About Us
Providing a community based heritage service for
West Berkshire and beyond.
West Berkshire Heritage is a service provided by West Berkshire Council committed to safeguarding the local heritage whilst supporting education and encouraging community involvement. The service includes Shaw House, the West Berkshire Museum, archaeological and cultural information, advice and guidance.
What we do
Manage a community-led museum with plenty of volunteering opportunities, including archaeology expertise, resources and information. Provide a year round programme of cultural and heritage events and activities. Provide a professional service for conferences, seminars and training and manage venue hire for Shaw House and West Berkshire Museum. Work with local schools and community groups.
Paul James - Culture Manager
I started working for West Berkshire Council as Culture Manager in January 2015. Before that I worked as a senior manager in local government developing policy, partnerships and funding with significant previous experience leading arts/cultural organisations in heritage buildings - developing audiences, cultural events and learning activities for all ages.
What are your hobbies?
I am a keen musician as well being a cyclist and an occasional supporter of Reading Football Club.
Do you have any interesting facts about yourself?
Previously I was a professional musician and have toured all over the world, including in South America, Africa, the Far East and Europe in bands and theatre companies.
paul.james@westberks.gov.uk
Becky Scantlebury - Marketing Officer
I started working for the Culture team at West Berkshire Council in 2015, previously I worked for Winchester City Council where I assisted with exhibitions in the Guildhall Gallery and marketing for the Museum Service. I have also worked in marketing and design within the engineering sector for many years and owned my own branding and design agency.
I love my role which involves a huge variety of creative projects and it’s a real privilege to work in such a beautiful building as Shaw House, I like to think that Thomas Dolman II would be pleased that we are still promoting his home as the finest Elizabethan house in Berkshire.
What are your hobbies?
I am also an illustrator and have been involved with a community ‘pop-up’ shop which brings together local crafters to run workshops and sell their wares. I also have two children and spend the majority of my time either on the side lines of a football pitch or making princess castles out of cereal boxes!
Do you have an interesting fact about yourself?
I am a descendent of pirate and buccaneer Captain Henry Morgan, although sadly I don’t have any shares in the rum industry.