Maidenhead & Windsor

Helping local parents to support their teenage sons and daughters - that's the focus of a series of sessions starting next week, sponsored by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's Extended Services.

The first session Listening and Talking to Teenagers, will be held at the Xtend Conference Centre on the Dedworth schools site in Smiths Lane, on Tuesday June 3 from 7.30 - 9pm.

Listening and Talking to Teenagers will focus on:

* confidently communicating with your teenagers
* practising and thinking about ways of listening to your children
* recognising your own strengths
* sharing your concerns.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "Being a parent can sometimes be challenging, and can be more so with teenage children. As parents, we want to support and understand, but sometimes we can feel out of touch, unsure of the best approach or even isolated, wondering where and how to get advice.

"I would like to encourage as many parents as possible to come along to these sessions, where they will have the chance to talk to others, share experiences and find out how to communicate confidently with their teenagers."

Future support sessions will be held at the centre on Tuesdays from 7.30 to 9pm:

* June 10 Drugs and Alcohol Awareness
* June 17 Sex and Relationships
* June 24 Coping with Stress
* July 8 Challenging Behaviour and Attitudes
* July 15 Dealing with Bullying.

All the sessions are free and refreshments will be provided. For further information please contact Cyndy Gray, adviser for Healthy Schools, on 01628 796753 or email cyndy.gray@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Cookham Rise residents will be going to the polls on Thursday July 10 to fill a vacancy in their ward created by the resignation of John Hewitt as parish councillor.

Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a parish councillor or requesting the nomination papers to stand as a candidate should contact electoral services at the Town Hall, Maidenhead, on 01628 796400 or email elections@rbwm.gov.uk. The deadline for applications is 5.15pm on Thursday June 5.

There is still time for voters to register or to apply for a postal or proxy vote. Anyone who is not already registered, needs to amend their registration details, is planning to move house before the by-election or requires a postal or proxy vote needs to submit their application to electoral services by 5pm on Wednesday June 25.

The polling station at Pinder Hall, Lower Road, Cookham, will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday July 10.

For further details call Wendy Allum on 01628 796400 or Jennie Brooker on 01628 796306.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

As Maidenhead's Castle Hill Youth and Community Centre prepares to move to its new 21st century home, a call has gone out for memories of the centre's history as part of the final farewell.

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is providing long-awaited new accommodation at 4 Marlow Road and Castle Hill activities are due to move to their new headquarters in the summer - but in the meantime staff are keen to hear from anyone who can help build up a picture of the past, with information, personal memories or photographs.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenheadchildren's services, said: "This is a really exciting time for all the users of Castle Hill, with state-of-the-art premises almost ready for occupation. However, we also want to recognise the past and gather as much information as we can about the old building.

"Despite the fact that thousands of young people and adults have used the centre over the years, not a great deal is known about the history of the building so we need to hear from local people who can fill in the gaps and help us bring together a full history of Castle Hill."

While it is known that the original house was built for the owner of the old Nicholson's brewery and his initial is still visible on the ornamental façade, research has provided only snippets of information. Now centre staff are keen to learn more. How did the building come into the possession of Berkshire County Council? When was it used as a school? Was it used as an annexe for the old Gordon Road School?

In 1998 the Castle Hill Centre passed from the county council to the Royal Borough and in the past 10 years many more young people have enjoyed the activities there.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the history of Castle Hill should contact Hilary Holifield at Castle Hill Centre, High Town Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PB or email hilary.holifield@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Young people in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough have scored top marks in their innovative lessons in financial democracy - and this week will showcase their successes at a special celebration evening.

The Windsor and Maidenhead youngsters have been taking part in the popular Youth Opportunity Fund scheme which promotes spending by young people for young people and gives them the purse-strings for activities and projects across the borough.

Each year for the last three years the scheme has provided £160,000 to the borough to be spent on group activities and projects for 13-19-year-olds.

Young people trained as assessors invite other young people and youth groups to apply for funding for schemes such as residential courses, arts workshops, DJ workshops and the purchasing of new equipment.

Panels of young assessors consider applications and decide which schemes should be allocated money - and many of the groups who have received funding since the launch of the scheme will be showcasing their activities at the celebration evening on Wednesday May 28 in the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead from 6.30 to 8.30pm.

Representatives from local Windsor and Maidenhead scout groups, Duke of Edinburgh participants, the Outdoor Education Project, members of youth clubs and local disabled children's groups will display their projects and demonstrate to the assessors and other visitors how their group has benefited from the funding. Assessors will also be on hand to talk to visitors about how the funding works and the criteria for groups applying for funding.

Maidenhead MP Theresa May will present Youth Opportunity awards to all the participating groups during the evening. Also attending will be Jodie Dingwall, the Royal Borough's recently-elected MYP (Member of Youth Parliament).

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "This showcase event is an excellent way of demonstrating how this Youth Opportunity funding has been spent in the borough.

"A great many groups have benefited from the money to help them do things they really want to do and places they want to go - which in turn helps to develop their confidence and skills. The YOF funding is a real bonus - and I would urge groups to think about applying to help get their schemes off the ground."

For more information on how to apply for funding contact Denise Gilholme on 01628 683656 or Danny Gomm on 01628 510289.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Intrepid insect watchers can join a leisurely guided stroll with a bit of a beetly theme around Braywick Nature Reserve off Hibbert Road, Maidenhead.

Organised by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's Countryside Service and led by senior countryside ranger Trevor Smith, the walk entitled A Bit About Beetles will take place on Sunday June 1 from 2 to 3.30pm.

Trevor will reveal the whereabouts and lifestyles of some of the creepy crawlies, including the endangered stag beetle, living in trees, grass and dead wood. There will be a focus on the distinguishing characteristics of beetles and how important and diverse they are.

Adults and families are invited to attend. Appropriate footwear is recommended and wellies if there has been heavy rain. The route may not be suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Participants should meet in the Braywick Nature Centre car park (grid ref 895794). There is no charge but donations are welcome.

For further information call 01628 777440.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Crafty kids will be in their element at the latest Art Junction arts and crafts session at Windsor Library on Friday 30 May.

Youngsters between the ages of four and 11 years can literally get stuck in to making a whole range of projects including paper kites and paper animals at the library in Bachelors Acre.

The drop-in session runs from 2.15pm to 4pm - no need to book.

Art Junction provides the opportunity for pre-school and school-age children, accompanied by an adult, to do arts and crafts activities without having to clear up afterwards! To find out more visit http://www.artjunction.net/index.php

For more information contact Ruth Humphreys, librarian, on 01628 796974.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's a blooming marvellous time to be in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough - hanging baskets are in place, the popular Garden in Bloom Award Scheme is now open for entries and an exciting initiative has been launched to encourage wildlife into our gardens.

Keen Windsor and Maidenhead gardeners are invited to dig for victory and sign up for this year's Garden in Bloom competition, run in connection with the national Britain in Bloom competition.

The annual scheme is open to all private gardens across the borough, provided they are visible for passers-by to enjoy, and this year there is a new category for pubs and other local businesses.

Be it hanging baskets, glossy lawns or vibrant flowerbeds, the key is the benefit to the community from the display.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: "There are many beautiful gardens around the borough and Garden in Bloom is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work and creativity that goes into them, whatever their size, style or design.

"Introducing a commercial category offers an excellent opportunity to local businesses to show what they add visually to the borough. Even a business fronting directly onto the street can have a colourful hanging basket or window box display."

Councillors will judge gardens in their wards over the summer and certificates and rosettes will be awarded to outstanding gardens in each of the borough's 23 wards. The best two from each ward will qualify for the finals and an overall winner selected in August with a prizegiving ceremony in the autumn.

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents can nominate their own or someone else's garden by picking up a form from the reception areas of the Town Hall in Maidenhead or the council offices in Sheet Street, Windsor, leisure centres or libraries, or by contacting 01628 796227 or 796133.

Hanging baskets
The council has already put up hanging baskets in Windsor and Maidenhead town centres as well as Datchet, Eton, Old Windsor, parts of Ascot, South Ascot, Sunningdale, Sunninghill and Wraysbury.

Gardens for Wildlife
Attractive gardens aren't just about brightly coloured flowers. The Gardens for Wildlife initiative has been launched by the borough's countryside rangers to encourage gardeners to provide food and shelter for creatures such as birds, butterflies and hedgehogs.

This can be achieved through simple measures such as putting out bird feeders and bird baths, allowing grass to grow long in a specific area and leaving dead wood in place. Longer term, gardeners can opt to plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers and even install a pond.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Grey added: "With a bit of planning even a window box or a balcony can become a beautiful nature reserve."

Anyone interested in learning more about gardening for wildlife should call 01628 777440.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 1 June - 7 June 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

1st June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 7:30 pm
The Songs, Music, Dance & Readings from Lark Rise to Candleford by The Lark Rise Band
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

2nd June in Maidenhead

No events planned

3rd June in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

4th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Piece 24
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

5th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
The Bread of Those Years
* 8:00 pm
Mister Lonely (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Drumming

6th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Change of Address (tbc)
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Fun at the Farm
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

7th June in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Ruby Blue (15)
* 8:00 pm
Ruby Blue (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
One Woman's Army of Women
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance

Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents are reminded that if they wish to speak at the Maidenhead development control panel meeting about the council's plans to build a new special school and leisure facilities on the Cox Green campus they must register no later than Tuesday June 3.

A special meeting of the panel to discuss the two applications is to be held on Thursday June 5 and chairman Cllr Derek Wilson says he wants to ensure that panel members hear from representatives of all sides.

Thanks to a government grant of £24.4 million, the Windsor and Maidenhead council has the opportunity to build a new special school to replace the existing inadequate premises at Holyport Manor. The planning application is for a single-storey school and two-storey, 24-bed respite centre with two all-weather sports pitches and associated parking, fencing, gates and landscaping. There would be a new access off Cannon Lane.

On the same evening panel members will also consider the council's outline application for community sports and leisure facilities adjacent to the existing school sports hall and community centre, with access from Highfield Lane towards the north-east of the site. The complex would provide a fitness gym, aerobics studio and separate changing rooms for users of both the outdoor pitches and indoor sports facilities.

The planning applications have generated wide community debate and it is expected there will be a large attendance at the panel meeting, which will be held in the Desborough Suite of the Town Hall, starting at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm).

Cllr Wilson, panel chairman and lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, said he wanted to ensure that the meeting would allow all sides of the debate to be aired. He said: "Before making their decision, panel members will have the benefit of a detailed report from the council's planning officers but it is vital that they hear at first hand the views of those most affected by the proposals - the school itself and the Cox Green community.

"My job is to ensure that there is ample time for representatives to address the panel so I have extended the normal speaking times for both the applicant and the objectors."

Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting must register their intention with the council beforehand. Normally the applicant and objectors are each allocated three minutes to make their submission but, given the significance of this application, the chairman has decided to extend the time allocated to both sides.

Should large numbers of residents register their request to speak, Windsor and Maidenhead council advice is to appoint nominated spokespeople who can cover all the issues they wish to raise. In this way the speaking time allowed can be used in the most effective way.

To register a request to speak at the panel meeting, please contact Michael Kiely, democratic services officer, on 01628 796560 no later than 5pm on Tuesday June 3.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is challenging the government to give all local authorities the power to protect gardens from building development.

Following a motion by Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Derek Wilson at the recent council meeting, councillors agreed unanimously to demand action from the government to enable local authorities to veto applications to build houses and flats on green gardens.

Cllr Wilson described as "disgraceful" the current pressure from the government to "infill" develop by building on green gardens - and cited the recent Land Use (Garden Protection) Bill introduced by MP Caroline Spelman which is due to have its second reading on June 13.

He said: "We must act quickly if we are to stop the government from grabbing gardens for development. Local residents do not want this, and we are determined to fight on their behalf.

"Building on green gardens would have a huge impact on the environment and infrastructure of our borough, the quality of life for a great many people would be seriously affected, and many wildlife habitats would also be in danger.

"All local authorities should be given the power to protect gardens and we are going to be strongly urging the government to give us those powers."

Councillors also agreed to lobby the borough's two MPs, Theresa May and Adam Afriyie, to support the Land Use Bill.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A top-flight firm of urban design experts has been appointed to work with PRoM and the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough to take forward plans for the regeneration of Maidenhead town centre.

DTZ - nationally recognised for its work in major city and historic town centres - was selected unanimously following a detailed tendering process and will now help develop a vision for the future of Maidenhead.

Their submission, in conjunction with architects and planners BDP, impressed PRoM members with its commitment and creativity.

Now a stakeholder workshop is to be held to help ensure that local views are at the heart of the entire process.

Bob Dulson, PRoM's independent chairman, said: "DTZ have an excellent grasp of the current situation in Maidenhead and of PRoM's determination to take forward a regeneration programme that involves local stakeholders and the wider community.

"We are planning extensive consultation as the vision and masterplan take shape but in the meantime we will be organising a workshop to take on board the views of stakeholders not involved so far, including young people, so that they can be reflected right from the start."

Cllr David Burbage, Conservative leader of the Windsor and Maidenhead council and vice-chairman of PRoM, said: "The appointment of top quality urban designers is a positive signal that PRoM is moving ahead. I believe we are on the brink of a truly exciting time for the successful development of Maidenhead town centre."

Cllr Simon Werner, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group on the council, said: "We want to make Maidenhead a must-visit destination, where shopping, leisure and business merge seamlessly together. PRoM brings together representatives from key organisations to work closely in the best interests of Maidenhead and the appointment of DTZ is a significant step towards our long-term goal."

The stakeholders' workshop will be held over the next few weeks. Invitations will be sent to local amenity and residents' groups, the young people's forum and other organisations with a keen interest in the regeneration of Maidenhead. Organisations which would like to be represented should email prom@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Restaurant regulars in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough will be able to easily check out the hygiene rating of their favourite eateries thanks to a proposed star-based system.

Scores on the Doors - part of a nationwide initiative to reduce the incidence of food-borne illness and make the results of food hygiene inspections more readily available to customers - is set to be launched in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough in September. It forms part of the borough's food service plan for the next three years, which will be put before cabinet on Thursday May 22 for approval.

Under the new system, following a routine inspection* council environmental health officers will issue catering premises with stickers bearing five to zero stars. Five stars indicate excellent hygiene standards while no stars suggest improvements need to be made**. The star rating relates strictly to legal food hygiene requirements only.

High street restaurants, cafes and pubs will be the first to be rated under the initiative and eventually all food outlets throughout the Windsor and Maidenhead borough will be included. Information on the scheme is to be sent out to businesses this month.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for the environment, said: "We all have different tastes when it comes to eating out, whether we opt for pub grub, a spicy curry or haute cuisine. But one 'ingredient' we all demand is good hygiene; it's essential to have the peace of mind that the restaurant, café or pub we are visiting maintains high cleanliness standards. Scores on the Doors will help residents make an informed choice. We want to encourage all food outlets to have the highest score rating; the residents of the RBWM deserve only the best.

"In addition, it will also hopefully raise food hygiene standards through encouraging low-star venues to improve their rating. We all want to know where it is safe to eat."

There is no legal requirement for businesses to place the stickers on their doors, but the information will also be available on the borough's and the Food Standards Agency websites, as well as through a Scores on the Doors mobile messaging service giving the public instant access to information on high street premises.

Cllr Rayner added: "Businesses with four or five stars will display their stickers with pride; those with low stars probably won't display them at all. But the absence of a sticker will raise awareness in itself, and diners can check out the rating online. As word gets around, food outlets will be under pressure to up their game - or lose business."

Environmental health officers will work with poorly performing businesses to improve their hygiene standards.

Cllr Rayner concluded: "We will have a zero tolerance on poor food hygiene. We will take no prisoners. Food poisoning can kill!"

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

There will be fun and games for everyone when Imperial Park - Windsor's biggest new park for 60 years - officially opens on Sunday May 25.

All the family is invited to come along to the free event between 11am and 2pm to try their hand at human table football, inflatable jousting and bungee run, penalty shoot-out and basketball shots competitions. Juniors can burn up their energy in the well-equipped play area and on the bouncy castle or try on a jumbo sumo suit for size.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenheadleisure and culture - who will carry out the ceremonial ribbon cutting at 11am - said: "Windsor has been traditionally short of parks so the opening of such a well-designed and equipped space is an exciting and significant event. The park has been nine months in the construction and the result is an excellent facility for all the community."

Residents were consulted on the facilities they wanted before work began and pupils at Clewer Green CE and Oakfield First Schools chose the design for the new play area.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and ward councillor for Clewer East, said: "Local residents have been making good use of the park already, as the facilities have been completed, as well as enjoying the open space. Imperial Park is an excellent, convenient venue of which local residents can be justifiably proud."

Situated off Imperial Road, the park includes a children's play area, multi-use games areas, small pavilion and car park.

Windsor's last major new park was Dedworth Manor in Hanover Way in 1947. Other public open spaces have been created over the years, the latest being Clewer Manor in 2004, but these are smaller areas with a limited range of facilities.

Refreshments will be available at the opening event. Entry is free.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A proposed new Windsor and Maidenhead standard is set to ensure that sustainability becomes an integral part of education within the Royal Borough.

The Learning for Sustainability (LfS) Standard for Schools is designed to assess the impact of each school's activities on developing a sustainable way of living and to identify where - and how - good sustainability practice supports good educational practice.

The Windsor and Maidenhead standard is part of an overarching LfS strategy for the borough and the decision on whether to go ahead with LfS will be made by cabinet on Thursday May 22. If approved, it will be launched in September.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "Sustainability is the issue of our day. Past and present actions are converging in such a way as to threaten the survival of the human race.

"Children coming through our schools today are going to face a very different future to ours. These life issues have to be addressed in a more deliberate and strategic fashion than we have done in the past. There is no Plan B to save the planet!"

Cllr Paul Etherington, chairman of the sustainability panel, added: "The saying 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children' is more true than ever."

Royal Borough schools will be encouraged to complete a sustainable school self-evaluation, created by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which can be developed into an action plan to shape and direct future action and learning. This could be a stand-alone framework or part of the school development plan.

The evaluation covers 27 different aspects of school life graded from 'getting started' to 'outstanding' and includes eight doorways under leadership and management, including food and drink, energy and water, travel and traffic. Recognition is also given to supporting awards such as the Berkshire School Travel Excellence Programme, Eco Schools, National Healthy Schools, International Schools and the Rights Respecting Award.

Advisory support from the LfS Action Group, made up of Windsor and Maidenhead council officers and external partners, will be available through a new website and an annual event will recognise successes.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children's services, said: "Learning for Sustainability will help draw together all areas of school life, demonstrate how these are already contributing towards sustainability and how this contribution can be enhanced."

As well as schools, other interested organisations are welcome to use the LfS model to address their sustainability issues. For further details contact Tim Morton, Learning for Sustainability coordinator, on 01628 796426.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A teenager has been given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) following numerous complaints by members of the public and subsequent action taken by police, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Anti-social Behaviour Team and other partner agencies.

Steven Strong, of Vansittart Road, Windsor, was issued the ASBO at Maidenhead Youth Court on Thursday 8 May.

The order will remain in force until 7 May 2012 and prohibits Steven from:

1. Remaining in any shop across England and Wales if asked to leave by staff or to enter any premises from which he is barred including Sainsbury's store in Maidenhead town centre.

PC Doug Pye, from Windsor and Maidenhead's community safety team, said "The ASBO has been secured following close partnership working between the police, The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and with the backing of local people.

"Strong was constantly reported for acting in an anti-social manner. He has also been convicted of assaulting a store manager in Maidenhead and barred from Sainsbury's in Maidenhead town centre following his behaviour.

"We hope that this court order will make those affected by Strong's behaviour feel safer. It is sad that we have to go to such measures with young people. However, on some occasions it is necessary to protect the community."

He added: "We would like to thank all those members of the public who gave us information which led to this ASBO. If anyone sees someone behaving in an anti-social manner they should contact police on 0845 8 505 505."

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

Bridging the culinary gap between Eton and Europe - that's the mouthwatering prospect in store for residents and visitors alike as the Euphoric European Market revisits the town this weekend (Friday May 16 - Sunday May 18).

Following the success of its Christmas visit, the market will once again span Windsor and Eton Bridge with a colourful array of stalls offering produce to tempt every palate - as well as home furnishing, crafts, leather goods, jewellery and other fashion accessories.

Food-lovers can sample European delicacies ranging from French cheeses to dried fruits including dates, figs and pineapples, blueberries, raspberries and cranberries. Greek olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and stuffed vine leaves will jostle for attention alongside specialist fine teas from around the world, Polish bread, oils and vinegars with Portugese tapas, Spanish paella and Polish cider.

Also on the market menu will be paella, German bratwurst sausage, Arabian cakes and pastries, nuts from the Mediterranean, spicy sausage from France, tempting Turkish delight and apricot and rhubarb tarts from Brittany.

Cllr Colin Rayner, chairman of Windsor and Eton Town Partnership, said this week: "We are delighted to welcome back the Euphoric European Market to Windsor and Eton this weekend, and we hope it will get the support it deserves from both residents and visitors.

"These markets bring a real flavour of the continent to our towns, and provide a perfect opportunity to try the kind of dishes you usually associate with holidays and relaxing - the next best thing to actually being on holiday without having to use Terminal 5!"

"I will definitely be there with my family this weekend - and would encourage everyone to do the same!"

The market will be held on both sides of Windsor and Eton Bridge - and up into Eton High Street - from 9am to 5pm on each of the three days.

For more information contact Paul Roach, Windsor and Eton town manager on 01753 743921.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 25 May - 31 May 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

25th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 6:00 pm
All England Drama Festival of One Act Plays
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
One Woman's Army of Women

26th May in Maidenhead

No events planned

27th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
The Other Boleyn Girl (12A)
* 8:00 pm
The Other Boleyn Girl (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women

28th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Potted Potter - The Unauthorised Harry Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff
* 7:00 pm
Potted Potter - The Unauthorised Harry Experience - A Parody by Dan and Jeff
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 7:00 pm
Reading Group

29th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Come Me Pickney!
* 8:00 pm
The Other Boleyn Girl (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women

30th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Miles Jupp and Andy Zaltzman
* 8:00 pm
Connie Lush and Blues Shouter
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G

31st May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
St John's Chamber Orchestra,
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
One Woman's Army of Women
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is one of a group of councils going to the High Court next week in a bid to win a reduction in the number of aircraft allowed to arrive at Heathrow before 6am.

Along with the London boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond, the Windsor and Maidenhead council is challenging the government's night flight arrangements set in 2005 after it was discovered that many of the planes flying at this time of day had been placed in the wrong noise category. The error affected the Boeing 747-400 RR - the main type used by airlines during the night quota period at Heathrow.

Windsor and Maidenhead Council lawyers will argue that, by declining to act on the discrepancy, the government failed in its duty to protect residents from excessive noise at night. The Transport Secretary could have amended the quota system so that the misclassified 747s were placed in the correct noise category, thus preventing them from flying into Heathrow before 6am. The airlines could then have substituted quieter aircraft or simply withdrawn these services for the early morning period.

On average there are around 16 early morning arrivals each day between 4.30 and 6am.

Cllr David Burbage, leader of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough, said: "We are aiming to achieve some much-needed relief in the 4.30 - 6am period for our residents in the Windsor, Old Windsor, Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury areas. Those aircraft types which break the rules should be grounded.

"The flaws we have unearthed should have been corrected. Instead, ministers have been content for the airlines to maintain their full quota of flights. I believe this is another example of the government turning a deaf ear to claims against the unlawful and inconsistent actions of the aviation industry."

"The current Heathrow expansion plans will bring even more early morning flights in the period just after 6am. There are currently no controls at this time of day. If we win it could mean the government having to set limits for the first time at a time of day when most people are still asleep."

The judicial review will be heard by Mr Justice Sullivan and has been set for May 20 - 22.

The challenge is also supported by Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow and Hillingdon councils and the GLA. All the councils are members of the 2M Group which opposes Heathrow expansion and campaigns to protect the quality of life for communities around the airport.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

An extra £250,000 for the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's annual resurfacing programme will bring improvements for more local roads this summer.

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has increased last year's £1 million budget by 25% which will mean that around 100 roads can be treated or resurfaced between June and October - compared to 75 last year. A further £50,000 has been approved for patching work and sealing cracks to either prevent the need for resurfacing or to prepare roads for resurfacing next year.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "Good highway maintenance is essential to keep the borough on the move and this year's extra money reflects the council's commitment to improving roads across the borough.

"All ward councillors are involved in drawing up the programme by putting forward the roads in their areas that they feel should be included. If we had unlimited cash we would do them all but, even with our welcome additional resources this year, we have to prioritise and spend money where it is most needed. However, the programme rolls forward and those that miss out this year will be considered for next year's work. It will take more than 10 years of investment to fully improve the quality of our roads."

The summer programme, managed by the Windsor and Maidenhead council's contractor Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services, gets under way in early June. Some 44 roads are in line for surface dressing - a 'tar and chippings' treatment that waterproofs, improves skid performance - a major factor in road accidents - and helps prevent further deterioration. Underlying repairs to the road surface will be carried out before the surface dressing is applied.

The treatment takes a short time to complete and rarely needs road closures or diversions - however, it does call for vehicles to travel slowly over the new dressing for a number of days so that the chippings have time to bed down properly into the bitumen. This means that the contractors will be erecting prominent 20mph signs wherever surface dressing is applied.

Stephen Brown, head of Windsor and Maidenhead highways and engineering, said: "Surface dressing is a very effective way of extending the life of a road by between seven and 15 years but it has been criticised by drivers who claim it chips windscreens and damages the bodywork of their cars.

"The secret is to obey the speed limits recommended by the contractors. The 20mph signs are there to remind drivers that they must travel much more slowly than usual over the treated stretch of road. By reducing their speed they will greatly reduce the potential for damage caused by vehicles travelling too fast and throwing up the loose chippings. Then after a couple of days the surplus chippings are removed by road sweepers."

Early July will see the start of the more intensive resurfacing phase that, depending on the location and extent of the work, may mean some road closures and/or diversions, although these are kept to the absolute minimum to reduce disruption.

A key part of the Windsor and Maidenhead summer programme is extensive communication with local residents in the streets affected. Letter drops will be carried out by contractors to ensure householders are given information about the planned works, advice about moving their cars and details of any road closures and diversions.

Information about the programme, including types of treatment and access arrangements, is available on the council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk under Transport and Streets.

The council also issues travel information through the local media so that the driving public are made aware of potential journey changes or delays.

All road dressing and resurfacing depends on good weather between June and October so plans are subject to change during wet spells.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Bollywood dancing and badge making, card making and complementary therapies, henna painting, facials and gardening - just some of the many and varied activities taking place in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough during Adult Learners' Week (Saturday May 17 - Friday May 23).

An eye-catching display in the main reception area of the Town Hall will highlight examples of how local people have benefited from embracing new learning opportunities, with information on the courses available at local learning centres in the borough.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council will be staging a competition for its own employees, offering a 10-minute holistic shoulder massage for just £1 to lucky winners to raise awareness about the importance of work-life balance. A Stress Less session will also be available.

Cllr John Story, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult services, said: "Adult Learners' Week encourages thousands of people, whatever their ages and backgrounds, to give learning a go, whether it's learning for pleasure, catching up on skills missed out on at school or getting that new job or promotion.

It also celebrates the achievements of those adults already learning and brings their inspirational stories to a wider audience. I am therefore delighted that once again the Royal Borough is supporting the week with a number of exciting events.

"We all learn every day, often without realising it. Taking the next step and going on a course needn't be like going back to school - just come along to the informal sessions and be inspired."

Adult Learners' Week in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough:

Wednesday May 21, 6 - 7.30pm
Free workshop: Bollywood dance for adults
Learn basic dance steps to Bollywood tunes, with expressions, posture and movement in a relaxed fun filled environment and get fit at the same time.
Venue: Ellington Extended Services Centre

Thursday May 22, 7 - 8.30pm
Free workshop: Salsa dancing for adults
Increase fitness levels and reduce stress through exercise, by dancing to Salsa music; learn basic salsa steps and complete a short dance routine.
Venue: Ellington Extended Services Centre

To book for the above workshops, please contact Parwati Mistry on 01628 796584

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The popular Maidenhead Farmers' Market, held every second Sunday of the month in Grove Road car park, is hosting a Saturday special in Maidenhead High Street on May 31 from 9am - 5pm.

Shoppers will have their pick from a variety of local produce including organic meats, goats' cheese and goat burgers, fresh fish, cider, cakes and organic breads and enjoy performances from the 'Courgettes' - the band that only sings about food!

Cllr David Burbage, chair of Maidenhead Town Partnership, said: "I am delighted that we can offer shoppers this extra opportunity to experience the farmers' markets, which are always popular. We must do all we can to support our local producers.

"The standard and variety on offer is excellent. If you haven't tried the farmers' markets before, come along when you're in town, and get something that not only tastes good but helps our local farmers."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

It's a story with a happy ending for busy working Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough mums and dads and their babies - new monthly Saturday Bookstart Rhymetime sessions at Windsor Library.

The new sessions - aimed at the under-threes and their working parents - will be launched at the Windsor library on Saturday May 17 at 11am.

The half-hour sessions - to be held every four weeks in the children's library area - will feature a mix of songs, rhymes, rhythm and movement designed to encourage parents to enjoy reading books with their children.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: "The Royal Borough already has a thriving and popular Bookstart programme which runs at all our libraries, but the Rhymetime sessions are mainly held on weekdays - which precludes many mums and dads who work during the week.

"These new Saturday sessions will be the perfect opportunity for parents and their young children to enjoy the benefits of Bookstart at weekends - and use songs and rhyme and other fun activities to develop a love of books and reading which will hopefully last a lifetime."

The sessions are free and there is no need to book. Children's librarians will be on hand to discuss the Bookstart scheme and distribute Bookstart and Bookstart Plus packs.

Bookstart is a national programme which encourages parents and carers to enjoy books with children from an early age. Children receive Bookstart packs containing free books at around eight months, 18 months and three years, together with guidance materials for parents and carers.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's Welcome Home parade for the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards has been described as 'an inspiration to others' by the Army's top man.

General Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff at the Ministry of Defence has written to the Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor, Cllr Leo Walters, to express his sincere gratitude for the council's Welcome Home banner and event on Saturday April 26 and to say how much they were appreciated by the service men and women themselves.

He wrote:
"There has been a lot of media coverage in recent months on the issue of the support shown by the Nation to the Armed Forces, but not all of the reporting made it clear that the Army, indeed all the Armed Forces, are enormously grateful to those who do help – and I know that Windsor has been deeply supportive of the Army, and the Household Division, for a long time. In many respects, it is the things that cost nothing that are the ones that are most important – a friendly greeting in the street, a prayer, a reference in the local paper or people paying their respects to those soldiers who have fallen in battle. I also know that your support for the soldiers of 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards was greatly appreciated by their families – it is, after all, they who are the unsung heroes in these operationally busy times, and for them to know that their local community supports their loved ones is a major fillip.

"Thank you once again. Your example is, I hope, an inspiration to others."

Cllr Walters said he was extremely pleased by the letter from the professional head of the British Army.

He said: "The Welcome Home parade was the Royal Borough's way of demonstrating – on behalf of everyone in our community – the great debt we owe to the service men and women who serve our country in very dangerous circumstances. To receive a letter of thanks from General Sir Richard Dannatt is very much valued by all councillors and officers who played a part in the Windsor celebrations.

"With so many members of the forces continuing to serve in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places of war and conflict, we must remember them in our thoughts and prayers and continue to show our support and appreciation."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough primary schoolchildren – and their parents and teachers – are once again being urged to put their best foot forward and walk to school for a week.

Walk to School Week 2008 runs from Monday May 19 to Friday May 23 and 36 of the borough's 45 primary schools are set to rise to the challenge.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "There are so many compelling reasons why walking to school is a good idea. With childhood obesity on the rise it's the perfect opportunity for parents to help youngsters build exercise into their daily routine and share some quality time together. Teachers report that pupils who walk to school arrive more wide awake and are therefore more prepared for the school day ahead."

Walk to School Week is a national initiative which the borough is using to support its ongoing campaign to promote walking and cycling to school in preference to driving.

Supporting Walk to School Week is the borough's School Travel Reward Scheme (STaRS), an incentive scheme which encourages children to walk, cycle or scoot to school, thereby earning them free swims at the Magnet or Windsor Leisure Centres.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Rayner added: "Walk to School Week gives both primary school pupils and their parents the opportunity to try walking to school with the idea of continuing on a more regular basis. Even if they can only commit to walking to school once or twice a week, it has significant benefits in terms of improving health and road safety awareness.

"Drivers will need to be vigilant, as there will be a lot of children walking to school. Please drive slowly and carefully and remember that you were a child yourself once!"

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough looks set to implement a range of measures to improve behaviour in schools.

Plans to develop Windsor and Maidenhead services designed to promote good behaviour and tackle anti-social behaviour were given the thumbs-up by members of the children's services overview and scrutiny panel on Thursday (May 8) – and will be considered by cabinet on May 22.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour is a council priority, and we are determined to continue to address the problem – while acknowledging that most children are well-behaved most of the time.

"When children don't behave properly it causes problems for everyone – but unfortunately there are no simple answers to explain such behaviour. Similarly there are no 'quick fix' solutions – and that is why we are introducing a broad range of actions to address the situation."

Plans include:
· involving youth workers in schools to promote pro-social behaviour
· working more closely with the charity Family Friends – which provides parenting support to families and groups – to undertake family-based interventions in cases of anti-social behaviour
· working with the Family Welfare Association to deliver services to vulnerable families, in particular those with a parental history of substance misuse, mental health issues and offending behaviour
· developing projects – funded by the government's Dedicated Schools Grant – designed to help prevent exclusions from school
· liaising with neighbouring authorities to provide seamless support for out-of-borough children who attend borough schools
· appointing two mental health workers to carry out preventative work with children at risk.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Quick added: "Our recent Tellus 2 survey indicated that Royal Borough pupils continue to be concerned about bullying in particular, which is one of the main forms of anti-social behaviour.

"Some headteachers have also expressed concern about the effectiveness of current behaviour support services – and it is in response to concerns such as these that we have drawn up our action plan.

"Although there are rarely simple solutions, its is important to acknowledge that all schools have the potential to raise standards by employing consistent methods of good practice in learning and teaching, as well as in behaviour management."

Existing preventative measures employed by the Windsor and Maidenhead council include:

· the Healthy Schools programme which helps to promote positive behaviour (39 borough schools have achieved Healthy Schools status)
· the Royal Borough's anti-social behaviour team who work closely with the police and community wardens to provide diversionary activities or joint work with other agencies
· a behaviour and attendance consultant supporting secondary schools – all borough schools have achieved "at least satisfactory" Ofsted ratings for personal development and well-being
· youth workers employed by the community and youth service trained to engage with young people and prevent anti-social behaviour
· educational psychologists who work with school staff to manage the behaviour of young children
· the Connexions Service, an advice, guidance and support agency for young people aged 13 to 19
· a range of parenting programmes
· the charity Family Friends (part-funded by the Royal Borough) which also provides parenting support to families and groups.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Seven more Windsor and Maidenhead children's centres could be up and running in the borough within the next two years, bringing the total to 13 by March 2010.

That's the recommendation going to cabinet later this month (May 22), after members of the children's services overview and scrutiny panel on Thursday (May 8) gave the thumbs-up to proposals for the development of Phase 3 children's centre areas.

Children's centres – one-stop shops for services for families with young children – are proposed for three areas in Maidenhead – Maidenhead Nursery School, Larchfield and Pinkneys Green – as well as Old Windsor, Eton Wick, Datchet, and Broom Farm in Windsor.

These have been identified as areas for potential children's centres based on factors ranging from income, employment, health, education, crime and geographical access to services.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "Our existing children's centres provide excellent services for many families with young children, thanks to some very effective joint working with our partner agencies.

"I am delighted that now we are going to extend this provision to other areas of the borough, particularly where specific needs have been identified.

"Parenting is never easy – and it is vitaI that we provide easily-accessible support services which demonstrate to parents that help is at hand when it is needed."

The new centres would join the six existing children's centres in Woodlands Park Village, Ellington School and St Mark's Hospital in Maidenhead, the Lawns Nursery and the Dedworth School site in Windsor, and South Ascot in providing a range of integrated children's services including:

· Children's Information Service – information displays and sessions, focussed events and outreach work
· parenting programmes
· employment support – including return-to-work and benefits advice
· family support sessions with social workers to address parental concerns
· baby clinics providing family health programmes
· speech and language drop-in clinics
· support for childminders through training and drop-in sessions.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Three streets in Windsor will soon offer daytime pay and display parking once again, following local feedback on the Royal Borough's evolving parking strategy in the town centre.

From Monday June 2 Windsor resident permit holders, those with visitor vouchers and pay and display parkers will all be able to use:

* the south section of St Leonards Road
* part of Alma Road and
* the west section of Clarence Road.

These areas of the three streets have been identified as the least used by Windsor resident parking permit holders and their visitors and therefore can revert to shared use with pay and display parkers from 8am to 8pm daily. This change will give back more than 114 parking spaces for more general use in the town centre.

Following the borough's review of yellow lines earlier this year a number of Windsor town centre streets changed to offer parking only for their residents and visitors from 5.30pm to 8.30am Monday to Friday and throughout weekends. However, the council made it clear that it would monitor the situation and make amendments according to how the parking spaces were used over time.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, explained: "The council's parking strategy for Windsor has been evolving over the past few months and we are listening carefully to the views of local people, businesses, churches and publicans.

"The changes introduced in March were designed to provide more parking for town centre residents close to their own homes – but now that the parking pattern has settled down we can see there are opportunities for restoring pay and display to streets at times when their residents don't use them to the full potential. It has been obvious for some time that these three streets could return to the old parking system and residents from the wider Windsor area have told us they would very much welcome the return of pay and display to make parking much easier for them when they come into the town centre.

"Restoring pay and display from 8am to 8pm every day also means additional benefits for all borough residents who have yellow Advantage Cards because they get the first tariff period absolutely free."

Cllr Rayner said that further adjustments to the parking arrangements may be made in the future as the council responded to constructive feedback from local people. Work was also continuing with local businesses to develop ways of allowing their car parks to be used for the public in the evenings and at weekends.

Formal notices advertising the parking changes has been placed in the local press this week and they will start on Monday June 2.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is appealing to landowners, developers and residents to identify sites that could potentially be suitable for housing – and hopefully reduce the risk of Green Belt land being given over to development.

Any suggested site will be assessed on its individual merits and not all sites will be considered appropriate.

It is a government requirement that all local planning authorities undertake a strategic housing land availability assessment (SHLAA) to determine if there is sufficient land to meet the need for new homes. This information will be used in preparing the Local Development Framework for the borough*.

Cllr Derek Wilson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, said: "The South East England Regional Assembly has recommended that the Royal Borough builds 346 new homes each year, and the Planning Inspectorate has instructed us to carry out a review of the Green Belt.

"We fought very hard against the review but were told that adhering to existing settlement boundaries was not in the best interests of the local community and we have no choice but to continue with the review.

"Under these unwelcome circumstances, we are searching for any available, suitable areas – and especially brownfield sites – that can be used for future development rather than having to resort to building on our precious Green Belt. Anybody with information on potential sites is urged to contact us."

The sites may be of any size and located anywhere in the borough. However the inclusion of a site within the SHLAA does not mean it is necessarily appropriate for development. All suggested sites will be rigorously tested and open to public consultation to determine their suitability.

Anyone wishing to suggest a site should complete the form available to download at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/pp_development_sites.htm or call 01628 796172.

All completed forms must be accompanied by a map showing both the location and boundary of the site, and returned to: Planning Policy Manager, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is turning up the heat on street cleaning with the official launch this week of its new hotwash machine which will tackle pavement cleaning in the town centres and residential areas.

The machine – liveried with the Windsor and Maidenhead council's distinctive Cleaner, Greener, Safer logo – will supplement the annual deep-clean of borough streets already carried out by contractors with a regular cleaning programme to tackle hotspots around shops, litter bins and bus shelters as well as flyposter removal.

A special attachment for cleaning pavements without splashing, the machine can also remove chewing gum.

The machine operates by delivering heated water at high pressure to a special cleaning head for deep cleaning of floors and walls. Unlike some cleaning machines it does not use chemicals or detergents.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "We are totally committed to keeping our streets as clean and tidy as possible, both from environmental and health and safety standpoints.

"We already carry out a very thorough deep clean once a year in the town centres, but we are now introducing a regular programme to tackle certain hotspots including shopping areas in other parts of the borough.

"One of the first areas we will be tackling is Boots Passage in Windsor – but if anyone thinks there are other areas in need of this type of cleaning we would urge them to let us know.

"It is important that we make our streets both safe and clean for residents and visitors alike, and we hope that this machine will help us achieve the pleasant environment we aim to provide for everyone who lives in and visits our borough. We have a zero policy on dirt and litter!"

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 18 May - 24 May 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

18th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:45 am
Lunchtime Concert: Goldberg Variations, Gary Cooper (harpsichord)
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 2:30 pm
Baroque Chamber Music Masterclass
* 7:30 pm
The Kite Runner (12A)
* 7:30 pm
The Kite Runner (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

19th May in Maidenhead

No events planned

20th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Bacchic
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

21st May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
How Does Your Garden Grow?
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 8:00 pm
Son of Rambow (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

22nd May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery
* 7:30 pm
Force 8 Winds
* 7:45 pm
Luke Wright, Poet and Man
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Drumming
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Drumming

23rd May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Mark Lockheart and the Pendulum Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Fun at the Farm
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

24th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Margot at the Wedding (15)
* 8:00 pm
Margot at the Wedding (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
One Woman's Army of Women
* 2:30 pm
Watercolours

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is this week celebrating a lottery grant of more than £200,000 to improve play provision across the borough.

The Windsor and Maidenhead grant from the Big Lottery Fund announced this week follows the submission of the borough's first play strategy designed to enable young people in the borough to enjoy better facilities for constructive play.

The £233,324 grant will help to fund three projects across the borough:

· Leading the play way – providing a mobile play ranger service to enable children and young people in parishes and parks to benefit from free play opportunities. A Windsor and Maidenhead play ranger co-ordinator and sessional play rangers are expected to be appointed before the summer holidays and will be funded for a period of two years. They will be closely involved in the popular 13-19 summer holiday programme as well as working with the Get Active team in parishes and with the rangers at Braywick Nature Centre to broaden the range of activities and constructive play opportunities.

· School free play – to develop play before and after school and during lunch-times by providing training and equipment to educate staff and children on a variety of activities for playtimes and lunch-hours. The 50 schools in the borough taking part will also open their playgrounds at weekends to allow local children and young people to use the new play equipment.

· Parish free play – helping parishes to develop two new play areas in Old Windsor and Eton Wick to improve hard play facilities and provide new equipment.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the news of the lottery grant. Some of the funding will be used to employ the play ranger co-ordinator and sessional play rangers whose main task will be to promote the importance of play and to ensure we can deliver the aims of our play strategy.

"They will be invaluable in helping to broaden out safe and constructive play opportunities to a wider young audience across the borough, and will hopefully reach out to some of the more disadvantaged children and young people in the borough."

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead leisure and culture, said: "This funding will make a huge difference to the parish councils – some of whom have wanted to improve their play facilities for some time.

"Our first play strategy had to be approved by the Big Lottery Fund before we could apply for the funding, and we are now in a position to be able to fulfil the vision of the strategy and deliver facilities and opportunities in places where they are most needed.

"The strategy also fits into the Every Child Matters initiative and its action plan is the first step to expanding on play provision in the borough in plenty of time for the school summer holidays ahead."

For further information about the lottery grant contact Linda Chandler, head of community and youth services on 01628 796315.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Arts Cafe,
Methodist Church Hall,
High Street,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 1EF.
Friday 3rd October

Sometimes events need to be low-key - where all you're really trying to do is create a warm, comfortable atmosphere in which friends feel welcome and at home. Background jazz is ideal for this scenario - nothing can beat the sound of a professional live band.

The Still Time band have played in this context for a variety of events. Alpha Meals, Fellowship Evenings, Wedding Receptions, etc., all can be enhanced by live music. Still Time Music is dedicated to providing Jazz music with an uncompromising Christian message and spirit.

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

Maidenhead Arts Cafe,
Methodist Church Hall,
High Street,
Maidenhead,
Berkshire,
SL6 1EF.
Friday 6th June

Over the last few years Dave has presented his unique "Live and Acoustic" evenings at the Jermyn Street Theatre, in the heart of London's Theatreland. Designed to crossover and connect with an unchurched audience Dave mixes mainstream influences with his own original material.

He is also famous for many of his christian songs sung across the world (Abba Father Being his first), many included in such compalations as "Songs of Felo

Now Dave brings "Live & Acoustic" to the Arts Cafe. Here is an opportunity to see the singer-songwriter side of Dave with an acoustic set that draws from his extensive catalogue of songs as well as mainstream material that has influenced him down through the years. Dave will also be sharing some new songs from his brand new CD release "People of Promise".

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

Sports Bug fever is set to sweep the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough with two action-packed weeks of Free activities for all ages and abilities, from Saturday May 10 to Friday May 23.

More than 40 clubs are throwing open their doors and inviting Windsor and Maidenhead residents to try a whole range of activities from rowing and tennis to martial arts and jive dancing.

Cllr Jesse Grey, lead member for leisure and culture, said: "As a council we are keen to promote good health. Sports Bug fortnight, with its excellent range of free activities throughout the borough, is the perfect opportunity for residents to try their hand at a new sport, brush up on old skills or simply get fitter."

The fortnight kicks off on Saturday May 10 from 10am to 2pm with open days at the Magnet, Windsor and Charters leisure centres and Woodlands Park Village Centre, packed with fun activities for all the family:

· Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead: Parachuting, basketball shootouts, arts and crafts, crazy golf, face painting, BodyZone mini-fitness challenge, trampoline taster sessions, beat the goalie competition, bouncy castle and soft play, board painting, roller skating, action kids (For further details call Lee Ovens on 01628 633899)

· Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Windsor: Penalty shootouts, bouncy castle, aerobics, basketball shooting competition, trampoline taster sessions, BodyZone fitness challenge, plus free treatment and injury advice (Claire Yeoman, 01753 850004)

· Charters Leisure Centre, Charters Road, Sunningdale: Racketathon, netball tournaments, BodyZone triathlon, cricket, bouncy castle, karate, tennis, pool tournament (Daniel Saunders, 01344 628686)

· Woodlands Park Village Centre, Manifold Way, White Waltham: treasure hunt, bouncy castle, face painting, multi-sports activities, refreshments, arts and crafts (Kim Truelove, 07765 254895).

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A special meeting of Maidenhead development control (DC) panel is to be held on Thursday June 5 to consider the Royal Borough's planning application for a new Holyport Manor Special School on the Cox Green School campus.

On the same evening panel members will also consider Windsor and Maidenhead council's outline application for community sports and leisure facilities adjacent to the existing school sports hall and community centre, with access from Highfield Lane towards the north-east of the site.

The proposed new school – to replace the existing inadequate premises at Holyport – is being totally funded by a government grant of £24.4 million through the Building Schools for the Future: One School Pathfinder initiative. The planning application is for a single-storey school and two-storey, 24-bed respite centre with two all-weather sports pitches and associated parking, fencing, gates and landscaping. There would be a new access off Cannon Lane.

Following consultation with local residents, community groups and site users, the Windsor and Maidenhead council has also submitted the outline application for a purpose-built sports and leisure facility close to the existing Cox Green community complex to provide a fitness gym, aerobics studio, four team-size changing rooms for users of the outdoor pitches and changing rooms for indoor sports.

Reports for panel members' consideration will be published in advance of the DC meeting and will be available on the council's website www.rbwm.gov.uk

To cater for the expected large attendance, the meeting will be held in the Desborough Suite of the Town Hall, starting at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm).

Cllr Derek Wilson, panel chairman and lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, said: "The proposals to build a new special school and the associated community leisure facilities have prompted a high level of public debate. I am very aware that the DC panel will be a focus of great local interest and I will work to ensure that the meeting provides ample opportunity for both the applicant and the objectors to put forward their views."

Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting will need to register their intention with the council in advance and details will be published closer to the date. Normally the applicant and objectors are each allocated three minutes to make their submissions – however, given the significance of this application, the chairman has decided to extend the time allowed to both sides.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Abandoned shopping trolleys in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough are set to be given the push-off if a proposal to allow the council to collect and charge is given the go-ahead.

Under the Windsor and Maidenhead shopping trolley initiative, the council would pick up trolleys dumped in areas such as streets, car parks, streams and public and private land. A charge would be made to the owners for the trolley removal, storage and return to the store.

The proposal was discussed at the planning and environment overview and scrutiny panel meeting on Monday (April 28) and a decision will be made at cabinet on Thursday May 22.

At present abandoned trolleys are often left uncollected for days or even weeks. The council's streetcare services regularly notify owners – usually supermarkets – of the whereabouts of abandoned trolleys and on occasions collect them and return them.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, transport and environment, said: "Abandoned trolleys are a blight on the local environment and can be hazardous to road users, so we need to introduce measures to control them. We want to work in partnership with owners so we can prevent trolleys being abandoned in the first place, and to remove them from the street as quickly as possible when they are abandoned. We want to clean up the Royal Borough and this is one of many areas that we are targeting.

"Some trolley owners are already trying to control the situation by installing wheel-locking devices or coin deposit systems but, despite these measures, abandoned trolleys are still a significant problem in our borough and it is unfair on the council taxpayer to pick up the bill for collecting them."

The new initiative would enable the Windsor and Maidenhead council to remove and store an abandoned trolley and charge the owner a fee. If the trolley is not claimed by the owner within six weeks of being notified, the council can dispose of it.

If approved at cabinet, the scheme will be advertised in the local press and subsequently implemented after three months.

The proposed initiative has received support from the Maidenhead Town Forum, the Windsor Town Forum, the Windsor and Eton Town Partnership and the Maidenhead Town Partnership. All the retailers likely to be affected by the scheme have been consulted.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The owner of a Maidenhead taxi company has been fined £1,000 – reduced to £750 following his guilty plea – after one of his drivers was stopped while driving without a licence and driver's badge.

Asif Iqbal, the proprieter of Golden Executive Cars, a licensed private hire company of Zaman House, 1 Church Road, Maidenhead, pleaded guilty by post at Maidenhead magistrates court on Friday (April 25) to operating a private hire vehicle in a controlled district when the driver did not have a current private hire driver's licence, contrary to section 46(2) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

The court heard how the driver's car was approached in Westborough Road, Maidenhead, just after 9pm on Saturday September 1 2007.

The driver was unable to produce his private hire driver's badge to indicate that he was licensed by the council, and subsequently confirmed that his licence and badge had expired. Further investigations by licensing officers revealed that his licence had expired a year earlier, in September 2006.

At the time, the vehicle and the operator were both licensed. However Asif Iqbal utilised the services of an unlicensed driver which led to the council's prosecution.

Cllr Jesse Grey, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead licensing panel, said: "This is a very serious offence. The maximum fine of £1,000 was only reduced because the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.

"It is vital that members of the public who use our taxis feel safe and confident that the vehicles they travel in are operating legally. The council's licensing officers work tirelessly to ensure that all taxi and private hire drivers are properly licensed – and cases such as this only serve to undermine the strict checking procedures we carry out to ensure that taxis and private vehicles comply with our strict licensing regime.

"This should be a warning to other operators that we will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who jeopardises the safety of our residents."

Asif Iqbal was also ordered to pay costs of £275.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents who want to add power to their flowers this summer by home composting kitchen and garden waste will have the chance to win £50 of garden centre vouchers, thanks to the Royal Borough's Golden Bin competition.

Anyone who orders one of the Windsor and Maidenhead council's FREE composters during Compost Awareness Week (May 4 – 10) will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will take away a fistful of vouchers donated by DHL, the company that delivers the bins.

Also worth watching out for are two council compost awareness stalls to be staged by the council at Windsor Farmers' Market on Saturday May 3 and Maidenhead Farmers' Market on Sunday May 11.

Ankit Rao, Windsor and Maidenhead waste awareness officer, will talk to shoppers about how simple composting can not only slash the amount of household waste dumped in landfill but also produce great fertiliser to help make gardens grow more beautiful in the future.

Cllr Paul Etherington, chairman of the sustainability panel, said that Compost Awareness Week presented a tremendous opportunity for even more borough residents to get involved.

He said: "Home composting is a simple, cheap and effective way of dealing with up to a third of a typical family's waste bin, and it is a brilliant way to help the environment. People from every walk of life are joining in, including celebrities like Dame Helen Mirren, Jenny Seagrove, Chris Evans and June Sarpong. They are discovering that by composting at home in the right conditions, waste such as fruit and vegetable peelings can break down so no harmful methane gas is produced. This also creates a rich fertiliser for the garden which completes the natural cycle and keeps waste out of landfill."

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead strategy, said that since the Royal Borough launched its 5,000 free composters offer earlier in the spring more than 3,000 residents had taken advantage of this unbeatable opportunity to cut down on waste.

She added: "There are still free bins up for grabs and during Compost Awareness Week there is an even greater incentive to put in an order – the chance to win £50 of garden centre vouchers. So, if local residents are thinking about home composting, there's no better time to start."

Residents who would like a free composter should call 0845 077 0757 or order online at http://www.recyclenow.com/compost

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 11 May - 17 May 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

11th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 3:00 pm
My Blueberry Nights (12A)
* 7:30 pm
My Blueberry Nights (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Lu Willis, Tonia Maddison, Brita Cernitori
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

12th May in Maidenhead

No events planned

13th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Man in the Chair (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

14th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
How Does Your Garden Grow?
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 7:30 pm
At their Majesties’ Pleasure
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

15th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery
* 8:00 pm
Daniel Kitson, The Impotent Fury of the Privileged
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

16th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
The King is Dancing, (Le Roi Danse) (15)
* 8:00 pm
Chris Wood
* Workshops and other events
* 11:00 am
Fun at the Farm
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

17th May in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
There Will Be Blood (15)
* 7:45 pm
Spoonface Steinberg
* 8:00 pm
There Will Be Blood (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 10:00 am
Beading Workshop
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance
* 2:00 pm
One Woman's Army of Women
* 2:30 pm
Watercolours

An ambitious new energy-saving programme agreed by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough not only aims to cut the council's carbon footprint by 25% over the next five years but is also likely to bring good news for council taxpayers with savings of around £1 million*.

A detailed action plan, agreed by Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet on Thursday April 24, sets out 33 projects that will enable the borough to take a local lead in tackling climate change.

The projects include no and low-cost initiatives such as installing timer switches on vending machines and occupancy sensors on lighting, to longer-term plans for renewable energy systems like solar water heating and ground source heat pumps.

The programme and implementation plan has been drawn up in partnership with the Carbon Management Trust – the government funded organisation that helps businesses cut carbon emissions – and it means the council will be able to apply for grant funding to help finance a number of its projects.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for strategy who presented the report to cabinet, said it demonstrated the council's dedication to reducing carbon emissions.

She said: "There is no bigger challenge to all of us these days, and as a community leader the council is determined to set a good example. We must ensure our own house is in order if we are to encourage our residents to cut carbon emissions in their homes.

"This is an ambitious and exciting programme that will not only be good for the environment but will result in significant financial savings, which is very good news for local taxpayers as the council continues to work hard to maintain low council tax increases in future years."

Cllr Paul Etherington, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead sustainability panel, said: "The council is already working to reduce carbon emissions but we want to improve energy efficiency even further throughout the entire organisation – in our buildings, vehicles, street lighting and waste collections. We have started a campaign across all services to raise staff awareness about the importance of switching off lights, PCs and other equipment when not in use and we are already seeing the seeds of change beginning to blossom.

"I am confident this programme will bring about improvements to be proud of and be an inspiration to others in our community to follow suit."

*The gross predicted savings are set to be £3.25 million as a result of council investment of £2.2 million. However, if the Royal Borough did nothing to reduce its carbon emissions over the five year period the cost to the council would be more than £5 million – so by making the investment the council should turn a £5 million 'loss' into a £1 million saving.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough, in common with other authorities in the 2M aviation campaign group, is calling for a challenge to official aviation emissions forecasts after radically different global figures published by international regulators showed a doubling over the next 20 years.

The call is from the 2M group of local authorities – of which the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is a member – which is concerned at the environmental impact of expansion at Heathrow airport.

The Department for Transport recently downgraded its estimate of aviation emissions to 60.3 million tonnes by 2050. This compares with a previous forecast in 2004 of 106.8 million tonnes and a DEFRA estimate in 2006 of 165.5 million tonnes.

Yet figures obtained by the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) show that US regulators expect a doubling in global aviation emissions in the years to 2025. These compare 2005 levels of 607 million tonnes on CO2 with an expected 2025 figure of 1,229 million.

Cllr David Burbage, leader of the Windsor and Maidenhead council, said this week: "The UK Government is asking us to believe that carbon emissions from aviation will fall while data published by the international regulators show the opposite.

"Ministers are putting their faith in emissions trading as the way to slow growth after 2030. The problem is not even the Government knows which figures they want to use.

"But whether it is 60 million, 106 million or 165 million tonnes of CO2 from aviation this has to be contained within an overall carbon budget in 2050 of 236 million tonnes. The numbers simply do not add up. It's hard to see how every other sector of industry can make the reductions needed to allow aviation to go on expanding.

"The 2M Group is backing calls for an independent audit of all these conflicting government forecasts. We also want to see a new carbon map which shows just how emissions are expected to fall in each sector in the years leading up to 2050."

The Government is committed to a 60 per cent reduction in total carbon emissions by 2050 - leading to a total figure from all sources of 236 million tonnes. The Stern Report favoured a bigger cut of 80 per cent which would bring the target down to 118 million tonnes.

The AEF figures are available at www.aef.org.uk <http://www.aef.org.uk> The latest DfT down-grading of future emissions levels was contained in the UK Air Passenger Demand and CO2 Forecasts document (November 2007).

2M is an all-party alliance of local authorities concerned at the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion on their communities. The group, which took its name from the 2 million residents of the original 12 authorities, now represents a combined population of 4 million people.

The full membership comprises the London Boroughs of Brent, Camden, Ealing, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, Southwark and Wandsworth, the boroughs of Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead and South Bucks District Council.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead