Local dignitaries gathered today to see Newbury’s new mosaic unveiled in the Wharf. The 12 plates outline 1,000 years of the town’s history, from the town’s founding by Ernulf de Hesdin to Jack of Newbury, and from the Civil War to the peace protests at Greenham Common. More than 4,000 people helped put in the pieces of the design by local artist Paul Forsey.

New look council

West Berkshire Council’s new leader Graham Jones has been busy appointing his team to run the £200m authority, after seizing control in last Thursday’s by-election in Thatcham.

Councillors and officials have a busy schedule of meetings to put in place a new cabinet, committee chairmen, and appointees to various quangos.

The Tories formally take over at a council meeting tomorrow night, but they still have some tricky decisions to take after 13 years in opposition.

These include plans whether to scrap plans for a new library at Park House School in favour of restoring the container library, putting in new parking restrictions at Stroud Green, and how to deal with the consultation on plans to build 200 flats around a piazza in Market Street.

Workhouse slip

It’s fingers crossed at Berkeley Homes, who will soon learn if they have to take down the flagpoles on their new development of Newbury’s old workhouse.

Berkeley Homes has been building 133 new flats and houses on Sandleford Hospital site, but has only just applied for planning consent to display their banners.

Private Eye

West Berkshire Council has had the dubious accolade of appearing in the Rotten Boroughs column in satire magazine Private Eye. The publication contained a critical article on the collapse of the flagship outsourcing deal between the council and Amey.

More little ponies

A new foal is the latest addition to the Exmoor ponies at Snelsmore Common. Cloudy the stallion, and steeplechaser the mare got together to produce the first foal, born on April 27.

The ponies were brought in to graze the rare heathland to stop it returning to woodland.

Ranger Keith Tomey said: "We are truly delighted by the arrival of the first foal! It is important that mother and baby are not disturbed and we would ask visitors to the common to help by keeping dogs on a lead near the ponies and to resist the urge to approach the mare and foal for photographs."

Business summit

Scores of local business people are expected at St Gabriels School on Thursday to network with members of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce. The event has been organized by Debbie Paul, the third local executive for West Berkshire in a year.

Almost 100 turned up last year, and the event starts at 6pm. Call 01753 870 500 if you want tickets.