Maidenhead & Windsor

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 7th December - 13th December 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

7th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Room on the Broom
* 2:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* 8:00 pm
Jeremy Hardy
* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group H
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

8th December in Maidenhead

No events planned

9th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Room on the Broom
* 1:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* Film
* 8:00 pm
The Wave (Die Welle) (15)

10th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Room on the Broom
* 1:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* 7:45 pm
Maidenhead Concert Band
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Manipulate and Create
* 2:00 pm
Together Apart
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

11th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Room on the Broom
* 1:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* 7:45 pm
Maidenhead Concert Band
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Together Apart
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

12th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Albion Christmas
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Together Apart
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

13th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Room on the Broom
* 2:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Lend Us A Tenor
* 8:00 pm
The Death and Life of Sherlock Holmes
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Together Apart

Volunteers are being invited to help Windsor and Maidenhead council in its quest to make the borough even greener – by joining a tree-planting event at North Town Moor in Maidenhead on Saturday 6 December.

At the event – which has been organised by Windsor and Maidenhead countryside rangers to coincide with National Tree Week (26 November to 7 December) – small native trees will be planted to form a hedge on the moor, boosting local biodiversity.

There is also the chance to contribute financially to tree planting through a new sponsorshop scheme.

Individuals or groups can mark a special occasion such as a birthday, wedding or anniversary by making a £10 donation which goes towards buying and maintaining a young tree. Each donor will receive a gift certificate with details of the occasion and dedication.

Sponsorships taken during the 2008 tree planting season (November 2008 to March 2009) will go towards trees planted at North Town Moor or Sutherland Grange, Windsor, in January 2009. Donations received after March 2009 will go towards the 2009/2010 tree planting scheme.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "By joining a tree planting session residents can work together to improve the community and increase biodiversity while enjoying the natural world. In addition, volunteering and sponsorship both enable the council to stretch available funds even further, meaning more trees and a more attractive environment for all."

To volunteer for tree planting, residents should email their details to bnc@rbwm.gov.uk or call senior countryside ranger Trevor Smith on 01628 777440. Volunteers will be supplied with tools.

For details of the new tree-planting sponsorship scheme, call 01628 796252

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Thousands of Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents who look after sick or disabled relatives at home may be missing out on vital benefits and support that could help them juggle care and work responsibilities or simply make life easier.

To help carers find out what they could qualify for and how to claim it, the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough – in conjunction with Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, the Princess Royal Trust and other local groups – is holding a series of sessions and setting up information stands at a number of venues from Monday 1 December to Friday 5 December to celebrate Carers' Rights Day (5 December).

The local groups will be among thousands from across the UK taking part in the national awareness day organised by Carers UK, aimed at informing carers of the rights, benefits and services they are entitled to.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "Many carers are unaware of the benefits and services available to them. Anyone who looks after a sick or disabled person on an unpaid basis is a carer and may be able to get help. They are very welcome to come to our Carers' Rights Day events, pick up a free guide and get some benefits advice."

Carers should contact the Jobcentre Plus office on 01628 844900, the Citizens Advice Bureau on 01628 676819 or Carers UK, who will be able to advise them on financial help available. Carers should also consider contacting social services to ask for an assessment of their needs – so that they get the support they deserve.

A special Carers' Rights Day event is being organised by the local Carers' Partnership Board on Friday 5 December at the Nicholson's Shopping Centre, Maidenhead between 8.30am and 6pm. Carers can talk to advisers from the Royal Borough benefits advice team and revenue and benefits team between 11am and 5pm about their entitlement to welfare benefits and get information about carers' services and register to get a carers' emergency card.

Information displays will be taking place from Monday 1 December to Friday 5 December at:

* King Edward VII Hospital, Windsor – staff will be at the stall betweeen 8.30am and10am and between 12.30pm and 2pm on Thursday 4 December.
* Ascot Durning Library
* St Marks Hospital, Maidenhead
* Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot
* Upton Hospital, Slough

Carers UK has produced an information leaflet Looking after Someone? A guide to carers' rights and benefits. Carers can order copies of the booklets by calling CarersLine on 0808 808 777, visiting www.carersuk.org , writing to Carers' Rights Day, Carers UK, 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX or emailing carersrightsday@carersuk.org

Information can also be obtained through the borough's access team on 01628 796370, the Princess Royal Trust Carers Service on 01628 777217, Berkshire East Primary Care Trust on 01753 635615 or at www.pals.berkseast@berkshire.nhs.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

An innovative helpline for parents and carers with concerns about bullying has been launched in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead borough this week to coincide with national anti-bullying week (November 17 – 21), with the theme of "Being Different – Belonging Together".

The new confidential helpline – run by the borough's Family Information Service – provides callers concerned about bullying with advice, tips and guidance as well as a listening ear.

Posters and leaflets advertising the new helpline are being distributed this week to schools, leisure centres and libraries across the Windsor and Maidenhead borough.

Two specially-trained members of the Family Information Service answer calls from 9.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday on 01628 507581 to provide impartial advice to help prevent and stop bullying and encourage early communication and dialogue.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "One of the main concerns for parents or carers who fear that a child in their care is either being bullied or is bullying others is knowing where to turn for advice and support.

"This new helpline will hopefully provide some of the answers to the question 'What can I do about bullying?' in a confidential and supportive way.

"It is vital that parents are encouraged to talk about their concerns as early as possible to tackle any potential problems before they can escalate.

"By working closely with other specialist family support partners in the borough the trained staff members will be able to point callers in the right direction to get the help they need."

The new helpline is supported by the borough's education welfare officers, parent support advisers, the anti-bullying alliance, the borough's safeguarding board and Healthy Schools.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Rogue traders and distraction burglars will find life a lot tougher in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough with the introduction of a new scheme to outlaw cold calling and doorstep selling – key items in a criminal's took kit.

When they meet next week (Thursday 27 November), cabinet members will discuss a new policy that will allow the introduction of cold calling control zones in areas where residents – particularly vulnerable older people – want added protection against crime.

Working with the police, the Windsor and Maidenhead council could set up zones in communities of as few as eight properties or as many as 2,500, depending on the circumstances of the areas concerned. Some 400 zones are already in operation across the country and they have proved extremely successful in stamping out rogue traders and thieves who use knocking on doors and distraction techniques to make off with people's money and valuables.

Cllr Phil Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said cold calling control zones could prove an effective deterrent to criminals.

He said: "We are determined that our borough residents, especially the more senior and vulnerable, should be protected against the increasingly wily criminals who knock on doors and use persuasive techniques to either sell dodgy goods and services or cause a distraction at the front door while an accomplice nips in the back way and helps himself.

"Our research shows that cold calling control zones are very successful in slashing doorstep crime and I believe this will be a good move for our borough and that residents will benefit considerably in areas where zones are set up in the future."

The new policy follows a motion to full council by Cllr Pam Proctor and, if agreed by Windsor and Maidenhead cabinet, will enable a partnership approach to setting up control zones involving local residents' groups, police, trading standards and community wardens. The council's alley gating panel would have extended powers to consider zone requests, with full details of how to make an application published on the council's website.

While cold calling control zones prohibit unwanted doorsteppers, they allow legitimate callers, for example utility and delivery companies and political and religious canvassers.

Steve Johnson, Windsor and Maidenhead trading standards manager, added: "We look forward to working with local communities as and when there is a need to introduce these zones. In the meantime individual houses may be targeted by criminals posing as roofers, block paving experts and so on. Our advice is never agree to have any work done on your property by people who turn up on your doorstep. Only use reputable traders you know and trust."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is once again giving Christmas shoppers an early Christmas present in the shape a gift-wrapped "package" of seasonal parking measures in the run up to the Big Day, including free parking on certain days.

The Christmas package – intended to attract shoppers into the town centres of Maidenhead and Windsor in the coming weeks – features free parking on many evenings and on Sundays as well as extra parking spaces created by extending the use of existing car parks at off-peak times.

The 'gift-box' of festive parking arrangements is designed to supplement the ongoing parking strategy being implemented in Windsor to improve parking for both residents and visitors.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, said this week: "When we approved our parking strategy back in the summer we pledged to introduce measures to improve parking in Windsor – and I am delighted to report that we have already created more than 200 additional on-street parking spaces in the town and are continuing to focus on creating even more in 2009/10.

"With Christmas just around the corner there will be additional demands for parking in the town centres as more people do their Christmas shopping. We have some fantastic festive activities going on in our town centres in the coming weeks and we hope that by making parking easier and even free on many occasions we will attract people into the towns to enjoy everything the borough has to offer

"We have offered free parking to shoppers in the past in the run-up to Christmas but this year have added some extra incentives to encourage visitors to visit.

"While we are providing free parking to benefit motorists at this busy time of year, we are also keen to encourage people to use the borough's excellent bus and rail services, as well as encouraging cycling or walking as much as possible."

New measures for this year include:

* extending the Home Park park and ride service until 9pm (extended from 7pm)
* signposting King Edward Court car park for evening parking
* encouraging motorists to park in East Berkshire College overflow car park at weekends
* providing additional car parking at Windsor coach park during the winter when it is not so widely used by coaches
* encouraging local businesses to allow the public to use their car parks at weekends.

FREE PARKING will be available -

In Windsor (and Eton) in Alma Road, Alexandra gardens, Romney Lock, Victoria Street, Eton Court, Meadow Lane and King Edward V11 car parks :

* after 4pm every Thursday from 27 November
* every Sunday in December
* all day on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
* £2 flat rate for cars in the coach park between 10am and 4pm from 15 to 24 December.

In Maidenhead in all council car parks (Hines Meadow, Nicholsons, Stafferton Way, Grove Road, West Street and Town Hall):

* every Sunday
* Thursdays November 27 and 4, 11 and 18 December from 4pm
* Saturday 29 November for Christmas lights switch-on from 4pm
* Christmas Eve from 4pm
* Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Shoppers' Special in the Nicholson's car park – up to four hours for only £2.

Cllr Rayner added: "Please shop locally and support your local businesses. There is a huge variety of shops in the Royal Borough, so there is no need to go further afield. Please help the environment by shopping locally wherever possible."

For further information contact Ben Smith, group manager, highway services – tel: 01628 796147.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 30th November - 6th December 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

30th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
St. John’s Chamber Orchestra - Nigel Wilkinson (conductor) Nicola Eimer (piano)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group H

1st December in Maidenhead

No events planned

2nd December in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
I've Loved You So Long (Il y a longtemps que je t'aime) (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
On Your Marks - An Introduction to Drawing
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)

3rd December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Room on the Broom
* 1:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* Film
* 8:00 pm
I've Loved You So Long (Il y a longtemps que je t'aime) (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Manipulate and Create
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 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 December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Room on the Broom
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery – Beginners II
* 1:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* 7:30 pm
Endellion String Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 5:00 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F

5th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Jazz at the Farm: Christian Garrick (violinist) and the Pendulum Quartet
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Cut, Stitch & Cover - Bookmaking Made Easy
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

6th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Room on the Broom
* 2:00 pm
Room on the Broom
* 8:00 pm
The Cadillac Kings
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 10:30 am
Marbling on Paper Workshop

Cracking down on anti-social behaviour in Windsor – that's the aim of a new dispersal order due to come into effect from December 1.

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and Thames Valley Police have implemented the order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 amid fears that members of the public have been intimidated by groups of people whose anti-social behaviour is a significant and persistent problem in the following areas:
The Long Walk, Kings Road, Sheet Street, Victoria Street, Clarence Road, the A332, The River Thames towpath, Stovell Road, Barry Avenue, River Street, Datchet Road, Romney Lock Road, Thames Street, St Albans Street, Park Street, Meadow Lane, Eton High Street and Keats Lane.

The dispersal order will run from 12noon on Monday 1 December 2008 until 12noon on Sunday 1 February 2009 and will allow police to disperse groups of two more people in the specified areas.

While the order is in force police and police community support officers (PCSOs) can move groups of two or more people on by:

* telling people in the group to disperse (either immediately or by a stated time in a stated way)
* telling people who don't live in the area to leave the area (either immediately or by a stated time in a stated way)
* telling people who don't live in the area not to return to the area or any part of it for such period (not exceeding 24hrs) from when the direction was given as he/she may specify.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and transport, said: "People's quality of life has been affected by the anti-social behaviour of an inconsiderate minority. We cannot have groups of people harassing, alarming or distressing our local residents. I fully support the use of this Dispersal Order.

"Dispersal Orders are one tool available to us to tackle this type of behaviour. We have used them successfully in other areas of the borough and feel that it is appropriate in this instance. Our prime aim is to protect the law abiding citizens of the community and drive off any anti-social behaviour.

"We do not want to stigmatise young people and we will not use this tool to target them – but the message is clear to all – anti-social behaviour is wrong and will not be tolerated."

Insp Mark Millward, partnerships inspector, said: "The police and the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough have received increasing numbers of complaints from residents, local businesses and visitors who feel harassed and intimidated by the large groups of young people gathering in and around Windsor town centre.

"Despite partnership approaches involving police, borough officers and local business, these gatherings have continued and escalated. After consultation with the Royal Borough, it was felt that having a dispersal order was a necessary tool to help protect residents, businesses and visitors to Windsor, not to mention the young people themselves.

"It should be noted that the order applies to offending groups of all ages and does not seek to stigmatise young people. The order allows the police to return to their homes young people under the age of 16 who are not under the supervision of an adult and who have or are likely to be involved in anti-social behaviour. Police officers will follow up such incidents with anti-social behaviour contracts (ABCs) so it is important that parents are aware of what their children are doing and where they are."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Residents are once again invited to grapple with graffiti and bag up litter as part of a community clean-up at Broom Farm, Windsor on Monday 24 November.

Volunteers will join Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough community wardens, the Household Cavalry, Coldstream Guards, Army Welfare Service, borough streetcare officers, police officers, police community support officers, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue and local councillors for the start of the clean-up at 9am at the community centre, Kenneally Road.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead community safety, said: "Community clean-ups are a great way of instilling community pride. The council is pleased that so many organisations have joined forces to clean up Broom Farm, including officers from the local fire station. The council is delighted that although the soldiers have just returned from a tour of duty they care enough about our town to give us a hand to clean it up.

"I am particularly pleased we are working with the local Army community – we held a very successful clean-up here last year and I am confident that this will be bigger and better!"

"There was not an option to do nothing at Broom Farm. We will keep the place clean and tidy and will make every effort to stop it becoming untidy again!"

Dani Bowman, senior community development worker for the Army Welfare Service, said: "The residents of Broom Farm are very much looking forward to helping 'spruce up ' the estate and are grateful to all partners for their help and assistance. "

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Police are appealing for information following a collision along Shoppenhangers Lane, Maidenhead, on 16/11.

The incident, involving a silver Peugeot 206 LX and a black Dodge Pick- up, happened at around 9.45pm.

A man and a woman, travelling in the Peugeot, were taken to Wexham Park Hospital with serious but not life threatening injuries. They remain in a stable condition this afternoon (17/11).

Maidenhead PC Wayne Reece, investigating the incident, said: “There may be people that could have witnessed the incident, or seen the vehicles before the collision and I urge anyone with any information to contact me.”

PC Reece can be contacted at Taplow Roads Policing via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

As news about the credit crunch gets gloomier by the day, the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has urged residents to get early help and advice if they are facing financial problems.

"Don't ignore money worries – they won't go away. Get proper help and advice as early as possible," said Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council offers a range of advice services for local residents, including financial help with paying rent and/or council tax by claiming housing and council tax benefit. However, it is important to get in touch as soon as personal circumstances change, for example when people become ill, lose their jobs or have to take a cut in pay.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Dudley said: "We are living in extraordinary times and more and more people are beginning to feel the effects of the global financial situation. Particularly as we come up to Christmas, it is very easy to try to ignore the problems and hope they will disappear – however, they won't and it is absolutely essential to get the proper help and guidance as soon as possible."

The Windsor and Maidenhead council has expert staff available to find workable ways forward, not only for housing and council tax benefit problems but also to help residents get advice about other issues including affordable housing, flexible home loans, social care for adults and children and grants that may be available for home heating and insulation.

Contacting council services couldn't be easier. Here is a list of contacts which will be helpful for people who need help and advice:

General enquiries 01628 683800
Benefits (housing and council tax) 01628 796036
Social care services
Adult care 01628 683744
Children and families 01628 683150
Family Information Service 01628 507587
Affordable housing 01628 683685
Energy efficiency 01628 683820
Flexible home loans 01628 683820

Information is also available on the Royal Borough's website www.rbwm.gov.uk or by calling at the council's customer service centre in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, or York House, Sheet Street, Windsor.

Other organisations for useful help and advice:
Citizens Advice Bureau 01628 621006 (appointments: 01628 674842)
Income Support &
Jobseekers' Allowance 0800 055 6688

Working Tax Credit &
Child Tax Credit 0845 300 3900
Pension Credit 0800 99 1234
Payplan (debt advice) 0800 917 7823
National Debtline (debt problems) 0808 808 4000
Financial Services Authority (guides on how to manage money) 0845 606 1234
Consumer Credit Counselling Service 0800 138 1111
Community Legal Advice 0845 345 4 345

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 23 November - 29 November 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

23rd November in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group H
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E

24th November in Maidenhead

No events planned

25th November in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
On Your Marks - An Introduction to Drawing
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Juniors
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Academy

26th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Stepping Out
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Manipulate and Create
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

27th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery – Beginners II
* 7:45 pm
Stepping Out
* Workshops and other events
* 5:00 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Beginners
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Intermediate
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Advanced

28th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Stepping Out
* 8:00 pm
9 Billion Miles From Home
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Cut, Stitch & Cover - Bookmaking Made Easy
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

29th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 2:00 pm
Stepping Out
* 7:45 pm
Stepping Out
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Christmas Card Workshop
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 11:00 am
Jewellery Showcase

Dear Commuters,

The First Great Western service has improved this year so I have not felt the need to send so many emails out but I thought it would be helpful to send an update in advance of the December timetable change.

On Monday 11 November I held one of my regular meetings with Sue Evans, Director of Communications and Richard Rowland, Regional Manager-East at FGW to pass on the concerns raised by constituents and discuss the proposed changes to the December timetable.

I have been pleased to see a dramatically improved service over the last year and FGW explained that the last four weeks has seen their highest Public Performance Measure ever – 95% of trains ran and were on time and their overall PPM has improved 12 – 13% since they won the franchise in 2004. The changes put in place last year were a direct result of continued pressure from me and others, particularly commuters who contacted FGW directly, and has made a huge difference to all rail passengers using the service, from commuters going to London to tourists using the branch lines.

After such a successful timetable, the changes being brought in to the 2009 timetable are limited:

Changes:

1. I am very pleased to see the introduction of a fast service from Paddington arriving at Maidenhead at 0832 which will make a huge difference for commuters coming into Maidenhead.
2. Regrettably, the 0603 from Bedwyn which calls at Maidenhead at 0702 on its way to Paddington will be lost due to refurbishment of the Turbo fleet. This is a temporary situation and FGW hope to have finished the £6 million refurbishment by next year. In the meantime the 0703 High Speed Train from Maidenhead will have the capacity to take the passengers who this year travelled on the 0702 and the 0704.
3. Many of the services are changing by a couple of minutes to reflect the amount of tine the trains have to ‘dwell’ in the station as passengers board and alight so please DO LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE NEW TIMETABLE.
4. The Twyford–Henley-on-Thames service will run every 45 minutes rather than every hour.
5. The 0545 Oxford – Paddington (currently 0550) will now stop at Maidenhead at 0631 and the current Slough stop at 0640 will be removed. This will provide another early morning commuter service for passengers.

I raised a number of other concerns with FGW regarding overcrowding and their long-term strategy to combat this. I was told that they have put in a bid for extra carriages and trains as part of the Government plans and are awaiting the outcome. I will continue to monitor this situation as I am fully aware of the rush that many people face during peak hours.

In September I opened the newly refurbished Maidenhead station which cost £1 million. I was very impressed with the results which included a 150-metre extension to platform one, new ticket machines, toilets, vending machines, better disabled parking, and improvements to the subways for platform access and expect that this will ensure a better service for passengers. However, the display board that used to be at the Shoppenhangers Road entrance has been removed and I raised this at the meeting. I understand that this can be incredibly useful for people who are being dropped off and FGW have promised to look at replacing it.

The lack of fast return services from Paddington to Maidenhead in the evening continues to be a problem. This has not been addressed in the December timetable due to a lack of trains but is something I will continue to press FGW on.

I am very hopeful that this timetable will further improve the service and that it will ensure we retain a good service for Maidenhead and Twyford.

I would like to thank you for writing with your observations and suggestions and continue to welcome any comments you might wish to send.

Kind Regards,

Theresa May MP

Maidenhead Police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision on Furze Platt Road (A308) in Maidenhead on 10/11.

At 5.15pm, a white heavy goods vehicle was in collision with a female pedestrian near the Robin Hood public house, Maidenhead.

The pedestrian, a woman in her early twenties, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Wexham Park Hospital. The driver of the vehicle is helping police with their enquiries. The road was closed from 5.30pm until 9pm.

Anyone with information about the collision is urged to contact PC 2105 Matthew Wood at Taplow Roads Policing Department via the 24 hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to police should call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is leading the way in a campaign to bring empty homes back into habitable use with an innovative flexible loans scheme.

The Windsor and Maidenhead scheme is being launched to mark the National Empty Homes Week of Action (3–7 December) – a concerted campaign to reduce the number of empty homes in England with a variety of initiatives.

The loans scheme – which is being rolled out to 15 other local authorities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey – takes the form of a five-year bridging loan which must be re-paid at the end of the period by selling or re-financing.

During the life of the loan the owner can make regular monthly payments, occasional payments or can just allow the interest to roll up.

The interest rate on the loan is 2% above the Bank of England rate (currently standing at 3%) – and the interest is calculated monthly. There are no penalties for early repayment.

The maximum loan will not be allowed to exceed the lesser of two-thirds of the value of the property or the cost of the proposed works. Further advances, or staged payments – may be possible if the value of the property increases as work progresses.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead housing, said: "With more than 660,000 long-term empty homes in England – and approximately 400 in the Royal Borough alone – it is vital that we do something positive to bring as many properties as possible back into habitable use.

"We are delighted to be able to lead on this scheme to provide loans to owners to help them turn their eyesore properties into habitable houses which can be lived in once again."

Other incentives already in place across the country to reduce the number of empty homes include reducing the VAT on the refurbishment of empty homes to 5% for properties which have been empty for more than three years and to zero for properties empty for more than 10 years.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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

No cameras, No mirrors. This is magic right under your nose.

"I saw steve twice at greenbelt last weekend and he was the most amazing person I saw over the whole weekend. I sat at the back behind the sound desk but it was fab!!! He can hold an audience of all ages and is just hilarious a real talented man an absolute legend will never forget it"

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

Young people in Maidenhead are being given the opportunity to put forward views and ideas about the town centre they want for the future.

Over the next few weeks PRoM's independent chairman Bob Dulson will be visiting secondary schools to meet students and listen to their views. At the same time the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's youth service will be talking to young people attending local youth clubs to let them know about the new Vision and Action Plan (VAP) for the town centre and encourage them to get involved.

This direct outreach will lead to a special Town Hall event in January, bringing together young people from across the Maidenhead area to decide how they want to contribute to the development of the detailed Masterplan later in the year.

Bob said: "We are looking at the town in the next generation and these people are the next generation. Their contribution is vital to our plans and PRoM is keen to involve them and take account of their views in the masterplanning process."

Cllr David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead council leader and vice chairman of PRoM, welcomed the focus on young people. He said: "We are fortunate to have a very well-informed and articulate membership of PRoM, bringing vast experience and knowledge to the process. However, we currently lack the benefit of younger views and this outreach to schools and youth clubs has great potential for giving us new perspectives on our plans to rejuvenate the town centre."

Cllr Simon Werner, leader of the opposition, said: "This is a fantastic initiative and I think we will learn a lot from the young people who use our town centre."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 16 November - 22 November 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

16th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Bollywood Night
* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group H

17th November in Maidenhead

No events planned

18th November in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
On Your Marks - An Introduction to Drawing
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Juniors
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Academy

19th November in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (12A)
* 8:00 pm
Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Manipulate and Create
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy
* 7:00 pm
Reading Group

20th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery – Beginners II
* 7:30 pm
Victoria Simonsen (cello) Marisa Gupta (piano)
* Workshops and other events
* 5:00 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F
* 7:30 pm
Thunderbirds Revisited

21st November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:45 pm
Humble Boy
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Cut, Stitch & Cover - Bookmaking Made Easy
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

22nd November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:00 am
How the Giraffe got his Neck
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 2:30 pm
How the Giraffe got his Neck
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Beverley Klein
* 8:00 pm
Chris Cox, Control Freak
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Beadylicious Charm Necklace Workshop
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)

Election fever is set to sweep the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough in the coming weeks as local young people are once again urged to "stand up and be counted" and take part in the next Youth Parliament elections.

With elections for the next MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) scheduled for early next year, young Windsor and Maidenhead people are being urged to rise to the challenge of finding the borough's sixth MYP – and the rallying call will soon be going out to all 11-18-year-olds to choose one of their peers – or nominate themselves – to represent their views in the national parliamentary arena.

First stop on the campaign trail for would-be politicians is an open invitation to two information sessions to be held on Tuesday 25 November at 4 Marlow Road youth and community centre, Maidenhead, from 5 – 7pm, and on Thursday 27 November at The Manor Youth Centre, Windsor, from 6.30 – 8pm, when youth workers will outline the roles and responsibilities of the MYP and answer any questions.

Young people will then have until the closing date of Monday 12 January 2009 to put forward their nominations, after which all nominees will write their own election manifestos which will be displayed on posters and leaflets and distributed to schools and youth clubs across the borough.

Voting will take place from Monday 2 March to Wednesday 11 March with the winner announced at a special presentation evening on Monday 23 March.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, urged all young people across the borough to get involved in the next elections. She said: "These elections are a wonderful opportunity for the young people of our borough to make sure they have their voices heard at national level – and this is exactly what the role of MYP is all about.

"We have had five very committed young people take on this role – and our current MYPJodie Dingwall is certainly proving herself to be a very dedicated representative for the young of our borough. Now we need to ensure that enough young people come forward to make the next election a really exciting contest – and to find a worthy successor who will continue the spirit of dedication displayed by Jodie and all our previous MYPs.

"So please make sure you attend the information sessions at the end of November and consider putting yourself or a friend forward for this very important role."

For further information about the Windsor and Maidenhead information evenings, the role of the MYP or any other aspects of the election programme, contact Danny Gomm, youth participation officer or Robert Weeks, project support officer, on 01628 685856.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

An eye-catching new addition to the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's library fleet is set to be launched on Wednesday November 12 when a state-of-the-art mobile library sets off on its maiden voyage around the borough.

The brightly decorated 7.5 tonne vehicle – designed by award-winning vehicle branding company Racoon together with library staff – will travel throughout the borough to bring the library to residents who find it difficult getting out and about.

Its impressive exterior, emblazoned with blue sky, green grass, books and a map of the Windsor and Maidenhead borough, is complemented by a fresh, modern internal design housing up to 3,000 new books, large print and audio books.

At first the vehicle, which replaces a rented unit, will visit residential homes and supply books to volunteers working with housebound people. Eventually the vehicle will also join the borough's other mobile library on the general public route.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "The Royal Borough is successfully bucking the national trend of dwindling numbers of borrowers choosing from a diminishing selection of items.

"Our libraries remain as important to us as they do to our residents. This mobile library is a major investment in a service that is helpful to those with limited transport and invaluable to the housebound."

Next year the vehicle will be taken to the annual Mobilemeet, a nationwide gathering of mobile library vehicles, where it will compete in a national design competition.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A future where 'greener' buildings will use fewer of the earth's resources and help make the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough a more sustainable place to live, work and visit is the aim of a new planning document now out for consultation.

The draft Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out detailed advice and guidance for anyone planning new homes or businesses (or refurbishing existing properties) so that the borough can ensure buildings provided in the future:

* use less energy overall and more from renewable sources
* reduce water consumption
* cut pollution
* reduce waste and
* are made of materials that have a lesser impact on the environment.

It will also mean that builders and developers will be guided towards appropriate landscaping and tree planting that add to the local environment, promoting a borough where trees and plants are a key part of any building design.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and development, said the SPD would play a significant part in the way future development took place in the borough.

She said: "It is inconceivable that we can allow future development to happen without proper controls on the impact buildings have on the local – and global – environment.

"The council is determined to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of all development, whatever its size. We have a responsibility to make a significant contribution to maintaining and preserving our environment and I believe this document will play a key part in how our borough shapes it green credentials for years to come."

Consultation on the draft SPD starts on Friday 7 November and runs for six weeks. Copies of the document can be viewed at the council's customer service centre in the Town Hall, Maidenhead, and York House, Sheet Street, Windsor, and in local libraries. It is available from the planning policy service by emailing planning-policy@rbwm.gov.uk or by writing to: Planning Policy Manager, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough will once again join the country's tribute to those who gave their lives in two world wars and the many subsequent conflicts with acts of remembrance in both Maidenhead and Windsor on Remembrance Day (Sunday November 9).

At 10.45am in Windsor the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Catherine Bursnall, will lead the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial in the High Street, where there will be a wreath-laying ceremony. Rev Mary Barnes will officiate at both the war memorial and at the service to follow in the parish church, both of which will be attended by local ex-service men and women and members of uniformed youth organisations.

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

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

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

Drivers are advised to avoid the High Street, St Ives Road and Bridge Avenue area from 10am to 11.10am and from about 12.30pm to 1pm.

The events in both towns are traditionally well attended by people from throughout the community, including MPs, local magistrates, former mayors and councillors and the general public.

Orders of service will be available at the two war memorials so that everyone who attends will have the opportunity to play a full part in the proceedings.

Armistice Day - Tuesday 11 November
Members of the public in both Windsor and Maidenhead are invited to join councillors to mark the occasion.

The Mayor, Cllr Dorothy Kemp, will attend the short ceremony at the war memorial outside the Town Hall, while at the Guildhall in Windsor the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Catherine Bursnall, will be carrying out a similar duty.

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

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

A bugler from the RAF will take part in the Windsor event, where The Last Post will be sounded just before 11am, followed by the silence and Reveille.

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

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is setting the winter gritting wheels in motion and salting local roads as forecasters predict temperatures likely to fall to below freezing overnight.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council's highways maintenance contractors Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services are currently on 24-hour standby as part of the annual winter gritting programme – and will take to the roads from 7.30pm tonight to grit the borough's primary roads.

Salting the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's roads is carried out on a priority basis:

· primary routes which make up more than one-third of the area's roads – covering 145 miles (232km) of the borough's roads with the heaviest traffic – are regularly salted when weather forecasts indicate that road conditions are likely to deteriorate
· secondary routes – seven per cent of the network covering 31 miles (41 km) are salted during prolonged adverse weather conditions. These routes include some bus routes, roads outside schools, hospitals and some minor roads.
· town centre footways in Maidenhead, Windsor, Ascot, Cookham, Datchet, Eton, Old Windsor, Sunningdale and Sunninghill are also salted during prolonged adverse weather conditions.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways, said this week: "The safety of our residents and visitors – both motorists and pedestrians – is of paramount importance as they negotiate the borough's roads, particularly during the cold days and dark nights of the winter months ahead.

"We are fairly fortunate that in the past ten years we have not suffered great extremes of weather in this area – but we are confident that we are ready and able to cope with the sort of levels we have experienced in the past.

"I would also like to remind residents to make sure their cars are ready for winter driving conditions too." (see the RAC website at www.rac.co.uk and the AA website at www.theaa.com for tips on preparing for winter motoring).

Stephen Brown, head of Windsor and Maidenhead highways added: "Temperatures are predicted to fall below freezing tonight so our gritters will be out for the first time this winter. We will continue to carefully monitor the forecast for the rest of this week and send out the gritters whenever there is similar risk of temperatures dipping to below freezing."

The annual gritting programme is monitored by the Royal Borough highways and engineering team, with duty managers on 24-hour call using information from the London Weather Centre and their computerised road sensor system to make decisions on when to send out the gritter lorries. The aim is to complete the salting before any roads become icy. Spreading the salt usually takes about four hours from the time a decision is taken.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 9 November - 15 November 2008
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

9th November in Maidenhead

* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group D
* 10:00 am
Image and Interpretation
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group E
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group H

10th November in Maidenhead

No events planned

11th November in Maidenhead

* Film
* 8:00 pm
The Duchess (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
On Your Marks - An Introduction to Drawing
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Juniors
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Youth Dance - Academy

12th November in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
The Duchess (12A)
* 8:00 pm
The Duchess (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Manipulate and Create
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group A
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group B
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

13th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery – Beginners II
* Film
* 8:00 pm
The Duchess (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 5:00 am
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group C
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 6:15 pm
Tabla Beginners
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group F
* 6:45 pm
Tabla Intermediate
* 7:30 pm
Tabla Advanced

14th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Simon Day, What a Fool Believes
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Cut, Stitch & Cover - Bookmaking Made Easy
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 2:00 pm
Dios te ama (God loves you)
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights Youth Theatre Group G
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing

15th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 7:30 pm
Slough Philharmonic Society
* 8:00 pm
Paul Lamb and the King Snakes
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Dios te ama (God loves you)