Maidenhead & Windsor

Teenagers in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough are enjoying a double helping of advantages thanks to the efforts of their parliamentary peers.

Both last year's Windsor and Maidenhead Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) Jodie Dingwall and this year's representative Faisal Shafiq have each fulfilled at least one of their election manifesto commitments to introduce discounts on leisure activities and bus travel for young people in the borough.

Following a series of consultations during her year of office, Jodie's innovative Young People's Advantage Card scheme is now up and running for a trial period until 31 March.

Under the scheme all 13-18-year-olds who have a Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Advantage Card can receive discounts on a range of activities at the Magnet leisure centre and Kidwells Park in Maidenhead (normal prices with Advantage Card in brackets):

• swimming - over 16s - £1 (£3.10)
• swimming - under 16s - 50p (£1.90)
• badminton - £4.40 (£9.50)
• squash - £4.30 (£7.20)
• bodyzone gym (peak) - £3.30 (£6.30)
• bodyzone gym (off-peak) - £1.30 (usually £5.25)
• tennis at Kidwells Park - £3.10 (£5.80).

To apply to join the Windsor and Maidenhead scheme simply complete an application form on the young people's wamster website at www.wamster.org.uk and send with a photocopy of proof of age (birth certificate, national ID card etc) to Danny Gomm, 4 Marlow Road Youth Centre, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 7YR or complete the form online and upload proof of age electronically.

Advantage Card details will be automatically updated within 21 working days allowing the holder to take advantage of the agreed discounts.

Discounted bus travel on Courtney Coaches bus services around the borough is the second "bonus" negotiated for local teenagers, courtesy of this year's MYP Faisal Shafiq.

Under his Windsor and Maidenhead Teen Bus Scheme 13-18-year-olds who apply for and receive a special bus pass can buy batches of bus tokens for single journeys on Courtney Coaches routes on a buy-one-get-one-free basis.

Bus pass holders can buy up to 20 tokens a month - which under the scheme means they will actually receive 40 tokens entitling them to 40 single journeys. Tokens can be bought until 31 March but can be used until 1 July 2010. Tokens can be used after 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays, all day Saturday and Sunday and during statutory school holidays.

Tokens can be bought at either Marlow Road youth centre in Maidenhead or Windsor youth and community centre (as well as through local youth clubs across the borough) on a series of dates throughout February and March. A full list of dates and times can be found at the wamster website.

To apply for your Windsor and Maidenhead bus pass fill in the application form on the wamster website and return together with your photocopied ID to Fran O'Mahony at Highway Services, 4th floor, York Stream House, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, said: "I really must congratulate both Jodie and Faisal for their determination to achieve their election pledges and bring such great benefits for the young people of the borough and thank Courtney Coaches for their willingness to support the discounted travel scheme.

"Both these schemes will make a real difference to the lives of many young people. Jodie's Advantage Card scheme will make it so much easier for young people to enjoy the benefits of keeping fit by making sports and leisure activities affordable, with many of the discounted activities at less than half the regular price.

"Faisal's discount bus travel scheme will also help to make life more affordable by keeping the cost of bus travel down and enabling young people to get out and about more easily to visit friends and pursue out-of-school activities."

Both projects have been funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund and will run as trial periods until 31 March.

For further information contact Danny Gomm, youth participation co-ordinator, on 01628 685856

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 14 February - 20 February 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

14th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
St Valentine Concert
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

15th February in Maidenhead

No events planned

16th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Peter and the Wolf
* 3:00 pm
Peter and the Wolf
* Film
* 8:00 pm
Unmade Beds (15)

17th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Peter and the Wolf
* 3:00 pm
Peter and the Wolf
* Film
* 10:30 am
Unmade Beds (15)
* 2:30 pm
Unmade Beds (15)
* 8:00 pm
Unmade Beds (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
MonoDuo: Micki Aston and Rod Bird

18th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 11:00 am
Princess and the Pea
* 3:00 pm
Princess and the Pea
* 7:30 pm
Maidenhead Music Society presents Violin and Piano Rectial
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
MonoDuo: Micki Aston and Rod Bird

19th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 8:00 pm
Richard Digance
* 8:00 pm
Jon Richardson - This Guy at Night
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
MonoDuo: Micki Aston and Rod Bird

20th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 3:00 pm
Amelia (PG)
* 7:45 pm
Cabaret Night with Kit and the Widow
* 8:00 pm
Amelia (PG)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
MonoDuo: Micki Aston and Rod Bird
* 10:00 am
Upcycling / Recycling Fabrics
* 10:00 am
Tightrope Writing

Thames Valley Police no longer wish to trace Ben Layton, aged 27, from Maidenhead, he was arrested by officers in Chalvey, Slough, on 3/2 and has been recalled to prison.

A police containment was placed around a house in Martin Road, Chalvey, at 1.08pm on 3/2, after information was received to suggest that Layton was at the address. Several officers were deployed to the scene.

During the arrest attempt, Layton was seen to climb onto the roof of the property. Following negotiations with officers on the ground, he climbed back into the house and was arrested at 1.54pm.

Supt Tim De Meyer, local police commander for the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough, said: “I am pleased that Layton is now in custody, and that the incident was resolved safely.

“I would like to thank the community for their support in tracing Layton.”

At the time of making their public appeal to trace Layton on 28 January, Thames Valley Police were also keen to trace 23-year-old Adam Neighbour, from Windsor. Neighbour was arrested in Windsor on Tuesday (2/2) and has been recalled to prison.

Thames Valley Police ~ Maidenhead

Ticket sales are fast approaching the 300 level, but there's still time to join the guest list for the Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor's annual Charity Ball to be held at The Pavilion, Ascot Racecourse, next month.

That's the message from the Windsor and Maidenhead organising committee with the prestigious black-tie event just over a month away on Saturday 13 March.

The deadline for applications for tickets - and for submitting advertisements for the evening's programme* - is Monday 15 February.

The evening's special guest of honour is HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who will be accompanied by a guard of honour from the Household Cavalry regiment, many of whose members are currently serving in Afghanistan.

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

Strictly Come Dancing winner and TV sports personality Chris Hollins will compere the evening, which will feature a champagne reception, three-course dinner with wine, world class cabaret and a charity auction.

Windsor and Maidenhead Auction prizes include:

* A bejewelled guitar donated by Gary Hutchins of Sussex-based Hutchins Guitars - the guitar will be on display in Hooters music shop in King Edward Court, Windsor from next week
* A Bomber Command print signed by the veterans and donated by the Artique Gallery in Eton
* Winston Churchill signed memorabilia
* Dinner for 12 at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park
* A special Mayor's prize for two comprising a private tour of Windsor Castle and overnight stay with dinner at the Harte and Garter Hotel.

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Mayor, Cllr Jesse Grey, said this week: "A great many people are working very hard to make this ball a really special and memorable evening, and we are delighted to have such a wonderful event in prospect - and very honoured to have Royal patronage with Prince Philip as our guest of honour.

"We are delighted with the way ticket sales have gone so far, but there is still time to book your seats to help us raise as much money as possible for all the very deserving charities which do so much to help others less fortunate than themselves."

Tickets for the Windsor and Maidenhead ball 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 ; also from organising committee members Cllr Sayonara Luxton at cllr.luxton@rbwm.gov.uk and Alan Carr at alan.carr@carr.co.uk.

The deadline for ticket applications and programme adverts is Monday 15 February.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

A 16-year-old boy has been charged in connection with the theft of a DVD player from a transit van in Acre Passage, Windsor, on Sunday evening (31/1).

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested near the scene of the Windsor incident at about 10pm and charged on Monday (1/2). He has been released on bail to appear before Maidenhead Youth Court on Tuesday 16 February.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor

The Royal Borough has underlined its 'total and unequivocal' support for the minor injuries unit (MIU) at St Mark's Hospital, Maidenhead, and issued a further call to NHS Berkshire East to keep it open.

The Windsor and Maidenhead move follows news that the primary care trust (PCT) has looked at six options for the unit but has deferred a final decision until its board meeting on 22 March.

The unit, opened last year on a trial basis, has been strongly backed by the council, local residents and Maidenhead MP Theresa May but there are fears that, despite this support, it will close its doors.

Cllr Simon Dudley, the Windsor and Maidenhead council's lead member for adult and community services, said: "The MIU is very much valued by the local community and has been stoutly defended by a huge number of residents, along with the council and the Maidenhead MP.

"The strength of local feeling must be taken into account by the PCT and we call on the board when they meet in March to make the facility permanent so that it can continue to provide this excellent service to local people."

Public opinion in support of the MIU has included local petitions and campaigns, a unanimous motion from Windsor and Maidenhead council in September and the 'total and unequivocal' support of the Royal Borough on Monday (25 January) through its adult and community services and health overview and scrutiny panel.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead: 7 February - 13 February 2010
Altwood Road
Maidenhead
SL6 4PF
01628 788997

7th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 2:30 pm
Chopin Bicentenary Celebration Concert
* 7:30 pm
Russell Kane - Fakespeare
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

8th February in Maidenhead

No events planned

9th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* 8:00 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

10th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 10:30 am
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* 2:30 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* 8:00 pm
Sherlock Holmes (12a)
* Workshops and other events
* 1:00 pm
Lunchtime Yoga
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb
* 7:00 pm
Book Club

11th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* 8:00 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Watercolours
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

12th February in Maidenhead

* Film
* 2:30 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* 8:00 pm
It's Complicated (15)
* Workshops and other events
* 9:15 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Beginners I & II
* 11:00 am
Messy Monkeys
* 11:30 am
Make Silver Jewellery - Experienced I & II
* 2:00 pm
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb

13th February in Maidenhead

* Performances
* 7:30 pm
Reflections of India
* Workshops and other events
* 10:00 am
Light, Colour, Shape, Imagination and Escape: Jackie Webb
* 10:30 am
Drawing Workshop: Heads, Hands and Feet

New mums can now get back into pre-baby shape at a discounted rate, thanks to a special scheme being introduced at Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough leisure centres on Monday 1 February.

The Windsor and Maidenhead First Steps scheme offers peak BodyZone membership at 50% off the regular price to new mothers for a full year. And if Dad's the one who wants to work out, the deal can be transferred to the father.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for adult and community services, said: "We are delighted to make this offer to new mums who can now enjoy all the benefits of keeping fit at an incredibly low cost.

"Regular exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle but with all the demands of an addition to the family keeping fit can drop to the bottom of the list. Visiting a leisure centre for a gym session or a swim is also a great opportunity to socialise or just enjoy some time to yourself.

"Where mums don't have a family member or friend to look after their baby while they exercise, the First Steps discount could help towards child care costs."

The scheme is part of the council's commitment to delivering the best possible services to residents at the lowest possible cost to council taxpayers.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Dudley added: "With approximately 1,000 babies born in the borough each year, this could prove a welcome boost to many mothers looking to kick-start their exercise regime."

First Steps costs £23.25 a month when paying by direct debit, compared with the regular peak membership price of £46.50 a month. First Steps membership can be taken out at any time within the first year after the birth of the child and lasts for 12 months.

Anyone looking for further information can log on to http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/leisure_culture.htm or visit or call:
• Magnet Leisure Centre, Holmanleaze, Maidenhead, 01628 685330
• BodyZone Braywick, Braywick Road, Maidenhead, 01628 685318
• Windsor Leisure Centre, Clewer Mead, Stovell Road, Windsor, 01753 778566
• Charters Leisure Centre, Charters School, Charters Road, Sunningdale, 01344 628686.

To join First Steps, applicants should take along bank details and the baby's birth certificate to any of the above leisures centres.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Residents in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough will be better off in the next financial year, thanks to the first-ever proposed cut in council tax - by 4% - likely to be one of the biggest reductions in the country.

The 'money in your pocket' Windsor and Maidenhead budget means that the Band D council tax rate will fall by more than £41, giving local people a much needed cash boost. The news is particularly good for people on low incomes, including pensioners for whom council tax is often their largest bill.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "Our aim is to provide better services for less money and we have been able to achieve this unprecedented reduction by careful financial management. There is no magic wand - just meticulous scrutiny of our resources and making every penny work.

"Front line services are being protected but we have carried out a far-reaching restructure to make sure our back room support is as efficient as it can be. We are aiming to create a lean organisation that is fighting fit and able to maintain and improve the services our residents depend on every day of their lives."

Cllr David Burbage, Windsor and Maidenhead council leader, said: "The council will not waver from our commitment to putting residents first. We promised quality services and value for money - and there is no better way of delivering on that promise than this first ever cut in council tax that leaves local people better off. At a time when the country is struggling out of recession and everyone is feeling the pinch, I am delighted that we can announce this good news."

Cllr Burbage said the success of the Windsor and Maidenhead council's financial strategy also depended on flexible staff who were willing to adapt to changing demands in their jobs.

He said: "Regrettably we had to face the fact that, in common with local authorities across the country, we could not manage the council effectively in the current economic climate without an impact on jobs. However, we have worked hard to keep redundancies to the absolute minimum and residents should be reassured that services will be maintained - and in many cases improved - using more efficient ways of working and equipping people with new skills."

Efficiency savings have been identified throughout the Windsor and Maidenhead organisation to help bring about the cut in council tax, including:

• Creating an admin centre £1,053,000
• Centralising printing and posting £150.000
• Re-tendering the school transport contract £207,000
• Using wholesalers for buying equipment £100,000
• Renegotiating the waste and recycling contract £100,000
• Relocating staff from rented offices to the Town Hall £75,000
• Using lean management in the planning department £73,000
• Introducing smart metering to help save energy £70,000.

The proposed Windsor and Maidenhead budget also means continuing investment in council services, including:

• A further increase in the number of community wardens - from 10 to 14
• New day services for people with learning difficulties and those with dementia
• A new leisure centre at Cox Green
• A new borough museum in the Guildhall, Windsor
• More than £1m for road resurfacing
• An additional £75,000 to fix potholes after the severe weather
• £300,000 contribution towards the Windsor and Eton Relief Road improvements.

If the Windsor and Maidenhead budget proposals get council go-ahead, the Royal Borough's new Band D council tax rate for 2010/11 will be £995.73 - a decrease of 4% (£41.48) over 2009/10. The borough is already £154 below the 2009/10 average Band D rate for unitary councils in England and the gap is likely to widen in the year ahead.

Budget proposals will be discussed by the various overview and scrutiny panels over the next few weeks before going to cabinet on Thursday 11 February. The final decision will be made by full council on Tuesday 23 February.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses after a robbery at a shop in Windsor.

At about 10am on Saturday (23/1), two men went into Berkshire Food and Wine in St. Leonards Road, Windsor. One of them distracted a member of staff while the other demanded money and stole cash from the till and cigarettes. They ran off in the direction of King Edward VII Hospital.

Both of the men are white. One is aged between 20 and 25, about 6ft or taller and has dark hair. He was scruffy and wore a hooded jumper. The other man is about 23 or 24, approximately 5ft 5ins and of medium build. He has black hair and was wearing a blue and white striped towel wrapped around his face and head and a blue striped long-sleeve shirt.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Windsor Det Con Jonathan Groenen in Maidenhead CID via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Windsor