Maidenhead & Windsor

Residents of the Pinkneys Green area of Maidenhead will have an opportunity to meet their neighbourhood police officer, PC Greig Williams, at regular beat surgeries from next week onwards.

Starting on Tuesday 7 March, Maidenhead PC Williams will be holding a monthly beat surgery at Courthouse School in Blenheim Road, Maidenhead.

“I will be working alongside the representative of Maidenhead and District Housing Association, who holds a surgery at the school every Tuesday between 1.30pm and 2.30pm,” said PC Williams. “I’ll be available at the same time, but once every five weeks rather than weekly.

“This is a chance for residents to come and talk to me face-to-face about policing issues in their neighbourhood, including anti-social behaviour and any other concerns they may have.

“There is no need to make an appointment, just drop in for a chat. I look forward to meeting as many people as possible next Tuesday.”

The dates of subsequent beat surgeries will be publicised on noticeboards and in the local media.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

A Row has blown up over proposals to demolish Maidenhead's landmark historic bridge.

Maidenhead residents are outraged by a plan to replace it with a four lane steel structure.

South Bucks district council-lor John M Thomson, writing in Local Government First, put forward the scheme as a cure for the town's traffic problems.

Speaking to the Express, he said: " I have wasted a large part of my life trying to cross Maidenhead Bridge. It is a real bottleneck."

Mr Thomson said he was serious about the proposals which he had raised with the county highways department.

He said: "They thought it was hilarious. But I am deadly serious. I think this is something which would improve the lot of citizens in the royal borough."

He added: "There is no point in having these medieval structures when you are trying to run a 21st-century road system."

Mr Richard Poad, chairman of Maidenhead Heritage Centre, said: "I am speechless at this idea. I just do not know how someone can be so careless with something which is part of the community's heritage.

"This bridge is an iconic symbol of Maidenhead and of the18th century bridges along the River Thames, it is the most splendid. I am really astonished at this suggestion.

"This bridge was built 229 years ago, during the coaching era, when Maidenhead was going through its first boom. I think that Maidenhead bridge will still be there in 100 years' time, long after the last motor car when all the oil has run out."

He added: "I spent 30 years of my life driving over Maidenhead bridge. I accepted that there were jams at certain times of the day. But the rest of the time it was fine."

But Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, leader of Windsor and Maidenhead council, said she 'spluttered her coffee over her cat' when she heard of the scheme.

She said: "I was startled when I heard this idea. It is part of one of the most beautiful stretches of riverside in the country. It is also listed."

She added: "It is not the bridge which causes the problem anyway. The traffic builds up because of the roundabout on the Maidenhead side - where the traffic joins the A4 from Cookham."

Mr Thomson, from Hatchgate, Burnham, first became involved in politics when he accepted the job of chief political agent for the Referendum Party from Jimmy Goldsmith. He wrote the party's original strategy.

Maidenhead Bridge was built in 1717 at a cost of £19,000.

A spokesman for English Heritage said: "Maidenhead Bridge is a Grade I listed building which is of national significance."

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

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

5th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Jo Caulfield

6th March at Maidenhead

No events planned

7th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Familia Rodante (15)

8th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
I Want That Hair
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
The Colour of Ideas

9th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Endellion String Quartet
* 8:00 pm
This Much I Know (Part One)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
The Colour of Ideas

10th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Altwood Palladium 2006
* 8:00 pm
John Kirkpatrick: When Spring Comes In
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
The Colour of Ideas

11th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
The Magic Sandals
* 3:00 pm
The Magic Sandals
* 7:30 pm
St John's Chamber Orchestra
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
The Colour of Ideas

Savage cuts to Maidenhead commuter rail services have been condemned by councillors and a leading MP.

First Great Western (FGW) has unveiled a new draft timetable starting in December which would slash the number of fast trains running from Maidenhead and Slough to London.

Trains feeding into Slough from Windsor on the branch line will also be affected.

The cuts are so contentious that the Maidenhead royal borough council was due to debate them in an eleventh hour addition to its cabinet agenda last night (Thursday).

Speaking earlier this week, borough leader Mary Rose Gliksten said Maidenhead council would be making "very strong representations" to the Department for Transport after councillors draft an official response.

FGW says the timetable changes are necessary after the DfT rejected an earlier timetable and introduced changes to the way train companies run rolling stock on the network.

The public now has until Wednesday, March 8, to comment on the draft proposals.

Maidenhead MP Theresa May has condemned the proposals which will see the number of fast trains from the town cut from five to just three during morning rush hour.

Mrs May has set up a petition on the internet to encourage the public to protest against the cuts.

She said: "There will be fewer fast trains than ever before, which will undoubtedly lead to more overcrowding and force even more people to return to their cars."

Mrs May has slammed the proposed cuts which she described as "catastrophic" for Maidenhead rail travellers.

If you want to register your protest on the Theresa May website go to www.saveourtrains.com before March 8.

Mrs May is to meet with Transport Minister Derek Twigg to discuss the proposals next week.

The changes also mean the Slough to Paddington non-stop fast service will stop at Ealing Broadway - increasing peak time journeys to between 24 and 36 minutes in the morning and between 22 and 37 in the evening.

FGW announced further cuts to peak services, including the deletion of the 6.47am and 9.20am from the morning timetable, as well as the 5.10pm and 7.40pm evening service.

Head of economic development at Slough Borough Council Rafiq Chohan said: "Our local economy relies on communication links with the capital, of all the discussions we have had with local businesses they all say the same thing - 'we want better and more - not less'."

More than 40,000 commuters travel from London into Slough each day and 30,000 from Slough to London.

Mr Chohan warned the Express that these numbers are 'by no means diminishing,' and that the 'future of the local economy depends on these figures.'

FGW - which already operated the town's train services - had its franchise renewed in December last year. It made the bid alongside its sister company, First Great Western Links and will merge with Wessex Trains, with all three forming the Greater Western franchise from April 1.

A spokesman for FGW said they were really keen to learn the views of commuters who should contact FGW on the e-mail address 1106@firstgroup.com.

Maidenhead is one of two rail stations on the Greater Western network which generate huge amounts of revenue for the rail company.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

However it was not until 2001 that we produced the prototype of our first complete racing car, the Maidenhead ADR1000. This car was powered by the 1000cc BMW.

Sports 1000: When it was first shown it created a huge demand and ADR went into production of these for the newly created Maidenhead Sports 1000 series started by the 750 motor club.

Sport 2: Success with these cars led to the design and build of the next car from the ADR marque, the Maidenhead Sport 2. These were the first 2 seater sports prototype cars and had several engine options - the quickest being the 1300cc Suzuki Hayabusa unit.

ADR3: We had hardly gone into production of the Sport 2 when interest from partners in both the USA and France caused us to raise the bar higher. The burgeoning C-Sport category in America led us to design an evolution of the Sport 2 which would have FIA and SCCA approval and bring options to drivers around the world to compete in endurance, sprint, bike-engines or automotive power. This car is the Maidenhead ADR3.

ADR3: The Maidenhead ADR3 comes with 2 engine/drivetrain options; the Suzuki Hayabusa 1.3L or the Honda 2 litre K20 mated to the Hewland FTR gearbox.

ADR Engineering ~ Maidenhead

MAIDENHEAD UNITED 2

BISHOP'S STORTFORD 2

BISHOP'S Stortford FC extended their unbeaten league run to seven games as they drew at Maidenhead United on Tuesday.

The Blues twice came from behind to get a 2-2 draw. The first half saw the home Maidenhead side take charge and they took a lead thanks to a close range finish from Yashwa Romeo.

Soon after the break Roy Essandoah put Stortford back in it when he converted a Steve Morison cross.

Maidenhead United came back strongly and within a few minutes regained the lead as Stephen Hughes fired home. But Rob Gillman came to Stortford's rescue firing an equaliser after a goalmouth scramble. The point leaves in 16th spot in the league.

Herts 24 ~ Maidenhead

Who we are ...

BM Construction Maidenhead is an independently owned business, based in Maidenhead and covering the Berkshire to West London area.

We offer a full building service from plastering a wall to building a house.

We also provide a range of commercial services including maintenance, construction and renovations. Our customers range from residential home owners to commercial and industrial clients, such as health clubs, restaurants and offices.

What we do ...

Understandably, customers demand reliable, skilled workers who can take their project from initial concept to the all important finishing touches! BM Construction Maidenhead has a proven track record of delivering on time and to budget, with many happy customers providing us with a catalogue of excellent testimonials.

We have a team of highly skilled professionals, ranging from bricklayers and plasterers to plumbers and electricians. The team take great pride in their work and are all either fully trained and qualified, or are undergoing training within the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.

We work closely with our colleagues at the Risk Assessment Company to ensure that we comply with all the latest Health and Safety regulations.

All our work is fully insured and guaranteed, ensuring our customers have complete peace of mind. We also have a team of cleaners to clean up after us ensuring your premises are left clean and tidy.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and the ability to offer a professional service from a trustworthy team. We aim to deliver a perfect solution for every customer.

We will keep you informed at every step and have a fully staffed office with a team on hand to answer any queries.

Domestic services ...

Domestic building projects can often require the skill of several different trades. Ensuring that each trade turns up at the right time in the right order can be a logistical nightmare. BM Construction Maidenhead simplifies the process by project managing the job from start to finish.

Our team has over 25 years experience in all areas of building and construction and are employed by us full time, ensuring that you have the tradesman you require at the right place at the right time!

More people are finding it an advantage to extend their homes rather than move house. An extension, or adaptation to your existing space, not only lessens the need to move but adds value to your current property.

BM Construction Maidenhead has recently undertaken a number of specialist build projects, including complete renovations, and would welcome the opportunity of meeting with you to discuss your requirements in greater detail.

BM Construction Ltd, 1 Moor Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7JX. Tel: 01628 770932

If you are looking for a Maidenhead caterer for that important corporate or private occasion, when you need quality food and service at a realistic and affordable price, then you need look no further.... You've found us.

'A taste of Perfection' operates within a radius of Approx 25 miles of our home base in Maidenhead. We have years of experience providing a full professional catering service with our team of trained waitresses.

Our food can be prepared using our own facilities, or yours (subject to suitability) or a combination of the two depending on your specific needs and requirements.

For the corporate sector we provide our services for working breakfasts and lunches, board meetings, AGM's and EGM's, training lunches, corporate receptions, Champagne receptions and product launches. We also cater for ' inset days' in schools.

We understand just how important is the quality of food and drink, and its presentation. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our ability to deliver exactly what you want - A Taste Of Perfection.

Susan Sale
Tel: 01628 685565 or 07717751375
6 New Road, Holyport. Maidenhead, SL6 2LQ

Maidenhead Royal Borough residents are being urged to "box clever" with their household waste.

Since the new Maidenhead recycling scheme started last autumn local people have been driving up the recycling figures by getting switched on to the new purple boxes, with recycling increased from 207 tonnes a week to around 283 tonnes.

The Maidenhead borough is now recycling almost 30% of its household waste but the message is "we can do even better" and the call has gone out to residents to cotton on to the colour code:

* PURPLE boxes for glass bottles and jars plus cans and plastic bottles and
* BLACK boxes for newspaper, paper and cardboard only.

Larry Wolfe, Maidenhead public protection manager, said he was very encouraged by the enthusiasm of many residents for the increased recycling opportunities – but there is still some confusion about what recycling goes where!

He explained: "The result is that in some instances materials have been mixed together or not put in the correct boxes – and unfortunately they are then not acceptable for the recycling process and our contractors can't take them away. That's why we are keen to press home the colour code reminder so that residents who have made the effort to recycle won't be disappointed".

"Since the introduction of the purple boxes, recycling has increased from 207 tonnes a week to around 283 tonnes. However, the message is ‘we can do even better' and we are confident residents will soon cotton on to the colour code."

The recycling changes are part of major improvements to the waste collection service which will not only increase recycling but also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill – and as a result help save council taxpayers' money.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

New timetable proposals for Maidenhead First Great Western rail services used by Maidenhead Royal Borough residents will be put under the microscope by council officers and members to meet an "unfortunately short" consultation deadline imposed by government – and Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, council leader, has asked for the matter to be put on the agenda for next Thursday's cabinet meeting (February 23).

Richard Rowlands, general manager Thames Valley Trains, has been invited to make a presentation about the proposals and Maidenhead Cllr Gliksten said she encouraged all councillors to take the opportunity for "instant feedback".

She said: "This is an unfortunately short consultation period and we need to work quickly to meet the March 3 deadline. We have been told by First Group that working people who depend on early trains will be affected by the proposed changes and we need to send a strong message about our opposition to any proposals which adversely affect the local community.

"By inviting Mr Rowlands to the February cabinet and encouraging all councillors to come and hear his presentation, we will be able to give instant feedback. We will, of course, be making a considered response to meet the deadline but the meeting will enable an open dialogue between the train operator and local councillors representing the interests of their residents."

Cllr Gliksten, Maidenhead council chief executive David Lunn and other councillors and officers met yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) with high-ranking representatives of the First Group, including Moir Lockhead, group chief executive, to discuss rail and bus services in the borough.

Maidenhead Cllr Gliksten added: "This meeting was arranged prior to the new timetable information and we took the opportunity to have an initial discussion, which resulted in Mr Rowland being invited to the cabinet meeting. We feel that, given the tight timescale, this is a productive way forward."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 26th February - 4th March 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

26th February at Maidenhead

No events planned

27th February at Maidenhead

No events planned

28th February at Maidenhead

No events planned

1st March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Shadowlands

2nd March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
The Librarian's Joke
* 7:45 pm
Shadowlands

3rd March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Shadowlands
* 7:45 pm
The Librarian's Joke

4th March at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Shadowlands
* 7:45 pm
The Librarian's Joke

Ladies' HA Trophy Round 4: Tulse Hill and Dulwich 4 Maidenhead Ladies 2

Despite being held up in traffic, Maidenhead Maids made a a good start to this cup encounter in south London on Sunday.

Kathy Cain, Sam Archer, Debbie Keel and Krystyna Hohenauer all came close to opening the scoring - and Maidenhead paid the price for their profligacy when Tulse Hill struck on the break, giving Lucy Stevenson no chance in the Maidenhead goal.

Tulse Hill dominated the remainder of the half, as Maidenhead endured a torrid spell and they went in 2-0 down.

Stern words by coach Neil Archer ensured that Maidenhead controlled the early stages of the second half, winning a series of penalty corners, with Sam Archer and Bex Miall to the fore.

Eventually, from one corner, Miall's rocket of a shot was saved and Hohenauer was on hand to force the ball home and pull the score back to 2-1.

But another Maidenhead Maids error at the back undid their hard work, as Tulse Hill pounced to re-establish their two goal advantage.

Back came Maidenhead: A barrage of short corners were forced and from one Kat McGonigle finished clinically.

Trailing 3-2 with just five minutes to go, Maidenhead pushed forward in numbers - but while they gave Tulse Hill a number of scares, they were always vulnerable to the breakaway.

And so it proved; Stevenson saved one effort with her head but another break secured a fourth goal for the home side, as Maidenhead's determined and cup run came to an end.

LADIES' SOUTH LEAGUE TWO Richmond 3 Maidenhead Ladies 2

SECOND-placed Richmond quickly had Maidenhead on the back foot in South League Two.

But Clare Third, Claire Edgerley and Linda Wadley soaked up the Richmond pressure well at the back, until a lack of concentration in midfield

allowed Richmond to overload the Maidenhead defence. A penalty corner was conceded and Richmond's slick routine made no mistake, as they took the lead.

Maidenhead responded well to this setback, however, with Emily Wilkins keeping the Richmond defence busy. Kathy Cain and Sam Archer, who twisted and turned the Richmond defence inside out, both went close to scoring, before Krystyna Hohenauer volleyed home a rebound to equalise, after Archer's shot was saved.

Lucy Stevenson kept Maidenhead level with some outstanding second-half saves - but the pressure finally told when Clare Third's tackle was penalised and Richmond were awarded a rather generous penalty flick.

Minutes later, Richmond broke again and converted easily to pull away to 3-1.

The pace of Chantal Frost and Debbie Keel ensured Maidenhead Maids dominated the latter stages and Bex Miall dived to convert Wilkins' cross, forcing Richmond to endure a very nervous last few minutes.

MatchFacts

EH TROPHY ROUND 4

TULSE HILL & DULWICH 4 MAIDENHEAD 2 (Hohenauer, McGonigle)

Maidenhead: L Smith, Cox (Halliday 20), Greenham, Barrett, Cunningham, Scott, Smith, Scarborough, Bevan, Nicholson (Lubbock 14), Goodacre (Gledhill 22).

SOUTH LEAGUE TWO

RICHMOND 3 MAIDENHEAD 2 (Hohenauer, Miall)

Maidenhead: Stevenson, Edgerley, Wadley,Third, Frost, Eason, Miall, McGonigle,Wilkins, Archer,Cain. Substitutes - Keel, Hohenauer.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Following the appearance of graffiti around the Pinkneys Green area of Maidenhead, a concerned resident has shown her support for police efforts to catch the culprits by offering a reward.

The Maidenhead resident is offering a £100 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for graffiti on the Pinkneys Green cricket pavilion.

PC Greig Williams, neighbourhood police officer for the Pinkneys Green Maidenhead area, which includes the Bomber estate, said: “We are appealing to the public to help us identify the offenders and put a stop to the recent spate of vandalism.

“I have increased my foot patrols in the evenings to provide a more visible police presence and reassure the community. Greater police visibility will be boosted by a number of extra police officers and Special Constables patrolling the area in the coming weeks.

“The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is looking at installing a teen shelter in Oaken Grove park, which would give youngsters a place to meet their friends and help to reduce anti-social behaviour.

“In a bid to build relationships within the community, we have organised a football match between police officers and a team of young people from the Bomber Estate. This was originally set to take place at Maidenhead Football Club on 22 January, but was postponed because the pitch was too wet.

“The match has now been rescheduled for Sunday 2 April, and we are hoping for plenty of support for both teams.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

An innovative Maidenhead older persons' information roadshow rolls back into town next week to build on the success of its first tour last summer.

The four information days to be held at venues across the Maidenhead borough during February and March will focus on social and health care services available to borough residents.

Organised by Maidenhead social services, Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead Primary Care Trust and a range of other partners, the information days will primarily target older people and their carers, but will also provide information for other adult groups.

There will be opportunities to find out more about the council's joint commissioning strategy for older people which sets out details of the overall strategic direction for services for older people including areas for development over the next three years.

Maidenhead Staff from health and social care, as well as representatives from community safety, welfare benefits, Repair with Care and other community organisations will be on hand to provide information and advice on the services they offer.

The four information days will be held on:

Wednesday February 22 at Cookham Day Centre, Elizabeth House, Station Hill, Cookham, from 2 – 4.30pm
Thursday March 2 at Bray cricket and hockey club, Bray, from 2 – 4.30pm
Thursday March 9 at Christian Smith House, Heywood Avenue, Woodlands Park from 2 – 4.30pm
Thursday March 16 at Wraybsury village hall, The Green, Wraysbury from 2 – 4.30pm.

Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for social services, said: "We were really pleased with the interest shown in the first roadshow tour last summer, which gave service users the opportunity to tell us what they think of the services we provide and help us to work together with our partner organisations to plan for the future.

"Now we want to broaden out that opportunity to other areas of the borough and give even more people the chance to get involved in service provision. We are also considering setting up service user forums and want to encourage people to take part in these – and also to spread the message about volunteering.

"So put the dates in your diary and come along to find out more."

Sue Rogers, PCT lead for older people's services, said: "This is a real opportunity to find out what is currently being provided for older people. It's also a chance to get involved in planning and developing future services. These roadshows have been organised to make it easier for older people living in villages to attend. The more who come along and let us know their needs, the better able we will be to ensure we meet them."

For more details about the roadshows contact Ed Thompson, joint commissioning manager, on 016289 796671 or Louise Gray, admin officer, on 01628 796763.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Additional drop-in dates have been added to the Maidenhead Royal Borough's consultation timetable for the Maidenhead Local Development Framework (LDF) to ensure all residents have the opportunity to attend.

The extra Maidenhead sessions have been organised following a problem with the delivery of the consultation newsletters. Unfortunately the production company made an error in addressing a number of the newsletters, which meant that about half of Maidenhead borough homes would have received their copies too late to take advantage of the original timetable.

The extra sessions are:

Cookham Library
Monday February 27 2 – 7pm

Eton Wick Library
Wednesday March 1 2 – 7pm

Ascot Library
Thursday March 2 2 – 7pm

Old Windsor Library
Friday March 3 2 – 7pm

Sunningdale - Council Mobile Unit, Waitrose Car Park
Monday March 6 10am – 3pm

These are on top of the original timetable, which kicks off on Wednesday (February 15) as follows:

Eton Wick Library
Wednesday February 15 2 - 7pm

Ascot Library
Thursday February 16 2 - 7pm

Old Windsor Library
Friday February 17 2 - 7pm

Sunningdale - Council Mobile Unit, Waitrose Car Park
Saturday February 18 10am – 2pm

Cookham Library
Monday February 20 2 - 7pm

Cox Green Library
Wednesday February 22 2 - 7pm

Datchet Library
Tuesday March 7 2 - 7pm

Two exhibitions will also go ahead as planned:

Maidenhead - Nicholsons Shopping Centre
Friday February 24 12noon - 5pm
Saturday February 25 10am - 4pm

Windsor - Windsor Library, Bachelors Acre
Friday March 3 12noon - 5pm
Saturday March 4 10am - 3pm

The delivery of the Maidenhead LDF newsletter was affected by a computer error which resulted in the incorrect address details being used in about half the mail-shot to local homes. As soon as the Royal Mail drew attention to the problem, immediate steps were taken to put the matter right and the production company concerned has accepted responsibility and agreed to reprint the newsletters containing the list of additional dates. This means that residents receiving the later edition will still have time to attend a drop-in session in their area or the exhibitions in Maidenhead and Windsor.

Further information on the LDF consultation is available from the Maidenhead council's customer service centre on 01628 683 868 or email planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Get reading – and take part in an innovative scheme to find the nation's favourite lesbian or gay novel.

That's the challenge to readers in the Maidenhead Royal Borough as the library service supports the nationwide ‘Big Gay Read' campaign to pick a winner from a 21-strong field.

All 21 titles are available at Maidenhead and Windsor libraries – including the popular Brokeback Mountain, Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit and Tales of the City.

Maidenhead Readers have until February 28 to try some of the novels and make their choice before they vote for their favourite. Leaflets are available on the special book displays at both libraries to explain the scheme and make it easy for people to vote.

The winning title will be announced at a special ceremony during the queerupnorth international festival in Manchester on May 18.

For more information contact Richard Palfery at Maidenhead library on 01628 796969 (email maidenhead.library@rbwm.gov.uk) or visit www.biggayread.com.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead businesses are rising to the challenge of this year's charity pancake race on Shrove Tuesday (February 28).

Joint organisers Maidenhead Town Partnership and Maidenhead Shopmobility say numbers are up on the same time last year and there is a good mix of new entrants and those who competed in 2005.

Entries have been received from a wide range of businesses so competition will be fierce between café staff, council employees, office workers and journalists in this battle of the batter.

New business in King Street, The Noodlebar, has generously offered soft drinks for all participants in the race and will distribute prawn crackers to supporters and other spectators.

The Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Eric Wiles, will present the awards. In addition to the shield for the overall winners and the runners-up trophy, there will be awards for fastest mobility scooter team and the town manager's award for style.

The race will take place in the pedestrianised section of King Street between 11am and 12 noon and all proceeds will go towards the cost of a new Shopmobility scooter.

It's not too late to apply. Entry forms are available from town manager Martin Fletcher on 01628 796128.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 19th February - 25th February 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

19th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Carmina Burana

20th February at Maidenhead

No events planned

21st February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Separate Lies (15)

22nd February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Shiver

23rd February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Mrs Henderson Presents (12A)
* 7:30 pm
Mrs Henderson Presents (12A)

24th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Steve Waterman with the Pendulum Quartet

25th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Michael Messer
* 8:00 pm
Dutch Elm Conservatoire presents Conspiracy

Maidenhead continued their good form of 2006 by securing a valuable point in the fight against relegation at high-flying neighbours Slough on Saturday.

With Slough coming off the back of three straight defeats and Maidenhead fresh from goal-scoring sprees in their last two games, it was of little surprise that it was Callum Giles' away side who started the better.

Maids put considerable pressure on the Slough goal, which was marshalled by ex-Maids reserve 'keeper Dave Bockett-Pugh. However, a series of penalty corners came to nothing and Slough made Maidenhead pay, when an attacker pounced quickly on a deflection in the 'D' and swept home.

Slough's goal aside, Anthony Gaze and Richard Edwards had been superb at the back for Maidenhead and Slough's attack remained less potent than Maids'.

Five minutes from the break, Giles' men got a deserved reward: the prolific Matt McConkey dragged a ferocious flick past the despairing glove of Bockett-Pugh at a penalty corner and into the roof of the net.

Minutes later McConkey nearly repeated the trick but his flick sped off the top of the crossbar and out of the ground. Maidenhead will sorely miss McConkey, who was due to return to his native South Africa this week.

In the second half Slough showed why they are challenging for promotion and piled pressure on the Maids goal.

But Gaze and man of the match Edwards stood firm, with 'keeper Spencer Bird clam when called into action.

Maidenhead looked dangerous on the break and Chris Jones' sublime skill and pace flummoxed the Slough defence - but no one was on hand to touch his tantalising cross into the empty goal.

McConkey spent his last minutes for Maidenhead off the pitch, yellow-carded for a bad tackle, and Maids reverted to all-out defence. That said, Maids were adamant that a foul on Dan Reid should have earned them a short corner - instead, the umpire blew for full time.

Maidenhead are now unbeaten in four league games; tomorrow they entertain Trojans, another side pushing for promotion.

* NOW that Maidenhead ladies have qualified for next season's national Indoor League - they edged out Southgate, Tulse Hill & Dulwich and Horsham in the South indoor finals - the club is hopeful of attracting new players to this higher standard of play.

The team is coached by Neil Archer and play-ers involved in the indoor hockey success were Lucy Stevenson (GK), Debbie Keel, Chantel Frost, Emma Easson, Clare Third, Krystina Hohenhauer, Claire Edgerley (captain), Kathryn Mgonigle, Sam Archer, Ruth Young and Bex Miall.

MatchFacts

SOUTH LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION 2

SLOUGH 1(S Ali) MAIDENHEAD 1(M McConkey)

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

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Maidenhead Residents Get Fast-Track Way To Air Their Views

Local Maidenhead residents will get a fast-track way to have their say about how the Maidenhead Royal Borough develops in the future when a four-page newsletter is delivered to local homes from Friday (February 10).

The Maidenhead newsletter gives background information to the Local Development Framework (LDF) – the council's replacement for the Local Plan – and features a questionnaire on key issues which will affect and influence the development of the borough over the next 15 – 20 years.

More than 58,000 newsletters will be delivered by Royal Mail to local Maidenhead homes and copies will also be available in libraries and council offices. For residents who prefer to do their responses on-line, the home page on the Maidenhead council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk will feature a direct link to the questionnaire which can be completed on PCs and emailed direct to the planning policy team.

Maidenhead Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for planning, urged everyone in the borough to get involved: "The LDF is one of the council's most important documents and it is essential that local residents make their views heard. It is all about the elements that make up a significant part of all our lives – where we live, work and shop, spend our leisure time, where and how we travel and how we want to protect our countryside and the Green Belt.

"The way the borough shapes up is something that concerns us all and the newsletter aims to kick start the process of getting the entire community involved the development of the LDF."

The Maidenhead borough-wide consultation also features an extensive programme of exhibitions and drop-in sessions which will be held over the next few weeks to give people the opportunity to get more information and chat to members of the council's planning policy team.

The programme runs from February 15 with seven drop-in events and two exhibitions:

Drop-in events:

Eton Wick Library
Wednesday February 15 2 - 7pm

Ascot Library
Thursday February 16 2 - 7pm

Old Windsor Library
Friday February 17 2 - 7pm

Sunningdale - Council Mobile Unit, Waitrose Car Park
Saturday February 18 10am - 2pm

Cookham Library
Monday February 20 2 - 7pm

Cox Green Library
Wednesday February 22 2 - 7pm

Datchet Library
Tuesday March 7 2 - 7pm

Exhibitions:

Maidenhead - Nicholsons Shopping Centre
Friday February 24 12noon - 5pm
Saturday February 25 10am - 4pm

Windsor - Windsor Library, Bachelors Acre
Friday March 3 12noon - 5pm
Saturday March 4 10am - 3pm

Further information on the LDF consultation is available from the council's customer service centre on 01628 683 868 or email planning.policy@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

For romantic Maidenhead verse read hard-hitting apology as Maidenhead Royal Borough road safety officers drive home a powerful Valentine's Day message-with-a-difference that tells young motorists "don't drive too fast".

The thought-provoking sentiment will feature on more than 700 cards and keyrings being distributed to sixth-formers at Maidenhead borough schools and colleges in the run-up to Valentine's Day on February 14 as the borough once again supports the national "For My Girlfriend" young driver campaign.

The award-winning and controversial campaign – now in its third year – is designed to make young drivers aware of the potentially fatal consequences of driving too fast.

Run jointly with other local authorities in the Thames Valley to help reduce road death and injury among young people, the campaign confronts young male drivers with the appalling prospect of killing their girlfriend as a result of speeding.

This year's campaign features a Valentine's card in a sealed envelope with the words "For My Valentine" apparently handwritten on it. The front of the card carries the same message but inside reads: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to kill you. I was driving too fast," alongside a photo of a mangled car.

Philippa Baxter, road safety officer, said: "It is particularly difficult to get road safety messages across successfully to young drivers.

"The powerful message in this card may upset or even offend some people – but most of those who have seen it admit that while they did not like it, it certainly had an impact and made them think.

"If it makes young people stop and consider the potentially terrible consequences of driving too fast – and, in time, helps save lives - then we ask people to set aside any personal dislike of it.

"Research has shown that young people find it almost impossible to imagine killing or injuring themselves in a road crash. The outcome they dread the most is killing or maiming someone they are close to – perhaps a girlfriend or best mate – who is travelling in the car with them. The ‘For My Girlfriend' campaign plays on this emotional vulnerability in a bid to make young drivers think about this awful prospect."

For further information about the For My Girlfriend campaign visit the website at www.fmg.org.uk or contact the organisers on 01379 650112.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Royal Borough residents look set to continue to benefit from one of the lowest unitary council tax levels in the country.

A report to next week's cabinet meeting (Thursday February 9) proposes a Maidenhead council tax increase of 4.9% for 2006/07. This represents a Band D rate of £957.59 – an increase of less than 90 pence a week – while the average council tax bill for England at Band D is anticipated to be more than £1,000.

Maidenhead Cllr David Eglise, lead member for resources, said the restrained increase was as a result of efficient and effective management.

He explained: "What appeared to be optimist headline figures issued by the government recently translated into a very small 2% increase towards funding Royal Borough services. The council has had to make tough budgetary decisions to achieve a balance between meeting the service expectations of the community and how much we can ask residents to pay in council tax, especially those who are less well-off.

"That said, we have been particularly mindful of the need to protect and improve services for the more vulnerable members of our community. If it wasn't for the fact that the Royal Borough has an effective and efficiently-run council, the overall increases would have been significantly higher."

A key element in realising this year's budget was the Maidenhead council's working with partner organisations – police, health and the voluntary sector – to identify ways of pooling resources and expertise to provide even better value for money.

The Maidenhead council also ran a borough-wide consultation last September to get residents' views and their feedback has helped direct funds into the services they highlighted as important to their community and quality of life.

The consultation demonstrated that community safety is the top priority for local people and the cabinet's revenue budget proposals set out to ensure that the local environment is kept safe and clean, while also concentrating on protecting services for vulnerable people. At the same time a fresh look has been taken at the capital programme and the need to improve school buildings and local roads.

Maidenhead Cllr Eglise pointed to the Delivering Excellence programme, which is committed to improving services and financial efficiency. He said that changing the way the council works, with front-line enquiries now being handled by the new customer service centre, would increase efficiency and effectiveness. The CSC would eventually encompass the vast majority of council services and produce year-on-year savings.

He said the Maidenhead Royal Borough was also in the vanguard of local authorities where procurement of goods and services was concerned, adopting new electronic purchasing methods and working with other councils to get the best value for money. Significant savings had already been achieved and more would follow.

Maidenhead Cllr Eglise added: "It has been with everyone's help and hard work that we have been able to prioritise our valuable resources, make efficiencies yet maintain quality services to meet the needs of residents."

Following next Thursday's meeting, cabinet proposals will go to full council for discussion and decision on Tuesday February 21.

The proposed 4.9% increase is for the Royal Borough's element of the council tax and does not include precepts for parish councils, Thames Valley Police or the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A Female cop - based in Maidenhead - has admitted possession of cannabis and illegally lifting information from the Police National Computer for a civilian .

Victoria Hazel was suspended from her Maidenhead role with Thames Valley Police after an investigation by the Force's professional standards department.

Hazel, who currently remains employed by Thames Valley Police, was yesterday (Thursday) charged with two counts of misconduct in a public office.

The first was said to have taken place between January 2004 and February 2005, when she made "unlawful checks on police databases" and "unlawfully disclosed some or any of the information obtained."

The second count related to the period between January 2004 and January 2005 when she was accused of making "unlawful checks on the Police National Computer in respect of Andrew Jones and thereafter disclosing the information to Andrew Jones".

A third count, of possessing cannabis, which she also admitted while standing in the dock of Kingston Crown Court, referred to the period between January 20 2005 and February 17 2005

Wearing a smart black shirt and black jacket, WPC Hazel, who is based at Maidenhead police station admitted all three counts.

Hazel, of Littlewater Close, Earley, Reading, was released on bail and will be sentenced at a date to be arranged.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

An historic church has launched a fundraising campaign which it hopes will cause its coffers to go ker-ching so its bells can continue to ring.

Holy Trinity Church in Cookham, Maidenhead must raise £70,000 so that its historic bells, which have rung for generations, can continue to be used at Sunday services, weddings and bell-ringing sessions.

Six of the eight bells at the Maidenhead church - the archway of which is Norman - date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The oldest bell was made in Reading in 1638.

The remaining two bells were added in 1946 as a memorial to those who had lost their lives in the two World Wars.

Barry Sheppard, 65, a member of the church bellringing team explained that some of the bell mechanisms were installed in 1913 when the bells were rehung on a steel frame.

More work followed in 1946 with the installation of the new bells, but little work has been done in the last 60 years.

Now the ravages of time are starting to take their toll on the mechanisms, as Mr Sheppard explained: "The bells are beginning to behave a bit like an old car."

The Maidenhead church is hoping to install new mechanisms in the tower including a new frame, pulleys, wheels and clappers.

It is also hoped that the bells can be retuned and Mr Sheppard told the Express: "We will keep the bells, but all the other parts are well beyond their life."

He explained that the bells are not dangerous in their present condition, but warned that they will become "unringable" without attention, and said: "What would happen is they would become more and more difficult to ring."

Mr Sheppard said it was hoped that the renovations can begin in either September or January so that the bells can be rung at Christmas and Easter, which he said the parish council have requested.

The fundraising campaign has got off to a good start according to David Harrold, chairman of the church finance committee, who said that the Maidenhead church has so far received £21,000 alongside another £20,000 in pledges.

However, he revealed that most of the money has come from sources close to the church and explained: "We are now looking a bit wider."

Mr Harrold said that the church was looking at a variety of fundraising ideas including holding Call My Bluff and Wine Tasting events.

Potential donors can also arrange to visit the bell tower.

For more information of how to help call the church office on 01628 529661, captain of the bell tower Charles Walmsley on 01628 522255 or Mr Sheppard on 01628 522459.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Police are appealing for witnesses after a shopkeeper was robbed at gunpoint in Maidenhead on Saturday (4/2).

At about 5.40pm, two men walked into Tittle Row stores in Altwood Road, Maidenhead. One of the men pointed a handgun at the shop owner, a man in his fifties, and told him to open the till.

The shop owner did so, and the men removed the cash trays and their contents before leaving the premises. Although shaken, the shop owner was not injured during the incident.

The man holding the gun had a mask covering most of his face, but is described as having a thin jaw and a southern accent. He was wearing a silver or grey jacket and dark trousers. There is no clear description of the second man.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw two men behaving suspiciously in the area at the time is asked to contact the investigating officer, PC Martin Dove, on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police

Police are hunting two youths who broke into the home of an elderly man in Waltham St Lawrence, Maidenhead on Saturday afternoon and stole two wallets containing cash.

At about 4.15pm on 4 February, a man in his late sixties was at his home in Milley Road, Waltham St Lawrence Maidenhead, when two young men came in through the unlocked back door. They claimed that a neighbour’s cat had been run over, but then began rummaging through his belongings.

When the householder, who is disabled, tried to stop them, one of the burglars hit him on the head, knocking him to the floor. The burglars then ran off with a cheque book and two wallets containing cash.

Although he was left shaken, the man was not injured in the incident.

Both the burglars were white males in their late teens. One was about 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins, of medium build, with dark hair. He was wearing a grey anorak, dark trousers and black shoes, and spoke with an Irish accent. His accomplice was of similar age and build, but slightly shorter. He was wearing a black anorak, dark trousers and black shoes.

Anyone who saw two youths behaving suspiciously in the area at the time, or who has any other information about the incident, is asked to contact the investigating officer, Det Sgt Steven Witts, on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 12th February - 18th February 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

12th February at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Lunchtime Concert - Katharine May
* 4:00 pm
The Wiz
* 8:00 pm
The Wiz
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Escape to the Country

13th

No events planned

14th

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Yuck! It�s a Duck!
* 2:30 pm
The Constant Gardener (15)
* 3:00 pm
Yuck! It�s a Duck!
* 7:30 pm
The Constant Gardener (15)

15th

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Yuck! It�s a Duck!
* 2:30 pm
Lassie (PG)
* 3:00 pm
Yuck! It�s a Duck!
* 7:30 pm
Lassie (PG)

16th

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Puss in Boots
* 3:00 pm
Puss in Boots
* 7:30 pm
Merry Christmas (12A)

17th

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Puss in Boots
* 3:00 pm
Puss in Boots
* 8:00 pm
Shads-U-Like

18th

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Mad Hot Ballroom (U)
* 8:00 pm
Johnothan Pram: On/ Off

A new Pub Watch scheme has been set up covering licensed premises on the western side of Maidenhead.

Boyn Hill Pub Watch had its inaugural meeting at the Pond House pub in Bath Road, Maidenhead, on Thursday 2 February. The meeting was attended by designated premise supervisors (DPS) from pubs in the area, as well as licensing officers from Thames Valley Police and the Royal Borough, and neighbourhood police officers PC Glenn Chapman and PC Steve Wilkinson.

Dave Smith, DPS of the Crooked Billet pub in Westborough Road, was elected as chairman, with Dave Hallaways of the Pond House as vice-chairman. Other confirmed members so far are the Crawford Arms, the North Star, the New Inn and the Queens Head in Water Oakley, although a number of other Maidenhead licensed premises are expected to join in the near future.

Police licensing officer Debie Pearmain, who instigated the scheme, said: “We have three other Pub Watch schemes in the Royal Borough - in Maidenhead and Windsor town centres and Dedworth - but Boyn Hill is the first to be set up in the outskirts of Maidenhead.

“Dedworth Pub Watch has been running successfully for four years. Its chairman, Richard Woodham of the Black Horse, and vice-chairman Aidan Straw from the Three Elms, gave the meeting a very helpful overview of how their scheme runs. We also had a presentation from the Royal Borough’s licensing officer, Steve Smith, on the new Licensing Act.”

The types of initiatives that come under the Maidenhead Pub Watch umbrella include information sharing, especially of photographs identifying known troublemakers. Maidenhead Pubs and clubs can issue banning notices, the length of which depends on the seriousness of the offence. Individuals banned from one pub are likely to be turned away by all other Pub Watch members. If a person ignores the ban, police will be called and the person can be arrested for failing to leave licensed premises.

“Boyn Hill Pub Watch expects to hold meetings every two months, with the next one planned for the end of March,” said Debie.

“They will be looking to work closely with other Pub Watch schemes in the Royal Borough as well as the one in Slough town centre, particularly with regard to banned individuals. All these schemes have a good record of reducing disorder and making our towns safe places to visit.

“Once Boyn Hill Pub Watch is up and running, my next project will be to look at setting up a similar scheme for licensed premises in Ascot.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Maidenhead Maids ran in five of their six tries in the second half to give old foes Reading Abbey one in the eye as they broke out of their shell.

Coach Simon Edwards gave all three of his recently signed Kiwis a decent slug of action while bringing his son Gareth back into the scrum-half role.

But an awkward first session with a bitter wind cutting to the bone as it does on the exposed Reading ground, saw Maidenhead fail to exploit a following wind.

Eventually the Reading pack ran out of steam after the two sides had reached the interval at 10-5 and Maidenhead were able to play a more expansive game which brought their backs back into the limelight.

But it was in the first half that Maidenhead Maids got bogged down and they survived an early scare when the Reading winger broke clear, but pulled up short of the line with a painful hamstring pull.

Maidenhead Maids skipper Mark Ruddick had the first points on the board with a penalty after two minutes and went on to score a try after the break and end the day with a success rate of five out of six for conversions.

His first came after Maids' hooker Richie Craig had been in the right place at the right time in the 16th minute to finish off and give Ruddick an easy kick.

But the lead was halved when Reading replied in the 23rd minute with the first of their forward tries which went unconverted.

Neither side seemed to be comfortable at this stage and ground out the rest of the half in dour fashion.

But Edwards must have sprinkled some stardust on his players during the interval as they came out a different side for the rest of the game.

The points started coming when Mark Mueller, scorer of four tries in the 97-3 rout of Spartans the previous week, bundled his way over after 47 minutes with Ruddick's boot adding the extra points.

The only blip on Maidenhead's horizon came five minutes later when an Abbey drive ended with another of their forwards falling on the ball for another five points - the kick on this occasion, going unconverted.

From here on in it was all Maids, with winger Adam Ellwood getting through in the 58th and 83rd minutes, the final try being wide out and beyond the skill of his skipper.

However, fly half Ruddick enhanced his season's tally when he finished off a typically slick move from the Maidenhead backs after 70 minutes when running in their fourth try under the posts and then punted the simple kick over the bar.

Stu Mackay also got on the scoreboard three minutes later, again making Ruddick's life easy, and Ellwood closed the proceeding in injury time with Reading's tail tucked firmly between their legs.

ic Berkshire ~ Maidenhead

Chirpy Challenge For Young Bird Lovers At Braywick, Maidenhead

Young bird lovers are invited to Braywick Nature Centre, Maidenhead for two chirpy playday sessions during the February holiday (half-term).

Maidenhead Six to ten year olds can help birds with their nest building at two Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep playday sessions – on Tuesday February 14 and Wednesday February 15 (2 - 4pm) – to make bird bedding bundles from recycled materials for birds to build cosy homes.

Becca Flintham, Maidenhead countryside ranger, said: "As winter heads towards spring birds are hard at work finding food and building nests. At these fun sessions youngsters will learn about nesting birds and what they need to rear their young. We will look at several different nests and collect things that birds need to build them from Braywick Park, then we'll make nesting material holders that can be hung from trees in their gardens. Birds can collect the material from them which they need to build their nests."

Sessions cost £4 (£3.50 with Advantage Card). Places must be booked in advance on 01628 796227 (weekdays 9am – 5pm). For more information call Becca Flintham on 01628 777440.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Royal Borough school governors are scoring top marks for long service – with the highest achievers recognised for notching up a staggering total of 3,000 years service.

Nearly 200 Maidenhead school governors are eligible for awards in a new scheme being spearheaded by the borough's governors' services department to recognise governors' commitment, hard work and loyalty.

The first group of those governors – representing a total of almost 1,500 years service - will be presented with their awards by Maidenhead Cllr Eric Wiles, Mayor of the Royal Borough, at the first award ceremony in the Town Hall tomorrow (Wednesday February 1). Between 70 and 80 recipients out of the total of 95 are expected to attend, with a second ceremony scheduled for early March.

The high-fliers' achievements are divided into three categories, with tomorrow's group receiving;
· continuous service (8 to 15 years) – 66 awards
· exemplary service (16 - 29 years) – 24 awards
· distinguished service (30 years and above) - 5 awards (one of whom is to Geoff Hill who retired last year after 50 years' service to Burchetts Green CE Infant School).

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said: "I am delighted that we have introduced these awards to recognise the hard work and commitment shown by so many of our school governors, who are very often the unsung heroes and heroines behind the excellent work that goes on in our schools.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such a loyal group of governors who make a very real difference to the lives of our children, and they deserve our very warmest congratulations on their achievements.

"I hope that their dedication and loyalty will be an inspiration to others in the community. And what better time to think about volunteering to become a school governor than in this Year of the Volunteer!"

Carol Pearce, head of Maidenhead governors' services, said: "We would really like to hear from anyone who feels they would like to make a difference to children's lives by becoming a school governor. There are no specific qualifications necessary – but we would be particularly keen to hear from people with business expertise and those who represent ethnic minorities in our community. We provide full training and an ongoing support service for new governors."

For further information about becoming a school governor contact governors' services on 01628 796960.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Royal Borough school children are this week enjoying the closing chapters in the popular Car Story and its innovative road safety message.

Pupils at nine Maidenhead borough schools are the latest group to learn valuable road safety lessons from popular touring theatre company "Box Clever" which has been visiting the borough every year since 2001.

By the end of this week all Key Stage 2 pupils in the Maidenhead borough will have had the opportunity to watch the innovative 45-minute performance which involves pupils in the tale of a dad and his daughter on their journey to school – highlighting the benefits of walking, cycling and public transport and the importance of both personal and road safety.

At the end of the performance the actors will hand out road safety activity books, hedgehog posters, bookmarks and stickers to the young audiences.

Box Clever is visiting the following schools this week:
Monday January 30 – 2pm – Wraysbury Primary School
Tuesday January 31 – 9.45am Ellington Primary School; 2pm St Peter's Middle School
Wednesday February 1 – 9.45am Cheapside Primary School; 2pm Holyport Primary School
Thursday February 2 – 9.45 am Trinity St Stephen First School; 2pm All Saints Junior School
Friday February 3 – 9.45am Oakfield First School; 2pm Alexander First School.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead