Maidenhead & Windsor

The recent spell of good weather has brought an unexpected benefit for Maidenhead's Larchfield residents – the first phase of improvements at Desborough Park has been completed ahead of schedule.

The aim was to have the new football and basketball area completed in time for the school holidays but suppliers Steelway Fensecure took advantage of the sunshine and forged ahead to finish the work in record quick time.

This means that the two Maidenhead multi-games areas, featuring new goals, basketball hoops and graduated fencing, are now open for local youngsters to enjoy. As well as football and basketball, the areas are suitable for cricket and there is also an adjacent youth meeting point to provide a sheltered area where young people can get together.

Entirely funded by Section 106 contributions from developments in the area, the new games areas will be used as part of the borough's 13-19 summer activity programme. Two of the council's youth team will be holding football and basketball sessions every weekday between 11am and 4pm.

Other summer events include visits by the mobile youth centre, with its computers and activity stations, on August 16 and 18, St John Ambulance first aid training on August 16 and the Maidenhead Larchfield Community group fun day on September 3.

The improvements follow a widespread consultation with residents, young people, youth workers and community wardens and there's more in store. Later stages include resurfacing the footpaths, laying out an area for weekend sports parking, removing and re-landscaping the tarmac area, installing new seats and planting trees and bulbs in the autumn.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said he was delighted by the speedy progress.

Cllr Fagence added: "Desborough is a popular park with Larchfield residents and, following their very positive involvement in the improvements consultation, I feel confident they will appreciate what's been achieved so far."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is calling on local organisations and businesses to support the prestigious 2006 Community and Business Excellence Awards.

Now in their third highly successful year, the awards are designed to celebrate and reward achievers in both community and business, helping to raise their profile across the borough and stimulate new opportunities.

The awards are a joint initiative entirely funded by local Maidenhead organisations and supported by the council and The Learning Partnership. In the past, they have attracted sponsorship from a variety of public and private organisations, large and small, operating within the borough.

Since their inception in 2004 the Maidenhead awards have been steadily going from strength to strength, and this year's are set to be the best yet. Once again they will provide an exciting range of opportunities for organisations to get involved and be part of the continuing success story.

Partners involved in this event will demonstrate their support and commitment to the local community, with access to a wide-reaching promotional and PR campaign as well as joining the celebrations at a high profile awards ceremony at the newly-redeveloped Ascot Racecourse - one of the most prestigious venues in the UK.

The awards will be in 10 categories reflecting the vitality and innovation of business and community activities in the area. The final categories have not yet been decided but they may include: Contribution to the Community, Charity of the Year, Environmental Sustainability Achievement and Company of the Year.

Maidenhead Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, leader of the Royal Borough, said: "We have one of the strongest and most successful communities in the South East. These awards are an opportunity for local organisations and businesses to work in partnership to celebrate the unique elements that make the Royal Borough such a vibrant place to live and work and also to create healthy links with the local community."

David Demolder, company secretary of Ascot Racecourse, one of the main event sponsors for 2006 and in previous years, said: "We are delighted to continue to support this successful event and to be aligned with the principles of the awards – the encouragement of creativity, recognition of excellence and the promotion of a better understanding of both individual and organisational achievements within the Royal Borough – which are so warmly embraced by its supporters."

A variety of sponsorship packages is available. Awards' organisers, Blink PR, have underlined the many advantages to organisations supporting the event.

Sarah Gill, of Blink PR, explained: "Everyone who has sponsored or entered the event in the past has commented on the excellent networking and business opportunities it opens up. High profile branding, frequent press coverage and a dedicated PR campaign all help educate an influential audience about each company's products and services. Sponsoring companies also benefit from wide exposure in the borough, and a closer relationship with the Royal Borough itself."

To find out more about the scheme and the many ways that local organisations and businesses can lend support, please call Sarah Gill at Blink PR on 0118 935 2606 or email info@blinkgroup.co.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Braywick Nature Centre,
Hibbert Road,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 1UU.
01628 777440

Friday 28th July 2006; 2pm - 4pm
Friday 11th August 2006; 2pm - 4pm

Ever wondered what it might be like to be an intrepid explorer travelling in far-off lands and discovering amazing new wildlife? You'll need a keen eye and sharp instincts to observe and catch wild animals, so join the Countryside Rangers this summer on an outdoor adventure to test your skills while exploring Braywick Park's wildlife habitats. All will be revealed about the underwater world of ponds, and the secret life of insects... and you must also solve some ingenious challenges to see if you've got what it takes to become a wildlife conservationist! For 11-14 year olds; places must be booked in advance on 01628 796227. Wear sturdy shoes and sensible clothing - come prepared for all weather conditions!
Cost: £4 per person / £3.50 with Advantage Card

Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1UU

Tel: 01628 777440

Maidenhead Royal Borough plans to relocate Maidenhead's run down Castle Hill Centre have taken a major step forward with the submission of a formal planning and listed building application for its proposed new home at 4 Marlow Road.

The Grade II listed Marlow Road building, currently used by social services staff, is set to be a centre for Castle Hill's popular community and youth activities. However, the refurbishment plans also reflect Maidenhead council's strong commitment to working closely with the area's voluntary organisations.

The planning application includes:

* accommodation for four major providers of community services – the Citizens Advice Bureau, RELATE, No 22 Youth Counselling Service and Connexions
* an extension to the north of the existing building on land that used to be the sensory garden but which has not been used for some time
* a new sensory garden in adjacent Kidwells Park, where seats and paths will be constructed in the next few months.

The planning process should take about 13 weeks and it is hoped that, given planning permission in the autumn, work will start during the coming winter with the 'new Castle Hill' open a year later.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said the planning application was a major milestone in the council's plans to boost youth and community provision in the borough.

He said: "The Castle Hill premises are long past their useful life and we have been working hard with the management committee, users and community organisations to come up with a relocation plan that provides pretty well everything we need.

"The move to Marlow Road keeps provision next door to the town centre and gives us a unique opportunity to develop services not only for young people but also for the wider community, including people with disabilities."

Maidenhead Cllr Fagence added that, if planning permission is granted, he wants to see work underway at the earliest possible opportunity.

As part of the overall scheme the Royal Borough will put the Castle Hill site on the market. The aim is to find the right development partner for this key site close to the town centre, with the proceeds of the sale used for the Marlow Road project.

However Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead property services, stressed that before any final decisions are taken about the future of the site the council will hold further consultation with interested parties to get views and comments about how it should be best used.

She said: "The consultation could also look at the surrounding landscape and park areas, including Fir Tree Walk and Grenfell Park. This gives us a great opportunity to develop a broader landscape plan for the Castle Hill/Grenfell Park area, which I believe will be warmly welcomed by local people."

Maidenhead Cllr Howes added: "We hope all residents will take advantage of the opportunity to have their say about how this area will shape up in the best interests of the local community.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 2nd July - 8th July 2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

2nd July at Maidenhead

No events planned

3rd July at Maidenhead

No events planned

4th July at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
C.R.A.Z.Y. (15)

5th July at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Don’t Come Knocking (15)

6th July at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Don’t Come Knocking (15)

7th July at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
An Evening of Flanders and Swann
* 8:00 pm
Cool Sounds for a Warm Evening

8th July at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Seducing Doctor Lewis (La Grande Seduction) (15)
* 7:30 pm
Seducing Doctor Lewis (La Grande Seduction) (15)

Everything in the garden's coming up golden for 30 Maidenhead Royal Borough adult Duke of Edinburgh award leaders and volunteers as they help to celebrate the milestone 50th anniversary of the popular award later this month.

The Maidenhead Royal Borough contingent - including award leaders and volunteers from schools which run the programme - will join several hundred other adult volunteers from across the county for a celebration garden party at the Wantage home of Berkshire's Lord Lieutenant Philip Wroughton on Sunday June 25.

Guest of honour at the party in Woolley Park will be HRH The Earl of Wessex who is one of the award's trustees.

The Maidenhead borough's party will mingle with representatives from each of the Berkshire local authorities – Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, the Royal Borough and Wokingham – for an afternoon of leisurely games such as boules and croquet on the lawn before the Earl of Wessex cuts a celebration cake.

Catherine Hurst, Royal Borough Duke of Edinburgh Award co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted that our leaders and volunteers have been invited to share this special celebration.

"A great many people in the borough work extremely hard to help our young people through the award, giving up much of their time and sharing their skills and experience – and this is just one small way of recognising that invaluable support.

For further information about the award scheme contact Catherine Hurst on 01628 796748.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

If you love all things deliciously French then make a beeline for The Bishop Centre, Taplow, Maidenhead on Friday 7th July when the shopping village welcomes a traditional French market.

The Bishop Centre will host approximately 25 stall holders selling a wide variety of authentic produce.

Maidenhead Shoppers can take their pick from traditional favourites such as cheese, wine, honey, pancakes, olives, charcuterie, cider, Calvados, spices, Belgium chocolates, jams, garlic, onions and homemade biscuits to name a few.

Shoppers will also be able to choose from bread, croissants and cakes at the Patisserie baked before their eyes.

Says Tony Tilt, Centre Manager of The Bishop Centre: “We are delighted to welcome Bruno Girardeau and his stall holders to our shopping village. We’re sure our shoppers will enjoy the experience of a traditional French Market and celebrate Bastille Day a few days early with us at The Maidenhead Bishop Centre.”

The Bishop Centre, Bath Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 0NX

The Maidenhead Royal Borough's commitment to improving public transport will bring about even better bus services for local residents, thanks to three new initiatives starting next month.

The result of the Maidenhead borough's partnership with Courtney Coaches, they will mean:

* shoppers in Windsor's Dedworth area be able to get back home from their superstore shopping by a direct bus link
* there will be increased Sunday access to local town centres and Boulters Lock with a new Maidenhead - Windsor Sunday service
* Maidenhead's evening economy will be helped with an extended evening town centre/Sawyers Crescent service.

Service 6: new Dedworth loop

Since the commercial decision by First and BAA to make changes to the Heathrow service, Dedworth residents doing their Tesco shopping or visiting the GPs' surgery have been left without access to a direct bus home. However, this unsatisfactory situation is about to change, thanks to alterations to the Courtney's 6 service which will provide a loop to cover most people affected.

On its journey from Maidenhead to Windsor the bus will turn left off the Dedworth Road into Smith's Lane, Aston Mead, Gallys Road, Testwood Road and Ruddlesway and then left back onto the Dedworth Road towards Windsor. On its return journey this loop will be done in reverse - from the Dedworth Road right into Ruddlesway, Testwood Road, Gallys Road, Aston Mead, Smith's Lane and right onto the Dedworth road, where the service will continue towards Maidenhead.

New Sunday Service 8S: Bracknell - Maidenhead - Boulters Lock - Windsor - Bracknell
There will new opportunities for travel to Windsor, Maidenhead and Bracknell town centres – and to take in the popular Boulters Lock riverside area of Maidenhead – thanks to a new two-hourly Sunday service Starting at 9:30am from Maidenhead to Windsor, it will return from Windsor at 10:30am, with the last departure to Maidenhead at 4:30pm. The service starts in Bracknell at 08:45am, and the 4:30pm service from Windsor will continue on from Maidenhead to Bracknell arriving at 5:30pm.

New evening service 7A: Maidenhead - Sawyers Crescent
Maidenhead's evening economy looks set to benefit from this extended evening service, with the bus leaving from Frascati Way, via the High Street, at 8:49pm and 9:30pm.

Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for Maidenhead traffic and transport, said he was delighted that the council's partnership with Courtney Coaches had resulted in yet another boost for bus services in the borough - and now it was up to local people to make them a success.

He said: "We have been keeping a close check on local bus services and with this new clutch of improvements we are responding to what passengers tell us they need. In Dedworth, for example, we have been searching for several months for a way of covering the gap left by the commercially-driven changes to the Heathrow route and I am confident residents in that area will be delighted by the new loop.

"The new services will start at the beginning of July and we will be reviewing the 8S and 7A evening services to check that passenger numbers justify them being on the road – so we need as many people as possible to use them to make sure they are a success."

Exact fares, please!
In common with many bus operators across the country, Courtney Coaches has announced it is introducing a new 'exact fares' system on all its services from Sunday July 2.

This means:

* more efficient and faster services because, with no waiting for change, it will take less time for passengers to board
* better security for both drivers and passengers - fares will be deposited in on-board vaults so there will be no direct access to the cash taken on the buses
* passengers who pay for fares with either a £10 or £20 notes will be issued with a change receipt that can be redeemed within a month at Courtney's head office in Bracknell
* improved convenience for customers by further expansion of the Courtney Smartcard which removes the need for cash on the buses.

The exact fares system is being widely advertised on all Courtney services to ensure passengers are fully aware of the changes ahead.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's celebration time this week for the latest – and final - group of Maidenhead Royal Borough classroom assistants to gain top marks in a special Open University award.

The eight-strong cohort – from junior, primary and middle schools across the Maidenhead borough – have spent the last year studying for the Open University's Specialist Teaching Assistant Certificate, which equips them to help raise standards of literacy and numeracy in their schools.

And tomorrow (Tuesday) seven of the eight step proudly up to receive their certificates at a special ceremony in the Town Hall, Maidenhead at 4pm.

The eight successful students are:
Sharon Astle Bisham Primary
Alexandra Haas Bisham Primary
Michelle Bold St Peter's CE Middle
Lindsey Whearty St Peter's CE Middle
Sarah Butler Wessex Juniors
Rageni Venkatachellam Wessex Juniors
Helen Riddett Datchet St Mary's CE Primary
Hayley Mcfarlane Trevelyan Middle.

The course, which covers many elements of the Primary National Strategy and is aimed, predominantly at Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum (children from five to seven years), involves up to nine hours of home study a week and 50 hours of school-based tasks, both in the schools where students normally work and in others to give them wider experience.

Their assignments are assessed by OU-appointed tutors and their school work is monitored by their individual mentors – experienced primary teachers – who can offer help and advice throughout the training programme.

This group is the last to receive this particular Open University qualification since the scheme was launched in the Maidenhead borough seven years ago - it has been replaced by alternative arrangements for the professional development of teaching assistants.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education said: "It's really good to go out on a high note with another strong group of candidates lining up to receive their well-deserved awards. Teaching assistants do an extremely worthwhile job of supporting teachers in our classrooms and these eight deserve our warmest congratulations on their achievement.

"It is no mean feat to put in all the extra hours required to complete this certificate, especially as they have to continue their work in the classroom while they are studying. We are delighted to recognise their dedication and commitment in this way.

"They are an inspiration to all their colleagues – and hopefully their success will encourage other teaching assistants to study for this very worthwhile qualification."


The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Pupils in Maidenhead's Ellington Primary School will be vegging out on Thursday (June 15) – but there won't be a couch potato in sight when Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards officers challenge the children to a healthy eating Jamie Oliver-style quiz.

Part of Food Awareness Week (June 12 – 18), the trading standards team will join the national campaign to highlight the importance of food safety and hygiene.

Working through years 1 to 6, they will use the quiz to promote awareness about the different types of fruit and vegetables, with pupils split into teams and prizes for those who get the most correct answers. There will also be the opportunity for trading standards to talk to the children about food labelling, particularly the importance of date marking and cooking instructions.

Kelly Moss, Maidenhead trading standards officer, explained: "We want to create a fun learning experience for the children and hopefully raise awareness, not only about the huge variety of fruit and veg available in shops and supermarkets but also about food labelling and the important information it provides for our health and well-being."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 25th June- 1st July2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

25th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Eric Bogle and John Munro

26th June at Maidenhead

No events planned

27th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Berkshire Young Musicians’ Trust Gold Award Concert

28th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Squid and the Whale (15)

29th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Summer Concert Series 1: Forelle Ensemble

30th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Celebrity Concert: Red Priest

1st July at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Helen Clark and Alison Gurney
* 8:00 pm
The Blue Bishops

Wear your cycle helmet with pride – and get a headstart in the "cool and groovy" stakes.

That's the design challenge to young Maidenhead Royal Borough cyclists as the borough once again gears up to celebrate National Bike Week next week (June 19 – 23).

Maidenhead Road safety officers have thrown down the design gauntlet to young cyclists following statistics which show that nearly half of injuries suffered by teenage and young adult cyclists were to the head and face – many of whom were not wearing a helmet because it was "uncool"!

Budding young Maidenhead artistic cyclists are now invited to "saddle up" and take up the design challenge to win one of 20 cycle helmets by taking part in a colouring competition to find the grooviest design.

To kick-start the competition, several schools have invited the borough's road safety officer to demonstrate the importance of wearing cycle helmets in a helmet safety "eggsperiment" – with messy but fun results! Sessions take place on:
· Monday June 19, St Mary's Primary School (3.10pm)
· Tuesday June 20, Furze Platt Infants School (all morning)
· Wednesday June 21, Ellington Primary School (all morning)
· Thursday June 22, St Edward's Middle School (school assembly at 8.50am).

This year's Maidenhead competition follows the success of last year's Helmet Watch initiative in which road safety officers presented on-the-spot prizes of compass keyrings to any child spotted wearing a cycle helmet while out on their bikes.

Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for Maidenhead road safety, said: "The Department of Transport statistics paint a very worrying picture of young cyclists putting themselves in danger of serious injury by not wearing a cycle helmet.

"We all appreciate that appearance matters a great deal when you're young – but the message we need to get across is that safety matters even more! If we can combine the two with some really 'cool' designs then we are heading in the right direction! So get designing – and help to make helmet-wearing groovy!"

Young Maidenhead cyclists will also be taking to the roads and going through their road safety paces in the coming weeks as the annual cycle training season gets into top gear. Nearly 500 pupils from 23 schools have signed up to take part in the scheme which helps pupils develop their road awareness and co-ordination as well as practise key road safety skills.

Training takes place during Bike Week at the following schools:
Monday June 19 - St Mary's Primary School, Maidenhead (3.15 – 4.15om)
Tuesday June 20 - Holyport Primary School (1 – 3pm)
Wednesday June 21 - Waltham St Lawrence Primary School (3 – 4pm)
Thursday June 22 - Cookham Dean Primary School (1.30 – 3pm)
Friday June 23, White Waltham Primary School (12.30 – 1.30pm); Oldfield Primary School (2 – 3pm)
Saturday June 24 - St Edmund Campion Primary School (10.30 – 11.30am).

Entry forms for the colouring competition are available from the Maidenhead road safety officer on 01628 796577. The closing date for entries is July 7. Helmets will be awarded to the 20 best entries at school assemblies at the end of the summer term.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead,

Maidenhead Royal Borough dads are in for some serious "revision" this week – but thankfully there are no exams at the end of it!

The dads will be scoring ten out of ten for effort and attendance when they join their sons and daughters for a day of learning in schools across Maidenhead borough for the ever-popular Dads into School Day on Friday June 16 – just two days before Fathers' Day!

This is the seventh year Maidenhead Royal Borough has supported the annual event, with more than 700 dads signing up to go back to school for a day following training sessions at schools in Windsor and Maidenhead last month.

The new "pupils" will head back to the classroom to learn more about how their children's schools are run on a day-to-day basis – and join their children for a range of curriculum activities including IT and sport.

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said: "I am delighted that so many dads take time out from their working lives every year to share this unique experience with their sons and daughters and learn more about the valuable work that goes on in our schools

"Dads into School Day really is a wonderful opportunity for fathers to share a variety of learning experiences with their children – and hopefully help to strengthen the youngsters' enthusiasm for learning at home too.

"It also helps to demonstrate the importance of dads as male role models, particularly for their sons – and also because so many of our primary schools have a predominance of female staff.

"It's well known that boys in particular do not enjoy reading as much as their female siblings – but seeing their dads enjoying the pleasures of a good book will hopefully inspire them to discover the joys of reading for themselves."

Royal Borough schools already signed up to Friday's Dads into School day are:
Maidenhead:
Braywood CE First School, Oldfield Primary School, Furze Platt Junior School, Boyne Hill CE Infant School, Knowl Hill CE Primary School, Holyport CE Primary School, Courthouse Junior School, Larchfied Primary School, Furze Platt Junior School, St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School, White Waltham CE Primary School, Cookham Rise Primary School, Wessex Infants School, Oldfield Primary School, All Saints Junior School and Cookham Dean Primary School.
Windsor:
Trinity St Stephen CE First School, The Queen Anne CE First School, Eton Wick CE First School, Homer First School, St Edward's Catholic First School, Datchet St Mary's CE Primary School, Wraysbury Primary School, Dedworth Green First School, The Royal CE First School, South Ascot Village School and South Grange Nursery.

Alwyn Infant and Nursery School in Maidenhead became a real class act – and scored top marks for attendance – a few weeks ago when it held its Dads into Dchool day and a record number of 97 dads took up the challenge and spent the day in the classroom. Kings Court First School will hold its Dads into School day on June 30.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A grand night out is in store for Maidenhead Royal Borough revellers when they get the opportunity to 'have a ball' and help keep Shopmobility on the road.

Windsor and Maidenhead Shopmobility and WAMU, (Windsor & Maidenhead Users' Network) will be holding a Grand Charity Ball on Saturday September 30 in the Desborough Suite of the Town Hall, Maidenhead, with proceeds in aid of the borough's Shopmobility.

Set to be a hot date for the autumn, the Maidenhead ball will include a carvery dinner, bar service and a 20-piece dance band to help the evening go with a swing. Plans for the night also include a prize auction.

The aim is to raise funds for new wheelchairs and scooters to replace the current ageing fleet, as well as to promote the further expansion of Shopmobility services for people who are disabled and older members of the community.

Tickets for the Shopmobility ball, priced £40 each, will be on sale shortly. For ticket reservations or any other enquiries please contact Richard Lyle at Shopmobility on 01628 796056 or 01628 543038; fax 01628-543038 or email richard.lyle@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 18th June- 24th June2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

18th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Illyria

19th June at Maidenhead

No events planned

20th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
West Side Story

21st June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
West Side Story
* Workshops and other events
* 7:00 pm
Reading Group

22nd June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
West Side Story
* 8:00 pm
Klepto

23rd June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
West Side Story

24th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
West Side Story
* 7:45 pm
West Side Story
* 8:00 pm
Inder Manocha supported by Ayesha Hazarika

Maidenhead Royal Borough social worker Chris Murphy is planning a marathon effort – literally – over the next few months to help people understand more about Alzheimer's Disease and raise funds for those who suffer from it.

Chris, a care manager in the Maidenhead older people's mental health team, is not only training for the New York marathon in November but is also organising a season of information and entertainment events – with the aim of raising £10,000 by race day on November 5.

Chris says: "Everyone thinks I'm mad but I want to raise as much money as I can and at the same time increase awareness about this terrible disease. It's not a trendy cause to support but since Mike Baldwin 's character in Coronation Street developed Alzheimer's there's been a lot more publicity – but we can do a lot more and I hope the events I'm organising will help to make a difference."

The first events to watch out for are on Friday June 23 in the Desborough Suite of the Town Hall, Maidenhead:

* Between 12 noon and 4pm there will be a drop-in event with cake stalls, raffles, a sari sale, jewellery and lots more… One of the highlights of the afternoon will be East Berkshire College's Maidenhead hair and beauty department offering nail art, head massage and henna in return for small donations to aid Alzheimer's sufferers. Everyone welcome. This event is raising funds for dementia services in the Maidenhead Royal Borough, including Ascot AAA, Crossroads, Maidenhead Alzheimer's, Windsor Alzheimer's, Woodlands Day Hospital, Charles Day Hospital, Helena Day Hospital, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Alzheimer's Café.
* At 7.45pm it will be curtain up on the Musical Extravaganza Fundraiser in aid of the Alzheimer's Society, with a bill of local musicians, soloists, groups and artists. Tickets are £15 each (including supper).

In the autumn there are more entertainment events planned with:

* a big band night on Friday October 20 (music by Maidenhead Concert Band in St Peter's Church, Maidenhead) and
* a gig by local bands Katamaran and Grey Matter at Windsor Arts Centre on Wednesday October 25.

Chris (32), who lives in Twyford and is based at the council's Windsor headquarters in York House, is mounting her fund and awareness-raising campaign in co-operation with the national Alzheimer's Society, the UK's leading care and research charity for people with all forms of dementia. She is also being strongly supported by the borough's social services directorate.

Jim Gould, director of Maidenhead social services, said he was very proud of Chris' selfless efforts to raise funds and help highlight the terrible effects of Alzheimer's Disease.

He said: "Chris is a fine example of how individual people can make a real difference. Her energy and enthusiasm are being directed to a very worthwhile cause and we all wish her every success."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Chris for the New York Marathon, donate raffle prizes for the Musical Extravaganza Fundraiser or get more information about her programme of events, should call 07958 150241 or email murphy2fundraise@yahoo.co.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Youngsters in the Maidenhead Boyn Grove area will be in for a treat this summer with the opening of their exciting new play area at Punt Hill open space.

Part of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's ongoing plans to invest in local parks and open spaces, the £73,000 scheme will be ready in time for the school holidays and will include the most up-to-date play equipment, including talking flowers, an aeroskate, gyrospiral and pod swing, as well as the usual swings and multi-play units.

The play area, aimed at Maidenhead children aged four - 12 years, is the result of widespread consultation with the local community and incorporates opportunities for activities chosen by them – for example climbing/agility, swinging, sliding, balancing and imaginative/social play.

There will be seating for grown-ups, and a new footpath from Courthouse Road will make it easy for parents/carers wheeling prams and buggies to get to the play area. Special access needs have also been taken into account in the design – including the needs of people with mobility difficulties, impaired hearing, learning difficulties, mental health problems and impaired vision.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said the Punt Hill play area was yet another chapter in the council's programme for upgrading parks and open spaces across the borough.

He said: "I am delighted that we have been able to bring about a number of recent improvements in local parks, thanks in the main to Section 106 developers' contributions. This new play area is totally developer-funded and it is a terrific addition to the activities on offer for local children. I am confident that when it opens in time for the school summer holidays it will be greatly enjoyed."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Learn more about the fascinating world of beetles on a guided walk through Maidenhead Braywick Nature Reserve on Sunday, June 25, starting 2pm.

Accompanied children, adults, teachers and nature lovers are invited to join Maidenhead countryside ranger Trevor Smith on a fun family stroll where you will be introduced to some of our native beetles, such as ladybirds and stag beetles, lurking and loafing about in the park.

The walk has been organised by The Maidenhead Royal Borough as part of The Royal Entomological Society's National Insect Week, which runs from June 19-25 and is designed to raise awareness of insects, their diversity and the crucial role they play in our everyday lives.

Last year's walk through Braywick, which focused on grasshoppers, was a great success and gave a lot of local families a fascinating insight into the world of grasshoppers all around them.

For further information call 01628 777440. There is no need to book.

The walk is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users and may involve some steps. Dogs must be on a lead at all times.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

There's a right Royal week on the cards at Maidenhead Royal Borough libraries in the run-up to the Queen's official 80th birthday on June 17.

Young readers are being urged to celebrate Her Majesty's milestone birthday with a week of literary fun for all ages from babies to teenagers at Maidenhead, Windsor, Cox Green and Cookham libraries.

The birthday story unfolds at Maidenhead Library on Tuesday June 20 at 10.30am with a half-hour Bookstart Plus session for 18-month to two-and-a-half-year-olds (and their parents!) who will be invited to collect their Bookstart Plus packs and enjoy stories and rhymes fit for a queen.

Then it's off to Bounce and Rhyme sessions for children aged up to 18 months for some royally-inspired nursery rhymes and a free Bookstart pack:
Wednesday June 21 2.30 – 3pm Cookham Library
Thursday June 22 10.30 – 11am – Maidenhead Library

Under-fives can listen to stories fit for a queen and become a prince or princess for the afternoon with a session of crown-making at storytime for the under-fives on:
Tuesday June 20 at Maidenhead Library from 2.15 to 3pm and Cox Green Library from 2.30 to 3pm.
Friday June 23 at Windsor Library from 10 – 10.30am.

It's also birthday time for the teenage reading group at Maidenhead library – formed in June 2003 - and members will be celebrating both their own and the Queen's birthdays with a garden party at the library on Tuesday June 20 from 5 – 6pm.

On the teenagers' literary "menu" are favourite childhood stories, a "Who's That Baby?" photo competition and a time capsule of modern-day objects to be displayed in Maidenhead library before being locked away for the next 80 years!

Two competitions will signal the run-up to the week of events – a colouring competition for the under-fives and a book review competition for readers aged 5 to 12. Entry forms can be collected from any library and the closing date is Wednesday June 14.

All Royal Week events are free of charge, there is no need to book and all children, parents and carers are welcome.

For further information contact Katie Farrell, Maidenhead young people's librarian, on 01628 796981.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 11th June- 17th June2006
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

11th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes!

12th June at Maidenhead

No events planned

13th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Pierrepoint / The Last Hangman (15)

14th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Romance and Cigarettes (15)

15th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Illyria
* 8:00 pm
Flamenco Express

16th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Illyria
* 7:45 pm
Jam Session

17th June at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
St John’s Chamber Orchestra
* 7:45 pm
Illyria

Did you witness an assault at the junction of Pinkneys Drive and Henley Road, Maidenhead at 10.30pm on Tuesday (30/5)?

A 57-year-old man was walking home when a car drove up and two white men assaulted him, kicking him several times, before stealing his wallet. A third person stayed in the car, which is believed to be a red or dark maroon old-style Ford Fiesta.

One of the offenders is white, aged 19-20 years, approximately 5ft 9ins, slim, clean shaven with short, dark brown, straight hair. He was wearing a dark sweatshirt and dark jogging bottoms with light trainers. He had a local Maidenhead accent.

The other offender is a white man, aged 19-20 years old, approximately 5ft 9ins, slim, clean shaven with short, dark brown, straight hair and an oval shaped face. He was wearing a dark jumper and jeans. He also had a local Maidenhead accent.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Hayley Rathbone via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre via 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to the police or leave their name should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Eleven young people from the Maidenhead Royal Borough will be centre stage at the National Gallery in London on Friday evening when they take part in a gala performance to mark the end of the Festival of Youth Arts.

The young people, all of them for one reason or another working with or being looked after by Maidenhead social services, will be stars for the night, following a visit to the National Gallery earlier this week for a creative dance session with a top London director.

Their visit, sponsored by Nokia through the National Children's Bureau, included a tour of the gallery but focused especially on Titian's opulent painting of Bacchus and Ariadne. The young Maidenhead people studied the painting closely and then worked on a dance routine based on the movement and flow of the work. They were coached by Kenrick Sandy, creative director of Boy Blue Entertainment – an East London contemporary/street youth dance company.

Sheila Jones, Maidenhead borough's children's services manager, said the day had been a wonderful experience for the young people involved.

She said: "Not only did they get their first glimpse of the National Gallery itself but they were given insights into the worlds of art and dance and the opportunity to use and expand their own creativity. Some of the young people discovered talents they didn't know they had and, overall, it was a wonderful boost for their skills development, in terms of self -confidence and self-esteem. And, of course, they still have Friday night to look forward to. It will be an amazing part of a wonderful new life experience."

Friday night's Youth Arts Party in the National Gallery concludes a week of activities and events in the Festival of Youth Arts, celebrating the creative achievements of young people.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead