Retiring Mayor of Newbury, Mike Rodger, has formally handed over the reins at the town hall to Falkland councillor Val Bull. The traditional Mayor-making ceremony took place at the Corn Exchange yesterday (Sunday), with a fringe festival organized for next weekend.

Ale’s well

The Newbury Beer Festival kicks off again at Falkland Cricket Club over the Bank Holiday weekend. The Bowlers Arms in Enrborne Street is putting on the event again after praise from real ale fans last year. The festival will feature beers from West Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and further afield, and runs from May 28-30. Why not leave the car at home and catch the No.1 bus from Newbury train station? It leaves at 17 minutes past the hour throughout the day.

Gym’ll fix it

A new exclusive gym has opened in Newbury. The top floor of the Centrix offices in Oxford Road have been converted into a health studio, complete with juice bar and private treatment room. There’s no joining fee, but only limited membership. Email: thetopfloor@centrix.co.uk for more.

Course you can

Fancy a career change? Newbury College’s army of lecturers were on hand at the Monks Lane campus over the weekend to help those looking for extra training, or to learn a new skill. Guided tours of the newish campus were also available, along with grant advice and refreshments.

Blooming show-offs

The summer weather hasn’t quite arrived yet, but Newbury is already blooming. The first in a long season of horticultural events took place over the weekend with the East Woodhay Flower Show at the village hall.

Smash n grab

A woman had her handbag stolen from her shopping trolley in Sainsbury’s last Thursday. The thief struck just after 10am, taking £240 in cash. The day before, a car door was forced and a coat stolen from the seat at Kennetside, Bone Lane, Newbury, during office hours.