Maidenhead & Windsor

The faithful Maidenhead away fans thought that an expected Christmas present of a rare victory was on the way - at least for the first 33 minutes, writes David Sweeney.

The Maidenhead Mags stroked the ball around with unaccustomed composure, finding plenty of holes in a Farnborough team not afraid to push forward, An Ashe cross reached Hughes' head but he had no control and the ball ballooned wide.

Similarly White got on the end of a Gallen free kick but couldn't control his header. Lewington was prominent in midfield with Parsons pushing forward and Kwakye actually beat his defender to make a cross.

Lee Newman found space in the box and rounded the keeper, only to find it too difficult to get a shot in - not for the last time in the afternoon. Hughes troubled his former club without making any clear chances but a good penalty cry was denied when a goalward shot was deflected by a home hand.

A hint of what was to come came after 24 minutes when an Elsegood backwards header found Gasson whose downward header was well saved by Tarr.

Maidenhead kept coming forward and a great Hughes' header found Ashe with enough space to shimmy past the defender but then shoot wide.

The Maidenhead away team had dominated the opening period, lacking only a clinical finish.

However normal service was resumed in the 34th minute when a quick free kick found Harkness the wrong side of Elsegood and an accurate header gave Tarr no chance. The team visibly deflated on losing such a soft goal and the rest of the half was one-way traffic with a couple of goalmouth scrambles required to avoid a second. When the second came it was another give away goal as a desultory back pass was reached by Harkness before the keeper, leaving a simple tap-in.

The Maidenhead Mags' current form was summed up when Newman chased a back pass and was the gifted the ball by a woeful clearance. Lee paused and the keeper had time to regain the ball.

The second half was horror stuff. The whole of the Maidenhead midfield went AWOL for most of the half, losing all appetite after an excellent third goal for Farnborough when Pattisons' first touch on a very sharp pass took him past the defender and there was no pausing from him as the ball was cracked into the net.

The Maidenhead away fans did their best to convey to the team that this wasn't much of a drama but certainly was a crisis. The manager eventually responded by taking off Kwakye and bringing on Bradshaw.

Immediately Maidenhead began to show and a Newman goal was chalked off for offside. Hughes then pulled wide left and an excellent raking cross found Bradshaw with space and time to round the 'keeper and then beat a defender.

He remembered just in time that the object is to get the ball across the line rather than beat defenders and stroked the ball home on 78 minutes.

Mark Boyce then came on for Elsegood and reminded everyone of the art of two-footed tackles. His victim managed to rise and retaliate but the referee unbelievably didn't want to know which clearly misled Scott Tarr into thinking he would be unpunished for rushing from his box and colliding with an attacker who had just pushed the ball past him. Scott will no doubt have time to ponder yet again the concept of inconsistent refereeing after his red card and Dominic White is clearly not cut out for the role of substitute keeper.

Thankfully there was no time for Farnborough to add to the Maidenhead embarrassment level which was quite high enough already.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Information on roadworks in the Maidenhead Royal Borough is now just a mouse-click away, thanks to a new addition to the council's website.

The regularly-updated list features works affecting local roads, whether carried out on behalf of the Maidenhead council itself or by the gas, electricity, water or communications utility companies. It also sets out the start and finish dates for the schemes and offers helpful advice on potential delays to traffic.

Maidenhead Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for public protection, said he was confident the new e-service would provide a welcome source of information for drivers moving around the borough.

He added: "The aim is to help people plan their journeys and to avoid any potential delays and hold-ups. This service will be particularly beneficial for local businesses – for them time is money – and also for public transport operators who can feed the information into their bus service schedules. I am delighted the Maidenhead Royal Borough is involved in this very helpful web-based initiative."

The new facility for web-users is the result of the borough joining forces with up to 20 other councils to mount a roadworks service for their local areas. The Empress system can currently be linked from the Maidenhead Royal Borough's home page at www.rbwm.gov.uk or by clicking on the link below www.empress.gov.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=streetworks.streetworksForm
Users can then just click on the Maidenhead Royal Borough box and go straight through to the current list.

Maidenhead Cllr David Eglise, lead member for resources and business improvement, commented: "The launch of the new Empress roadworks system is the latest in our growing bank of information and services available through the website and is part of our fast-developing e-government programme. This is a welcome addition to the list and I am sure local residents will find it very useful indeed."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

In the wake of the government's budget blow to the Maidenhead Royal Borough earlier this month, a high level council delegation went to London immediately before Christmas to spell out the serious consequences for the 2006/07 budget.

The four-strong delegation was headed by council leader Maidenhead Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten and lead member for resources Cllr David Eglise. They had a 45-minute meeting with local government minister Phil Woolas, who was "left in no doubt" about the council's deep concerns for the future of local services, thanks to a grant settlement that makes no provision for increasing demand on council services or for developing services to meet local needs.

Cllr Eglise said: "I think we presented our case well and left Mr Woolas in no doubt about the seriousness of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's situation not only for next year but for the future, with the prospect of diminishing funding in the face of higher demands for services. The current method of allocating the grant is inherently flawed and this has potentially damaging implications for our services.

"We also used the opportunity to express our great disappointment about the recent decision by the DfES to reject the Royal Borough's bid for the funding we need to redevelop Holyport Manor School for children with special educational needs. The Minister took this on board and agreed to speak to his education colleagues about the matter."

The Maidenhead Royal Borough delegation presented the Minister with a full briefing about the implications of the recent Formula Grant settlement, which saw the Royal Borough less than £300,000 better off than last year.

Among the points raised with the Minister were:

* The Maidenhead borough's grant represents just £117.41 per head of the local population, compared to the national average of £335.43 for unitary authorities – and four of the six unitary councils in Berkshire have also received more per head.
* Five district councils (which do not have social services, education, waste disposal or major roads maintenance) get more per head than the Maidenhead Royal Borough.
* There are significant increasing costs in both education and social services for providing services for people with special needs.
* The borough is having to pick up the costs of caring for more people in the community – an increase of 10% in the past year - as a result of government pressures for faster hospital discharges.
* The borough is financially penalised because of inconsistencies in the way government grants are awarded.

Maidenhead Cllr Gliksten said: "We made these and other points very strongly to the Minister but we demonstrated very clearly that the Royal Borough was not simply holding out the begging bowl without having done a great deal ourselves to make the council a more efficient and cost effective organisation.

"We underlined the positive and developing outcomes of the Delivering Excellence programme, the new customer service centre and our innovative approaches to procurement, among other initiatives, and I believe he was impressed by our commitment to improvement and efficiency. We presented a strong case for additional funding and we must now wait until the end of January to hear if our determined efforts have been successful when the final grant is announced."

Also on the Maidenhead Royal Borough delegation to meet Mr Woolas were David Lunn, chief executive, and John Taylor, head of finance.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 28-Dec-2005

Burglars made off with Maidenhead loot including mobile phones, jewellery and a laptop.

They broke into a house in Kinghorn Park, Maidenhead, through the back door, some time between 12.30pm and 6.30pm on Sunday. They stole two Nokia mobile phones, a Dell Inspiron laptop in a blue canvas bag, several items of jewellery and a navy-blue handbag, containing a purse and credit cards.

Anyone with information about the Maidenhead crime should call the Police Enquiry Centre on 08458 505505 and quote crime reference number LC9359670/05.

Vandals smashed a cabbie's window while he was out of the taxi calling at an address in Maidenhead.

The taxi driver briefly left his cab to call at an address in Lyneham Gardens, Furze Platt.

He returned five minutes later to find that the vehicle's front offside window had been smashed. It is believed that the offenders were looking for cash, although none was left in the vehicle. The incident happened some time between 10.20pm and 10.25pm on Saturday.

Anyone with information about the Maidenhead incident is asked to call the Police Enquiry Centre on 08458 505505 and quote crime reference number LC9359282/05. If you do not wish to speak to police or give your name call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ic Berkshire Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 1st - 7th January 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

1st January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
New Year's Day Concert
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

2nd January at Maidenhead

No events planned

3rd January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Pride and Prejudice (U)
* 7:30 pm
Pride and Prejudice (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

4th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Constant Gardener (15)

5th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Constant Gardener (15)

6th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Mrs Henderson Presents (15)

7th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Mrs Henderson Presents (15)
* 7:30 pm
Mrs Henderson Presents (15)

Stand up and be counted – and sign up for the Maidenhead election campaign trail. That's the New Year challenge to young people across the borough as the search begins for the Maidenhead borough's third MYP (Member of Youth Parliament).

Election fever looks set to rival New Year resolutions among the local Maidenhead young electorate as the rallying call goes out to all 11 – 18-year-olds to choose one of their peers to represent their views in the national parliamentary arena.

The campaign trail kicks off with an invitation to all budding politicians to attend an information evening at Castle Hill Youth Centre in High Town Road, Maidenhead, on Friday January 6 from 5.30 – 8.30pm.

Youth workers will outline the roles and responsibilities of the Maidenhead MYP, and encourage young people to nominate either themselves or a friend to stand for election. Nominees will then be asked to write their own election manifestos, which will be displayed on posters and leaflets and distributed to schools and youth clubs across the borough.

Voting will take place between January 23 and 29, with the winner announced at a special presentation evening in the Maidenhead Town Hall on Thursday February 2.

The new MYP will follow in the footsteps of predecessors Robert Weeks and Helen Flory to represent the views of the Royal Borough's young people at the National Youth Parliament conferences.

He or she will also work closely with Maidenhead borough youth workers to set up local "satellite" youth forums around the borough to feed ideas and opinions into the borough youth forum to reflect the views of as many young people as possible in future provision of services.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for young people in the borough to really have their voices heard where it matters – and on issues which concern them

"I would urge any young person who really wants to make a difference to think about standing for election as our next MYP. I am sure their two predecessors could testify that the role is hugely rewarding – and great fun as well. So come on everyone – let's make this election a huge success with a really enthusiastic field of runners."

For further information about the information evening and the role of the Maidenhead MYP, contact Danny Gomm, youth participation co-ordinator on 01628 510289.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 23-Dec-2005

Maidenhead ended the first half of the season on a bum note, losing heavily at Weston-Super-Mare after having given themselves a fighting chance following a disastrous start.

Just a month ago the two clubs met at Braywick where the Maidenhead Maids were punished for a yellow-card for number 8 Paul Jones when leading with 12 minutes to go.

Last weekend it was a yellow for No 8 Piers Morgan which gave the Somerset side the chance to get in front.

When Morgan was penalised in the 18th minute, Weston scored unopposed from the ensuing fivemetre scrum by their own No 8 Cook and the try was converted by new signing Lowis.

Three minutes later, Weston struck again when, from another five-metre scrum, their scrum half Jones was able to dive over the line.

The conversion, like the first, glanced over off the woodwork, but Weston were suddenly 14-0 ahead.

Maidenhead Maids struck back when Stuart Mackay - another experiment at full back - entered the line during a smart three-quarter move and raced clear to score.

The conversion was missed.

Within minutes Weston replied when their winder Hughes escaped the clutches of the Maids' defence to give Lowis an easy kick which he made to take the home side into the break 21-5 ahead.

As in the first encounter, the game ebbed and flowed, and Maidenhead reduced the deficit in the 55th through Gareth Edwards who switched from full back where he has been covering for the injured Rob Hawkins to scrum half to cover on this occasion from first choice Ben Ayres who has a serious knee injury.

Again the kick was missed and from here it was all downhill for Maidenhead Maids as Weston ran in four more tries.

The first came through their prop Derrick in the 63rd minute and the next two minutes later through Lowis who added the extra points with the boot.

Suddenly Maidenhead Maids were 33-10 down and the match was already over when Derrick added his second try of the match in the 80th minute and Cook his second in time added on.

Maidenhead Maids travelled without coach Simon Edwards who was on duty with the South West Divisional squad.

The cause was further hampered with the additions to the injury list last week of scrum half Ayres - who made have ligament damage - and flanker Will Lowden.

They join a decimated back division with Danny Martin, Sam Hocking, Alex Greer and Danny Walton all long-term injury victims, though Walton at least, is on the way back.

However Maidenhead will look back on a game in which they had a plentiful supply of ball thanks to the good work of forwards Alex Gallina and Mark Mueller in particular, and see they were punished above all for missed touch-kicks, poor tackling and mispassing - all basic errors.

It was a shame that the talents that earned Stuart Douglas, who was posted out on the wing, an Oxford Blue were not given much of a chance to be demonstrated.

MatchFacts

SOUTH WEST ONE

WESTON-SUPER-MARE 43 MAIDENHEAD 10

Maidenhead Maids: Mackay, Douglas, Cripps, Hammond, Beaumont Ruddick, Edwards, Riley, Craig, Johnston, Gallina, Mueller,Vorster,Morgan, Jones: Reps: Gull, Blackwell, Jelski.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead ~ Dec 22 2005

Underage Sales - Thumbs-Up For Local Maidenhead Off-Licences

Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards officers have given a big thumbs up to local off-licences following the latest joint operation aimed at clamping down on Maidenhead under-age sales of alcohol.

Officers working with the police and members of the Maidenhead council's licensing team visited seven premises across the borough, and specially-trained young people - all aged under 16 - attempted to buy alcohol whilst being secretly monitored by trading standards staff.

The majority of Maidenhead retailers asked for ID or proof of age and no sales were carried out. This contrasts with previous similar operations in the last two years which have resulted in traders and shop staff being prosecuted and cautioned for making illegal sales. Earlier this year, the police also issued their first £80 fixed penalty notice to a shop assistant at a borough off-licence for selling alcohol to a minor.

This week's operation was part of the third national Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign aimed not just at preventing underage sales of alcohol but also more widely at eliminating Maidenhead town centre alcohol-related disorder.

Steve Johnson, Maidenhead trading standards manager said: "We are delighted that the message seems to be getting through to retailers that they must always ask for proof of age and must refuse to sell alcohol - and other age-restricted products - to minors."

Debie Pearmain, police licensing officer, said: "Together with our partners, we have invested a lot of time over recent months to ensure that alcohol is not being sold to under age drinkers.

"This week's initiative, which supports Thames Valley Police's Operation Hangover, is encouraging and I would continue to urge designated premises supervisors and their staff to take care when serving young people."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 22-Dec-2005

Windsor residents are to be asked their views on a trio of traffic and road safety schemes for the A308 Maidenhead Road in Windsor.

Questionnaires are this week being distributed to the emergency services, local residents' groups and more than 500 homes along the Maidenhead Road and surrounding area outlining three different proposals – drawn up in response to ongoing concerns about speeding, accident levels, lack of crossing facilities and traffic congestion.

The proposals outlined and illustrated in the consultation are designed to improve traffic conditions and road safety on the A308 between Rays Avenue and the Windsor relief road – identified in a study commissioned earlier this year which highlighted that in the three years to September there had been 16 injury accidents along this stretch of road.

Residents are being asked to comment on three proposed schemes:
· Vale Road to Mill Lane roundabout – reducing traffic towards Windsor to a single lane just after the racecourse and creating hatching in the middle of the road to allow right turns, to improve safety.
· Mill Lane roundabout to Windsor relief road roundabout – reduce two lanes to one lane for about 200 metres between the Mill Lane roundabout and the relief road roundabout to allow Maidenhead-bound traffic to turn right more easily into the petrol filling station, easing congestion and improving road safety
· Rays Avenue to Vale Road – create a pedestrian island in the middle of the road to improve pedestrian safety.

Maidenhead Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for road safety, welcomed the proposals. He said: "We have listened long and hard to the concerns expressed by local residents about this busy stretch of road, and are putting forward these proposals to try to address those concerns.

"The safety of our residents is of paramount importance, and we are now urging local people to tell us what they think of our suggestions. But we are aware that some people will have their own ideas about what should be done to improve safety along this road, and we want to hear those too.

"I realise this consultation comes at a busy time but we do need to press on with these improvements and I therefore hope residents will not mind spending a few moments to give the Borough their views."

Questionnaires are being delivered this week, and completed forms should be returned to High Services, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1RF by Monday January 16 2006.

For further information contact Vikki Lewis, acting Maidenhead traffic and road safety manager on 01628 796283.

Thousands of people who visit the picturesque Hurley Lock, Maidenhead on the River Thames – both members of the public and young people using the Royal Borough's specialist outdoor education project – will be able to enjoy much improved facilities from next summer.

The major improvements scheme is going ahead, thanks to the Maidenhead council's positive partnership with the Environment Agency and Slough Borough Council, supported by funding from the Big Lottery Fund, Clear Skies and Hurley Village Association/PowerGen Green Fund.

The aim is to upgrade the current facilities to provide a modern, safe environment for young people taking part in youth development activities at this unique East Berkshire Maidenhead centre – and a key part of the project is to make the centre as environmentally-friendly as possible.

The village association and the local environment group, led by Martin Fry, have been successful in raising funds from the PowerGen Green Fund which, together with a grant from the government's Clear Skies initiative, will support the installation of a renewable energy heat pump to provide the heating the centre needs

When the improvements are complete it will enable the Maidenhead centre to be used throughout the year and open up the fun, sport and educational opportunities for young people – including canoeing and kayaking to PE exam level.

The £300,000 scheme will replace the current inadequate facilities by providing up-to-date changing/showering accommodation, public toilets, a staff area and storage for an increased number of boats.

With the Environment Agency installing mains drainage on the island this winter, there will be improvements for everyone at the popular Hurley Lock, Maidenhead which is visited or used by nearly 100,000 people of all ages every year.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said: "Hurley Lock is a renowned centre for providing stimulating and challenging activities for young people in a safe environment. It is well used, not only by local schools and youth clubs but also by neighbouring local authorities including Slough and helps young people take part in healthy outdoor sport and physical activity.

"Unfortunately both young people and staff are currently having to make do with totally inadequate facilities so I am delighted that we are able to forge ahead with these much-needed improvements. We have already been given planning permission and the scene is set for work to be carried out over the next few months. By next summer we will have a centre to be proud of and a place where staff can continue their exceptional work with young people."

Martin Fry, chairman of the Hurley Environment Group, said he was delighted to see a final date for this project which will have the benefit of an environmentally-friendly heating system.

He explained: "The ground source heat pump is a very efficient way to heat a building, especially on Hurley Lock island where gas and oil supplies are not available. The Hurley Environment Group has supported this project from the outset, particularly as the council has committed to this more environmentally friendly way to heat the building."

The Environment Agency, which owns Hurley Lock island, has contributed £50,000 to the improvements. Don Vickers, waterways recreation manager, said: "We are delighted to be working with the council on this project. The improvements at Hurley Lock are a great example of our overall vision to improve leisure facilities along the River Thames by working with other organisations. I hope we see more schemes like this in the future."

Consultation about the scheme was previously carried out with Hurley Parish Council, Hurley Village Association, local Maidenhead borough councillors and representatives of the River Users' Group, who all gave their support.

Activities for young people at Hurley Lock, Maidenhead include canoeing and kayaking, leadership training, volunteering and taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Hurley Lock is a community-based facility managed by the borough's youth and community service through the outdoor education project team. It operates on the principles of youth service, integration, citizenship, co-operation, self-confidence, achievement and caring for others.

Meeting on June 23 last, cabinet approved the appointment of local company Thor Log Cabins to provide the new centre, agreeing that the rustic style would be in keeping with the overall environment of Hurley Lock.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 20-Dec-2005

An eyesore derelict property in Forlease Road, Maidenhead, has been transformed and renovated after standing empty for more than seven years – following a "jumpstart" by the Royal Borough as part of its innovative empty homes strategy.

The four-bedroom detached house on the corner of Forlease Road and Cedars Road, Maidenhead is set to be the 25th borough property to be brought back into habitable use in the first successful 12 months since the scheme's launch last December.

Currently 83 more empty Maidenhead properties have been prioritised for action under the strategy which aims to bring empty homes back into productive use by working with owners to provide advice, guidance and encouragement – 68 of which are on course for a satisfactory conclusion, and 15 which still need the cooperation of the owners.

The process of bringing an empty property back into use is seldom quick and easy. It is often necessary to trace the absent owner and, even if we can secure immediate agreement, repairs and renovations can often take many months to complete.

Where efforts to encourage the owner to bring the property back into use have failed, and where properties have deteriorated to the point of being dangerous, or are detrimental to the amenity of the area, the strategy enables Maidenhead council officers to take enforcement action such as:
· empty dwellings management orders (from April 6 next year) – to nominate a housing association to take over and manage long-term empty properties
· enforced sale procedures – as has occurred twice this year resulting in the recovery of a total of £14,000 in unpaid council tax and other debts
· compulsory purchase orders – usually a last resort but available to use to resolve the problem of long-term empty and deteriorating properties.

Maidenhead Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for public protection, said: "The success of the strategy underlines our total commitment to bringing long-term empty and derelict homes back into use – and we are absolutely delighted to have had so many good outcomes in the first year.

"We understand that there will always be a number of vacant homes as people move, but the problem arises when properties are allowed to become derelict and unsightly and a magnet for vandals and petty criminals – and have a detrimental effect on the environment and local communities. The empty homes strategy allows us to step in to work with owners to try to resolve problems and bring houses back into a habitable state.

"The Forlease Road house is a really good example of a property which has benefited from the strategy. It is on a prominent corner site and had been the subject of numerous complaints. Our housing projects officer was able to become involved and jumpstart the process to secure the sale of the house which allowed the renovation work to begin."

For further information about the council's empty homes strategy contact Martyn Clemence, Maidenhead housing projects officer, on 01628 683596.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 19-Dec-2005

Maidenhead Royal Borough residents and customers are now getting such an improved service from the council's planning teams that the government has decided its time for them to "go it alone".

A letter to chief executive David Lunn not only congratulates the planning service on its "sustained improvements in performance" but also confirms that there is no more need for the Maidenhead borough to send quarterly updates on progress to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

In his letter John Stambollouian, the ODPM's head of planning development control division, recognises the ongoing improvement in performance of the planning service, which he describes as "very encouraging". He particularly highlights the continuing work to clear the backlog of older applications, the ongoing implementation of the DC improvement project and the raft of other measures put in place "that are beginning to produce sustained improvement".

His letter went on: "I would like to congratulate you and your staff on these achievements.

"In light of the sustained improvements in performance that your planning service is demonstrating, I am pleased to confirm that we see no further need for quarterly updates on your progress".

Maidenhead Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for planning, said she was absolutely thrilled by this official recognition that the service is well established on its improvement path. She said: "What a wonderful Christmas present for all the staff who have worked so hard to turn around the service and make a real difference for our residents and customers!

"Over the past two years they have shown dedication and commitment and a willingness to work in partnership with councillors to bring about changes that mean a quality service for everyone. We recognise we still have a lot more to do but this letter is a strong signal that we are getting it right."

Earlier this year the Maidenhead development control service was given the thumbs up by the Audit Commission for the way it had speeded up planning application decisions. Following an intensive inspection, the commission also said the prospects for further improvements were "promising".

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 19-Dec-2005

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 25th - 31th Decemmber 2005
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

25th December at Maidenhead

No events planned

26th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child

27th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

28th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

29th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

30th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

31st December at Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

South League Premier Div 2 Maidenhead 0 West Hampstead 1

The meteoric decline of Maidenhead's first team continued at Altwood where they ended the day with their ninth straight defeat after starting the season with two victories.

Maidenhead were determined to earn a vital three points in their last league game before Christmas and close the gap on the sides above them in the league.

A slight reshuffling of their defence with the return of Matt Cresey and Neel Sood missing on an early Christmas holiday.

The game started scrappily with neither side able to get into any sort of rhythm, and although West Hampstead had the better of a dour half neither side looked like breaking the deadlock.

The only moments of note were a superb save with his legs by Spencer Bird to deny the visitors and a couple of penalty corners dragged wide by Matt McConkey.

The second half was even more wretched for the few spectators who had braved the cold.

Maidenhead occasionally looked dangerous on the break but seemed more interested in sniping at the umpires than pressing for a vital win.

West Hampstead eventually broke the deadlock as they took advantage of a momentary hesitation in the home defence to fire a reverse stick shot past into the bottom corner. As time ran out Maidenhead upped the pace and exerted real pressure on the West Hampstead goal but despite creating numerous opportunities they could not find the final touch to get a much needed equaliser.

Maidenhead head into the Christmas break several points adrift of safety but hoping a strong start will quickly pull them back into contention.

The Maidenhead club's top women's side did little better,losing their rearranged match with Oxford Hawks with a 4-0 scoreline.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead ~ Dec 16 2005

Services provided by the Maidenhead Royal Borough for local people are getting better all the time – and the Maidenhead council now has three stars* to prove it.

In the face of new and even tougher Audit Commission standards – called The Harder Test – the Maidenhead borough not only emerged from the 2005 corporate performance assessment (CPA) with three stars out of a possible four but with a "direction of travel" judgement that says the council is improving well.

This is the first time councils have been given Audit Commission star ratings under the new system. For the past two years the Maidenhead borough has achieved a "good" rating under the old system and, said Maidenhead council leader Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, it would most likely have reached "excellent" if the rules had not been changed.

She explained: "We have done the calculations and we would most certainly have been ‘excellent'. However, the Audit Commission has raised the stakes in the way it judges councils' performance and, while the Royal Borough is making remarkable progress – recognised by the assessors in their direction of travel judgement – we now have to work even harder to meet the increasingly high standards.

"However, a three star outcome demonstrates that we are on the right path and it also reflects the tremendous amount of hard work by councillors and staff over the past year. Given the fact that the Royal Borough has travelled from being a weak rated authority in 20032 to three stars in 2005, I believe that four stars are within our grasp in the not too distant future."

David Lunn, Maidenhead chief executive, said the CPA outcome was recognition of the council's tremendous progress and a spur to further achievement in the year ahead.

He said: "The past two years have brought about significant changes for the better in the way we deliver services for our residents and customers. I am very fortunate to have staff in all services who share my commitment to continuous improvement and our goal now is to build on our achievements so far and make sure that future CPAs show even more improvements in the year ahead."

The CPA report on the Maidenhead Royal Borough's progress since last year highlights improved performance across most priority areas, including school results, building on already high standards; social care services for adults, now rated as "good"; planning and benefits services. It points to reduced crime levels and increased waste recycling, including the new glass collection service.

The report also mentions areas for Maidenhead improvement but recognises that there are good action plans to "increase the ability to improve".

The report goes on: "A programme of service reviews is helping to identify services that need improving and the council is continuing to implement its modernisations programme, Delivering Excellence. During 2005 this has led to an improved approach to purchasing goods and services, the recent opening of the customer service centre, the launch of a new website and a strengthened approach to diversity and equality. The council's ability to continue to improve has been recognised as good in recent inspections and its medium-term financial plan takes account of improvement priorities."

As part of the overall star rating the Audit Commission awards scores (out of a possible 4) for each of the council's services covered by the CPA. The Maidenhead Royal Borough scores are as
Service Score
Benefits - 3
Children and young people - 3
Culture - 3
Environment - 2
Housing - 3
Social care (adults) - 3
Use of resources - 3

Commenting on how the Maidenhead Royal Borough is run, the report says there is a greater focus on leadership, partnership working, value for money and the achievement of local priorities.

The Audit Commission has explained the two main reasons for making the CPA a "harder test" – first councils have a duty to continuously improve and second the public's expectation of councils and the services they provide is continuously rising.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 15-Dec-2005

The Royal Borough has welcomed the planning application for an extension to the Maidenhead Waitrose store as a vote of confidence in the town and its economic future.

The application, received by the cMaidenhead ouncil's planning service, is for a two-section extension to the store, with 12 new town centre flats and additional car parking.

Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead town centre, said the news was a further sign that big-name retailers had confidence in Maidenhead and were willing to invest in its future.

She said: "Over the past few years we have seen increasing evidence of national and international businesses putting their money into Maidenhead. They have confidence that the town has what it takes. While it must go through the normal development control processes, the news that Waitrose has submitted a planning application for an extension to their already successful store is yet more evidence of Maidenhead's standing in the retail sector."

Cllr Simon Werner, deputy leader, said Maidenhead's progress as a family friendly town was underscored by this welcome planning application.

He added: "The council's commitment to the continuing economic development of the town and our strong partnership working with businesses and retailers are sending out positive messages that Maidenhead is a vital and viable town centre – and we are seeing very encouraging results."

Gill Smith, of Waitrose, said: "We believe our proposal will add to the quality and choice for shoppers in Maidenhead and offer our customers an enjoyable shopping environment."

The application, which must go through the normal Maidenhead planning procedures, proposes that one part of the Waitrose extension will be on Forlease Road following the demolition of the existing building. The second part is proposed for Moorbridge Road in the area currently occupied by the service yard and the store's current temporary car park site.

The residential element of the scheme is planned for above the Forlease Road extension and set back from the single storey sales floor. It is proposed to provide 12 single aspect flats (nine 2-bedroom and three 1-bedroom) over three floors, served from a main entrance and lobby at the junction of Forlease Road and Moorbridge Road, Maidenhead.

The application also proposes a new single-deck 200-space customer car park at the rear of the shop within the area of the existing car park, providing 36 spaces more than at present. A further 13 parking spaces would be provided for the proposed Maidenhead residential development. The proposed sales floor area of the premises would be increased by 953 sq metres to give a new total of 2,348 sq metres.

Waitrose Limited, part of the John Lewis Partnership, consider that the proposed development would significantly enhance the main food store provision in Maidenhead town centre and improve the town centre's overall retail appeal.

Copies of the application details will shortly be available for inspection on the Maidenhead council's website and in the customer service centre in the Town Hall. The application will go though the normal planning process and the council will be undertaking a number of consultations with local organisations and residents.

Any representations should be sent to David Trigwell, Head of Planning, at York Stream House, St Ives Road, Maidenhead. It is expected that a decision on the application will be made within the next 12 or 13 weeks.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 14-Dec-2005

Maidenhead Utd 1 Histon 4

Any thoughts of FA Cup glory were a million miles away from Histon's minds as they blew struggling Maidenhead away on Saturday.

Victory in the Maidenhead league game was the priority, and only now can they look ahead to Wednesday's make-or-break second round Cup replay against Nuneaton with a bumper home tie against Middlesbrough on offer for the winners.

As if to prove they were not saving themselves for the midweek showdown, Histon made a magnificent start at Maidenhead, taking the lead after just 39 seconds.

Adie Cambridge's throw was flicked on by Jamie Barker to Matty Haniver, whose 15-yard strike gave the Maidenhead keeper no chance.

They had a scare after 10 minutes when keeper Lance Key went down clutching his knee after having to back pedal towards his goal, but the veteran was able to resume after treatment, and showed no ill effects.

Boosted by that, they went 2-0 ahead when Barker curled in a glorious shot from just inside the right touchline.

And even with the prospect of the biggest game in their history looming, Histon refused to take their foot off the gas.

They went close again through Leon Gutzmore and Neil Andrews.

Maidenhead showed more determination in the second half, and Key had to tip over Ryan Ashe's shot in the 50th minute.

As the game became scrappy on the muddy pitch, Histon made it safe on 63 minutes.

Skipper Andrews getting the goal he deserved from 10 yards after a corner.

Key denied Lee Newman two minutes later, before Histon added their fourth from another corner, this time centre-back Roscoe Hipperson rising to head home with 11 minutes to go.

Maidenhead's consolation came on 81 minutes when substitute Mark Whiteman was given the easiest of chances a couple of yards out.

Histon boss Steve Fallon said: "We had the perfect start and just went on to dominate.

"We wobbled a bit near the end and let them have a goal back, which we should have done better with, but overall we could not have asked for more. It sets us up nicely for Wednesday."

Maidenhead: Tarr, Johnson, Parsons, Smith, White (Bacon, 67min) Gallen, Sheed-Osman, Ashe, Newman (Kwakye, 45) Hughes, Badu (Whiteman, 67).

Histon: Key, Haniver (Nightingale, 80), Okay, Hipperson, Vowden, A Cambridge (Goddard, 57), Farrington, Andrews, Barker, Gutzmore (I Cambridge, 79), Knight-Percival.

Cambridge News ~ Maidenhead ~ 12 December 2005

Councillors have rejected plans for new flats and a restaurant in Maidenhead town centre.

The plans, by applicant Chesterton Commercial Holdings, were refused at a meeting of Maidenhead's Development Control Panel on Wednesday, November 23.The scheme proposed demolishing existing buildings in the Maidenhead High Street and part of St Ives Road, and replacing them with six two-bedroom and two one-bedroom flats and a restaurant.

The development would have consisted of a two and three-storey building with a 505 square metre restaurant on the ground floor and front part of the first floor. The eight flats would have been on the rear part of the first and second floors. The front part of the building fronting the Maidenhead High Street was planned to be two-storey and traditionally detailed.

Attacking the proposed development, Maidenhead Cllr Leo Walters (Con, Bray) told the panel: "It would just be another ruddy great building stuck in there, which would not do any enhancing or preserving whatsoever and just ruin another piece of Maidenhead."

Maidenhead Cllr Dr Mike Bruton (Lib Dem, Belmont) voiced opposition to the plans and was particularly unimpressed with one of the proposed building's design, describing a planned door as resembling 'an entrance to a cinema'.

However, Maidenhead Cllr John Iles (Lib Dem, Hurley and Walthams) said the 'general concept' of the scheme was excellent, but questioned the design of windows in parts of the planned buildings, comparing them to 'a barrack'.

In the end the Maidenhead panel voted to refuse the application on the grounds that it was harmful to the conservation area and would constitute a loss of open space.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead ~ Dec 9 2005

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 18th - 24th Decemmber 2005
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

18th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Howl's Moving Castle (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

19th December at Maidenhead

No events planned

20th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Howl's Moving Castle (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

21st December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Oliver Twist (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

22nd December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Oliver Twist (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

23rd December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Oliver Twist (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

24th December at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

There is some early festive cheer for Maidenhead's shoppers in the form of some 'free gifts'and 'special offers' over the Christmas season.

This week has seen the start of free parking in many Maidenhead council car parks for late night shopping.

There will now be free parking on Thursdays before Christmas, starting at 4pm in car parks at Maidenhead Nicholsons Shopping Centre, Grove Road, West Street and Hines Meadow. Free parking starts at 5pm in the Town Hall and 6pm at Mallards Reach.

There will also be free parking all day in these Maidenhead car parks on Friday, December 23 and Christmas Eve.

Another seasonal special offer - which runs until Saturday, December 31 - applies to all users of the Stafferton Way park and ride, where Maidenhead borough Advantage Card holders can enjoy four free hours of parking and non-card holders only have to pay 10p.

The shuttle bus is also free.

Short stay parking is on offer at the Hines Meadow multi-storey, which is just a few minutes walk from the town centre, with one hour's parking costing 50p and two hours £1.30.

Cllr Vicky Howes (Lib Dem, Cox Green), lead member for Maidenhead town centre, said that cutting Christmas car parking charges is a positive council contribution, helping to promote the benefits of shopping in Maidenhead by making it as easy as possible for people to get into town.

She said: "Maidenhead has a great deal to offer Christmas shoppers and we are fortunate to have a good supply of council-provided parking. By giving shoppers an added parking incentive - with either free or rock bottom prices - we are sending out a positive message to come to Maidenhead and take advantage of a family friendly experience in our shops, restaurants and cafes."

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead ~ Dec 9 2005

The government has dealt yet another financial setback to Maidenhead Royal Borough residents with a grant settlement for the next financial year that makes no provision for increasing demand on Maidenhead council services or for developing services to meet local needs.

The grant settlement, announced by the Chancellor on Monday afternoon (December 5), gives the Maidenhead borough a total of £15.6 million in Formula Grant, £300,000 more than last year which equates to a 2% increase at a time when inflation on local authority services is running closer to 4%. Longer-term government proposals have indicated that in 2007/08 the Maidenhead Royal Borough's grant will increase by just 1.5% to £15.8 million, an increase of only £198,000.

Based on these figures the borough is in the bottom five "hardest hit" councils in the country in terms of government grant for 2005/06.

"The Royal Borough has been given a derisory increase for the year ahead," said Maidenhead Cllr David Eglise, lead member for resources, "and it is both appalling and depressing that the government has apparently paid total disregard to the needs of residents, particularly the increasing need and demand for services from our growing numbers of older people and the most vulnerable members of our community.

"This level of budget settlement is shocking and will invariably prove detrimental to council services with no prospect of improvement in future years.

"It is much to early to say what effect this settlement will have on next year's council tax but I give my assurance to Royal Borough residents that we will be doing our very best to keep any increase in council tax to the absolute minimum. Nonetheless, for yet another year we are facing great difficulties and there will be tough decisions ahead."

For the first time funding for Maidenhead schools is now allocated under the Dedicated Schools Grant, separate from the Formula Grant for all other Maidenhead council services.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 07-Dec-2005

The "Maidenhead Royal Borough is making life easier for Christmas shoppers in Maidenhead and Windsor with a range of "free gifts" and "special offers" on parking over the festive season.

This week sees the start of FREE parking in many council car parks for late night shopping on Thursdays (starting Thursday December 8) and on Friday December 23.

* In Maidenhead free parking starts at 4pm in the car parks at Nicholsons Shopping Centre, Grove Road, West Street and Hines Meadow, 5pm at the Town Hall, "Maidenhead and 6pm at Mallards Reach.
* In Windsor the free parking period starts at 4pm in the car parks at Alma Road, Alexandra Gardens, King Edward VII (Datchet Road), Romney Lock and Victoria Street.

There will also be FREE parking all day on Friday December 23 in all of these "Maidenhead car parks and again on Christmas Eve.

In Maidenhead there is a seasonal special offer for all users of the Stafferton Way park and ride, with four hours absolutely FREE for Advantage Card holders – or just 10 pence without an Advantage Card. The offer lasts until Saturday December 31. The shuttle bus is FREE too.

For Maidenhead shoppers who want to park closer to the town centre, there are now cheaper short-stay prices in the Hines Meadow multi-storey, which is just a few minutes' walk from the town centre. One hour's parking costs just 50 pence and two hours just £1.30.

Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead town centre, said the decision to cut Christmas car parking charges was a positive council contribution to promoting the benefits of shopping in Maidenhead by making it as easy as possible for people to get to the town.

She said: "Maidenhead has a great deal to offer Christmas shoppers and we are fortunate to have a good supply of council-provided parking. By giving shoppers an added parking incentive with either free or rock bottom prices, we are sending out a positive message to come to Maidenhead and take advantage of a family friendly experience in our shops, restaurants and cafés."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 06-Dec-2005

Princess Leia, Batman, Miss Piggy and a mystery in need of solving are to be found at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre which is currently transporting children of all ages back to the pre-computer game age.

The centre in King Street, Maidenhead is telling its very own Toy Story over the next few weeks displaying a collection of over 100 toys spanning over 70 years.

The toys went on display on Tuesday and have been loaned to the centre by Maidenhead toy collector Neil Baldry.

Maidenhead Heritage centre chairman Richard Poad said: "We have already heard youngsters asking their parents and grandparents if they had similar toys themselves. Adults will like reading pages from the toy catalogues of stores like Gamages and seeing the prices of the toys that were on sale in their childhood.

"This is a wonderfully nostalgic exhibition."

Toys on display include a military ambulance with figures, a Batmobile, a pre-war Bayko bungalow, Meccano, a Miss Piggy car and a Princess Leia action figure. There is also a display case full of Hornby, Triang and Chad Valley model railway equipment from the 1950s and 1960s.

However, one exhibit remains something of a mystery as Mr Poad explained: "Collector Neil Baldry has absolutely no idea of the origin or age of a bright red wooden car, which has the look, of a 1930s American car. If we can find out anything more about this toy, we and Mr Baldry will be very pleased."

A display of Edwardian Christmas cards and photographs of nativity scenes in the stained glass windows of local churches is also on show in the run up to Christmas.

Special Maidenhead Christmas puddings made by administrator Fran Edwards are also on sale.

The toy-tastic exhibition will be running until Friday December 23.

Opening hours at the heritage centre are 10am to 4pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays.

icBerkshire ~ Maidenhead

Hard working 11-year-olds in Maidenhead Royal Borough schools have once again scored top marks in national curriculum tests, putting the borough in ninth place in the country in the latest performance tables.

Official figures for test results in English, maths and science show that pupils in local Maidenhead primary and middle schools have notched up above average scores at key stage two (level four).

Once again, 80% of Maidenhead borough schools scored higher than the national average on aggregate – the total of percentage scores for all three subjects – with an overall borough score of 255 points out of a possible 300 (the national average was 240).

Pupils have also proved that they are top of the class in the "value-added" measure, which assesses individual pupils' progress between key stage one and key stage two, with 60% of Maidenhead Royal Borough schools in the top 40% nationwide and 13 schools in the top 25%.

The English results are the best so far – up on last year's previous best of 84% to 85%, compared with the national average of 79%. The other key stage two results (percentage of pupils attaining level four and above) show the Maidenhead borough maintaining its already high position:

Science 90% – England average 86%
Maths 79% – England average 75%.

Maidenhead Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for education, said: "These excellent results represent yet another year of hard work by the pupils and teachers in our schools and I send my wholehearted congratulations to all of them.

"Our thanks also go to governors and parents for continuing to support the council's aim of providing all our young people with the opportunity to achieve their very best."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 02-Dec-2005

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 11th - 17th Decemmber 2005
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

11th Dec at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Paintings of Mystery and Imagination
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights

12th Dec at Maidenhead

No events planned

13th Dec at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 1:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Broken Flowers (15)

14th Dec at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 1:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Broken Flowers (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

15th Dec at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 1:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:45 pm
Maidenhead Concert Band Christmas Concert
* 8:00 pm
Chris Addison: Atomicity
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

16th Dec at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 1:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 8:00 pm
An Albion Christmas
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

17th Dec at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Gruffalo's Child
* 2:00 pm
The Gruffalo's Child
* 7:30 pm
Carols with the Salvation Army
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Caroline Wood

Maidenhead RC have had a very busy month on the water during November.

One of many successes, the club registered three wins in Pangbourne Junior Sculls.

The course was beautiful, with almost no wind and lovely sunny weather.

In the first division, over the long 3,000m course, Carmel Bevan comfortably won the WJ14 single sculls, with Maidenhead's Hannah Shimmin and Katherine Henderson 4th and 8th respectively,out of a field of 13.

In the boys' section, Maidenhead's J16 Double scull of Compton and Lilley gained third place out of a field of 13, just three seconds behind the winners.

In the second division, the Intermediate Maidenhead squad WJ13 Coxed Quad of Fifi Bevan, Lexy Dobson, Rebecca Reeve and Henrietta Jenkins, coxed by Emma Sanerkin, stormed the 1,750m short course in a time of 7 min 17.5sec, over 45 seconds ahead of the nearest of their four competitors and comfortably faster than any of the eight boys crews too. In the same division Felicity Young came an impressive third (out of 7) in her first single sculls race.

In the third division, again over the 3,000m long course, the Maidenhead boys J15 double scull of Ryde and Hazine claimed an impressive win with Lilley and Powell fourth, out of a field of 18. In the J16 single sculls Tim Wildbore came a promising third out of a field of 36.

The WJ15 double scull crew of Emma Sanerkin and Aimee Broadbent came third (out of 8) and in the WJ14 double sculls, Fifi Bevan and Lexy Dobson (rowing up a year) came an impressive second, just ahead of Maidenhead's Hannah Shimmin and Lucy Brockwell in third.

icBerkshire ~ Maidenhead ~ Dec 2 2005

Children and young people in the Maidenhead Royal Borough are consistently well supported by council services, with education scoring top marks.

Results of the Annual Performance Assessment (APA) published today (Thursday December 1) give the Maidenhead borough's education service four out of four for its contribution to maintaining and improving outcomes for children and young people. This demonstrates a service that delivers well above minimum requirements for users, is serving people well and with very good capacity for improvement.

Maidenhead Social care services scored two out of four and the report recognises on-going and strong improvements for vulnerable children in the borough, particularly highlighting good outcomes in the areas of child protection and looked after children.

The APA is carried out by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) and the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) and their report gives the borough an overall score of three out of four for Maidenhead children's services - a service that consistently delivers above minimum requirements, serving most people well with good/promising prospects for improvement.

With the advent of the Children Act 2004, local authorities (and their partner organisations) now work towards five key outcomes for all children and young people. The APA's judgement reflects the Maidenhead Royal Borough's performance under these headings:

* Enjoying and achieving – outcomes very good overall
* Being healthy – outcomes good
* Staying safe – outcomes adequate but with continued strengthening performance
* Making a positive contribution – outcomes good
* Achieving economic well-being – outcomes good.

Maidenhead Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for education, said she was delighted by the recognition that education provision in the Royal Borough is of the highest quality and paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone in the education community.

Maidenhead Cllr Pitteway added: "The APA letter highlights the good progress and attainment in our schools and our commitment to keep on getting better. Our children and young people deserve the best possible educational opportunities and we are determined to ensure that the high standards we already have are maintained and enhanced in the future."

Maidenhead Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for social services, said the APA gave strong recognition to the strengthening performance in children's social care services as well as the council's thorough quality assurance arrangements to ensure access to services by the children who need them.

She said: "We have made significant progress in the past two years, with social services overall achieving two stars in this week's CSCI results. The implementation of our improvement plan is helping us to make a real difference for the vulnerable children and young people in the borough.

"I would like to thank our staff for their hard work and dedication and also our partners. Close working relationships with other council services and with our partner organisations is a major part of the improvement programme and I am confident we will see even more progress and even better outcomes for children and young people in the year ahead."

There are around 35,500 children and young people up to the age of 19 in the Maidenhead Royal Borough. In line with the requirements of the Children Act, all of the council's services for them will be brought together in one children's services directorate from spring next year. The new directorate will include education, children's social services, youth services and the youth offending team.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 01-Dec-2005

Top honours in this year's Maidenhead best-dressed Christmas window competition are shared between a long-established local independent business and the local branch of a national retail chain.

R H Sands & Sons, of Queen Street, Maidenhead and Evans in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre, Maidenhead were awarded equal points by the judges of the competition organised for Maidenhead Town Partnership (MTP) by town manager Martin Fletcher.

Maidenhead Councillor Vicky Howes, MTP chairman, said: "We are lucky in Maidenhead to have such a wide range of shops and doubly fortunate that many of the owners and managers care enough to make special efforts with their window displays. By joining in the Christmas spirit, shops and businesses add to the festive sparkle and contribute so much to the friendly family atmosphere in the town."

The two winning displays are very different and typify the variety that marked all the entries. Sands' window has a very "chilled" Santa relaxing on one of the company's sofas, while Evans' effort is a more traditional use of snow-covered trees to show off some of the Maidenhead store's merchandise.

The joint runners-up were Fleur de Lis Florist and Beds Are Uzzz, both of King Street, Maidenhead.

Martin Fletcher said the judges were impressed by the standard of all the entries this year. "There were only a few points between them," he said. "It's very rewarding to see so much creativity and imagination put to work in promoting the town's businesses."

All four of the top Maidenhead windows were awarded certificates recording their successes, while the two winners also received champagne and chocolates to celebrate their victory.

As well as providing a bit of fun and interest for those taking part, the competition raised £95 towards the Maidenhead Advertiser Cracker Appeal, as each of the participants made a donation to this local good cause when they submitted their entry forms.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 30-Nov-2005