Maidenhead & Windsor

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 7 October - 13 October 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

7th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Young Pianists Concert
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

8th October in Maidenhead

No events planned

9th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Hairspray (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 11:15 am
Giddha Dance
* 2:00 pm
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

10th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Hairspray (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Embroidery with Attitude
* 2:00 pm
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

11th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Heath String Quartet
* 7:45 pm
Changing Lives
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery
* 2:00 pm
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 2:00 pm
Writing a Novel for Publication
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C

12th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Old World by Aleksei Arbuzov
* 7:45 pm
The Stan Tracey Trio
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Stained Glass
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm
* 2:00 pm
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 7:15 pm
Life Drawing

13th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
InsideOut
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Helen Goldwyn and Marc Joseph
* 8:00 pm
Copying Beethoven (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 10:00 am
International Film History: Development, Theory and Analysis
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance - Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 2:30 pm
Alexander Technique workshop

The Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT) will be marking the United Nations (UN) International Day for Older People on Monday October 1 by holding a series of health and activity sessions for older people.

These include:

· An afternoon of fun, health activities and information stands at the Desborough Suite in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, from 2pm to 4pm. Come along for some musical fun and seated exercise, all served up with refreshments.

· A Silver Surfer session at Cookham Library between 10am and noon. Get an introduction to computers and tips on surfing the internet and setting up an email account. Book your place by calling 01628 526147 or visit the library.

· A Silver Surfer session at the Voluntary Action Resource Centre, Alma Road, Windsor, between 2pm and 4pm. To book your place contact Louise Gray on 01628 683709.

· A drop-in session at Windsor Reference Library between 2.30pm and 4.30pm about local and family history. Find out about the resources available and discover your roots. Contact Windsor Library on 01753 743940 for more information.

· SMILE (So Much Improvement with a Little Exercise) exercise classes for the over-50s will take place at 1pm at the following locations: All Saints Church Hall, Dedworth Road, Windsor; Community Centre, Blenheim Road, Pinkneys Green. The borough's leisure centres will be offering free inductions and health checks on the day. Call BodyZone Magnet on 01628 777003, BodyZone Windsor on 01753 842194, BodyZone Performance Braywick on 01628 633200 and BodyZone Charters on 01344 628686 for details.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "This important event not only highlights the needs of older people, but also acknowledges the significant contribution they make to life in the borough. They do this through volunteer work, sharing knowledge and experience, supporting their families with caring responsibilities and increasing their participation in the paid labour force after retiring."

Carolyn Finlay, Berkshire East PCT assistant director of locality development, said: "The events going on across the borough on October 1 provide an opportunity for all older people to take part in sessions with a focus on activity, learning and independence and to get information from organisations providing care and support in the local community."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is taking the lead in monitoring activities at a waste disposal site in Knowl Hill which is 'causing misery' to neighbouring residents.

Cllr Derek Wilson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, informed members at council last night (Tuesday) that a community liaison group co-ordinated by the Royal Borough has been established to monitor operations at Grundon Waste Management Star Works site in Star Lane.

Residents' concerns were highlighted in a petition presented to council by Cllr Maureen Hunt, ward councillor for Hurley and Walthams. Cllr Hunt told the meeting that Grundon hopes to increase operations at the site – and described the strong, unpleasant odours and constant noise from the Star Works site, which operates 24 hours a day and deals with clinical waste.

The site is located just inside the Wokingham Borough border, adjacent to houses in the Royal Borough.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Wilson said later: "Royal Borough residents living close to the site have had their lives blighted by the continual noise and smells from the Star Works site and this is causing them real misery, to the extent that they can't even enjoy sitting in their own gardens.

"The council will do all in its power to ensure residents do not have to suffer as a result of the management of the site, especially in light of Grundon's current proposals to increase its capacity and operations."

The community liaison group comprises officers and members from the Royal Borough and Wokingham Borough Council, the Environment Agency (EA), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), parish councils, residents association representatives and Grundon. The EA will act as the local enforcement agency and the HSE will inspect the site. An initial meeting was held on September 18.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Arts Cafe,
Methodist Church Hall,
High Street,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 1EF.
Friday 2nd November

She started singing when she was three years old, and then went on to learn the piano aged five. The songwriting started in her teens and during this period she collaborated with other writers including 'Fools Wisdom' where she co-wrote 'Little Bird' which appeared on the PS124 album in the late nineties. 'Conversations With The Heart' was the first collection of her solo work.

Helen has been in many bands and has also been the musical director for various different projects and organisations. She is comfortable performing and writing in many different styles including pop, soul, gospel, folk, dance and classical. She teaches 'Sing for Fun' at the Lantern Arts Centre, Raynes Park, and in the past she has taught 'Singing For Fun' and 'Keyboard Skills' at Kensington and Chelsea College, and 'Pop Singing for Beginners' at Morley College.

The cafe provides high quality entertainment in relaxed, informal surroundings. Events take place in the recently refurbished hall of the Methodist Church at the top of the High Street in Maidenhead. Drinks (Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, J2O's, Coke etc) are available from our bar, along with various light snacks throughout the evening.

Entrance is by ticket (£5:00 available on the door, or in advance). Contact us on info@artscafe.org for details or tickets.

Maidenhead Arts Cafe

Voluntary and community organisations in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough are reminded that it's time to apply for funding from the council's grants scheme.

Application forms are available now for the scheme which is open to Windsor and Maidenhead non profit-making voluntary organisations seeking help with running costs, equipment, transport, administration, premises hire, building projects, one-off events, staffing costs and training.

Grants range from £100 to £25,000, with applications considered in the following categories:
· revenue grants – to help an organisation's annual running expenses
· capital grants – made towards schemes such as the purchase of land or equipment or extensions to buildings
· Kidwells Park Trust grants – to provide facilities for recreation and cultural activity
· Hutchinson 3G – towards one-off activities or large-scale events to benefit the community.

Groups and organisations applying for grants under £1,000 can now use the new simplified procedure and write a letter of application rather than filling in the official form.

Cllr David Hilton, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead grants forum, said: "The council recognises the vital contribution made to our community by the many voluntary organisations across the borough. A great many people work tirelessly and enthusiastically to make our borough a better place for everyone, and we are delighted to be able to support their efforts in this way.

"We are committed to providing and maintaining strong partnerships with all these groups and our annual grants scheme is a practical way of helping those organisations continue with their valuable work."

Application forms are available from Democratic Services, The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 1RF, by email to democratic.services@rbwm.gov.uk or by telephoning 01628 796186.

Full details and application forms can also be downloaded at www.rbwm.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is Friday November 16.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Council Borough councillors have praised Network Rail and First Great Western (FGW) for cleaning up their act at Maidenhead railway station – and warned that they will hold the rail companies to account if further promised remedial work is not carried out.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead Council highways, transport and environment, said at council last night (Tuesday) that he would be meeting Network Rail and FGW representatives before Christmas to ensure work continues on improving the station environment and removing graffiti from railway bridges.

Cllrs Rayner, Simon Dudley and Paul Etherington and Windsor and Maidenhead Council council officers met with representatives earlier this month to discuss concerns such as litter, graffiti, poor wheelchair access, lighting, bike storage capacity, ticketing capacity, layout, integration with bus services and lack of car parking facilities. The rail companies advised of their proposals to spend £750,000 on refurbishment.

Cllr Dudley, who submitted a motion to council 'deploring the sorry state' of Maidenhead station, said improvements, particularly cleanliness, had been noticed since that meeting.

Cllr Dudley's motion, which was agreed by Windsor and Maidenhead Council council, said: "This council deplores the sorry state of Maidenhead railway station and the surrounding bridges and commends the campaigning from the Maidenhead MP Theresa May for improvements and calls upon Network Rail and First Great Western to further engage constructively with the council with all haste, to agree a set of remedial works to enhance the station and its infrastructure for the benefit of residents of Maidenhead and users of the station."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust have once again teamed up to offer residents free events to mark World Mental Health Day on Wednesday October 10.

The aim of the Windsor and Maidenhead day, organised by the Mental Health Foundation, is to get residents to talk about their mental health and to offer them advice and information.

In Windsor, information stands and an exhibition will be set up in Royal Windsor Shopping Centre (outside Costa Coffee) between 10am and 4pm and health experts will be on hand to answer questions.

The team, including representatives from the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough, the PCT and partner organisations, will be in Maidenhead on Saturday October 13, between 10am and 5pm. Their stands, on the first and second floors of Sainsbury's, will be providing information about training and employment opportunities as well as services available for all ages from children through to older people. Visitors will be able to take a test to define their stress levels and representatives from Asian ladies' group Milaap will be talking about their group which focuses on exercise and healthy living.

Other attractions - which are also free - include blood pressure checks, hand, neck and head massages, manicures, the chance to try out fitness equipment and advice on stopping smoking. There will also be a drawing competition, face painting and balloon modelling for children.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "We're delighted so many experts are coming together to offer such important advice to residents on this annual occasion. World Mental Health Day has been a great success in the borough in previous years and the two events organised locally this year are set to be bigger and better than ever."

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "Looking after our mental health is so important – regardless of age. These events will allow residents to focus on themselves, their friends and family and find out about opportunities and advice available to them."

Debbie Dickenson, Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough policy and planning officer for mental health, said: "We all have mental health and we want everyone to think about looking after theirs. This is a great opportunity for residents to come and relax, unwind and pick up relevant information.

"We are very grateful for the tremendous support we've had in putting these events together, particularly from Sainsbury's who are advertising the event and will be displaying our drawing competition forms and winning entries at the tills."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has been dealt a 'bitter blow' that threatens its strong cross-party defence of the Green Belt and its stance against unacceptably high levels of housing development.

The major setback comes in a report from the Planning Inspectorate rejecting six of the 26 policies in the draft core strategy of the Local Development Framework (LDF). All of the policies judged to be 'unsound' relate to how the Windsor and Maidenhead council will fit future housing and employment opportunities into existing urban areas and all are based on exhaustive consultation with residents who have made it clear they do not want their Green Belt turned into development sites.

Cllr Derek Wilson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, said: "The inspector has made it crystal clear that he is instructing the council to conduct a review of the Green Belt and telling us that we need to take another look at designating specific sites for development if we are to accommodate what the government believes we need for housing and employment in the years ahead. The inspector's view is that sticking to existing boundaries is not in the best interests of the local community. It's good to know that the inspector's view on local land allocation is more important than those of councillors who know the area and represent the expressed wishes of residents!

"This report is a bitter blow for the council and our community. The core strategy is the foundation of the new LDF, drafted in a way that reflects what local people have told us through the detailed consultation processes. Their message has come across loud and clear – that we must fit development into existing urban areas.

"Now we are effectively told by the planning inspector to ignore the consultation we have done with our local residents."

The report into the draft core strategy follows detailed scrutiny – including a public examination earlier this year – and the planning inspector's view is that the council's policies on housing and employment development:

* don't take opportunities for using the Green Belt into account
* depend too much on the uncertain supply of windfall sites (sites that become available unexpectedly)
* don't identify actual locations or areas for housing and employment growth and
* set too high thresholds for affordable housing.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Wilson said the report demonstrated the difficulties and frustrations of trying to produce the core strategy against a background of shifting government goalposts and uncertainties about the South East Plan.

He explained: "We have been constantly juggling with changes to government planning policy advice over the past few years, including changes to the amount of detail the core strategy should contain, particularly on the location of housing and a shift away from taking account of windfall sites. Little wonder the LDF process across England is in disarray!"

Cllr Wilson said that since 2004, when the Windsor and Maidenhead Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act came into force, there have been only 18 core strategy examinations out of almost 400 local planning authorities in England. While 13 were found to be sound, the majority will have to be reviewed in light of subsequent regional guidance, particularly in the South East where only three core strategies have been successfully completed. A further 10 strategies were directed to be withdrawn by the Secretary of State before reaching examination and numerous local authorities are delaying their LDFs because of the uncertainties in the process.

Despite the fact that 20 of the 26 polices in the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough's core strategy are judged to be 'sound', the entire document now has to be withdrawn so that more work and further community consultation can be carried out. There will also need to be another public inquiry, all adding to further delay and additional costs.

Cllr Wilson paid tribute to the Windsor and Maidenhead council officers involved in the preparation of the strategy and added: "The inspector's verdict is no reflection on their professionalism and hard work, but rather a judgement on the government's inconsistency. The fact that 20 of the policies were found to be sound demonstrates that the majority of the LDF is on course and we believe that much of background work and evidence will count next time."

The council had until September 21 to check the facts in the inspector's report. Any points arising from this check will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate, after which the final report will be issued by the inspectorate and the council will make it available to the public in due course.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The excellent quality of service visitors receive at Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Windsor Information Centre has made it 'a gold medallist of tourism', according to national tourism agency VisitBritain.

On Tuesday September 25 the centre in Windsor Royal Station will be awarded an official plaque which recognises the high standard of information its staff provides to visitors. It is awarded on behalf of VisitBritain's Official Partner programme, a new scheme which aims to improve tourist information provision. The new sign tells visitors to Royal Windsor Information Centre they can expect reliable information and sound advice.

Less than half of the 500 information outlets in England will receive the plaque.

The borough's plaque will be presented at 11.30am in the Old Booking Hall by representatives from Tourism South East – the regional tourist board.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Elisabeth Barton, chairman of the visitor management forum, said: "We are proud to live in such a beautiful part of Britain which is a leading destination for visitors.

"With such wonderful attractions as Windsor Castle, Legoland, the Great Park, Eton College, Windsor Wheel and the river, our visitor centre is inundated with enquiries and the outstanding service provided by staff explains why the centre has been awarded this quality status."

VisitBritain has described the Official Partners as 'the gold medallists of tourism' who deliver an 'excellent service'.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Residents keen to brighten up their communities have the opportunity to put a spring in their step and sign up for the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough's latest bulb planting scheme.

It's first-come-first-served with a limited number of free bulbs available to local groups – including residents' organisations or even a group of neighbours - for planting in public areas.

Three types of bulb are on offer – crocus (mixed colours), daffodil February Gold (golden yellow) and daffodil Jonquilla Waterperry (white, very fragrant).

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: "We are committed to helping residents make their neighbourhoods look attractive and this is a wonderful opportunity for communities to get together and brighten up a public area close to them – without costing them a penny!

"Getting involved in community schemes like this one gives everyone a much greater opportunity to take pride in their environment with benefits for all."

Groups which would like to be considered should contact Liz Cronin, landscape officer, by Friday September 28 on 01628 796133.

Bulbs will be ready for collection during October and should be planted by the end of November.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's time to "ask the audience" once again as Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough libraries set about finding out just what their younger readers think of them in a wide-ranging week-long survey starting on Monday (September 24) and running until Saturday 29.

Children and teenagers using the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's libraries are to be asked their views in a questionnaire designed to help establish not only customer satisfaction with the service but changing trends in library use and areas which need to be addressed.

Even the very youngest visitors to libraries are being encouraged to share their views – with a little bit of help from mum and dad or carers or a bit of practical support from library staff. The survey is completely confidential, so parents can be assured that children will not be asked for their name, address or postcode.

The Windsor and Maidenhead Children's Public Library User Survey – undertaken every three years – provides an important tool in helping staff to plan children's services for the future. This survey follows last year's survey of adult library users – and similarly helps to produce a national picture of how libraries across the country are meeting the needs of their users.

The survey will provide information including:
· why young people come to the library and how using the library has helped them
· why they want to borrow books, and where they use computers
· how they rate the library's resources – and what they think of the library service overall.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: "We are hoping that we will get the views of as many as 2,000 children and young people throughout the week of the survey – and get some first-hand feedback on what our young readers and library users really want from their libraries.

"The questions in the survey are designed to help us get a good idea of the quality of our library service – what we do well and what we need to improve.

"Hopefully the results will show how users' habits and expectations are changing – and will help us to ensure we are providing ever-improving services to meet the needs of all our visitors.

"Since the last children's survey in 2004 we have seen many additions and improvements to the service, including the new library at Ascot, the dual-use library at Cox Green, more Bookstart and family learning activities and the increasingly popular Summer Reading Challenge.

"It will be very good to hear from the children and young people who use our libraries each week just what they themselves think of how well we're doing and where they think we should make some changes or improvements."

For more information about the survey, contact Pauline Dobby, research and performance monitoring officer, on 01628 796294.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Arts Cafe,
Methodist Church Hall,
High Street,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 1EF.
Friday 4th October

A cabaret revue-style show that combines comedy monologues, storytelling and original songs. It looks at the funny side of life as a busy workingwoman, juggling family, faith and friendship.

The cafe provides high quality entertainment in relaxed, informal surroundings. Events take place in the recently refurbished hall of the Methodist Church at the top of the High Street in Maidenhead. Drinks (Tea, Coffee, Cappuccino, J2O's, Coke etc) are available from our bar, along with various light snacks throughout the evening.

Entrance is by ticket (£5:00 available on the door, or in advance). Contact us on info@artscafe.org for details or tickets.

Maidenhead Arts Cafe

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 30 September - 6 October 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

30th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:00 pm
Darbari
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

1st October in Maidenhead

No events planned

2nd October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Celebrity Piano Recital - Emanuel Ax
* 7:45 pm
The World Goes 'Round
* Workshops and other events
* 11:15 am
Giddha Dance
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance

3rd October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
The World Goes 'Round
* 8:00 pm
The Simpsons Movie (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Embroidery with Attitude
* 2:00 pm
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

4th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
The World Goes 'Round
* 8:00 pm
The Simpsons Movie (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Creative Writing: Making Yourself Heard
* 10:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery
* 2:00 pm
Writing a Novel for Publication
* 2:00 pm
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

5th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
The World Goes 'Round
* 8:00 pm
Edinburgh and Beyond 2007
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Stained Glass
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm
* 2:00 pm
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 7:15 pm
Life Drawing

6th October in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
The World Goes 'Round
* 7:30 pm
The New Foxtrot Serenaders present Lullaby of Broadway
* 7:45 pm
The World Goes 'Round
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
International Film History: Development, Theory and Analysis
* 10:00 am
Cookham Arts Club - Modern Exhibition 2007
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance - Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance

Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough car dealers have been praised for the standard of the energy efficiency information they provide for their customers.

Trading standards officers have given the thumbs-up to car dealers across the Windsor and Maidenhead borough following a regional project which saw seven different local car dealerships checked for their "green" credentials – and subsequently given a high rating for the quality of the fuel efficiency facts they display on their cars.

Results show that all seven dealers visited recently were displaying "big, bright and colourful" energy efficiency labels on all the cars in their showrooms – labels similar in design to the labels on many white goods such as fridges and freezers.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for the Windsor and Maidenhead environment, said: "Never before have customers been more informed on green issues and the importance of responsible buying, so it is vital that the right fuel efficiency information is provided in a variety of ways for them to make informed choices."

Trading standards manager Steve Johnson said: "We are encouraged and reassured to see that standards among car dealers in our area are generally at a high when it comes to providing green information – especially with the bright and colourful energy efficiency labels used by all the dealers we visited."

Also monitored during the trading standards project was the legal obligation for car dealers to display information on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions on A3 posters for all new models of car. When the dealers were first visited, only half were found to be complying with this legal requirement – but following the visits by trading standards officers all are now complying with the practice and displaying information posters.

For further information about the project contact Rob Abell, fair trading officer, on 01628 683558.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The sweet smell of success will be in the air on Thursday evening as Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough gardeners finally learn who's the "pick of the bunch" in this year's Garden in Bloom competition.

There will be "bouquets" a-plenty in the shape of certificates and gift vouchers for the ward winners and runners-up of the highly-contested annual scheme - with a special prize, voucher and certificate for the overall winner.

All will be revealed on Thursday (September 20) at the awards ceremony in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, when winners and runners-up in each of the 19 wards in this year's competition will gather to receive their prizes and learn the name of the overall winner.

Now in its 15th successful year, Garden in Bloom acknowledges the important contribution front gardens make to the appearance of towns and villages - and residents are encouraged to nominate either their own or neighbours' front gardens for consideration in the scheme.

Judging took place during the summer on a ward-by-ward basis - and in the wake of last summer's heatwave and subsequent hosepipe ban entrants were urged to put water conservation high on their list of priorities and plan their gardens using plants which can survive on less water than traditional garden species.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: "As it turned out, this particular challenge was ironic in view of the weather we've had this summer - now officially recorded as the wettest since records began!

"I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in this year's competition for all their hard work in creating gardens for the rest of us to enjoy."

Gardens have been judged on design and impact, originality, the variety of plants, maintenance of the garden and any special features such as bird boxes or ornaments and sculptures which add extra dimensions to the garden.

This year's competition has been sponsored by Farnham Common Nurseries and Windowflowers. Representatives of both organisations will join the Mayor of the Royal Borough, Cllr Leo Walters, in welcoming guests and handing out prizes at Thursday's ceremony.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Shaping social care services to meet the needs of adults in the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough over the next 10 years is at the heart of a widespread consultation – aimed not only at current users and carers but at everyone in the community who has an interest in services planned for the future.

And to make it as easy as possible for people to take part, three public consultation events are scheduled for later this month in South Ascot, Maidenhead and Windsor.

The council is developing an Adult Plan that will set the framework for services used by people over 18 years until 2018.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said the council is keen to get the widest possible range of views to help the borough decide on:
· the services it needs to provide itself or commission from other organisations
· how services can be developed to meet the needs of the adult community
· areas for improvement and innovation and how existing good practice can be extended.

Cllr Story explained: "Services for adults include a vast range of different elements. All support people to live as independently as possible, ideally in their own homes and communities, or when that is no longer feasible in comfortable, homely settings where they are treated as individuals and care tailored to their assessed needs.

"One of the council's top priorities is to ensure that our already high quality services continue to develop to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the adults who use those services, their families and carers and the many statutory and voluntary organisations who are closely involved. That's why this consultation is so important. It gives everyone the chance to put forward valuable, constructive comment and feedback on where they believe we should be heading in the future.

"It is also the opportunity for all adults not currently involved in social care to give us their ideas about how services can be made even better and more responsive in the next decade.

"The council encourages everyone who has a view to take part in the consultation. All responses will be considered and by working together, we can help improve the lives of all adults living and working in our borough."

The consultation is now underway and anyone who would like to take up Cllr Story's call to get involved is invited at attend one of the three public events:
· 1.30pm Monday September 24 South Ascot Church Hall
· 2.30pm Tuesday September 25 Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead
· 10am Wednesday September 26 Windsor Leisure Centre.

A consultation questionnaire is also posted on the council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk, with the link signposted from the home page. Views will also be accepted either by email to ed.thompson@rbwm.gov.uk or in writing to Ed Thompson, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, York House, Sheet Street, Windsor SL4 1DD. Closing date for responses is Friday October 12.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Victorians will be coming to the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough in an interactive exhibition which focuses on all aspects of life in the mid to late 1800s.

The Vile Victorians exhibition will be in The Maidenhead Room, The Guildhall, Windsor, during the Windsor Festival* until Sunday September 30. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Cllr Leo Walters, Mayor of the Royal Borough, will be at the official launch of the exhibition on Monday September 17 from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

Caroline McCutcheon, heritage Windsor and Maidenhead development officer, said: "This fun and interactive exhibition is one of the many great features aimed at children during Windsor Festival and will really bring history alive not only for the children but for their families too.

"Visitors can find out about woeful Victorian work, and the kind of jobs children were expected to do as well as learning about crime, punishment, home and school. You can even sniff the stinky Victorian sewer! The exhibition includes extracts from the popular Horrible Histories books by Terry Deary.

"We are particularly grateful for the help of The Friends of Windsor and the Royal Borough Museum and The Windsor and Eton Society who helped bring this exhibition to the borough."

Activities and colouring sheets will be available at the museum. For further information contact Caroline McCutcheon on 01628 796846 or at museum.collections@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Windsor and the Royal Borough are very much open for visitors despite the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the neighbouring county of Surrey and there is still a huge amount to enjoy. Almost all of the attractions, including Windsor Castle, Eton College and Legoland, are fully open and have no restrictions.

The Windsor Festival, which will be taking place between 16 and 30 September, is continuing as planned with just a change of venue for two events and two walks being rescheduled after the festival.

Less than 30 miles west of London, the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough has something to suit most interests and age groups, from history, heritage and the arts to designer shopping, fine dining and luxury spas plus an enormous choice of places to stay with superb hotels, riverside retreats and country inns.

The historic town of Windsor has been associated with English monarchy for nearly a thousand years with each successive sovereign leaving their mark. Perhaps the best known attraction is Windsor Castle, one of three official residences of HM The Queen and the largest inhabited castle in the world covering some thirteen acres.

Visitors can learn about the town's history and its royal connections by following the Heritage Walking Trail, described in the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough's free visitor guide, or pick-up a self-guided tour of Windsor from the Information Centre, which is located in the old booking hall in Windsor Royal Shopping centre.

Other attractions around Windsor and Eton welcoming visitors include City-Sightseeing open top bus tours; French Brothers Thames riverboat trips and Eton College, which was founded by Henry VI in 1440 to provide accommodation for 70 poor scholars and now offers afternoon guided tours from April to October. Orchard Poyle offer horse-drawn carriage rides and, until 30 September, visitors can take a ride on the 180ft diameter Windsor Wheel in Alexandra Gardens, beside the river. For the evening's entertainment there are 16 different types of cuisine from which to choose plus a lively programme of productions at the Theatre Royal.

There is also a varied choice of places to visit around the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough including the recently-refurbished Stanley Spencer Art Gallery at Cookham; the Magnet Leisure Centre and eight-screen multiplex Odeon cinema at Maidenhead and Legoland theme park which offers a great day out with over fifty interactive rides, open until 3 November.

As a precautionary measure, Windsor Great Park and Savill Garden have been closed to visitors for a minimum of 14 days (from 12 September). This also includes the Savill Building, Virginia Water, Valley Garden, all car parks within Windsor Great Park and part of the Long Walk from Albert Road to the Copper Horse (the section from the Copper Horse to the gates of Windsor Castle remains open). All events within Windsor Great Park have been cancelled which include the National Carriage Driving Championships (14 – 16 September), the Windsor Half Marathon (30 September) and all Guards Polo Club matches; also cancelled is the bus service from Windsor Town centre to Savill Garden.

No horseracing is scheduled at Ascot Racecourse for the next two weeks, or at Windsor Racecourse until the end of September.

Further details about the Royal Borough can be found on www.windsor.gov.uk; for a copy of the Visitor Guide email Windsor.tic@rbwm.gov.uk or call the Royal Windsor Information Centre on 01753 743900. Assistance with booking somewhere to stay is also available by telephoning the special Accommodation Hotline on 01753 743907, Fax 01753 743911 or email Windsor.accommodation@rbwm.gov.uk.

The web site, www.windsor.gov.uk will also contain regularly updated foot and mouth advice outlining what visitors can do in the Royal Borough plus any restrictions.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 23 September - 29 September 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

23rd September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:45 am
Beethoven – The Complete Sonatas for Piano and Violin
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year

24th September in Maidenhead

No events planned

25th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
The Fairey Rotodyne – Technology Before Its Time
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance

26th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Shut Up and Sing (15) Parent & Baby Screening
* 10:30 am
Shut Up and Sing (15) Parent & Baby Screening
* 8:00 pm
Shut Up and Sing (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Embroidery with Attitude
* 2:00 pm
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 7:00 pm
Reading Group

27th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Beast Eden Way
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery
* 2:00 pm
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year
* 2:00 pm
Writing a Novel for Publication
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming

28th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Moliere (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Stained Glass
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm
* 2:00 pm
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year
* 7:15 pm
Life Drawing

29th September in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Moliere (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Moliere (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
International Film History: Development, Theory and Analysis
* 10:00 am
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year

Services available to older people in the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough will be the focus of a one-day conference on Wednesday September 19.

Representatives from more than 20 Windsor and Maidenhead voluntary organisations will be on hand to offer advice and raise awareness of the many services available to older residents. Among the exhibitors will be dental and nutrition advisors, charities which support older people, mental and physical health professionals, a falls co-ordinator and benefit advisors.

As well as the stalls, there will be two interactive sessions, one highlighting the benefits of SMILE (So Much Improvement with a Little Exercise) – the borough's exercise and fitness service for the over 50s, and the other focusing on older people's mental health and wellbeing.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "We are running this conference for the fourth year following the excellent feedback we've received for the event in previous years. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for older people to find out about the huge range of services available to them within the borough and to hear from people who have benefited from these services."

The conference will be opened by the Deputy Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp, and speakers will include three members of the Older Persons' Advisory Forum (OPAF) who will talk about their experiences of being a carer, living with visual impairment and working and volunteering after retirement age. Also taking part will be Cllr Story, Jim Gould, the borough's corporate director of learning and care, and Donna Derby, the PCT's director for locality development.

This free event is for all people and organisations who have an interest in health and social care services for older people within the borough. It will be held in the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead, from 9.30am to 3pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Sheila Holmes, chairman of the Older Persons Advisory Forum, said: "This event, called Learning from the Voice of Experience, is an opportunity for all older people in the borough to take part in sessions which will focus on activity, learning and independence, as well as visit information stands from organisations and groups providing care and support in the community.

"There will also be the chance to join the Older Persons' Advisory Forum, in order to have your say on key issues involving services for older people."

To find out more about the event or to reserve a place on the day contact Catherine Mullins by email at catherine.mullins@rbwm.gov.uk or call Louise Gray on 01628 683709.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough's trading standards team is offering advice to retailers over a change in law coming into force on October 1 when the legal age to buy cigarettes and tobacco will rise from 16 to 18.

This campaign includes visiting shops to explain the change in legislation as well as sending information to traders who are affected. Young people are being made aware of the situation by an extensive publicity campaign.

As with the implementation of the recent smokefree legislation by the environmental health team, Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards will be following up visits to businesses once the new law has come into force, and they will be carrying out undercover checks to ensure retailers and young people are adhering to the new law.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways, transport and environment, welcomed the move. He said: "The UK is estimated to have around 200,000 smokers aged 16 and 17 who - from this date - will not legally be allowed to buy tobacco.

"This will have huge benefits for these youngsters whose smoking is posing a great risk to their health, and that of those around them. We must do everything we can to educate these young people about the dangers of smoking."

Steve Johnson, Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards manager, said he was pleased with response so far. He said: "Our officers have been working hard to ensure affected businesses know about the change in the law and they have been positive about this. Trading standards will continue to monitor the situation.

"Anyone who wants more information can call trading standards on 01628 683802 or email trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

A dedicated website - www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk - has been launched to provide retailers with information on the change in legislation, and the Department of Health is working with stakeholders, such as retail organisations and proof of age schemes, to share information with their members.

Windsor and Maidenhead Trading Standards officers are issuing the following advice to retailers:

· Always ask for proof of age, such as a PASS accredited proof of age card or other appropriate photo ID such as a passport or photo driving licence
· Train staff on a regular basis - and keep records that this has been carried out
· Implement a refusals register
· Prominently display statutory signage that indicates the 18 years age restriction on tobacco products.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

'Leave your car at home!' – this will be the message from the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough on Saturday September 22 when European In Town, Without My Car! day gets underway.

The event is held every September to encourage residents to cut car use in urban areas and give them the opportunity to enjoy walking around the towns without the usual heavy traffic.

This year the Windsor and Maidenhead council is working with bus company First Group to promote the use of public transport. The passenger transport team and First Group's 'travel doctors' will be in Peascod Street, Windsor, from 10am to 4pm to provide information about healthier alternatives to using cars. They will also give out timetables and details of public transport services available locally.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways, transport and environment, said: "We are committed to ensuring the safety and health of our residents and this event highlights our drive to get more people to use methods of transport which don't congest our roads.

"We must work with bus and rail companies to improve the frequency of their services, as well as encourage residents to make better use of cycle routes.

"The theme of this year's campaign - streets for people - will show residents how much better our towns could be without so much traffic. "

Neil Beswick, principal officer for the borough's passenger transport team, said: "This event has proved really popular in the past and we're looking forward to meeting even more residents who can be encouraged to leave their cars at home."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough senior citizens can learn how to avoid becoming victims of fraudsters and conmen – by enjoying a musical show.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council's trading standards and adult services teams have jointly organised a free, fun-packed morning at the Town Hall in Maidenhead on Tuesday September 25 where older residents can enjoy the musical Scambuster!, followed by a singalong of 1960s classics, and refreshments before and after the show.

Scambuster!, based on true stories, tells the tales of Sydney, the victim of a rogue tarmac tradesman, and Mary, who thinks she's won the holiday of a lifetime. Professional actors from Solomon Theatre Company present the live story-telling event. The company visited the borough for the first time last year with Trickster, which showed how older people could avoid being the victims of distraction burglaries.

Also on hand to provide related advice and assistance will be a range of Windsor and Maidenhead organisations such as Neigbourhood Watch, Age Concern, Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Repair with Care.

Cllr John Story, lead member for adult services, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for older members of the community to come together to learn some really useful tips on how to look after themselves in their own home, not only from the Scambuster! performance but also from the wide range of services which will be represented on the day to provide a variety of helpful support and advice."

Cllr Alison Knight, the Windsor and Maidenhead council's chief whip, who will give the welcoming speech, said: "The borough's trading standards team deals with many cases where senior citizens have been victims of heartless conmen or false lottery scams.

"The team puts in a huge effort to help people who have been tricked, but also recognises how essential it is to prevent such incidents happening in the first place. Putting on Scambuster! is an entertaining way to inform people of how they and their money can remain safe by avoiding the fraudsters."

The doors open at 9.30am and the show starts at 10am, lasting just under an hour. After a short break there will be a half-hour singalong and the chance to view the information stands, and the event finishes with a buffet lunch.

Entrance is free and booking is essential; tickets are available from Louise Gray on 01628 683709.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough has reinforced its commitment to cracking down on illegal flyposting in the wake of last week's 'invasion' of illegal posters across the borough.

The council's ongoing determination to clamp down on flyposting - and to consider taking legal action against offenders - follows the appearance of dozens of A1 red posters on lampposts, litter bins, bus shelters, fences and hoardings along the A4 from Reading into Maidenhead, around Maidenhead and Datchet town centres and as far east as Slough.

Streetcare officers have been busy removing the distinctive posters advertising the launch of a new nightclub, J12 in Calcot at the end of September.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and the environment, said this week: 'The council is absolutely determined that it will not tolerate any kind of flyposting in the borough – and last week's invasion of illegal posters has reinforced our commitment to take the necessary action to stamp out all such illegal activity.

'Plastering a town with unsightly posters is tantamount to vandalism, and demonstrates a total lack of respect for an area and its community.

'We want to reassure residents that we will continue to come down very hard on people who insist on defacing the area in this way - and we are currently considering taking legal action against the nightclub in this case.'

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 16 September - 22 September 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

16th September

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Flanders (18)
* 7:30 pm
Flanders (18)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group

17th September

No events planned

18th September

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Ten Canoes (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 6:30 pm
Harvest Supper

19th September

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Klimt (18)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Embroidery with Attitude
* 2:00 pm
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year

20th September

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Coronation of Poppaea
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery
* 2:00 pm
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year
* 6:00 pm
Tabla Drumming

21st September

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Sherrybaby (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Fun at the Farm
* 2:00 pm
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year
* 7:15 pm
Life Drawing

22nd September

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Burglar Bill
* 2:00 pm
Burglar Bill
* 8:00 pm
The Spikedrivers
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
International Film History: Development, Theory and Analysis
* 10:00 am
Oxford Scribes – The Calligraphic Year

Medina Dairy's proposal for a new service yard in Dedworth can only go ahead if the company adheres to tough planning
conditions imposed by the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough.

The conditions, agreed by last night's Windsor development control panel, cover noise, parking, lorry movements, lighting and
pollution issues to protect residents in adjacent streets. The dairy will also be required to draw up a detailed operational
plan and a green travel plan for the Vale Road site and make a Section 106 financial contribution to pay for parking controls
if they are needed in nearby Shirley Avenue.

The dairy's plan to replace its existing service yard with a new one on the site has caused anxiety amongst many local
residents, who objected strongly to the planning application on the grounds of potential increased noise, pollution and
traffic. Residents were particularly concerned about night-time disruption caused by the opening and closing of the dairy
doors, the movement of milk cages and the arrival and departure of delivery lorries.

The Windsor and Maidenhead planning application prompted two-and-a-half hours of debate at last night's panel meeting, when
further suggestions from members to strengthen the permission conditions were taken on board. Previous noise abatement
notices served on the company also remain in place.

Cllr Alison Knight, Windsor and Maidenhead panel chairman, said: 'We have paid very close attention to the views of
residents and ward councillors and indeed have shared many of them, which is why we have taken time and care before reaching
a decision. Considerable research has been undertaken, together with a number of site visits by both panel members and
council officers, not only to the dairy itself but also to other businesses where similar doors are used.

'Councillors have agonised over this application and, while we appreciate that residents may have wanted the panel to refuse,
we have to operate within planning laws. This was a very difficult decision but if we had not granted permission – subject
to a legal agreement and strong conditions – the council would not have been able to enforce the noise abatement notices
which, ultimately, is what the residents want and need.'

The 15 conditions include:

* a ban on articulated lorry deliveries between 10pm and 7am and a maximum of four deliveries on Sundays and bank holidays
(between 8am and 1pm)
* council approval of the doors to be installed in the new building, including the positioning of motors used to operate the
doors within the building itself to contain noise
* council approval of noise insulation and ventilation measures
* council approval of any additional lighting proposed for the site
* a limit on permitted noise levels
* time limits on when repairs and maintenance at the plant can be carried out
* works to improve the Vale Road/Shirley Avenue junction
* the provision of a temporary parking area and turning space for use during construction.

Medina Dairy must submit a detailed operational management plan for the plant before it opens to ensure it meets Windsor and
Maidenhead council requirements as well as a green travel plan to encourage employees to use transport other than their cars
to get to work.

DC members took on board concerns expressed by residents about potential problems for parents who use Shirley Avenue to drop
off and collect their children at St Edward’s Middle School. They agreed that Medina Dairy should make a Section 106 payment
for parking controls on the street if they are required in the future.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Knight added: 'Officers have worked tirelessly to ensure the plans for the new building will
greatly reduce noise nuisance for local residents.

'It is our intention to ensure that Medina Dairy adheres to the conditions of its planning permission and the council will
monitor it very closely in the future.'

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A week of introductory events starts on Monday September 10 at the newly-completed Woodlands Park Village Centre, Maidenhead to give residents the opportunity to try out some of the facilities the centre has to offer.

Every day until Friday September 14 there will be storytime sessions and crafts events for children, Get Active activity sessions for eight to 13-year-olds, SMILE exercise classes for the over 50s, the opportunity to get discounts on health checks, and information about joining the Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough’s library services in readiness for the arrival of the container library, which will be at the centre every Monday from October 1.

White Waltham Parish Council, which is managing the centre, is inviting local people to drop in any evening during the week between 7 and 9pm to see the range of activities on offer and to suggest others they would like to see there.

The centre, in Foliejohn Way, will be fully open to the public from Monday September 17.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children’s services, said: 'This is a great opportunity to find out more about the wonderful facilities at the new Woodlands Park Village Centre.

'The centre is at the heart of the local community and is a great place for residents to meet and try out new activities. It really does offer something for everyone .'

The following activities are planned for the week:

Monday September 10
11am-1pm: Arts and craft session with the community youth services team
1-3pm: SMILE - exercise session for the over-50s.

Tuesday September 11
11am-1pm: Children’s storytime and information about the library service
1-3pm: Sport activities organised by community youth services
4-5pm: Get Active physical activity session for eight to 13-year-olds. Participants should wear clothing/footwear suitable to take part in physical activity and bring a drink. Numbers limited - first come first served.

Wednesday September 12
11am-1pm: Children’s activities organised by the Children’s Centre
1-3pm: SMILE - exercise session for the over-50s. Discount vouchers will also be available for health MOTs, to be used at BodyZone gyms.

Thursday September 13
11am-1pm: Library services - find out more about what is on offer, plus joining details
1-3pm: SMILE - exercise session for the over-50s.

Friday September 14
11am-1pm: LifeLong Learning - information and display about learning opportunities for all ages, plus card-making taster sessions
1-3pm: Library services - find out more about what is on offer, plus joining details.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Windsor and Maidenhead Royal Borough’s chief executive David Lunn plans to retire at the end of February next year after achieving a rare treble in local government.

The decision, announced to the Windsor and Maidenhead council’s elected members and staff on Friday (August 31), will end 40 years in local government, 25 of them with the borough and the last 12 of them as chief executive.

David said this upcoming trio of achievements was an appropriate time to say farewell to the council and start on a new phase of his career.

He explained: “I plan to have a extended break during next spring and summer and then I want to use the skills I have built up over the past 40 years for the benefit of the community, but in a way that will enable me to work for just three days a week. This will give me opportunities to remain in public service while having a little more time for the things I enjoy outside work.”

Looking back on his time with the Windsor and Maidenhead borough, David said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 25 years here. During that time I have been privileged to work with talented and highly professional colleagues – in the council itself, in partner organisations and in our community. We have achieved a lot together and I am proud of the services that we all work hard to provide for the council’s residents and customers.

“Although I will be leaving at the end of February in the meantime it is business as usual. However, I know that when I hand over to my successor he or she will inherit a fine and committed staff with the best interests of the community at the heart of everything they do.”

David joined the Windsor and Maidenhead council initially as borough secretary and became chief executive in 1996, playing a key part in creating and shaping the council as a unitary authority in April 1998. In 1997 he was appointed by the Secretary of State as a board member of the English Tourism Council – the only person from local government to perform such a role – and served two terms until the abolition of the ETC in 2003. David was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours in 2002 for his work in tourism.

David takes a particular interest in the Royal Borough’s successful partnerships. He chairs a number of them and is also a board member of the Berkshire Learning and Skills Council.

He said: “Being chief executive of a busy local authority leaves little time for leisure activities so I am looking forward to having more time for watching sport, particularly cricket and rugby, seeing a bit more of the world, reading and, of course, the odd glass of wine.”

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The smell of freshly baked bread and croissants will be wafting across Maidenhead town centre next week as the tantalizing Team Fantastique Continental Market sets out its stalls for three days.

Open for business from Thursday to Saturday (September 13 – 15), the market is being hosted by Maidenhead Town Partnership and, with baking starting as early as 4.30am, what better way to start the day than with a delicious French croissant or baguette!

Ali Chehboun and Geoff Drinkel, joint organisers of the Team Fantastique Market, are over the moon about coming to Maidenhead. They said: “It's a real feather in our cap to have such a great opportunity to show our high quality goods and produce in such a prime location.”

Steph James, town manager, said: “Team Fantastique is completely new to Maidenhead and will bring a vast array of tempting produce that shoppers can try before they buy.

“Visiting markets are very popular in the town centre. They attract people who might not otherwise come into town so our local traders benefit too.”

The market will bring top quality continental produce, including French charcuterie, Dutch and French cheeses, Toulouse and Merguez sausages, freshly grilled; paella and pommes Provencal. There will also be jewellery and bags from Paris, Italian leatherwear, handmade soaps from Marseille and a host of other delights – biscuits from Brittany, olives from the sunny south and delicious mustards and spices. And from North Africa there will also be handmade Moroccan pottery and tagines and delicious sweetmeats and honey cakes.

The mobile boulangerie will feature fresh bread, croissants, pain chocolate and fabulous pastries, all baked on site in the traditional French manner.

For more information log on to Team Fantastique at www.cofm.co.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Windsor and Maidenhead council says it will continue to fight against pressure for even more housebuilding in the Royal Borough over the next 20 years.

This follows the publication of the examination report on the South East Plan, which proposes 1,300 additional houses for the borough over the next 20 years (from 5,620 proposed in the draft plan to 6,920).

The 23.1% rise is the borough’s share of an overall regional increase in housebuilding proposed by the panel of three inspectors and it has prompted Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Derek Wilson to reiterate the council’s determined opposition to ever-increasing demands for local development.

He said: “Taking outstanding planning commitments into account, the borough is already achieving its share of housebuilding but the examination report is still disappointing because it continues to place yet higher targets on the Royal Borough. This is despite the fact that more than 80% of the borough is Green Belt and that there is a limited number of brownfield sites available for development.

“The borough put up a robust case against overdevelopment when we took part in the public examination into the draft plan and while the revised figures are not unexpected, we have a very real fear that the government may want to impose an even higher target when they publish their amendments in the future.

“Through public consultations on the Local Development Framework (LDF) the council is carefully planning for levels of housing to meet local needs while protecting the Green Belt. We will not just roll over and accept levels of development if we believe they will be detrimental to our community.”

The examination report has now been submitted to the government. Windsor and Maidenhead council will carefully consider the implications of the report, ready for the next opportunity to make its views known when the government publishes its proposed amendments. There will be a 12-week consultation, expected later this year or early in 2008.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 9 September - 15 September 2007
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

9th September

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group

10th September

No events planned

11th September

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
The Tempest
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group

12th September

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Darratt (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group

13th September

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Summer Concert Series 4: Mark Simpson (clarinet) and Ian Buckle (piano)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group

14th September

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Private Fears in Public Places (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group

15th September

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Private Fears in Public Places (12A)
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Nick Pegden and Sarah Applewood
* 8:00 pm
Private Fears in Public Places (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Royal Photographic Society Visual Art Group