Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead Royal Borough residents have another opportunity to meet their local elected representatives on Saturday February 4 2006.

Maidenhead councillors will be holding their regular surgery between 10am and 12 noon in the new reception area of the Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead.

The open session - no appointment necessary - means people can drop in and meet the members to discuss local issues, air their views or ask for help and advice. Arrangements can be made for confidential interviews during the morning, if requested.

Future Maidenhead surgeries will be held between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday 1 April, 3 June, 5 August, 7 October and 2 December.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Bus drivers are to boycott a Maidenhead housing estate, after an incident in which a brick was hurled through the windscreen of a coach.

The brick shattered the windscreen, sending shards of glass flying. The driver - a woman in her 40s - escaped with cuts and bruises. She managed to stop the bus without being involved in a collision. But she is in a state of shock.

There was only one passenger on board the coach, and they were not injured.

Now police officers may travel on board buses in plain clothes in order to try to catch the attackers.

Drivers with Courtney Coaches, which runs buses on the route, have now imposed a ban on driving across Maidenhead's Woodlands Park estate at night.

From Thursday, they will not be driving through Woodlands Park Estate after 6 pm.

Jackie Matthews, liaison manager for Courtney Coaches said that they have CCTV images of three youths before the incident.

The attack occurred at around 8pm on Wednesday night, as the bus turned out of Halifax Way and back into Courtney Road, Maidenhead.

She is convinced that the attack was premeditated and not just vandalism.

Jackie said: "I think that the CCTV images show them watching the bus come by and then waiting for it to return."

An extra service, which the company was due to start operating from the cinemas in Maidenhead town centre to the Woodlands Park estate from 10pm has been scrapped.

The drivers have also said they will not drive across the Woodlands Park estate after 6pm.

Jackie said: "The drivers have just said they will no longer do it."

The attack on the coach is the eighth incident involving Courtney Coaches over the past three months - all of them took place in the Larchfield estate area. The incidents have also seen seven drivers resign from the company.

Inspector Steve Hunt - who is neighbourhood inspector for Maidenhead - said: "Throwing objects at buses is an extremely dangerous thing to do and we will take strong action against the perpetrators.

"We are aware that there have been a number of attacks on buses in the Maidenhead area, and we are treating them very seriously."

He said that the police are working closely with the bus company, to try to take a range of actions to resolve the problem.

"These include having uniformed and plain clothes officers travelling on the buses, as well as other tactics."

The company would like to hear from anyone who might have seen any of the incidents. You can contact Courtney Coaches on 01344 412302 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 5th February - 11th February 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

5th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Sophie Scholl (PG)
* 7:30 pm
Sophie Scholl (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

6th February at Maidenhead

No events planned

7th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Where the Truth Lies (18)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

8th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Libertine (18)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

9th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Endellion String Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

10th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Lee Mack
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

11th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 4:00 pm
The Wiz
* 8:00 pm
The Wiz
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

Detectives have renewed their appeal for witnesses who saw a Maidenhead Royal Mail van being ambushed by an armed robber.

They are desperate to hear from anyone who might have seen the driver forcibly removed from his cabin by a robber armed with a knife.

The drama began when the 23-year-old postman was sitting in his van in Raymond Road, Maidenhead at about 10 am on Friday a fortnight ago.

As he sat there finishing off paper-work for a parcel he was about to deliver, the driver's door was sudden-ly pulled open. A man then threatened him with a knife.

The attacker grabbed the post-man's jacket and pulled him out of the vehicle and onto the ground. The robber then got into the driver's seat and locked all the doors.

Although the postman tried to stop him, the robber then drove off, turning right into St Mark's Road.

Despite being heaved out of his van, the postman did not suffer any injuries.

The stolen van was a red Ford Transit with Royal Mail insignia. It contained a number of parcels, but none of them were thought to be of any great value.

Police have described the robber is being of Chinese or Korean appearance, of broad build, 6ft and aged about 25.

He was wearing a distinctive apple green bomber jacket with the hood up.

Anyone who saw the incident, or who has any information is asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

South Premier Division II Blackheath 2 Maidenhead 9

Maidenhead have struggled for goals all season, hitting just 12 until Saturday,when they dispatched nine in one afternoon.

Maidenhead always looked the more threatening in front of goal and it was no surprise when Darrell Cassidy turned and scored in the fifth minute. But Maids could not hold onto their lead for long, with Blackheath striking from a penalty corner.

Maidenhead dominated the half and thanks to McConkey went two goals to the good at 3-1 - but back came Blackheath, with another penalty corner,on the stroke of half-time.

Following words of wisdom from coach Calum Giles and some of the senior players, Maidenhead took the game away from their hosts in the second half. Five goals in a short space of time finished the game as a contest, with McConkey completing a hat-trick, Reid, Cassidy again, Cresey and Latham all getting on the score sheet.

Even after Maidenhead had scored the ninth, there was no let up in the search for double figures.

It was relief all around for Maidenhead; there is now confidence that goals can be scored and relegation avoided.

Barnes did Maidenhead a favour by beating Blackheath in a re-arranged game the next day,leaving Maidenhead just one point behind Blackheath. Hopefully Maidenhead can take this performance into the rest of the season, starting at home to Tulse Hill on Saturday.

Team: Bird, Cresey,Edwards, Gaze, Sood, Latham, Roberts, Bockett-Pugh, McConkey,Reid, Cassidy,Brown, Allan

Maidenhead U18 Boys 3 Guildford 4

MAIDS took on Guildford at home on a cold Sunday at Altwood. Guildford took advantage of Maids' slow start and scored after five minutes but Maids settled down and absorped a sustained period of pressure, before starting to take the game to Guildford.

The second half took on a similar pattern of play,with Maids attacks breaking down before reaching the 'D', whereas the Guildford attacks penetrated in to the 'D', leading to another goal by Guildford. Despite continued pressure by Maids they failed to score.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

It's all change for passengers using Arriva bus route 317 between Maidenhead and High Wycombe via Bourne End and Cookham, with both route and timetable alterations taking effect from next Monday (January 30).

The service to and from Maidenhead will continue to be hourly, but the times will be more regular, with buses leaving both Maidenhead (Bridge Avenue) and High Wycombe bus station at 45 minutes past each hour. Extra buses will continue to provide a half-hourly service between High Wycombe and Bourne End.

There will be an additional early morning bus from Monday to Friday, arriving in Maidenhead at 7.05am and leaving at 7.15am. Saturday's early morning bus will arrive in Maidenhead at 7.35am and leave again ten minutes later.

The time change is designed to improve the efficiency of connections at High Wycombe to a range of destinations including Amersham, Princes Risborough and Aylesbury.

In response to passengers' requests for a pick-up point near Maidenhead railway station, the 317 will now stop in Grenfell Road and also Frascati Way (opposite the market) on its journey from Maidenhead to High Wycombe.

The route into Maidenhead will not be changed, with buses continuing to set down in St Cloud Way (outside the leisure centre) and at Bridge Avenue.

A full copy of the new timetable is available on Arriva's website www.arrivabus.co.uk. Travel information for bus services across the south east is available from Traveline on 0870 608 2608 or on www.traveline.org.uk. Arriva's services team can be contacted on 08701 291088.

For further information contact Neil Beswick, Maidenhead Royal Borough transport team leader, on 01628 796509.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Police and bomb disposal experts attended an incident in Maidenhead yesterday in which a live hand grenade was found in a garden.

At about 2.15pm, two gardeners working in communal gardens at the rear of Phoenix Court in Norreys Drive, Maidenhead, discovered a hand grenade underneath bushes.

Police attended the scene and after inspecting the device, they placed a safety cordon around the immediate area and called in army bomb disposal specialists.

The grenade was believed to be World War II ordnance of American design. It is not known how it came to be in the gardens, but the area used to be a landfill site.

The bomb disposal team took the grenade to Ockwells Park, where it was detonated safely in a controlled explosion at approximately 4pm. No-one was injured in the incident and residents of the flats were not evacuated.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Extended schools services in the Maidenhead Royal Borough will be officially launched this week at a special education conference.

Eight Maidenhead schools are spearheading an innovative scheme to extend the variety of services they offer, including Dedworth First and Middle schools and Alexander, Braywood, Hilltop and Homer First Schools in Windsor which offer:

* a breakfast club
* family learning sessions
* participation in the Windsor School Sport partnership (SSCo)

and in Maidenhead, with Ellington Primary, which offers adult education and community outreach services through their "Equal Access for All" initiative, and Desborough Secondary school's varied programme of after-school activities and community learning through their language college.

Headteachers and chairs of governors from across the Maidenhead Royal Borough will join council staff and partners from the voluntary and statutory sectors at Dorney Lake on Thursday January 26.

After being welcomed by Maidenhead Cllr Mary-Rose Gliksten, leader of the council, delegates will hear David Lunn, chief executive, outline some of the key priorities and challenges for extended services in the Royal Borough.

The talks will be followed by workshops covering topics such as consulting with the community, forging partnerships, making schools inclusive and the school inspection agenda. Discussion groups will then help schools answer questions about developing their own extended services and help them determine the next steps.

Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said: "We are very pleased with the innovative work being carried out to extend the services schools offer to children and hope that the conference will encourage more Royal Borough schools to follow suit."

Extended Schools provide a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of Maidenhead children, their families and the wider community. These services may include childcare, adult education, parenting support programmes, community-based health and social care services, multi-agency behaviour support teams and after-school activities. By 2010 it is anticipated that all schools will offer at least the following core services:

* High quality wraparound childcare (available 8am-6pm all year round) including breakfast and after-school clubs
* A varied menu of extra-curricular activities including clubs and special interest groups
* Support for parents including courses, mentoring and advice
* Swift and easy access to specialist support services such as speech therapy, mental health services, family support services and intensive behaviour support
* Providing wider community access and adult learning including opening up school facilities such as ICT, sports and arts facilities.

The Extended Schools programme is part of the Every Child Matters agenda, which aims to ensure that all children have the best possible start in life and achieve the five outcomes to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. More information is available from the Maidenhead Extended Schools Team on 01628 796584. For more information on Every Child Matters go to www.everychildmatters.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Do you care about your Maidenhead community?

That's the question posed by the Maidenhead Royal Borough as it launches one of its biggest ever public consultations, challenging local people to make their voices heard about how they want their towns, villages and communities to be over the next 15-20 years.

The consultation, which will see exhibitions and drop in sessions across the community, is being staged to help the council draw up the Local Development Framework (LDF) – the replacement for the Local Plan. Its job will be to guide future development in the Maidenhead borough and its influence will extend into almost all aspects of daily life – housing, jobs, shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment opportunities, the Green Belt and the countryside.

"This is the Royal Borough's Big Plan and it's never been more important for local people to have their say about how they want their borough to shape up – not only for themselves but for their children and grandchildren," said Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for planning.

"We have difficult challenges ahead – the need to protect our countryside and Green Belt while at the same time ensuring there is enough housing, particularly for young people trying to get on to the property ladder, and keeping our local economy buoyant.

"Drawing up the LDF will be a lengthy and complex process but the bottom line is that it's all about people – the way we live, how we want to protect and improve our quality of life and make sure we have a good community for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.

"That's why I believe Royal Borough residents can't afford to miss this opportunity of making their voices heard and we are giving everyone the opportunity to join in."

The six-week consultation, which kicks off on January 27, will see more than 58,000 newsletters delivered by Royal Mail to every home in the Maidenhead borough. The newsletters explain what the LDF is all about, provide helpful "jargon buster" sections to crack through the technical terms and give residents a fast-track way of putting their views across in a questionnaire covering the key elements of the consultation.

There is also guidance on how to get more detailed information and the invitation to take part in the consultation on-line via the Maidenhead council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk

Distribution of the newsletters will start on February 10, leading into a packed "roadshow" programme of exhibitions in Windsor and Maidenhead and drop-in sessions in towns and villages throughout the borough.

"Our aim is to take the LDF into the community and encourage people of all ages to get involved," Cllr Howes explained. "We will be putting newsletters into our schools and youth centres to stimulate debate amongst young people – their feedback is vital as they are the generation who will be taking the LDF forward and seeing it up and running."

Full details of the Maidenhead consultation roadshow programme will be issued next week.

This consultation concentrates on the LDF's draft Core Strategy, the first major policy document of the process. It will set the long-term vision for the borough and the over-arching policies required to meet the needs of residents. More detailed documents covering specific aspects of the LDF, including housing, employment, sites allocations and retailing, will follow at later stages.

The LDF links directly to the overall vision for the Royal Borough*, developed by the council and its partners through the local Community Partnership.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Young voters will once again be heading for the ballot box next week to cast their votes in this year's election for the Maidenhead Royal Borough's third MYP (Member of Youth Parliament).

Election fever hots up from Monday (January 23) as the polls open at Maidenhead youth and community centres and participating schools across the borough and all 11-18-year-olds are urged to choose one of their peers to represent their views in the national parliamentary arena.

With polls closing on Friday (January 27) young Maidenhead voters have just five days to study the form and pick a winner from the five-strong field of riders standing for election to the prestigious post.

The contenders are:
Asher Majeed (14) Maidenhead (Shiplake College)
Natasha Lavender (16) Windsor (Windsor Girls School)
Gemma Thorogood (12) Windsor (Trevelyan School)
Lydia Earnshaw-Snow (12) Windsor (Trevelyan School)
Alexander Redford (12) Windsor (Trevelyan School).

The winner will be announced at a special presentation evening in the council chamber in the Maidenhead Town Hall on Thursday February 2. The new MYP will follow in the footsteps of the first two MYPs Robert Weeks and Helen Flory to represent the views of local young people at the National Youth Parliament conferences.

He or she will also work closely with borough youth workers to set up local "satellite" youth forums around the borough to feed ideas and opinions into the borough youth forum.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "All the candidates standing for election deserve our support and congratulations for putting themselves forward to represent the views of their peers in the prestigious Youth Parliament.

"The role of MYP for the borough involves a great deal of hard work and commitment, and all five candidates have demonstrated that they are ready to take on this challenging task. I would like to urge all eligible young voters to use their votes and take part in these elections – and wish all the candidates the very best of luck at the polls."

Young people can vote at one of eight youth and community centres across the borough – Datchet, Windsor, Eton Wick, Old Windsor, The Manor, Pinkneys Green, Cox Green and Castle Hill, and at the following four schools – Trevelyan, St Edward's Middle, Desborough and Windsor Girls' where the candidates' manifestos will be available. Voters can also view the manifesto and vote on line at: www.rbwm.gov.uk/forms/af3/an/default.aspx/RenderForm/?F.Name=b8o1zwz0lss

For further information about the elections and the role of the MYP contact Danny Gomm, youth participation co-ordinator, on 016289 510289.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

# Sensory Garden Planned For Maidenhead Kidwells Park #

One of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's most ambitious community projects is likely to take another step forward as cabinet prepares to give the go-ahead for the next stage of the proposal to relocate Maidenhead Castle Hill Youth and Community Centre to the grade II listed 4 Marlow Road.

If recommendations to next Thursday's meeting (January 26) are approved, it will also pave the way for a new sensory garden for Maidenhead people with visual and other disabilities in the adjacent Kidwells Park.

Cabinet approval would mean that the Castle Hill site could be sold to fund the project which would:

* refurbish and equip 4 Marlow Road, including the building of a brand new extension to meet the needs of the young people and the many local people and groups who use the existing centre
* provide modern accommodation for a much wider range of community organisations, including Relate, the No 22 youth counselling service and the Citizens' Advice Bureau
* at the same time retain and improve the features of the distinctive building, formerly the local technical college.

The new Maidenhead centre would also enable:

* the design and planting of an accessible sensory garden in Kidwells Park to replace the garden formerly sited in the grounds adjacent to 4 Marlow Road
* closer links with the popular and wide-ranging outdoor youth provision in the park.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said this was a golden opportunity for youth and community provision close to Maidenhead town centre and, at the same time, a unique chance to take a fresh look at how best to use the Castle Hill site to improve the surrounding area.

He explained: "The dilapidated Castle Hill building does nothing to enhance this important part of Maidenhead and by making the site available for sale we can not only ensure that any new development is in keeping with the local environment but also achieve a state-of-the-art centre at Marlow Road. This is a win-win situation for Maidenhead."

Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead property, stressed that the borough would keep careful control on what happened at Castle Hill when the youth and community centre moves and also ensure that the local community is consulted.

She said: "If cabinet approves the recommendation we will advertise for possible partners to express an interest in the site. Once a partner has been identified we will make sure there is further consultation with neighbours and centre users to help us decide the most appropriate development for the future."

In the meantime the Maidenhead council will submit the Marlow Road scheme to English Heritage for their approval and then put in a formal planning application. If all the permissions are forthcoming, the aim is to put the scheme out to tender in the late summer and for the work to be completed by the end of next year.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 29th January - 4th February 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

29th January at Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

30th January at Maidenhead

No events planned

31st January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

1st February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

2nd February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

3rd February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

4th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Sweeney Todd
* 7:30 pm
Sweeney Todd
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

South League Premier Division Two Maidenhead 1 PHC Chiswick 1

Maidenhead returned to league hockey and struggled against a PHC Chiswick side bottom of the table and yet to win this term.

Maidenhead entered the game filled with confidence after winning for the first time since August in a friendly against Henley the previous week, and with a near full strength side.

The only absentee from the side that had finished before Christmas was Pete Latham, but there was a league debut for new midfielder Paul Bockett-Pugh.

Maidenhead looked by far the stronger in the opening exchanges, attacking fast and direct down both flanks, with left wing Matt McConkey and right wing Darryl Cassidy to the fore.

McConkey went close early on, firing a reverse strike low to the far corner, which the Chiswick keeper did well to save. Maidenhead continued to press and captain Nick Roberts' long ball found Cassidy on the back post - but unfortunately his touch took most of the pace of the ball and the Chiswick defence cleared.

Maidenhead also survived a couple of scares at their own end, with Spencer Bird looking sharp in goal. Two unconverted penalty corners for Maidenhead meant that the game arrived at half-time with the scores tied at 0-0.

After the break, the home side pushed their domination of the game to new levels, retaining possession of the ball for long periods, but were unable to create very many chances.

However, the opening goal came for Maidenhead from a fast break after a rare Chiswick attack. Roberts cleared to Cassidy, whose touch found Bockett-Pugh on the halfway line.

His early pass released McConkey, who used his pace to bypass his marker before slamming a reverse strike past the onrushing 'keeper into the bottom corner.

Still pressing heavily, Maidenhead lost concentration on a Chiswick break. The Maidenhead defence hesitated, thinking the ball had hit a Chiswick foot, but play was waved on, and the visitors produced a neat finish to level the score at 1-1 with 15 minutes to go.

Despite continuing to be the stronger side, Maidenhead were unable to find the winner. They now need to win at least four games to have a chance of staying up.

Team: Bird (GK), Cresey, Edwards, Gaze, Sood, Brown, Roberts, Allan, McConkey, Cook, Cassidy,Reid, Bockett-Pugh

London League Div One Maidenhead Men's 2s 1 London Wayferers 0

ANDREW Flynn's spectacular, first-time strike into the roof of the net with ten minutes to go finally broke down Wayfarers' stubborn defence.

Goalkeeper Dave Bockett-Pugh was voted man-of-the-match for his timely interventions.

Maidenhead Mens 2As 1 London Wayfarers 4 MAIDENHEAD'S defence had no answer to Wayfarers' incessant first half attacks, with the Londoners scoring four times without reply before the break.

A change in formation in the second half changed the pattern of the game. Maidenhead, with a bolstered midfield, put Wayfarers onto the back foot, and Turner was able to flick home a consolation after good work by Crowther,Reid, and Nattress.

South League Division 2 Brentwood 2 Maidenhead 4

MAIDENHEAD had to make some changes to their regular side against East League opponents Brentwood, due to a number of absentees.

Maidenhead made hard work of the first half but led 3-1 at the break. Chantal Frost, Debbie Keel and Clare Third scored the goals but it was a score that flattered Maidenhead.

The second half started better with pleasing moves down the right hand side. Keel linked up well with Third and youngster Elise Facer-Childs to create goal scoring opportunities.

Archer began the move that led to a fourth goal, spreading the ball wide, before it was drilled into the circle and Mgonigle despatched it home emphatically.

A lack of concentration at the back led to a Brentwood penalty corner and a goal - but it was Maidenhead who, while not at their best, looked most likely to score in the closing stages, as they cruised to a comfortable win.

Maidenhead: Stevenson, Third, Edgerley, Easson, Miall, Frost, Archer, Hohenauer, Keel, Facer-Childs, Mgonigle. Subs: Maudsley

* FAY Saunders, Jo Upton, Sam Beck, Sue Edgerley, Nicola Squires were on target in Maidenhead Ladies 3As 5-3 win against Sonning Vets

Maidenhead U16 Boys 4 Reading 0

MAIDENHEAD went to Sonning Lane having played just one match this season, due to county fixtures and cancellations.

But, despite this lack of match practice, Maidenhead took the game to Reading and scored through Brown after three minutes.

Both sides had opportunities in the first half but Maids were unable to convert when they were in Reading's D, while the back three for Maidenhead of Fletcher, Jones and Cooke closed down the Reading attacks.

Brown again scored after three minutes at the beginning of the second half. Reading continued to press but strong work by Jones in the midfield helped Maidenhead control the game.

Midway through the half Jones took another solo run through the Reading defence to score. With Reading down to ten players, due to injury, McElligott was on hand to score a late fourth.

Team: Sawheney; Jones; Fletcher: Cooke; Mitchinson; Brown; Jones (Captain); Crossley; McElligott; Blacker; Bahra :

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Five Maidenhead Royal Borough foster carers who have notched up more than 55 years service between them are to have their achievements honoured this week at a special awards evening.

Maidenhead Social services chiefs will present the awards at the annual foster carers awards supper at Cookham Parish Centre, Cookham, on Thursday January 19.

More than 40 local Maidenhead foster carers are expected to attend the presentation and supper to see husband and wife team Brian and Shirley Webb receive a special award to mark their 20 years as foster carers .

Mr Webb – formerly lock-keeper at Hurley lock – is also the Maidenhead borough's foster carers' professional, working closely with other carers and the fostering and adoption team to provide an even more effective service to young people in their care. He and his wife Shirley will be presented with an engraved glass vase.

Other carers receiving awards are Sheila Finlayson of Windsor who has completed 15 years service; Stan and Pauline Rawlings of Windsor who have been providing respite care for disabled children for 10 years, and Lisa Sharpe of Maidenhead and Trudy Wiseman from White Waltham, also foster carers for children with disabilities, who will each receive five-year awards.

The carers will be welcomed by Jim Gould, Maidenhead Royal Borough director of social services, Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for social services and Heather Andrews, head of children's services.

Cllr Proctor said: "It is wonderful to be able to present these awards in recognition of the hard work of some of our very dedicated foster carers.

"Every one of our carers is a real inspiration to us all, and this is a good way of being able to thank just a few of them publicly for the wonderful job they do in helping to look after some of the most vulnerable youngsters in our community."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust will once again benefit from the Maidenhead Mayor's Charity Dinner which will be held in the newly-refurbished Desborough Suite of the Town Hall on Friday February 24.

Mayor Maidenhead Cllr Eric Wiles is hoping to be back in harness after his recent illness in good time to host the prestigious black tie event and he and the Mayoress, Mrs Heather Wiles, will welcome guests from organisations across the borough as well as representatives from other local authorities.

Tickets are currently on sale for the dinner, which last year raised more than £4,000 to help keep the vital air ambulance service in the sky.

The Maidenhead evening promises to be one of the borough's spring social highlights, with a drinks reception in at 7.15pm, followed by a three-course dinner. There will be a charity raffle and music by the BBO Big Band to round off the evening – and all proceeds will go to the Air Ambulance, which has been selected as the Mayor's charity for the second successive year.

Tickets priced at £40 each are available on a first-come-first-served basis from Alison Singleton, Mayor's secretary, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1RF (tel: 01628 796223). Applications for tickets should be received no later than Friday February 3.

Guests will have the opportunity to have photographs taken by a professional photographer during the evening, with 20% of the sales donated to the charity.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

People who like books and reading could open a new chapter of activities in their spare time by joining the Maidenhead Royal Borough's band of volunteers working with the homes mobile service.

Volunteers go into people's own homes and local Maidenhead residential homes to provide help and support with reading or listening to story tapes – and the appeal has gone out for more volunteers to boost the service and enable even more people to enjoy books in the future.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said volunteers had been a valuable part of the homes mobile service for many years and more were needed to cope with the demand.

He said: "Many older people in the borough, who can no longer manage to get to libraries really appreciate the support of the mobile service. Our team of volunteers spend time with them, perhaps have a cuppa and give a helping hand with choosing books and tapes. This is a great way of helping to make the library service accessible to those in our community who are unable to get out and about and who want to keep in touch with the wider world of literature and information that most of us who visit libraries in the normal way take for granted."

The popular Maidenhead homes mobile service currently has a waiting list of older people so volunteers are needed as soon as possible. No special qualifications are required as training and guidance will be given – just an interest in books and the time to spend with library customers who are confined to their homes. Volunteers also need to be able to drive and be fit enough to carry books, which can be heavy. All volunteers are subject to the usual Criminal Records Bureau checks.

Anyone interested in becoming a Maidenhead homes mobile service volunteer should contact Margaret Simpson on 01628 826139 or Ralph Hinchliffe on 01628 796314.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

We need to learn to think and act differently if we are to achieve a sustainable future.

That's the message of the worldwide challenge of sustainability – a challenge which the Maidenhead Royal Borough is tackling head-on with its innovative draft Learning for Sustainability (LfS) Framework.

Everyone involved in learning – in Maidenhead schools, colleges, youth and community organisations and businesses - is being encouraged to pick up the sustainability gauntlet and get involved by commenting on the draft framework.

Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, leader of the Maidenhead council, said: "Sustainability is not just another buzzword – it is all about our vision for the future and what we should be doing now to make that vision achievable.

"In simple terms – if we think of our use of resources such as fuel, we will need to be over four times more efficient to ensure that the environmental impact is no greater in the future than it is today. And that means learning to think and act differently.

"Our Learning for Sustainability Framework is an ambitious attempt to bring sustainability on to the agenda of all those involved in learning, whether in the formal education sector or in youth and community organisations or even businesses."

The draft framework sets out that Learning for Sustainability should develop:
· an understanding of how environmental, economic and social issues are interlinked
· skills in understanding the complexity of our world, in consensus building and decision-making
· the ability to identify unsustainable practices, find the causes and plan and implement solutions.

The LfS Framework supports the Maidenhead borough's Community Strategy, which recognises that schools and the whole community need to understand the importance of sustainability issues if the vision, values and strategic priorities of the strategy are to become a reality.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in wealthy countries like the UK enjoy lifestyles shared only by a minority of the world's population and yet are dependent upon the use of the majority of the Earth's available resources. You don't have to be an Einstein to work out that there is a problem here and it is a problem that will only be solved if we are learning for sustainability."

Tim Morton, the Maidenhead borough's LfS co-ordinator, said: "Most people know that the way we are running the world is not sustainable but we cannot be sure what a sustainable world will look like. Therefore we need to be learning for sustainability if we are ever to forge a sustainable future for everyone."

The draft LfS Framework can be viewed or downloaded at www.rbwm.gov/business/ecolfs_index.htm together with an online version of the consultation form. Alternatively you can request a copy of the framework and consultation form from Victoria Wood on 01628 796291. Consultation forms should be returned to the Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, by Tuesday January 31.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's all change at Maidenhead's popular community café Bridge That Gap next week with a trio of "specials" - a new home, longer opening hours and a bigger menu.

It will be service with an even broader smile as the popular community eaterie moves into its new home in the Desborough suite in the Maidenhead Town Hall, extends its opening times from one day a week to five and adds to its already popular and mouthwatering menu.

The thriving Maidenhead café – run by service users from Brunel and Oakbridge day centres - will now open Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm, and its popular lunchtime fare will be extended from teas and coffees and sandwiches to include jacket potatoes, salads, hot soup and a range of panini snacks.

The kettle will be on and the doors will be open wide as the café celebrates its move with a housewarming party and official launch on Tuesday January 17 at 11am when deputy Maidenhead mayor Cllr Beverley Green will cut the ceremonial ribbon before inviting visitors to try out the mouthwatering menu.

Regular diners have been enjoying the Bridge That Gap hospitality since 2003 where it began life one day a week in St Mary's Church, High Street, Maidenhead. At the beginning of last year the café moved to the Methodist Church in the High Street and changed its opening day to Thursday.

The café's popularity inspired "second helpings" in 2004 with the opening of Bridge That Gap mark two in St John the Baptist Church, High Street, Windsor, where it will re-open at Easter serving tourists, shoppers and office workers.

Both Brunel and Oakbridge provide a popular service for Maidenhead adults with learning difficulties, with in-house activities ranging from computer training to kitchen hygiene, as well as outreach work including opportunities to study at local colleges, undertake
conservation projects and enjoy a variety of social outings.

Maidenhead Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for social services, said: "I am really thrilled with the success of Bridge That Gap, and delighted at the response it has had from customers since it first opened.

"The whole venture is a huge boost to the self-respect of all our users – and it is wonderful to see them taking such pride in the service they are providing. By opening the café every day we are introducing the users to a realistic work ethic, as well as giving them the opportunity to put into practice some of the skills they learn at the day centres.

"I am sure the café will continue to go from strength to strength, enjoyed by both Town Hall staff and members of the public."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 22nd - 28st January 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

22nd January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Lunchtime Concert for Mozart’s Birthday
* 3:00 pm
Le Grand Voyage (15)
* 7:30 pm
Le Grand Voyage (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Shine

23rd January at Maidenhead

No events planned

24th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Elizabethtown (12A)

25th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Beat that my Heart Skipped (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

26th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Beat that my Heart Skipped (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

27th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Pendulum Jazz Orchestra with Tina May and Nikki Iles
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

28th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Two Pianos - Penelope Thwaites and John Lavender
* 7:30 pm
Hurrysickness
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

Maidenhead Maids ensured that justice was done when they exacted sweet revenge against Oxford Harlequins at Braywick last Saturday.

Back in November, the Maidenhead Maids let victory slip through their fingers at Oxford where they had two match-winning tries disallowed after staging an epic comeback.

Then, the laurels of battle went to No 8 Piers Morgan who scored three of Maidenhead's five tries but then twice had the ref rule out what looked perfectly legitimate touchdowns in the closing stages.

Maidenhead Maids had held a commanding lead at 21-5 after 30 minutes against a side who at that time had not scored a try in 200 minutes of rugby.

On Saturday, the Quins were contained by a Maidenhead side depleted by an injury list which has lengthened with the addition of scrum half Ben Ayres who - like full back Rob Hawkins and backs Danny Martin and Sam Hocking - have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Maidenhead Maids coach Simon Edwards still faces a dilemma over the full back position. His son Gareth now moves to his natural role at scrum half, having shared the No 15 shirt with Ayres and last week's wearer Stu Mackay whose talents suit him better as a centre.

Happily, skipper and fly-half Mark Ruddick chose this match to score his first try of the season while Morgan, who may well consider himself to have been cheated in the previous encounter, got his own back with the first score of the second game.

A match that lacked lustre but which Maidenhead never looked like losing, saw two small packs cancel each other out in the early stages.

But Maidenhead's superiority in open play combined with their speed and quick hands of the backs, eventually saw them through.

Things looked ominous for Maidenhead Maids when centre Simon Cripps went off with a facial injury after ten minutes, bringing teenager Rob Thomas into action.

Morgan managed to get the only score of the half after 17 minutes, but Ruddick was unable to convert the extra points from a relatively straightforward position.

Maidenhead increased their lead three minutes after the interval through Mackay, Ruddick again missing the chance to stretch the margin.

But three minutes later the Quins cut the lead to five points when their flanker Ali Craddock crossed the line, that kick too going wide of the target.

Ruddick restored the advantage after 54 minutes, catching a ball which popped up into his arms and then racing down the line to score in the corner.

Ironically,from the most difficult of the three conversions he attempted on the day, this one sailed over.

Ruddick added a further penalty in the 72nd minute to complete the scoring and seal the win.

SOUTH WEST ONE

MAIDENHEAD 20 OXFORD HARLEQUINS 5

Maidenhead Maids: Mackay, Douglas, Hammond, Cripps, Nisbet, Ruddick, Edwards, Riley, Craig, Johnston, Gallina, Jones, Vorster, Lowden, Morgan. Subs: Parkhouse, Blackwell, Thomas.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards officers are warning residents to be on their guard against scam postcards currently being delivered to homes across the borough.

The postcards claim there is a digital camera awaiting collection – but Maidenhead householders need to dial a premium rate number to arrange delivery. At £1.50 a minute the call will cost nearly £9. So far no-one has actually received a camera.

Thousands of households across the UK have received this mailshot over the Christmas period. The cards, which are similar in style to those left by Royal Mail, are from a company calling itself Parcel Delivery Services (PDS). Recent enquires into similar scams have traced the company behind them, Studio Telecom, to an address in Belize in South America.

Steve Johnson, Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards manager, advised: "If you are not expecting a parcel be very wary about cards like this. Any phone number starting 090 will be a premium rate number and you can quickly run up a large bill. The premium rate telephone watchdog ICSTIS is investigating this company and we hope they will be able to shut down this scam."

Anyone who receives these postcards is advised to telephone Maidenhead trading standards on 01628 683802.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Maidenhead Borough is continuing its bid to smooth the path from school to adulthood for young people with learning difficulties or additional needs with the launch next week of an innovative information pack full of helpful advice and facts.

The new transition pack will be launched at an open evening "Planning the Way Ahead" to be held on Wednesday January 18 from 7 – 9pm in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, for young people aged 13 – 24 with disabilities, and for their families and carers.

The launch of the 90-page ring-binder folder - produced by Maidenhead borough's Learning Disability Partnership Board and the Connexions careers support and advisory service - follows the success of the first open evening held in October 2004. The contents of the pack address the information needs highlighted by young people and their families at that first evening to help with the transition process to adulthood.

It is packed with information from Maidenhead Social Services and from local agencies including the Connexions Service and Ways into Work; from local colleges and leisure and day service providers; as well as information about activities and workshops for young people in transition and details of the transition process which starts in school Year 9.

All these services will feature in a range of workshops and short talks during Wednesday's open evening to highlight the opportunities and choices available to young people.

Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for Maidenhead social services said: "We are delighted to be able to launch our new information pack which has been compiled as a result of the feedback from our first information evening – and hopefully reflects the kind of information our young people and their families want to help them through a potentially stresful stage in their development.

"The move from school life to adulthood can be particularly stressful for young people with learning difficulties, and anything we can do to improve this move is really worthwhile.

"Hopefully this one-stop information pack will be a useful and very practical tool for families in need of support and practical help. And we also hope the information they will obtain by coming along to the open evening will go some way towards helping young people appreciate the opportunities that are available."

For further information about the Maidenhead open evening and the information packs contact Sandra Driver, person-centred planning and transition officer, on 01628 503338.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead United 2 Sutton United 0

Sutton handed struggling Maidenhead United their first home league victory of the season last Saturday.

Two goals down in the 57th minute, U's went a man down four minutes later when Luke Cornwall was sent off.

Having lost on-loan Jay Conroy to an ankle injury during the pre-match warm-up U's made a promising start and Maidenhead goalkeeper Scott Tarr had to be off his line quickly in the first minute to save from Eddie Akuamoah.

It was the Maidenhead home side who struck first, however, from the opening corner of the game in the ninth minute. U's failed to clear the ball and, although Phil Wilson managed to push Marc Whiteman's low shot against the post, the rebound fell for Stephen Hughes to slam home from close range.

Despite trying to string together some neat passing moves U's seemed vulnerable to their more direct Maidenhead hosts who went two up when Lee Newman shrugged off Matt Gray and dribbled along the byline before setting up a tap-in for Whiteman.

The game erupted with Brendan Gallen's reaction to a perfectly fair challenge from Gray as they contested a high ball on the edge of the penalty area. When the dust settled referee Burt waved the yellow card at Gallen, Steve Douglas, and Cornwall, who had already been cautioned.

ic Surrey Online ~ Maidenhead

Maidenhead Commuters are fuming because they have been been hit with above-inflation increases in rail fares this year.

Travellers with First Great Western Link - which operates from Paddington to Maidenhead -will face increases of up to 3.9 per cent.

Maidenhead station is understood to be the second highest generator of incomes from fares in the First Great Western Link area which covers Slough, Maidenhead and Oxford. The highest is beleived to be Reading.

Shila Mohgul, 26, who regularly travels from Slough to Maidenhead, said: "I have just come from Slough and I have been waiting for a train for 20 minutes. There frequently seem to be delays. I have also been on trains where there has been nowhere to sit.

I think it is disgusting to put the fares up so much. There is never anywhere to sit. I dont think they should have the right to put them up so much."

Commuter Rani Smith, 30, from Maidenhead, said: "I dont think the rise can be justified because it is not a very good service. There always seem to be delays. Sometimes the trains are delayed for as much as 20 minutes, which can get you down if you just want to get home at the end of the day."

Another commuter, Reading College student Lucy Kest, 18, also from Maidenhead said: "They are very often late, sometimes as much as 15 minutes, which means I can be late for lectures."

Commuters were backed by Maidenhead MP Theresa May who also spoke out against the increases.

She said: "These inflation-busting increases are a disappointing Christmas present for local commuters and will be seen as a kick in the teeth by those who have to endure standing in overcrowded carriages that persistently fail to run on time.

"Year after year it seems as though commuters are charged more and more while being provided with less and less."

She now plans to meet with Transport Minister Derek Twigg, and write to Alison Forster,the managing director of First Great Western Link.

Mrs May added: "Maidenhead is an important and highly profitable part of the Great Western franchise. It is unacceptable that local commuters be charged more and more for a second-rate service, and I am determined to ensure that real improvements are introduced as soon as possible."

Regulated fares, which cover season tickets and saver tickets, are going up by 3.9 per cent.

Unregulated fares, including cheap day returns, are rising by an average of 4.5 per cent.

A spokesman for First Great Western Link confirmed Maidenhead to be the fourth busiest out of the 71 stations the company operates.

He said: "We recognise that it is very important to commuters. That is why it has the fastest journey time - the 727 service which takes 18 minutes to Paddington. We are also planning to extend the platforms here."

The fares were announced by the Association of Train Operating Companies.

Director general George Muir said the increases were needed to pay for "big improvements", such a new trains and better facilities on the railways.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 15th - 21st January 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

15th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
The Great Dictator (PG)
* 7:30 pm
The Great Dictator (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Shine

16th January at Maidenhead

No events planned

17th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Innocence (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Shine

18th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Paper Boat Show
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Shine

19th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Structure of Time and Sawal-Jawab
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Shine

20th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Structure of Time and Sawal-Jawab
* 8:00 pm
Jez Lowe
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Shine

21st January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids
* 8:00 pm
The Cadillac Kings
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Shine

Maidenhead RFC begin the second half of the season with a determination to win all their games at Maidenhead Braywick Park despite the disruption of a long injury list.

Maidenhead Maids start the New Year by entertaining Oxford Harlequins and are looking for revenge for the narrow defeat in the away match.

Simon Edwards, Maids coach, said: "We feel very aggrieved at the result at their ground, having gone ahead and we felt we should never have lost the game.

"We've trained well for this and we are looking for payback time."

Reflecting on the backend of 2005, Edwards acknowledged that some erratic results were down to the side being unsettled by so many injuries.

Edwards said: "If it wasn't for the injury crisis we would have been in the top two. But to lose a whole back division is devastating to a small club, you just cannot compensate for that.

"But the youngsters who have been drafted in have really put their backs into it."

The situation has now been compounded with the loss of three more key players. Though on a positive note, the Maidenhead team sees the arrival of three players next week - all Kiwis - to strengthen the squad.

Looking ahead, Edwards said: "We set targets at the start of a year and what we want is to be unbeaten at home. It's a big challenge with big teams coming to us, but our aim is to finish very well."

Maidenhead Maids coach Simon Edwards has recently had a different perspective than club rugby,with a stint as coach to the South West Division Regional squad.

Before Christmas Edwards went with the squad of Under-19 players to Spain for warm weather training and they played a match against Spain U19s and beat them 32-7.

Edwards said: "It was a successful trip and they billed us as England U19s and the match was on TV."

That has been followed up with the SW Division playing in the Castlecroft Festival where they recorded the same scoreline of 32-7 in a victory against the North of England.

"It's nice to get out of the environment of club rugby for a while, especially as we had to build a team out of 25 players we did not know."

Edwards was one of three coaches for those matches.

ic Berkshire Maidenhead

There's even more for the over-60s to smile about this week as yet another new Maidenhead SMILE exercise session kick-starts the New Year with a gentle fitness routine.

The latest addition to the Maidenhead Royal Borough's SMILE stable is the third for the Pinder Hall in Cookham – and brings to 23 the total of gentle exercise classes held across the borough specially tailored to help the more mature adult to keep a little fitter.

As the innovative sessions notch up their third successful Maidenhead year, over 60s in Cookham can now add a Thursday afternoon session from 1 to 3pm to their already-popular Tuesday afternoons (2-4pm), and Wednesday mornings from 10am – 12noon.

The new session springs into action on January 12 and features many of the popular activities including chair aerobics, target-frog, short tennis and indoor curling.

More than 2,500 Maidenhead borough residents now regularly attend SMILE – So Much Improvement With a Little Exercise - sessions across the borough at a number of locations including:
· Fifield Memorial Hall (Wednesday 2 – 4pm)
· The British Legion Club, Sawyers Close, Woodlands Park (Monday 1 – 3pm)
· Pinkneys Green youth and community centre, (Monday 1 – 3pm).

For further information about any of these sessions call 01753 842194 and ask for Sarah Robinson, or pop into one of the Maidenhead borough's leisure centres for an information leaflet.

The first session is free, with subsequent sessions costing 50p. All equipment is provided and participants are asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.

Kevin Mist, Maidenhead group leisure centres manager, said: "We are delighted with the success of the SMILE sessions, and hope the extra session at the Pinder Hall will prove to be as popular as the others across the borough.

"All the exercise are very simple and intended to be fun and enjoyable – and to give people the confidence in their own abilities to be able to consider using the gym on a regular basis."

Free swimming sessions are also part of the SMILE programme – with over-60s swimming free at the Maidenhead Magnet and Windsor Leisure centres from Monday to Friday from 2 – 4pm. There are also competitive rates for Bodyzone gym membership – just £26 a month for the over-50s.

For further information about the free swimming sessions telephone 01628 633899.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The views of the Royal Maidenhead Borough's senior citizens will be top of the agenda at a meeting to be held next week in the Town Hall, Maidenhead.

The first meeting of the Maidenhead Older Persons Advisory Forum on Thursday January 12 represents a major step forward in plans to set up a regular forum for the representatives of older people's groups to discuss issues of interest and concern.

Thursday's Maidenhead meeting – organised by social services and the Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead Primary Care Trust – will feature speakers from social services and a representative from Slough Older Persons Advisory Group. Future meetings will encourage discussions on issues ranging from crime, community safety and lifelong learning to waste recycling, transport issues and tackling ageism and discrimination.

Maidenhead Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for social services, said: "We have been working for some time towards setting up a regular forum for older people, which would meet three or four times a year to discuss issues of importance to some of the more vulnerable members of our community.

"This inaugural meeting will be a wonderful way of bringing people together with a common aim – to give a voice to our older citizens and enable them to help shape the future of services provided for them. We hope as many people as possible will come along to the meeting and help to create the basis for a strong, successful forum which will truly reflect the views of our older citizens."

The inaugural meeting of the forum takes place in the Desborough Suite in the Maidenhead Town Hall from 3 – 5pm on Thursday January 12. Tea, coffee and sandwiches will be provided free of charge, and social services is also offering provision for respite care for carers who wish to attend as well as providing assistance with travel arrangements or travel costs.

For further information contact Louise Gray on 01628 796763.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A Family fled from flames in a blaze which gutted part of a house in Maidenhead.

Firefighters were called to the house in Laggan Road, Maidenhead at 4.31pm on Thursday of last week, after a man living at the property discovered the blaze.

Leading firefighter Steve Beard from Maidenhead fire station, which attended the blaze, explained: "The gentleman came out of the bathroom, discovered the fire and alerted his family."

The family - which included the man's wife and their two children - left the building and called firefighters.

Leading firefighter Beard said that the first floor of the two storey house was left "gutted" by the fire.

Laggan Road, Maidenhead resident Jane Doarks witnessed some of the blaze and told the Express: "I saw flames from the back window going up to the roof - it was just an orange flame."

She said that firefighters quickly put out the fire. Her husband Graham took coats out for the family who, she said, also included the woman's sister, because they had left the house without them.

Mrs Doakes said that the family are currently staying with relatives in the area.

Leading Firefighter Beard said that the property did not have a smoke alarm fitted and that the incident highlighted the need for them.

If you require fire prevention advice, visit your local fire station.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 8th - 14th January 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

8th January at Maidenhead

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

9th January at Maidenhead

No events planned

10th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Battle in Heaven (18)

11th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Stoned (15)

12th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Stoned (15)

13th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Murderball (PG)

14th January at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Guy X (15)
* 7:30 pm
Guy X (15)

Eastbourne Borough dropped two valuable home points in a 3-3 draw against lowly Maidenhead United at Priory Lane this afternoon.

On the overall run of play Borough should have completed a comfortable victory over Maidenhead, but it all went wrong for them as they had Phil Warner sent off as well as losing Scott Ramsay and Andy Atkin with injuries.

Ramsay headed Borough into a 10th minute lead only for the defence to fall asleep as Maidenhead Lee Newman equalised just a minute later. Anthony Storey restored the Eastbourne lead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after Ramsay had been brought down by Dominic White in the area. With Danny Marney on for the injured Ramsay, Borough were momentarily reduced to 10 men when Atkin hobbled off in the 67th minute.

But with sub Matt Smart waiting to come on, Ryan Ashe fired in Maidenhead's second equaliser. Three minutes later Warner was harshly penalised for hands in the area and was booked before Stephen Hughes made it 3-2 from the penalty spot.

Disaster was now following disaster for Borough and with manager Garry Wilson urging his team to calm down, Warner committed a silly foul and was sent off for a second bookable offence. Borough, however, kept plugging away and Marney squeezed in the equaliser for a final 3-3 scoreline.

The goal gave the 10 men of Borough new heart and Marney missed two late chances to snatch maximum points. While Borough paid dearly for poor defending and Warner's dismissal, they should have sewn up the game in the first half when they totally dominated play without making it count.

Eastbourne Today