Bracknell

Making sure Bracknell health services are adequately funded and meet the needs of the community will be top of the agenda if a new health and well-being strategy is approved.

The Bracknell Council has drafted the Health and Well-being Strategy as a guide for both the Council and local health providers, including Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT), to ensure the right healthcare is available to meet the needs and expectations of the borough's residents.

Anyone living in Bracknell Forest will be able to comment on the strategy if the Council's Executive agrees at its meeting on Tuesday, June 5, that it should go out for public consultation this summer.

The strategy sets out Bracknell Council's ideas for action for health and well-being. In addition, it also responds to suggestions and comments made by residents during the PCT's Right Care, Right Place - Your Say survey carried out in January.

It looks at the health and care needs of the community for the next decade and also looks at the best locations for possible healthcare facilities in the borough.

It will also aim to cut duplication between health partners and Bracknell Council so more time can be spent on creating a better service for everyone.

Other objectives include showing residents what the Council is responsible for, what the PCT is responsible for, and where there is joint responsibility for services so people can quickly get to the right person for help; supporting communities to take responsibility for their own well-being; promoting health education in schools; reviewing where funding for services needs to be changed in the future; and promoting health and wellbeing opportunities within the borough.

If the Executive agrees to put the strategy out for public consultation all comments, suggestions and ideas from residents will be welcomed and considered. Health practitioners, health and care partners will also be asked for feedback before it is formally adopted later this year.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "It is of utmost importance that all of our residents get the best possible healthcare and support possible.

"This strategy is essential so we can fund, plan and allocate resources for the healthcare facilities the people of Bracknell Forest want, need and deserve.

"It will help shape and tailor what healthcare and support services are available for our residents in the future so that any gaps in the system at the moment are closed and healthcare for all is top of the agenda."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Volunteers across Bracknell Forest will be taking pride in the environment to mark National Volunteer Week, which runs from Friday, June 1.

Local Bracknell conservation groups carry out regular volunteering around the borough and are always looking for more residents to help them with their wide range of activities.

Anyone wanting to help should wear practical clothes and sturdy footwear and just turn up at the events below:

* Saturday, June 2, 10am-1pm - Westmorland Pond, Westmorland Park, Warfield.

Members of the public can assist with a local pond survey by recording what lives in the pond and the surrounding habitats.

* Saturday, June 2, from 10am - Scout Hut, Leppington, Birch Hill.
Join Birch Hill's bi-montly community litter pick.

* Sunday June 3, 10am-3.30pm - Westmorland Park, Warfield
Join Windsor and Maidenhead Conservation Volunteers for a site tidy up including removal of redundant tree guards, coppicing of mature shrub beds and ragwort control.

* Tuesday, June 5, 9.30am-3.30pm - Allsmoor Lane, Martins Heron
Bracknell Conservation Volunteers are clearing invasive shrubs and building a stag beetle loggery. There will also be a display showing conservation opportunities within Bracknell Forest borough.

* Saturday, June 9, 10am-noon - Allsmoor Lane, Martins Heron
Allsmoor Action Group will be litter picking and clearing culverts of debris.

* Saturday, June 9, 10.30am- 3pm - Bandstand, Bracknell town centre
Volunteer day organised by Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action. Various stands and entertainment including displays showing conservation opportunities within Bracknell Forest borough.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "Take Pride is a highly successful partnership between the authority and we residents of the borough to improve our local communities and I would like to thank everyone who regularly gives up their time to improve the environment, and urge anyone who would like to volunteer to try one of the special events."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest councillors extended a warm welcome to Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, ward councillor for Hanworth, as she became the new Mayor of the Borough at the annual meeting of the Council last night (Wednesday, May 23).

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch was elected Bracknell Mayor during the Mayor Making part of the meeting and will now take over as first citizen of Bracknell Forest from Cllr Clifton Thompson.

Cllr Thompson was Mayor of Bracknell borough for a year, during which time he and the Mayoress, Mrs Sue Thompson, supported Age Concern Bracknell Forest as the chosen mayoral charity.

Throughout the year Cllr Thompson attended many functions and events as the borough's representative and met many of Bracknell Forest's residents, volunteers and and business people.

During his term of office the outline planning applications for the new town centre were approved and the principal development agreement confirmed; and Cllr Thompson witnessed the signing of the multimillion pound RE3 waste disposal project and the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change - both major commitments for the Council.

Cllr Mrs Birch was Deputy Mayor for Cllr Thompson, and during Wednesday's ceremony she introduced the new Deputy Mayor as Cllr Bob Edger, ward councillor for College Town.

Her consort for the year will be her husband and fellow councillor Cllr Dale Birch, who is Executive Member for Adult Service, Health and Housing, Deputy Leader of the Council and ward councillor for Little Sandhurst and Wellington.

Her mother Margaret Kingston and two children Susie Birch, 25, and Graham Birch, 27, were also present at the ceremony on Wednesday to see Cllr Mrs Birch officially take over as Bracknell Forest Mayor.

Cllr Mrs Birch said: "I have had a really wonderful year as deputy mayor and I'm sure I'll have an even more enjoyable year as Mayor of the borough, being an ambassador for Bracknell Forest and meeting many of the borough's residents and discovering all the wonderful things they do for all of us to make this the borough of opportunity. "

Cllr Thompson added: "My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed my year in office and meeting people from across the borough and beyond.

"I was lucky enough to witness some very exciting developments throughout the year as well, including the approval of plans for the town centre redevelopment, the signing of the RE3 waste project and the signing of the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change - which is a major commitment from the Council.

"I would like to thank everyone who made my Mayoral year so special and would like to wish Cllr Mrs Birch all the best for her Mayoral term."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Night patrols are taking place to catch vandals who have damaged community facilities in to Lily Hill Park.

In recent weeks, the summer house has had its roof damaged and been covered in graffiti, while the amphitheatre has been damaged by frequent fires and structures being torn down.

Visiting school and youth groups frequently used both areas as open air classrooms, and the amphitheatre was built by conservation volunteers. Park officers are repairing the damage was quickly as possible so residents can continue to enjoy the park's facilities.

Bracknell Council is working closely with Thames Valley Police to catch and bring the vandals to justice.

Earlier this year, the second phase of the park's £2million lottery-funded refurbishment was unveiled, with praise given to the volunteers who gave up their time over the 10-year project to reflect Victorian and 1930s landscape designs and planting.

Richard Scrivener, Lily Hill Park project officer, said: "We have started random night time patrols to enforce the law.

"We fully intend to help the police make arrests and inform parents of any illegal activity caused by their children in the park. We will not be beaten by this mindlessness."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Ward member for Bullbrook, said: "Vandalism of any kind should not and will not be tolerated. Officers of the Council and conservation volunteers have spent countless hours faithfully restoring our park to its former state and I know from the comments made to me, both from residents within my ward and from visitors to the park, the restoration is much admired and greatly enjoyed.

"Don't let the moronic few spoil our parks and countryside. If you see vandalism taking place in any public area, please call the police on 0845 8505505."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A spot of afternoon tea gave the Mayor and Mayoress of the Borough of Bracknell Forest an insight into the hopes and aspirations of young people living at Rainforest Walk when he stopped off for a cuppa and a chat last Thursday.

Bracknell Cllr Clifton Thompson and his wife Sue visited Rainforest Walk in Easthampstead to see what the youngsters living there are hoping to achieve and have a general chat.

Rainforest Walk provides a home to 20 young people aged between 16 and 25, who live independently in their own flats but also have support available 24 hours a day to provide a safe environment where they can learn life skills, pursue training, education and employment.

Rainforest Walk is owned and managed by Look Ahead Housing and Care and Bracknell Council refers young people to the scheme - many of whom have faced difficulties in their lives.

During the visit Cllr Thompson and Mrs Thompson were also given a guided tour of Rainforest Walk by residents. They saw the accommodation while the Bracknell residents told the Mayor and Mayoress about some of the qualifications they are studying for and what career goals they have for the future.

Cllr Thompson said: "It was really refreshing to meet the young residents living at Rainforest Walk last week. I was really pleased to listen to what they had to say and to hear all about what goals and aspirations they have.

"Rainforest Walk really does give the residents a good opportunity to develop their prospects and I wish them every success in the future."

Ashley Farquharson, Rainforest Walk's Acting Contract Manager said: "The Mayor's visit to Rainforest Walk provided our residents with a fantastic opportunity to ask him questions about local government."It also enabledthem to share with the Mayor the hard work they are putting into taking control of their lives.

"We all really appreciated the interest he showed and enjoyed having an opportunity to show him what positive steps residents are making at Rainforest Walk."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The main Bracknell problems raised by Easthampstead and Wildridings residents at neighbourhood meetings are antisocial behaviour and speeding.

Together with my colleague PCSO Martin Homer, I’ve been carrying out regular patrols at antisocial behaviour hotspots, particularly in the evenings when most of the problems occur.

For example, there have been several incidents at Bracknell Sports Centre, such as criminal damage to the stadium and broken glass left on the sports pitches. We are working with the centre’s management to put a stop to the problem. In addition to our own patrols, we are taking part in Operation Lion Cub, an area-wide antisocial behaviour initiative involving other members of the Bracknell neighbourhood team throughout the summer months.

In relation to traffic issues, we have carried out a speed check operation, warned people about cycling on the pavement, and liaised with Bracknell Forest Borough Council about putting speed humps in the Mill Pond car park to stop cars ‘displaying’ and performing noisy manoeuvres. We are also looking for volunteers to man Speedwatch roadside checks to deter speeding motorists.

Crime in Easthampstead and Wildridings is generally low, but we have had several non-dwelling break-ins recently. Bracknell PC Doug Crowe and I went out on foot patrol in the early hours of the morning, when the incidents were taking place. On one patrol, we arrested a 17-year-old girl, who was later sentenced to four months in prison for a series of shoplifting offences.

If anyone would like to speak to us about policing issues in Easthampstead and Wildridings, PCSO Martin Homer and I hold regular beat surgeries at Easthampstead Community Centre. The next one is on Monday 4 June, from 5.30pm to 7pm, and all are welcome to drop in for a chat.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a racially aggravated assault on Sunday (11/05).

At about 2.30pm a man in his thirties, driving a red saloon car, had stopped at traffic lights on Mill Lane, Bracknell, at the Twin Bridges roundabout. A man driving a van, who had stopped behind him, got out and walked to the car driver’s door.

The van driver opened the car door, racially abused him and punched him in the mouth, causing injuries. The offender then drove off in his van.

The van is a white Vauxhall. The van driver is white, aged between 35 and 40, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins and of muscular build. He has a bald or shaved head and was wearing a dark blue polo shirt.

Anyone who saw the incident or has any information is asked to contact Bracknell PC Simon Gettings via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Comedy

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
John Shuttleworth
in With My Condiments!
Sunday 3 June
8pm
Tickets £14
Comedy from Sheffield's most celebrated versatile singer/organist.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

Dance

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Union Dance: Heaven on Earth
Thursday 14 June
7.30pm
Tickets £12, Concessions £11, Members £10, Schools & Under 21s £8
Afro-European and Asian elements combine with Hip-Hop to create a captivating emotive evening of dance.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

Entertainment

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
George Alagiah
Home from Home
Saturday 16 June
8pm
Tickets £14, Concession £13, Members £12
George Alagiah charts his transformation from immigrant boy to English man.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Brian Sewell
The adventures of an Art Critic
Sunday 17 June
3pm
Tickets £12, Concession £11, Members £10
A sharp wit, an unforgettable entertaining delivery and a guarantee to break every PC taboo.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

Music

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Counterfeit Stones - Itching To Entertain You
Friday 1 June
8pm
Tickets £15.50, Concessions £14.50, Members £13.50
The number one tribute band for the Rolling Stones.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
The Folk Musicians of Rajasthan
Saturday 2 June
8pm
Tickets £14, Members £12.50, NUS & Under 21s £7
Traditional Folk musicians who perform vocal compositions of the Sufi poets accompanied on the sarangi and kamenche.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Josaka New Music Show
Thursday 7 June
8pm
Tickets £5
Great new alternative music from signed and unsigned bands.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Polar Bear
Saturday 9 June
8pm
Tickets £11, Members £10, NUS & Under 21s £7
Jazz 'n' Stuff gig: Bursting onto the scene in 2006 as one of only a handful of jazz groups to be nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Platform
Thursday 14 June
8pm
Tickets £3
An acoustic night featuring the best local musical talent.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Into the Bleach
Friday 15 June
8pm
Tickets £13, Concession £12, Members £11
The only Blondie tribute act to be officially endorsed by Debbie Harry herself
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Harmonica Masterclass
Monday 18 June
8pm-10pm
Tickets £12, Members £10, NUS & Under 21s £8
Big George Brock gives lots of tips on how to make the harmonica sound mean and dirty.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Jazz 'n' Stuff Special
Wednesday 27 June
8pm
Tickets £10, NUS & Under 21s £6
The ground-shaking harmonica legend Big George Brock with support from Pete Molinari.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Scene And Heard: John Lenehan's Film Fantasia
Friday 29 June
8pm
Tickets £12, Members & BFS Members £10, NUS & Under 21s £6
Silent film with live music - pianist John Lenehan brings his Film Fantasia programme.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

Theatre

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Agreste (Drylands)
Tuesday 29 - Wednesday 30 May
8pm
Tickets £12, Concessions £11, Members £10, Schools & Under 21s £4
An intimate tale of mystery, prejudice and enduring love. Not recommended for under 14s.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

South Hill Park
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Monday 18 - Saturday 23 June
7.30pm, Saturday Matinee 2.30pm
Tickets £14, Concessions £13, Members £12, Schools & Under 21s £8
Follow some of Shakespeare's most memorable characters into the wonderful woods and grounds of South Hill Park.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123
www.southhillpark.org.uk <http://www.southhillpark.org.uk>

Clara Flintoff
Marketing and Press Officer
South Hill Park
Ringmead
Bracknell
Berkshire RG12 7PA

(01344) 413524
www.southhillpark.org.uk

A roadshow will be touring Bracknell Forest to help businesses and residents prepare to go smokefree.

All Bracknell businesses and enclosed public areas will need to become smokefree by Sunday, July 1. While many offices and other businesses are already are non-smoking, the most visible area of change will be seen in pubs and restaurants.

The roadshow will include advice on the new regulations from environmental health officers. It will be at:

Monday, May 21 - Charles Square, Bracknell town centre: 9.30am-3.30pm
Tuesday, May 22 - Charles Square, Bracknell town centre: 9.30am-3.30pm
Wednesday, May 23 - Wickes, Western Road, Bracknell: 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday, May 24 - Sandhurst Town Council, Yorktown Road, 9.30am-3.30pm
Friday, May 25 - Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, 9.30am-3pm.

Local employers can also request a member of the Council's environmental health team to visit their offices to talk through the implications and how best to address them.

The new law applies to all pubs, clubs, shops, hotels, shops, taxis and vehicles used for work - including privately owned cars if regularly used for work by more than one person. Smoking rooms will no longer be allowed, businesses considering building smoking shelters should check with the Council to ensure they comply with the law, including if they need planning permission or changes to any license to sell alcohol. All companies must display approved no smoking signs.

Going smokefree is designed to protect people from second-hand smoke or passive smoking which can cause cancer and heart disease. Smoking is the single biggest cause of ill health and premature death in the UK and kills about 106,000 people every year. One in five deaths is smoking related.

Additionally, the minimum age for buying cigarettes is rising from 16 to 18 in October. While many Bracknell traders routinely ask for proof of age for restricted products, the officers regularly undertake test purchases to ensure businesses and their staff are complying with the law. Later this summer retailers which sell cigarettes, alcohol and other age-restricted products will be offered an e+ card reader, which can quickly verify the date of birth of the cardholder.

David Steeds, Head of Bracknell Environmental Health and Safety, said: "Going smokefree will have a significant impact on many people in the borough and we are very keen to work with local businesses to help them implement the new rules.

"If you have any questions, attend a roadshow or call us and make sure your business is smokefree by July 1."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell flowers launchBracknell Regeneration Partnership (BRP), the Council and Bracknell Town Council are working together to ensure Bracknell Flowers 2007 is the best the town has ever seen. Launched today, Bracknell Flowers is focusing on making the town centre and its surrounding villages bright, vibrant and beautiful.

Bracknell Flowers represents Bracknell’s entry in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition and this year organisers are hoping to repeat the success of recent years, which saw Bracknell Forest receiving the Silver Gilt Award certificate for best in the large town/small city category for the Thames and Chiltern regional heats four years in a row.

Attending the official launch ceremony, Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Corporate Services said: “The Bracknell Flowers team has achieved wonders in previous years and I am looking forward to seeing the magnificent displays they have in store for us this year. I am sure residents and visitors to Bracknell town centre will join me in thanking the generous sponsors and the dedicated team, without whose help we would not be here celebrating the launch of the special campaign that is putting our town on the map.”

Sponsors of this year’s Bracknell Flowers include the Town Council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, Land Securities plc, Quintiles, Easthampstead Park, Sejwix, Courtney Coaches, Bentalls and Fairbrother & Darlow.

Helen Barnett of BRP is looking to putting Bracknell on the map again with this year’s entry, commenting: “Having won best in category for four years running, we are determined to repeat the success and the team have put together a programme that blends creative floral displays with strong permanent landscaping that really brings the town centre to life with colour and structure.

“We want to thank both the team, working tirelessly behind the scenes, and all our generous sponsors, who together are bringing this year’s Bracknell Flowers to bloom.”

Planting out of the bright and colourful floral displays and landscaping will commence later this month and Bracknell Flowers will continue its commitment to an environmentally friendly Britain in Bloom entry, preferring sustainability initiatives, drought tolerant plants, water retention granules and special irrigation systems.

Steve McKenna, Landscape Manager at the Council is delighted with the support of the community, saying: “Bracknell Forest’s residents have greeted this year’s Your Gardens competition, which is a borough wide gardening competition that runs alongside Bracknell Flowers, with their usual enthusiasm and commitment. Launched earlier this year, Your Gardens is already very well subscribed by gardening enthusiasts of all levels of expertise and experience. We look forward to seeing the fruits, or blooms, of our residents’ efforts in the Your Gardens competition, which is generously sponsored by BRP.

“Importantly, Your Gardens has been a significant factor in Bracknell Forest’s success at Britain in Bloom, with judges of previous years commenting on the excellent community involvement and public awareness that Bracknell Forest residents have shown. It is satisfying knowing that the Your Gardens campaign has such a positive, unifying impact in the community.”

Representatives from the Royal Horticultural Society will visit Bracknell Forest in July to judge the borough’s entry. Winners are to be announced in the Autumn.

Bracknell Flowers is an umbrella term for the initiatives that provide floral displays and planting throughout the town centre and borough, and incorporates ‘Your Gardens’ and the name given to Bracknell’s entry into Britain in Bloom 2007, an annual Royal Horticultural Society competition.

The Bracknell Flowers team comprises Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Bracknell Town Council and the local businesses.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Two developments have been selected to be the winners of the Bracknell Forest Borough Council inaugural building design award.

The Seventh Day Adventist Church at Newbold College, Binfield, Bracknell and The Courtyard, Eastern Road, Bracknell, were judged the best of the 22 nominations received from architects, developers, Bracknell Town Council and the Borough Council.

The nominated designs varied greatly, with different sizes and architectural styles, and included offices, parks, and whole housing developments.

A panel of six judges assessed all the entries before visiting a short list. The winners were presented with their awards in a ceremony on May 11 in the Council Chamber at Easthampstead House.

The Church at Newbold College was sympathetic to its surroundings and maintained views through to the listed college building. Building materials were felt to be well selected and the landscaping and layout had been sensitive to the grounds.

The Courtyard is a small energy-efficient office development on the Eastern Industrial Estate. The building had a simple architectural design which created a pleasant working environment.

Two further buildings were commended. Thames Valley One offices on Wokingham Road was felt to be good and was laid out well with parking to the rear of the site. The new square in Crowthorne which contains the library, shops and flats was also commended for its positive impact on the street.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, awards judge, said: "I would like to thank everyone who nominated buildings for the design awards, which we hope will become a regular fixture in the Bracknell Forest civic calendar.

"I hope the design awards will show how the Council is committed to ensuring good design and they will encourage even higher standards of design in the future."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Police and Age Concern are warning elderly residents to be on their guard after three people pretending to be from the charity attempted to burgle a 76-year-old woman’s home.

At 4.17pm yesterday (9/05) a young woman and two men called at the pensioner’s house in Lindenhill Road, Priestwood, Bracknell and said they worked for Age Concern.

The elderly woman let them into the house and while she was talking to the female caller in the living room she heard noises coming from upstairs. She called out and the men ran downstairs and left the Bracknell house along with the young woman. They ran up Spencer Road into Priestwood Avenue and turned right, possibly into Stoney Road.

The offenders searched the house but do not appear to have stolen anything. The men are white, possibly teenagers, and wore white T-shirts and blue jeans. They are possibly Eastern European. The woman is white, blonde and in her 20s and was wearing a yellow or green top. She is possibly British.

The elderly woman, who was alone in the house at the time, was left shaken by the incident.

Age Concern Director General Gordon Lishman said: “Have a bar or chain fitted to your front door. Keep it on when talking to callers until you are sure they are genuine. If you are not expecting a caller and someone comes to your door claiming to be from Age Concern, or any other organisation, always ask for identification. Check the identification carefully and if you have any doubts that the caller in genuine look the organisation up in the phonebook and ring their office. A genuine caller won’t mind waiting.”

If anyone saw the offenders in the area or has any information they should contact Bracknell PC Graeme Guthrie via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police or give your name, please contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Friends Of Kennel Lane School

Summer Family Fun Day - 24th June 2007
12 Noon - 3pm

At Kennel Lane School
Off Shepherds Lane
Bracknell

lots of attractions and fun including:

Inflatables
BBQ
Tinker Taylor
Vintage motorbikes
Soundforce Jazz Band
T.M.Technical
Games

and much more!

Come along for a wonderful day out and support a good cause.

for details contact Katrina David 01344 876968

Warfield C of E Primary School
All Saints Rise
Warfield
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG42 3SS
9/6/07

Saturday 9 June 2007, 12 – 4pm Summer Fete

Warfield C of E Primary School, All Saints Rise, Warfield, Bracknell

Stalls 12-3pm, Talent Show and Raffle 3-4pm

This year the fete will be based around a Transport and Travel theme.

There will be lots of activities for children of all ages with a special appearance of Bracken and Bramble who will be giving wagon rides.

The many and varied attractions to include go-karts, clay n glaze ceramic painting, bouncy castle and slide, swing boats, ice cream van, salon: face painting/ hair braiding / crazy hair / tattoos, cakes stall, lucky dip and pocket money stall, 2nd hand toys/games/dvds/books, scalextric challenge, mini train, limousine, fire engine/police car, prize draw, displays from the pop action school, pinewood gym and the kickstart team and much, much more.

Finally, the Bracknellafternoon will be rounded up with a talent show from the pupils of our school, and the raffle draw. Altogether a great fun family afternoon!

Entrance is free, although as a registered charity, donations are invited on entry.

Warfield C of E Primary School, Bracknell

Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were robbed in separate incidents in Bracknell over the weekend.

Between 4.30pm and 5pm on Friday 4 May, a man in his fifties was walking with a friend through the underpass in Station Road, towards Bracknell bus station, when a group of five or six men approached the pair and assaulted them.

One of the group continued to punch and kick the man, who sustained grazes and bruises to his back, before stealing cash from his pocket and a bus pass.

The main offender is white, aged about 45, 5ft 6ins and of heavy build. The rest of the group are also in their forties.

At around 11.55pm on Monday 7 May, a man in his fifties was walking through the underpass near Ranelagh School, towards Bracknell railway station, when he was hit on the head from behind and his laptop, mobile phone, credit cards and cash were stolen.

The man sustained facial injuries and was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment. It is believed his attackers are three or four white men, one of stocky build and another wearing a blue top with white trim.

Both incidents are not being linked at this time.

Anyone with any information about either of the two incidents is asked to contact Det Insp Mike Petford at Bracknell CID on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Five teenagers were arrested after a car and a lorry had their windscreens smashed as they travelled into Bracknell.

At about 6.20pm on Tuesday 1 May, a blue BMW estate and an HGV were hit by falling debris as they drove towards Bracknell on the A329M Berkshire Way.

An object smashed into the BMW’s windscreen directly in front of the driver’s seat, although the driver was not injured.

The HGV driver sustained minor cuts to his face from flying glass after his windscreen was hit by a falling object.

Police conducted a search of the Beehive Road footbridge, Bracknell which crosses the A329M, and arrested five youths - three 16-year-old boys, a 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl – on suspicion of criminal damage.

The four boys were bailed until 23 May, and the girl was released without charge.

PC Stephen Porter, the investigating officer, said: “This was a serious incident, which could have led to severe or even fatal injuries. Youngsters need to understand that throwing stones and other objects at vehicles is not a joke but a criminal offence.

“Police take such incidents extremely seriously and will take firm action against the culprits. If convicted, offenders could face a prison sentence.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Dig out your cowboy boots and do-si-do down to the Bracknell Mayor's charity barn dance on Saturday, May 19.

Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Clifton Thompson, will be leading a line dance or two at the charity event, which will raise money for Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

Anyone who fancies showing off their best do-si-dos and square dance routines can join Cllr Thompson at the barn dance, which will be held at Bracknell Leisure Centre from 7.30pm.

As well as foot-tapping fun music will be provided by the Fiddle & Squeeze Barn Dance Band.

Cllr Thompson said: "I'm really looking forward to the barn dance as it's a fun way to raise some money for Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

"I hope that everyone who enjoys dancing comes along and shows off some of their fancy footwork and joins in the fun.

"All money raised from the barn dance will go towards my chosen charity - which really is a great cause and provides essential services and support to some of the most vulnerable elderly residents in Bracknell Forest."

Tickets are now available, costing £25 per couple or £15 for a single ticket (including finger buffet), with all profits going to the Mayor's chosen charity - Age Concern Bracknell Forest.

The dance will run at the leisure centre in Bagshot Road from 7.30pm until 11pm. For tickets or further details call Sue Brunt, Mayor's Secretary, on 01344 352103 or email sue.brunt@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A service has been held to dedicate a tree and bench at the Easthampstead Park cemetery to the memory of Bracknell Cllr Terry Mills.

The congregation included members of his family, councillors from across the political spectrum, officers and representatives from the organisations he worked with during his time in office. The Rev David Osborn returned from Wales to lead the service.

It is hoped the oak tree and bench will provide a place for peace and reflection for visitors to the cemetery.

Cllr Mills was Bracknell Council’s Executive Member for Public and Environmental Services and Parish Liaison when he died on Tuesday, December 27, 2005, aged 57. He was the ward member for Binfield with Warfield, and was first elected to Bracknell District Council in 1983.

Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Council, said: “Following Terry’s untimely death the members wanted to make sure his period of service to the Council and to residents was remembered.

"As he was a keen environmentalist planting a tree seemed like a fitting tribute.”

Cllr Mrs Anne Shillcock, Leader of the Opposition Group, said: “The tree and bench are a wonderful way to remember the work and passion of Terry Mills.

“I am sure they will be appreciated by people visiting the cemetery for years to come.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council