Bracknell

Plans to redevelop and significantly improve the Bracknell Longshot Lane civic amenity site have just been given the go-ahead by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Queues at the redeveloped site will be cut and capacity enhanced in peak times due to an improved layout, better marshalling and increased onsite car capacity.

The redeveloped Bracknell civic amenity site will be more efficient, with additional covered bays for recycling and a new facility to recover recycled materials from general waste. It also includes better facilities for dealing with kerbside waste and recycling.

There are also plans for a visitors' centre to help school and youth groups understand the wider picture of waste and recycling. Additionally, there will be more flexible storage so the buildings can be adapted to meet changing refuse and recycling needs.

Work is expected to start in spring 2008 and take a year to complete. During the redevelopment buildings on the site will be demolished and rebuilt which will restrict the capacity as well as access to the facilities.

Bracknell Council is working with the contractors on the detail of how the redevelopment will take place and how residents will be served during the periods when there is limited access to the site - as it will also be used for the transfer of domestic refuse and recycling from the ongoing kerbside collections.

The Council understands how much residents value the use of Longshot Lane and therefore will communicate full details to residents before the redevelopment. The Council's website will also be updated regularly with the latest information before work starts and while the redevelopment takes place.

The plans were submitted to Bracknell Council by re3 Limited, the company appointed on a 25 year contract, supported by a private finance initiative between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils and the Waste Recycling Group. re3 was created to increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill sites across the three authorities with the additional benefit of significantly reducing the overall cost of waste disposal in the long term to save our residents' money.

Oliver Burt, re3 Project Manager, said: "The improvement works to Longshot Lane are necessary not just help to cut peak time congestion at the site, but also to meet the borough's future needs for sorting and recycling waste."

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Executive Member for the Bracknell Environment, said: "The redevelopment of Longshot Lane will make a real and positive difference to residents.

"We understand the work will cause some inconvenience to residents, and we will be doing everything we can during the works to minimise the disruption caused."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Staff at two off-licences in Bracknell have been fined for selling alcohol to a young person under the age of 18.

Police and trading standards officers from Bracknell Forest Borough Council carried out test purchase operations at six licensed premises in the Bracknell area on Saturday (23/6). Two off-licences failed to check the age of the purchaser, who was under 18. In each case, staff members were issued with £80 fixed penalty notices.

Insp Vicki Linton-Smith of the Bracknell Community Safety team said: “This weekend’s test purchase operation was part of a regional campaign to tackle underage sales of alcohol*. The first stage took place in May, when we visited a number of licensed premises in the Bracknell area, all of which complied with the law.

“The campaign has been widely publicised. In addition, all licensed premises should be aware of the Challenge 21 policy, which requires them to challenge anyone purchasing alcohol who looks under 21, and ask for a recognised form of identification such as a passport, driving licence or approved ID card.

“The consumption of alcohol by under-18s is the source of a lot of anti-social behaviour, such as excessive noise, litter, vandalism and intimidation of local residents. However, crime and disorder are not our only concerns. By getting drunk, young people make themselves vulnerable to all sorts of dangers, not to mention the potential damage to their health.

“We will be carrying out further unannounced test purchases, and the drive to stop underage drinking is ongoing. Our message to all licensed premises is that police and trading standards officers will deal robustly with any business that is found to be selling alcohol to minors.

“As well as tackling the root cause of the problem, we are also confiscating alcohol from youngsters found drinking in the street or in parks.

“Pubs and off-licences are not the only sources of alcohol for underage drinkers. Many teenagers help themselves to beer or spirits from their own homes and drink it elsewhere. I would appeal to parents to keep an eye on any alcohol in the house and make sure their children aren’t taking any with them when they go out.

“For the sake of the public at large – as well as for the safety of young people themselves - we are determined to stamp out underage drinking in Bracknell Forest.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The Bracknell Mayor will officially open a new bicycle shelter at Meadow Vale Primary school on Monday.(June 25)

The bicycle shelter is just one of a number of actions in the school's Travel Plan, which encourages children to walk and cycle to school, rather than by car.

The Bracknell school was awarded a grant of £5,860 by the Department for Education and Skills and the Department for Transport after successfully implementing its travel plan in partnership with Bracknell Forest Borough Council in 2005.

The school has used this money to purchase the bicycle shelters, which were erected by volunteers from Bracknell firefighters.

The Council has implemented a range of traffic calming measures around the school to encourage walking and cycling. These include new speed limits, speed cushions, light controlled crossings and new cycle paths.

The school has also received a donation of cycle helmets from the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust for year six pupils, who are currently taking their bicycle training course at the school.

Headteacher, Nigel Duncan said: "The new bicycle shelters are an excellent addition to the facilities at the school.

"We are keen to promote a healthy lifestyle for our pupils, and we hope that now children have somewhere safe and secure to store their bikes, more children will consider cycling to school."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Leisure Centre's own gym club is celebrating their first year with two gala shows on Saturday, June 23.

The show times are 2pm and 7pm, showing off the talent the club has from a recreational level all the way up to national championship level.

Displays include floor, tumble, cheerleading and trampette, plus performances from some of the different teams which make up the club.

In April the Bracknell squad for seven to 11-year-olds were crowned British champions at the National British Team Gym Championships in Gloucestershire.

They train at the leisure centre three times a week, and dazzled the judges with a display of backflips, somersaults and twisting somersaults at high speed on the tumble track.

Then in May, the team travelled to Cesenatico in Italy to take part in an inaugural international acrobatic festival. Both the primary and senior teams took second place in their first international competition.

The Bracknell team also were very successful in the individual competitions. In the trampette's 10 and under competition, Daniel Leitch, 10, bought the gold medal home, while in the fiercely contested female competition, Lauren Norris, 10, took third, and Elizabeth Overman, 9, finished fifth.

Silver medals were also won by Kate Overman, 11, in the 14 and under girls competition, and Michael Brady, in the 18 and under boys. In the senior competition, Stuart Woods took fourth place in the men's competition, while Zoe Offen and Claire Fuller took fourth and fifth in the women's competition.

The only representative from the UK in the tumbling competition was Michael Brady who won the overall men's gold medal.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "The gym team have had a fantastic first year and this is a wonderful opportunity to see why they have won so many awards already.

"I would like to congratulate them on all they have achieved so far and wish them even more success for their second year."

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for children. Under threes go free. For more details call 01344 454203.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Raffles, tombolas, a balloon race and a small zoo are just a few of the amusements which will be offered to ex staff and pupils at Bracknell Whitegrove Primary School's summer fete which takes place on Saturday (June 30).

Ex Bracknell staff and pupils are invited to the school to join in the festivities and help celebrate the school's tenth anniversary.

Bracknell Cllr Jim Finnie opened the school ten years ago when he was Mayor of the borough and is returning to open the fete on Saturday.

Visitors attending the fete will be able to take part in the balloon race to raise money for the school.

Participants will attach their details to helium filled balloons and set them off to see how far they travel. The person whose balloon travels furthest will win a prize.

Prizes for the tombola have been chosen in the school colours of burgundy.

Christine Tsakmakis, Headteacher at Whitegrove Primary School, Bracknell said: "This will be a very special fete as it celebrates the schools tenth anniversary.

"We are delighted that Cllr Jim Finnie is opening the fete as he did ten years ago.

"We hope to see as many former staff and pupils as possible on the day."

Cllr Jim Finnie said, "I remember opening the school ten years ago when I was Mayor and I'm honoured to be opening the tenth anniversary summer fete.

"I hope ex staff and pupils join us for what is sure to be a fun day out!"

The fete will be open on Saturday (June 30) from 11am to 3pm. Entry will be £1 for over 18s.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Priestwood community centre, Bracknell is gearing up to give local residents free health MOTs in a bid to encourage people to 'have fun and be healthy'.

The day, organised by Bracknell Forest extended schools services and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, will see the community centre open its doors on Friday June 29 from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.

The day is informal and open to all. Everyone is welcome to come along to the community centre and try taster beauty treatments, free healthy food tasting and fitness and exercise activities.

Bracknell Residents are also able to have a free health MOT - consisting of a blood pressure and weight check.

There will also be various activities throughout the day, including a chef demonstrating healthy cooking methods throughout the afternoon. People will be able to try the simple exercises to help keep fit.

Graham Symonds, Bracknell Extended Services Co-ordinator, said: "Our role in extended services is to do more to benefit children, families and the whole local community.

"We have worked with the Primary Care Trust to organise this day and hope people come along to make use of the advice, information and resources available to them.

"Most importantly, we want people to come along and enjoy themselves!

"The main aim of the day is to inspire people and hope they take some ideas home with them."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, said: "It's important that children grow up surrounded by healthy messages.

"The children and families that come to the community centre will be able to try new foods and find out about exercising in a fun and informal way.

"It's by keeping things lively and exciting that children will remain interested! We hope parents will bring their children with them."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

More than 500 children from Bracknell Forest Borough Council's primary schools are putting the finishing touches to their latest musical extravaganza, Our World, to be performed on Friday (22 June).

Children from across Bracknell borough's primary schools have been fine-tuning their vocal chords for over 18 months and a huge choir will sing on the evening and will be joined by the prestigious BBC Singers.

The BBC singers are a 24-voice ensemble and form the UK's only full-time professional chamber choir.

Performing regularly with a wide range of period-instrument and contemporary-music ensembles, the choir often works with school children, youth choirs and the amateur choral community, as well as with the professional composers, singers and conductors of tomorrow.

The music for Our World has been especially commissioned by Bracknell Forest Borough Council and written by renowned composer Ronald Corp.

The brand new work has been party funded by a donation from the Arts Council, which helps to develop and promote the arts across England.

Ronald Corp is Musical Director of the New London Orchestra, the London Chorus, the New London Children's Choir and the Highgate Choral Society

He works regularly with the BBC Singers and has conducted various orchestras including the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the RTE Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the Leipzig Philharmonic Orchestra.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "Our World is set to be one of the borough's biggest events of the year.

"With the involvement of the BBC singers and renowned composer Ronald Corp, it is sure to be a spectacular show and I'm sure parents and residents are looking forward to it just as much as the children.

"It's an important part of teaching the arts in our primary schools and not only will the children have great fun but they will also learn valuable skills like how to work in a team.

"Our headteachers and officers have put a huge amount of hard work into organising the evening and I am pleased that we have once again been able to support them in what will be a very special evening."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "There is a high demand for grants from the Arts Council and we're extremely lucky to be given funding.

"This grant has enabled us to commission a piece of work which we ordinarily wouldn't be able to do.

"Our World is an experience that will remain with the children for a long time and as such we have been very proud in Bracknell Forest to have such events over the years.

"This event promises to be the peak of our productions so far in that is an original work written especially for us and in which the children have participated in producing.

"I am very excited to see the borough's children perform alongside such acclaimed artists.

"I am even flying back during my holiday just to watch the performance!"

Our World explores environment issues and highlights the topic of personal responsibility for preserving our environment and raises issues like recycling, waste, climate change and the importance of rivers.

The lyrics sometimes paint a bleak picture of what could happen to the world if we do not all work together to protect the planet.

An orchestra of young people from the Berkshire Maestros will be conducted by Ronald Corp.

The production has been put together by a group of primary school teachers and borough council officers.

Final preparations are now coming together for the show which will take place at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Friday (22 June). There will be two shows - at 6pm and 8pm.

Tickets are available to all residents and can be purchased from the Bracknell Leisure centre from Wednesday (20 June).

Our World will be recorded to DVD so that parents, carers and friends can relive the spectacle in the comfort of their own home. Details of how to get hold of a copy of the DVD and how much it will cost will be included in the programme.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Exhibitions

South Hill Park
The Bracknell Gallery
Bracknell Camera Club - 50 th Annual Exhibition
Saturday 14 - Sunday 22 July
Sunday - Tuesday 11am-7pm
Wednesday - Saturday 11am-9.30pm
Free
Several hundred prints and slides will be on show, covering every aspect of photography.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Mansion Spaces
South Hill Park Student Open 2007
Saturday 21 July - Sunday 2 September
Free
A great chance to see what the students at South Hill Park have created over the last year.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Bracknell Gallery
Sketch Book Circle
Saturday 28 July - Sunday 2 September
Free
An exhibition of shared sketchbooks and other recent works.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Atrium
Dis/Connected: Myth and Modern-day Man in Contemporary Fine Art Photography from Nordic Countries
Saturday 15 September - Sunday 11 November
Free
Themes of myth in the lives and minds of modern-day man.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Bracknell Gallery
Response to Eden
Saturday 15 September - Sunday 11 November
Free
The result of a two year collaboration between the Eden Project in Cornwall, Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre and the South West Textile Group.

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

Family Entertainment

South Hill Park
Big Day Out
Saturday 7 July
12noon-10pm
Free
A day-long arts festival
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Great Moscow State Circus
Wednesday 11 - Friday 13 July 5pm & 7.45pm
Saturday 14 July 3pm & 7.45pm
Sunday 15 July 3pm
A 35 strong cast of Russia’s greatest and most flexible circus performers.
Call the Box Office for Ticket Prices
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

Music

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: The Incontinentials’ Summer Shower
Sunday 1 July
2pm
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Josaka New Music Show
Thursday 5 July
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

South Hill Park
Big Day Out
Saturday 7 July
12noon-10pm
Free
A free day of global music
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Big Day Out: Late Night Clubbing
Saturday 7 July
10pm - 2am
Tickets £10
Late night clubbing event from Radio Gagarin
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Recital Room
WFS Chamber Concert
Sunday 8 July
7.30pm
Tickets £5
An unusual programme of masterpieces for rare instrumental combinations.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Platform
Thursday 12 July
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

South Hill Park
Recital Room
John Paricelli & Huw Warren
Saturday 14 July
8pm
Tickets £11, NUS & Under 25s £6
A double bill of UK jazz from both the old and new guard.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: Luminescent Orchestrii
Sunday 15 July
12 noon
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Recital Room
Guitar Duo
Sunday 15 July
7.30pm
Tickets £9, Conc £6
Classical guitarists Ray Burley and Debbie Haeck perform a variety of exciting and appealing music for all ages.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Cuban Meltdown
Friday 20 July
8pm
Tickets £10
Scat-master and Cuban-jazz guru Bobby Carcasses and his band take you on a trip through India, Havana, New York and Africa.

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Larry Miller
Saturday 21 July
8pm
Tickets £6
Rockin’ blues of a Reading variety with this reliably sparky guitarist and band.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: Gypsy Swing Jazz Duo
Sunday 22 July
2pm
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Platform
Thursday 26 July
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

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Sound Clash!
Friday 28 July
8pm
Tickets £5
A night of sweet reggae bursting out with ultra friendly roots, old skool and gospel-based sounds.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Barrio Fiesta!
Sunday 29 July
From 11am
Free
The 2 nd annual Filipino festival featuring a mix of community-based dance, music, traditional song, food and handi-crafts.

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Josaka New Music Show
Thursday 2 August
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

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: Pa Modou Fay’s African Vibes
Sunday 5 August
6pm
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: Blues jammers
Sunday 12 August
2pm
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: George Haslam’s Jazzin’ the Blues Group
Sunday 19 August
2pm
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: Summer Reggae Tunes with DJ Clinton Knight
Sunday 26 August
2pm
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
The Terrace
Summer Sessions: Atrium Alive Mini Fest
Sunday 2 September
2pm - 7pm
Free live music on The Terrace
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Recital Room
Mara Carlyle
Saturday 8 September
8pm
Tickets £11
An evening of jazz tinged loveliness with the addition of some mean saw playing too!
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Platform
Thursday 13 September
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

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
The Great Escape
Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 September
7.30pm
Tickets £8, £6 in advance
A collection of some of the more hard-rocking bands from the vibrand emo, metal, funk-metal, electronic and nu-rave scene.

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Cellar Bar
Platform
Thursday 27 September
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

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Gems of Gilbert & Sullivan
Sunday 30 September
7.30pm 
Tickets £12
Enjoy sparkling solos and cracking choruses, all abounding in Sullivan’s melting melodies and Gilbert’s wicked wit.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

Theatre

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Bacchic
Wednesday 4 July
8pm
Tickets £10, Conc £9, Members £8, Schools & Under 21s £8
Euripides’ masterpiece of rejection and revenge.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
apollo/dionysus
Wednesday 18 - Friday 20 July
8pm
Tickets £10, Conc £9, Members £8, Under 21s £6
Dionysus - the Greek god of wine and fertility - challenges the naked hypocrisy of Apollo - the Greek god of order and truth! Contains nudity and scenes of a sexual nature - suitable for 16yrs+

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Studio
Around the Fringes Double Bill
Sunday 22 July
8pm
Tickets £12.50
Two great Edinburgh Fringe shows for the price of one: Plested and Brown’s new comedy drama, Minor Spectacular and Britain’s brightest new comedienne, Josie Long.

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Henry V
Thursday 26 July - Saturday 4 August
7.30pm
No performances Sunday 29 and Monday 30 July
Tickets £12, Members £11, Conc £10
Video, sound and design combine to create a world that has gone beyond the brink, and plunged headlong into the past.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Things That Go Bump
Tuesday 28 August - Saturday 8 September
8pm
Tickets £12, Conc £11, Members £10, Schools & Under 21s £8
The house and grounds of South Hill Park are transformed into the enchanted landscapes of the imagination.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Hysteria
Tuesday 4 September
8pm
Tickets £12, Conc £11, Members £10, Schools & Under 21s £8
Hysteria draws its audience into an arresting world where the main course is a fight for survival and a banana can move you to tears.

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
The Arab and the Jew
Thursday 13 - Friday 14 September
8pm
Tickets £12, Conc £11, Members £10, Schools & Under 21s £8
A riot of image, sound and movement, performed with Gecko’s characteristic panache.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Macbeth Kill Bill Shakespeare
Wednesday 19 - Saturday 22 September
7.30pm, Thursday matinee 1.30pm
Tickets £14, Conc £13, Members £12, Schools & Under 21s £8
An irreverent and highly imaginative take on Shakespeare’s blood soaked tale of murder, lust and quest for power.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
Water
Friday 28 September
8pm    
Tickets £12, Conc £11, Members £10, Schools & Under 21s £8
Intercutting between two parallel stories, the cinematic Water fluidly slips from humdrum domesticity to the miraculous.

Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

South Hill Park
Wilde Theatre
St Nicholas
Saturday 29 September
8pm    
Tickets £12, Conc £11, Members £10, Schools & Under 21s £8
A funny, chilling and supernatural tale of vampires and theatre critics.
Contact South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Box Office: 01344 484123

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

(01344) 413524

Members of the public are advised that a change is planned to the opening hours of the station duty office (front desk) at Bracknell police station in The Broadway, Bracknell town centre.

From 6 August, the Bracknell front desk will be open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays.

Between these times, staff will be available to answer enquiries, check documents, deal with lost and found property and provide assistance to the public.

Maureen Waller, supervisor of the station duty office at Bracknell police station, said: “We recently carried out an analysis of usage and found that very few people come to the front desk between 8pm and 10pm, and we have therefore decided to close at 8pm.

“The change enables us to make better use of our resources and thus provide a better service to the public during the stated opening hours.

“The public are reminded that, although the front desk may be closed outside the advertised times, the police station is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“In an emergency, people should call 999. To report non-urgent matters and for advice and assistance on policing issues, call the 24-hour police enquiry centre on 0845 8 505 505.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

A team of police officers was at work in the Bracknell area on Wednesday (13/06) on an operation to help elderly residents avoid becoming victims of distraction burglary.

The Bracknell team, led by Sgt Andy Shearwood, visited all 12 elderly or vulnerable residents who have been tricked into letting burglars into their homes in the last six months. They explained how people pretend to be from utilities companies, looking for odd jobs or even police officers in order to get into the homes of elderly and vulnerable people and steal property from them. The officers gave advice on how to prevent such burglaries.

The operation was mounted after a Bracknell offender returned to a house he had previously burgled and managed to persuade a 93-year-old woman that he was a police officer investigating the previous incident. Fortunately nothing was stolen.

The man called at the house in the Hanworth area of Bracknell between 8.30 and 9am on Monday (11/06). The woman let him in, but became suspicious and he left again via the front door. The man is 5ft 8ins, stocky, with dark hair and has a tanned complexion. He was wearing a sleeveless plastic-looking orange top over a navy uniform.

Acting Chief Inspector Simon Bowden, Bracknell LPA Commander said: “This piece of work was set up in immediate response to this incident and I sincerely hope the elderly residents that police spoke to will never be victims of distraction burglary again.

“Incidents of distraction burglary are rare, but they are despicable crimes and can be devastating to victims. These offenders prey on elderly and vulnerable people. I would urge anyone who has elderly relatives or neighbours to make sure they know and understand the crime prevention advice. It is important that people don’t fear crime but are aware enough to prevent it in the first place.”

Anyone who has witnessed a distraction burglary, and who has not yet spoken to police, is asked to contact the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police offer the following advice to prevent distraction burglaries:

•The ‘Water Board’ no longer exists. Genuine callers from utility companies will carry identification cards and are likely to be wearing uniforms and travelling in vehicles marked with the name of their company. Gas, water and electricity companies very rarely turn up without having previously made an appointment. If they do, call the company to check they are genuine before you let them in.

•Do not open the door if you are not expecting anyone.

•Always ask for identification – for example a police warrant card if the person says they are from the police. If you are suspicious, check them out by calling 08458 505 505

•Display a sign stating that you do not buy or sell items at the door.

•Above all, if you are suspicious of an unexpected caller, contact police immediately, giving as much detail about the person as possible. It may be that the same caller has caused concern elsewhere or will go on to burglar somebody else.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Police are appealing for witnesses after an assault in Warfield, Bracknell on Tuesday 5 June.

At approximately 11.45am, a man in his fifties was driving towards Tesco on the Bracknellroundabout junction between Harvest Ride and County Lane when a black Subaru stopped in front of him and the driver got out.

The Subaru driver did not say anything but, fearing he was about to be punched, the other man raised his arm in self-defence and received a cut to his arm. The injury did not require hospital treatment.

The offender is in his mid to late twenties, described as of Mediterranean appearance, 6ft, of athletic build, with short, black curly hair. He was wearing dark blue or black training bottoms with stripes down the side, a black T-shirt with a logo and white trainers.

He was driving a black Subaru Impreza with gold wheel trims and a rear spoiler.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Bracknell PC Steve Clements on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Anyone cycling to work in Bracknell Forest during Bike Week could win a prize, courtesy of Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

Just by leaving the car at home between June 16-24 you could win your choice of either a family day ticket to Coral Reef, a round of golf for four at Downshire Golf Course or two passes for a Forest Spa treatment at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

To enter the Bracknell competition, visit the Council's website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/env-bike-week.htm during Bike Week and submit details of your cycle journey to work. A winner will be chosen at random.

The Bike Roadshow is also returning to Bracknell town centre on Saturday, June 23, from 10.30am until 4pm, where shoppers can try out different types of bike, have their own bikes checked for free and collect cycle maps and tips.

According to the British Medical Association, cycling 20 miles a week can half the risk of a heart attack and regular cyclists are as fit as non-cyclists who are 10 years younger.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and Transportation, said: "Cycling is a great way to get fit, help the environment and see the borough.

"As there are so many cycle routes through Bracknell Forest, why not try cycling to work during Bike Week and see how you get on."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Renowned poet Brian Moses will be visiting Harmans Water Primary school, Bracknell on Monday June 11 as part of the schools book week.

Brian is the author of books The Secret Lives of Teachers, Aliens Stole My Underpants and new book Taking Out the Tigers. He has had over 160 books published.

He will be performing poetry and percussion shows as well as working alongside the most enthusiastic writers in the Bracknell school in two workshops, where the pupils will be able to create their own poems.

Brian was born in the 1960s in Kent, and tried his hand at being a rock and roll star before embarking on a career as a teacher and then poet.

Brian has made several appearances at the Edinburgh Festival, has been writer in residence at Castle Cornet on Guernsey, on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway and at RAF schools in Cyprus.

In 2005, Brian was nominated for both the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Award and the Spoken Word Award.

In September 2006 he was invited to Iceland to take part in Kids in the Marsh, a festival of children's poetry and song.

The writer and illustrator Nicholas Allan will also be visiting the school on Wednesday June 13 to talk about his works and show the children how he comes up with his ideas for stories and illustrations.

He will be carrying out workshops throughout the school.

Brian lives in the small Sussex village of Crowhurst with his wife and two daughters.

Michael Harris, Head teacher at Harmans Water Primary School, Bracknell said: "We are delighted to welcome Brian Moses to our school.

"He knows exactly what to write about to engage children.

"Brian obviously remembers what it's like to be a child and this really shows through in his poems."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "A prime objective we have at the Council is to encourage reading and the use of books by all members of our society.

"Encouraging this among children is the start of the process and this initiative at Harmans Water is an excellent way of starting them on the road to a lifetime of reading.

"Brian's visit will be the perfect start to Harmans Water book week.

"His books are fun and lively, and sure to excite the pupils."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Driving down the fear of crime and reassuring residents that the borough is a safe place to live was the main focus of the Bracknell Forest's Crime and Disorder Team's annual conference last month.

Representatives from Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Thames Valley Police, Berkshire East PCT and Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service met at the conference to look at ways of addressing residents' perception of crime in the borough and ensuring that people living, working or visiting the borough know Bracknell Forest is a comparatively crime-free area.

Residents believe there is a relatively high-crime rate in the borough according to a survey commissioned by the Council last year, but the reality is Bracknell Forest's crime level is actually quite low and significantly lower than residents think.

Fear and Safety was one of the main Bracknell topics discussed when Professor Kevin Stenson and Dr Nadia Wager, who compiled the report, spoke at the conference. Other areas focussed on included anti-social behaviour in Bracknell Forest- a debate chaired by Ian Boswell, Community Safety Manager at the Council; alcohol misuse and the impact on health, which Don Sinclair, Director of Public Health at Berkshire East PCT spoke about; and crime reduction which John Oblein, Crime Reduction Advisor for Thames Valley Police led on.

The Bracknell Council's impending alcohol strategy, which will be adopted later this year, was also one of the main focuses of the day - with Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Community Care, presenting the aims and objectives of the strategy.

Recent statistics show that crime in Bracknell Forest has dropped by more than six per cent in the past few years but residents still remain fearful of being attacked, both physically and verbally or having their car or home broken in to.

The Crime and Disorder Reduction Team in Bracknell Forest is now working to ensure that this disproportionate fear of crime is phased out and residents realise the reality of being a victim of crime is very low in the borough - the conference gave all the agencies in the team the chance to think of ideas on how to create a safer feeling in Bracknell Forest and share ideas on how to progress.

Ian Boswell, Community Safety Manager, said: " Bracknell Forest is a safe place to live, work and visit but many residents don't feel as safe as they should. We don't have a big crime rate and so this fear really is disproportionate.

"The Council is working with the police, fire service, probation service, health service and other voluntary organisations to redress this fear-factor. The conference is just one of the ways we are working together to gather ideas on how we get the message out there that the borough is a very safe place to live."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, added: "A heightened fear of crime can have a real impact on people's lives. We are committed to working with our partner organisations to address and hopefully allay some of the perceptions and concerns that residents have about crime in the borough.

"We will, of course, address any real crime issues but residents should be assured that Bracknell Forest does not have a high crime rate and is a safe place to live."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell LPA Commander Supt Rob Povey has moved to Thames Valley Police headquarters in Kidlington, Oxfordshire to work on a productivity project.

Supt Povey has worked in Bracknell for a total of eight years. He has been a police officer for 22 years and received a long service medal in 2006.

His career in the police began in Newbury, where he became an operational police constable in 1984. He was promoted to sergeant in Reading in 1991, and became an inspector in Bracknell in 1996.

Supt Povey then worked as a shift inspector, sector inspector, community safety inspector and as detective inspector in charge of the proactive team, before being promoted to chief inspector operations at Slough in 2002. He returned to Bracknell as a superintendent in January 2005.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two and a half years working in Bracknell. It is an excellent community, and people really work together to help reduce crime and make Bracknell a safer place. The partner organisations in Bracknell Forest have a great relationship with each other, and a can-do attitude. There is a real will to succeed and this can be demonstrated in a significant fall in crime so far this year.

“Bracknell has recently seen many exciting initiatives including the introduction of neighbourhood policing. We now have more neighbourhood officers than ever before, as well as a number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO’s), with more to join over the next year.

“We have also seen the introduction of the Take Pride campaign, which was launched by painting over the graffiti at the top of the former 3M building. Police volunteers are carrying out many roles in the community, tackling speeding motorists, cleaning up graffiti and undertaking environmental improvements.”

One of Supt Povey’s last tasks in Bracknell will be to take part in the Thames Valley Police Rowathon in Bracknell town centre on Friday and Saturday (8-9/6). He will be one of a team of 25 officers rowing continuously for 24 hours in aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust, a local charity which aims to provide a holiday home for terminally ill children. The team aims to row the equivalent distance from Bracknell to Lands End, which is 270 miles.

Ch Insp Simon Bowden is now LPA Commander of Bracknell Forest. Deputy LPA Commander is Insp Michael Squire, who is also neighbourhood inspector for Bracknell south. Neighbourhood inspector for Bracknell North is A/Insp Charlie Winter.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The number one concern, which has been identified at both Binfield and Warfield, Bracknell Neighbourhood Forums, is the impact that speeding motorists have on the community.

Operations involving Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Thames Valley Police Roads Policing department and Bracknell neighbourhood officers are continuing to target roads where speeding vehicles are regularly reported. I am pleased to say that the communities themselves have taken the initiative to tackle speeding vehicles through Speedwatch.

Members of the community are trained how to use equipment that recognises speeding vehicles. Offending drivers are warned about their driving; however, if they continue to offend, they are brought to the attention of the Roads Policing department who will deal with them accordingly.

Speedwatch, which is a voluntary scheme, gives local residents the opportunity to make their communities that little bit safer. For further information, contact Claire Sharp or Katharine Simpson at Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

PCSO John Devlin is a new member of the Bracknell Neighbourhood North team and works out of our office at Bracknell. He has already been spotted out and about and some good reports have been fed back to me.

Recently, he has been dealing with the issues of bad parking outside Bracknell schools across the area. It must be stressed that not only is the bad parking inconsiderate, it is also potentially dangerous, especially for small children. John will target any offenders and deal with them appropriately.

Throughout the summer, police officers and PCSOs will be conducting a high visibility operation in areas which have been identified as hotspots for youth antisocial behaviour. The operation has several intentions: these include reassuring the public, educating young people who regularly gather at these locations and where necessary, dealing robustly with any offences being committed. This would include alcohol being confiscated, parents being contacted and if necessary, offenders being arrested.

The Bracknell Binfield and Warfield area has two identified hotspots: Silver Jubilee Fields in Binfield and the area around Westmorland Pavilion at Whitegrove in Warfield.

Selected members of the public have contact phone numbers and are advised when the operation is running. If incidents of antisocial behaviour are identified, neighbourhood officers can be contacted directly and can deploy appropriately.

Dates for your diaries:

Warfield Neighbourhood Forum – 10am Saturday 6 October 2007 – Whitegrove Community Centre.
Binfield Neighbourhood Forum – 7.30pm Thursday 11 November 2007 – Binfield Church of England Primary School.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

A film made by four carers in Bracknell Forest about their trials, struggles and ability to cope with everyday life will be shown during Carers Week to highlight how much hard work goes into caring for a relative or friend.

The documentary called My Life as a Carer has been made in Bracknell Forest over the past month and gives a glimpse into the lives of a parent carer who looks after her disabled child, two young carers who look after their family because their mother has severe physical health difficulties and depression, and an older woman who cares for her husband who suffers from Alzheimer's.

Both emotive and informative, the film will focus on the lives of the Bracknell carers and show just how much hard work they do.

The film premier will be the pinnacle of Carers Week, which will run from June 11 to June 15, and will be shown to a packed audience including the Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, and Council Chief Executive, Timothy Wheadon, at screening at The Grange Hotel on Friday, June 15.

The film is just one part of Carers Week, which has been organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action (BFVA), to say thank you to carers for all the hard work they put in and give them a chance to take a break, unwind and speak to other people in similar situations.

It aims to highlight how both adult and young carers in the borough spend hours of their time caring for loved ones even though they still have to carry on leading as normal life as possible, with many still holding down a day job or going to school.

Downside Resource Centre have organised a carers lunch to say thank you to carers who have been looking after someone who uses the Wildridings based centre on Wednesday, June 13. There is also a health and wellbeing day being held at Silwood Park for carers in the North Ascot area on Tuesday, June 12.

To celebrate young Bracknell carers, many of whom have to look after sick or disabled parents and care for their siblings while going to school or college, there will be a display of artwork that they have produced about their experiences in and around the borough during the week

There will also be the chance for anyone who is a carer or who has a caring issue to visit a manned information stand at Sainsburys supermarket in Bagshot Road, where Council staff and staff from BFVA will be available to answer questions, give advice and let carers know where they can get further support. The stand will be open from 10am to 3pm on Monday June 11 and Wednesday June 13.

Information stands with leaflets and contact details will also be available at Bracknell Leisure Centre in Bagshot Road.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Bracknell Community Care, said: "Caring for someone can be a full-time job and there are many people out there caring for a friend or relative that do not know what help and support they are entitled to.

"If you do look after a parent, child, relative or friend who has a physical or mental illness or disability please contact the Council or BFVA or pop along to one of the events running throughout Carers Week for more information on financial and emotional support."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "Carers do a brilliant job that is quite often unrewarded or unrecognised. This special week aims to show just how special these people are and will give them the chance to take a well earned break and chat to other people in a similar situation."

Emma Whitbread from BFVA added: " Unpaid carers are vital to our community, without them social and health services would collapse. This week is about recognising that work and looking at all of our services to see how we can support them better."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council