Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead police and their partners have successfully obtained an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against a local man who has continually caused harassment, alarm or distress to others.

Gabriel Tabar, aged 64, of West Road, Maidenhead, was issued the ASBO at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 25 November. The order will remain in place until 24 November 2014 and is not confined to a specified geographical area.

Under the conditions of the Maidenhead ASBO, Tabar must not:

* Follow, approach, stare at, confront or communicate with any female in circumstances where that female is likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress by the defendant’s behaviour
* Go within 20m of Highfield School, Maidenhead, on any weekday during the school term between the hours of 7am and 7pm
* Go within 50m of any of the schools that are named and numbered 1-38* on any weekday during the school term between the hours of 7am and 7pm
* Behave in any manner which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm of distress.

Supt Tim De Meyer, local police commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, said: “Officers from the police and the Royal Borough worked extremely hard to put together this strong case. I am especially grateful to the witnesses for coming forward and giving evidence. Their testimony was absolutely vital.”

Gail Lumsden, anti-social behaviour coordinator for the Royal Borough, said: “This is an excellent result which has cumulated from a great deal of hard work and effort by Thames Valley Police and the Royal Borough.

“More importantly it is down to the victims, who have endured a sustained period of harassment and intimidation by Mr Tabar, and have come forward to stand up to this behaviour and ensure it does not happen to others. Their evidence was critical to Mr Tabar receiving the ASBO. I am extremely pleased that this ASBO will allow them to go about their daily lives and experience the freedom they lacked previously.”

Anti-social behaviour officer for Windsor and Maidenhead police, PC Marc Phillips, who collated a lot of the information which was presented before the court, said: “If you see Tabar breaching any of his conditions, please do not approach him yourself. You should contact police immediately via the single non-emergency number – 0845 8 505 505 – or in an emergency dial 999.”

Prior to Wednesday’s full hearing, Tabar had been issued an interim ASBO at Bracknell Magistrates Court on Wednesday 17 June regarding the same matter.

*The schools covered in the order are listed below: #1.Cookham Nursery; #2.Maidenhead Nursery; #3.Holyport Manor School; #4.Furze Platt Senior School; #5.Newlands Girls School; #6.Altwood CE Secondary School; #7.Cox Green School; #8.Desborough School; #9.Cookham Dean CE Primary School; #10.Burchetts Green CE Infants School; #11.White Waltham CE Primary School; #12.St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School; #13.St. Luke’s CE Primary School; #14.St. Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School; #15.Waltham St. Lawrence Primary School; #16.Bisham CE Primary School; #17.Cookham Rise Primary School; #18.Furze Platt Junior School; #19.Furze Platt Infant School; #20.Ellington Primary School; #21.Courthouse Junior School; #22.All Saints CE Junior School; #23.Boyn Hill CE Infant and Nursery School; #24.Oldfield Primary School; #25.Larchfield Primary and Nursery School; #26.Knowl Hill CE Primary School; #27.Wessex Primary School; #28.Lowbrook Primary School; #29.Woodlands Park Primary School; #30.Holyport CE Primary School; #31.Alwyn Infant and Nursery School; #32.Holy Trinity CE Primary School Cookham; #33.Claires Court Schools – Ridgeway; #34.Claires Court Schools – The Nursery; #35.Herries School; #36.Highfield School Trust Limited; #37.St. Piran’s School; #38.Winbury School

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 6th December- 12 December 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

6th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Workshops and other events
* 10:30 am
Life Drawing Workshop - Experienced
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (H)
* 7:30 pm
Sean Lock

7th December in Maidenhead

No events planned

8th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Away We Go (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

9th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Away We Go (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga II
* 2:00 pm
Material Space
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

10th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Katalin Varga (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (F)

11th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* 8:00 pm
Jazz at The Farm: Mark Nightingale
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Material Space
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Class

12th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* Film
* 8:00 pm
L’Armée du Crime (Army of Crime) (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Material Space
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has welcomed government moves to crack down on clampers - despite the fact that a new Bill may not outlaw them altogether as the council would like.

A Crime and Security Bill, which had its first reading on Thursday 19 November, says the government wants to shut down criminal and exploitative markets, including licensing wheel clamping companies to 'stop unscrupulous companies from imposing exorbitant fines'.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said the council would be very interested to see the detail of the proposals following a motion earlier this year in which the borough called for an outright ban on wheel clamping and decided to investigate the possibility of using anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) to crack down on the clampers causing distress to so many people, particularly in Windsor.

He said: "Given the outrageous behaviour of clampers in the Royal Borough we feel justified in believing that a ban on clamping is the right way forward.

"We doubt the government will go that far but we hope there will be a move to cap the fines that clampers can impose and that there will be a proper system of licensing and a code of conduct that covers clamping companies, not just those who actually do the clamping."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has arranged a fantastic festive deal for Windsor shoppers - free weekend parking in the run-up to Christmas.

In a move designed to support both shoppers and local businesses, almost 300 parking spaces are being made available in the existing car park adjacent to the grandstand at Windsor Racecourse from 10am to 6pm every Saturday and Sunday from 28 November until 20 December.

Free shuttle buses will run continually between the racecourse on Maidenhead Road and Windsor town centre, stopping at the bottom end of Peascod Street, and taking about 20 minutes maximum for each round trip.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: "This is an offer any Christmas shopper will find hard to resist. By using the Windsor Racecourse park and ride they can avoid the frustration of queuing for town centre car parks which can get very busy at this time of year.

"They can then enjoy some serious retail therapy, and even stop for lunch, before being transported back in comfort to their car."

The car park will be patrolled by the council's parking team.

This initiative forms part of the borough's commitment to delivering the approved parking strategy which includes a permanent seven-day-a-week park and ride in the future.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead has a packed Christmas programme this year with activities for all the family as well as a great range of shops for all those Christmas gifts - and to support local businesses in the run-up to Christmas the Royal Borough is offering great parking deals including FREE parking, making shopping that little bit easier.

There is a free Windsor and Maidenhead half-hour parking special for Advantage Card holders in the Nicholsons, Grove Road and West Street car parks between Tuesday 1 and Monday 28 December, allowing residents the freedom to drop in quickly and park for free.

In addition, free parking at all council car parks except for the Magnet Leisure Centre will be available on:

· Saturday 28 November from 4pm (5pm in the Town Hall car park) for the Christmas lights switch-on
· every Thursday from 4pm (5pm in the Town Hall car park) from Thursday 3 to Thursday 24 December
· a whole weekend for the Boxing Day sales (Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 December). Most shops will be open and the Next sale starts at 7am on Saturday 26 December
· every Sunday all year round
· evenings after 7pm all year round for residents with an Advantage Card. Non- Advantage card holders pay £1.

The 'shoppers' special' parking tariff continues in the Nicholsons car park with up to four hours parking for just £2. Shoppers using Hines Meadow car park get £1.50 off their parking if they spend £15 or more in Sainsbury's.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said; "The free parking and parking offers in Maidenhead this year make it the ideal destination for all your Christmas shopping."

Steph James, Maidenhead town centre manager, added: "With a packed Christmas programme there's something on for all the family."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Official: highest praise for Windsor and Maidenhead recycling rewards scheme

Recycling rewards for Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents have been singled out as a top example of service excellence.

The pioneering pilot scheme achieved the highest level - compliance plus - in the recent Customer Service Excellence assessment of the Windsor and Maidenhead council's public protection and sustainability unit. The assessment resulted in the unit retaining the national stamp of approval for its 'deep understanding and commitment to customer service excellence'.

The recycling rewards scheme, said the assessment report, demonstrated the council's willingness to learn from the best practice of others - in this case the RecycleBank operation in the USA - and to pioneer a different approach in the UK. It also showed the council's commitment to increasing recycling through 'positive engagement and encouragement' of customers.

A number of areas of good practice in the Windsor and Maidenhead public protection unit as a whole were also singled out for praise including:

* high standards in service delivery with many examples of enhanced provision for the benefit of customers, including the new green waste collection service, the introduction of mixed recycling, work on sustainability issues and support for struggling food businesses
* service development based on sound understanding of customer needs
* staff who are committed to working closely with customers towards improvements in food safety
* recognition of the fact that 'one size does not fit all' and customer needs must be taken into account.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said he was delighted with the outcome of the assessment and congratulated staff on their commitment to top quality customer service.

He said: "The public protection unit's work touches the daily lives of every member of our community. This report underlines our determination to put residents and customers first in everything we do and it is a bonus to have independent endorsement of the unit's excellent work. There are some areas mentioned for improvement and we are already working on these to make things even better for our residents."

Cllr Liam Maxwell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead sustainability, said he was particularly pleased that the recycling rewards scheme had attracted the highest accolade.

He added: "Both the green waste and mixed recycling rewards pilots have been ground-breaking innovations in the United Kingdom. We saw what had been achieved by RecycleBank in the USA and were convinced the scheme could work here not only as an incentive for increased recycling but also as a really good way of rewarding our residents and promoting local businesses."

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's public protection unit consists of three service teams - environmental health, trading standards and licensing and waste and environmental protection (the sustainability team has since moved to another unit).

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Fire authority challenged to retain 24-hour cover at Windsor fire station

Hopes that the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough would take a step closer to running its own fire and rescue service were dashed today on Friday when the Local Government Association (LGA) refused the council's bid.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council's submission was discussed by an LGA selection panel and despite meeting the process criteria demanded by the Sustainable Communities Act, it was turned down because panel members felt the service would be too small to be viable, there were doubts that it would be able to provide an efficient service for local residents and it would have an impact on neighbouring authorities.

The meeting was attended by Windsor and Maidenhead council leader Cllr David Burbage and Cllr Christine Bateson, one of the borough's representatives on the Berkshire Fire Authority.

Cllr Burbage said: "This is a blow for Royal Borough residents who lost faith in the Berkshire service's commitment to our area when the decision was taken to close Windsor fire station at night.

"Since then, residents have made it clear they want the council to run a local fire service that will respond to their needs rather than being part of a bigger area in which Peter is robbed to pay Paul. Unfortunately the LGA did not accept that a small authority could provide an effective and efficient service, maintaining that the trend is toward bigger services which can take advantage of economies of scale - despite our submission having passed an earlier stage with flying colours.

"We now call on the fire authority to listen to local taxpayers' views and keep Windsor fire station open at night. A reversal of their decision would demonstrate a commitment to taking the views of our community - the people who pay for the fire service - into account."

"We will now consider our options available under the Fire Services Act 2004 to ask the Secretary of State to make the appropriate changes, independently of the Sustainable Communities Act."

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Bateson said the decision was a bitter disappointment: "We brought together a really strong submission, based on the desire of our residents to have a fire service they could depend on to look after local needs. However, the LGA did not appear to take into account the full range of evidence we provided.

"The Sustainable Communities Act is all about empowering people to deliver better and more responsive services in their local areas but in this instance the LGA has totally disregarded the wishes of a community, which seems to defeat the purpose and the spirit of the Act."

A recent survey carried out on behalf of the council showed 65% of residents want a local service, and 66% of them want the council to run it.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Four new 'pupils' set to join Oakfield First School and The Lawns Nursery School in Imperial Road, Windsor on Thursday 19 November are sure to become true pillars of society.

Billy and Belinda Bollards are specially designed and decorated vroad safety posts, moulded and painted to resemble primary children in Oakfield and Lawns uniforms.

Four are being installed close to the school entrance as part of their school travel plan in a bid to prevent parents inconsiderately parking on the footpath near the school, a practice which has raised concerns about the safety of children walking to school.

In addition, the sight of 'schoolchildren' at the roadside should hopefully encourage drivers to slow down and drive more carefully past the school on what is one of the borough's busiest roads.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead highways and streetcare, said: "Billy and Belinda will hopefully alert drivers to the fact that they are nearing a school and so should slow down and take extra care.

"Our children's safety is so important. If the Oakfield and Lawns bollards are shown to have a positive effect on children's safety then the Royal Borough will look at the benefit of introducing them outside other schools.

"We must all be careful when driving on the roads, especially when we are near schools. We hope this scheme will reduce accidents involving children near schools."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has received and registered a new planning application proposing to increase the number of daily lorry movements allowed to and from the Badnell's Pit site so that the remediation works can be completed quicker.

A Windsor and Maidenhead planning condition currently restricts the number of vehicle movements to 200 per day, including no more than 102 HGV movements (51 in and 51 out). The new application wants to increase the vehicle movements to no more than 300 per day, including no more than 200 HGV movements (100 in and 100 out).

The increased activity is proposed for the planned temporary lorry haul route across the Moor, which the council expects to go ahead. The application also proposes a legal agreement to cap lorry movements to the currently agreed numbers if Summerleaze re-opens its North Maidenhead pit.

The application has been submitted by Jonathan Dean Developments and Countdown Property Developments Ltd.

Letters informing residents about the new application and inviting them to comment are being sent out this week. The application will be considered by the Maidenhead development control panel, most likely in January 2010.

Cllr Alison Knight, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning, development and property, urged residents to make their views known. She said: "It is vitally important that local people take advantage of the planning consultation process to have their say so that councillors on the DC panel will have the widest range of views on which to base their decision."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 29 November- 5 December 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

29th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Excavations in Space and Time
* 11:45 am
Lunchtime Concert: Luis Pares (Piano)
* Film
* 2:30 pm
Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)
* 3:00 pm
Soul Power (15)
* 7:30 pm
Soul Power (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Recuperate and Relax ready for Christmas the Yogic Way
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (H)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (E)

30th November in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)

1st December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Julie and Julia (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

2nd December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Julie and Julia (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga II
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

3rd December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Julie and Julia (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Printing - Dry Point Etching
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (F)

4th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:30 am
Something Else
* 1:00 pm
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 7:30 pm
Celebrity Recital: Sunwook Kim (Piano)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Beginners II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Experienced II
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Class

5th December in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Something Else
* 2:00 pm
Something Else
* 7:30 pm
Slough Philharmonic Chorus & Orchestra
* 7:30 pm
Harry Pitch: Rhythm & Reeds
* 8:00 pm
Shadows of Things
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Three Miles North of Molkom (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Fabulous Felted Baubles Workshop
* 2:00 pm
Stained Glass Workshop

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough residents are being encouraged to wear white ribbons on Wednesday 25 November to mark International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.

The Windsor and Maidenhead ribbons - available from a staffed stand at the Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead from 12noon to 6pm - support the White Ribbon Campaign, an international effort to end male violence against women. While the international campaign focuses on abuse towards women, the borough's multi-agency domestic abuse forum will be using the campaign as an opportunity to highlight that men too can be victims of domestic abuse.

The ribbons represent a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

Windsor and Maidenhead Forum members will be on hand on the day to offer advice and support to those who have suffered, or who are currently suffering, domestic abuse and professionals working with victims of domestic abuse who would like to become more involved with the forum and local work.

All proceeds from the white ribbons will go towards:

* Berkshire East & South Bucks Women's Aid which provides drop-in services, advocacy and outreach support for male and female victims of domestic abuse as well as refuge accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic abuse
* Kinara Asian Women's Service which provides refuge accommodation in a culturally sensitive atmosphere to Asian women who are victims of domestic abuse.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead community safety, said: "It is important that we use the White Ribbon Campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the Royal Borough so that victims know where to go for help, how to report domestic abuse, and what help and support there is available to them so they, and their children, can start to live a safer life.

"It is a shame that we still need special days to raise awareness - but it is encouraging that more victims are coming forward. We must ensure victims have the information and support they need and that perpetrators know their behaviour will not be tolerated. We will be working with Thames Valley Police to make sure all victims of domestic abuse are treated with humanity and respect."

Sophie Wing-King, domestic abuse co-ordinator for Berkshire East, said: "Reports of domestic abuse in the borough continue to rise, which indicates that victims are feeling more confident to seek help and support from local support services. This is positive as it means more victims and their children can be supported to live safer lives, free of violence, and that perpetrators of abuse can be held accountable for their actions.

"We acknowledge that a number of men and women suffering domestic abuse may still be too scared to come forward to seek help and support; however we would encourage those people to speak to someone about what they are going through. If you think that someone is being abused, then please talk to them about it and offer your support to them.

"Domestic abuse can happen to anyone in any relationship, regardless of social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or gender. It can occur at any time; in a new relationship or after many years, while still in a relationship, during separation, or even after separation.

"Whilst it may be hard to acknowledge that this is going on, there is help and support available."

To report Windsor and Maidenhead domestic abuse to Thames Valley Police, call 999 in an emergency or 0845 8 505 505 in a non-emergency. To speak to someone in confidence, call Berkshire East & South Bucks Women's Aid on 01753 549865 or Kinara Asian Women's Service on 01753 592988. Men who are worried about their abusive behaviour can call the Changing Ways East Berkshire & Wokingham Perpetrator Programme on 07818 054563. Women can call the Respect phone line, Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm on 0845 122 6809.

For more information about domestic abuse, and a full list of national and local support agencies, please visit the borough's domestic abuse forum website at www.rbwmdvf.org.uk

In 2007/08 1,238 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to Thames Valley Police across Windsor, Maidenhead and Ascot and in 2008/09 1,410 incidents were reported. From April to September this year, 773 incidents have been reported.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The search is on to find volunteers for the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's education appeal panels - the group of independent people who are called in to decide which children should be admitted to the school of their parents' choice if a place has not been awarded through the council's normal admissions system.

The three-yearly Windsor and Maidenhead recruitment drive for appeal panel members is now underway and the council is keen to find people willing to play a key part in this important service.

Currently there are around 40 Windsor and Maidenhead volunteers but there is a need for more so that in particular during the busy appeals 'season' - between May and September - there are larger numbers available to make up the panels.

Appeal panels are totally independent of the Windsor and Maidenhead council and may be of interest to newly-retired headteachers, professionals, former teachers, parents, governors, JPs, young people - in fact, anyone interested in education with free time during the day. There is also a need to involve more people from black and ethnic minority communities so that panels reflect the borough's diverse population.

There is no age barrier and no formal qualifications are needed. Informal qualifications include being a good listener and communicator, having sensitivity to parents' concerns and being able to take a common sense, objective approach to decision-making. Panel members need not be borough residents.

Cllr Eilleen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenheadchildren's services, said volunteers played a key part in the borough's education community, where difficult decisions sometimes had to be taken as a result of the popularity of local, often-over-subscribed, high-achieving schools.

She said: "The independence of appeal panels is paramount, with members taking an objective view when dealing with very important and sensitive issues that affect children's education. We are very fortunate in the quality of our volunteers so far and we look forward to adding to the panels through this recruitment drive."

Independent panels are also convened from time to time to deal with appeals relating to pupils excluded from school. All volunteers are given appropriate training to equip them for the work.

Appeal hearings are normally held at the Town Hall, Maidenhead, and panel members are eligible for travel allowance and cover for loss of earnings as a result of attendance.

Further information and application forms are available from Tanya Leftwich on 01628 796345 or Julie Harford on 01628 796319. Alternatively, those interested in becoming panel members should write to Tanya or Julie at the Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1RF.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Five worthy Windsor and Maidenhead causes will benefit from a high profile special occasion in the borough next March when the Mayor, Cllr Jesse Grey, will host his Charity Ball at The Pavilion, Ascot Racecourse.

The black tie event promises to be one of the highlights of early spring and tickets are already on sale to give local people and corporate businesses the opportunity to book their places for a top flight evening's entertainment.

Half of the Windsor and Maidenhead evening's proceeds will be donated to the Bobby Moore Fund and the remaining 50% will be shared between Thames Valley Hospicecare, WAMDSAD, the Alexander Devine Children's Cancer Trust and Help for Heroes.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Grey said: "During my term of office so far I have been struck by the amazing work going on in our community to improve the quality of life for many people who, either through illness or disability, deserve the very best support we can provide.

"I have also been acutely touched by the overwhelming support for our Armed Forces both in the field of battle and those who have returned home bearing the scars of war.

"I am determined that the annual Mayor's charity event in 2010 will be a night to remember, not just for those enjoying the evening but also for the amount we will raise for these very worthy charities."

The Windsor and Maidenhead Charity Ball will be held on Saturday 13 March (7pm - 1am) and will feature dinner, dancing and entertainment with a special auction for sensational prizes.

Tickets are currently on sale at £95 each from Alison Singleton, Mayor's secretary, Town Hall, Maidenhead; telephone 01628 796223 or email alison.singleton@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

There's plenty of creative food for thought in Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough schools right now as children compete to bring a touch of festive spirit to their school lunchtimes.

Pupils at the Windsor and Maidenhead borough's 48 primary and middle schools are this week being challenged to draw on all their artistic talent to come up with a distinctive seasonal design for Christmas-themed aprons to be worn by school dinner staff in the last couple of weeks of term.

The innovative competition - the brainchild of Harrison Catering Services who provide school meals for most of the borough's schools - will see the winning design featured on aprons worn by catering staff in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, and one of the judges of the competition, said this week: "What a lovely idea - and what a fantastic way of getting schoolchildren involved in preparations for Christmas.

"This competition gives every child at all our primary and middle schools the opportunity to come up with a really original design, whether or not they consider themselves to be good at art! We'll be looking for festive ideas with strong visual impact - so come on children, put on those creative thinking caps and really get the Christmas spirit going in your school!"

Letters have gone out from Harrison Catering to all Windsor and Maidenhead schools inviting teachers to encourage their pupils to take part. The winner will receive £100 of vouchers to spend at Hamley's toy store as well as £100 worth of art equipment for their school. The winner's teacher will also be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury Christmas hamper.

All entries must be received by lunchtime on Friday (20 November) and judging will take place next week.

The winning design will be displayed on aprons worn by Harrison catering staff in schools from Monday 7 December.

For more details contact Jill Thompson, education officer, contracts, on 01628 796930.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Three hundred local businesses are benefitting from food safety management training thanks to a successful bid by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's environmental health commercial services team for funding from the Food Standards Agency.

The Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) project is providing £51,794 to help the Windsor and Maidenhead council support small and medium-sized businesses in their efforts to raise standards of food safety management.

Priority is given to catering and retail businesses that were just above or below the necessary level of compliance in their last routine food hygiene inspection.

The businesses are provided with SFBB packs complete with a guideline food safety management system. The council's environmental health team and its partner, food safety auditing group NSF-CMi, then work with the businesses to coach, advise and assess their improvements.

For the approximately 100 high-risk catering businesses this involves a three-hour coaching session and a one-hour follow-up visit, and for the 200 broadly compliant catering and retail businesses a two-hour coaching session.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead public protection, said: "We are committed to making sure that eating out in the Royal Borough is as safe as possible and that standards in catering establishments continue to rise. Safer Food, Better Business will help the council to enable food businesses to achieve higher standards."

This is the fourth year the Food Standards Agency has given out grants as part of its ongoing commitment to helping food businesses comply with EU hygiene regulations. The borough's bid was successful as it met all three of this year's main priorities:

· preparation for the 2012 Olympics
· moving to a new six-tier Scores on the Doors scheme
· sustainability of SFBB implementation.

Participating businesses will receive a certificate of achievement from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A fire authority move to postpone consideration of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's application to run the fire service locally has been turned down in the High Court (Thursday 12 November).

The Royal Berkshire Fire Authority had applied for an interim injunction to prevent the Local Government Association (LGA) considering the Windsor and Maidenhead council's application as planned on 20 November - but the judge refused the application on the grounds that an injunction would be contrary to good administration and refusing to grant an injunction would not prejudice the fire authority. Costs were awarded against the fire authority.

The fire authority contended that the LGA as the 'Selector' under the Sustainable Communities Act should not consider the matter until after the authority's separate application for a judicial review.

The Windsor and Maidenhead council opposed the injunction and afterwards Cllr David Burbage, council leader, said: "We are very pleased that the High Court has cleared this legal challenge, which we considered was without merit, and that we can continue to work towards fulfilling the wishes of our residents who want the council to provide a local fire service for local people."

Cllr Christine Bateson, one of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's representatives on the fire authority, said: "Now we can move on and through the Sustainable Communities Act seek to achieve the local fire service that our residents want for the borough."

The fire authority's separate application to the High Court for leave for judicial review is on the grounds that they believe they were not adequately consulted and that the Sustainable Communities Act is not the appropriate legislation under which to take forward the proposal.

In the High Court the judge also ruled that the application for leave for judicial review should be heard on 19 January and, if leave were granted, that the review should be heard on the same day.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Maidenhead Shopmobility and Active Community Employees (ACE) are extending a festive helping hand to people with disabilities and frail older people at a special Christmas shopping evening on Thursday 10 December from 6pm to 8pm.

Anyone who has difficulty walking and would like help with their Christmas shopping can book transport from home to the Shopmobility office in the Nicholsons car park and back, use of a wheelchair, and volunteers to push and help with the shopping - all free of charge.

The Mayor, Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Jesse Grey, will attend the event. To add some seasonal spirit, traditional Yuletide entertainment, including carol singers, will be provided in the Nicholsons Shopping Centre and refreshments will be available in the town centre.

The Shopmobility Christmas shopping evening is an annual event organised by Shopmobility and ACE members including the Royal Borough, Maidenhead Town Partnership, Hitachi, Lloyds TSB, People to Places and the Nicholsons Shopping Centre. ACE is a group of employers in the Maidenhead area who work together to make a positive contribution to the local community.

Advance booking is essential. For further details and to book call 01628 543038 or email shopmobility@rbwm.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Bubble tubes, ripple cushions, fibre optics, mirror balls - all the ingredients of a stimulating, Windsor and Maidenhead fun experience which gets the official "thumbs-up" in Dedworth on Saturday (14 November).

The new Windsor and Maidenhead sensory room at Dedworth Green Extend Centre in Smith's Lane will officially open its doors during the regular Saturday social club to reveal a colourful, exhilarating - and even restful - area for children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

A bright and attractive range of sensory activities - as well as noise boards and star mats - will provide children with a perfect backdrop to learn how to respond to different stimuli in a safe and familiar environment.

Young Saturday Club "regulars", their families and carers will give the new sensory room an enthusiastic welcome on Saturday between 11am and 1pm, joined by snakes, spiders and creepy crawlies from the popular travelling Reptile Zoo.

The Windsor and Maidenhead sensory room is part of the recently-established Extend Service at Dedworth Green School which offers a variety of community-based resources for local families including further education for parents, a range of classes including yoga and relaxation and further education classes.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said this week: "The new sensory room is a really fantastic addition to the great range of services on offer through the Extend service at Dedworth Green.

"Although intended primarily for children with learning difficulties and additional needs, the sensory room is open to anyone who would like to enjoy learning how to respond to a range of different activities in safety. I am sure it will be a very well used and popular facility - not least by the children of Dedworth Green School itself!"

The sensory room is available five days a week and bookable through the Extend Centre, Smith's Lane, Dedworth, Windsor (tel: 01753 858496).

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 22 November- 28 November 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

22nd November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Excavations in Space and Time
* 10:30 am
Life Drawing Workshop - Beginners
* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (E)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (H)

23rd November in Maidenhead

No events planned

24th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

25th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 7:45 pm
Beauty and the Beast
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga II
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

26th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 7:45 pm
Beauty and the Beast
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Printing - Dry Point Etching
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (F)

27th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 7:30 pm
Hanging by a Thread
* 7:45 pm
Beauty and the Beast
* 7:45 pm
Beauty and the Beast
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Beginners II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Experienced II
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Class

28th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Excavations in Space and Time
* 2:30 pm
Beauty and the Beast
* 7:45 pm
Beauty and the Beast
* 7:45 pm
Beauty and the Beast
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 2:00 pm
Stained Glass Workshop

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is committed to making the area even greener by planting more trees and hedges - and organisations and residents are invited to help.

The Windsor and Maidenhead countryside rangers have organised three tree-planting sessions - tying in with National Tree Week (25 November-6 December), which launches the start of the winter tree-planting season and aims to offer communities the chance to do something positive for their local treescape - and the rangers would welcome volunteers who can join them and the borough's contractors for any of the sessions.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "Previous plantings have shown that volunteering is a popular and fun way for groups, families and individuals to get out into the fresh air and help improve our natural environment."

The Windsor and Maidenhead sessions will be held on:

· Saturday 21 November - North Town Moor, Maidenhead, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, where a hedgerow will be planted for wildlife. Meet on North Town Moor, off Moor Lane
· Saturday 28 November - Sutherland Grange, Maidenhead Road, Windsor, from 10.30am to 1.30pm. A third circle of native whips will be planted to create a wildlife copse. Meet in the parking area in front of Sutherland Grange on the A308
· Saturday 5 December - Broomhall Recreation Ground, Sunningdale, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, where young trees will be planted to sustain the old alder wood. Meet next to the pavilion.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Windsor and Maidenhead tree planting can email bnc@rbwm.gov.uk or call senior countryside ranger Trevor Smith on 01628 777440, or just turn up on the day.

In addition, tree sponsorship is available to anyone wishing to mark a special occasion such as a birthday, wedding, or anniversary, remember someone special or simply help to improve the environment.

Cllr Dudley added: "By encouraging sponsorship and involving volunteers, we can use our tree budget to best effect, buying in more trees to further improve our green borough. With Chr

The cancer charity chosen by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's Mayor, Cllr Jesse Grey, for his year of office looks set to get a welcome boost from one Eton business.

A percentage of the sale of a range of cards from Artique Gallery Publishing Ltd in High Street, Eton - which sells art to raise money for charitable projects - will be donated to the Mayor's designated charity, The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.

And in return the Mayor will "do the honours" and launch the sale of the watercolour cards - which feature black and white scenes of Windsor and Eton and one of The Guildhall - at the gallery on Saturday 14 November at 1pm.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Grey will be joined at the launch by representatives of two other charities which will also receive a percentage of the sale of another range of cards:
• The Sir Sydney Camm Memorial Appeal which raises funds for the replica World War Two Hawker Hurricane aircraft to be installed in Alexandra Gardens in Windsor in memory of designer Sir Sydney Camm
• Bomber Command Memorial Appeal which raises funds for a permanent memorial to the 55,573 Bomber Command aircrew who lost their lives in World War Two.

Cllr Grey, who nominated the Bobby Moore Fund to reflect his love of sport, said this week: "I am absolutely delighted that my official charity is going to benefit even further from the sale of this range of cards at Artique. It is a very worthwhile charity which I am proud to support - and it will be all the more personal for local residents as they will be buying cards showing familiar local scenes."

Artique Gallery owner Sammy Morgan said: "The Bobby Moore Fund raises money for continued research into bowel cancer - a charity very close to my heart as my mother died from bowel cancer four years ago.

"So far this year we have raised over £37,000 for our charities and hope to double that figure next year - with more funding for research maybe more lives can be saved. I am honoured to be able to support this fund and hope to extend the card collection next year."

Among the guests joining the mayor at the celebration launch will be several World War Two veterans, Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough councillors, members of Eton Town Council and Datchet parish council - as well as the daughter of well-known Air Ministry photographer Charles Brown who died in 1986.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

With a General Election on the cards for next year, it's more important than ever to make sure you can have your say by returning any outstanding Windsor and Maidenhead canvas forms immediately.

That's the message from the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough elections team with just over two weeks to go before the extended deadline of Monday 23 November for the return of the registration forms.

The Windsor and Maidenhead team has sent forms to every household in the area for residents to complete in order to register their right to vote.

The registration process not only ensures your vote but also gives you the opportunity to request postal voting application forms and to opt out of the version of the electoral register available to commercial organisations for marketing purposes.

Ian Trenholm, chief executive of the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough and electoral registration officer, said this week: "With the current round of postal strikes affecting deliveries we are mindful of the potential for registration forms to be delayed - so that is why we are urging people to respond now to meet the extended deadline of 23 November.

"But we also want to reassure voters that any forms received after this date will still be processed, although they may not appear on the register of electors until the new year."

Forms must be returned to the Windsor and Maidenhead electoral registration officer, The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 1RF. If householders fail to respond for two years, any names previously listed have to be removed by law, and you may miss out on your right to vote.

The Register of Electors will be published on Tuesday 1 December and will be available for inspection at the Town Hall in Maidenhead, York House in Windsor and the main libraries in Windsor and Maidenhead.

If your form has not reached us in time to be included on the register printed on 1 December, and you subsequently find you are not registered, you will need to contact the electoral services team on 01628 796400 (or at the above address) to be registered again.

Anyone who moves house after they have completed this form, or later in the year, should make sure they change their entry by contacting the Windsor and Maidenhead electoral registration office for a form or printing one from the website. Entries cannot be changed from council tax or other council records.

Further information is available from the electoral registration office on 01628 796400

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough has 13,000 daffodil bulbs in stock and is calling on volunteers of all ages to help plant them in four Fields of Hope around the borough - and then enjoy the fabulous golden displays next spring.

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents are also invited to sponsor the bulbs, with the proceeds going to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "There can be very few of us who haven't been affected by cancer, either personally or through a family member or friend, and so we as a council are glad that we can help contribute towards cancer care in this way.

"Residents can do their bit by sponsoring a bulb, perhaps in memory of a loved one, or by joining in one of our planting sessions."

The bulb planting days are at:
· Broomhall Recreation Ground, Sunningdale, on Sunday 15 November from 11am to 2pm
· Desborough Park, Maidenhead, on Saturday 21 November from 10am to 12noon
· Oaken Grove Park, Maidenhead, on Saturday 21 November from 2 to 4pm
· Home Park, Windsor, on Sunday 22 November from 11am to 3pm.

Anyone - local Windsor and Maidenhead community groups, companies, sports clubs, families or individuals - interested in planting bulbs can email bulbs@rbwm.gov.uk or call 01628 796252 and advise how many people will be coming along - or simply turn up on the day. Trowels or spades should be brought along.

Bulb sponsorship cheques for a sum of your choice, payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care, should be sent to Marie Curie Cancer Care, Berkshire FOH, Harestone Drive, Caterham, Surrey CR3 6YQ, stating in which of the four fields the sponsor would like their bulb planted.

Marie Curie nurses work in the community to provide end-of-life care, totally free, for patients with cancer and other terminal illnesses in their own homes.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 15 November- 21 November 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

15th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Excavations in Space and Time
* 3:00 pm
Dolce Via
* Film
* 3:00 pm
Creation (PG)
* 7:30 pm
Creation (PG)
* 7:30 pm
Creation
* Workshops and other events
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (E)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (H)

16th November in Maidenhead

No events planned

17th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Dorian Gray (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

18th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Film
* 2:30 pm
Dorian Gray (15)
* 8:00 pm
Dorian Gray (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga II
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy

19th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Dorian Gray (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Printing - Dry Point Etching
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (F)

20th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 7:30 pm
The Land of Yes and The Land of No
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Beginners II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Experienced II
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Class

21st November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Excavations in Space and Time
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Helen Hobson
* 8:00 pm
A Portrait of Shazia Mirza
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:00 am
Beadylicious: All About Earrings
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 2:00 pm
Stained Glass Workshop

A huge hike in business rates is being fiercely opposed by the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough, and leaders of the four political groups have come together and with local chambers of commerce to launch a petition urging the government to reconsider.

The Windsor and Maidenhead increases, which will start from April next year, will mean financial hardship for many local businesses already experiencing tough times because of the recession. Some will face increases of more than 50%.

The petition has gained the support of Maidenhead and District Chamber of Commerce, Windsor District Chamber of Commerce, Eton Traders' Association and the town partnerships in both Maidenhead and Windsor and Eton. It reads:

We oppose the huge increase in business rates for 2010/11. The economic and financial situation has changed dramatically since the business rental valuation was assessed in April 2008 for implementation in 2010/11. This 50%-plus rise in business rates will cause hardship for businesses and we urge the government to review the situation in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) to allow growth during the economic downturn.

Cllr David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead council leader and leader of the Conservative group, said: "These increases will have a huge detrimental impact on all businesses and a knock-on effect across the country, especially when the economic and financial markets have been so badly affected. We believe the 'death toll' will ring for many."

Cllr Simon Werner, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "It seems bizarre that in a time of recession the Government is planning on increasing taxes for businesses. This could be the final nail in the coffin for some of our local businesses and shops. We all need to stand up and say 'no' to this plan."

Cllr Cynthia Endacott, leader of the West Windsor Residents' Association group, said: "As if businesses didn't have enough to cope with these days! The rise in business rates is adding salt to the wounds and I am delighted to be part of a cross party initiative that gives businesses the backing they deserve."

Cllr Eric Wiles, leader of the Old Windsor Residents' Association group, said: "The petition draws attention to the plight of businesses and we hope residents will join with us in our campaign to stop these appalling increases."

Eddie Pearce, president of Maidenhead and District Chamber of Commerce, said: "The government needs to listen to the people and review the revaluation that was calculated by the Valuation Office Agency in April 2008 - before the recession began. Unless something is done to reverse this decision, we could see more businesses struggling to survive - and for some it will mean going under. It is an intolerable situation."

David Jessey, president of Windsor District Chamber of Commerce, said: "At a time of the deepest recession, I am amazed that the government is allowing these punitive increases in the business rates to occur. The detrimental impact they will have on all business will be severe and some may not survive. These increases, if they go through, could be the straw that breaks the camel's back."

Halid Izzet, chairman of Eton Traders' Association, said: "I am 110% behind our joint initiative. On the back of such a deep recession the proposed business rate increases will help destroy many smaller businesses and stunt the recovery of larger ones. We cannot continue paying more, more and more just to stand still. All our costs are increasing, and yet we are having to discount to retain our customers as they are just not spending as they were. Many businesses have already reached breaking point, and with these increases, many more will follow. This is a fact, not an opinion. We need to do something about this and fast!"

Cllr Colin Rayner, chairman of Windsor and Eton Town Partnership, said he was also very pleased to support the petition.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A team of four adults with learning disabilities is joining the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough's parks service as part of an initiative to help as many learning disabled people as possible find meaningful employment.

The Windsor and Maidenhead team will assist with maintaining the borough's flagship parks to the high standard expected of the Royal Borough. For three of them it will be their first-ever paid job.

The move is part of the Ways into Work programme, run by the council, which both sets the example by finding suitable employment internally and works with local businesses encouraging and helping them to do the same.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "Ways into Work is doing a wonderful job of helping adults with learning disabilities into useful paid employment and I am delighted that we as a council can lead by example. Over the last year the council has provided employment for a number of people in a variety of roles, freeing up technical staff to deliver their core responsibilities.

"It is a pleasure to welcome our new employees, who are very proud to be working for the Royal Borough and helping to make it a better place to live."

Each member of the team will work four hours a week, supported by a member of the Ways into Work team. They will initially focus on the Green Flag parks and also help with community tree planting and bulb planting as part of the Marie Curie Fields of Hope project.

The Windsor and Maidenhead borough's Ways into Work project was launched in 2008 after the Royal Borough signed up to a Local Area Agreement target to increase the number of people with a learning disability in paid employment. Research shows that people with a learning disability are the group most excluded from the workforce.

Any businesses interested in the scheme can call Laura Davis on 01628 503330 to discuss.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Low income Windsor and Maidenhead families and over-60s may be better off

Families on low incomes and people over the age of 60 could find themselves better off from this week with changes to the way their Windsor and Maidenhead benefits are calculated:

• Child benefit will no longer be counted as income for housing or council tax benefits.
• The £6,000 lower savings limit has been raised to £10,000 for over-60s on state pensions credit.

The changes could be good news for many families and older people on low incomes, who may find themselves better off each month. Some who previously did not qualify may now be eligible for help.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "These changes will be welcome news for many people on low incomes in the borough and the council is very keen to ensure that our residents are aware of the potential advantages for them and their families, particularly those who may not have qualified for help in the past."

In both cases, if people already receive housing and/or council tax benefit, the council will re-calculate any entitlements and notify them of the changes.

Residents who think they may now be eligible for help should contact the benefits service on 01628 796036.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Remembrance Day and Windsor and Maidenhead Armistice Day arrangements

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 other subsequent conflicts with civic services in both Maidenhead and Windsor on Remembrance Day (Sunday 8 November) and acts of remembrance on Armistice Day (Wednesday 11 November).

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

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

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

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

Drivers are advised to avoid the High Street, St Ives Road and Bridge Avenue area from 10am to 11.20am and from about 12.30pm to 1pm.

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

Armistice Day
Council staff in both Windsor and Maidenhead will join with colleagues and councillors to mark the occasion.

The Mayor will attend the short ceremony at the war memorial outside the Town Hall, Maidenhead, while at the Guildhall, High Street, Windsor, the Deputy Mayor will carry out a similar duty.

At the Town Hall the traditional 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.

At Windsor the Last Post will be sounded just before 11am, followed by the silence and Reveille.

Again, member

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Brighter public areas, improved energy efficiency and greater safety for users are the guiding principles behind a planned update of Maidenhead Library's lighting system.

Starting mid-November, the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough will replace the existing 36-year-old system, including wiring, and install emergency lighting which would be activated in the event of an emergency evacuation of the building during the hours of darkness. All this will bring the system up to present health and safety requirements.

Higher lighting levels in public areas will benefit all users but particularly anyone with poor eyesight, while the new energy efficient fittings will reduce the council's carbon footprint and save on electricity costs.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said: "This project is part of our ongoing efforts to provide top-notch services for customers and cutting costs for taxpayers.

"It will be of even greater benefit to library users once our plans to extend Saturday and Sunday opening hours come into effect - something we will be introducing after asking users what they wanted from the service."

The three-month project will result in expected energy savings of 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 25,750 kilowatt hours a year, reducing the council's carbon footprint and saving about £3,000 a year at current energy costs.

Cllr Dudley added: "Work will be carried out to cause minimum disruption and once completed will mean library visitors and staff will be able to enjoy a lighter, brighter environment - and a safe exit from the building in the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A support group for women affected by domestic abuse is launching a new 12-week programme in Maidenhead on 18 November. The Freedom Programme is provided by local, trained facilitators from the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough.

The Windsor and Maidenhead Freedom Programme is a 12-week rolling programme with no waiting list. This means women can join at any time and the benefits are the same as long as they complete a full 12 weeks. The programme is open to any women who wish to learn more about the reality of domestic abuse with others who have had similar experiences.

Cllr Colin Rayner, cabinet member with responsibility for Windsor and Maidenhead community safety, said: "Domestic abuse affects the victim's life in many ways - psychologically, emotionally and physically. The Freedom Programme allows women to explore these feelings and experiences in a safe and blame-free environment.

"We know that women who attend the programme often form strong friendships and this enables them to support each other once the programme is finished. I am pleased that the council is able to support this much-needed programme."

Sophie Wing-King, Berkshire East domestic abuse co-ordinator, said: "The Freedom Programme has been running locally for a number of years and I'm pleased that we can continue to offer this support. The group helps women feel stronger and gain self esteem and confidence in order to improve their and their children's lives."

The group runs on a Wednesday lunch time in Maidenhead, and on a Monday morning in Langley. For more information, contact Bev on 07732 695125 for the Maidenhead programme, or Becky on 01753 549865 for the Langley programme.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 8 November- 14 November 2009
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

8th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Slough Philharmonic Chorus & Orchestra
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Kaleidoscope Photography Group
* 1:30 pm
Norden Lights (D)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (E)
* 4:00 pm
Norden Lights (H)

9th November in Maidenhead

No events planned

10th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* Film
* 2:30 pm
The September Issue (12A)
* 8:00 pm
The September Issue (12A)
* Workshops and other events
* 4:30 pm
Bollywood Dance
* 5:45 pm
Norden Exposure
* 7:00 pm
Norden Exposure Academy

11th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 8:00 pm
Ralph McTell
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga II
* 4:15 pm
Norden Lights (A)
* 5:30 pm
Norden Lights (B)
* 6:45 pm
Norden Lights Academy
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

12th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 7:30 pm
Flute and Piano Recital
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Printing - Dry Point Etching
* 5:00 pm
Norden Lights (C)
* 6:15 pm
Norden Lights (F)

13th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:00 pm
Excavations in Space and Time
* 8:00 pm
Jazz at the Farm: Pendulum Jazz Orchestra with Julian Siegel
* 8:00 pm
Micky Flanagan - Spiel
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Beginners II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery: Experienced II
* 4:30 pm
Norden Lights (G)
* 7:00 pm
Life Drawing Class

14th November in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 10:00 am
Excavations in Space and Time
* 2:30 pm
Beneath the Banyan Tree
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Creation
* 8:00 pm
Creation (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:30 am
Kathak Dance Advanced
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing
* 10:30 am
Kathak Dance Intermediate
* 11:30 am
Chocolate Making Workshop: Parent and Child Workshop
* 11:30 am
Kathak Dance Beginners
* 2:00 pm
Chocolate Making Workshop: Adults
* 4:00 pm
Chocolate Making Workshop: Adults