Bracknell

The Mayor of Bracknell Forest will be helping a garden centre's fundraising efforts grow on Sunday when he officially opens a month-long programme of charitable events.

Bracknell Cllr Clifton Thompson will be supporting breast cancer awareness month when he joins staff at Moss End Garden Village on Sunday for the launch of its Pink October fundraising programme.

He will be lending his support to the centre in Warfield, which is running a series of events and special offers throughout October, to raise cash for Breast Cancer Care - a charity which provides help, support and advice to breast cancer suffers.

The first event, which Cllr Thompson will be attending, is a car boot sale on Sunday - which will run from 9am to 3pm. Bracken and Bramble will also be on hand from 11am to 2pm to give out horse rides to youngsters.

Cllr Thompson said: "I am very pleased to be able to go along and support Moss End's fundraising efforts for a very worthy charity.

"It is important that organisations like Moss End carry out such fundraising events because charities, like Breast Cancer Care, do rely on the generosity of people digging deep in their pockets and donating cash."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Leisure Centre would like as many people as possible to attend what could be part of Britain’s biggest ever coffee morning.

The Bracknell fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Relief will be taking place at the same time as scores of other coffee mornings across the country. The charity hopes to break the world record for the number of simultaneous coffee mornings.

The leisure centre will be hosting the coffee morning from 10am to 12.30pm on Friday, September 29, with a cake making competition - which will be judged at 10.30am.

Slices of award winning cakes will be sold for donations and all proceeds from tea and coffee sold at the coffee morning will be donated to the charity.

Cllr Clifton Thompson, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, said: This event has been well supported by Bracknell Forest residents in the past, and I hope it will be a success here once again.

It is an imaginative event for a good cause, so please do come along and join us for coffee and a slice of cake."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell police are sending a message to motorists not to “be a sucker to thieves,” after an increase in thefts of satellite navigation equipment from vehicles in the area.

Since 1 January this year, more than 120 ‘sat navs’ have been stolen from cars in Bracknell Forest local police area – in comparison with a total of 43 taken across the whole of the Thames Valley Police area in 2005.

Bracknell Crime reduction adviser Everett Bentley and Sgt Barry Cox from the Community Safety Team were out on patrol in Bracknell last Saturday (23/9), stopping drivers as they entered car parks at The Lookout, Coral Reef and the adjacent Raquets Sports Club.

“We advised motorists about the importance of taking sat navs with them whenever they park their vehicles,” said Everett. “Many drivers were unaware that leaving the support cradle and suction pads behind still encourages thieves to break into the car, because they assume the device is hidden in the glove box. Thieves will even spot the tell-tale cradle sucker mark on the window or dashboard.”

In an innovative scheme to get their message across, the Bracknell Community Safety Team is handing out free dusters to target groups of motorists. Each duster is printed with the slogan “Don’t be a sucker to thieves,” together with a reminder to wipe away the cradle sucker ring and always take your valuable sat nav with you.

“Sat nav systems can cost several hundred pounds,” said Everett. “We ask motorists whether they would leave £500 on the dashboard – and of course, the answer is no!”

Last Saturday, the officers handed out leaflets to motorists containing crime reduction advice, together with a ‘fuel gauge’ notice to display, indicating that their car was empty of valuables. “We had some very positive feedback from drivers, who were pleased to see a visible police presence and appreciated our advice,” said Everett. “Together with other members of the Community Safety Team, we will be patrolling The Meadows car park next weekend.”

For more information about how to protect your satellite navigation equipment from thieves, visit: www.crimereduction.gov.uk/vehiclecrime/vehiclecrime55.htm

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Cllr Peter North, Bracknell environmental health officers and winners of the Berkshire Safe Food Awards.Seven caterers in Bracknell Forest who have won gold or silver in Berkshire’s Safe Food Awards have been presented with certificates to mark their achievements.

Bracknell Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Public Protection and Services, presented the awards to some of the winners in the Council Chamber at Easthampstead House. Several of the winners also met the criteria for the Catering for Health section of the award.

The awards are open to any catering premises in the county, including restaurants, take-aways, canteens, schools, pubs, sandwich shops and mobile caterers. Bracknell Forest's winners were assessed by the Council's environmental health officers during routine inspections without any advance warning.

They were assessed under categories of food hygiene training, their food safety systems, confidence in management and adequacy of their food handling practices and facilities.

Catering for Health is jointly assessed with the Bracknell Forest Primary Care Trust and recognises the provision of a healthy menu choice.

Another 22 traders won bronze and 12 received passes. They are all encouraged to display their certificates in their premises in prominent customer view. Details of the Award assessments will shortly be available on the Council’s website.

The awards remain valid until the premises' next routine inspection - probably in 18 months to two years time. However, if standards are found to have fallen, the award will be withdrawn.

David Steeds, Head of Bracknell Environmental Health and Safety, said: "We want to be able to recognise the achievement of catering businesses in maintaining excellent standards of hygiene and to encourage them to improve further.

"Working in partnership with food businesses, and Bracknell Forest PCT, to help ensure the health residents and visitors is very important to the Council."

Cllr North said: ”I congratulate and thank these caterers for demonstrating they can achieve such high standards of food hygiene.

"The Awards are designed to reassure customers that they are eating in a quality establishment with staff who care about their health and well-being.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

It will certainly be the season to be jolly this December at Bracknell Leisure Centre, with the return of the festive Comedy Christmas Dinners.

The four evenings, which will take place in early and mid December, will offer a top-quality four-course meal, including the traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. It will all be finished off with fresh coffee and mince pies.

After dinner a stand-up comedian will entertain the audience before a disco will run until midnight to round off the evening.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "Last year the Comedy Christmas Dinners proved to be really entertaining and a great success, and perfect for a work Christmas party or a night out with your friends.

"The staff at Bracknell Leisure Centre will be providing their usual fantastic service with a smile to make your festivities one to remember.”

The Comedy Christmas Dinners are taking place on December 8, 9, 15 and 16, and costs £28.95 per person. To book, call 01344 861717, extension 205.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A woodland walk through one of the Bracknell borough's prettiest forests will take place this autumn to raise much needed funds for the Mayor's chosen charity.

Walkers young and old have been asked to get their wellies on for a stroll through Swinley Forest on Sunday, October 8, to raise money for Age Concern Bracknell Forest- the chosen charity of Bracknell Forest Mayor Cllr Clifton Thompson.

Dozens of Brownies are already limbering up to take on a three-mile trek but children and adults alike are needed to take on the challenge of The Mayor's ACORN Walk 2006.

The sponsored walk will start from Age Concern's day centre in Worlds End Hill, Forest Park, and will feature a supervised three-mile walk for children and five-mile walk for adults through the forest.

In honour of Cllr Thompson choosing to support Age Concern Bracknell Forest the popular annual ACORN Walk has been renamed in his honour.

Cllr Thompson said: "The Mayor's ACORN Walk will be a delightful stroll around Swinley Forest and I urge everyone to pull on their walking boots and join in the fun.

"Age Concern Bracknell Forest is a great charity that does a lot of hard work. This walk will raise some much needed funds for the charity's day centre in Bracknell so even if you can't get to the walk yourself please dig deep in your pockets and support anyone you know who is taking on the challenge."

Sponsorship forms are available from Age Concern Bracknell Forest and there is a three-mile walk or five-mile walk option available on the day.

Nina Wilmott, Chief Officer of Age Concern Bracknell Forest, said: "This walk is always an enjoyable event and we are pleased to have the mayor on board this year.

"Much-needed funds from the walk will go to our day centre which provides help, support and advice to older people living in Bracknell Forest."

For details and sponsorship forms drop in to Age Concern Bracknell Forest, Coopers Hill Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell or call 01344 428074.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

One of two high-performance cars stolen in a burglary at a house in Binfield, Binfield yesterday (18/9) has been recovered by police, but the other vehicle is still outstanding, and detectives investigating the crime are appealing for witnesses.

At 3.30am on Monday 18 September, a Bracknell resident of Fisher Green, Binfield, was woken up by the sound of a car reversing. He looked out of the window to see his silver Porsche Boxster being reversed out of his driveway.

As he watched, he saw the lights of his wife’s new blue Mini Cooper go on, and that vehicle was also driven away.

Burglars had broken into the house and stolen the keys to both cars, as well as a laptop, purse and wallet.

The Porsche was found by police in Reading at about 3pm yesterday (18/9), and recovered for forensic examination. However, the Mini and other stolen property is still missing.

Det Con Iain Watkinson of the Bracknell Priority Crime Team, who is investigating the thefts, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed these cars being driven in the area yesterday, or who saw anyone behaving suspiciously at the time the burglary occurred.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Watkinson on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Businesses are being invited to free height awareness training, which is being organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s environmental health officers.

The course, which is being run in association with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Panasonic and Speedy Tool Hire, is designed to help businesses - such as construction, window cleaning or commercial landlords - plan safe working at height.

The session will include:

• Information on the risks involved with working at height

• How to select appropriate equipment

• Demonstration of the practical use of equipment including ladders

• Guidance on asbestos removal

Suppliers will demonstrate new equipment while Bracknell Forest Borough Council and HSE staff will be on hand to give general advice if required.

The workshop is designed for managers, owners, electricians, painters and decorators, window cleaners, construction industry staff, TV/video/audio engineers and caretakers. It is also targeted for facility managers, commercial landlords, building managers and housing associations.

David Steeds, Head of Bracknell Environmental Health and Safety, said: "Sixty per cent of falls from height injuries resulted from people falling distances from below head height.

"Most deaths and injuries can be prevented if sensible measures are put in place.”

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: "Falls even from low heights can cause significant injuries and records show there are far too many of them happening. We aim to reduce these risks by targeting education and safety advice to those who will most benefit.

"The training will help make sure you and your staff are safe while out at work, so it is well worth attending."

The training will be on Tuesday, September 26, at Panasonic, Willoughby Road, Bracknell, RG12 8FP; from 1.30-5pm. To book a place, email inderjit.bajaj@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s cultural and visual environment officers have been shortlisted for the prestigious open spaces management team of the year award by magazine Horticulture Week.

The magazine's annual awards recognise the best in achievement, ability and performance across the entire British horticulture industry. The winners will be announced in London's Hurlingham Club in October.

When nominating itself, Bracknell Council said the team - which includes parks and countryside and landscape services - aims to encourage members of the public to go outdoors and enjoy the borough’s varied open spaces.

Their work also includes events such as educational games for children and walks and talks for adults, winning three Green Flag awards, working with partners on site-specific projects and being awarded additional funding - including two £1million Heritage Lottery Fund grants for the restoration of Lily Hill Park.

Officers from the department manage 80 parks, and each year, cut the equivalent of 64 million square metres of grass, grow 90,000 bedding plants and maintain more than 600 hanging baskets, 400 troughs, and 20 flower towers.

Additionally this summer, officers have worked to preserve water supplies, using careful planting and watering regimes and special gels in the soil which retain fluids so the popular hanging baskets could be maintained in Bracknell town centre.

Helen Tranter, Head of Culture and Visual Environment, said: We have an highly skilled and motivated team that work well together here in Bracknell Forest who work hard to maintain all of our superb open spaces.

”Just being shortlisted is a reflection of the care and attention made by our teams to ensure Bracknell Forest remains an attractive environment we can all enjoy.”

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure and Corporate Services, said: The staff and officers from our parks and countryside and landscape services work hard all year round to give us, weather permitting, parks and open spaces to enjoy and be proud of.

"Hearing about the shortlisting so soon after retaining our three Green Flags shows just how well our open spaces are managed in Bracknell Forest. I wish them every success when the winners are announced in October.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Continental Bracknell Market
Charles Square
Crossway and Broadway
Bracknell Town Centre

When: Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st October
10am – 4pm daily

Over 40 Continental Market stalls from all over Europe and beyond come together to bring culture and colour to Bracknell Town Centre.

What’s on offer: Taste the delights, take in the sights and sounds, and be transported to the Continent. With more than 40 stalls to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice this October at Bracknell’s Continental Market. This sumptuous three-day event is a sensory indulgence, which follows on from the success of the French Market and the Malaysian Festival. Organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council (BFBC) and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP), the Continental Market marks BFBC’s and BRP’s continued interest in bringing diverse events and unique cultural experiences into Bracknell Town Centre.

Whether you are buying for yourself, or family and friends, there is something for everybody. Choose between home-made Brittany biscuits, Muscadet and Bordeaux wines, Champagne, Italian Nougat, Belgian chocolates, German sausages, Dutch flowers, Spanish pottery, oriental rugs and French underwear. The list is endless.

Additional to all these wonderful stalls, with over 190 favourite retailers, cafes, bars and restaurants, open seven days a week and free parking on Sunday, there’s much more to discover in Bracknell.

Bracknell Regeneration Partnership

The Grange Hotel
Charles Square
Bracknell
RG12 1DF

When: Sunday 8th October; Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start

Bracknell Barbers and sister salon DA’s Salon (Priestwood) are holding a charity, “Fashion through the Decades”, catwalk show to raise money for Sebastian’s Action Trust. Tickets are £7.50 and are available from Bracknell Barbers, DA’s Salon and the Princess Square Information Desk.

What’s on offer: Sit back and enjoy a visually spectacular charity catwalk show in the sumptuous settings of The Grange Hotel. This lavish event will showcase the fashions that epitomised a generation of teenagers from the pre and post war 40’s to the noughties. A charity auction will also be taking place and with some fantastic goodies going under the hammer, you’ll need to get your bid in quick. To round up the evening, a scintillating surprise act, all the way from Spain, will be ensuring a fabulously flamboyant finale.

For one night only, enjoy a night of fun for all, where the very best (and worst!) of fashion throughout the ages will be making their way onto the runway. Using local models, hair is being styled by the event organisers, Bracknell Barbers and Bracknell DA’s Salon; and clothes will be fashioned by Bentalls, so it’s not a night to be missed. View the iconic ‘home front’ forties, ‘Greased’ 50’s, flower power 60’s, punk 70’s and Thriller 80’s. Additionally, be dazzled by a variety of dance displays, and be wowed by a showcase of up to date Avant Garde styles. See how they do it, with live hair braiding and leading stylist Psykes styling hair patterns on stage.

With Hatton Garden Jewellery, local art, a football signed by Reading FC, gifts from Calico, hair styling at Bracknell Barber’s and DA’s, and a meal for two at KOH-I-NOR, to name but a few, bid for some amazing lots in the charity auction.

‘Vision 2006’ is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and money for Sebastian’s Action Trust, a charity set up in honour of nine year-old cancer victim Sebastian Gates. Sebastian’s last wish was to help other children by creating a holiday home where families could spend precious time together in spite of an uncertain future. With local support, the proceeds from ‘Vision 2006’ should ensure that more families are given a helping hand when they need it the most.

For more information on Sebastian’s Action Trust, visit ww.sebastiansactiontrust.org

Bracknell Barbers and Bracknell DA’s Salon

Budding Bracknell bookworms will be encouraged to start reading books this autumn as part of a scheme called Bookstart.

Now in its second year Bookstart gives Bracknell youngsters fun reading material to enjoy with their parents and carers to help them develop a lifelong love of books.

The scheme provides families with a free pack containing two books appropriate to their age.

Parents can pick up the first pack at their child's seven to nine-month health check and there are follow-up Bookstart Plus packs for 18 month year-olds and My Bookstart Treasure Chest packs for three year-olds.

Each pack also includes crayons and stickers.

A series of information sessions at Bracknell Council's libraries has been organised around National Bookstart Day on October 6. These will give parents and carers the chance to find out more and pick up a pack for their child and the dates are as follows:

Bracknell Library, Town Square, Bracknell

10.30 -11.15am

Wednesday September 13

Thursday October 19

Tuesday November 7

Tuesday December 12

Whitegrove Library, 5 County Lane, Warfield, Bracknell

10.30 -11.15am

Tuesday October 10

Harmans Water Library, The Square, Harmans Water, Bracknell

10.30 -11.15am

Tuesday November 16

Parents should take their red health record book to collect their child's pack.

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries, said: "This scheme encourages young children to see reading as fun and it introduces them to books as a way of learning.

"If children enjoy books during their early years they are more likely to develop a lifelong love of them.

"And once they're hooked on books they'll be able to explore the great range of reading material at one of our excellent libraries."

Bookstart is a national scheme being run by Booktrust, a charity dedicated to promoting books and reading.

For more information visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/libraries

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A group of teaching assistants from Bracknell Forest Borough Council's schools are celebrating success in national qualifications.

Some eleven Bracknell teaching assistants gained Higher Level Teaching Assistant status while a further 27 passed NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant or Administration qualifications.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries presented each of them with a certificate to mark their achievement last week (September 7).

Higher Level Teaching Assistant status is similar to a quality accreditation and is given to teaching assistants who demonstrate their work meets the highest standards set by the Teaching and Development Agency.

To achieve it the Bracknell teaching assistants were assessed againts criteria including professional values and practice, knowledge and understanding, teaching and learning activities.

Each candidate had to complete a portfolio of work and be interviewd by an assessor.

The NVQ students were also assessed as they worked in their schools and on a portfolio of their work.

Tony Eccleston said: "Well done to all the successful teaching assistants who have put in a good deal of hard work to achieve these qualifications.

"The skills and knowledge they have gained make them a huge asset to our schools.

"Their support for our teachers is invaluable and I hope their success will inspire them to continue learning and developing their skills."

There are no mandatory qualifications for teaching assistants but all those working in Bracknell Council's schools are encouraged to undertake professional training towards a formal qualification. Grants are available for some courses.

Any teaching assistant who wants to find more about the qualifications they can take should contact Susan Alcock on 01344 354087, email: susan.alcock@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Teaching assistant roles are advertised on the Council's website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/jobs

The successful students are:

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Clare Leahy, College Hall Pupil Referral Unit, HLTA

Carolyn Smith, Holly Spring Junior School, HLTA

Kay Fawkes, St Michael's CE Primary School, Sandhurst, HLTA

Charlotte Moore, St Michael's CE Primary School, Sandhurst, HLTA

Judith Sturgeon, College Town Infant School, HLTA

Stephanie Weber, Cranbourne Primary School, HLTA

Ann Burdett, Whitegrove Primary School, HLTA

Rosemary Wood, Whitegrove Primary School, HLTA

Heather McClumpha, Cranbourne Primary School, HLTA

Diane Owens, College Town Infant School, HLTA

Samantha Ben-Galia, Cranbourne Primary School, HLTA

NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Tamsin Quantrell, Whitegrove Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Narrinder Berg, St Margaret Clitherow RC Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Lorraine Clark, Sandy Lane Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Julie Daley, Sandy Lane Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Sylvia Ewart, Crown Wood Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Tracy Kirkwood, Crown Wood Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Alison Ledermann, Crown Wood Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Susan Jackson, Crown Wood Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Lynn Molyneux, Whitegrove Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Alison O'Reilly, Kennel Lane School, NVQ L3 Teachng Assistant

Samantha O'Connor, Kennel Lane School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Maxine Hellier, Kennel Lane School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Clare Coombs, Kennel Lane School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Joanne Bishop, Kennel Lane School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

David Brown, Kennel Lane School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Margaret Champion, Kennel Lane School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Lynne Dooner, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Sarah Miles, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Susie Court, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Lesley Spiller, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Cindy Henn, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Catrin Powell, Uplands Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

Natasha Bye, Whitegrove Primary School, NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant

NVQ Level 3 Administration

Liz Best, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Administration

Mary Earle, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Administration

Sue Woodhouse, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Administration

Sheila Mellors, Easthampstead Park School, NVQ L3 Administration

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

New Hope will be given to drug-users in Bracknell Forest wanting to kick the habit when the borough's only drop-in service officially expands next month (Tuesday, September 12).

Extra services and support will be available to drug users wanting to beat their addictions when Bracknell New Hope expands to offer a seamless treatment package.

New services on offer include helping addicts who are at risk of losing their homes, providing individual treatment sessions every week, expanding the day-care programme to include 12 people instead of six and giving help and advice to prisoners due to return to the borough upon parole.

The expansion, which includes a new meeting room, follows the successful launch of New Hope in July 2005 and will host Bracknell Forest's only Narcotics Anonymous meeting on Wednesday evenings.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team started planning the expansion earlier this year and with the input of service users it was finished in July.

The expansion will be officially opened when a new Structured Day Care Programme, run by Cranstoun Drug Agency but commissioned by the council's drug and Alcohol Action Team, is unveiled on September 12, although additional services have been running for the past six weeks.

Jillian Hunt, DAAT Coordinator and Joint Commissioner, said: "Since the opening of New Hope there has been a significant increase in residents entering substance misuse services.

"This does not mean the number of residents with issues around the misuse of substances has grown but it shows having a local service has improved access and cut down on the time people have to wait to enter treatment programmes.

"The success of the service being provided has meant we had to expand both the premises and services provided."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: "This expansion will quite literally offer drug users in Bracknell Forest new hope.

"We do not have a big drugs problem in the borough but what we do have is a comprehensive treatment centre which is available to anyone who does have an addiction and wants to get help."

Residents concerned about their own alcohol or drug addictions or those of a friend or relative can go along to the launch where a host of information and support will be available from staff and service users.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A new online service to help Bracknell parents and carers apply for their child's place at secondary school goes live tomorrow (September 8).

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has devised the new service so that anyone with a child who is due to transfer from primary to secondary school in September 2007 will be able to complete and submit their application online.

From tomorrow parents will be able to access the online application web pages through the home page of the Council's website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/doitonline

Paper applications will still be available to those who prefer more traditional methods.

When parents log-on to apply online they will find each stage of the process is explained. What's more, applications don't need to be completed in one sitting as applicants save what they have done and come back to finish it at a later time.

The system also asks applicants to correct any basic errors it identifies and provides peace of mind by sending an email to confirm the application has been safely received.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "We are pleased to offer parents this new service which should make the important job of applying for a child's place at school simpler.

"We know a good number of parents already use our website to research schools and the admissions process.

"Given the growing popularity of the internet for all sorts of transactions I am sure many parents will appreciate being able to apply online."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "This new service promises to make it easier for parents to make important choices about where their children go to school.

"The good news for parents is that all of our schools are providing a high quality education for our children and they need only look at this year's exam results for the evidence of that."

Parents will be able to apply online for their child's place at secondary school from tomorrow (September 8) until the deadline on October 13.

Parents with a child whose fifth birthday falls on or between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 will be able to apply their child's place at Bracknell primary school from November 1. They will have until February 2, 2007 to complete their application.

Any parents who want to apply online but don't have ready access to the internet can visit one of the Council's libraries where they can get online for free.

More general information on the admissions process is available at the Council's website in the learning section. Alternatively call the school admissions team on 01344 354023 or 354144, email: school.admissions@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Children at Bracknell Forest Borough Council's schools are tucking in to healthier school meals this week.

Back in June the Council agreed a new three year contract with school meals specialist Caterhouse Ltd for primary school meals.

And for secondary schools Eden Foodservice, formerly Initial Catering, had their existing contract extended until September 2007.

Caterhouse has put together new menus that focus on making primary school meals even healthier - a key priority for parents, carers, students and school staff who were consulted last year.

The new menus include many of the dishes Bracknell children named as favourites but there is a fresh emphasis on higher quality ingredients such as organic milk, free-range eggs and local produce.

Children will be encouraged to eat fresh vegetables and help themselves to crunchy salad, crusty bread, fresh fruit and yoghurt which will be available every day.

Schools will send parents a copy of the new school menu, which is also available on the Council's website, in the next few days.

In the consultation over half of secondary school students said healthy eating concerned them but cost was the biggest factor in choosing their lunch.

As a result Eden Foodservice will replace chocolate, crisps, fizzy drinks and sweets with healthier options such as fresh fruit, juice and water in secondary schools.

Students will now benefit from new food-court style layout in their cafeterias with a choice of traditional, hot deli or cold deli-meals.

The deli services will offer fresh fruit, healthy drinks, yoghurt and a selection of fresh cakes, bakes and biscuits prepared on the premises. New recipes with more nutritious ingredients and lower levels of fat, sodium and sugar will be on offer.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "I am delighted our children can now look forward to even healthier school meals this term.

"The new menus offer healthy, nutritious food and I hope parents will encourage their children to try them."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "Parents asked us to come up with healthier school meals when we consulted them and that is exactly what we have done.

"Our children are eating tasty food made with better quality ingredients and I am pleased we are playing our part in helping them build a healthy future. I hope parents will now do their bit by encouraging their children to try out the new meals."

Expert dieticians at Bracknell Forest Primary Care Trust inspect and approve the menus on behalf of the Council. They will also be checked against Government regulations coming into force this month for primary schools.

Download a sample primary school menu and find out more about the new school meals at: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/schoolmeals

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Any residents who would like a new blue Bracknell wheelie bin as Alternate Bin Collection (ABC) starts on October 2 should order one now.

Residents in up to 17,000 households across Bracknell Forest have already started using the new containers for the recycling of all types of plastic bottles, food tins and drinks cans and empty aerosols.

Once delivered they can be used immediately and left at the kerbside on your recycling collection day for emptying.

Residents who would like a brown wheelie bin for the garden waste kerbside collection can order them from Bracknell Council for a one off payment of £30. If a brown bin has been requested online or over the phone, residents will need to return the form sent to them by the Council with the payment before the bin can be delivered.

If residents have a blue wheelie bin, the existing kerbside boxes are for paper and card recycling. As an alternative to having a blue wheelie bin, additional kerbside boxes can be ordered for all types of plastic bottles, food tins and drinks cans and empty aerosols.

The Council is introducing new collection cycles from October 2. One week recycling and garden waste collections will be made; the following week landfill waste will be collected from the green wheelie bin.

Cllr Peter North, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection and Services, said: Many residents already using their blue wheelie bins are finding their green wheelie bin is already half empty when it is collected.

If you have not yet ordered your new recycling containers, please do so as soon as possible to ensure you have plenty of capacity for all your recycling and refuse once ABC begins.”

Bracknell 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 alone - just to carry on as we are.

ABC roadshows are continuing, with staff on hand to give information, help and advice about the new scheme at the following locations:

Wednesday, September 6: 3.30-5.30pm - Harmanswater shops, Ralph's Ride.

Friday, September 8: 3.30-5.30pm - Albert Road car park.

Tuesday, September 12: 3.30-5.30pm - Birch Hill shops, Leppington.

Thursday, September 14: 3.30-5.30pm - Crown Row shops, Opladen Way.

Wednesday, September 20: 3.30-5.30pm - Great Hollands Square shops.

Thursday, September 28: 3.30-5.30pm - Easthampstead Community Centre, Rectory Lane.

Wednesday, October 4: 3.30-5.30pm - Owlsmoor shops, Victoria Road.

Tuesday, October 10: 3:30-5:30pm - Coffee Spot, York Town Road.

To order the extra recycling containers or to arrange a home visit by a recycling advisor, call 01344 352000 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/abc

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police in Bracknell are again warning residents about a series of house burglaries across the area in recent weeks that all have a common factor.

John Oblein, Crime Reduction Adviser for Bracknell local police area, said: “Homes are being targeted by burglars who know an easy way in. The burglars have targeted replacement front doors, that means those with several locking points into the door frame and with a letterbox located close to the lock. The thieves are either reaching for the inside handle using a tool and opening the door, or fishing for keys through the letterbox with a long implement.

“Residents may feel they are safe at night in their own homes, but unless the key is turned fully to set the deadlock, the door is not secure. Of course this applies to any other external door, not just the front door. If you have these deadlocks fitted, you must turn the key to keep the burglar out.

“Car keys can be a target, but the thieves will search for other valuables that they can carry away. Be warned that some home insurance policies may be invalid if the door is not locked properly.

“If you have a burglar alarm already, you should know that they have different zones that can be switched on or off independently. This means that the house can be alarmed downstairs while the residents sleep in another zone which is not activated.

“If you have concerns about fire safety in the home, especially about unlocking doors in an emergency, it is possible to plan your escape route and have access to keys that will enable you to get out of the house quickly and safely. Smoke detectors are an essential part of your home kit. Visit www.rbfrs.co.uk/fs_localfiresafety.asp or call the helpline on 0118 932 2152 for further home fire safety advice.”

For more advice on home security, contact Bracknell police area’s crime reduction advisers Everett Bentley on 01344 823483 and John Oblein on 01344 823482, or visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Residents can visit some of Bracknell Forest's most interesting buildings and parks over the annual Heritage Open Days weekend.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has arranged for seven sites to be among the thousands of buildings and venues across the country which will open to visitors free of charge between Thursday, September 7, and Sunday, September 10. The scheme is nationally co-ordinated by the Civic Trust in partnership with English Heritage.

The special events and guided tours in the borough include seeing the William Morris stained glass windows and bell tower at St Michael and St Mary Magdalene Church in Easthampstead. Meanwhile, children can use the windows as inspiration for making their own stained glass window from coloured cellophane or do some brass rubbing.

Walkers can take a step back in time in Warfield or visitors can enjoy the rare opportunity to look around Lily Hill House or the gardens of Newbold College.

A stand and exhibition in Bracknell town centre will give information and details about all the events – there will even be a small exhibition of some interesting archaeological and social history finds from the area.

Agostina Hawkins, the Council's heritage officer, said: "Bracknell Forest will be celebrating its unique local heritage with a fantastic selection of open days, exhibitions and children’s activities.

"They are all free so please do make the most of this rare opportunity."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: "Here in Bracknell Forest borough there are some truly fascinating places with rich and diverse histories.

"The Heritage Open Days give everybody the chance to visit some of these hidden treasures and learn some more about them."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell NCT
Carnation Hall,
Chavey Down Road,
Winkfield Row,
Bracknell
Saturday 18th November 2006

Bracknell NCT are holding a Table Top Sale and Christmas Fayre at Carnation Hall, Chavey Down Road, Winkfield Row, Bracknell on Saturday 18th November 2006 between 2pm and 3.30pm. Entrance £1. Refreshments will be available to purchase during the event.

The Table Top Sale will be an additional opportunity for parents-to-be and parents to sell items in the Bracknell area, whilst supporting the NCT. In keeping with the approach of the Nearly New Sales, the Table Tops will be limited to items relevant to parents of babies, pre-school and primary children. Browse and buy good quality items, including: childrens/babies toys, games, books, videos, baby goods and small equipment. Proceeds from the event will be used to continue our work in the local area, which includes training new antenatal teachers for Bracknell, and also to raise funds nationally for the NCT. In addition, there will be a number of retail stalls offering exciting products to browse and you’ll have an opportunity to start your Christmas shopping early!

You don’t have to be a member of the NCT to come along – we’d love to meet you! Interested in being a stall holder? Please contact Jan on 01344 302184 or email secretary@bracknell-nct.org.uk. Places are limited so if you are interested, register your interest as soon as possible. Bracknell NCT website: www.bracknell-nct.org.uk.

Be there, and bag a pre-Christmas bargain!