Newbury will be a whole lot busier this weekend with 50,000 expected to attend the county show at Chieveley, and another 15,000 in town for the Dubai racing weekend.

Show organisers are hoping for a reverse of the slump in crowds, which has plunged by 15,000 in the last two years.

The racing goes on today and tomorrow, with the Show running Saturday and Sunday. Beware of congestion at the Chieveley Junction of the M4.

Vodafone bash

More than 7,000 revellers from Newbury’s biggest firm enjoyed a night in London last Saturday. Vodafone bussed thousands of staff to St Catherine’s Dock what is believed to be the last Vodafone ball.

As revealed by Newbury.net, Vodafone halved the numbers for the ball, but staff were treated to well-known music acts, including Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet, and headline act M-People.

School dinners

Pupils around the Newbury area are tucking in to some of the tastiest dinners ever served in the school canteen.

According to West Berkshire Council, new catering firm Dolce has beefed up its menu with 90% fresh ingredients, after the council replaced Hampshire County Council and Compass Group, who had provided meals previously.

Tory councillor Marcus Franks said: “We are delighted that Dolce has been so well received as the new school meals provider. Their healthy approach is key to building on the considerable strides that the Council has made over the last two years with Hampshire County Council to improve the quality of school meals in West Berkshire by removing most processed food from the menu and cooking 90% of meals from fresh raw ingredients."

Nathan Hunt, Headteacher at Stockcross School commented, "I have been impressed so far. The meals are better and the ingredients fresher. Keep it up Dolce!"