West Berkshire is celebrating a remarkable stroke of luck as a local Lottery player has won the £25,000 top prize. The anonymous winner matched all six numbers in the weekly draw, marking an exciting moment not only for themselves but also for the local good cause they chose to support, the Watermill Theatre in Bagnor. The winner, who began supporting the theatre in 2023 after the loss of its Arts Council funding, expressed shock and gratitude, noting that playing the lottery also contributes directly to community causes.
The win highlights the unique appeal of the West Berkshire Lottery, where every ticket purchased gives players a chance to win while also supporting more than one hundred local causes. Since its launch, the lottery has donated 50p from every £1 ticket directly to the chosen good cause, creating a sustainable fundraising source for both small and large community groups. This particular jackpot brings joy not only to the lucky ticket-holder but also to one of West Berkshire’s most cherished cultural organisations.
The Watermill Theatre, located in the village of Bagnor, is internationally renowned for its innovative productions and intimate auditorium housed in a restored 19th-century watermill. With historical origins dating back to the Domesday Book, the building has served as a corn mill, fullers mill, and paper mill before being transformed into a professional theatre in 1967. Today, it hosts award-winning productions locally while touring nationally and internationally. A representative from the theatre expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that the funds will enhance community programs and help maintain world-class productions.
Councillor Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, welcomed the news, praising the lottery for its dual impact: giving residents the excitement of a weekly draw while supporting over one hundred local good causes. He highlighted the Watermill Theatre as a key cultural treasure benefiting from the win and praised the lottery’s broader contribution to communities across the district.
The West Berkshire Lottery also supports good causes through the West Berkshire Community Fund, which provides one-off grants to participating organisations. In 2023, £28,000 in grants were awarded to local groups, helping boost community projects. With weekly odds of 1 in 50 to win a prize and a top jackpot of £25,000, the lottery provides both fun and a meaningful way to support local initiatives. Residents can choose from a wide range of causes, including arts, sports, environmental groups, village halls, and animal charities, helping sustain vital services and opportunities across West Berkshire.
