Bracknell

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Bracknell town centre on Sunday night (26/3), which left a man with serious head injuries.

Sometime between 11.15pm and 11.42pm, a 27-year-old man was standing with friends near the kebab van in Market Street, Bracknell, when he was assaulted by a group of men.

The man was knocked unconscious and taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital, where he was found to have sustained a fractured skull. He was discharged from hospital today (30/3).

Det Con Donna Pearce of Bracknell CID, who is investigating the incident, said: “This appears to have been an unprovoked attack, and we are appealing for anyone who saw what happened to come forward and assist with our inquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Pearce 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 ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has announced the new councillor for the Binfield with Warfield ward following the by-election which took place yesterday (Thursday March 23).

Brenda Wilson, Conservative party candidate, won with a majority of 477.

Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Returning Officer, said: "Cllr Wilson fills the vacancy created by the sudden death of Cllr Terry Mills in December. We look forward to working with her."

Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "Well done to Cllr Wilson for winning the seat in Binfield with Warfield, and I look forward to her joining us in the very near future."

The result:

David John Fawcett, Labour party - 174

Michael John Hawkins, Liberal Democrat - 444

Jeffrey Alan Newbold, UK Independence Party - 119

Brenda Dorothy Wilson, Conservative Party - 921.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A joint operation between Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Thames Valley Police and the DVLA found 64 untaxed vehicles on Bracknell borough's streets.

The Bracknell vehicles were either towed away or all outstanding costs were paid on the spot to keep them on the road. The cars which were towed away will only be released if the DVLA's costs are met and a valid tax disc, or the money to pay for one, can be produced. Unclaimed cars are crushed after 14 days.

Bracknell Council invited the police and the DVLA to help clear the streets of untaxed vehicles in target areas across the borough. Three abandoned vehicles were also removed in the operation, which took place earlier this month.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Public and Environmental Services, said: "We welcome working with the DVLA and police in removing untaxed vehicles from the streets of Bracknell Forest. Once again, we removed a number of illegal vehicles despite previous warnings that we will be carrying out such operations for the foreseeable future.

"Such vehicles present a danger to all of us. Often they are driven around without insurance or MoT certificate. Many end up dumped and are a target for vandalism.

"This is just one of our initiatives to deal with such nuisance vehicles. Because of our efforts, the number of abandoned vehicles is reducing locally and next month, in addition to the powers to recover our costs and prosecute offenders, the Council will also have the power to levy fixed penalty notices for abandoning a vehicle. So anyone with an untaxed car or who is considering dumping a vehicle would be well advised to think again."

Sergeant Charlie Winter, from Thames Valley Police, said: "Untaxed vehicles were one of the concerns raised by residents at Neighbourhood Forums.

"This operation allowed Neighbourhood Officers to conduct high visibility patrols while working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Borough Council and the DVLA in direct enforcement."

Jeff Mumford, Head of Compliance at the DVLA, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership to target people who try to evade paying their road tax. There is a strong link between untaxed vehicles, motoring offences, anti-social behaviour and crime.

"These vehicles are also a serious threat to road safety. Drivers who have declared their vehicle as off the road need to keep their vehicle on private land. Such vehicles must not be driven or kept on the highway or associated land. We will continue to apply the law rigorously wherever we find contraventions."

To report an untaxed vehicle call the DVLA on freephone 08000 325202.

To report an abandoned vehicle or have an unwanted car removed by the Council for a small fee call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Young Bracknell children can get their hands on free books as part of scheme called Bookstart.

The scheme gives Bracknell youngsters a free pack containing two books appropriate to their age group and there are separate packs for toddlers aged 18 to 30 months and children aged 36 to 48 months.

Bookstart's aim is to introduce all children to books as a way of learning as well as for the simple pleasure of listening to or reading a story.

As well as two books each Bookstart pack also includes crayons and stickers.

Philippa Hendy and Sarah Bickley from Bracknell Library have organised a series of information sessions to give parents and carers the chance to find out more and pick up a pack for their child.

Parents need to bring their child's red health book to the the sessions which are scheduled as follows:

Whitegrove Library, 5 County Lane, Warfield, Bracknell

10.30 -11.15am

Thursday April 13

Crowthorne Library, High Street, Crowthorne

10.30 -11.15am

Tuesday April 18

Bracknell Library, Town Square, Bracknell

10.30 -11.15am

Tuesday April 25

Wednesday May 10

Thursday May 25

Tuesday June 6

Wednesday June21

Tuesday July 18

Sandhurst Library, The Broadway, Sandhurst

10.30 -11.15am

Thursday June 1

Birch Hill Library, Leppington, Birch Hill, Bracknell

10.30 - 11.15am

Thursday June 15

Sarah and Philippa have also been out spreading the word about Bracknell Bookstart at nurseries, playgroups and toddlers groups.

Ruth Burgess, Head of Bracknell Libraries and Information, said: "Bookstart is about encouraging children to see books as a source of pleasure and a way of learning from an early age.

"If they start enjoying books in their early years they are more likely to develop an interest in reading that will stay with them throughout their lives."

Bookstart is a national scheme being run by Booktrust, the Department for Skills and Education and Council's around the country.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

This is BMW's smallest car. It has an abundance of air bags and a full score in European safety tests to keep our clients safe. A prominent 'start' button on the facia ensures that the Bracknell car can be started instantly on the rare occasions that clients might stall the engine. No more embarrassing fumbling for keys during the occasional stalling at traffic lights.

The 2.0 litre turbo diesel has plenty of torque for relaxed progress. With so much pull at tick over clients are unlikely to stall. Hill starts will be a trivial concern. driving efficiency is constantly monitored by the engines' computer so that the Bracknell car adapts to the clients driving. This also allows clients to monitor their fuel consumption so that they can improve their driving efficiency. This can reduce the future cost of their motoring and more than recoup the costs of their driving lessons.

The gearbox has synchromesh on all six forward gears. Reverse also has synchromesh. This means that clients can put the Bracknell car into reverse gear when driving forwards. This allows them to manoeuvre with great ease. Since the Bracknell car is rear wheel drive, the gear lever connects directly on to the gear box. This ensures that the gear lever moves precisely without the springiness associated with conventional front wheel drive. Gear changes will be much easier.

The front wheels do not drive the Bracknell car, they only have only to steer. The steering linkage can be designed with fewer compromises. A for-and-aft engine allows more space for the front wheels to turn when lock is applied.
This allows a tighter turning circle for easy manoeuvres. Turns in the road will be much easier.

The Bracknell car has the current top level specification and this gives an abundance of devices to help make the Bracknell car safer and easier to drive and to ensure that the driving experience is comfortable and relaxing. Knowledge of electronic driving aids such as cruise control and navigational systems will soon be part of the driving test syllabus.

If you would like to drive this rather special Bracknell car please phone us on
01344303132 or email us at john@berkshire-driving-school.co.uk.
Snail mail is Berkshire Driving School,
63 Wheatley
Great Hollands,
Bracknell,
RG12 8UG

Solihull Barons ............3 Bracknell Bees ............7

The Bracknell Bees wrapped up their league season with a seven-goal blitz of Solihull.

It was a fine performance from the away side and took their weekend goal tally to 19 in two games after their 12-1 win at the Isle of Wight the previous night.

Coach Mike Ellis felt it was a great way to wrap up the league campaign and send his team into the play-offs.

He said: "It was a good performance as the guys worked really hard for everything out there.

"We concentrated on getting the puck forward and moving it quickly towards the net and it caused them all sorts of problems.

"Most importantly we put the puck away and we're doing that more and more now which is very encouraging."

It was all to easy for the visitors as they stormed into a 4-0 lead by the first break.

A brace from Shaun Thompson and one apiece from Bradley Watchorn and Jan Melichar gave the away side a comfortable lead.

Solihull hit back through Neil Adams but further strikes from Jamie Line, Adam Bicknell and Ryan Aldridge put Bracknell out of sight.

Two late Jesse Hammill goals did put some respectability on the score for the home side but Bracknell still cruised to an easy win.

Wightlink Raiders ........1 Bracknell Bees ..........12

THE Bracknell Bees went goal crazy last Saturday to rattle 12 past hapless Wightlink.

Ryan Aldridge led the way with a four-timer and the points secured Bracknell's play-off qualification and made up for the defeat inflicted on the Bracknell Bees by the Islanders back in September.

Coach Mike Ellis was more than happy with the display and praised the way his team went forward.

He said: "It was a very strange game, we looked so dangerous every time we went up the ice and I think we had about 80 shots by the end.

"The guys did a great job, we knew we'd lost there earlier in the season so we made sure we didn't take them for granted.

"It was a professional performance and an important one,you can see the confidence is beginning to grow in the players."

Aldridge slammed home a hat-trick during the opening period with Matt Foord adding another to give the Bracknell Bees a 4-0 lead.

They continued to dominate their opponents after the first break and hit double figures during the second period thanks to further goals from Aldridge, Danny Hughes (2), Joe Baird (2) and Jan Melichar.

A Brian McLoughlin goal put Raiders on the scoreboard before Thompson and Foord wrapped up the win in the final period.

** The Queen Bracknell Bees' top-of-the-table clash with Sheffield Shadows finished with honours even after a 1-1 draw.

Both teams put everything into the game which leaves the two sides tied at the top along with Newcastle who have a game in hand on both.

The Bracknell Bees edged in front during the second period when Amy Lack fired home Laura Stack's pass but the visitors levelled things up in the final period when Emily Turner netted. Bracknell's best: (l-r): Scott Spearing, Jamie Line,Colin White,Mike Ellis, Jan Melichar,David Taylor,Danny Meyers.

ic Berkshire ~ Bracknell

Garth Hill College, Bracknell has been acknowledged as one of the most improved schools in Britain during the last four years.

The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT), whose membership includes most of the country's secondary schools, has awarded a certificate to Garth Hill for the consistent and significant improvement in GCSE results since 2002.

Stan Turner, Principle of Garth Hill said; "Garth Hill is now a member of the prestigious, 'Most Improved Schools Club'. This award is a national recognition of the hard work and dedication of pupils, staff and Governors at the College.

"Everyone connected with the College should feel proud of this acknowledgement because the whole community of North Bracknell has played a role in Garth Hill's success in recent years.

"The vastly improved GCSE results complement the outstanding examination success at Key Stage 3 and the good results at GCE 'A' Level. These examination results and other improvements have made Garth Hill extremely popular. The College is now very heavily oversubscribed and we are responding to the demand by increasing admission numbers for 2006."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "This is excellent news, I'm extremely impressed with the improvements that have been made and the outstanding results that the college has achieved. The award is well deserved and I'd like to congratulate all those who have worked so hard to bring about these improvements.

"Garth Hill School has been a key element in our strategy to improve education in the whole of the borough and North Bracknell in particular. This recognises the huge strides that have been made since the Council took responsibility for this school in 1998."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

T first group meeting to discuss ways of commemorating the life of the late Bracknell Cllr Terry Mills takes place on March 29.

One memorial has already been agreed with Mrs Valerie Mills, the widow of Cllr Mills.

Cllr Bettison, Leader of the Bracknell Council said: "The Council's environment and leisure team has asked if the environment award in Bracknell Forest's gardening competition could be named after Terry.

"Valerie was extremely touched that his colleagues wanted to remember him in this way and was very keen for this to happen, especially as Terry was so involved with environmental issues and the gardening competition. "Since his tragic death in December last year, many people have talked about his larger than life character and how much he impacted on so many lives.

"We have received some great suggestions for how best to commemorate his life so I'm extremely pleased that the group has been formed to ensure that we can move forward with plans for an appropriate memorial."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Sustainable Business Partnership with Bracknell Forest Borough Council is organising a free event for local businesses to find out how to be more environmentally friendly.

The event will be held on March 21 at South Hill Park, Bracknell. From 10am to 12.30pm all local businesses are invited to attend to learn how a good waste programme could save thousands of pounds. They can also organise a free waste audit of their business premises and gain practical information on how to reduce waste effectively.

Colin Griffin, Bracknell Community and Environmental Team Leader said: "A good waste management programme is beneficial for businesses - it saves money and also helps protect the environment."

Cllr Mrs Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "Bracknell Forest has a splendid record of recycling. Small measures now can make a very significant impact in the future, and this event will be valuable and interesting for local businesses."

The event is organised by the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Sustainable Business Partnership, Envirowise and the Council, to help promote waste minimisation and the efficient use of resources.

Bracknell Businesses spend huge amounts on waste disposal, electricity and water bills each year. Over recent years these costs have been increasing. Businesses can reduce waste costs by putting in place simple no cost or low-cost measures, including not wasting paper, using energy efficient light bulbs and being diligent about turning computers and lights off.

To find out more and book a space on this workshop call 01344 354104.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is inviting shoppers to find out more about the work of the family placement team and short break carers when they man a stand in the town centre next Thursday March 23.

The short break care scheme is a new support care service run by Bracknell Council's family placement team. It offers children and families, dealing with issues of disability or family crises, the right to live normal lives.

The short break care scheme will be launched in April and a recruitment drive, for people with the time to spare to help support families in need, is currently taking place.

Alex Walters, Assistant Director of Bracknell Children's Social Care, said: "The scheme is designed to give families the chance to meet new people, develop social networks and to provide the children with an enjoyable and stimulating experience. The support element gives families breathing space and taking a child out of the family home for a short period can help prevent family breakdown and children coming into care unnecessarily.

"Arrangements would be totally flexible and could be one-off or more regularly on a weekly or monthly basis to suit your own commitments. Being a carer could involve having a child stop over for tea after school once a week, supporting a child in an activity at school or offering weekend break or days out to swimming or to other leisure activities."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, said: "This is a very important new scheme that can help the community. If anyone is interested in finding out more and willing to help support the scheme I would urge them to come along to the open event."

If you are over 21 and would like more information on the short break care scheme pop along to the stand in Charles Square next Thursday or contact: Susan Williams, Short Break Care Scheme Coordinator on 01344 351582 or email

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Young people in Bracknell Forest are being urged to gear up for a free Motorwise workshop taking place next month.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council have teamed up with Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People to offer the course on Tuesday 11 April, 9.30am until 4.30pm at Sandhurst Sports Centre, Owlsmoor Road, Sandhurst.

The aim of Motorwise is to help young people reach the age of 17 with a clean driving licence (trying to prevent young people from driving illegally and getting points on their licence before the age of 17) and to keep free from injuries caused by motoring related incidents.

At the workshop young people will have the opportunity to drive a dual controlled car in safe surroundings. The workshop will also cover topics such as road safety, basic maintenance, practical driving and drink driving awareness.

Chris Pickett, Road Safety Officer at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "Our aim is to give young people as much knowledge as possible on how to drive safely, hazards they could come across and to be aware of how the car works.

"I would encourage young people, from the age of 16 to enrol on this workshop as it is an opportunity to gain some very good information and possibly to drive a car for the very first time."

Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and Transportation for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "This course could be the difference between being involved in a road incident or not and I would encourage all young people to take advantage of this offer and to enrol themselves."

For more information or to enrol on the course contact Chris Pickett, Road Safety Officer on: 01344 35 1212

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest children are invited to put their pedal power to the test by attending a free cycle training course during the Easter holidays.

The course, put on by Bracknell Forest Borough Council, will cover elements of how to cycle safely on the roads, being aware of other road users and to know the highway code when it comes to travelling on two wheels.

Aimed at children from 10-years-old the courses take place at Bracknell Leisure Centre for the week from Monday 3rd April until Friday 7th April from 10 - 12pm and at Edgbarrow Sports Centre from Monday 10th April until Friday 13th April from 10 - 12pm. The meeting place for both course is outside the main reception areas.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and Transportation at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "This is a very valuable course for all young cyclists as it addresses things which are vital to their safety when on their bicycles.

"It is also a great opportunity for young people to meet new faces and make friends during the week and they will come away having had a great experience and gained lots of knowledge on safe cycling."

To enrol your child and / or for more information about these courses contact Bracknell Forest Borough Council road safety team on: 01344 35 1212.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A spectacular weekend of dance is coming to Bracknell Forest this week (March 14 and 18) with the Lift Off festival at South Hill Park Arts Centre.

A dazzling array of dance will be on show from tap to street dance, belly dance to flamenco and line dance to jazz to mention just a few and shows are selling out fast.

Children from Bracknell Forest Borough Council's St Michaels CE (Easthampstead) Primary, Birch Hill and New Scotland Hill primary schools will be among some 500 dancers set to perform during the two-day festival.

Local youth and community groups will also be taking part including Bracknell Youth Forum, Bracknell Tap, Bracknell Flamenco, Lafour Theatre School and Red Hot Peppers.

Renegade Theatre from Germany will perform Rumble, a fast-moving energetic dance based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet on Friday which is schools gala night.

StopGAP Dance Company will headline on Saturday''s youth and community gala night with a vibrant triple-bill.

And Rotations, a group of dancers with learning disabilities, will also perform a brand new work put together under the expert guidance of dancer Lena Dee.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "This year's Lift Off festival is set to be one of our best ever.

"We had a great response from local groups wanting to get involved and they have all played a part in creating what's sure to be a vibrant and energetic festival.

"There are so many talented people perfoming a diverse range of dance that there is sure to be something for everyone."

For more information about the Lift Off dance festival call Lynne Dick on tel: 01344 351753 or contact South Hill Park Arts Centre on tel: 01344 484858.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest primary school children got together recently to perform the story of the Jungle Book through song.

Organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council, the event took place at Garth Hill College's Wick Hill site, and activities included learning dance, African drumming, rhythm work and songs from the Jungle Book.

The workshops were delivered by teachers at Garth Hill College - Sharon Lloyd, Peter Collins and Louise Whiting.

The course was free for the children attending and was aimed at giving them a good time, encouraging them to express themselves through song. It took place during the whole weekend, building up to a final performance on the Sunday evening.

Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, attended the event during the evening. She said: "This was a spectacular performance with almost 50 children taking part from primary schools right across the borough. Considering they had only rehearsed the Jungle Book over the ten hour weekend course, they all did extremely well. It was a wonderful experience for them.

"All the children looked very happy on stage so they must have had fun whilst learning. All the parents seemed to have enjoyed the performance, I certainly did."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Some Bracknell Forest services will be slashed next year while ratepayers see their council tax bills increase by five per cent.

But the ruling Tories still say Bracknell Forest residents pay among the lowest council tax in the country and get value for money.

During a heated debate at last Wednesday's full council meeting, opposition Labour councillors condemned cuts affecting some of Bracknell borough's most vulnerable people.

Labour group leader Bracknell Cllr Anne Shillcock recognised it would be a tough financial year but said she could not support some service cuts, particularly to the voluntary sector.

She said: "This cannot be a sensible decision - we talk a lot about working with our voluntary sector partners and most of us are aware of the dedication and hard work that goes on to provide a huge range of services to our most vulnerable residents."

Cllr Shillcock also criticised the decision to cut one member of staff from the education welfare team, as this could mean pupils having to wait for a much valued service.

But in a move which silenced Tory councillors, her colleague Cllr John Piasecki quoted from a recent speech by leader David Cameron saying: 'To build a strong society we show that the right test for our policies is how they help the most disadvantaged in society, not the rich.'

Cllr Piasecki said this showed the Tory leader wanted his party to change and that money should be redirected to the areas where it was needed the most.

He also criticised the council for bringing spending on its smart card to £4.5m. He said it was unpopular with libraries and schools where it is used the most.

But Cllr Bettison replied by saying he "did not give a damn what David Cameron thinks" and that the Labour Government wanted all councils to have smart cards.

After the meeting Bracknell Cllr Bettison said it was crucial to remember council tax only funded one third of the authority's budget, with the rest coming from central government.

He said: "We have tried very hard to reduce the spending in ways that don't impact on our front-line services and have been consulting residents so that they could let us know what is important to them.

"Whatever may be thrown at us, Bracknell Forest Borough Council is committed to giving the very best value services that can be obtained within our limited means."

ic Berkshire Bracknell

A landmark announcement took Bracknell one step closer to regeneration as the Government Office for the South East (GOSE) gave the go ahead to the Outline Bracknell Planning Application for the £750million regeneration of the town centre, by deciding not to ‘call in’ the proposals.

In an announcement made yesterday, GOSE said: “Having considered carefully … relevant planning issues raised by this proposal and having regard to his call in policy, the Secretary of State has concluded that there is not … sufficient reason to warrant calling in the application for his own determination. Therefore the decision as to whether to grant planning permission will remain with Bracknell Forest Borough Council.”

On February 9, Bracknell Council granted outline planning permission for the town centre in principle. Now that GOSE has decided not to intervene in the process, the Council can go ahead with consultations and legal negotiations with third parties and developers. Once these are completed, the final decision on the application can be made.

Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP) and Bracknell Forest Borough Council are working to deliver the mixed-use regeneration scheme, and to create a vibrant town centre that will be the destination of choice for local people, bringing them back to Bracknell to shop and enjoy their leisure time.

BRP and Bracknell Council will continue to work together to secure the implementation of the scheme and to keep residents and shoppers informed as progress continues.

David Gregory of Bracknell Regeneration Partnership said

“This is fantastic news for Bracknell. A great deal of time and expertise from both BRP and the Council has gone into developing the right scheme to transform Bracknell into a sustainable town centre for the future.

“With the major planning hurdles successfully negotiated, work to make this a reality can now continue apace. We will spend the next 18 months completing all of the work necessary before construction work can start, including road closure orders, compulsory purchase orders and site assembly including pre-letting. We expect site work to begin in late 2007.”

Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Borough Council says:

“This is an unprecedented step in Bracknell’s history – we are on the verge of a new dawn as we see the town’s masterplan progress towards reality. This is a significant step towards ensuring that our residents are finally have the town centre they want and deserve with fantastic new shops, homes, offices, commercial areas, leisure facilities and landscaped public space of which to be proud.

“We all owe a debt of gratitude to our faithful traders who have stayed with the town and who now can look forward to the types of shops that their businesses deserve.”

Visit the Change Bracknell website at http://www.changebracknell.com for more information about the regeneration of Bracknell.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Morse creator Colin Dexter to visit Bracknell Library

Colin Dexter, best selling author and creator of the nation's favourite policeman, Inspector Morse, is set to discuss his work with fans at Bracknell Library on Tuesday March 28 at 8pm.

Colin's first novel 'Last Bus To Woodstock' was published in 1975 and his famous character Inspector Morse subsequently appeared in 13 novels and numerous short stories.

Inspector Morse was later adapted for the small screen and became a huge TV success starring John Thaw and Kevin Whately in over 33 episodes.

Morse has won several BAFTA awards and Colin has been the recipient of several Crime Writers Association awards including the coveted Diamond Dagger for services to crime-writing. In 2000 he was awarded the OBE for his services to literature.

In 1999 the character of Inspector Morse was killed off in 'The Remorseful Day' which takes its title from a favourite poem by A.E Housman. In 2002 actor John Thaw died, two years after the last episode of Inspector Morse was filmed.

A lover of cricket, classical music and crosswords Colin made many cameo appearances in Inspector Morse, finally achieving his ambition of a speaking part in 1993.

He is visiting Bracknell Library to give a talk and to answer questions about his writing career and his novels.

Ruth Burgess, Head of Bracknell Libraries and Information, said: "Morse is a household name so it's a major coup for the library service that Colin Dexter has accepted our invitation to come here.

"Fans of his work can look forward to getting a fascinating insight to his novels and the secrets behind his most famous creation.

"His books are very popular in our libraries so I am sure we can expect a great turn-out from fans of his work."

Colin is the latest in a series of best selling authors to visit the Council's libraries in the past 12 months. The other top writers were Susanna Gretz (October), Freya North (October), Katie Fforde (June) and Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (May).

Tickets for Colin Dexter's visit are now on sale at Bracknell Library, priced at £2 each (to include light refreshments). There will be free car parking at Easthampstead House.

All Bracknell Council’s libraries offer a wide range of services including:

* Free internet access
* CDs, DVDs, Videos
* Fiction and non-fiction books for all ages
* Information services
* Spoken word books
* Story times
* Playstation 2 games
* PC CD-ROMs
* Newspapers and magazines
* Local studies collection

Log on to the Bracknell Council's website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries for information about the library services and forthcoming events.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A Bracknell choir of talented young singers is set to get a boost next week (March 6) when they pick up a cheque for £400 to help pay for their running costs.

Bracknell Voice was set up in September 2004 thanks to a grant from Youth Music and since then has received financial support from Bracknell based companies Boehringer Ingelheim, Panasonic and the Rotary Club of Bracknell.

Now, the Rotary Club of Easthampstead is set to hand over a cheque to Mary Sefton, Bracknell Voice and Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Music Advisory Teacher. In return a certificate of thanks will be handed to the Rotary Club to acknowledge their support for the choir.

She said: "Bracknell Voice has some terrific young singers and this extra money will be a big help towards keeping us up and running.

"Thank you so much to Easthampstead Rotary Club for their generosity and if any other organisations in the borough would like to pledge their support then I'd be very pleased to hear from them."

Any child who lives in Bracknell Forest and is aged between seven and 11 who would like to exercise their vocal chords can join Bracknell Voice.

It's a free choir that meets on Wednesday's at St Joseph's Church Hall in Bracknell town centre from 4.30 to 5.30pm during term time.

For more information on joining Bracknell Voice contact Mary Sefton on tel: 01189 936 6424.

Other music events coming up include:

* Jungle Book

Sunday March 5 at 5pm

Garth Hill College, Sandy Lane, Bracknell

Performance of Jungle Book by 45 primary aged children who have rehearsed the show over the weekend. This will include African drumming, rhythm work and songs from Jungle Book

* Cafod concert - Concert given by three choirs including Bracknell Voice

Saturday March 25 at 7.30pm

St Margaret Clitherow Primary School, Bracknell

* Bracknell Voice singing in the square.

Wednesday March 29 at 5pm

Princess Square, Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Enjoy The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre's exhibitionsWannabe scientists and keen learners should get down to The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre next week (from March 10) to celebrate national science week.

The Bracknell Look Out has organised special workshops which will run between March 12 and March 16 for pre-booked school children aged seven to 11 years old. They include presentations and creative design work as well as teaching the principles of flight.

There are some spaces left on the workshop and you can book by telephoning 01344 354400. The cost is £3 per child for the science week workshop and it lasts two and a half hours.

You can also pay an extra £2.50 to include entrance to the hands-on science exhibition at The Look Out. It is necessary to pre-book for the workshop.

National science week is an annual event held this year from March 10 to March 19. National science week is an opportunity for people of all ages to take part in science, engineering and technology activities.

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre hosts special events each year. This year throughout Bracknell Forest school holidays and every weekend until May 7 there is also the new Spy Science show for budding James Bonds to learn about camouflage, taking fingerprints and hearing through solid walls!

The Spy Science show lasts approximately 40 minutes and show times are at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.15pm. The cost of the show is £1.50 per person in addition to the normal exhibition admission charges.

Bracknell Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "I'd heartily recommend a visit to The Look Out at any time but particularly during National science week.

"It's not only a great venue but great value where children and adults can learn and play. With its five exciting hands-on zones, workshops and shows to teach about specific areas, there's something for everyone."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

All Bracknell Forest tenants and leaseholders are invited to visit roadshows in Bracknell town centre to find out more about the future of council owned homes and housing services. The next roadshow is Friday March 10, from 9am to 5pm.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is hosting the events in Princess Square shopping centre in the coming months to provide information and answer questions about what will happen to the borough's housing in the future. Bracknell Tenants and leaseholders will be provided with information about what will happen if housing continues to be owned and managed by the Council, compared to what could be offered by a Bracknell Forest-based housing association.

Come along to first floor of Princess Square shopping centre in Bracknell town centre on:

* Friday March 10, 9am to 5pm
* Friday April 7, 9am to 5pm

The Council is required by the Government to ensure its houses meet the Decent Homes Standard - a basic standard - by 2010.

However, it is £8million short of meeting this standard, which would need to be covered by money currently spent on other services such as roads and schools.

The Decent Homes Standard also does not meet the improvements tenants have said they want to see in their homes. A detailed survey carried out by the Council with tenants has produced the Bracknell Forest Standard - a higher level of improvements.

The Council does not have the money to make these improvements. However, a Bracknell Forest-based housing association would be able to.

This is because £9million (half) of tenants' rent money is currently taken by the Government to be redistributed in other areas of the country. A housing association would not be bound by these rules and would be able to keep the £9million to make improvements to Bracknell Forest homes.

If you would like more information on the Your Homes: the Way Forward project please telephone 01344 351420.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has agreed its council tax increase for this year as 5%.

At a full Bracknell Council meeting last night (Wednesday 1st March) the 5% increase was agreed, seeing the average band D property owner paying £919.44 per year. Last year Bracknell Forest had the lowest council tax of any unitary council in mainland UK and is hoping that this will be the same this year.

A recent survey amongst Bracknell borough residents showed that almost one third would be prepared to see council tax rise more than 5% to keep services at current levels and just under half of residents (47%) said they would be willing to pay up to 5% more in council tax and see some services cut.

There will be continued investment in key areas - reflecting the results of the residents' consultation - despite the difficult financial year ahead. These figures include investment from Bracknell Council's capital funds, including external funding:

These include:

* Highways, footways and cycleways - £1.6 million
* Upgrading and maintaining school buildings - £4.2 million
* Support to vulnerable children and adults - £2.2 million
* Refurbishment of leisure sites - £0.15 million
* Support the regeneration of Bracknell town centre - £0.27 million
* Waste and recycling - £0.8 million
* Updating council owned homes - £5.5 million
* Refurbishment of community centres - £0.05 million

Bracknell Forest has the lowest actual council tax of any unitary authority in mainland England. The level of council tax increase needed to maintain all of its services at current levels would be around 23%, but the Government has given a clear indication that 5% is the maximum average increase that it will allow.

Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of the Council, said: "This has been one of the most difficult budgets for us. It is important to explain that the money to cover two thirds of our Council budget comes from central Government, and only one third from the council tax that we pay.

"This year the Government has increased our funding by less than the level of inflation and this means that as a Council we are being left to fully fund many of the services we offer and try to close a £6 million gap in the budget.

"We have tried very hard to reduce the spending in ways that don't impact on our front-line services and have been consulting residents so that they could let us know what is important to them.

"Whatever may be thrown at us, Bracknell Forest Borough Council is committed to giving the very best value services that can be obtained within our limited means."

Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, added: "This budget has been a tough one because of the small amount of funding we received from the Government this year.

"It is important that residents understand we have tried to balance this budget so that it does not impact too much on our frontline services.

"We are prudent at Bracknell Forest and offer our residents one of the lowest council tax rates in the country."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Local young Bracknell environmental enthusiasts from Newbold School are taking part in a Bracknell tree planting day out.

The main event for the primary school children is the chance to plant oak trees so the oak trees in the area continue to flourish for future generations.

But the children will also take part in fun activities organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council' Parks and Countryside team. They will learn about nature and the local environment. The pupils will take part in tree planting, a tree trivia quiz and form a human tree.

Marie-Anne Phillips, Community Ranger for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "We try to organise these events so that young people can explore Pope's Meadow and learn how to collect and grow seeds. They will be able to leave these to future generations to enjoy. Plus the young children get the chance to learn about the local environment in a fun way."

Did you know?

* Oak trees can live to around 200 years!
* Oak trees can grow to 40 metres in height and 10 metres in cirumference!
* Oak trees can draw up to 50 gallons of water a day!

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest residents are being encouraged to make a splash and sign up for a charity swimathon at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

The swimathon takes place at the Bracknell Council owned leisure centre on Saturday March 25 between 12noon and 5pm.

The swimathon is a sponsored swim to raise money for NCH, the national children's charity. Bracknell residents are encouraged to tackle any distance from 1500 metres to a team effort of 5,000 metres and the event is for swimmers of all ages and swimming ability.

Bracknell Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "With Swimathon 2006 just a few weeks away there is still time to get in a few practice lengths before the event.

"The Swimathon is a perfect way to raise money as part of your fitness regime.

"For those who haven't done so yet you can sign up for the big swimathon by visiting this website or telephoning 0845 36 700 36 or by simply picking up an entry form from Bracknell Leisure Centre."

Bracknell Leisure Centre is one of 500 pools nationwide taking part and signing people up for swimathon 2006.

This year is the 20th anniversary of swimathon and NCH aims to raise £2 million to further its work and transform the lives of vulnerable children in the local communities.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Children perform at St Joseph's Church in Bracknell. Talented young singers took part in a special concert organised to celebrate music in schools across the borough last week (February 22).

Held at St Josephs Church in Bracknell the concert, entitled 'A Festival of Song', was the musical climax of a two-term choral project run in five Bracknell Forest Borough Council primary schools by Berkshire Young Musicians Trust (BYMT).

Children from Birch Hill, Wildridings, St. Joseph's, Crown Wood and Harmans Water Bracknell primary schools were joined by singers from borough-wide children's choir, Bracknell Voice, to perform.

Peter Hunt of BYMT led the performance in front of an audience of the children's teachers, family and friends which included a wide range of modern and older songs from around the world.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest and a keen singer herself, said: "Singing teaches our children invaluable skills like concentration and discipline. It also builds confidence and teaches them how to work together in a team.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the concert which was great fun for the children and the audience too. It was an excellent show and I saw a number of proud headteachers in the audience along with a very proud Mayor!"

Any child who lives in Bracknell Forest and is aged between seven and 11 who would like to exercise their vocal chords can join Bracknell Voice.

It's a free choir that meets on Wednesday's at St Joseph's Church Hall in Bracknell town centre from 4.30 to 5.30pm during term time.

Bracknell Voice was set up in September 2004 thanks to a grant from Youth Music and since then has received financial support from Bracknell based companies Boehringer Ingelheim and Panasonic.

Mary Sefton, Music Advisory Teacher for Bracknell Forest, runs Bracknell Voice and is on the look out for new members.

She ssaid: "Bracknell Voice has some enthusiastic young singers of varying abilities and we are always keen to have more members.

"Singing in a choir really makes a difference to children's confidence, self-esteem and social skills as well as developing musicianship so there is lots to gain.

"And there's free parking and time for parents or carers to nip into town to do a bit of shopping or have a coffee while their child is enjoying some singing practice."

For more information on joining Bracknell Voice contact Mary Sefton on tel: 01189 936 6424.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council