Bracknell

This year's Heritage Open Days in Bracknell Forest feature a wide range of activities from making stained glass windows out of cellophane to visiting the private garden of a famous poet.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council has arranged for seven sites to be open to visitors free of charge between Thursday, September 6, and Sunday, September 9. The scheme is nationally co-ordinated by the Civic Trust in partnership with English Heritage.

As well as special tours of sites already open to the public - including Lily Hill and South Hill Parks, there is the chance to vist private gardens, like Newbold College and Pope's Manor.

Some of the events have special activities for children, including special activity trails.

All events are free, but, some do need to be booked in advance.

Bracknell Heritage Officer Vikki Nisbett said: "The Heritage Open Days give a rare opportununity to visit and learn about some of the wonderful places in Bracknell Forest which are not always open to the public.

"As they are all free, it is a great way to learn about the history of our borough."

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "The Heritage Open Days have proved to be very popular with residents of and visitors to Bracknell Forest, and this year we have a wonderful range of places to visit which I'm sure will cement the event into our cultural calendar.

"I would like to thank all the people and organisations who are making the Open Days the success they are by opening a building or answering questions from visitors."

This year's events are listed below.

St Michael the Archangel Church, Church Lane, Warfield, RG42 6EG
Thursday, September 6: 10am-4pm
Exhibition of Warfield's history which spans almost 1000 years and chance to look round the church and churchyard

St Michael and St Mary Magdalene Church, Crowthorne Road, Easthampstead, RG12 7ER.
Thursday, September 6: 11am-2.30pm; Saturday, September 8: 10am-4pm; Sunday, September 9: 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm.
Guided tours of the church and churchyard, plus stained glass window making and activity trails for children, no booking is required. Festival evensong is at 6pm on Sunday.

Lily Hill Park and House, London Road, Bracknell, RG12 9FL.
Thursday, September 6, to Sunday, September 9: daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Tours of the park, and the house when it is accessible, led by the Council's Lily Hill Park project officer Richard Scrivener.

Pope's Manor, St Mark's Road, Binfield, RG12 5DA.
Saturday, September 8: 2pm.
A guided tour of the private grounds of Pope's Manor - the former home of poet Alexander Pope. Booking is required, call 01344 354441 or email rangers@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Newbold College Gardens, St Mark's Road, Binfield, RG42 4AN.
Sunday, September 9: 2-5pm.
Visit the grade II listed garden which was designed by Oliver Hill.

South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA.
Saturday, September 8: grounds tour at 4.30pm and house tour at 5.30pm.
Tours of the historic grounds and the house which is now an arts centre. Booking is required, call 01344 351754 or email victoria.nisbett@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

St Michael and All Angels Church, Lower Church Road, Sandhurst, GU47 8HN.
Sunday, September 9: 2-5pm.
Open church and the opportunity to speak to members of the parish church council.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police in Bracknell have closed another crack house using the Anti-Social Behaviour Act of 2003.

An order to close down the property at 46 Woodmere, Harmans Water, Bracknell for three months was granted at Bracknell Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (28/8) where Acting Insp Charlie Winter, neighbourhood inspector for Bracknell North, gave evidence.

The Bracknell property was later boarded up and a closure notice put on display, together with a poster explaining that it has been closed as part of the Operation Falcon anti-drugs initiative. With the exception of staff working for the landlord, anyone caught inside, or attempting to get in, will be arrested. Police can return to court and get an extension of the closure order for a further three months if necessary.

A/Insp Winter said: “There has been a lot of anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity associated with this house in recent months. Neighbours have been subjected to noise at all hours of the day, as well as intimidation by visitors to the property.

“We have worked closely with the landlord, Bracknell Forest Borough Council, to gather evidence and prepare a case for the closure order.”

The problems led to police executing a search warrant at the Bracknell address on 26 July, when suspected Class A drugs were seized and two people were arrested. One of these people is currently on bail; the second person, 27-year-old Jason Sanders Fox, was charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and remanded to court.

Acting Ch Insp Bowden, commander of Bracknell Forest local police area, added: “This is the fifth crack house we have closed in Bracknell.

“I want to get the message across that anyone who is involved in dealing drugs, or who allows their property to be used by drug dealers, should think very carefully as it could cost you your home.

“We will continue to use all the powers given to us by current legislation to improve the quality of life for the community in Bracknell.

“The public can help us by providing information about people and premises involved in crime. Call us on 0845 8 505 505, or if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

Stuart Mudie, Assistant Director of Sustainable Communities at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "We will not tolerate any drug dealing in any of our properties.

"We have worked with the police to ensure that this house, which has caused neighbours great disturbance in the recent past, will not continue to cause problems.

"We want Bracknell Forest to remain a safe and drug-free place to live. Any form of illegal or anti-social behaviour is not welcome in the borough and we will work with the police to make sure it's stamped out."

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is challenging businesses and residents to take part in its annual car free challenge.

On Friday, September 21, commuters and residents across the borough will be asked to leave their cars at home and use alternative ways to work. It could be by foot, bike, or public transport.

Companies and organisations can compete to win the prestigious car free challenge cup. It is currently held by Sharp Telecommunications of Europe Ltd, who encouraged a third of their staff to travel to work without their cars last year.

The challenge is part of a Council scheme which supports greener and cleaner travel choices by encouraging all businesses to develop travel plans and reduce reliance on the car.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "The car free challenge is a great way to encourage staff to leave their cars at home and try alternative ways to work. Many people find it is easier than they think.

"For people who walk or cycle to work, it is a great way of exercising as well as helping the environment."

For more information about the car free challenge or developing travel plans, please contact the Council's travel plan co-ordinator Phil Burke on 01344 351266.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Hot Potato Syncopators, Paka Horse, The Jelly Ladies and The Zen Hussies were just a few of the acts to take to the Streetlife stage in Bracknell town centre this summer.

More Bracknell shoppers than ever were amazed and entertained by the fantastic array of extraordinary and talented performers during this year’s free six week event which ended last Saturday (25th August)

Streetlife has been running successfully for seven years and is a joint venture between Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and South Hill Park.

Children as well as adults alike joined in on the festival atmosphere and although many weekends were affected by the unseasonal rain this did not dampen people’s spirits.

Perfomers on the last weekend of Streetlife included Heir of Insanity which told a story of love through a big inflatable bubble and a balancing act and left shoppers in awe. Plunge Boom, The Microscopic Animal Enthusiasts entertained with their trolley full of magnifying glasses and discovery of minibeasts no one had ever heard of.

Ramshacklicious - The Road to Nowhere and The Zen Hussies took Streetlife out on a high note demonstrating musical talents and surreal acting abilities.

The children took advantage of free Makendoo (make 'n' do) workshops, put on throughout the Streetlife festival and the themes were 'carnival', 'jungle', 'pirates' , ‘up in the air’ and 'Neptune's kingdom'.

Graham Mountford, Town Centre Development Manager for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “Once again feedback has shown that Streetlife has proved to be really popular with visitors to the town centre. The quality of the entertainment has been first class with at least one of the acts having recently appeared on television [Physical Jerks appeared on BBC's 'The Slammer'] and it was great to see so many people out shopping with a smile on their face.

"The acts that I saw during this year's event exceeded all expectations and I am now looking forward to some of the other events which will be happening in Bracknell during the coming months."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Police in Bracknell are clamping down on burglary after a series of domestic burglaries in the area, mainly in Binfield, Warfield, Winkfield & Cranbourne.

Three people have been charged with burglaries in the last two weeks: a 16-year-old in relation to a burglary in Harmanswater, a 17-year-old for a burglary in Wildridings, and a 23-year-old man for a burglary in Easthampstead.

Many of the burglaries in Bracknall are carried out by criminals travelling in from Surrey and Reading. An operation carried out in July to tackle burglars travelling from Reading resulted in over 37 arrests and a number of charges for burglary and conspiracy to burgle. Several suspects are currently on bail pending forensic results, and police are working to trace several people who have been identified from forensic evidence.

Two people were arrested at the scene of a burglary in Binfield last week thanks to targeted patrols put in place following intelligence. They are currently on police bail pending forensic analysis.

Although the number of domestic burglaries in Bracknell is decreasing, police are asking the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious incidents.

Officers and PCSOs are carrying out crime reduction work across North Bracknell, including giving out crime prevention information packs to householders and offering free security surveys, which advise people how to improve their home security.

Acting Chief Inspector Simon Bowden, LPA Commander at Bracknell, said: “My teams will do everything they can to fully investigate offences of burglary and bring the offenders to justice. Residents can help us by taking precautions to prevent themselves becoming a victim, the extra effort is worth it compared to the turmoil caused by the offence itself.”

'If you are visited by a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and offered a crime prevention survey, please accept it - it is free and may prevent you from being the next victim. I want people to be aware of crime, not fear it.”

• Offenders gain access to homes through insecure windows or doors, or by breaking in. The crime reduction team advises people to ensure all doors are locked and remove the keys. Keep all downstairs windows shut and locked, and only keep windows open upstairs if there is no easy access to them via garage roofs and flat roofs.

• The best place to keep car keys and valuables such as purses and laptops when you are asleep at night is in the bedroom with you, or at least upstairs.

• Cars should always be locked when you park them and kept in a garage if possible. All valuables, such as sat nav systems, should be removed and nothing left on show to attract thieves. Leaving your car unlocked will almost certainly invalidate your insurance.

• Installing a burglar alarm will help deter burglars. Alarms should be set downstairs overnight and when the house is unoccupied.

• Resurfacing your driveway with gravel will also be a deterrent as it makes a noise when walked on.

• Make sure all outbuildings such as sheds and garages are locked and that garden tools are locked up, as these can be used to force entry to your house.

• Fit a burglar alarm that is visible but which cannot be reached by burglars.

• Keep valuables out of sight and mark them with your postcode in a UV pen for identification.

• Don’t leave house or car keys near to the front door, where they can be hooked out by burglars through the letterbox. Double-locking UPVC doors wil prevent letter-box burglaries.

• Consider installing a collapsible bollard, available from security shops.
Then you can park the car with its front close to the garage or house and its rear close to the bollard. It will be impossible for thieves to move the car without smashing down the bollard, which will make a lot of noise and take a lot of effort.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Pupils at Bracknell Forest Borough Council's schools are celebrating receiving their GCSE results, with many outstanding individual performances being reported.

Provisional results released today reveal that overall, performance in Bracknell borough is in line with last year’s record high, with the number of students achieving five or more passes at the top A* to C grades remaining at close to 60 per cent.

Within this figure, more young people in the borough than ever have achieved the Government’s new performance measure of five or more A* to C grades including both English and mathematics.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children’s Services and Libraries, said: "The GCSE results have improved steadily over the past few years and it is pleasing to note that the high level of performance has been maintained.

“Congratulations to the young people and their teachers who have worked hard to achieve these results”.

And, in the National Curriculum Tests and Assessments at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 provisional results show that Bracknell Forest pupils look set to remain above national average figures in every subject.

At Key Stage 1 (seven -year-olds) the percentage of the year groups achieving the expected level 2 or above was 86per cent in reading, 83 per cent in writing and 93 per cent in mathematics.

At Key Stage 2 (11- year-olds) 83 per cent have achieved the expected level 4 or above in English, 77 per cent in mathematics and 91 per cent in science.

Finally, at Key Stage 3 (14 -year-olds) 80 per cent of Bracknell pupils achieved the expected level 5 in mathematics, 77 per cent in English and 81 per cent in science.

Mr Eccleston, added: "This year's results in the National Curriculum Tests and Assessments also show that we are maintaining our long term improvement.

"We will continue to support our schools in building on these results in order to ensure that all young people are able to achieve their ambitions”.

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "I'd like to say a big well done to all the pupils and staff who have worked so hard to maintain such good results at GCSE.

"I'm delighted that our children are also continuing to do well at all Key Stage levels and are performing above the national average. Congratulations to all our staff and pupils on today's results."

Any GCSE student in need of advice or guidance following their examination results should contact their school or call Connexions on 080 800 13 2 19.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Police are appealing for the public’s help as part of an on-going investigation following an incident in Bracknell.

At 10.50pm on Monday (20/8), a 16-year-old girl was reported missing by her mother after failing to meet her at an agreed time near the John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell. A search was launched and the girl was found by police at about 12.15am yesterday (21/8) in a field near the Leisure Centre off the London Road (B3408).

The girl was not injured, but was taken to hospital as a precaution and later discharged.

Inquiries are continuing to establish exactly what happened between the time when the girl was last seen (approximately 9.30pm) and the time she was found.

The girl told police that she had been assaulted by a black man. No further descriptions are available.

As part of their investigation, police arrested a man on suspicion of assault. He has since been released without charge in relation to the investigation.

A/Ch Insp Simon Bowden, commander of Bracknell police area, said: “There is no information to suggest that the girl was sexually assaulted, and I would like to reassure the public that a thorough investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances.”

Sgt Steve Witts, officer involved in the investigation, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information in relation to this incident to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a teenage girl, 5ft 7ins, slim build, dark brown hair below the shoulders, wearing a cream jacket and black trousers, in the vicinity of the leisure centre and the field off the London Road. I would also like to hear from witnesses who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area between 9.30pm on Monday and 12.15am yesterday (21/8).

He added: “Every piece of information is crucial and may assist with our investigation.”

Those with information should contact Det Sgt Witts via the 24 hour police enquiry centre number on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to police or leave their name should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is a fine example of quality health and safety management according to inspectors who awarded it a prestigious RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Award earlier this month.

The Gold Medal award is only given to organisations which have achieved a minimum of 5 consecutive Gold Awards for good health and safety practice.

It was presented to Safety Advisers from Bracknell Council at a special ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, during the RoSPA Occupational Health & Safety Awards 2007 - which ran alongside Safety & Health Expo 2007, the UK's premier health and safety at work exhibition.

David Rawlins, RoSPA Awards Manager, said "Bracknell Forest Borough Council have demonstrated how seriously they take health and safety management and are a fine example to many other companies. We would like to see more organisations following their lead."

RoSPA has been organising the national award scheme since 1956, to recognise excellence on health and safety performance. The awards are designed to reduce the number of accidents and cases of ill health at work and to ensure organisations have good health and safety management systems in place.

Vincent Paliczka, Director of Bracknell Council's Environment & Leisure Department, said "We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. The RoSPA awards help us ensure we have good health and safety management systems in place which in turn helps reduce the number of accidents and cases of ill health at work.

"Entering the awards scheme reinforces the Council's commitment to the achievement of high levels of performance in this crucial area, and winning the Gold Medal reflects a consistency in our approach ."

Cllr Iain McCracken,Executive Member for Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, added: "This award reflects the Council's on-going commitment to provide a safe place for all our employees to work. I'd like to thank everyone who has worked hard to ensure that the Council remains a safe and as hazard-free place to work as possible."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Mucky pups got creative during the messy play day eventsA messy playtime complete with glitter, glue and gloop greeted tots at Great Hollands Community Centre on Wednesday.

The first messy play-day, organised by Bracknell Forest Borough Council's children's centres, was a huge success with more than 50 local children getting stuck in to a variety of activities.

The painting, drawing and glueing-fun at the centre on Wednesday, August 15, was free for all under fives and their parents and siblings and is the first of five messy play-days this summer.

Other activities that the children got to grips with included playing with variety of materials like shaving foam and cornflour gloop to make a creative mess. They were also treated to a range of healthy snacks donated by Organix.

Despite appearances, messy play can make an enormous contribution to babies' and young children's creative development and allows children to use materials in new ways.

Messy play is important at it has a lack of focus which leaves the child to explore lots of possibilities. Curiosity is encouraged and messy play sparks a desire to explore.

Trying new things also encourages children to speak and listen when sharing resources.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services said: "I'm glad to see that the children who attended the messy play event had a lovely time- education is usually structured so it's nice to see a day like this organised for young children.

"Being creative and making mess go hand in hand and this is the perfect opportunity to do both!"

Those attending should wear clothing that they don't mind getting dirty.

Refreshments will be available and parents will have the opportunity to say what they would like from the borough's children's centres.

Further messy play days will be held on:

18 August: St. Joseph's church hall, Town Centre 10:30am to 12:30pm

21 August: The Pines community centre 10am to 12pm

23 August: St. Michael's church hall, Easthampstead 10am to 12pm

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The quality of life for many older people living in care homes in Bracknell Forest is set to improve thanks to a £90,000 refurbishment grant from the Government.

Thousands of pounds will now be invested in 14 care homes across the borough after the Council received money from the Government as part of the Dignity in Care campaign.

Improvements will include replacing worn out Bracknell carpeting and coverings to reduce the risk of falls; improving garden areas so residents are encouraged to go outside more and use outside space for exercising; and providing more IT opportunities like internet access and email.

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "Providing a dignified service to residents in our care homes is extremely important so they can live a full and private life but at the same time receive the correct level of support.

"I'm pleased that with this funding we can continue to improve the good quality service we already offer and further improve the quality of life that the residents of the fourteen care homes enjoy."

Ian Davey, Director of Bracknell Social Services and Housing, added: "Making sure our care homes are private and dignified places for some of the borough's most vulnerable residents to live is essential so as to ensure that residents have a good quality of life.

"This funding will enable us to make some real improvements to our care homes, whether it's installing computer terminals so residents can have access to email and the internet or replacing worn carpets, all the changes will add further to the quality of life these residents have."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

There is still time to enrol for Bracknell Leisure Centre's fun-packed programme of affordable activities for adults and children this summer.

The swimming pools are open to everyone, with a choice of courses suitable for all abilities, from toddlers in the training pool to children with little or no experience right through to the more confident swimmer.

The ever popular Bracknell Chelsea FC soccer camp and fun camps for children are continuing. The five day soccer camps will be open to boys and girls aged five to 14, and includes lunch and a swim - where under eights will need to be accompanied in the water by an adult.

There are also fun sessions, trampolining, gymnastics, multi-sports, badminton, soccer dribblers, Karting Kapers and much more.

For teenagers there are teen balance and teen cycling and instructor led sessions in the BodyWorks gym.

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

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

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

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

There are only two weeks left to be amazed and entertained by this summer's Streetlife festival in Bracknell town centre.

If you have not yet caught any of the FREE Bracknell summer entertainment, that is Streetlife, now is the time to do it.

Last Saturday's performances included Bramble FM, which broadcast its slightly absurd radio programme to Bracknell's Saturday Shoppers. The Fuse Performance - I Scream Van whizzed around the town centre leaving people startled and bemused with their comedy driving skills. The Razor Sharp Bananas: Barnaby Bear With Me and lady magician Gracie Spoon captivated the crowd and treated them to a medley of wonderful entertainment.

Streetlife is a live street entertainment festival, put on during the summer by Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and the South Hill Park Arts Centre. It takes place for the next two Saturdays in Bracknell town centre (until 25th August).

Graham Mountford, Town Centre Development Manager at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "We are committed to making Bracknell a vibrant and fun town centre for all the family to enjoy during the summer. The Streetlife performances have had fantastic reviews from shoppers and I am looking forward to seeing even more wild and wacky entertainers showing off their musical and acrobatic skills in the two over the next two weeks of Streetlife."

Performances start at 12.30pm and run throughout the day until 3.30pm. The acts are located around Charles Square and there are free themed Makendoo (make 'n' do) workshops for children in Princess Square. These are are proving to be a great success and the next theme for children to get involved in is 'Neptune's Kingdom' and on Saturday 25th August it will be 'Up in the Air'.

Next Saturday (18th August) the festival of fun continues with:

*Mimbre - The Bridge: This act combines world-class acrobatics with theatre and dance.

*Bedlam Oz - Slinkie Love: Two giant slinkies put on a surreal and entertaining performance.

*Hot Potato Syncopatros: this is a novelty swing band featuring some very unusual musical instruments.

*Physical Jerks: Watch the breaks, spins and kick ups from one of the country's top teams of street dancers.

For more information about the line up for this year's Streetlife visit www.bracknell.com.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Cllr iain McCracken with the new members of Buy With ConfidenceMore traders have been welcomed to Bracknell Forest Borough Council's list of approved traders - designed to give residents confidence when shopping or inviting workmen into their home.

Buy With Confidence was launched by trading standards officers in Bracknell Forest last year, and invited all traders to join the scheme - from plumbers to handymen. There are more than 1,500 members of Buy With Confidence across the south east.

Anyone wishing to join is checked for trustworthiness and compliance with the law, via compliments or complaints from previous customers and any criminal record or civil judgments.

The scheme encourages Bracknell residents to give good and bad feedback, and trading standards can mediate in disputes.

It has proved worthwhile to traders who found they were getting work in more areas from customers who were more trusting and less defensive.

Rob Sexton, Head of Trading Standards and Licensing, said: "We are steadily increasing the number of traders who want to prove to their customers they are trustworthy.

"If you are a trader who wants to show you are reputable, why not consider joining Buy With Confidence?"

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "We've heard from many residents about how helpful Buy With Confidence is when selecting traders.

"If you need someone trustworthy to visit your home, why not use one of our approved traders?"

For more information and traders details or to nominate a trader visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk, alternatively call trading standards on 01344 352583.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Both Bracknell dogs and their owners are invited to the free Paws in the Park on Saturday, August 11, from 11am to 4pm.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's parks and countryside service's biggest annual event is held to promote responsible dog ownership and to give something back to key users of local parks and open spaces.

The event is held in Westmorland Park, Warfield, and includes displays by Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs and Oakwood Park Kennels.

Both dogs and walkers can take part in competitions including the waggiest tail and the dog that looks like someone famous. There are also guided dog walks and an opportunity to obtain the bronze award in the Kennel Club's good citizen dog scheme.

Visitors can also visit various charity stalls, including the RSPCA and Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital to ask questions about good dog health, as well as support their efforts.

You do not have to have a dog to come along - any money raised is going straight to the charities involved on the day.

Cllr Bob Edger, Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, said: "I think Paws in the Park is a great chance for all dog owners to find out more about how to care for their pets and help raise money for many important charities.

"It is a fun-filled day for all the family as there is so much to do for everyone, whether you are a dog owner or not."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Dental Nurse Training? Solutions! based in Berkshire is offering more courses in the South of England to help cope with the demand.

Very soon, all Dental Nurses will have to be registered with the General Dental Council. To do this, they will have to take a qualification.

Many of the courses are over-subscribed and so we are offering to go and teach Dental Nurses wherever there is a need anywhere South of Manchester.

We are the oldest established Dental Nurse Training organisation in Berkshire having taught the course uninterrupted since 1989. Our tutors are highly qualified teachers of adults and have a great deal of experience in the dental profession [since 1973 and 1980!]

We teach the NEBDN National Certificate in Dental Nursing course in Bracknell and Thatcham, and also the post Certificate Qualifications: NEBDN Oral Health Education in Bracknell, NEBDN Dental Sedation Nursing in Bracknell and NEBDN Dental Radiography [in Reading near the railway station].

All our venues are easy to get to and have easy free parking.

We also offer a course in Management : Dental Practice Management - an Introduction and a Study Day for candidates about to take the National Certificate Examination.

So, call us if you want any of these presented in your area! Radiography in Milton Keynes, Croyden and Derby are already in the pipeline!

Dental Nurse Training Solutions, Old Bracknell Lane West, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7AE

Over 250 Bracknell Forest children and young people celebrated National Play Day with a fun filled day at Koosa Kids based at Birch Hill Primary School with this year’s theme of ‘Our streets too!’

National Play Day is an initiative co-ordinated by the Children’s Play Council and the Children’s Society. It is a national campaign where thousands of children and young people get out and play at locally organised events.

‘Our streets too!’ highlights the need for change, so that Bracknell children, young people and their families can feel safe and confident about playing in streets and areas near their homes all year round.

The event, organised by Bracknell Forest Early Years and Childcare Team, is designed to support the importance of unstructured play and to encourage children’s social and emotional development.

The day promoted outdoor play and encouraged the children to learn some of the traditional games that are not widely played any more, such as skipping and hop scotch.

Bracknell Children aged between nine months and 14 years took part in the many outdoor activities including skipping, ball games, space hopper racing and giant “messy play” painting area.

Koosa Kids is a fun-filled after school and holiday club that is part funded by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.

The club is the result of many months planning alongside the Bracknell Forest Early Years and Childcare Partnership and aims to offer quality, active, affordable, fun childcare. For more information, visit www.koosakids.co.uk

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest visited the event and said: “Encouraging play amongst children is so important for their development and it was great to see them getting involved in so many different activities.

“We were really lucky with the weather and I especially enjoyed playing the giant snakes and ladders with the children.”

Martin Gocke, Assistant Director of Children's Access and Inclusion, said: "Play is essential for physical and emotional growth, for mental, intellectual and educational development, and for acquiring social and behavioural skills.

"National Play Day is excellent at promoting play, and the theme of 'Our streets too!' is equally important. It was great to see so many children enjoying the outdoors and making the most of the good summer weather!"

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Council's children's centres have joined forces and organised five messy play events to be held in local community venues during the summer holidays.

The events will be free and are for children under five to attend with their parents. Older siblings are also welcome.

Children are encouraged to get stuck in by painting, drawing and glueing as well as playing with different types of materials such as shaving foam and cornflour gloop.

Despite appearances, messy play can make an enormous contribution to babies' and young children's creative development and allows children to use materials in new ways.

Messy play is important at it has a lack of focus which leaves the child to explore lots of possibilities. Curiousity is encouraged and messy play sparks a desire to explore.

Trying new things also encourages children to speak and listen when sharing resources.

Cath Lowther, Children's Centre Manager for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, says: "As well as being great for babies and young children's development, messy play is enormous fun.

"Not only do children enjoy it but the parents can also join in."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services said: "Education is usually structured so it's nice to see a day like this organised for young children.

"Being creative and making mess go hand in hand and this is the perfect opportunity to do both! I'm sure all who attend will have a great time."

Those attending should wear clothing that they don't mind getting dirty.

Refreshments will be available and parents will have the opportunity to say what they would like from the borough's children's centres.

Details of the events are as follows:

15 August: Great Hollands Community Centre 10am-12pm

16 August: St. Paul's church hall, Harmans Water 10am-12pm

18 August: St. Joseph's church hall, Town Centre 10:30am-12:30pm

21 August: The Pines community centre 10am-12pm

23 August: St. Michael's church hall, Easthampstead 10am-12pm

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Mayor, Cllr Gill Birch, samples some delicious treats from the PhilippinesExotic foods and colourful costumes filled South Hill Park when all things Filipino came to town as part of the Bracknell Barrio Fiesta on Sunday (July 29).

The Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, got the festival started when she officially opened the event - which has become an annual summer spectacular in the borough.

As well as trying a delicious feast of Filipino food Cllr Mrs Birch and her consort Cllr Dale Birch enjoyed a fiesta of Filipino dancing and music as well as a fashion show - which showcased a variety of traditional costume and dress.

The event, which was themed Salu-Salo, Sama Sama and means getting together and having fun, has been running for several years in Bracknell Forest and is organised by the Berkshire Filipino Association. Members of the Embassy of the Philippines were also on hand throughout the day to tell festival-goers more about the country's culture and history, while a variety of traditional goodies were on sale for shoppers to snap up.

Cllr Mrs Birch said: "I very much enjoyed the festival and learning all about the culture of the Philippines and I was honoured that for the second year running I was able to open the festival.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Hundreds of Bracknell residents are expected to pay their respects to loved ones buried or cremated at Easthampstead Park Cemetery and Crematorium on Sunday, September 2, at the annual Thanksgiving and Remembrance service.

The open air memorial service has been running at the Bracknell Forest Borough Council run crematorium for the past 19 years and gives residents the chance to remember loved ones through speeches, prayers and hymns.

The Mayor of the Bracknell of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, will be doing a reading at this year's service while Rev Andrew Frearson from St Andrews Church in Priestwood, Rev Philip Thomas from High Cross Methodist Church, and Deacon Tony Cunningham from St Joseph and St Margaret Clitherow Church will also be saying readings and prayers.

Jan Frances from the Humanist Celebrant will also be saying a few words throughout the service.

All residents wanting to pay respects to their loved ones are welcome to attend the service which starts at 3pm and will last for about 45 minutes.

Cllr Mrs Birch, Mayor of Bracknell Forest, said: "This event provides residents with time to reflect and remember their loved ones it also brings comfort and helps people remember those family members and friends who are no longer with us.

"It's always a very well attended event and I hope that many residents come along and join in the remembrance service this year."

Donations made after the service will go to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help, which is the Mayor's chosen charity.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Rabbits, chicks and donkeys were some of the unusual visitors to Bracknell, Heathlands last week when the when the Wildridings-based residential home and day centre became a petting zoo for the day.

Furry friends from the Miller's Ark Animals were available for petting and cuddling at the Wildridings based residential home and day centre on Tuesday, July 31.

Residents at the Bracknell Forest Borough Council run home and centre were given the opportunity to stroke and hold guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs as well as farm yard animals like pigs, sheep and donkeys.

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, and her consort, Cllr Dale Birch, also popped in to find out what all the fuss was about and pet some cute animals.

Linda Parsons, Manager of Heathlands, said: "The visit from the farm is something that of our residents really look forward to. We've had them visit several times before and it's fast becoming one of the summer highlights for our residents and day centre users.

"Many of our residents are too frail to go out themselves so it's great that the farm comes to us and they get to enjoy the company of the animals without going too far. Everyone had such a lovely day and we're already looking forward to the animals' next visit."

Bracknell Cllr Mrs Birch added: "I had a wonderful afternoon at Heathlands. Everyone had great fun stroking and petting the animals that Miller's Ark brought along.

"I especially enjoyed feeding the goats and it was a real pleasure to see the clients feeding the animals and enjoying the sunshine surrounded by the lovely animals."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Silver surfers at a Bracknell Forest sheltered housing scheme are back in the fast-lane on the electronic superhighway after a generous donation by a national pharmaceutical company.

Residents at Liscombe House in Birch Hill, Bracknell were distraught when their PC was snatched by thieves in March and free internet lessons, given by a resident's great grandson, had to be suspended for the foreseeable future.

But thanks to the generosity of Procter and Gamble a new computer is now sitting proudly in the unit's communal area and is hooked up to the internet ready for lessons to begin again and for residents to enjoy.

Procter and Gamble donated the computer after employee Diane Allen, whose mother is a tenant at Liscombe House, told her bosses how upset everyone at the Birch Hill unit had become since the theft.

Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, received the computer from Brian Perry, Procter and Gamble's Community Matters Manager, on behalf of the tenants on Thursday (July 26) morning and it has since been set up in a new and secure location.

Pearl Paternoster, Manager of Liscombe House, said: "Everyone is so pleased that Procter and Gamble very generously donated this computer. It was such a blow to have the old one stolen because residents really like using it and the free lessons they'd been having had really boosted their confidence and enjoyment of it.

"Thanks to the new computer residents have already started using the internet again and are eagerly waiting for the lessons to start up so that they can increase their IT skills even further."

Bracknell Cllr Edger added: "On behalf of all the residents and staff at Liscombe House I'd like to say a big thank you to Procter and Gamble for the new computer. Without its help the residents would have had to wait a lot longer to get a new computer but thankfully due to this donation they are now fully logged on to the internet and looking forward to their IT lessons resuming."

Brian Perry, Procter and Gamble Community Matters Manager for Egham, said: " Procter and Gamble were only too pleased to be able to help this group of residents who prove that you're never too old to learn. We wish them many hours of enjoyment surfing the world wide web and being able to communicate with their grand children and great grand children using the language and tools of the 21st century."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

New Scotland Hill Primary School, Bracknell is a good school with many outstanding features say inspectors from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

The Ofsted inspection team visited the Bracknell Forest Borough Council school in June and their report gives it a grade two, good school rating.

The report says: "The school is committed to providing an environment in which all pupils can develop well, academically, emotionally and personally.

"It demonstrates this commitment in its good care, guidance and support.

"Its effectiveness is demonstrated by pupils' good personal development and well being.

"Pupils show their enjoyment of school through their above average attendance, the very good behaviour of most and their willingness to join in with all that it has to offer."

The inspectors' key findings in summary are:

. Good teaching and learning, supported by a good curriculum, lead to good achievement for pupils;

. The school succeeds well in ensuring that achievement is consistent between pupils, subjects and years in almost all respects;

. The school has succeeded well in addressing the few areas identified in need of significant improvement by the last inspection;

. Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is good;

. The curriculum is well thought out to give breadth and balance and is adapted effectively to meet the needs of all pupils;

. The curriculum makes a good contribution to pupils' personal development;

. A wide range of well attended clubs provide good opportunities for pupils to take exercise and develop creative and cultural interests;

As in all Ofsted reports the inspectors make recommendations for improvement which at New Scotland Hill Primary School are further improving the measurement of pupil's progress and monitoring of targets.

Pat Kerton, Headteacher at New Scotland Hill Primary School, Bracknell said: "We are delighted that the inspectors recognised that the school is a good school with some excellent qualities.

"The recommendations for improvement are areas which we have already begun to work on including more specific individual pupil targets and we will continue to develop these."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "The inspectors rightly highlight the school's many strengths in their report including a the commitment to make a good contribution to the pupils' personal development.

"The school is providing good 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 New Scotland Hill Primary School get a grade two, good school rating.

"This Ofsted report shows there is good quality teaching in the school and I congratulate the headteacher and her team on this achievement."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council