Maidenhead & Windsor

Three people appeared at Slough Magistrates’ Court on 1/9, charged in connection with the discovery of an alleged cannabis factory in Oakley Green, Windsor, in September 2009.

Carole Anne Bovingdon, aged 67, of Meadow Lane Farm, Oakley Green Road, Oakley Green, Windsor, is charged with the production of a controlled drug (class B, cannabis), possession of a firearm without a certificate, and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

Jeffrey Bovingdon, aged 62, also of Meadow Lane Farm, and Mark David Drew, aged 38, of Foster Avenue, Windsor, are both charged with the production of a controlled drug (class B, cannabis).

All three were bailed to appear at Reading Crown Court on 20 October for a plea and case management hearing.

The charges relate to an incident on 3 September 2009, in which a number of cannabis plants were allegedly found at Meadow Lane Farm, Oakley Green, Windsor.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 12 September – 18 September 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

12th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Uiscedwr – Big Power, Small Package
* Film
* 3:00 pm
Baaria (15)
* 7:30 pm
Baaria (15)

13th September in Maidenhead

No events planned

14th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Last Train to Wigan

15th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
Milenge Milenge (PG)
* 2:30 pm
Milenge Milenge (PG)
* 8:00 pm
Milenge Milenge (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

16th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Summer Concert Series 4: St John’s Ensemble

17th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
The Rebound (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Rebound (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:45 am
Yoga 1

18th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Helena Blackman
* Film
* 3:00 pm
The Rebound (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Rebound (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Life Drawing
* 10:00 am
Precious Metal Clay Workshop

Roads and streets throughout the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough have been ‘decluttered’ over the past three years – putting the borough well ahead of this week’s government call to local councils to root out unnecessary signage.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles urged councils to get rid of unnecessary signs, railings and advertising hoardings in a bid to make streets tidier and less confusing for motorists and pedestrians.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, welcomed the move and pointed to the Royal Borough’s pioneering initiative which has seen 350 signs removed since 2008.

He said: "I am delighted the government is urging councils across the country to take this sensible approach to tidying up the environment and making roads safer. I would also hope that the government will use this opportunity to relax the legislation that calls for some of the signs to be in place.

"We have been decluttering the borough with great success for the past three years and have had a very positive response from local people who appreciate tidier and much less confusing roads and streets.

"Our streetcare service carries out routine safety inspections on the entire local roads network, part of which is to identify areas where further decluttering can be done – and of course we welcome suggestions from residents. If there are any areas where residents or parish councils feel decluttering would be beneficial they should let us know."

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Rayner added: "In taking away the superfluous signs, we have been mindful of the safety of road users and pedestrians alike. We have not removed any sign which is necessary for the protection of the public."

The council would like to hear from residents who have suggestions for decluttering. They are invited to email streetcare at streetcare@rbwm.gov.uk or call 01628 683800

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Detectives investigating a serious assault in Maidenhead in July are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

At 2.24am on 3 July, a 26-year-old man was walking along Windsor Road, Maidenhead, near the BP garage, when a car pulled up and several men got out.

The men assaulted the victim, who did not know his attackers. He was taken to Wexham Park Hospital, where he received treatment for a broken nose and a fractured cheekbone.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PC Robert White on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Local cyclist commuters are benefitting from an extra 40 bike parking spaces at the front of Maidenhead train station thanks to a partnership arrangement between the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and First Great Western.

The new cycle parking at the station – funded by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough at a cost of £10,000 with the installation overseen by First Great Western – follows the popularity of similar schemes with South West Trains and Windsor Royal Shopping to provide bicycle racks at both Windsor stations.

The new partially-covered cycle racks at Maidenhead station are providing much-needed extra cycle storage for rail commuters – and supplementing the many spaces already provided.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: "This is a much-needed facility and really good news for all those people who regularly leave their bicycles at Maidenhead station before getting on trains to go to work.

"The existing cycle racks were becoming full to overflowing, especially on weekdays – and as a result many people were chaining their bikes to railings alongside the station forecourt.

"These were blocking the pathway from the town centre and causing a particular hazard for people with visual impairments.

"The new cycle parking is not only more secure but also partially covered so cycles are not being completely exposed to the elements for hours on end.

"We are pleased to have worked with First Great Western on this scheme which demonstrates not only our commitment to encouraging more people to cycle but helps the train operator to continue to improve its facilities for passengers. And the more commuters who cycle and park, the more spaces this frees up in borough car parks."

Andrew Dickinson, station manager, First Great Western, said: "We are delighted to be able to deliver this much-needed increase in cycle storage provision as a result of the joint partnership with the Royal Borough.

"I would like to thank them for helping to financially deliver the project and for their assistance in enhancing the services supplied at the station. At the same time we are pleased to be able to support the Royal Borough with further reductions in the carbon footprint by encouraging more use of bicycles."

Improving cycling facilities came top of a participatory budgeting consultation with Windsor and Maidenhead residents earlier this year asking how they would spend £500,000 of the council’s 2010-11 capital budget.

The council has just completed a consultation on how best to spend £100,000 of this additional funding on cycling schemes in 2010-11. The results of the consultation will be published shortly and work will start on the new initiatives within the next few months.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Budding Windsor and Maidenhead golfers are invited to take part in the Mayor’s annual charity golf day on Wednesday 15 September in aid of local charity Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

Teams of four players are being urged to support the fundraising event at Maidenhead Golf Club, Shoppenhangers Road, Maidenhead.

The format of the day is as follows:

11.30am Arrival and registration

12noon Tee off for 18 holes of golf Stableford competition

6.30pm Three-course evening meal followed by short speech, presentations and raffle.

Prizes will be awarded to the Windsor and Maidenhead first and second teams, the highest scoring individual, nearest the pin and longest drive.

The Mayor, Cllr Catherine Bursnall, said: "I am delighted that the annual Mayor’s charity golf day is supporting such a worthy local charity. I do hope that as many people as possible can support the day.

"I am looking forward to seeing them all tee off – may the best team win!"

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service was founded by John and Fiona Devine, who lost their eight-year-old son, Alexander, to cancer. Their aim is to build a children’s hospice, called Alexander House, which will provide much-needed respite care, support for families, an outreach team and specialist palliative care for Berkshire children with life-limiting conditions.

To enter a team or for further information contact Andrew Scott, Windsor and Maidenhead democratic and civic services manager, on 01628 796028.

The cost of the day will be £260 per team – please make cheques payable to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Guests of those taking part are very welcome to attend to the evening meal at a cost of £20 per guest.

Maidenhead Golf Club is set in 150 acres of splendid wooded parkland and is less than half a mile from the town centre. From the clubhouse there is a superb view of the 18th hole which provides golfers with a truly challenging finish.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 5 September – 11 September 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

5th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 3:00 pm
Heartbreaker (15)
* 7:30 pm
Heartbreaker (15)

6th September in Maidenhead

No events planned

7th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Danny Bhoy

8th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
The Girl on the Train (15)
* 2:30 pm
The Girl on the Train (15)
* 8:00 pm
The Girl on the Train (15)

9th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
The Killer Inside Me (18)

10th September in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Baaria (15)
* 8:00 pm
Baaria (15)

11th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Isy Suttie – Love Lost in the British Retail Industry
* Film
* 3:00 pm
Baaria (15)
* 8:00 pm
Baaria (15)

Windsor Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after two boys had their bikes stolen by a group of teenagers in Windsor on Saturday (21/8).

At about 2.15pm, two 12-year-old boys and a friend were at Windsor central railway station when they encountered a group of approximately 14 boys aged between 13 and 16 who showed an interest in their BMX bikes.

After the Windsor 12-year-olds left the station, they chained their bikes to railings in front of the Post Office in Peascod Street, before going to Bachelors Acre park with two other friends. At about 4.30pm, the boys were approached in the park by the same group again, who became threatening and demanded to know where the bikes were. The group then followed the boys to Peascod Street and took the bikes from them at about 4.50pm, before making off in the direction of William Street.

The Windsor boys did not sustain any injuries but were left very shaken by the incident. The bikes were recovered nearby shortly afterwards and returned to the boys.

The group comprised of three white boys and one Asian boy, with the rest described as being black or mixed race. More detailed descriptions are not currently available.

Anyone who witnessed the Windsor incident, saw the group before or after the incident, or has any other information which may assist police with their investigation is asked to contact PC James Heath of the Priority Crime Team at Maidenhead via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or leave your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

An annual awards celebration for volunteers in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is being given the Mayoral seal of approval for the first time this year.

Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor Cllr Catherine Bursnall has demonstrated her commitment to recognising the work of local volunteers by including a specific Mayoral award in this year’s line-up of categories.

The new Mayor’s Special Recognition Award will go to the young volunteer under the age of 25 who is deemed to have overcome adversity (such as a learning disability, physical disability, homelessness or perhaps unemployment).

He or she will line up alongside other volunteers of all ages who will be recognised in this year’s Volunteers of the year Awards 2010 organised by Windsor and Maidenhead Voluntary Action in partnership with the Royal Borough and Radian (Windsor Housing).

Nominations for this year’s Windsor and Maidenhead awards are being invited particularly from sports groups, campaigning organisations, environmental groups, residents’ organisations, teams of people and even good neighbours – from all walks of life and all age groups.

Cllr Bursnall said this week: "I am absolutely delighted to have my name associated with this new award and to help to raise the profile of volunteering in the Royal Borough.

"There are so many unsung heroes and heroines among the ranks of volunteers, many of whom do not necessarily see themselves as volunteers. They are just working selflessly to help others – and these awards are a wondeful way of saying thank you to every one of them.

"My new Mayoral award is designed to recognise the young person who has overcome challenges or barriers to achieve a goal – and I am very excited at the prospect of giving that one young person some very well-deserved public recognition.

"So come on everyone – this is your chance to say thank you to someone who has helped you so please do send in your nominations as soon as possible."

Fiona Winrow, manager of Windsor and Maidenhead Voluntary Action, said: "We are delighted that the Mayor has chosen not just to be part of the judging panel for our annual awards ceremony but to put her name to this new award particularly for young volunteers.

"Every year we see young people overcoming difficulties in their lives through volunteering so this award will be a very special addition to the occasion."

The closing date for Windsor and Maidenhead nominations is Wednesday 8 September. Nomination forms are available by email from info@wmva.org contact WMVA by phone on 01753 622433 for further information.

The Volunteers of the Year awards evening will be held on Thursday 7 October at Eton College Rowing Centre, Dorney Lake.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A 23-year-old man from Feltham has been cautioned after a satnav was discovered missing when he and his friends were removed from a taxi in Windsor.

The group of approximately six men got into a taxi in Victoria Street, Windsor, during the early hours of 23/8, despite the taxi driver saying he was unable to transport them.

Police attended the scene and the men got out of the car.

The 23-year-old later admitted theft and was cautioned.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor