Bracknell

Police are appealing for witnesses to a robbery in Bracknell which saw a mobile phone stolen.

The incident occurred in the area of Aysgarth, Great Hollands, at about 12.20am on Saturday (29/7).

A 29-year-old man was walking alone when he was approached from behind by two men who assaulted him.

The victim, who was robbed of a black Samsung D600 phone, suffered minor injuries as result of the incident. However, he did not require medical attention.

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Robert Holden via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not want to speak to police or leave their name can phone the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest residents can make the most of the forthcoming autumn term with exciting courses at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

The centre kicks off the autumn with a jam packed schedule for adults and children starting on September 4.

New classes include a breast stroke clinic for those looking to improve their swimming technique and co-ordination.

Team gym is another new Bracknell class offering a competitive level of gymnastics for boys and girls developing team floor displays, tumbling, trampette and vault skills.

There are also the children's old favourites including football, badminton, ballet and tumblers.

For adults the popular pilates, yoga and badminton classes are back, and for teens looking to get into fitness there is Teen Balance, Teen Circuits and Teen Cycling for 11-16 year olds. For those who do not mind getting wet there are swimming courses for all ages and abilities.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "We have superb facilities at Bracknell Leisure Centre which can help keep you fit and healthy all year round.

"Don't let the dark evenings of the autumn stop you from exercising, come and find out what Bracknell Leisure Centre can offer."

To find out more about the courses and enroll call 01344 454203 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Residents across Bracknell Forest have been visiting the Alternate Bin Collection (ABC) roadshows to order their new recycling containers as well as to learn more about the scheme.

The Bracknell roadshows have been visiting school fetes and major events over the last month, including the Crowthorne Carnival and the Going Green event in Lily Hill Park.

They will be continuing over the summer holidays, with staff on hand to give information, help and advice about the new scheme at the following locations:

Friday, August 4: The Look Out Discovery Centre - 10am-2pm

Tuesday, August 8: Edgbarrow Sport Centre - 10am-2pm

Thursday, August 10: Coral Reef - 10am-2pm

Tuesday, August 15: The Look Out Discovery Centre - 10am-2pm

Tuesday, August 22: Coral Reef - 10am-2pm

Wednesday, August 30: Edgbarrow Sport Centre - 10am-2pm.

The new Bracknell collection system will start in the week beginning October 2. One week it will be recycling collections only; the following week landfill waste will be collected.

Residents are asked to start preparing now for the new scheme by ordering a blue wheelie bin or additional kerbside boxes for their recycling.

Brown wheelie bins for a new garden waste kerbside collection can also be ordered from Bracknell Council for a one off payment of £30.

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: "Hundreds of people have already visited the ABC roadshows to ask questions as well as to receive one-to-one advice about managing the new scheme.

"Bracknell Forest people are already keen recyclers and we would urge everyone to order their new recycling containers to be ready for the changes in collections."

The Council is introducing the new scheme to reduce the amount of rubbish we send to landfill and avoid potential fines and charges which could cost council tax payers up to £7.7million over the next five years - just to carry on as we are.

So far, 15,072 households have ordered blue bins, 4,266 have ordered brown bins, and 6,971 extra kerbside boxes have been requested.

All extra containers can be ordered by calling 01344 352000 or visiting www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/abc

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Places are still available on Bracknell Forest Borough Council's summer holiday cycling courses.

The Bracknell courses are designed to enable young people to cycle safely and to promote cycling by improving skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour and hazard awareness. Training takes place on the road using approved routes.

They are open to children aged 10 and over. The courses are taking place at:

Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell - meet outside main entrance: August 7 to August 11 - 10am to 12pm

Carnation Hall, Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, Bracknell: August 7 to August 11 - 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Whitegrove Youth and Community Centre, No 3 County Lane, Warfield - meet in basketball court : August 14 to August 18 - 10am to 12pm

Sandhurst Sports Centre, Owlsmoor Road, Owlsmoor - meet in car park near reception: August 14 to August 18 - 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell - meet outside main entrance: August 21 to August 25 - 10am to 12pm

To book a place please call the Road Safety Team on 01344 351212.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and the Environment, said: "These courses are an excellent way of making sure children are safe while out on their bicycles.

"Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Bracknell Forest thanks to our excellent cyclepath network. Families appreciate the Council's commitment to helping children in gaining skills in a healthy and environmentally-friendly pastime.

"Our road safety staff are very dedicated, and lessons learned at these courses will last a lifetime."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

It's likely to be back to primary school for a group of seventeen former Bracknell teachers who have successfully completed a return to teaching course run by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

All of them grabbed the chance to take part in the course which helps former teachers refresh their skills in preparation for restarting their teaching career.

Each of the Bracknell candidates was presented with a certificate to mark their achievement and now they are busy seeking jobs in local schools.

They are: Nichola Morley, Graeme Schrouder, Ruth Vassor, Christine Sparrow, Kerry Clissold, Sheila Renwick, Brenda Watterson, Sharon Hardie, Sue Jerrard, Margaret Spiers, Sarah Johnston, Catherine Hildebrand, Nikoletta Kekedi, Niki Lall, Christine Shute, Maggie Scrase and Cristina Llewellyn.

Applications are now being invited for the return to teaching course set to start next April.

The course is aimed at qualified primary school teachers and runs on a part-time basis over 12 weeks at Easthampstead Park Education Centre with 12 days spent in schools.

It's designed to update former teachers on the latest techniques and developments while boosting their confidence for a return to the classroom.

Topics include the national curriculum, national literacy and numeracy strategies, ICT, Special Educational Needs, behaviour management, music and PE.

And participants also get help and advice on updating CVs, completing job applications and getting a job after the course is finished.

Training bursaries of up to £125 per week with support for childcare costs will be available for those joining the course who have UK qualified teacher status.

Up to 20 places will be available for the course, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to applicants who meet the recruitment criteria.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "Teachers take career breaks for many different reasons and our return to teaching course gives those wishing to get back into the profession the skills, knowledge and confidence to do so.

"They will also have picked up many other skills while away from teaching that can be useful in the classroom.

"Congratulations to this year's successful candidates - I hope their success will inspire others to think about following their path back to the classroom."

For more information or an application form for the return to teaching course, which is funded by the Training and Development Agency, contact Jo Rayner, Recruitment Strategy Manager, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Seymour House, 38 Broadway, Bracknell, tel: 01344 354098, email: teacher.recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A project to rebuild Garth Hill College in Bracknell got the go-head from Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Executive yesterday (July 25).

Bracknell Councillors approved a report recommending Garth Hill be designated for funding under the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Building Schools for the Future scheme. This offers cash to rebuild one school.

The £25million project will involve constructing a brand new Bracknell school, demolishing the old buildings and providing top class sports facilities for use by students and the local community.

The Council applied to DfES for funds to rebuild Garth Hill back in 2003 and consulted the local community and education specialists on a masterplan for the redevelopment of the school.

That bid was turned down in February 2004 because it had prioritised schools in more deprived areas.

But now DfES has said money will be made available for Bracknell Forest where rebuilding will have the greatest impact.

The masterplan including estimated costs will be resubmitted to DfES in the autumn after which the Council will be told exactly how much money it will get for the project. A further report on the project will then be presented to Executive.

The masterplan will be implemented in three phases:

* Phase one - creation of new playing field facilities on the Bull Lane field;
* Phase two - construction of new school buildings on the existing playing field;
* Phase three - disposal and demolition of the old school buildings.

Stan Turner, Principal of Garth Hill College, Bracknell said: "Everyone at Garth Hill is delighted with this news. The College has improved tremendously in recent years but the new facilities will provide an outstanding learning environment for our young people which will help them achieve even higher standards.

"The development of a new College will see the introduction of a wide range of sporting, leisure, cultural and social facilities which will be available to the local community.

"The total rebuilding of the College into a state-of-the-art educational institution for 11-19 year olds comes at a perfect time as we are preparing to implement the government’s extended services programme in the Garth Hill area.

"Consequently everyone living within the local community will have the opportunity to benefit."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "This is great news for Garth Hill and for the local community.

"The new school will provide a modern learning environment in which our children will thrive helping to raise standards at Garth Hill even further."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "The prospect of a brand new school with top class facilities is now a reality. It has been my determination for several years to provide first class education for the people of north Bracknell. This is the final piece in the jigsaw."

The DfES Building Schools for the Future programme sets out how every secondary school in the country, including Bracknell Forest's six secondaries, will be rebuilt or renewed over the next 15 years.

The One School Pathfinder programme, under which Garth Hill is to be rebuilt, assists some Councils that would come towards the end of the main programme.

For more information about Garth Hill College visit:www.garthhill.bracknell-forest.sch.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Around 300 Bracknell children from seven schools took part in the confidence building project designed to help them make the transition from primary to secondary school.

Research shows that some children find moving up to secondary school more challenging than others and this pilot project was trialled to find out how extra support before the big move can help.

Most of the children who took part will move up to Garth Hill College in September. They took part in a week of activities aimed at tackling questions about Garth Hill.

Bracknell Teachers supplied a series of clues and the children had to use their problem-solving and creative skills to find out the answers.

The week culminated in a special rock concert staged at Garth Hill where the children got to mix with some of their Year 7 peers who performed for them.

Abigail Hallworth, Consultant for Foundation Subjects, co-ordinated the project and said: "Taking the step up to secondary school can be daunting for many children so we wanted to test some ways of making that transition easier.

"This pilot project was aimed at getting Year 6 children to start preparing for the change, to get them thinking creatively about their new school and to introduce them to some of the older students."

Allison Fletcher, Assistant Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "This is the second year that transition projects aimed at easing transfer to secondary school have taken place.

"Feedback from last year showed that it was a very enjoyable experience for the children taking part and they felt more confident when they started secondary school in September."

The schools taking part were: Harmans Water Primary, Sandy Lane Primary, Warfield CE Primary, Whitegrove Primary, St Joseph's RC Primary, Meadow Vale Primary and Holly Spring Junior.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Children will be inspired to read their way through the school holidays, with a little help from Bracknell Forest Borough Council's libraries, in this year's annual Summer Reading Challenge which gets under way this week.

This year the Bracknell theme is around Alex Rider, the junior MI6 hero from Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling series of children’s books and movie, Stormbreaker.

Four to twelve year-old children will be set the challenge of reading six or more books of their own choice and those who complete the mission qualify to become special reading agents.

Each participant will receive a reading mission pack in the style of a special agent attaché case, containing full details of their challenge, code-busting puzzles, tips on reading and help with charting their progress through the six books.

Library staff will be on hand at drop-in activity sessions to help children on their way and suggest interesting books for them to try.

Sessions will be held at all of Bracknell Forest's libraries as follows:

Birch Hill Library, Leppington, Birch Hill, Bracknell

10.15-11.30am
Monday July 31
Monday August 7, 14, 21

Ascot Heath Library, Fernbank Road, Ascot

2.15-3.30pm
Monday July 31
Monday August 7, 14, 21

Harmans Water Library, Neighbourhood Centre, The Square, Harmans Water, Bracknell

2.15-3.30pm
Tuesday August 1, 8, 15, 22

Great Hollands Library, Neighbourhood Centre, The Square, Great Hollands, Bracknell

10.15-11.30am
Wednesday August 2, 9, 16, 23

Crowthorne Library, 162 High Street, Crowthorne

2.15-3.30pm
Wednesday August 2, 9, 16, 23

Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road, Binfield

10.15-11.30am
Thursday August 3, 10, 17, 24

Sandhurst Library, The Broadway, Sandhurst

2.15-3.30pm
Thursday August 3, 10, 17, 24

Whitegrove Library, 5 County Lane, Warfield

10.15-11.30am
Friday July 28
Friday August 4, 11, 18, 25

Bracknell Library, Town Square, Bracknell

10.15-11.30am
Saturday July 29
Saturday August 5, 12, 19, 26

Mission accomplished medals and certificates will reward those who finish the challenge, offering a great incentive for children to build a love of books and improve their reading skills.

The 2006 Bracknell reading mission is a national campaign run by the Reading Agency in libraries around the UK.

A dedicated website at www.readingmission.org.uk has been set up to support the reading mission throughout the summer. Children can post reviews of the books they are reading on the website and look at others comments.

Fiona Atkinson, Libraries' Community Services Manager at Bracknell Library, said: "We are hoping lots of local children will get involved this year and take up the reading challenge.

"Our staff are looking forward to helping our young readers make the most of the great range of books available to them at our libraries.

"It's also an ideal opportunity to give children lots of summer fun while helping them develop their reading skills."

For more information about how your child can get involved in the Summer Reading Challenge call Doreen Murgatroyd on 01344 423149, email doreen.murgatroyd@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Visit www.readingmission.org.uk and www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Children and young people aged between nine and 18 are being given the chance to learn Asian dance before taking part in Bracknell Forest's first Mela.

Kala the Arts is a summer holiday dance project which will take place over five afternoons from Monday, July 31, in the Dance Studio at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell. Teacher Sushmita Pati will teach a range of Odissi dance moves in a fun and friendly style. Odissi is a form of South Asian dance formed less than 50 years ago.

No dance experience is necessary and there are separate sessions for nine-to-13-year-olds and 14-to-18-year-olds. It has been funded by Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Community Arts Development.

Participants will then perform at the Mela in South Hill Park on Sunday, August 6. Mela means to meet in Sanskirt. It is a free festival where people can come together to enjoy South Asian-inspired culture and community arts. It will run from 1pm until 10pm.

It will include culture, food, fashion and some of the best bhangra and Bollywood bands around.

The Mela is organised by the Indian Community Association - Bracknell in partnership with South Hill Park Arts Centre, with support from Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "The dance project will be an enjoyable way to learn about Asian dance and the Mela is set to be a colourful and vibrant showcase to show what the participants have learnt.

"I'm sure the Mela will be an enjoyable day for all who attend."

For more details call Customer Services on 01344 352000 or the South Hill Park Arts Centre box office on 01344 484123.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Essential resurfacing to improve roads across Bracknell Forest will be taking place throughout August.

The Bracknell roadworks have been timed to coincide with the school holidays to minimise disruption, and the work is scheduled take place on Sundays, at night or between 9.30am and 4pm to avoid the morning and evening rush hours.

As the work can be delayed by high temperature or heavy rain, information boards at the sites will contain the latest information on when work will take place, local homes and businesses are being alerted. Access will always be maintained from at least one end of the road closure, depending on the location of the work.

Two days of work will take place on Waterloo Road, Bracknell, between Old Wokingham Road and the borough boundary from August 1. Traffic will be diverted around Waterloo Road and Easthampstead Road.

Temporary traffic management will be in place along Red Rose, Binfield, for two days from August 2 and Rhododendron Walk and Rhododendron Close, North Ascot, on August 4 and August 7.

Bagshot Road, Bracknell, northbound nearside lane, between South Hill Road roundabout (next to Bracknell Leisure Centre) and the Downshire Way roundabout, will be resurfaced on Sunday, August 6, for one day from 8am. A diversion route will follow South Hill Road, Reeds Hill, Crowthorne Road and Rectory Lane.

From August 7, work will be take place for two days on the B3034 Forest Road/Chavey Down Road crossroad approaches, traffic will be diverted along B3022 Bracknell Road, Winkfield Row, B3034 Forest Road, Locks Ride and Chavey Down Road and Winkfield Row, Winkfield. Separate work is also scheduled in this period for Winkfield Row, Winkfield traffic will be diverted along B3017 Chavey Down Road and the B3034 Forest Road.

Three days of work will start on August 9 along Forest Road, Upper Broadmoor Road and Brookers Corner in Crowthorne. Work will then move to Cambridge Road, Owlsmoor, on August 11 for two days from the junction with Church Road to near number 76 Cambridge Road. Temporary traffic management will be put in place.

Finally, Eastern Road, Bracknell, will be resurfaced from August 14 for two days, this work will be carried out at night. Temporary traffic management will be put in place.

Jon Freer, Bracknell Environment and Leisure's Assistant Director with responsibility for road resurfacing, said: "We have timed this work with the school summer holidays as there are fewer cars on the road. Disruption should be minimal."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Garth Hill College will be completely rebuilt in a £25million project if Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Executive gives it the go-ahead this week.

The project would involve constructing a brand new school, demolishing the old buildings and providing top class sports facilities for use by students and the local community.

Bracknell Councillors will consider a report on Tuesday (July 25) recommending Garth Hill be designated for funding under the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Building Schools for the Future scheme. This offers cash to rebuild one school.

The Council applied to DfES for funds to rebuild Garth Hill back in 2003 and consulted the local community and education specialists on a masterplan for the redevelopment of the school.

That bid was turned down in February 2004 because it had prioritised schools in more deprived areas.

But now DfES has said money will be made available for Bracknell Forest where rebuilding will have the greatest impact.

The masterplan including estimated costs would be resubmitted to DfES in the autumn after which the Council will be told exactly how much money it will get for the project. A further report on the project would then be presented to Executive.

If councillors approve the report on Tuesday the masterplan will be implemented in three phases:

* Phase one - creation of new playing field facilities on the Bull Lane field;
* Phase two - construction of new school buildings on the existing playing field;
* Phase three - disposal and demolition of the old school buildings.

The scheme would be completed so students could enter the new school by September 2009.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "In terms of its physical structure Garth Hill needs a major overhaul to provide the kind of learning environment children need in the twenty first century.

"This is the opportunity to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the specialist technology college and add other vocational facilities too."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "The prospect of a brand new school with top class facilities is now much closer. I am pleased the government has now responded to the vigorous representations we have made on behalf of Garth Hill.

"The school has been improving steadily for a number of years and has the confidence of the people in its area.

"It has been my determination for several years to provide first class education for the people of north Bracknell. This will be the final piece in the jigsaw."

The DfES Building Schools for the Future programme sets out how every secondary school in the country, including Bracknell Forest's six secondaries, will be rebuilt or renewed over the next 15 years.

The One School Pathfinder programme, under which Garth Hill would be rebuilt, assists some Councils that would come towards the end of the main programme.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

One of Bracknell Forest’s longest serving headteachers is retiring at the end of this term.

Jenny Fowler leaves Winkfield St Mary’s Primary School, Bracknell for the last time this month after 17 years as headteacher.

Under her leadership Winkfield St Mary’s has become one of the leading primary schools in the borough achieving an excellent Ofsted inspection report for its last inspection in 2001.

Jenny has also pushed hard to develop sport at the Bracknell school and she campaigned to retain the school swimming pool which was modernised in 1996. She believes swimming and sport generally are important in helping children learn about healthy lifestyles and building self esteem.

She said: “Every child learns to swim by the age of seven and I see that as one of my main achievements at the school. It’s no surprise that we’ve done so well in swimming galas over recent years.

“Academically the school has gone from strength to strength and our results speak for themselves. That’s the benefit of having a top class team here at school and I am proud to say I have appointed every one of them since I started.

“The Education team at the Council and our governors have been so supportive over the years, particularly chair of governors Brian Cooley.”

For four years before her appointment to the Winkfield Row school she was deputy headteacher at Crowthorne CE Primary School.

Before coming to Bracknell Forest Jenny did her teacher training in Newport, Monmouthshire before taking up teaching posts at schools in Exeter, Plymouth, Ealing and Merton.

So will she miss her old life? “I can honestly say I have never been bored for one day in this job but the workload now is huge,” she said.

“While I won’t miss that I will definitely miss the camaraderie with colleagues and the children too of course. In some ways I will be sorry to leave but I am so pleased I do so with the school on a real high.”

With retirement just around the corner Jenny’s now planning how to fit her passion for yoga, at which she’s soon to be a qualified instructor, around her other ideas for the future but not before a long awaited holiday to Ichia near the Italian island of Capri.

Gillian Harbut takes over as headteacher of Winkfield St Mary’s Primary School in September.

For more information about Winkfield St Mary's Primary School visit: www.winkfieldstmarys.ik.org

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Bracknell Leisure Centre and Coral Reef have been awarded the Charter Mark for excellent customer service.

The Charter Mark is the Government's national standard for excellence in customer service and is open to all public sector organisations. Each Charter Mark award lasts for three years and this is the fifth charter mark awarded to these Bracknell centres since 1992.

The Charter Mark award is assessed on six customer service priorities:

• Set standards and perform well;

• Actively engage with your customers, partners and staff;

• Be fair and accessible to everyone and promote choice;

• Continuously develop and improve;

• Use your resources effectively and imaginatively;

• Contribute to improving opportunities and quality of life in the communities you serve.

It was the first time the Bracknell centres had been assessed under the Charter Mark's new community-focussed criteria. Areas praised by the inspector included the range of classes provided and the Leisure Saver Scheme - which gives discounts for residents receiving certain benefits.

Bracknell Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "Maintaining a continuously high standard on behalf of all of our users is something our Leisure Department staff take extremely seriously and Bracknell Leisure Centre and Coral Reef have over the years demonstrated those high levels of customer care.

"I am delighted for the management and staff that their attention to the needs of our users has, once again, been recognised by the award of this prestigious national Charter Mark."

For more information about leisure facilities call Bracknell Leisure Centre on 01344 454203 or Coral Reef on 01344 862525 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Try something new at the Bracknell Northern Parishes Arts week, October 23 to 28. There is something for everyone from families with toddlers, teenagers to the young at heart!

The closing date for participants is July 24 so be quick with your application forms, available from the parish offices and online www.artsweeknp.org.uk.

Plans are underway for colourful and varied events in Binfield, Warfield and Winkfied including:

* Street dance by professional dancers from West End Shows
* A session learning to be a disc jockey
* Draw or produce your best-ever picture at the Big Draw
* Warfield Players' play/musical
* Bollywood dancers, henna workshop, cookery demos.
* Trial art classes
* View exhibitions by local artists
* Class for creative ideas for Christmas
* Sit quietly and listen to Spud & Yam - Irish & Jamaican story tellers in the Binfield Library.
* Free trial sessions of singing, dancing and acting
* Art class "Paintings for the Garden "
* Learn the art of playing rugby, sessions to be announced with Bracknell Rugby Club and hopefully London Irish
* Budding Wayne or Waynette Rooneys - we hope to have creative and very artistic football events too!!
* Excellent acting and drama from the Binfield Bards
* Newbold College will host a musical concert with Gospel singers
* Photographers, greeting cards, soap and jewellery makers, a cross-stitch exhibition, furniture craftsmen, flower arrangers.
* A showcase of artistic talent, from the Binfield Arts Club
* Exhibitions all week at the V&A Traynor Art Gallery
* Professional show Puss In Boots for the 5-11 year olds

The Arts Week will run across all three parishes from Monday, October 23 through to Saturday, October 28 with events taking place in the mornings, afternoons and evenings. The performances are divided between live performances, displays and exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops. Some classes have to be pre-booked due to limitation of numbers, via the parish offices as below:

Binfield Parish Office: Benetfeld Road Binfield Bracknell Berkshire RG42 4EW

Tel: 01344 454602 Fax: 01344 867126
Email: binfieldparish.council@btinternet.com

Winkfield Parish Office: Council Offices Fernbank Road Ascot Berkshire SL5 8JW

Tel: 01344 885110 Fax: 01344 885113

Warfield Parish Council: 7 County Lane Warfield Bracknell Berkshire RG42 3JP

Tel: 01344 457777 Fax: 01344 457777
Email: warfield.parish-council@talk21.com

Or for further information: Bracknell Cllr. Susie Haskell at 01344 860861 or email enquiries@artsweeknp.org.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police are searching for thieves who stole 15 chipmunks from a pet centre in Bracknell on Friday (14/7).

The offenders gained entry to a yard at Amen Pet Centre, North View, Binfield, Bracknell via an unsecured gate between 7pm and 7.20pm.

A shed, next to the front gate, was then opened and the cage containing the chipmunks was taken. It is thought at least two people would have been required to lift the cage – made of metal wire mesh - and a vehicle to transport it.

Mrs Valerie Scott, owner of Amen Petcare Centre, Bracknell said a mixture of adult males, adult females and baby chipmunks had been taken. The younger chipmunks are just eight to 10 weeks old.

“I’m really upset by it,” said Mrs Scott. “They’re such lovely little things, and are hand-tamed.”

One of the adult chipmunks has an ear missing.

“There’s only a few pet shop owners who would have chipmunks,” said Mrs Scott, who revealed that a person had jumped a gate to enter the premises in another incident just days earlier.”

She added: “We’re putting improved security measures in place as a result of what’s happened.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Bracknell PC Paul Thomas via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Anyone who does not wish to speak to police or leave their name can phone the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Tackling theft from motor vehicles in the Bracknell Forest area is the main aim of Thames Valley Police’s Vehicle Crime Day, to be held on Thursday 27 July.

The police and Bracknell Neighbourhood Watch have teamed up with the Crimestoppers charity to highlight the importance of removing valuable items from vehicles.

Members of Neighbourhood Watch schemes are being encouraged to get involved on the day by helping out with distributing leaflets to residents in the Bracknell Forest area, warning people of the possible consequences of, particularly, leaving valuables on display in vehicles.

Margaret Weber, Neighbourhood Watch administrator at Bracknell Police Station, said: “Theft from motor vehicles in Bracknell Forest continues to be a problem.

“Volunteering members will be doing a leaflet drop in their own road and perhaps neighbouring roads.”

Another element of the operation will see members making a note of any vehicles with valuables on show while left unattended.

“From there, the police can write to individuals explaining why they should not leave items in their cars,” said Mrs Weber.

“We want to get the message out to as many people as possible in a huge effort to educate people not to leave items in their cars - however small or insignificant they might think the items are.”

Members of Neighbourhood Watch wishing to participate in the initiative on July 27 should contact Mrs Weber, at Bracknell Police Station, via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Children at local Bracknell schools will expand their knowledge of religion and faith communities thanks to a revised religious education syllabus launched last week (July 7).

The launch followed a review carried out by Bracknell Forest Borough Council along with the other five Berkshire unitary authorities of the religious education (RE) syllabus taught in schools.

A series of consultation events held across Berkshire over the past year brought together education professionals and members of faith communities to look at how the content and methods of teaching RE in schools could be improved.

The results of the consultation have been used to shape the new syllabus, key changes to which include a thematic approach to learning about religions and a fresh framework for teachers to aid lesson planning.

The syllabus was discussed with headteachers, teachers, school governors and education professionals at a seminar held at the Education Centre, Easthampstead Park on Friday.

Seminar delegates learnt more about the detail of the syllabus, how it links with the national curriculum and how it meets government guidelines.

Gordon Anderson, Chair of the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) for Bracknell Forest commended the document and encouraged delegates to start implementing the syllabus from September 2006.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries said: "Our new syllabus will provide children with a sound basic education of Christianity and the other main world religions.

"The focus is on teaching in a fresh, vibrant way that will equip them with an understanding of the role of faith in modern society and how it impacts on communities here and around the world."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

More than £40,000 was handed over to Sebastian's Action Trust last Thursday (6th June) by Cllr Jacqui Ryder, the former mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest.

The money was raised during Bracknell Cllr Mrs Ryder's year as Mayor as Sebastian's Action Trust was the charity she chose to support.

Cllr Mrs Ryder, said: "I would like to give my sincere thanks to all Bracknell Forest residents, young and old, who supported my chosen charity during my mayoral year and helped to raise this fantastic amount. I could not of raised this £40,000 without their help. A big thank you to all concerned."

"This charity really meant a lot to me and I first heard of it in December 2003 when the choir I sang in chose his charity to benefit from the money raised at the Christmas concert. Sebastian died shortly after that concert and it was at the point that I decided that if I ever became mayor I would support that charity."

Sebastian’s mother, Jane Gates, said: “We have been tremendously honoured to have been Cllr Jacqui Ryder’s chosen charity for her year in office as mayor of Bracknell Forest.

“Jacqui and her husband Peter have been staunch supporters of the Trust since they first learned of Sebastian’s cause, just 10 days before he died.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed supporting them in their fundraising efforts on our behalf and are truly astounded by the amount that they have managed to raise over the last year.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's trading standards officers are warning residents to be wary of cold-callers offering roofing and guttering services.

Bracknell Council has received information from a member of the public who was suspicious of a doorstep-seller. The trader falsely claimed to have done work for the Council and proved hard to turn away. Neighbouring authorities have received similar complaints about the same firm.

Bracknell Trading standards would like to remind residents to think twice before agreeing to have work done by companies which cold call. Most reputable firms have waiting lists of customers and do not have to resort to cold calling and high pressure sales techniques to drum up business.

Often firms that visit your home will verbally claim to do work for or to be endorsed by Bracknell Council, police or fire service to give them credibility. Many firms that cold call will not inform you about your cancellation rights; and often consumers find themselves facing a much higher final bill than the price they had originally discussed and agreed to.

Robert Sexton, Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Head of Trading Standards, said: "Residents should remember that if they contact a trader who has put a leaflet through their door, they will have no cancellation rights at all.

"If you are at all suspicious of a cold caller the best advice is to turn them away and call trading standards on 01344 352000 or Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505 to let them know they are operating in the area."

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: This is the busiest time of the year for residents to receive leaflets and knocks on their doors from traders seeking to do work on the house or in the garden.

"Never be pressurised into having work done. Give yourself plenty of thinking time before you decide anything. If you have the slightest doubt, contact a local established business and seek their opinion. Alternatively, contact a friend or family member whose opinion you know you can trust."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Leisure Centre and Coral Reef have been given the stamp of approval for their baby-friendly swimming facilities, for the second year running.

The success is part of a nationwide search for approved swimming pools to feature in the Huggies Little Swimmers baby-friendly pool directory, designed to give parents peace of mind when taking their children swimming.

Both Bracknell centres will feature in the directory of approved swimming pools based on their wide range of baby classes, excellent changing facilities and pool temperatures.

Huggies Little Swimmers teamed up with the Amateur Swimming Association and the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management to launch the directory and encourage more parents of young children to take their children swimming regularly.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "I am delighted that our efforts have been recognised.

"Swimming is, as we all know, a very useful life skill as well as a very effective form of exercise, so we try to encourage as many parents as possible to bring their babies and young children to our excellent facilities."

Bracknell Leisure Centre and Coral Reef are open seven days a week. More information is available at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

There will be more than 40 hands-on activities, games and demonstrations on an environmental theme at the Bracknell Going Green event in Lily Hill Park on Sunday, July 16, from 10am to 4pm.

Activities include a demonstration of environmentally friendly vehicles from Toyota and Honda, orienteering around the park by Bracknell Forest Borough Council's parks and countryside officers and Bracknell Gardening Club will be running a plant swap, where residents can bring spare plants from their own gardens and exchange them.

Going Green has been organised by the Bracknell Forest Environment Partnership to raise public awareness of environmental or green issues, and the impact they have on life in the borough. It is supported by an Awards for All grant from the National Lottery and corporate sponsorship from Hewlett Packard, 3M, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Panasonic, TRL, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, and Bracknell Gardening Club for the Able and Disabled. Entrance is free and no pre-booking is required.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council will be sending along its recycling roadshow where residents can learn more about Alternate Bin Collection. There will also be a climate change bingo game and the chance to hunt for mini-beasts.

Entertainment will include Morris Dancers; live music from a jazz band - dressed as insects on stilts; and a falconry display; and there will be refreshments including a hog roast and organic barbecue and drink.

Gillian Cheetham, chair of Bracknell and District Gardening Club for the Able and Disabled, and chair of the Going Green organising committee, said: I am very excited about Going Green. We have a really wide range of displays, so it really will be fun for all the family.”

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and the Environment, said: Caring more for the world around us has really caught people's imagination this year. Going Green is the ideal opportunity to learn about how we can all do our bit."

For further information on what’s going on and where you can park visit www.bracknellgoinggreen.org.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

There has been further success for a Thames Valley Police operation devised to reduce anti-social behaviour and youth disorder in the Bracknell Forest area.

Officers from the Bracknell Neighbourhood Policing team, working as part of Operation Lascar, visited anti-social behaviour hotspots in Bracknell and Crowthorne on Friday (7/7) and Saturday (8/7) between 6pm and midnight.

On Friday, 40 youths were stopped and their details recorded. Officers visited pubs and off-licences to advise proprietors of underage youths who might be attempting to purchase alcohol. Youngsters congregating outside shops sometimes attempt to persuade adults to buy alcohol and cigarettes on their behalf.

Police seized four carrier bags full of alco-pops, as well as 25 cans of lager, two bottles of lager and one can of Guinness.

“All these seizures were on Friday,” said Sgt Charlie Winter, of the Neighbourhood Policing team. “Offenders were also given fixed penalty notices for disorderly behaviour such as urinating in the street.

“Saturday night was very quiet, perhaps due to the World Cup football.”

Three officers and two PCSOs, led by Sgt Winter, carried out the patrols on Friday and Saturday.

Operation Lascar was launched in April and will continue throughout the summer. The operation is a response to problems in the Bracknell area, including under-age drinking and other issues such as groups of young people causing a disturbance, throwing litter and causing criminal damage.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Three of Bracknell Forest's parks have been judged to see if they will be awarded Green Flags this year.

Pope's Meadow in Binfield could win its fifth successive Green Flag and Westmorland Park is hoping for its third flag since 2003.

Sandhurst Memorial Park and Shepherd Meadows - a partnership between Bracknell Borough Council and Sandhurst Town Council which was the scheme's first joint winner three years ago - is optimistic that it can achieve an impressive Green Flag treble.

The Green Flag is a national standard for parks and recognises the best green spaces in the country. The Council should hear the judges' verdict in August.

Parks and Countryside staff for the three sites have used the judges' comments from last year to make improvements, including new signs and interpretation boards at Sandhurst, changes to the management plans at all sites and ongoing landscape improvements.

Bracknell Forest won the first Green Flag awards in Berkshire in 2003. Last year there were 19 Green Flag awards in the South East, with 253 awarded nationally. In the first year of the scheme in 1997, only seven flags were awarded.

Meanwhile, residents can offer their opinions on any of Bracknell Forest's parks on a new website.

GreenSpace, a charity which works to improve public spaces, wants a million people across the country to have their say on parks.

Participants can comment on all parks run by a council or on individual sites, all comments will be passed back to the relevant organisation. Comments can be made at www.greenstat.org.uk

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "We have worked very hard to maintain and improve the already high standard of our parks in Bracknell Forest and I hope this ongoing commitment will once again be recognised by the Green Flag judges.

"As ever we welcome constructive comments to help us make further improvements to our parks and so I ask our residents and visitors, please go online and tell us what you think of our parks."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell’s street entertainment extravaganza, Streetlife, is back for the summer. Every Saturday from 12 noon to 3.30pm, the town centre will be buzzing with activity as more than 30 performers and musicians from around the world arrive to entertain shoppers with their unique, unusual, sometimes bizarre but always lively, brand of open-air entertainment.

The six week Bracknell festival of carnival-style street theatre includes mind-boggling stunts, daring balancing acts, amazing acrobatics, auditory illusions and visual comedy plus lots of uplifting music and dance. Not only will the whole family be enthralled, but quite possibly dancing in the streets too.

Helen Barnett from the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership comments, “This is the fifth year that we’ve held Streetlife because we have such positive feedback from shoppers who say it brings a carnival atmosphere to the town. And with so many wonderful and unique acts booked, there’s much more for the family to discover in Bracknell this summer. Come and enjoy the sunshine at the open-air cafes in next to the fountains in Charles Square – or cool down over an iced coffee in the air-conditioned comfort of Princess Square. Be amazed, be delighted and be part of it - it’s Bracknell’s own mini Mardi-Gras!”

The Streetlife Festival kicks off on Friday 21 July with:

* Whalley Range All Stars: Compost Mentis - a giant compost heap and a troubled gardener whose relationship slowly begins to break down as the compost heap takes on a life of its own.
* Artizani: Farmer Giles - words of rural wisdom from this sage of the farming community
* Bracknell Youth Dance Forum - Bracknell’s best young dancers strut their stuff
* Motionhouse: Chaser - a tale of predatory passion in a mobile bar – a love triangle with a difference

On Friday lunchtimes from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, different musical ensembles will be providing the entertainment through out the town centre and encouraging shoppers to get lively in the streets. From reggae to jazz, gypsy guitar to Irish folk – there’s lots of different genres to discover. And every Friday afternoon from 21 July to 25 August, there will be fun, and FREE face painting for the children to complete the carnival feel.

Streetlife is provided by the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and produced by Simon Chatterton and the South Hill Park Arts Centre.

Streetlife in Bracknell runs every Friday and Saturday from 21 July to 26 August and will be located through out the town centre. A full list of acts is available – for more information, visit the town centre information desk situated in Princess Square or log onto www.changebracknell.com.

Bracknell Streetlife

Get into the holiday spirit by visiting Bracknell's Malaysian Festival from 10am-4.30pm on Saturday 8th July in Charles Square. With activities for all the family to enjoy, it will be a truly authentic Malaysian experience. Things to see and do include:

o The official 'Gong' ceremony at 12 noon
o 200 balloon release
o Live dance and martial arts performances
o Food stalls
o Cooking demonstrations
o Batik painting
o Interactive craft stalls
o Massage
o A traditional wedding ceremony at 2pm

Bracknell Malaysian Festival

There is still time to enroll for the fun-packed programme of affordable activities for adults and children throughout the summer holidays at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

All the Bracknell swimming pools will be open with a choice of courses catering for all abilities, from toddlers in the training pool to children with little or no experience right through to the more confident swimmer.

For adults, Bracknell Leisure Centre is offering adult swimming courses for people of all abilities. The five-week programmes will run on Thursday nights from August 3 until August 31.

For swimmers looking to enter the swimming profession the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, ASA level one Assistant Teacher award and STA level two certificate in Aquatic Teaching are running.

The ever popular soccer camp and fun camps for children are back. This summer the annual football camps will be run by premiership champions Chelsea FC's soccer schools scheme.

The five day camps will be open to boys and girls aged five to 14 between July 31-August 4 and August 7-11, and includes lunch and a swim.

There are also pick-up-a-racquet courses, fun sessions, trampolining, gymnastics, multi-sports, badminton, soccer dribblers and much more.

And Bracknell Leisure Centre is offering teen balance and cycling and instructor led sessions in the BodyWorks gym.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "The courses offered by Bracknell Leisure Centre are an excellent way to keep adults and our children entertained throughout the summer holidays.

"These popular courses are great for keeping children and adults alike active and healthy, while letting them have fun at the same time."

To find out more about the courses and enroll call 01344 454203 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

More and more local residents are using Bracknell Council's website, www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk, to make use of the services it offers and just one of these is ordering new bins, for when the new alternate bin collection comes into force in October.

More than 3,500 requests for new blue and brown bins have been made on Bracknell Forest Borough Council's website during the last three weeks, according to the latest figures.

Bracknell Borough Council is encouraging local residents to make its website the first port of call when doing everyday chores, such as reporting a faulty street light or paying bills. Residents can even renew their library books online or the more energetic can book a badminton or squash court at the Leisure Centre - all from the comfort of their home at anytime, day or night.

Some of the services available on Bracknell Council's website include:

* Finding out about school term dates;
* Finding out about school holiday schemes / before and after school childcare;
* Reporting an abandoned vehicle;
* Renewing a library book;
* Information about how to pay parking fines;
* Finding out about Bracknell refuse collections;
* Finding out about disposing of garden waste;
* Reporting fly-tipping / illegal rubbish dumping;
* Reporting a graffiti problem;
* Reporting a pothole;
* Reporting a problem with a streetlight;
* Reporting a problem with a Bracknell pavement;
* Information on ways to pay council tax;
* Applying for a job online;
* Reporting a noice nuisance problem.

Alison Sanders, Director of Corporate Services at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "Changing the way services are offered is at the heart of our customer care and contact strategy and is helping us to deliver an ever-improving service to all of our customers, and saves us money. There is so much that can be done through our website and it can be done at any time. It creates flexibility in both the way people get in touch and when they choose to do so."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "The Council's web team aim to ensure the site is kept as up to date as possible so that residents have access to the services and information they need, whenever they need them.

"Going online is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get in touch with the Council or to find out about relevant information."

In the coming months Bracknell Forest Borough Council will be promoting its online services to local residents. To find out more log onto: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Children around Bracknell Forest will be on a mission to read this summer with the annual Bracknell Summer Reading Challenge.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Libraries and Information team is looking to inspire young people to read their way through the school holidays.

Four to twelve year-old children will be set the challenge of reading six or more books of their own choice during the holidays and those who complete the mission qualify to become special reading agents.

Each Bracknell participant will receive a reading mission pack in the style of a special agent attaché case, containing full details of their challenge, code-busting puzzles, tips on reading and help with charting their progress through the six books.

Library staff will be on hand to help children on their way and suggest interesting books for them to try and events, author visits and activities across the UK will all help to fire children’s imagination.

Mission accomplished medals and certificates will reward those who finish the Bracknell challenge, offering a great incentive for children to build a love of books and improve their reading skills.

The 2006 reading mission is a national campaign run by the Reading Agency in libraries around the UK.

This year the theme is around Alex Rider, the junior MI6 hero from Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling series of children’s books and forthcoming movie.

A dedicated website at www.readingmission.org.uk has been set up to support the reading mission throughout the summer. Children can post reviews of the books they are reading on the website and look at others comments.

Doreen Murgatroyd, Children’s Librarian at Bracknell Library said: "We hope as many local children as possible will accept this exciting mission and enjoy a summer of reading.

"Staff at our libraries will help children explore the wonderful world of books, and parents will find it’s the perfect way to keep their youngsters happy in the long summer break!"

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "This is a great way to give children a fun summer while helping them develop their reading skills.

"It offers a personal challenge to the children taking part and the chance to talk about the books they have read with family and friends.

"If they enjoy the books they read and develop a love of reading we hope they will quickly discover what their local library has to offer and become frequent visitors."

For more information contact Doreen Murgatroyd on 01344 423149, email doreen.murgatroyd@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Visit www.readingmission.org.uk and www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Applications for Bracknell school places are set to be easy-pc thanks to a new service set to launch in September.

Parents and carers will be able to apply for a secondary school place for their child at one of Bracknell Council’s schools from the comfort of their own home using a new online system.

From this September anyone with a child who is due to transfer from primary to secondary school in September 2007 will be able to apply for secondary school places online.

The service will be extended later in the year to enable applications for children starting primary school during the 2007-2008 academic year.

Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Bracknell Education, Children’s Services & Libraries, said: “The online service will run alongside the existing paper-based applications process as we know some people can’t access the internet easily. Online applications should take less time to complete as well as being more convenient.”

Parents or carers with queries about school admissions can visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk website or call 01344 354023 or 354144. More information about online applications will be available later in the summer.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Two wheels and pedal power will be way to get around the largest country in South America for one of Bracknell Forest's more adventurous headteachers.

Dave Donaldson, 60, headteacher at Wildridings Primary School in Bracknell is set to take part in this year’s Brazil Bike Ride in August, a sponsored event to raise cash for charity Mencap that works with people with learning disabilities.

Now in his thirtieth year as headteacher at the Bracknell Forest school Dave will ride 325 kilometres from the mountainous Ouro Preto region of Minas Gerais to Rio de Janeiro.

And this isn’t the first time he's taken up a major fundraising challenge for charity. In 2001 he raised cash for Mencap in a bike ride in China and since 1984 he’s been a regular participant in the annual fifty mile Three Counties Cycle Ride. In 1980 he rode all 860 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in seven days in another charity event.

Commenting on his forthcoming trip to Brazil which starts on August 10, Dave said: “I’m hoping to raise at least £3000 for Mencap which would work out at £100 for every year of my headship at Wildridings!

“Mencap is a great charity doing much valuable work so I’m delighted to have the chance to raise funds for them again while taking on what promises to be one of my toughest cycling challenges yet.”

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children's Services & Libraries said: "Dave is certainly one of our more adventurous headteachers who has managed to raise much needed cash for a good cause over the years.

"On behalf everyone at the Council I'd like to wish him the best of luck in Brazil."

If you would like to sponsor Dave then call Wildridings Primary School for a sponsorship form, tel: 01344 425483 or email him at: head@office.wildridings.bracknell-forest.sch.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police would like to talk to a group of men after two boys were assaulted in Bracknell on Wednesday (28/6).

The teenagers, both aged 15, were walking down the underpass at the Met Office roundabout, in London Road, Bracknell between 5.30pm and 6.30pm when they were approached by seven men – one of whom was white and the other six who were black.

The white offender became threatening towards the youths, who attempted to walk away. This man punched the teenagers in the face and the rest of the group laughed before they all left the scene.

The white man is around 16 to 18-years-old and approximately 6ft 5ins to 6ft 7in. He was wearing a grey hooded top and black trousers.

One of the black offenders is also thought to be aged 16 to 18, and was about 5ft 7in. He was wearing a blue GAP hooded top. There are no further descriptions of those involved in the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the assault is urged to contact PC Daemon Farry via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Anyone who does not wish to speak to police or leave their name, can phone the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Youngsters at St Michael's pre-school in Crowthorne Road, Bracknell, now have a larger area to play in thanks to the official opening of a new extension by Cllr Clifton Thompson, the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, and his Mayoress, Mrs Susan Thompson last Wednesday (28th June).

The current pre-school is located in the old school house. This used to be the original school and then the headmaster's house, dating back to the 1860s.

The new extension provides additional space for the children's activities as well as a play area in bad weather. It also includes a disabled toilet.

Bracknell Cllr Clifton Thompson, said: "It was a pleasure to be asked to open this new extension and to meet all the staff involved. We also met children from each year group at the school and these youngsters now have a much improved play area."

On leaving, the Bracknell mayoress was handed a momento of the day which included a photograph and thank you note, from the children, to hang on the wall at home.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

More than 600 children from around 20 Bracknell Forest primary schools got involved in the fun of the fair last Tuesday (27th July) when they attended the annual science circus organised by the South East Berkshire Education Business Partnership (SEBEBP).

The event, sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry and Syngenta and supported by local businesses was held inside a giant marquee at Syngenta in Jealotts Hill, Bracknell.

The aim of the day was to teach children that science can be fun. The pupils, all aged six and seven, took part in hands-on science activities.

Cllr Clifton Thompson, the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, together with his Mayoress, Sue Thompson, attended the event, to find out what it was all about and to take part in some of the science experiments on offer.

These included exhibits from Bracknell Forest PCT who taught children about healthy eating and gave them the challenge of matching the amount of fat contained in certain foods. Panasonic demonstrated to children how microwaves work, Thames Water talked about how much water we use and how water goes through the cleaning process. There were also exhibits from Oxford University who explained about hydraulic power and Setpoint who used a felt body shaped tabard to get the children to stick onto it the vital organs, in a bid to teach them about body parts.

Sue Rayment, Marketing and Projects Manager at SEBEBP, said: "This is one of the most important events in our calender and it is always hugely popular with the local school children. We always get lots of positive feedback from the children and their teachers.

"I would like to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors who made this event so successful and we welcome support from any new businesses. I would also like to thank the mayor of Bracknell Forest Borough Council for his support."

Cllr Clifton Thompson, said: "I think this science circus is a great idea and every year all these children get to find out about science in a really practical and fun way. Everybody really enjoyed the event and I too, learnt a thing or two, whilst I was looking around some of the exhibits."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council