to support more than 50 families each week, including making deliveries to those who, because of mobility or other difficulties, are unable to visit the Food Bank themselves. It is a deliberately quiet operation, but one that makes a significant difference to many people’s lives. It is not simply about providing food and toiletries. The regular contact, conversation and support can be equally important.
A growing network of community activity
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of all this is that these are no longer simply individual projects. They are increasingly becoming part of a network of community activity across the valley. People who first come along to one activity meet others, volunteer, learn new skills and discover other ways in which they can become involved. That is exactly what we hoped the Lambourn Junction would achieve: connecting people, supporting those who need a little help and making it easier for residents to turn good ideas into practical action. None of this would be possible without the volunteers, supporters, local organisations, funders and Friends of the Lambourn Junction who give their time, expertise, encouragement and financial support. You can see the full range of our current projects here: Our projects at the Lambourn Junction Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
There is a lot happening, and we have plenty more planned!
Yours
The Lambourn Junction Team
