I was born and raised in County Durham, and I still fondly remember the genuine warmth of the community from my childhood, which I’ve always tried to emulate. We are blessed with great neighbours, which I believe contributes to our sense of belonging to a wider community and provides a secure feeling that someone has your back in times of need.
My wife and I have lived in North Ascot (just off the far end of Fernbank Road) for over 20 years, along with our two golden retrievers. We all love the local green spaces and can often be seen walking in Ascot Heath and Windsor Great Park. I support local initiatives aimed at preserving green spaces and promoting biodiversity. I believe that small actions can lead to significant positive impacts on our environment, and I encourage others to join me in making environmentally responsible choices. Now, as I transition into partial retirement, I hope to have more time to enjoy cycling again and less in my car.
Having completed the NFAS coaching qualification, I became a coach at my home field archery club, Magna Carta Field Archers, near Lyne in Surrey, where we shoot at targets among the woods. It’s a wonderful outdoor activity that fosters social interaction among archers. I particularly enjoy seeing families shooting together and hearing the friendly banter among the participants.
Simon Banks
Chris Debbinney-Wright
I’ve lived in Winkfield since 1999, with a short stint just over the boundary in Windsor and Maidenhead. After more than two decades enjoying everything the area has to offer, becoming a Parish Councillor felt like a straightforward way to give something back. I have no real interest in politics. For me, the Parish Council isn’t about party lines or agendas; it’s about doing the right thing for the community, supporting residents, and helping the area thrive. That’s what I focus on.
Professionally, I’ve spent over 25 years in media and communications, working across national press, broadcasting, and digital content. While I’ve not worked in local government, I bring a solid understanding of strategy, delivery, and how to make things happen, which is often handy.
I’m especially interested in community engagement, transparency, and cutting through the noise when things get bogged down. I’m not one for political theatre, and I tend to speak up when something needs fixing.
I hope to help drive tangible community benefits, underpinning what makes Winkfield unique, its heritage, its green spaces, and its strong sense of community.
Outside council duties, I spend time working or with my family, and occasionally tinker with motorbikes and boats.
Chris Debbinney-Wright
YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE –THANK YOU FOR TAKING PART
A big thank you to everyone who took part in our recent Community Consultation. We received 79 responses from across the Parish. This valuable input will help to shape the Parish Council’s Forward Plan — a key document that will guide what we work on over the coming years.
We were pleased to offer a prize draw as a thank-you for taking part, and three lucky winners will each receive a £50 prize. Winners will be notified directly.
Councillors are now working closely with our planning consultant to review the responses and prioritise the things that matter most to our community. Whether you highlighted issues like green spaces, road safety, local facilities, or events, your views are helping set the direction. This is an exciting step in developing a clear, community-led vision for the Parish. We’ll be sharing more about the Forward Plan and the next steps in the coming months - so watch this space!
WINKFIELD PARISH ANNUAL MEETING
A big thank you to everyone who joined us on 8th April at Carnation Hall for the Winkfield Parish Annual Meeting. It was a pleasure to welcome residents and community group representatives for an evening of sharing, connection, and celebration of the fantastic work happening across our Parish.
Cllr Colin Dudley, Chair of the Parish Council, delivered a report reflecting on the Council’s activities over the past year, and shared exciting updates on future plans and projects that aim to benefit the whole community. Draft minutes of the meeting are available on our website.
Residents at the meeting heard from several organisations that had received Parish Council grant funding over the past year. Representatives spoke about how the funding had contributed to their valuable work supporting local initiatives and running activities that benefit residents of all ages. It was inspiring to see how these grants are making a real difference in our community.
We were also delighted to welcome a guest speaker from Bracknell Forest U3A, who spoke about the wide range of opportunities they offer for people no longer in full-time work — from learning new skills and exploring hobbies to making new friends and enjoying life to the full!
If you're interested in finding out more, visit their website at www.bracknellu3a.org.uk.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and contributed — your involvement helps make our Parish stronger and more connected.
Each year, the Chair of the Council chooses a local charity to support with a grant from the Parish Council together with monies collected at Parish events.
For 2025/2026, the Chair of the Council has chosen South Hill Park
Housing two theatres, a dance studio, creative spaces and a cinema within the grounds of an 18th century mansion house in Bracknell – South Hill Park hosts over 300 shows, events and films each year, alongside a busy programme of over 250 courses and workshops.
Supported by the likes of Sir Kenneth Branagh, the Arts Centre offers both big-name comedians alongside nationally renowned ballet companies, quality in-house drama and an annual pantomime. They also provide a range of courses in arts and crafts, drama, dance and digital media – as well as numerous thoughtful and inspiring exhibitions.
As a registered charity, they rely on your support to continue to deliver such a diverse range of events, alongside their extensive community work.
Because they are our chosen charity for the year, any monies collected at parish events will be donated to South Hill Park. Please join us in supporting this unique and treasured facility.
Bracknell Forest Community Climate Summit 2025
Bracknell Forest Community Climate Action (BFCCA), supported by Bracknell Forest Council, is pleased to offer two dates for the 2025 summit:
Wednesday, 16 July, 5pm to 9pm
The Kerith Centre, Bracknell
Visit: tinyurl.com/mc4zs2sc or scan QR to register
Friday, 18 July, 12.30pm to 4.30pm Wellington College, Crowthorne
Visit: tinyurl.com/mc4zs2sc or scan QR to register.
Also featuring:
Keynote:
The importance of tackling climate change, and the BFCCA’s Community Climate Emergency Strategy - Professor Ian Candy and BFCCA representatives
Workshop themes:
• buildings and energy
• transport
• the natural environment
• greening the economy
• health, wellbeing and food
• stands sharing information on local sustainability and nature activities
• show-and-tell demonstrations from local organisations and businesses
Registration to attend is essential. Book your free place by Friday, 11 July. Full details on the agenda for each day is on the respective registration pages.
PARISH COMMUNITY FOOTPATH WALK
A Saturday Morning Well Spent!
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the Parish Community Footpath Walk at the end of April.
It was a fantastic way to start the weekend with great company, fresh air, and stunning views of the local countryside. Walkers enjoyed the opportunity to explore our beautiful network of parish footpaths while connecting with neighbours, enjoying nature together.
These walks are a wonderful reminder of the green spaces right on our doorstep and how valuable they are to our health, wellbeing, and sense of community. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and future newsletters and our website for details of upcoming walks and outdoor events.
WINKFIELD & THE WORLD: A Celebration of Local Environmental Action
On Saturday 23rd March, Carnation Hall came alive with energy, ideas, and community spirit as residents gathered for Winkfield & the World – an afternoon dedicated to environmental awareness and action.
Visitors enjoyed a lively and inspiring atmosphere filled with music, informative displays, and engaging conversations. The event showcased a wide variety of eco-friendly initiatives, both local and global, all focused on creating a more sustainable future.
Attendees had the opportunity to chat with passionate experts and volunteers, learning about practical ways to make a positive environmental impact—from supporting local biodiversity and recycling schemes to understanding global climate efforts.
The relaxed, welcoming space encouraged residents of all ages to explore how they can contribute to a greener Winkfield. It was a fantastic chance to discover the many projects already underway in the parish and to see how local actions connect to global challenges.
Thank you to everyone who took part in making Winkfield & the World a successful and inspiring afternoon. Together, we are making a difference.
WINKFIELD NEWS –Now at a Pick-Up Point Near You!
Winkfield News, your go-to source for local updates, events, community contacts and all things happening across the Parish, is now available from pick-up points around the Parish so residents can grab a paper copy at their convenience. You’ll find copies of the newsletter at:
• Brick bus shelters
• Carnation Hall
• Winkfield Parish Office
• Martins Heron & The Warren Community Centre
• Locks Ride Recreation Ground (The Pavilion)
Our newsletter is available online but if you or someone you know would enjoy reading a printed copy of the Winkfield News, please feel free to pick up a copy from one of our points.
Winkfield Parish Council Meetings
Winkfield Parish Council works hard to make local government open and accessible. All our meetings start at 7.30pm and are open to public and press. Most meetings are held in the Lounge of Carnation Hall, Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, RG42 7PA. Four times a year, council meetings will be held in Heron Hall at Martins Heron & The Warren Community Centre, Whitton Road, Bracknell, RG12 9TZ. Agendas can be viewed on the noticeboard at the Parish Council Office and on our website. Below is the list of our meetings until the end of October 2025.
1st July Planning & HighwaysCarnation Hall
15th JulyCouncil Carnation Hall
5th AugustPlanning & HighwaysCarnation Hall
19th AugustCouncil Martins Heron
Whether you're looking for upcoming events, council news, or useful local contacts, Winkfield News is here to keep you informed and connected.
2nd SeptemberPlanning & HighwaysCarnation Hall
23rd September Staffing & Strategy Carnation Hall
7th OctoberPlanning & HighwaysCarnation Hall
28th October Council Martins Heron
Stronger together
Stronger together
Stronger together
Stronger together
Stronger together
Help Bracknell Forest communities grow stronger and more connected. Take the survey.
Help Bracknell Forest communities grow stronger and more connected. Take the survey.
Help Bracknell Forest communities grow stronger and more connected. Take the survey.
Help Bracknell Forest communities grow stronger and more connected. Take the survey.
Help Bracknell Forest communities grow stronger and more connected. Take the survey.
Help Bracknell Forest communities grow stronger and more connected. Take the survey.
together communities connected.
Visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ stronger-communities or scan the QR code. Stronger together
Visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ stronger-communities or scan the QR code.
Visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ stronger-communities or scan the QR code.
Visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ stronger-communities or scan the QR code.
Visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ stronger-communities or scan the QR code.
Visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ stronger-communities or scan the QR code.
You can now subscribe to our website to receive news updates and information on local issues. Just head to www.winkfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk, enter your email address and click on the 'Subscribe' button.
You can now subscribe to our website to receive news updates and information on local issues. Just head to www.winkfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk, enter your email address and click on the 'Subscribe' button.
Find us on Facebook: @WinkfieldParishCouncil Tweet us: @winkfieldpc
Follow us on Instagram: winkfieldpc and locksriderecreationground
Find us on Facebook: @WinkfieldParishCouncil Tweet us: @winkfieldpc
Follow us on Instagram: winkfieldpc and locksriderecreationground
To access our website, scan the QR code
To access our website, scan the QR code
USEFUL CONTACTS
USEFUL CONTACTS
Local Planning Applications - www.bracknellforest.gov.uk
Local Planning Applications - www.bracknellforest.gov.uk
If you do not have internet access you are welcome to call in to the Parish Office any weekday morning and we will help you to view online.
If you do not have internet access you are welcome to call in to the Parish Office any weekday morning and we will help you to view online.
Customer Services - T: 01344 352000 or E: customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Non-emergency OUTSIDE of normal office hours (5pm - 8.30am) - 01344 786500
Customer Services - T: 01344 352000 or E: customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Non-emergency OUTSIDE of normal office hours (5pm - 8.30am) - 01344 786500
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk
www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk
We welcome your feedback and contributions to this newsletter. If you would like to promote a local community event, place a special announcement or submit an article, please contact us.
Advertise – If you wish to advertise your business, club or group, please contact us to enquire about our current advertising rates.
Deadline – All contributions to the next edition must be received at the Parish Council office by Friday 5th September 2025. Email: info@winkfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk
