Battle Branch
About the Branch
Battle branch is part of Reading West Labour Party.
The branch covers the electoral ward of Battle in the Borough of Reading, in the English county of Berkshire. It is situated to the west of the town centre, south of the River Thames, and is bordered by a number of other branches; Kentwood, Minster, Southcote and Norcot in Reading West and Abbey and North of the River branches which are part of Reading East.
Although it is seen as a very urban area, it does include a farm and part of the Thames Path which is a 10-minute walk away. You will often see red kites circling overhead.
Battle ward is wonderfully diverse with residents from all around the world. This is reflected in the variety of restaurants, take-aways and specialist food shops lining the Oxford Road. It is a very friendly community with good schools, an active Scout troupe and several well-maintained local parks as well as a well-served bus route.
Battle ward also has an excellent library and community hub which was extended thanks to a campaign led by Battle councillors. This campaign also led to the upgrading of local parks and the Oxford Road Community Centre.
Battle boasts its own train station – Reading West. Battle councillors are actively campaigning for the station to be made fully accessible.
As with all wards, apart from smaller Mapledurham, it elects three councillors to Reading Borough Council. Elections since 2004 are held by thirds, with elections in three years out of four. Battle councillors are committed to ensuring resident’s voices are heard.
Contact details:
Norman Pitcher, Secretary of Battle branch - battle@readinglabour.org.uk
Meet the Councillors

Chris Maskell


Sarah-Jane Hacker

I was born in Derby and moved to Reading when I was three. I went to Wilson Primary then Meadway Secondary where I gained 10 GSCEs and 3 A Levels. I then decided to go to the University of Reading where I gained a BSc in Rural Environmental Science.
I worked for Waitrose then joined Prudential which is where I met my husband, Marcel. In 2008 my role was transferred to Capita where I work as a Senior Pension Administrator. I also have a social media job for TotsBots, a cloth nappy company.
It was at Prudential where I became a union rep for Unite (previously MSF and Amicus). As well as being a workplace rep, I am also a fully trained Learning Rep. I have also been a member of the Labour Party since I was 16 and involved locally from a young age.
I married in 2005 and have two sons. The eldest was born in November 2007 and the youngest July 2010.
I have many hobbies. I trained in ballet for 22 years and gained my teaching qualification. I enjoy gardening and growing fruit and vegetables and I am interested in archaeology, geology, history and the environment.
I have lived in Reading, and Battle Ward specifically, almost my entire life. I now live in the heart of the community I represent and I am enjoying being a councillor.