Maidenhead & Windsor

The Maidenhead Royal Borough will once again be joining the country's tribute to those who gave their lives in two world wars and the many other subsequent conflicts with acts of remembrance on Armistice Day (Saturday November 11) and civic services in both Maidenhead and Windsor on Remembrance Day (Sunday November 12).

Saturday November 11
Armistice Day

Members of the public in both Windsor and Maidenhead are invited to join councillors to mark the occasion.

The Mayor, Cllr Margaret Cubley, will attend the short ceremony at the war memorial outside the Maidenhead Town Hall, while at the Guildhall in Windsor the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Michael Scott, will be carrying out a similar duty.

At the Maidenhead Town Hall, a ceremonial cannon will be fired prior to 11am. A bugler will play the Last Post to mark the beginning of the two minutes' silence, which will end with the firing of the second cannon and the sounding of Reveille.

To allow members of the public to gather safely for the occasion, arrangements have been made for traffic to be stopped briefly from approximately 10.55am.

In Windsor a bugler will sound Last Post just before 11am, followed by the silence and Reveille.

Again, members of the public are invited to be in place at the Guildhall by 10.55am (there will be no road closure so people are requested to keep on the footways or the paved areas outside the building).

Sunday November 12

Remembrance Day in Maidenhead

The Mayor will lead the civic party for the Act of Remembrance and wreath-laying at the war memorial, St Ives Road. Starting at 10.50am, the event will be attended by ex-service and uniformed youth organisations.

The service of remembrance will be held afterwards in the Borough Church of St Mary, conducted by Rev Will Stileman, and afterwards there will be a march past with the salute taken by Cllr Cubley outside the Town Hall.

Drivers are advised to avoid the High Street, St Ives Road and Bridge Avenue area from 10.00am to 11.10am and from about 12.30pm to 1pm.

Remembrance Day in Windsor

At 10.45 am in Windsor the Deputy Mayor will lead the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial in the High Street, where wreaths will be laid. Rev Mary Barnes will officiate both at the war memorial and at the service which will follow in the parish church. Once again local ex-service and uniformed youth organisations will be attending.

Drivers should avoid Park Street, High Street, River Street, Goswell Road, Osborne Road, Alma Road, Claremont Road and Sheet Street between 10.30am and 12 noon.

The events in both towns are traditionally well attended by people from throughout the community, including local magistrates, former mayors and councillors and the general public. Orders of service will be available at the two war memorials so that everyone who attends will have the opportunity of playing a full part in the proceedings.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Police are appealing for help after a pedestrian was involved in a collision with vehicle that failed to stop in Maidenhead in the early hours of Sunday (29/10).

The victim, aged 30 and from the Maidenhead area, suffered a minor head injury in the incident, which occurred at around 1.30am directly outside The Crown Public House in Wootton Way.

The victim was attempting to cross the road and, in doing so, was hit by a grey Ford Escort Estate.

He was taken to Wexham Park Hospital for treatment.

Maidenhead Police would like to hear from anyone who has information about a car fitting the above or a similar description, which has perhaps sustained damage recently, to contact them.

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Marc Steadman via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. People who do not wish to talk to police or leave their name can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Modernising the way it works and delivering services more efficiently are helping the Maidenhead Royal Borough save council taxpayers' money.

Cllr David Eglise, lead member for resources, has revealed that the Maidenhead council is on target to achieve £2.8 million in efficiency savings by the end of the next financial year (2007/08).

The savings stem from the Delivering Excellence programme, which includes a series of detailed reviews of services, identifying how they can 'work smarter' with more efficient and cost-effective approaches to delivering services to local residents and customers.

Maidenhead Cllr Eglise said: "We have left no stone unturned in our search for better and more efficient ways of working.

"This has been recognised by Audit Commission inspectors who have commented favourably on our ambitious programme of change, which has included the opening of the customer service centre, a long hard look at our accommodation needs and the recent council restructuring that is placing even more emphasis on front line services that put our customers first.

"I am delighted to report that we are about to reap the rewards of the Delivering Excellence programme with almost £3 million of efficiency savings, meaning that more of our precious resources can be made available to support front line services."

Other major initiatives which have contributed to the Maidenhead council's efficiency savings include a review of home to school transport, a revised home care contract, new contracts for telephone services, and reviews of facilities management and visitor management (the latter involving the move to more central premises in the Windsor Royal Station complex). Smaller initiatives range from better deals on stationery and consumables to bottled water supplies.

Cllr Eglise added: "While I am very pleased with the current efficiency savings forecast, we will not rest on our laurels. We have more to achieve and our determination to make the council an even more efficient and effective organisation will continue."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

5th November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Snow Cake (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

6th November at Maidenhead

No events planned

7th November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Wind that Shakes the Barley (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Junior Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance

8th November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Show of Hands
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Brian Weavers: Curved Reverse Perspective
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Academy

9th November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
The Night Shift
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Brian Weavers: Curved Reverse Perspective
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

10th November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Mozart/ Mendelssohn Series: Concert 4
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Film Innovations: Context and Perspectives in Film History
* 10:00 am
Brian Weavers: Curved Reverse Perspective
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm

11th November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Papa Please Get the Moon for Me
* 2:00 pm
Papa Please Get the Moon for Me
* 8:00 pm
Mrs Barbara Nice
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
Brian Weavers: Curved Reverse Perspective

The Maidenhead Royal Borough is blazing a pioneering trail to provide care for young care leavers with the launch of an innovative scheme early next month.

Windsor and Maidenhead and Slough, in partnership with youth charity The Prince's Trust, have developed the mentoring scheme for young people leaving care to help them make the transition from being "looked after" to living independently.

As the Maidenhead Royal Borough this week supports National Care Leavers' Week (October 23 – 29), plans are well underway for matching young people with mentors.

The mentoring scheme – run by The Prince's Trust and sponsored by Connexions Berkshire – trains volunteer mentors to provide both practical and emotional support, and in particular a listening ear, to young people aged 16 – 21 who are leaving care to live independently.

Mentors meet with the young people on a weekly basis for up to a year to provide help with all aspects of leaving care – from providing positive role models, nurturing confidence building and teaching social skills to helping with job applications and employment, cooking for themselves and budgeting their finances.

Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for Maidenhead children' and young people's services, said: "For many young people who have spent much of their lives in care, the prospect of going out into the big wide world to live independently can be a real challenge.

"The mentoring scheme bridges that gap and helps young people to develop the skills which will ease their path to independent living and help them to realise their potential.

"Here in the Royal Borough we are very keen to continue consulting and working in partnership with young people leaving care to involve them in providing services which support and meet their needs – and two young people who have left care are members of the Corporate Parenting Forum which is responsible for providing just those services.

"Three other young people who have recently left care are currently being supported at university – a real achievement for the young people involved as the very nature of being in care can sometimes lead to disruptions in education."

For more information about becoming a mentor for care leavers in the Royal Borough contact The Prince's Trust on 01753 502234. Details can also be found at www.princes-trust.org.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The future of mental health services for adults in the Maidenhead Royal Borough will be firmly in the spotlight at a one-day conference to be held next week.

Top of the agenda at the innovative conference – to be held at the Town Hall, Maidenhead on Thursday November 2 from10 am to 3pm - will be a review of the current provision of mental health services for working age adults, alongside a look at the way forward for the next three years.

Organised by the Maidenhead Royal Borough / Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust community mental health team in partnership with Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, the conference will give borough residents, community organisations and local business representatives the opportunity to have their say on developing and improving the quality of mental health services.

Up for discussion will be the draft Mental Health Strategy which seeks to address the needs of working age adults from 18 to 65 and develop plans to prioritise those needs, as well as determining the scope and quality of service that should be available to service users.

Cllr Pam Proctor, lead member for Maidenhead adult services, said: "This conference is a really good way of bringing together everyone in the borough with an interest in adult mental health services and will provide an excellent forum for some really useful discussion.

"It will hopefully help to forge new partnerships between the service users themselves, health and social care providers, carers and the wider community, who are all working towards the same common goal – to provide a range of good quality services which users really want to help them in their daily lives."

Donna Derby, General Manager for Berkshire East PCT, said: "This is a real opportunity to tell us what you think about how services should be delivered for the future. Tell us what is working and what could be improved. It's a conference for everyone – because we could all be the ones who need help one day."

For further information about the conference – or to book a place – contact Louise Gray on 01628 796763 or email Melanie Edridge at Melanie.edridge@rbwm.gov.uk.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Road safety "lessons" make a timely return to the Maidenhead school curriculum next week as the nights close in and youngsters head back to school after the half-term break.

Taking the seasonal "Be Bright, Be Seen" message to Maidenhead primary schools once again is Spike the road safety hedgehog, who comes out of his summer hibernation to stress the importance of wearing bright and reflective clothing during the autumn and winter months.

From covering himself in fluorescent and brightly-coloured accessories to get his message across last year, Spike is this time inviting pupils to join him on a hedgehog "treasure hunt" around the school playground to demonstrate how much easier it is to spot brightly-coloured pictures than dull ones – with prizes for the most hedgehog pictures collected.

Treasure-hunters will be lining up at the following schools:

Monday October 30 – Eton Porny First School (2.15pm)
Tuesday October 31 – Oakfield First School, Windsor (10.20am) and South Ascot Primary School (1.30pm)
Thursday November 2 – Kings Court First School (2.15pm)
Friday November 3 – Furze Platt Infant School (10.20am) and Wessex Primary School (2.15pm).

Back by popular demand for the older school pupils is the hard-hitting production "Legal Weapon," by the Ape Theatre company. First seen in all its thought-provoking glory last autumn, Legal Weapon continues the theme of the ongoing "For My Girlfriend" campaign to focus on the impact of speeding among young male drivers – and its all-too-often devastating consequences.

Pupils at four Maidenhead borough schools are scheduled to experience the interactive production complete with high energy music and dance on:
· Tuesday October 31 – Charters School, Sunningdale (8.50 – 9.50am)

· Wednesday November 1 – Altwood School, Maidenhead (10.25 – 11.25)
and Newlands Girls' School, Maidenhead (2.35 – 3.35pm)
· Friday November 3 - Desborough School, Maidenhead (9 – 10am).

Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for Maidenhead road safety, said: "These are very valuable lessons for young people of all ages – and particularly timely with the clocks going back this weekend, leading to darker morning and evenings for the next few months.

"We all need to think very carefully about the increased potential for accidents at this time of year, and anything which can heighten this awareness has got to be a very worthwhile lesson."

For further information about these roadshows contact Philippa Baxter, road safety officer, on 01628 796577.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A Friday night crack down on under-age sales found two local retailers who sold alcohol to a 15-year-old who was working under Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards supervision.

The joint Thames Valley Police-trading standards operation on Friday October 13 involved visits to six shops – five in Maidenhead and one in the Windsor area.

Police issued an £80 on-the-spot fine to a shop assistant and trading standards are continuing to investigate the second seller, as well as both of the shop owners. Sanctions available to trading standards include written warnings, formal cautions and prosecution, and licensees may also find their licence to sell alcohol under review by the council.

The joint Maidenhead operation is the latest in an ongoing programme designed to clamp down on under-age sales of alcohol across the borough and the anti-social behaviour it causes – and traders are warned that further test purchasing operations are planned for the months ahead.

Steve Johnson, trading standards manager, said: "We have been undertaking this type of operation for a number of years and retailers really have no excuse if they are caught selling alcohol to children. We are determined to tackle the problem and, with the help of the police, will continue to deal firmly with shops that break the law. Our advice to traders remains the same – no ID, no sale."

Debie Pearmain, police licensing officer of Thames Valley Police, said: "We are very pleased to have been able to work in partnership with trading standards in order to tackle part of a growing problem.

"Alcohol consumption by young teenagers has a profound detrimental effect on their own health and on their communities as we have seen a direct link between alcohol and anti-social behaviour. We shall continue to work in partnership with trading standards in future operations."

If anyone suspects that Maidenhead retailers are selling alcohol to children – or any other age-restricted product such as cigarettes, fireworks or solvents – they should report the matter in confidence to trading standards on 01628 683802.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Shoppers should remember, remember to look out for the British Standard 7114 mark when they buy their fireworks this year, Royal Borough trading standards officers have warned. The mark indicates the fireworks have passed stringent safety controls.

Prospective buyers are also urged not to buy from car boot sales or other temporary sales outlets as they are not licensed to sell fireworks, and to avoid fireworks such as bangers, mini-rockets, aerial shells, bombs and mortars, if offered, as these have all been banned from sale for several years.

In the run-up to bonfire night, Maidenhead trading standards officers are visiting shops to ensure the fireworks on sale meet the correct standards and are stored safely.

They are also making sure retailers understand their responsibilities and comply with the law regarding the sale of fireworks.

Shop owners have to be registered with trading standards in order to store fireworks for sale. Unless they have an annual licence they can only sell fireworks during the following times:

* October 15 to November 10
* December 26 to 31
* Chinese New Year's Day (which next year is on February 18) and the three days preceding it
* The first day of Diwali (celebrated last week) and the three days preceding it.

It is also an offence to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 and trading standards are once again carrying out undercover test purchases to ensure retailers don't break this law.

Steve Johnson, Maidenhead trading standards manager, said: "Fireworks are explosive devices and our job is to ensure they are stored and sold in ways that will minimise any risk of injury. Retailers in the Royal Borough have always been sensible in this regard and we hope the work we are doing this year will show that they are continuing to comply with the law".

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

29th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Laurie Holloway and his Trio
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

30th October at Maidenhead

No events planned

31st October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Me and the King
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Junior Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance

1st November at Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Academy

2nd November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Endellion String Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

3rd November at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Pendulum Trio featuring Chris Garrick
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Film Innovations: Context and Perspectives in Film History
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

4th November at Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

Charles II is said to have hidden in one, they were sacred to the Druids and Anglo-Saxons – and one appears on the Maidenhead Royal Borough's coat of arms. Oaks are considered so English that it is hard to believe they are under threat.

The reality is there are very few oak seedlings and saplings in the woods in this area and the Maidenhead Royal Borough's tree warden team wants to involve residents in doing something about it.

As part of their drive, entitled Oaks for Folks, the volunteer wardens will be outside Woolworths opposite the Nicholson's Centre in Maidenhead on Saturday October 21 from 11am to 5pm. They will demonstrate how easy and rewarding it is to grow young oaks from acorns, and will provide free kits, acorns and information leaflets to anyone wanting to try their hand at growing an oak at home.

After about three years the sapling can be returned to the team for planting or the grower can plant it in an appropriate position themselves, possibly the garden if suitable for a big oak.

Apart from maintaining a part of English heritage, introducing more young oaks into the local environment is important because the trees support a huge amount of native wildlife, more than any other trees in Britain.

Threats to the oak come from a number of sources:

· In some years, most acorns are deformed by a tiny wasp imported well over a century ago. Such 'knoppered' acorns do not germinate to become young trees.

· The non-native grey squirrel not only eats acorns but also damages far more than it ends up eating. It chews through the growing point of the acorns it buries for storage and often forgets where buried acorns are.

· The muntjac deer, another non-British mammal, has become widespread and now breeds successfully in this area. It is a very persistent browser of seedling and sapling trees in local woods and quiet gardens. Oaks are heavily grazed by this somewhat secretive dog-sized deer.

As a result, even in a year when acorns are plentiful, the natural regeneration of oaks via seedlings and saplings is extremely poor.

By getting Maidenhead residents to nurture the plants from acorn to sapling, the Oaks for Folks project will help protect the trees at the vulnerable stage of their growth. They can then be planted in selected places once the trees are more able to defend themselves.

The project is part of the annual Seed Gathering Season supported by the Tree Council nationally.

At the Nicholson's Centre, Maidenhead on Saturday the wardens will also provide information on the Tree Council, other local group activities and examples of other trees successfully grown from local seed in previous years' Seed Gathering Season events.

For further information or to receive an acorn growing kit, call Trevor Smith, senior countryside ranger, on 01628 777440.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Young Maidenhead people will be able to make their voices heard about all kinds of issues affecting their lives if a strategy designed to include under-18s in decision making is accepted at next week's cabinet meeting (Thursday October 26).

The proposed Young People Participation Strategy will be used to further the aims of the Maidenhead Royal Borough's Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership by providing a framework for all agencies working with children and young people to actively consider and promote ways of getting them involved.

This forms part of a wider council drive to build a culture of participation. It also complements the government's Youth Opportunity Fund which provides money for young people to spend as they see fit on approved projects.

Cllr Kathy Newbound, lead member for Maidenhead children's services, said: "Young people are stakeholders in the community, using of all kinds of services, but their opinions are often not adequately represented in the decision-making process.

"Since practically a quarter of the population of the Royal Borough is aged 18 or younger, it is so important that we find constructive ways to consult with them and get them involved.

"As well as ensuring services are meeting the needs of young people, this strategy gives them the opportunity to learn more about citizenship, democracy in action, their rights and responsibilities and the connection between the local political process and their daily lives."

The strategy is aimed at Maidenhead children and young people from all backgrounds and home environments, including those at risk of social exclusion and disaffection. Looked after children and those with learning difficulties in particular would have opportunities to be actively involved in decisions affecting them.

It also links with the borough's diversity and equality framework which states: "Valuing diversity means recognising the strengths, talents and needs of every individual, nurturing potential, maximising opportunities for all to contribute and ensuring no one is left behind or excluded from society."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead,

Bray's Jesus Hospital Bridge will be safer – and quieter – following Maidenhead Royal Borough improvements which will start on Monday of next week (October 23).

The bridge will have to be closed for four weeks to allow the essential structural strengthening and refurbishment to go ahead. At the same time the contractors will take the opportunity to correct the noise problem currently caused when vehicles drive across the metal plates that form the bridge surface. The resulting rattle has caused concern to residents and the parish council for some time but, thanks to the new scheme, quieter days and nights are ahead.

Despite the bridge closure it will be business as usual in the Maidenhead village with diversion signs going up to ensure customers are aware of the temporary arrangements. Prominent advance warning signs have also been displayed on the approach roads for the past week and letters have been sent to Bray residents and businesses.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. The hourly No 6 Windsor bus service will run as usual as far the Bray cricket ground, then turn right into Hibbert Road, left on to the A308 Braywick Road and continue to Holyport.

The importance of the bridge to local traffic means that the Maidenhead council has tried to minimise inconvenience as much as possible with the first week of this essential work taking place during half-term when traffic is much lighter. However, there will be unavoidable disruption to the normal traffic route and the borough has asked drivers to be patient and to leave extra time for their journeys.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Voluntary organisations in the Maidenhead Royal Borough are being put on grant alert! It's time to apply for help with next year's funding from the council's grants funding scheme and closing date for applications is Friday November 10 2006.

The scheme is open to non-profit-making voluntary organisations and help is available for both annual running expenses and for capital schemes such as building work and new equipment.

Cllr Simon Werner, chairman of the Maidenhead grants forum, said: "Every year thousands of people benefit from the enthusiastic and tireless efforts of the borough's voluntary organisations to make our community better for everyone.

"The council recognises the need for maintaining and extending partnerships with the voluntary sector and the grants funding scheme is a practical way of helping organisations continue their very valuable work."

Organisations can apply for a grant towards running costs, equipment, transport, administration, premises hire, building projects, one-off events and projects, staffing costs and training.

Application forms for grants in 2007/08 are now available from Angela Torr, democratic services unit, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF. Call Angela on 01628 796310 or email angela.torr@rbwm.gov.uk

Full details and application forms can be down loaded from www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/members_grants_voluntary_organisations.htm

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's a bewitchingly exciting time at the Maidenhead Braywick Nature Centre with events suitably spooky for Halloween. On Saturday October 28 there's a double bill with pumpkin carving sessions in the afternoon and a storytelling and pumpkin gallery in the evening, while on the afternoons of Tuesday October 24 and Thursday October 26 it's time to go hunting for hooters!

The pumpkin carving sessions take place at the Hibbert Road, Maidenhead venue on Saturday October 28 from 2pm to 3pm and 3.30pm to 4.30pm. Participants should bring a pumpkin, some carving tools and a rear (red) bicycle light to give their pumpkin an inner glow.

Participants can then return in the evening from 7pm to 9pm for some spooky tales with popular local storyteller Stacia Keogh followed by a walk through the glowing Halloween pumpkin gallery in the woodland.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Book in advance on 01628 796227. The cost is £5.50 per person with a Maidenhead Advantage Card (non-Advantage Card holders are charged a daily entry fee of 80p per adult and 60p per junior).

In autumn owls are on the prowl, so six to 10-year-olds can join countryside rangers at Braywick for a fun adventure exploring the secrets of these silent night-time hunters.

The playschemes take place on Tuesday October 24 and Thursday October 26 from 2pm to 4pm and places must be booked in advance on 01628 796227. The cost is £3.95 per child with an Advantage Card (junior non-Advantage Card holders are charged a daily entry fee of 60p).

For more details of these and other Countryside Service events in October, November and December visit www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/bnc_events.htm

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A 14-year-old boy from Maidenhead has been handed an official reprimand by police, working as part of Operation Rebound, after admitting to 18 counts of criminal damage.

The Maidenhead youngster committed the offences – 16 of which occurred in Maidenhead – from around April this year through until August. The other offences occurred in Windsor and Reading.

He even targeted the same address on four separate occasions, using spray paint to vandalise the walls of a property as well as fencing.

The boy admitted a number of the offences while being interviewed by police in connection with other incidents.

He subsequently was subject to the restorative justice process – facing up to the effects of his crimes - and then issued with a reprimand.

Sgt Matt Gray, of the community safety team at Maidenhead, said: “Contrary to popular belief, a reprimand is not a soft option as it is a discloseable criminal record for a minimum of five years.

“This can have serious consequences for future applications for college or employment opportunities, including part-time summer job applications which can require reprimands to be disclosed.

“Some foreign countries now require disclosure when applying for visas, thus also restricting opportunities for foreign travel.”

A reprimand would be followed by a final warning if the youth was to offend again. Then, if any further offences followed, a charge and court appearance would be the probable outcome.

A vital element of the investigations in this case was the multi-agency work with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s anti-social behaviour unit.

The team has developed a graffiti database that stores details of graffiti offences throughout the borough. Photographs are obtained from the police, council officers, community wardens and residents. Evidence from the database will be used in any investigations and may be given as evidence.

Carol-Anne Matic, the Royal Borough’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said: “This is an excellent example of successful partnership working between the council, the police and residents and just shows what can be achieved when we work together”.

PC Stephen Wilkinson, Maidenhead officer in the case, said: “The fact that this prolific young offender has been given a reprimand will add to the deterrent for others considering committing similar offences – it shows that people will be caught and dealt with in the appropriate manner.

“This outcome is of great benefit to the community and shows that the police will not tolerate such behaviour. The public, in the vast majority of cases, do not like seeing graffiti spoil their environment.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Children who attend Cookham Rise Primary School, Maidenhead get an acceptable level of education, meeting or exceeding the expected levels for their age – but the school is determined to do even better and has embarked on its improvement journey as a matter of priority.

The 198-pupil Maidenhead school went under the microscope of an Ofsted inspection team in May and scored a grade 2 (good) for the personal development and wellbeing of the pupils, and grade 3 (satisfactory) for a number of other areas, including achievement and standards, teaching and learning, curriculum and activities, and care, guidance and support.

The inspectors, whose report has been published and circulated to parents, identify four areas for further development and will monitor progress under the terms of a Notice to Improve.

The report points to the good progress made by pupils, particularly in the foundation stage where they receive a good education and have well-developed skills for their age. There is also praise for the work done with children with special educational needs.

Teaching is satisfactory overall with teachers enabling Maidenhead pupils to enjoy their education – and while all ages meet or exceed the expected levels for their age the school has already started to analyse a recent decline in national test results in English, maths and science, especially by more able pupils to help them achieve even better standards.

Personal development and wellbeing are good. Pupils enjoy school, which is reflected in their punctuality and good attendance. The inspectors also comment favourably on the children's behaviour and the good progress they make in their spiritual, moral and cultural development. Pupils are well cared for and supported, with robust child protection procedures, and the school works well with other specialist agencies to identify problems pupils face and make sure they get the support they need.

Areas identified by the inspectors to help Cookham Rise, Maidenhead improve even further include the need to: have effective long-term leadership and management, to improve Key Stage 2 performance in English maths and science and to communicate better with parents.

Headteacher Christina Hibbins, who took over the reins as acting head just days before the inspection team arrived, said: "We are pleased by the many good elements in Cookham Rise that have been recognised by the inspectors and are delighted that they identified the caring and supportive environment in which our pupils thrive.

"We fully accept the need for areas of our management and performance to be addressed and we are already making good progress with an improvement plan which we believe will make the school even better in the months and years ahead."

Gaynor Sprules, chair of governors, commented: "The inspectors recognise that we have a clearly-targeted action plan in place to take us forward and that, working with the LEA, we have a clear view of what needs to be done. We have achieved a great deal already and this gives us a solid foundation for what we want to achieve in the future.

"Cookham Rise has a lot to be proud of. We just want our standards to be even better."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

22nd October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Lunchtime Concert – David Massey (guitar)
* 3:00 pm
Volver (15)
* 7:30 pm
Volver (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

23rd October at Maidenhead

No events planned

24th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Akeelah and the Bee (12a)
* 7:30 pm
Akeelah and the Bee (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

25th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Funny Business
* 7:00 pm
Reading Group
* 8:00 pm
Edinburgh & Beyond
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

26th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Three Billy Goats Gruff
* 3:00 pm
Three Billy Goats Gruff
* 7:30 pm
The Farrington Ensemble
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

27th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Three Billy Goats Gruff
* 3:00 pm
Three Billy Goats Gruff
* 8:00 pm
Ralph McTell – The Journey Tour
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

28th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Bollywood Night
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Jacquelyn Fugelle and Abigail Jaye
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

"The Card"

Music by Tony Hatch, Lyrics by Anthony Drewe

Book by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall

Original Lyrics by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent

A musical comedy set in the Potteries in the early 1900s, telling the rags to riches story of Denry Machin, whose enterprising, money making skills take him from washerwoman's son to Mayor of Bursley. A very funny show with catch songs.

Box Office 01628 671589. www.mos-uk.org
Maidenhead Operatic Society

Kingsway House
King Street
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 1EB
Phone: 01628 789845

Re:charge is a community cafe for the young people of Maidenhead. We serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, crisps, sweets, fruit and so much more! It is a safe place for young people to be themselves, meet others, chill out, relax and find friendship and support. You can listen to music, watch videos or dvd's, play on the playstation, x-box, karaoke machine or dance mats. We have a computer with with internet access and we organise all sorts of workshops, as well as regular live music events.

We also now have a computer suite with internet access, pool table, big screen - and we are getting a brand new i-Mac this week so users can produce their own music masterpieces and we hope to get them podcasting and maybe even get them running an internet radio too! We also take them on regular trips out too during the holiday periods.

Our Maidenhead opening times are:

Young Parents - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 3pm

Young People - Tuesday 4pm - 8pm, Friday 4pm - 10pm and Saturday 6pm - 10pm with a Homework Club on a Wednesday after school 3.30pm - 5.30pm

re:charge / Bridge Trust Thames Valley ~ Maidenhead

A group of Maidenhead Royal Borough teenagers are about to have their first practical taste of financial democracy with the launch of an innovative scheme giving them the purse-strings on spending for other young people.

Following training sessions to help them get to grips with their spending power, the newly-qualified Maidenhead youth assessors are now urging young people and youth groups across the borough to apply for funding for activities and facilities under the government's £145,000 two-year Youth Opportunities Fund.

The young Maidenhead assessors will hold regular panel meetings (the first of which is next Thursday October 19) to consider applications from groups of their peers in the 13-19 age group and decide which schemes and projects should be allocated money under the scheme – including activities such as residential courses, arts workshops, DJ workshops and the purchasing of sports equipment.

Applications will be judged on a list of criteria including:

· a maximum Youth Opportunity Fund grant of £4000 is available
· projects must involve young people living in the borough aged 13 – 19
· all applications must be completed by young people themselves, though each group must have an adult representative and a bank account
· projects involving or benefiting groups of vulnerable young people will be given additional consideration.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "Our first group of trained young assessors are now raring to go and very keen to hear from groups of young people who have particular schemes or projects they would like to get off the ground.

"This YOF money is all about providing the opportunity to help young people benefit from things they really want to do and places to go, and promoting schemes and activities which will help them develop their confidence, skills and knowledge.

"This really is democracy at work – with young people making decisions which will have a real impact on the lives of some of their peers across the borough. I would urge youth groups to take this opportunity to get their applications in as soon as possible."

Applications for funding will be judged on a monthly basis at regular panel sittings – with final applications for the current financial year submitted no later than February 9 2007. Every application which meets the panel's criteria will result in group members meeting the young assessors to explain exactly how they intend to spend the money – and feedback will be available for unsuccessful applicants.

For more information on how to apply for Maidenhead funding – or how to become a young assessor - contact Denise Gilholme on 01628 796949 or Danny Gomm on 01628 510289.

For an application form write to: YOF Applications, Castle Hill Centre, High Town Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PB (Tel: 01628 510289) or email yof@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Council services for children have been rated as good by a team of inspectors who spent a total of three weeks in the borough last autumn.

The joint area review (JAR) looked at how children benefit from services provided, individually and collectively, by the Maidenhead Royal Borough and its partner organisations and the new report judges the contributions made by the council's services overall, specifically education and children's social services.

The inspectors rate both education and social care services for children as good, with a score of 3, and there is a good rating for the council's children's services overall.

Cllr Pam Proctor, who at the time of the inspection was lead member for Maidenhead social services, said this was a very encouraging outcome of a tough inspection regime.

She said: "Since the horrific death of little Victoria Climbié there has been a justifiable focus on getting services right for children, especially safeguarding the most vulnerable and those looked after by the council. That has been a top priority for social services where we have concentrated our efforts on improving existing services, working closely with partner organisations and developing new ways of ensuring that children's voices are central to everything we do."

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said she was delighted with the inspectors' positive conclusions about schools and educational achievement.

She added: "We are recognised nationally as a high achieving local authority area and the JAR underlines that we are maintaining this position and helping our children and young people to achieve to the very best of their ability. It is particularly encouraging to hear from the inspectors that they found children enjoy their education and also to get praise for our services which work with ethnic minority communities and to encourage inclusion in education."

A simultaneous inspection of the borough's youth service also attracted praise. Inspectors rated the service overall as good, with 90% of the fieldwork sessions they saw rated as satisfactory or better.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, thanked all youth service staff, partner organisations and young people themselves for their team effort leading up to and during the inspection. He said: " Although the whole event was over in two weeks, for a small service like ours a huge amount of time went into the preparation. Everyone worked extremely hard and I couldn't be more delighted with the outcome.

"The youth service aims to provide increasing opportunities for young people to be involved and included, challenged and encouraged. We want to broaden their horizons and, through the work of our talented youth work team, give them the opportunity to achieve their own individual goals. Our success is reflected in the inspectors' comments and we are now working hard to ensure that the borough's youth provision continues to develop for the benefit for young people in the future"

The JAR focused on the extent to which Maidenhead children and young people are healthy, safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and are well prepared to secure economic well being. Particular attention is also given to services for children who are looked after by the council and those with learning and/or physical disabilities.

Overall outcomes for children and young people are good, the report concludes.

There are number of recommendations to enable the borough and its partner organisations to develop services ever further and, since the inspection took place last autumn, the council has embarked on further improvement.

Cllr Kathy Newbound, recently appointed lead cabinet member for Maidenhead children's services, congratulated everyone working in the council's children's services and her cabinet colleagues. She said: "The JAR was carried out under a new and must more stringent regime and for the council's services to have achieved a good rating is a tremendous achievement. I am delighted to be the lead member at such an exciting time, when all children's services are being brought together under one umbrella.

"There are challenges ahead and we still have much we want to achieve but the JAR report shows we are making very positive progress in the right direction."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A Maidenhead report from the Audit Commission following last year's comprehensive performance inspection has confirmed that the Maidenhead Royal Borough is delivering good services to residents and is giving good value for money. The report results from the inspection of the council between October and mid-December 2005.

The corporate assessment measures how well Maidenhead council is working to deliver improved services and outcomes for its residents and the report shows that people in this area are benefiting from good services that have a positive impact on local communities – and that the council is working hard to make them even better. It also underlines that the cost of borough services is low when compared nationally and the council achieves good value for money.

Today (Tuesday) also sees the publication of the OFSTED Joint Area Review (JAR) report, which rates Maidenhead Royal Borough services for children as good*.

Maidenhead Council leader Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten said she welcomed the report because it acknowledged the great improvements that had been made.

She said: "After a very bad corporate assessment back in 2002 the inspectors have given us a very good rating for achievement. We are pleased that our achievements in social services, for children and young people, in planning, recycling and community safety have been recognised because these are all issues which directly touch all members of the community.

"The inspection took place a year ago in autumn 2005 – right at the start of our ambitious programme for change. We are disappointed that we have fallen into the 'adequate' category but we know we have moved on a long way since then and have put great effort into the improvements the inspectors recommended.

"We have been in discussion with the Audit Commission throughout that time so they know that we have built on the confidence they expressed in our progress in 2005."

The past year has seen:

* the introduction of an ambitious programme of change, including the opening of the customer service centre in Maidenhead and Windsor
* the launch of the borough's new strategic plan showing how the council is responding to local and national challenges and setting out how services will be developed and improved to meet the needs of residents
* continuing progress with the Local Development Framework, involving widespread consultation with the community and stakeholders
* a major restructuring of the council to put a renewed emphasis on customer needs and demands.

David Lunn, Maidenhead chief executive, said: "If the inspection were taking place now instead of last autumn the picture would be entirely different. When the inspectors arrived with us in October 2005 it was the same day as the opening of the customer service centre and the start of a massive period of change for the council. We had asked them to postpone their visit but this was not possible so their report not only reflects the council of a year ago but also does not take into account the major changes and improvements introduced since then.

"It's unfortunate too that the corporate assessment regime does not have the flexibility to reflect the individual circumstances and needs of different communities. The Royal Borough is a diverse area with multi-layers of individual towns, villages and communities with their own identities and service needs. We don't fit into a one-size-fits-all system that demands an overall vision for the borough as a whole rather than representing and reflecting the rich and varied needs of different communities.

"That said, we welcome the constructive views of the inspectors – and we look forward to their return so they can see the achievements we have made in the past year and learn more about our plans for the future."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's Question Time with a difference this month at Maidenhead Library – with the popular best-seller The DaVinci Code as the specialist subject.

Enthusiasts who've read the book and seen the film are now being invited to take part in the vlibrary's latest quiz – with the chance to win a DVD player.

Coinciding with the release of the Da Vinci Code on DVD on October 16, the quiz will test people's knowledge of Dan Brown's blockbusting tale of the search for the Holy Grail.

Quiz sheets will be available at the library from Monday October 16 until Saturday October 28, with the winner announced on Monday October 30.

Copies of the DVD will be available to borrow as well as other Da Vinci Code-related books.
Only one entry per person is permitted.

The prize has been donated by Library Multimedia, the library's audiovisual supplier.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

15th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Rebecca (PG)
* 7:30 pm
Rebecca (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Two-dimensional Art Exhibition
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

16th October at Maidenhead

No events planned

17th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Paper Clips (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:00 pm
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Junior Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance

18th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Paper Clips (U)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Academy

19th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Innocent Voices (12A)
* 7:30 pm
Innocent Voices (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

20th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm

21st October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Paul Lamb and the King Snakes
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Film Innovations: Context and Perspectives in Film History
* 10:00 am
Maidenhead Camera Club: Frame 4

Maidenhead Royal Borough residents will benefit from better facilities in the register office, thanks to an expansion and improvement scheme which gets under way on Monday (October 9).

The three-month refurbishment also includes re-landscaping of the Park Street garden at the Town Hall to provide a suitable backdrop for wedding and other ceremony photos as well as further enhancing Maidenhead town centre.

All register office services will continue as usual in Maidenhead Town Hall while the work is taking place. The office has been moved temporarily to an adjacent ground floor meeting room while the council chamber – refurbished last year to modern, accessible standards – will be used for weddings, civil partnerships, baby namings and other ceremonies when needed. Members of the public visiting the register office should use the main Town Hall entrance at St Ives Road.

Cllr Vicky Howes, lead member for Maidenhead property, said she was delighted that the register office was being given a much-needed face-lift.

She said: "This is the latest of our plans to make our buildings more attractive, accessible and user-friendly for borough residents. The register office is a key facility in Maidenhead town centre and this scheme will make it light, spacious and welcoming for people who are using the service at significant times in their lives – so they, their families and guests deserve to have a much more comfortable surroundings."

Also almost completed is the second stage of the Desborough Suite refurbishment, this time concentrating on backstage improvements and an electrical upgrade which users of the performance hall identified as being needed to enhance their productions and events. The hall will reopen next Tuesday (October 10) with Maidenhead Musical Comedy Society's production of 42nd Street.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Dads, mums, children and anyone who enjoys a good scary story can get into the Halloween spirit early by joining in a special spooky Autumn Riddle Storytime on Saturday October 14 at Cox Green Library.

Stacia Keogh, a popular local storyteller with a reputation for lively and entertaining presentations, will be leading the Maidenhead spooky story session.

The session is part of the Royal Borough's contribution to Family Learning Week (Saturday October 7 – Sunday October 15), an annual event designed to encourage informal learning within the home.

It is also the launch of the Cox Green Library family reading group, which will meet one Saturday a month at the Highfield Lane venue. Families with children aged five to 12 are particularly welcome to find out about the new group and help think up a name for it.

The event is free and runs from 10am until 12 noon. There is the chance to sign up for the family reading group and enjoy some refreshments, with Stacia's storytelling taking place between 10.30 – 11.30am. No booking is required – simply turn up on the day.

For further details contact Alison Hollands on 01628 796969 or by email at alison.hollands@rbwm.gov.uk or phone Cox Green, Maidenhead Library on 01628 673942.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Stories, songs, music and dance will keep babies, toddlers and youngsters on their toes in Maidenhead Royal Borough libraries, thanks to a programme of events to get under way on National Bookstart Day (Friday October 6),

Bookstart aims to promote the importance of books and reading for every child from an early age and the Maidenhead borough's programme is for children from birth to nine years old, celebrating words and music with the help of regular library guests who believe that reading should be fun.

National Bookstart Day will be marked at the new Ascot Durning Library – opened recently by the Countess of Wessex – where Lyn Thomson from Music Matters will lead a session of songs, stories and dancing for children up to five years old, starting at 10.30am.

Watch out for further Bookstart events as follows:

* Friday October 13 – Yvonne Cobb from Sign and Bond will be at Maidenhead library at 10am for a reading session using sign language for three-five-year olds. The stories will be both signed and read to the children who will then be able to take part in signing games.

* Monday October 23 – Jo Jingles (Jackie Thornton) will be at Ascot Library for a Bookstart Plus session for three-five-year olds, with songs, stories and dancing at 10.30am.

* Thursday October 26 – Jo Jingles will be leading a session at 10.30am for four-nine-year-olds at Ascot Library with songs, stories and dancing.

* Monday November 13 and Monday November 27 – Lyn from Music Matters will be returning for Bounce and Rhyme sessions with dancing and singing for babies and toddlers from birth to three years old at Windsor library starting at 10.30am.

Bookstart works with libraries, health visitors and early years professionals to give free books to every child at around eight months, eighteen months and three years old, along with guidance materials for parents and carers.

Bookstart seeks to promote the importance of books and the benefits of early book-sharing, such as parental bonding and promoting emotional intelligence, as well as building good communication and listening skills, and helping to lay the foundations of early literacy. Bookstart also aims to foster a love of books through a range of fun activities like Bookstart Rhymetimes and the Bookstart Book Crawl.

The books are chosen by Booktrust, an independent charity that encourages people to discover and enjoy reading.

The aim is for every baby in the UK to receive a Bookstart pack – Bookstart Baby pack, Bookstart + (for toddlers) and My Bookstart Treasure Chest for pre-schoolers.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

How the Maidenhead Royal Borough is supporting and encouraging action on the environment is in the spotlight with the publication of the council's magazine for local residents.

Cleaner, Greener, Safer is the theme of Around the vRoyal Borough, which is being delivered to almost 60,000 local homes from today (Monday October 2). Its 32 pages are packed with information about initiatives supporting sustainability – from borough-wide recycling to a school's new toilet flush system for saving water.

In her introduction, Cllr Margaret Hyde, chairman of the Maidenhead sustainability panel, said: "Being 'green' is no longer cranky, quirky or eccentric – it's about everyone learning how to reduce negative impacts on the environment so that our children and all the generations to come can enjoy fresh air, nourishing food, clean water, green fields and trees and all the other things that make life good"

The magazine looks at:

* the work of the Maidenhead borough's Learning for Sustainability action group
* how Maidenhead schools and community groups are getting information about the three Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle
* the grants and help available for making homes warmer, using less fuel
* the council programme for making green parks and open spaces high quality recreation and play centres for their communities
* how young people are learning to protect bugs and minibeasts at Braywick Nature Centre
* the work of the dedicated tree wardens
* green travel, including Maidenhead's veggie bus and
* how new council buildings are using modern methods of saving energy.

Cllr Mary Rose Gliksten, Maidenhead council leader, said: "The council is totally committed to protecting our environment. We live in a beautiful borough but we are facing relentless pressure from pollution and expansion. Cleaner, Greener, Safer is a straightforward statement of the values in which we believe and Around the Royal Borough highlights some of the measures, small and large, which we are taking to lead the way in sustainability."

Around the Royal Borough also has its usual popular stories and features, with special two-page features on:

* town centre news from Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton
* health matters (from Berkshire East Primary Care Trust) and
* the latest crime reduction initiatives from the Community Safety Partnership.

Copies of Around the Royal Borough are being delivered to local homes (together with the latest Advantage Magazine) by Royal Mail. They are also available from council offices, libraries, leisure centres and first stop shops.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Six council car parks – offering more than 2,100 spaces in Maidenhead – are open for business as usual for shoppers this coming weekend while Hines Meadow is closed for the removal of one of the three tower cranes from the Sainsbury's site.

Drivers have a range of alternatives, from short stay in the town centre to long stay and park and ride for those who are taking a more leisurely trip to the shops – and they are all completely free on Sunday.

The car parks available for town centre shoppers and visitors are:

* Nicholsons Shopping Centre multi-storey (lifts will be available on both Saturday and Sunday)
* Grove Road short-stay pay and display
* West Street short-street pay and display
* Stafferton Way long-stay multi-storey
* Town Hall, Maidenhead pay and display available all day at weekends
* Stafferton Way park and ride (free bus to town centre on Saturday).

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Royal Borough residents have another opportunity to meet their local elected representatives on Saturday October 7 2006.

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

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

The next Maidenhead surgery will be held between 10am and 12 noon on Saturday December 2.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Parents and carers of Maidenhead children who are transferring to a new secondary school in September 2007 are reminded that the closing dates for applications are fast approaching.

The Maidenhead Royal Borough's school admissions team is sounding the last bell for applications and urging parents to get cracking.

* The closing date for on-line applications is Tuesday October 10 2006 – www.rbwm.gov.uk with a direct link from the home page
* The closing date for paper application forms is Tuesday October 24 2006.

Chris Grant, Maidenhead admissions team leader, said: "It is really important for parents to get the applications to us in good time and with the new option of applying on-line via the council's website, we are making it as easy as possible to complete the process."

Each year the admissions team deals with more than 4,000 transfer applications and they are hoping that this time around 5-10% of them will come in on-line.

The easy-to-use process features step-by-step instructions that enable the child's details to be registered along with three school preferences – all on a password-protected portal that offers confidentiality and security.

Parents/carers using the Maidenhead system for the first time are allocated a password (which can be changed) and this allows application forms to be amended or checked before the closing date. Receipt of an application is confirmed by email, giving added peace of mind, and email reminders are also issued if an application has not been submitted on time.

Further information is available from the admissions team on 01628 796782, 796783, 796784 or 685614.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

More than 80 governors from 40 schools in the Maidenhead Royal Borough will turn their thoughts to technology when they meet at Maidenhead's Courthouse Junior School on Saturday morning (October 7) for the third annual governors' conference.

Under the theme What Maidenhead governors and headteachers need to know about how 21st century technology can enhance learning, presentations and a choice of eight workshops will give governors a chance to consider how their school will respond to the hi-tec demands of modern teaching and learning.

Jim Gould, the council's corporate director of learning and care, will welcome conference delegates and the keynote speaker will be Gareth Mills, head of futures and innovations at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for education, will close the event.

The conference will give governors the opportunity to get first hand information about the technology used in today's classrooms, with workshops about digital storytelling, electronic portfolios, using GIS with the mobile phone network, Wamie (the borough's school's intranet), data logging, video conferencing, technology and musical composition and interactive whiteboards across the curriculum.

Governors will also have the opportunity to focus on the work of Maidenhead council and other services used by their schools, thanks to displays by sports development, voluntary action, children's information and library services, learning for sustainability, healthy schools and Connexions amongst others.

Publishers McGraw Hill Kingscourt, sponsor of the conference, will also be mounting an exhibition and lunch will be supplied by the council's school meals contractor, Harrison Catering Services.

The conference will also give governors the opportunity to meet their counterparts from schools across the Maidenhead borough, network and share experiences.

New governors are always needed and anyone interested in finding out more should contact governors' services at the Royal Borough on 01628 796960 or 01628 796680, email governors@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

From gourmet delicacies such as shiitake and porcini to spotted red seats for garden gnomes, fungi – mushrooms and toadstools – are a fascinating part of everyday life at Braywick Nature Centre, Maidenhead.

At this time of year they are of special interest to gardeners and nature lovers because they flourish in the cool, damp autumn weather.

A timely Maidenhead workshop, Toadstools for Starters, has been organised by senior countryside ranger Trevor Smith to help beginners identify different types of 'nature's dustbinmen' and to explain why they are special.

Because fungi don't have chlorophyll themselves they cannot make their own food and so live off other organisms. Some are parasites, some feed on dead plants, but all help to break down organic matter and return nutrients to the soil in a vitally important part of the natural recycling process. They also provide a home for insects, and many plants depend on fungi to help them absorb nutrients and water.

Toadstools for Starters includes a guided walk around Braywick Park during which the characteristics of fungi will be described – including information on some of the lethal varieties.

The workshop takes place from 2-4pm on Saturday October 14 at Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead. Book in advance by calling 01628 796227.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Freeman of the Maidenhead Royal Borough and former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward OBE will give an official high-profile seal of approval for budding local talent when he hands out the bursary awards at next week's Celebration of Sport event.

Cookham resident Sir Clive was awarded the Freedom of the Royal Borough for his role as coach of the England World Cup winning team in 2003 and has recently been appointed British Olympic Association director of Elite Performance for the 2012 London Olympics.

Sir Clive will present coveted sports bursaries to nine budding young sportsmen and women in recognition of their outstanding sporting achievements.

He will be joined by Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services to present the awards to youngsters representing sports ranging from rowing and archery to swimming and gymnastics.

The nine will step into the limelight to receive their bursaries - presented twice-yearly by the Maidenhead Royal Borough to help athletes with travelling costs, coaching fees and equipment - at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, on Tuesday October 3 at 7.30pm.

There will be two further presentations of a coach bursary and a Lifetime Achievement award, as well as visual presentations showing local sporting achievements, and a performance from the GCSE dance group from Windsor Girls' School.

Also on the programme will be the presentation of two new trophies to representatives of the borough's two School Sports Partnerships to be awarded at next year's bursaries to the sporting "champions" of their choice - reflecting the important role played by the two partnerships in developing competitive sports in borough schools.

Attending the evening will be members of the borough's Twin Towns team, fresh from their successes in Kortrijk last weekend and the Berkshire Youth Games squad who flew the borough flag in the summer's hotly-contested youth games.

They will be joined by some of the participants in this year's popular 13-19-year activities programme, who will present thank you certificates to the three sponsors of their programme – Hutchinson 3G, Michael Shanly and the St Regis Paper Mills.

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "It is always a pleasure to be involved in presenting these awards to our young people. They have all worked very hard to develop their talents and should be very proud of their achievements to date. Hopefully these bursaries will help them to develop those skills even further in the future."

Four of the recipients are rowers and scullers – they are:
Simon Lilley (15) (Maidenhead) – winner of a number of rowing regattas at Maidenhead, Marlow, Reading and Walton, as well as fourth place in doubles at the National Schools championships in Nottingham and a gold in the coxed fours at the National Rowing Championships in Scotland.
Aimee Broadbent (15) Maidenhead – gold medallist in the Junior Regionals, the National Championships, and Marlow International competitions. Would use her bursary towards buying her own boat to help achieve her aim of getting into the Great Britain team.
Madeleine Reynolds (15) Hurley – many times medal-winner at regional and national competitions, her aim is to win at the national championships and go forward to the next stage of selection for the Great Britain team.
Alexandra Brooks (16) Maidenhead – Alexandra won her first GB vest at the Munich Regatta in May this year, and was pre-selected as the fastest under-16 single sculler for a GB match against France in early July. Her long-term aim is to compete in the 2012 Olympics.

The remaining player bursary awards go to:
George Irwin (12) – Old Windsor (Tennis) – George is a member of the 12-and-under county team and is ranked within the top 50 players nationally in his age group.
Benjamin Huse (13) (archery) – Windsor – Current Berkshire shooting champion with several gold medals in both target and field archery this year. Hoping to represent England in the 2012 Olympics.
Jennifer Heckford (16) – Windsor – (hurdling) – Jennifer has been hurdling since the age of 11 and has won the Berkshire championships six years running. Earlier this year she came second in the Southern Junior championships.
Scott Mudge (18) – Holyport (swimming) – a backstroke and butterfly specialist swimmer, Scott is currently county and south-east champion and came fifth in his age group in the British Championships.
Kirsty Banfield (15) Wraysbury (gymnastics) – Kirsty is currently ranked number one in Great Britain for her age group (15-17 years), and this year has had successes in both the German and French open competitions.

A coach bursary award will be presented to Michael Holloway of Windsor. An international rower who has represented Great Britain in many competitions, Michael is also a volunteer coach at Dorney Boat Club and is being honoured for his work in developing the skill of the young rowers of the future. The Lifetime Award recipient is a surprise and will only be revealed on the night.

For further information about the bursary awards contact Polly Westell, Maidenhead sports development officer on 01628 796074.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

8th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Piano Masterclass with Vanessa Latarche
* 12:00 pm
Lunchtime Concert: Vanessa Latarche
* 3:00 pm
In Search of Mozart
* 6:00 pm
The Marriage of Figaro
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Two-dimensional Art Exhibition
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

9th October at Maidenhead

No events planned

10th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Little Fish (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Two-dimensional Art Exhibition
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Junior Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance

11th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Mona Lisas
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Two-dimensional Art Exhibition
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Academy

12th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
The Hamsters
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Two-dimensional Art Exhibition
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

13th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Ed Byrne - Standing Up and Falling Down
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Two-dimensional Art Exhibition
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm

14th October at Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Noel and I
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
Film Innovations: Context and Perspectives in Film History
* 10:00 am
Two-dimensional Art Exhibition