Paul Presents Purley Sustainability Group with Dr Richard Coates | Community Group of the Year Purley Sustainability Group - Winner Purley Sustainability Group was founded on 28 February 2020. They perform functions such as encouraging Active Travel, improving water quality, initiating, co-organising and promoting a discounted solar panel scheme; finally, the group created a monthly repair cafe with the local community café where they aim to repair old items and much more.
Purley – on – Thames as it is now known, has more than 1,800 households and merges with the western border of Reading.
Purley-on-Thames has a thriving and active community and is perfectly situated to enjoy the best of the River Thames and surrounding countryside, whilst giving excellent transport links with shops and amenities nearby.
There is a marina in Purley on Thames for the boating enthusiast, and lovely walks to be enjoyed in nearby Sulham woods.
Tilehurst train station is nearby, giving fast train connections to London Paddington and Reading. Reading town centre is 5 miles, with a bus route via the Oxford Road to Reading and neighbouring towns and the M4 Junction 12 at Theale is just 4.5 miles.
Within a few minutes driving distance, is an excellent Waitrose.
Pangbourne is only a short distance down the road by car and has a fantastic selection of specialist shops including a fine butcher, a cheese shop, organic farm shop, doctors and dental practices, pubs and restaurants.
Local schools: There are many schools within the local area, to include Denefield secondary schools, Purley and Pangbourne primary schools and, in the private sector, Pangbourne College, Bradfield College, The Oratory School, St Andrew`s Prep, Cranford House, Downe House – all within easy driving distance.
Purley on Thames | West Berkshire Villages
AMENITIES & FACILITIES
There is the Purley on Thames Memorial Hall. The hall was built as a memorial to those people who lost their lives in the first and second world wars; to provide affordable space for the residents of the village and local areas to use as they so wish.
The Memorial Hall in Purley on Thames is close to the River Thames and provides panoramic views over the Thames Valley, South Oxfordshire and Mapledurham; an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The hall is available for bookings for weddings, parties, group events, art & craft exhibitions and meetings.
The hall can accommodate up to 150 people seated.
Ample parking is available outside the hall with the potential for overflow parking onto the grassed garden.
There is also a 17th Century Barn which is located in the Goosecroft Recreation Ground, off Beech Road.
It was originally built as part of the Purley Park estate, and has been moved twice since. It has been at Goosecroft since 1992 and has two halls which can be booked together or separately.
WiFi access is available in the small Barn and part of the large Barn.
There are the following clubs and societies in Purley on Thames:-
1st Purley and Pangbourne Scout Group
Providing Scouting in Purley and Pangbourne, they are a uniformed youth organisation for boys and girls (6-18 years old), offering fun, friendship and adventure through a variety of activities – from arts and crafts to games, exploring the outdoors and adventurous activities – in order to give young people the skills and confidence to take a constructive place in their local, national and international communities.
Project Purley was founded in 1984 ‘to research and record Purley’s past and present’. They hold talks from September to April and outings and social events in the Summer.
All are welcome to attend the talks which are held in the Barn on the third Friday of each month starting at 7.30pm for 8.00pm. They have published several books and booklets and have a acquired a huge archive of historic documents and photographs.
They publish a Journal every four months and have staged numerous exhibitions over the years.
A friendly, lively group of painters meeting on Thursday evenings in Purley on Thames.
An untutored group where members are happy to share their skills & knowledge, they have occasional workshop/demos. exhibitions and social events.
Now accepting new members. Adults, all levels of experience welcome.
Please see website for contact details.
Purley Beeches Residents Association
Purley Beeches Residents Association (PBRA) was formed in the 1980s to oversee the maintenance of the woodland held in trust for the benefit of the residents of Purley Beeches.
Three or four trustees are appointed together with a committee. An annual voluntary fee is paid by each household towards the cost of maintenance.
An AGM and social evening is held annually in November. A flint wall abuts the woodland, the maintenance of which also fall to the committee.
There is at least one clear-up evening each year when residents are invited to join together to maintain the overall appearance of the estate.
Promoting interest in gardening activities through spring and summer shows, visits to gardens of interest, monthly evening talks (open to all).
Trading Store with supply of gardening requisites at competitive prices – open Sat/Sun 10-11am, Feb-Oct.
New members welcome – £3.00 per year. Join at Trading Store during opening times.
Purley Jubilee FC is an FA Chartered Standard football club running junior football teams from U7 to U18 age groups.
They also run a development centre for 4-6 year olds who are just starting their connection with football. The club was founded in 1977 and took its name from the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations of the same year.
They currently have over 200 boys and girls registered with the club, playing in one of the club’s 22 teams. On a Saturday or Sunday morning, you will see Jubilee’s teams playing at Goosecroft in their traditional red and blue stripe kit.
Recently, a girls’ team was formed and it plays in the Berkshire girls league under the name of the Purley Jubilee Diamonds.
For more information about teams, sponsorship opportunities or partnerships with Purley Jubilee FC, please contact the Chairman, Doug Walker, dougwalker36@hotmail.co.uk.
Purley on Thames Bridge Club
The Bridge Club has been running for several years and has members with a wide range of skill levels.
Games are played in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
They are not able to give formal tuition to absolute beginners, but the more skilled members are happy to review hands and give advice (when asked) to those with less experience.
If you are interested, contact Bernard on 07787 187363 or bernienix@yahoo.co.uk, or just turn up on a Friday morning at 10.00am at the Barn, Goosecroft.
Purley on Thames CC plays at the Goosecroft ground off Beech Road, Purley on Thames.
It competes in the Thames Valley League (Saturday 1st and 2nd team) and Berkshire League (3rd team). On Sundays there is a full fixture list of friendly matches.
There is also a midweek XI. The club has a thriving and successful junior section, providing quality cricket programmes for 6 to 17 year olds. The Club is ECB/Sport England and Clubmark accredited.
New players (juniors and adults) are always wanted, for more details contact purleyonthamescc@hotmail.co.uk
A lively group of women from all walks of life who meet for friendship and fun on the second Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall, Glebe Road.
Their evening meetings are relaxed and often include either a speaker, craft demonstration or lighthearted quiz and always include refreshments.
Guests and new Members are welcome.
For full information, our programme is available via our web page on the WI’s National website or get in touch via purleyonthameswi@berkshirewi.com
A small, friendly club based on three courts at Goosecroft, Purley on Thames.
They have club sessions on Saturday mornings from 10.30am and on Monday and Thursday evenings in summer, and all club members are welcome to participate, normally playing doubles.
Their club coach also organizes various training and coaching sessions for individuals and groups, for both skills and fitness improvement, all ability levels catered for.
They have men’s, ladies’ and mixed teams in the Berkshire league and run social activities throughout the year.
Please see their website for more details.
Purley Pathfinders Ladies Walking Group
Celebrating 20 years in May 2019 Purley Pathfinders walks to explore areas both local and within easy reach of Purley on Thames.
Walks are held on various weekday mornings and vary in length from 4 miles to 6 miles.
A lift share operates from Purley to the start of walks.
Four times a year they go by coach to another area eg The Cotswolds, New Forest etc to walk and visit attractions the area has to offer.
They are renowned for being a very friendly group.
Do visit their website or ring 07768 986 799 to find out more.
An amdram group who started from a one-off production in 1993. Since then they have progressed to putting on three productions a year: a pantomime in January, a comedy in spring, and a murder mystery evening with a meal in early autumn.
Shows and rehearsals take place at the Barn and they try not to take ourselves too seriously while giving their audiences as professional a performance as they are able.
Their shows help to raise money for local charities.
To find out more please contact Mark Canterbury on 07793 719198 or Janis Doughty on 0118 348 4147 or email them at mail@purleyplayers.uk.
Look on their website to find out their next show or to see records of past productions.
Anyone who would like some daytime company is welcome to join them on their own or with a friend.
They have regular quizzes and puzzles to challenge your brain, or just come along for tea/coffee and biscuits, and a chat.
The 16 bus stops a Chestnut Grove opposite the Club and there is parking in the Club forecourt.
There is a nominal charge of £1 per session.
Graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted in early 2019, Purley Pre-school is a small and vibrant community pre-school, run by a dedicated team of staff, who are supported by a voluntary committee made up of willing parents.
They are open from 8.00am to 3.15pm, Monday to Friday (term-time only).
They are a family friendly members club located next to the Recreation ground, just off Beech Road.
The club has close ties with both Purley Jubilee Football and Purley Cricket Club and has competitive darts crib and pool teams. They offer a well stocked bar, hot drinks and at weekends some light meal in a lovely location.
They are open every evening except Mondays and from 12:00 at weekends. They have a regular entertainment programme including members bingo and many varied sports events shown on screen.
Purley Park Social Club
The Purley Park Social Club at 84 Wintringham Way Purley on Thames is a not-for-profit private members social club aimed at offering a safe venue for people and families of all ages for friendly fun, fellowship and private parties.
It includes pool, darts, juke box, poker and tournaments.
It opens from 7 pm on weekdays, 12 noon weekends and is closed on Tuesdays.
Purley Sustainability Group
Purley Sustainability Group (PSG) is a community sustainability group for Purley on Thames. They are passionate about enhancing community wellbeing through projects that bring people together in order to improve their local environment and encourage sustainable living.
Projects they are working towards include a community orchard, community allotment, improved recycling options, a local repair café, improved public transport and cycling facilities, and community energy schemes.
They always welcome new members and fresh ideas.
A very friendly parent & toddler group for 0-3 year olds, held in St. Mary’s Church Hall, Purley on Thames every Tuesday & Wednesday during term time between 9.45 & 11.15am.
Running since 1993, this is a great place to come and make friends while your toddler enjoys playing. Soft area for infants also available.
First session free.
Contact them on purleytots@hotmail.com or find us on facebook “Purley Tots”.
They are a friendly, fun loving group aiming to sing a wide range of music, both popular and classic, to a high standard.
They have three concert productions a year, spring, summer, and Christmas which are held at a variety of venues in the local area.
They welcome new members when positions in the choir become vacant.
To find out more about them or if there are any vacancies please contact Judy Rayers on 0118 942 1880 or email us at mail@thamesvalesingers.org.uk. Look at their website to find their next concerts or more about them.
Trentham Bowls Club is situated at Bowling Green Lane, off Sherwood Rise, Purley on Thames.
Provision is made for persons from the age of 10 to play lawn bowls. The club offers excellent facilities for both new and advanced bowlers during the season from mid April until late September.
If you are a Purley resident, the upper green is free to use on Wednesday evenings and alternate Saturday and Sunday mornings.
No charge is made but flat soled shoes must be worn.
FOOD & DRINK
There is no pub in the village, but there are in surrounding villages.
There is the Mad Duck cafe.
A café /tea room for all to enjoy with a homely feel.
They have a cute little children’s play area so parents/grandparents/carers can sit and enjoy a catch up with friends in peace.
They also have a children’s library, borrow a book for a week, to encourage an interest in reading.
If you feel the chill but would like to sit outside rather than inside on a chilly day, they have a basket of blankets so you can wrap up and enjoy the beautiful view without getting too cold … mmm blanket and hot chocolate!
A ‘work from home’ area has been set up with USB sockets installed, so if you want a change of scenery then bring your laptop, charger and paperwork with you and work away. (Children are not allowed in this area)
Muddy boots or muddy dogs … muddy people … you’re all welcome!
There is a Dominos pizza takeaway, and a Londis store.
Nearby is Mapledurham Lock. During the summer months, Salters Steamers scheduled public cruises may stop here certain days of the week to pick-up or drop off. You do not need to pre-book.
However, please check the schedule on the website to see if and when there is a service.
SPORTS
The sports clubs have been mentioned above. There are allotments.
Purley on Thames Parish Council provides garden allotments for the benefit of Parishioners.
There are some 100 allotments located on the north side of the railway tracks. There is currently a small waiting list.
Please see Purley on Thames website for more information.
There were many mentions of the need for recognised cycle paths both for leisure use and for travelling between Purley on Thames and Tilehurst station, and between Purley on Thames and Pangbourne Station and shops.
SCHOOLS
Purley on Thames has one Pre School and several Day Nurseries within easy reach of the village.
Most primary-aged children (4-11 years old) resident in Purley on Thames attend Purley Church of England Primary School.
Communication
Information, events and activities are communicated through a variety of channels. Purley Parish News has been serving the community of Purley on Thames since 1938 and is produced ten out of twelve months of the year by St Mary’s Church.
A growing number of village societies and organisations have their own communication channels which include mailing lists, newsletters, websites, Facebook pages and twitter accounts.
CHURCH
St. Mary’s is a vibrant local Anglican church. Founded more than 1000 years ago, they’re here today to serve the communities of Purley and the Long Lane–Knowsley Road area of Tilehurst.
There is also a Church Hall.
There is a local history Society for Purley on Thames, with. local history.
Doctor’s
There is no GP surgery in Purley on Thames, but one locally at pangbourne.
TRANSPORT
Purley on Thames is considered to have good access to the transport network both for the private motorist and public transport, with proximity to a comprehensive road network and the railway.
There is access to the rail network in Reading and at Tilehurst and Pangbourne Stations.
Purley on Thames is served by two bus routes, Reading Transport’s route 16 and Thames Travel’s route 143.
PARISH COUNCIL
There is a Parrish council.
History
Purley on Thames | West Berkshire Villages
1st Purley and Pangbourne Scout Group
Purley Beeches Residents Association
Purley on Thames Bridge Club
.If you are interested, contact Bernard on 07787 187363 or bernienix@yahoo.co.uk
Purley Pathfinders Ladies Walking Group
Purley Park Social Club
The Purley Park Social Club at 84 Wintringham Way Purley on Thames is a not-for-profit private members social club aimed at offering a safe venue for people and families of all ages for friendly fun, fellowship and private parties. It includes pool, darts, juke box, poker and tournaments.
It opens from 7 pm on weekdays, 12 noon weekends and is closed on Tuesdays.
Purley Sustainability Group
Please contact us via e-mail – purleysustainability@gmail.com.
A very friendly parent & toddler group for 0-3 year olds, held in St. Mary’s Church Hall, Purley on Thames every Tuesday & Wednesday during term time between 9.45 & 11.15am. Running since 1993, this is a great place to come and make friends while your toddler enjoys playing. Soft area for infants also available. First session free. Contact us on purleytots@hotmail.com or find us on facebook “Purley Tots”.
The following clubs, societies and organisations are based outside Purley on Thames:
Berkshire Family History Society
Pangbourne & District Volunteer Centre
School
Mad Duck Cafe Purley On Thames | Indulge in making beautiful memories at The Mad DuckCafé/Tearoom.
