Bracknell

Bracknell Forest councillors joined children and their families last week to mark the beginning of the building work to develop the Oaks Children's Centre.

Councillors Alan Ward and Gareth Barnard visited the Bracknell site in Great Hollands where work has just started to create the centre which will be a venue for professionals and children.

Health visitors, midwives and speech and language therapists will be able to use the new centre which forms part of the Council's is committed to developing six children's centres within Bracknell Forest by March 2008.

The Oaks will have a family room and kitchen where families can attend a range of activities including Stay and Play, Young Parents, Breastfeeding Café, Well Baby Clinic, Family Information Services as well as support for parents and carers in their own homes.

To make sure the right facilities are provided, parents, carers and professionals were asked what they wanted from a Bracknell children's centre and this consultation will continue.

The Oaks is based at Great Hollands School and will support children under five and their families from Great Hollands, Wooden Hill, Hanworth and Birch Hill.

The first Children's Centre in the borough, the Rowans will open during the autumn term.

Sandra Woodward, Children's Centre Manager said: "The Oaks will be a great place for children and their parents living within the area.

"It is in a central location and it will be welcoming and friendly. Parents and children will be able to access a range of activities and services that will be held in the new building and we will also continue to use other community buildings in the area.

"I am looking forward to seeing the building finished at the end of the year when we will be able to move in. I'd also love to hear from any mums or dads who have any views or ideas on the borough's children's centres!"

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, added: "The Oaks will also ensure that educational, health and voluntary sector professionals can work together to create the best possible care, support and education for the children within Bracknell Forest."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries, said: "The Council is committed to developing children's centres and I believe the Oaks will be a fantastic place for children to learn and develop in.

"The Oaks will also be a major benefit to the community as it will mean parents living in the area can use the family facilities to get all the help and advice they need under one roof."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Innovative working has put Bracknell Forest Borough Council's dementia team in the running for a national care award.

The team was nominated in the Skills for Care Accolades 2007 earlier this year and has just been short-listed in the 'most innovative new type of worker or way of working' category.

The Bracknell team was nominated by David Shinegold, who worked to set up the team and successfully develop it alongside other Council employees. The awards are one of the most prestigious events on the national social care calendar and seek to find excellence in social care across the UK.

Regional judges will be visiting the team today (Friday, July 27) to confirm information that was submitted in support of the nomination and to clarify any points raised by the judging panel.

If the team is selected to go through to the next round they will then stand a chance of winning one of the prestigious accolades in October, where the winners will be announced at a gala evening in London.

The Bracknell dementia team was set up in 2005 and follows an innovative approach to providing services. This means the person receiving support, as well as their family and carers, is at the centre of all care, support and help which in turn means they get what they want from the service not what the Council tells them they should have.

The original aim of the team was to ensure people in the borough with dementia could live independently in their own homes for as long as possible so they didn't have to be admitted to hospital or a care home. It also aimed to get people in hospital with dementia discharged and living in their own environment as quickly as possible.

By the end of the team's first year the waiting list for dementia care at Heatherwood Hospital was reduced to zero, the first time in many years, and 15 of the 33 service users in the borough had been prevented from having to go into residential or nursing home care.

Ian Davey, Director of Bracknell Social Services and Housing, said: "The team has worked really hard to make sure that the best possible support, advice and help is available to people living at home with dementia as well as their friends, family and carers.

"Being short-listed in the Skills for Care Accolades is a great honour and reflects all the hard work that the team has put in since it started in 2005. We've now all got our fingers crossed that the judges see just how innovative the team has been by giving them a place in the final."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "To be short-listed in such a prestigious social care award is fantastic news and I'm pleased that the team has been recognised on a national scale.

"Providing high-quality care to vulnerable people in the borough is one of our top priorities and we are committed to offering the best possible care and support to people with dementia, their families and carers. I'd like to pass on my congratulations to the team and hope the judges recognise, as we do, the dedication of our staff and just what a good service we provide."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Eighteen people have been arrested and a number of warrants executed across Bracknell Forest today (26/7), as part of the police commitment to make the area safer and crime-free.

Bracknell Officers from the Operation Falcon and neighbourhood teams executed four search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act during the early hours of the morning, resulting in three arrests. In addition to these warrants and arrests, several other people have been taken into police custody in connection with various other offences.

The pre-planned operation, based predominantly on police and community intelligence, involved more than 70 officers and police staff from across Berkshire East BCU, including a number from specialist departments. Following a briefing led by senior officers at 6am, they took to the streets of Bracknell Forest as part of the high visibility policing operation.

A/Ch Insp Simon Bowden, LPA Commander for Bracknell Forest, said: “Early indications are that today’s operation has been very successful in terms of arresting people suspected of either committing or being involved in crimes which have a significant impact on our communities.

“The response from local people has been heart-warming. At the scene of one warrant, residents came up and shook the hands of our officers. It is clear that high visibility operations such as this make a difference to the community and send out a message that we will not tolerate drug-related and other criminal activities in Bracknell Forest.

“A number of warrants executed and arrests made were a result of community intelligence received and I would like to thank residents for that information. Without their continued help we would not be able to plan operations such as this and I would ask that they continue to support us. Information can be passed to police by the non-emergency Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

He added: “Today’s action is the first of what is expected to be several similar operations – so anyone involved in crime in Bracknell Forest should watch their backs!”

Supt David Poole, Bracknell officer in overall charge of the today’s operation, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in today’s operation for their hard work, commitment and professionalism.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School is an outstanding Bracknell school say inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

The Ofsted inspection team visited the Bracknell Forest Borough Council school earlier this month and their report gives it a grade one, outstanding school rating.

The report says: "Led by an outstanding headteacher and latterly acting headteacher, all those in the school have high expectations of pupils and themselves and work tirelessly to innovate.

"Consequently, the curriculum, which is based on practical, fun learning experiences, receives a big 'thumbs up' from the children, who say, 'learning is exciting here!'"

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School's work on personal development and wellbeing and its curriculum are highlighted as areas of outstanding quality.

The inspectors' key findings in summary are:

. Pupils achievement is exceptionally outstanding due to an exciting, stimulating curriculum;

. Standards in English, mathematics and science are significantly better than the national average;

. Pupils' personal development and wellbeing are outstanding;

. There is a positive learning ethos and teaching is consistently good with outstanding features;

. There is an unrelenting focus on pupil achievement and continual improvement;

. Staffing levels are generous and the skills of the teaching assistant team are utilised carefully to maximise support for the youngest children and pupils with specific additional needs.

As in all Ofsted reports the inspectors make recommendations for improvement which at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School are further improving the measurement of pupils' progress and monitoring of targets.

Juanita Dunlop, acting headteacher at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Bracknell said: "We are delighted that the inspectors recognised the many outstanding qualities that make St Joseph's such an effective school.

"We were especially pleased that Ofsted recognised our unrelenting focus on pupil wellbeing, achievement and continual improvement.

"The recommendation to focus more on the children's targets when marking their work is something which we have already begun to focus on."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Bracknell Children's Services and Libraries, said: "The inspectors rightly highlight the school's many strengths in their report including the school's many outstanding features.

"The school is providing an extremely high quality of education and I am pleased the inspection team has recognised this."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education and Libraries, said: "I am pleased to see this school continues to deliver outstanding standards.

"This report shows there is excellent quality throughout the school and I congratulate the acting headteacher and her team on this achievement."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision between three cars in Savernake Way, Forest Park, at about 9.20pm on Friday (20/7).

A silver Vauxhall Astra and a blue Renault Clio were in collision with a red Ford Orion at the Bracknell roundabout.

The three vehicles collided again on the roads leading to Martins Heron railway station. The 17-year-old driver of the Orion stopped his car near the station, and jumped out. He was then involved in a collision with the Astra, sustaining a broken wrist and injured foot as well as bruising and grazes which required hospital treatment.

PC Iain Heron, Bracknell officer in the case, said: “The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear at this time and further inquiries are being carried out. It would appear that the incident potentially stemmed from road rage.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PC Iain Heron, on 0845 8 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police or give your name, contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Children in Bracknell Forest will be given new opportunities for play if a new strategy is given the go ahead on Tuesday (July 24).

The Play Strategy sets out Bracknell Council's commitment to support children and young people fulfil their healthy development and learning potential through play in a range of locations and settings, appropriate to their age and needs.

Play is an essential part of every child's life and is important to factor in his or her personal development.

It provides valuable ways for children and young people to explore the world around them and provides important avenues through which skills are developed and practised.

Risk taking is also an essential feature of play. Exposure to some risk is beneficial; it presents opportunities to learn about the real consequences of risk-taking.

Play supports physical, emotional, and spiritual growth, encouraging educational and intellectual development.

It also promotes children's independence, self-esteem and respect for others and helps children and young people to develop emotionally.

The strategy says how more outdoor and indoor space needs to be found for children to play in.

It is also important to change people's attitude towards play - it needs to be seen as just important to children as their more structured education.

The actions in the Bracknell strategy will be developed with funding from the Big Lottery fund amounting to £214,000.

The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out half the money for good causes raised by the National Lottery.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Children's Services, said: "Central to the development of this strategy has been a process of community engagement, involving parents and children to find out what is important to them.

"We want to do all we can to help children be protected from harm, abuse, harassment and neglect while playing, and believe the plans in this strategy will help to do this.

"Children should be able to achieve their full potential with lots of opportunities for play within the borough."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services said: "We aim to make Bracknell Forest a place where all children can thrive by making it a nice place to live, learn and work.

"I believe children have less opportunity to play than I did when I was young. There are often parental fears about strangers as well as worry about traffic and pollution.

"I believe it is just as important for children to play as it is to concentrate on academic learning and structured activities, and one supports the other.

"With this strategy, there will be more opportunities for children to play in a safe, secure, stimulating environment.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The project to rebuild Garth Hill College in Bracknell Forest will take another step forward this week (Tuesday 24) if the Executive give the go ahead to find specialist contractors to design and build the new college.

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has made £33.2 million available for the Bracknell school which is expected to open in 2010.

The multi-million pound project will involve constructing a brand new school, which will provide top class education and sports facilites. Once finished, the old school buildings will then be demolished.

As well as providing the standard school education, the college will be able to offer much more.

The new college will have the potential to be open for longer hours and the Council hopes it will be able to provide arts, sports and library activities to engage young people and the wider community.

The Bracknell building will consist of flexible spaces that can be used for a multitude of activities - meetings, events, recreation and of course as standard class rooms.

Materials, colour, space and storage will be carefully considered to get the most out of the building.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "I am looking forward to the next step of the project which will really see the design and concept progress.

"I am very excited about the brand new college and am sure that everyone at Garth Hill and in the local community is looking forward to seeing the finished building in 2010!"

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "Garth Hill College is going to be an outstanding building.

"This project is a very exciting one for Bracknell Forest. It is happening around regeneration of the town centre and its close proximity to the town centre.

"We know that the local community are going to be very proud of this brilliant education facility in their midst."

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

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A new Bracknell footpath and cycle track with additional crossings will be built along the Bagshot Road to link Bracknell town centre to the new Staff College development.

The work will create improved facilities between the station and Horse and Groom roundabouts to improve the link from Staff College and Ranelagh School to the rail and bus stations and the town centre.

Work is scheduled to begin at the end of July - once Broad Lane is re-opened and during the school summer holidays. Due to the extent of the works, lane closures will be necessary along this part of the Bagshot Road, but to minimise disruption the bus lanes will be suspended. The works are expected to last 12 weeks.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "The new foot and cycle path will be a major benefit for the people who live to the south of the town centre and wish to walk or cycle.

"While there will be some lane closures on Bagshot Road, the impact of the works will be kept to an absolute minimum."

For more details, call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Generally speaking, Bullbrook in Bracknell is a low crime area. For example, in the past three months (April, May and June), there have only been four domestic burglaries and five thefts from motor vehicles in our neighbourhood.

There are no identified hotspots for Bracknell vehicle crime in Bullbrook: the five incidents were opportunist thefts, where motorists had left items on display in their parked cars, something we strongly advise people not to do.

At the Bullbrook neighbourhood forum, Bracknell residents identified parking, environmental issues and anti-social behaviour as their priorities.

PCSO Anita-Marie Kennedy is working with Bracknell council’s parking attendants to resolve the parking issues, particularly in the Deepfield Road area. We do issue tickets to cars that are causing an obstruction, as well as checking that parked vehicles are taxed, insured and roadworthy. Vehicles that don’t comply may be towed away.

We don’t really have a problem with groups of youths congregating outside the shops in Bullbrook. However, there have been reports of underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in Lily Hill Park, particularly around the Summer House. The neighbourhood team is carrying out Operation Lion Cub at weekends to tackle youth disorder across Bracknell, and we have dispersed groups of young people from the park.

Bullbrook is a mainly residential area, with a high proportion of elderly people. Although they are less likely than the rest of the population to become victims, the elderly tend to have a greater fear of crime. We try to provide reassurance through high visibility patrols and plan to hold meetings at venues that are readily accessible to older residents, such as sheltered accommodation and community centres.

When it comes to younger age groups, we have a good relationship with the three primary schools in Bullbrook, as well as with Bracknell and Wokingham College. We have given talks to students and recently held a mini forum, at which students completed a questionnaire outlining their concerns. Their greatest fear was for their own personal safety, in terms of assaults or robberies by other young people.

To allay their fears, we deployed the search arch at the college’s Church Road site and the Eastern Road site. I’m pleased to say that we found no offensive weapons at either site. This should help to reassure students and the general public that, despite recent media reports, most young people are law-abiding and serious incidents are very rare.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Downshire Golf Complex hosted a tri-golf festival for children from 17 primary schools across the borough last week.

The event - organised jointly with the Bracknell Schools Sports Partnership - attracted more than 500 children over three days.

The children moved around nine different stations where the complex's golf professionals Wayne Owers and Rhys ap Iolo taught them about different aspects of the game.

They played with special tri-golf kids equipment, including clubs and balls.

Organisers said it was a fun and active day for the Bracknell children, which will encourage participation in golf and other sports for years to come.

Paul Stanwick, Downshire Golf Complex manager, said: "The tri-golf festival is a brilliant way to introduce children to playing golf.

"It teaches children the basics of how to play golf in a very fun and interactive way."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell leisure, said: "Tri-golf is great fun and another fantastic way of encouraging children to become interested in sport.

”Along with our other events like kwik cricket and tag rugby, I'd like to think that with over 500 children participating we have set in motion the enthusiasm to become sporting stars of the future, right here in Bracknell Forest.”

For more information on the Downshire Golf Complex, call 01344 302030 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A multi-activity taster session is being held at Bracknell Leisure Centre by the disability support team.

The session takes place on Friday, July 20, from 10.30am until 12.30pm in the centre's main hall.

Activities include boccia - a seated game where competitors try to throw light leather balls the closest to a jack; new age kurling using rubber kurling stones and pushers; sitting volleyball; and table tennis or polybat where the net is removed and barriers are fitted down the sides of the tables.

The Bracknell disability support team is opening the sessions to everyone to give disabled residents the chance to try a variety of events alongside their friends and family and provide the opportunity to meet new people. More sessions will be held during the summer.

The first multi activity session was held on July 7 and attended by more than 40 people. Sports on offer included short tennis using a slow soft ball, short mat bowls, boccia and badminton. It was a lively, noisy and social event with families and support workers joining in.

There will also be a football session on Wednesday, July 25, from 7.30pm until 8.30pm. Players are already signing up following a successful first event in June where 17 people took part in a six-a-side competition. It is hoped a team can be formed to join a league.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell leisure, said: "These sessions are a great way to get everybody enjoying sport together at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

"The disability support team do a brilliant job at making sure our superb leisure facilities are accessible to everyone who lives in Bracknell Forest."

For more details visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 454203.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

This summer, residents can help Bracknell Forest Borough Council to find out more about our borough's ponds by taking part in the Parish Pond Survey 2007.

The survey has been designed by the Pond Conservation Trust to find out where our ponds are and what is living in them right across the country. It will also inform residents about wildlife living right on their doorstep - in gardens or nearby parks.

Results of the survey will support delivery of the Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan and contribute to pond conservation nationally.

Bracknell Residents without their own ponds can join staff from the Council's parks and countryside service and members of the Bracknell Forest Environment Partnership in surveying some of the borough's ponds and lakes.

These public surveying events are taking place in the balancing ponds at Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park on Saturday, July 21, and Pope's Meadow in Binfield on Thursday, August 16; from 10am to 1pm.

Residents with ponds can download their own survey form, a handy guide and information about species from the Council's website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parishponds

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "Often overlooked ponds are an important habitat for all sorts of different wildlife, which is why we are interested to find out more about them.

"If you have a pond, please obtain the forms and learn about what is living in your garden, or help the Council investigate some of the larger ponds and lakes in the borough."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest has announced that her chosen charity will help those who have served or continue to serve in the armed forces.

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch has chosen to support the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help during her mayoral term, which runs until May 2008.

Cllr Mrs Birch announced her chosen charity at a meeting of full Bracknell Council last night (Wednesday) where representatives from SSAFA Forces Help were on hand to thank her for her pledge of support.

SSAFA Forces Help is the leading national charity committed to helping and supporting those who serve in the armed forces, those who have served and the families of both.

Funds raised will go to the local branch where it will be used to support local people through a network of trained volunteers. The charity provides a reliable, caring and trusted service, having helped 102 families last year in this area, offering financial assistance, emotional support and a wide range of services to those in need.

To help raise funds for SSAFA Forces Help Bracknell Cllr Mrs Birch will be organising and attending several events in the borough this year including a concert in November, a charity collection day at The Meadows in Sandhurst on Saturday, December 8, and a spring fundraiser next year.

Cllr Mrs Birch, said: "SSAFA Forces Help is a charity that provides a lot of help and support both emotionally and financially to people who have served in our armed services and those who continue to serve. It also supports their families through very difficult times of emotional strain and financial difficulty.

"I've chosen to support this very worthy charity because it is not well known and I hope to raise the profile of it so the wonderful work they do is appreciated and perhaps people who could benefit from their support will learn about them and be helped.

"I will be attending several fundraisers later this year for SSAFA Forces Help and look forward to meeting the volunteers who keep the charity functioning. I hope the generosity the people of Bracknell Forest have shown in previous years to help the Mayor's charity will continue throughout my Mayoral term so we can give SSAFA Forces Help a real boost."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Neighbourhood police teams were out in force last weekend, patrolling anti-social behaviour hotspots across Bracknell and taking firm action against offenders.

As part of the ongoing Bracknell Operation Lion Cub, neighbourhood police officers, PCSOs and special constables carried out high-visibility patrols in as many areas as possible on Friday and Saturday night (6/7 July).

They were assisted by members of the Bracknell public who called the Lion Cub mobile phone number with up-to-date, accurate information that enabled police to direct their patrols. As a result of this team work:

• 20 young people were stopped acting in an anti-social manner and their details were obtained, generating letters to parents. Many more people were spoken to by Bracknell police; however, these 20 had either stepped over a line where their behaviour became questionable, or where we felt the need for the individuals to account for their behaviour.

• Two people acting anti-socially in their cars were breathalysed. One passed the test; the other was arrested and has been charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol.

• Four Section 59 warnings were issued to persons using mini motos or nuisance riding off road (on footpaths, etc). If the riders are caught again, their vehicles will be impounded at some cost to them. One of these people is also being investigated for document-related offences.

• One person received an £80 on-the-spot fine for minor public order offences.

Sgt Steve McSweeney of the Bracknell neighbourhood policing team said: “On some occasions, the incidents we were directed to by members of the public had ceased by the time of our arrival. For example, we attended the recreation ground on Goaters Road several times following reports of youths causing problems. I believe many of these groups were just passing through; however, during our patrols nearby we did speak to youngsters who said they had been in the area and had moved on when we arrived, so at least word had passed around of regular police visits.

“This worked two ways. Young people who were responsibly behaved were very pleased to see us about and were happy to engage with us, as our presence made them feel safer. Those who were not responsible moved on and reflected on their behaviour.

“The feedback I received from the police constables, PCSOs and special constables attached to Operation Lion Cub over this particular weekend was very positive. It was a fast-moving operation that provided some very positive results. Much of this is down to the assistance provided by members of the public.

“Without this team-working approach, our job is more difficult and on behalf of my team, I would like to pass on my appreciation for the public’s input and support.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The Bracknell neighbourhood policing team for Martins Heron, The Warren and Harmans Water comprises Sgt Noel Thackaberry, myself, PC Angelina Martin and PCSO Steph Elvin.

At our neighbourhood forum last year, residents identified parking, speeding and other traffic problems, as well as anti-social behaviour, as their top priorities.

In response to their concerns, I and my colleagues carry out frequent patrols of the areas most affected by bad parking, particularly Harmans Water Road, Walbury Close and Uffington Drive. We have recently distributed leaflets across the area, pointing out to visitors and residents the problems caused by inconsiderate parking. Drivers who park illegally or cause an obstruction can expect to receive tickets.

With regard to anti-social behaviour, all the neighbourhood teams are taking part in Operation Lion Cub, the ongoing crackdown on youth disorder across Bracknell Forest. We are helped by members of the public who call to tell us where youths are causing a disturbance, and we direct our patrols accordingly.

There used to be problems with anti-social behaviour by young people outside the parade of shops in Harmans Water, but targeted patrols by the neighbourhood team have reduced the number of incidents.

In May, the Bracknell neighbourhood police team was instrumental in securing the closure of a ‘crack house’ in Wayland Close, Harmans Water. I’ve patrolled this neighbourhood for the past six years, and I know that drug dealing is not a big problem here. However, we’re determined to make sure it doesn’t become one, and the crack house closure has sent out a strong message that we will not tolerate drug dealers in our area.

We carry out high visibility patrols to disrupt such activities, as well as discouraging anti-social behaviour and other disorder. I would encourage members of the public to report any suspicious incidents or nuisance behaviour to a member of the neighbourhood team on 0845 8 505 505, or if you’d rather remain anonymous, to call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

We hold regular beat surgeries where residents can drop in and discuss their concerns. Look out for dates and times in your local paper.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest donned her sunglasses and learnt all about eye health last month as part of The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Shades Day.

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Gillian Birch joined thousands of young people and adults all over the country, who put their shades and sun visors on to raise awareness of the need to protect their eyes while out in the sun on Shades Day (Monday, June 25)

A raffle and collection for The Guide Dogs for the Blind was also held on the day, where staff at Bracknell Forest Borough Council's Easthampstead House raised more than £190. The money will be used to help train a guide dog puppy called Simba - who is officially sponsored by the Council and visited Easthampstead House on Shades Day.

As well as fundraising for the charity the day provided the opportunity to spread the word that eye protection is important for everyone as exposure to sunlight for more than five hours a day in the summer can lead to eye conditions like cataracts.

Cllr Mrs Birch, said: "Shades Day is a fantastic way to both raise money for Guide Dogs and highlight the importance of wearing your sunglasses."

Tom Pey, Guide dog owner and Guide Dogs' Director of Public Policy and Development, said: "Educating people in how to protect their sight is important, and one simple way to keep eyes healthy is to wear your sunglasses. If you are outside and the light is so bright that you have to squint or turn your head away, then you know you have to put on your shades."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A major piece of public artwork in Bracknell Forest has won a prestigious award for its contribution to the built environment and architectural heritage.

A bronze-level Green Apple Award was presented by the Green Organisation for The Calibrated Ramp, in Easthampstead, Bracknell. It was designed to help walkers and cyclists navigate a steep slope next to a new housing development. There were more than 500 entrants to the awards.

It was officially opened last year and was designed by Andrew Sabin - who is known for creating major public works of art with dual uses. It is now a key link between Easthampstead and Bracknell town centre.

It came about due to a Council policy for integrating works of art in new developments and Andrew Sabin had to find a design which safely led residents up the steep bank while conforming to highway regulations.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member with responsibility for Bracknell cultural services, said: "The Council places great emphasis on making Bracknell Forest look good and feel good and this is an excellent example of an innovative project that contributes to making the borough a good place to live.

"I am delighted this innovative piece of public artwork has won a Green Apple Award'.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

There is a wide range of activities on offer for children in Bracknell Council's leisure facilities and parks during the school summer holidays.

At Bracknell Leisure Centre there are fun camps for children aged seven and over, plus the return of the Chelsea FC soccer school, both can keep participants occupied all day. The camps include lunch and a free swim - where under eights will need to be accompanied by an adult.

There are also courses in multi-sports, trampolining, soccer dribblers, fun sessions for under fours, tweeny tumblers, karting capers, gym and trampolining.

For Bracknell teenagers there are teen balance and cycling courses. In the swimming pools, there are a wide variety of children's courses for all ages and abilities.

For more details contact Bracknell Leisure Centre on 01344 454203.

Foxy's Fun Camp and Club 7-11 will be returning to Edgbarrow Sports Centre.

Both groups have a varied programme of activities, and parents can chose from the morning session from 9am-midday, the afternoon session from 12.30pm-3.30pm or combine the two. Children can attend for odd days or the entire week.

Foxy's Fun Club is for children aged three-to-six years. It includes a daily visit from Foxy - the centre's cuddly fox mascot. Club 7-11 is for seven-to-11-year-olds.

Following the clubs, there are have a go sessions in gymnastics, trampolining, indoor karting and archery. These can be added onto one of the fun camps or as a separate activity. For more details off all events at Edgbarrow call 01344 776211.

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre is good fun through rain or shine in the summer holidays with a wide range of ways to entertain children.

This summer, The Slime Show will be teaching children about why slugs and snails are so slimey while cutting liquid with a pair of scissors and playing with potty putty. Shows run from July 21 until September 4 at 11am, midday, 2pm and 3.15pm at weekends and school holidays.

The Look Out has an exciting hands on science exhibition and is within 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, where there are many trails and walks to explore. It also has a children's play area, free parking, picnic area, coffee shop and a gift shop. Mountain bike hire is also available. For more information on the Look Out, call 01344 354400

Elsewhere, the Downshire Golf Complex has children's summer camps on July 27 and 30 and August 8, 17, 20 and 31. For more details on the camps at one of the country's top Council-run golf courses call 01344 302030.

Meanwhile Bracknell Coral Reef will be open for holiday fun throughout the summer. Designed with fun in mind there are three giant water slides, wild water rapids, an erupting volcano and hissing snakes. For children there is a rain cloud, small slides and shallow pools to paddle in and for those looking for adventure on the high seas there is the pirate ship complete with shooting cannons. More details on 01344 862525.

For more information on all the Council's sport and leisure facilities visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

The Bracknell Council's parks and countryside service is also holding events for children in the holidays.

On Thursday, August 9, at 2pm in Pope's Meadow, Binfield, children could become an enormous elephant or fierce shark at Wild Disguises - an outdoor mask-making workshop; and on Tuesday, August 14, at 10am, children can make some Funky and Chunky Recycled Delights - for example wristbands, pendants, key rings and badges - at Sandhurst Community Hall.

Both events cost £3 for materials and must be booked in advance, either at reception at The Look Out or calling 01344 354441 or 354400.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "The summer holidays sometimes presents a challenge, the weather, what to do, where to go. With such huge range of fantastic activities being organised by the Council during the school holidays hopefully we've got something for everyone to beat the 'I'm bored' syndrome."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Health MOTs made sure Bracknell Forest residents were raring to go as part of the service on offer during Health Action Day on Friday (June 29).

Residents from across the Bracknell borough were offered the chance to make sure their health was tip-top as part of a free health MOT by health promotion nurses while members of Bracknell Forest Borough Council's intermediate care team were on hand to offer elderly residents the chance to find out about independent living and fall prevention.

The event, which was a joint project between the Council and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, also gave residents of all ages the chance to find out more about exercise, healthy eating and how to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle.

As part of the day, held at Priestwood Community Centre, there was also the chance for the borough's older residents to find out about how they could avoid falls - which often impair health - and how new technological advances in fall alarms and detectors could help them maintain their independence and allow them to be safe in the knowledge that help would be available if they did fall and need support.

The Bracknell event was held in the same week as National Falls Awareness Day (Tuesday, June 26) to provide extra help and advice to elderly residents about how to avoid falls and what to do if they did fall.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Community Care, said: "Providing advice and information to all residents about how to lead a healthy lifestyle is important. Health Action Day was a way of providing that information and allowing residents to ask the experts any questions they might have had.

"The intermediate care team were also on hand to provide elderly residents with all the information they needed on how fall detectors and alarms work and can help them lead an independent life but with the knowledge that help is just around the corner if they should fall."

Catherine Bray, a Physiotherapist working for Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, said: "Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Everyone can actively improve their strength and balance."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's environmental health staff organised their first bilingual seminar to help Asian businesses meet new food hygiene requirements.

The Safer Food Better Business seminar, which was held last month in the Mango Restaurant in Fernbank Road, North Ascot, was designed to help local restaurateurs learn about the new laws and how to apply them in their own languages.

The seminar was lead by Inderjit Bajaj, one of Bracknell Council's environmental health officers, who speaks Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.

Traders were informed about the Safer Food Better Business system, which creates an auditable trail to ensure safe methods of food preparation, help avoid cross-contamination and to ensure effective cleaning.

The seminar was held as new food hygiene regulations require cafes, restaurants and take-aways to have a documented food management system in place and someone trained to implement it. Training has already been held in English, but arranging a training session for the Bracknell Forest's Asian retailers whose first language is not English helps ensure operators of all food establishments in the borough know how to comply with the law.

Cllr Iain McCraken, Executive Member for Public Protection, said: "It is important that every business which handles food in the borough is fully aware of food hygiene regulations so residents have confidence when eating out.

"This innovative training session not only

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

More than 500 children from Bracknell Forest Borough Council's primary schools took part in their latest musical extravaganza, Our World, on Friday (22 June).

Children from across Bracknell borough's primary schools fine-tuned their vocal chords for over 18 months prior to the performance and were joined by the prestigious BBC Singers on the night.

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 was especially commissioned by Bracknell Forest Borough Council and written by renowned composer Ronald Corp.

The brand new work was 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 was one of the borough's biggest events of the year.

"The involvement of the BBC singers and renowned composer Ronald Corp ensured it was a spectacular show and I'm sure parents and residents enjoyed it as much as the children.

"Our World has formed an important part of teaching the arts in our primary schools. Not only have the children had great fun, but they have also learnt valuable skills like how to work in a team.

"Our headteachers and officers 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 was 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 have been given funding.

"This grant 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 was 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 was thrilled to see the borough's children perform alongside such acclaimed artists."

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 were conducted by Ronald Corp.

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

The show took place at the Bracknell Leisure Centre on Friday (22 June). There were two shows - at 6pm and 8pm.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council