One of England’s premier racecourses can be found in Newbury
Newbury Racecourse celebrated its centenary back in 2005, which means that it is one of the leading racecourses in the country. As well as having more than 100 years of racing history to offer, the venue hosts the Hennessy Gold Cup, which takes place every year. The race usually takes place in late November.
Newbury has a lido
There are not many lidos remaining in the United Kingdom these days, but Newbury has one. The lido in Newbury was initially built in the 1890s but the current lido was constructed in the 1930s. The lido is still in use, it is owned by West Berkshire District Council and it can host over 1,000 visitors a day when it is at its busiest.
Newbury was home to an RAF station
During WWII, a Royal Air Force station was set up at Greenham Common, on the edge of town. This was the home for the US Air Force in the 1950s, and it was known for being the longest military runway in the UK.
Newbury is the home of Vodafone UK, which is part of the Vodafone Group, which is the second biggest mobile phone provider in the world. In 2014, Vodafone UK had 19.5 million subscribers, making it the third biggest mobile telecommunications firm in the world after O2 and EE.
Hi-tec businesses boost the Newbury economy
Vodafone UK aren’t the only company to set up in Newbury. A wave of technological and electronic companies operate in the area, including Micro Focus International, and these firms have helped to bolster and improve the Newbury economy.
Three local radio stations operate in Newbury
For local news and opportunities to get involved with local media, Newbury presents a number of options. BBC Radio Berkshire and The Breeze (which has been formerly known as Kick FM and Newbury Sound) operate from Newbury while Heart Berkshire, formerly known as 210FM, broadcasts from Reading. Reach OnAir is an international station and its headquarters are located in Newbury.
Theo Walcott played for the local team
Theo Walcott, England and Arsenal footballer hails from Newbury and he played for the local football team, AFC Newbury.
The Who had a fight in Newbury…with themselves!
Back in 1996, classic rock act The Who were scheduled to play at the Corn Exchange in Newbury. Keith Moon and John Entwistle turned up late for the show to find singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend playing their set with members of the support act. This resulted in a brawl between the band members and it is alleged that Keith Moon suffered a broken ankle and a black eye in the bust-up.
Paddington Bear owes a lot to Newbury
We all know that Paddington Bear arrived in Britain from Peru but the author, Michael Bond, was born in Newbury back in 1926.
Victoria Park hosts a number of major events each year
Victoria Park, which is located close to the centre of town is used for a number of major events during the year. The Keep Off The Grass (KOTG) festival is a hugely popular music festival event and there is also the Newbury Waterways Festival and the Crafty Craft, which features a raft race.
Did you know? Our brand Newbury office is offering 0.6% selling fees so if you are thinking of selling your property in Newbury please call the office on 01635 881090 or email newbury@sansomeandgeorge.co.uk
