Bracknell

Hundreds of children from Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s primary schools are getting ready to perform the annual Christmas carol concert on Sunday 2 December at the Bracknell Leisure Centre.

More than 350 Bracknell primary-aged children will sing traditional Christmas carols and other festive songs accompanied by a youth orchestra made up of Berkshire children taught by Berkshire Maestros. James Baker of Berkshire Maestros will conduct the orchestra and choir.

For many children and parents the concert marks the start of Christmas in the Bracknell borough and there are still tickets available for anyone who would like to join in and sing along to all the traditional carols. Tickets are on sale at Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell, priced £5 each.

Cllr Mrs Gill Birch, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest will present a prize to the winner of a competition to design artwork for the concert programme.

The Mayor said: "The carol concert is one of the highlights of the festive season in our borough and our children and schools put a great deal of effort into preparing and organising it.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

People with disabilities and their families are invited to Bracknell Leisure Centre on December 3 to take part in activities organised to celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons.

The Bracknell well-being and leisure team based at the Bagshot Road facility are holding badminton and new age curling sessions between 2pm and 3pm – friends and family are welcome to join in too.

The team has been set up to provide advice and support to people with disabilities who want to take part in the range of activities offered at the leisure centre throughout the year.

International Day of Disabled Persons aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and the rights of people with disabilities.

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive member for Bracknell Community Cohesion, said: It is really important that we mark this day. We are working hard to make sure that we support people with disabilities and ensuring they are not excluded from using our services or taking part in the activities we offer to those who live in the borough.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council now has a dedicated page on its website with links to all the services it provides for people with disabilities, including access advice for all its leisure facilities.

This was one of the actions in the Council’s first Disability Equalities Scheme which was published last year.

The activity sessions at Bracknell Leisure Centre will take place between 2pm and 3pm on Monday December 3 and cost £2.50. For more information call 01344 454203.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

With only a few shopping weeks left until Christmas Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and Bracknell Forest Borough Council is helping shoppers get into the festive mood with a Mardi-Gras style carnival evening on Thursday 13th December.

The party starts at 4.30pm and runs through until 8pm when theshops close with a lively and unusual line-up of entertainment for people to enjoy whilst they do any last minute gift buying.

There will be a host of breathtaking acts; from acrobats cascading down on ribbons from the ceiling in Princess Square to skilful street-jugglers. There will be music and dancing throughout the evening, and a limbo dance troupe will not only put on an exciting display but will also be encouraging shoppers to see how low they can go.

Louisa Wright-Wastell from Bracknell Regeneration Partnership comments ‘Christmas is a magical time of year and we want to make sure that any shopping trips are fun for all the family. The Carnival evening is all about excitement, energy and fun. The shops are open late and there's free parking from 5pm, so there's really no excuse not to join in the party!’

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Pupils welcomed Cllr Alan Ward and Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay to Garth Hill College earlier this month (Friday 9 November), when they paid a visit to find out more about the future redevelopment to the site.

They met with some Bracknell year seven pupils and took time to speak with them about their lessons and how they were settling into their new school and were given a guided tour of the college and the site by Principal Keith Grainger.

The £33.2 million 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.

Garth Hill College will have the potential to be open for extended services and the Council hopes it will be able to provide arts, sports and library activities to engage young people and the wider community.

The 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.

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries said: "We talked with the Principal and other members of staff and came away with a good impression of a college that is delivering an excellent standard of education to the borough's children.

"The Principal talked about the college’s educational vision and updated us on the progress of the new build.

"He showed us the draft plans for the new site and as I am a member of the project team, I am very enthusiastic to see this brought to a successful conclusion.”

Keith Grainger, Principal of Garth Hill College, Bracknell said: "I was delighted to welcome Cllr Ward and Mr MacKay and to tell them what life is like here at the college.

They were both keen to how I am enjoying my new role and how the college is progressing. I was very pleased to tell them that standards and achievements rose again in 2007.

"It was a pleasure to have them visit. We always extend a warm welcome to visitors of the college."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

It was more than just a friendly get together when nearly a hundred delegates met last week (Friday 9 November) to shape the future of Bracknell Forest Borough’s extended services.

Everyone from directors elected members to Bracknell teachers, children’s centre managers and school nurses met at the Bracknell Family Church for the conference.

The conference aimed to explore how extended services based in and around schools and in children’s centres are delivering benefits, meeting local needs and improving outcomes for children, family and the community.

By providing joined-up services, Bracknell Council and other agencies want to help children reach five key outcomes - to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well being.

Access to a considerable variety of new services is being offered in local areas by schools, children’s centres, libraries, health centres, youth centres and in other places

Delegates took part in a range of workshops to thrash out ideas including workshops on flexible childcare, challenges faced by the change in the cultural make up of the borough, developing youth support services and developing community health.

Ideas from the day will be used to shape how services offered by Bracknell Council, Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, Police and other partners move forward and develop.

Guest speaker at the conference was Hugh Thornbery, Strategic Director for Children at NCH, the children's charity.

He stressed the importance of integrated delivery of frontline services built around the needs of children and families.

Hugh also talked about the important role of parents, and challenged the Council’s extended services teams to find creative ways of reaching hard to engage, minority groups and the most vulnerable children.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children’s Services and Libraries said: The day was focussed on integrating services and improving children’s lives in terms of all the five outcomes.

Through extended services local areas are actively involved in planning what they want to be provided for their children and families. These are the whole community’s business.

I am sure everyone took a lot from this day, as I did, and the things we learnt will be invaluable as we continue with these services in the future.”

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries and Chair of the Extended Services steering group, said: Providing extended services that parents and children find useful is very important to the Council.

Extended services in and around schools and children’s centres really have been making an impact and a useful contribution to the local community.

”I’d like to thank everyone who took part as their comments and suggestions are invaluable to everyone involved with providing extended services.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

It was a world record breaking day at Bracknell Leisure Centre last Thursday for Children in Need.

A team of 12 fitness enthusiasts from Bracknell BodyWorks Gym climbed their way to success during a marathon climb and has raised more than £3,000 for the annual appeal.

Six men and six women - half were BodyWorks fitness instructors and half were customers - attempted to break the existing record of climbing 210,886ft on a Versaclimber stepping and climbing machine.

The Bracknell team, working in shifts, managed to equal the record after 22 hours and 49 seconds. Yet not content to match the feat, they smashed the target and managed to climb an incredible 230,642ft in 24 hours - that's the equivalent of almost eight Mount Everests.

Senior Fitness Instructor Marc Rose said: "The team were extremely ecstatic about breaking the record and raising such a huge amount for Children in Need.

"The team would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, police officers, Councillors and other helpers for giving up their time to support the team in this strenuous achievement."

The successful staff were: Marc Rose, Kim Micklewright, Sarah Davidson, Zoe Offen, John Stafford and Hazel Frost; and the customers were: Barry Payne, Matt Jones, Mick Coxhead, Simon Coxhead, Sarah Deacon and Kathryn Shaw.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "I feel sure I speak for all my Borough colleagues when I say 'brilliant' and congratulations to the team at Bracknell Leisure Centre on their record breaking success.

"They have raised a massive amount for Children in Need and I applaud their dedication and commitment."

It's not too late to pledge support to the team. To show your support for the team and Children in Need contact Marc Rose, Senior Fitness Instructor at Bracknell Leisure Centre, on 01344 422288. Donations will be accepted up until Friday, November 30.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Residents' views are being encouraged to suggest how a new Bracknell community at Amen Corner might be developed in the future.

The Bracknell site, which is on the outskirts of Binfield and next to the A329 Berkshire Way, has been identified as a site for a new mixed use community to include housing, a new primary school, recreation and employment.

Bracknell Residents' views will contribute to an action plan for the site. The plan will include the number of homes, the amount of employment, what shops and other services might be necessary - for example a primary school - and the look and style of the new development.

Amen Corner was earmarked as an area for future development in the council’s core strategy - a crucial part of the Local Development Framework (LDF). This is a wide-ranging set of planning documents which cover development issues in Bracknell Forest until 2026 and will replace the Bracknell Forest Local Plan. The Amen Corner area action plan will be part of the LDF.

The core strategy said the site could contain around 725 new homes, provide opportunities for employment as well as maintaining a countryside gap between Binfield and Wokingham.

There will be a consultation on the draft action plan next year, before a public examination in 2009. It is hoped it can be formally adopted by the Council in 2010.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: We would like to create a sustainable and viable community at Amen Corner, with the necessary services and infrastructure.

”Residents views are crucial in deciding how this new community can become a reality.”

The consultation information will be sent to landowners, residents and people who have responded to an earlier consultation. It is will also be available at Council offices, Binfield library, Binfield Parish Council and on the Council’s website at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/ldf. For more details call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Work to build a landmark Bracknell modern new bridge over Mill Lane is beginning this month.

The Bracknell new bridge will replace the existing narrow concrete footbridge which has come to the end of its life and will also provide a new cycle link between Great Hollands and Easthampstead.

The bridge is an important link for children going to school, so is being replaced with a wider structure with space for both pedestrians and cyclists.

The existing bridge will remain open until the new bridge is completed in early June next year. Demolition of the existing bridge will then follow and new landscaping will ensure the woodland approach is maintained.

The simple and striking Bracknell footbridge was designed to be both visually interesting while also providing a safe and economical crossing for walkers and cyclists. For road users and for residents, the bridge will be seen as a striking contemporary architectural statement which enhances the existing environment. Work to prepare the site for the new bridge will begin with necessary vegetation clearance.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Planning and Transportation, said: The new bridge over Mill Lane will be a major new landmark for Bracknell. It will make it easier and safer for residents to walk and cycle to school and around the town.”

For the latest information on the bridge, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/env-mill-lane-footbridge or call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

This year Bracknell pulls out all the stops with a star-studded spectacular Christmas Light Switch on. With an exhilarating performance from Toyah Willcox, plus the unveiling of the new town centre Christmas lights and Bracknell’s largest ever firework display, it will be a truly electrifying start to Christmas.

Kicking off at 3pm, on Thursday 22 November, popular DJs Danny Pike and Steve Hyland will be playing music in Bracknell Charles Square to help everyone get into the party mood. With the 2-ten fm’s Thunders and breakfast DJ’s Foxy and Tom arriving at 4.30pm it’s sure to be an entertaining night – and that’s before Toyah has even joined the party.

Illuminating the town centre with her performances, Toyah will then reveal this year’s new Bracknell Christmas light displays – in both Princess Square, and then later in Charles Square, when it gets a little darker. Louisa Wright Wastell from the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership comments, ‘With Toyah’s sense of fun and adventure and her boundless energy, her performance will be as electrifying as the lights and fireworks.’

Graham Mountford, Town Centre Manager from Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: “I am very much looking forward to this year’s Christmas light switch-on and also to meeting Toyah. It is great to have a celebrity to help share in our celebrations this year and Toyah, with her energy and enthusiasm is the perfect choice.

“I hope as many Bracknell residents as possible will come along to the event. It promises to be an amazing night.”

To mark the end a truly entertaining evening Toyah will be in Princess Square from 6.30pm - ready and willing to sign autographs.

Starting from 22 November, shops in Bracknell are open late every Thursday until 8pm leading up to Christmas, with free car parking from 5pm

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Children in Bracknell Forest are being encouraged to start reading books as part of a national scheme with Bookstart.

All nine of Bracknell borough’s libraries are promoting the scheme which gives children a free pack containing two books and colouring pencils.

A Bookstart stand will be in Princess Square, outside Marks and Spencers, on Friday (16) from 10am to 12pm.

Leaflets, stickers and balloons will be handed out to promote the scheme and the Bookstart Bear will also be making a guest appearance.

There are separate packs for toddlers aged 18 to 30 months and children aged 36 to 48 months.

Bookstart aims to introduce toddlers to books as a way of learning as well as for the simple pleasure of listening to or reading a story.

It is a national scheme being run by Booktrust, the Department for Education and Skills and Councils around the country.

Ruth Burgess, Head of Bracknell Libraries and Information said: "The greater a child’s interest in books at an early age, the more likely they will develop a lifelong interest in reading.

Bookstart is the perfect way to do get children interested in books at a young age.”

Cllr Alan Ward, Bracknell Executive Member for Education and Libraries said: "For even very young children, reading can be beneficial as it is fun, educational and stimulating."

"We should all encourage our children to read and I urge parents to take advantage of the free books available and pick a pack up from their local library.”

Parents can pick up the Bookstart packs from any library in Bracknell Forest by simply bringing their child’s red health book with them.

Bracknell Forest Borough Counci

Sandy Lane 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 October and their report gives it a grade two, good school rating.

The report says: Pupils talk about their school very positively. They enjoy it, knowing they are safe and well cared for.

Parents too give the school their wholehearted support; as one said, 'I am 100 per cent sure that I could not have chosen a more child and parent friendly school'.

Many parents also commented on the role played by the headteacher in moving the Bracknell school forward, describing her leadership as excellent.”

The inspectors' key findings in summary are:

• The rate of achievement has risen dramatically over the recent years;

• Lessons stimulate pupils' interest and teachers motivate pupils by setting challenging targets;

• Pupils with learning difficulties receive outstanding support and the school's excellent provision for pupils at an early stage of acquiring English has received national recognition;

• A rich and varied curriculum of good quality encompasses a wide range of subjects;

• Pupils' personal development is enhanced effectively inside and outside the classroom;

• Pupils behave very well, gain clear ideas about how to keep safe and stay healthy, and make an extremely valuable contribution to school life;

• The quality of care, guidance and support is outstanding. Pastoral care is very strong. This is seen in pupils' confidence and good relationships with the adults with whom they come into contact. It is also reflected in the way that pupils of all ages take care of one another and play together well;

• The quality of leadership and management is outstanding and is reflected in rising standards. The headteacher has a very clear vision of how the school should grow as a community in which all pupils achieve their potential both academically and personally.

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

Liz Norris, Bracknell Headteacher at Sandy Lane Primary School, said: "I am delighted that the Ofsted inspectors recognised that the school is a good school with some outstanding features.

"Sandy Lane is an exciting learning community and the children, staff, parents and Governors all played a special part in achiveving this excellent report.

”The recommendations for improvement are areas which we have already begun to work on including the need to increase the range of strategies pupils use when solving mental calculations, particularly in years three to six."

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services and Libraries, said: "The inspectors have quite rightly commented on the school’s many outstanding strengths including the positive impact that the excellent teaching has on the children’s personal and academic achievement.

"The school is providing a good education and I am pleased the inspection team has recognised this."

Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Bracknell Education and Libraries, said: "I am pleased to see Sandy Lane Primary School get a grade two, good school rating.

This Ofsted report shows there is good quality teaching in the school and I congratulate Liz and her team for the wonderful job they are doing at Sandy Lane Primary School."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Pupils from across Bracknell Forest are saying no to bullying next Friday (23) with an award ceremony to reward inventive anti-bullying work.

Anti-bullying week is a nationwide annual scheme and events are held in the autumn term throughout the borough’s schools.

This year’s national focus is bullying in the community with the strap line ‘safer together, safer wherever’.

A competition has been held for Bracknell children aged five to 19 who have been invited to enter a piece of artwork, creative writing or a presentation around the theme of bullying in the community.

The award will be judged by members of the anti-bullying group and the Mayor will be presenting the prizes and certificates to the winners.

The anti-bullying group has organised the competition and is also responsible for the borough wide Anti-Bullying Strategy.

A new Bracknell project has recently been piloted at some schools in the borough - the safe to learn project. It is a peer mentoring scheme designed to train older students to support those in years seven and eight to settle into school and help them with any issues at school and in particular any problems with bullying and friendship.

Co-ordinators training for this project has been given by the National Mentoring and Befriending Association and two schools are now busy training students to be mentors.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children’s Services and Libraries said: Lots of exciting work is going on in our schools to prevent and deal with bullying and we are developing a strategy and action plan to improve anti-bullying work.

We have a recently appointed Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator who is carrying out a consultation with all schools to share good practice around bullying.”

Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services said: "Bullying is a significant issue for children and young people and Bracknell Forest is working hard to help the borough’s children feel safe.

"Anti-bullying week is great as it highlights the help and support available for children experiencing these problems.

"I fully support the Council in their work on anti-bullying and congratulate the winners on their excellent work!"

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Expanding Bracknell direct payments, promoting respite services improving information about and awareness of mental health services and giving further support to carers are just some of the proposed changes to mental health care services outlined in a new strategy consultation paper to ensure the right level of care, support and advice is available in the borough.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council asked people using mental health care services and their carers as well as residents, healthcare professionals and voluntary group representatives what they thought was good about mental health care services, not so good and what could be improved during a survey in the summer.

The survey covered social care services offered by the Bracknell Council including home support, respite care, and support for carers not medical care offered by health care trusts in the area.

Results Findings showed services offered by the Bracknell Community Mental Health Care Team were valued but it was felt they could be expanded; support from the voluntary sector including a programme called STEP forward - which helps people with mental health conditions find employment - was seen as a great asset; day time and evening activities organised through the New Horizons project were viewed as very positiveVoluntary sector organisations were also valued, but people said further access to employment and activities should be explored.

Respondents said they valued good relationships between Bracknell Council and other organisations to provide good support and that direct payments were a good way of giving easy access to leisure facilities but this way of funding care and support should be expanded.

A lack of information on how to get support was seen as a stumbling block; support for people who had a less severe mental health condition being hard to access and letting people know what respite care they were entitled to were also areas highlighted in the survey that could be improved.

Bracknell Council has used the feedback has been used to shape a draft adult mental health commissioning strategy - which will set out improvements and priorities for mental health support services offered by the Council care in Bracknell Forest from 2007 to 2012, once it is formally adopted. This does not cover mental health medical care and assessment, which is offered by Berkshire Health Care Trust .

The draft Bracknell strategy pledges to:

* Work more closely with GPs and the health service; address the needs of people with less severe mental health conditions.
* Provide more readily available information on services that are available to carers and people with mental health problems;
* Work with housing providers to address the accommodation needs of vulnerable adults.
* Expand the direct payment scheme;
* Have a person-centred approach when planning care
* Address the support needs of Black and Minority Ethnic groups as well as a host of other things.

To ensure the strategy sets out the right care and support needed in Bracknell Forest for people using support services and their family and carers the Council is asking for residents, carers, health service professionals, and voluntary organisations, as well as people with a mental health problem to feedback on the priorities and action points via the consultation document.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Bracknell Community Care, said: "Ensuring we have the right care and support for adults with mental health problems is very important and we have already listened to what people using the services, their carers and care professionals have told us works well and what needs improving.

To ensure we are meeting the community's need we are asking for further feedback to ensure what we are proposing for the future of mental health care services is what the people of Bracknell Forest really want."

Cllr Dale Birch: Executive Member for Bracknell Adult Services, Health and Housing, added: "We want to make sure the right level of care and support is available to people with mental health problems which is why the consultation on this strategy is very important.

"If you have views on mental health care support and services please submit them through this consultation as it's essential so we can accurately shape the services we provide over the next five years according to what is needed."

The consultation will run until Friday, November 30 and is available online at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/liv-your-views-on-mental-health-services or by calling the commissioning team on (01344) 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The Bracknell Regeneration Partnership is planning a fantastic selection of entertainment throughout November and December for everyone to enjoy – so make a note of the dates, they’re not to be missed.

Christmas gets off to an electrifying start on Thursday 22 November with the Christmas Lights Switch On in Bracknell Town Centre.

To help you get in the merry mood, resident DJs Steve Hyland and Danny Pike will be kicking off at 3pm. Then Foxy and Tom, from 2-ten fm's Breakfast Show and the 2-ten fm Thunders will come in to introduce the main event - a sparkling performance from a fantastically popular surprise celebrity guest who will then be switching on the lights in Princess Square at 4.30pm and again in Charles Square when it starts to get a bit darker. The evening is sure to go off with a bang with the night culminating in Bracknell’s biggest ever fireworks display. And with the shops open until 8.00pm it’s sure to be a night full of festive fun.

Thursday 29 November - A Very Victorian Christmas in Princess Square, from 4.30pm

This December ‘A Christmas Carol’ needn’t be your only inspiration – come and be part of Dickens’ world and be transported back in time with Bracknell Town Centre’s Very Victorian Christmas. For one night only the town will be heaving with costumed ladies and gents – who will be only too happy to show you their wares. It’s a fun evening for the whole family and a great atmosphere to pick up your presents in a relaxing and entertaining environment. With free parking from 5pm, make sure you get in early to make the most of this very novel night.

Thursday 13 December – Bracknell’s Carnival Christmas in Princess Square, from 4.30pm

The carnival is coming to town. For a little something different this Christmas watch in amazement as Princess Square is transformed into a Big Top with performances to astound. With high wire acts and acrobatics, this FREE event is all about bringing Christmas cheer to everyone and adding to your shopping experience. You’ll not want to miss these stupendous acts, so make sure you get there early. And with free parking from 5pm and shops open until 8pm, there are even more reasons to visit.

Elf Training Academy Every Saturday from 24 November to 15 December - First Floor of Princess Square 11am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm

After the success of last year’s Elf Academy, the popular ‘Makendoo’ team are back to transform your kids into first rate Elves in time for Christmas. Kids can let their creative side go wild with activities ranging from decorating baubles to painting masks in shapes of elves, pixies and fairies. The Elf Academy will give parents a chance to take a break from shopping and entertain their little ones. Every child will leave the academy as an accredited Bracknell Elf, receiving a badge, a special Elf Academy certificate and a gift from Father Christmas as a memento of the day.

All Aboard Robbie the Land Train! Every Weekend from Saturday 24 November to Sunday 16 December

Robbie the Land Train is the easiest and most fun way to get around Bracknell. Hop on at Broadway, Charles Square Bandstand or the Princess Square canopy and take the weight off your feet, until the next stop! It’s fun for the kids and so much easier for you to make the most of the great retail offering.

Bracknell Regeneration Partnership

The team carrying out pioneering work to help Bracknell Forests residents with dementia live as independently as possible have won national recognition in one of the UK's biggest care awards.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council's dementia team won the most innovative new type of worker or way of working category at the Skills for Care Accolades last month.

But it was a double celebration for the Bracknell team who scooped the top award of Winner of Winners after judges praised their work for being outstanding in achieving its objective of helping people with dementia live in their own homes for as long as practically possible.

The team were honoured at a glittering ceremony held at the Landmark Hotel in London for their hard work and innovation. The awards, run by Skills for Care, are recognised as a benchmark for excellence in social care across the country and are comparable to the Oscars in the caring sector.

The Bracknell Council's team was nominated by David Shinegold, who worked to set up the team and successfully develop it alongside other Council employees, earlier this year. Regional judges were so impressed by the team's hard work and what it had achieved that they put it straight through to the finals.

It was the team's innovation that received praise from judges at the awards. The dementia team was set up in 2005 and provides services by placing the person receiving support, as well as their family and carers,at the centre of all care, meaning 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 Bracknell 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.

Glyn Jones, Assistant Director of Bracknell Community Care, said: "To be recognised on such a national scale is a real honour and I'm pleased the dementia team's innovation and hard work has been recognised as excellent."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "The dementia team's award is fantastic news and I'm delighted that not only did they win their category but they also won the prestigious Winner of Winners award. A very big congratulations to the team."

"These awards reflect just how hard we are working at the Council to make sure we offer the right services and the very best services we can for Bracknell Forest residents."

Andrea Rowe, Skills for Care Chief Executive Officer, added: "The Skills for Care Accolades are the Oscars of the social care world and Bracknell Forest deserved to take the winner of winners prize after really impressing the judges with their innovative approach to making sure people with dementia were treated with respect and could remain in their own homes."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council joined the campaign for more parents in association with National Adoption Week this week (5th to 9th November).

The Family Placement ran an event in Bracknell town centre to raise the profile of adoption and interest more people in becoming adoptive parents.

Adoptive mum, Alison, 41, spoke of her experience. She said: “My partner and I adopted a boy when he was four months old and a girl when she was 18 months old. They are now five and two.

“Like many people, we decided to adopt after years of trying for a baby. At times, the application felt long but I always kept in mind that the Council were finding families for children and not vice versa and that everything is done in the best interest of the child.

“There is no upper age limit for people interested in adoption and no obligation to adopt just because you make that first phone call. I urge anyone who has thought about it to have the courage to take that first step.

“I feel like I’ve found my dream family.”

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children’s Services and Libraries said: "There are around 4,000 children across the UK needing adoption every year.

“In last 12 months, six children have been adopted in Bracknell Forest - a sibling group of three, a sibling group of two and one girl on her own.

“But we still need more adoptive parents. We currently have a young boy of two in Bracknell Forest desperate to find a loving, stable home.

“There are also many other children needing adoption throughout Berkshire and we work very closely with neighbouring authorities to place these children."

Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children’s Services said: “Anyone over 21 can apply to adopt – gender, marital status, disability, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, employment status or home ownership don’t matter.

“If people have even considered adoption, they shouldn’t hesitate in calling the family placement team. It could be one of the most important phone calls they ever make and could change a child’s life forever.”

For more information on adopting, please contact the Family Placement Team: call 01344 351582, email adoption@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, web www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/fosteringandadoption

There is an open evening for anyone interested in fostering next Thursday 15 November, 7pm -9pm, at Bracknell Family Centre, Warfield Road, Bracknell.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

A new electronic proof of age system is being introduced as part of the Bracknell Council’s e+ smart card programme. Shops, pubs and clubs are now able to check young people’s ages more easily thanks to the Council’s new e+ proof of age card readers.

Equally beneficial is that young looking Bracknell young people will now be able to easily demonstrate their entitlement to goods and service.

The small readers allow licensees and bar staff to check the age of the person they are serving by inserting their e+ Bracknell Forest smartcard.

The readers have been sent to all business in the borough that sell age restricted items. It is part of the Council’s campaign to tackle underage sales of alcohol, cigarettes and knives.

Young people can also use their e+ cards to easily prove their age and the card may entitle them to discounts - such as child price cinema tickets and cheaper bus fares. The Odeon in Bracknell accepts the e+ card as proof of age.

In October, the legal age for cigarette sales went up from 16 to 18.

The Bracknell Council's trading standards team are currently carrying out regular age checks at retailers to test for underage sales of cigarettes, alcohol and knives, so it will be even more vital for retailers and licensees to ensure that they check ages before they sell these items.

The readers work with the e+ cards that contain the PASS hologram. e+ PASS accredited cards show the name and date of birth printed beneath a clear photograph of the holder.

This means that the e+ card is a valid, reliable and nationally recognised proof of age card.

Best of all, the e+ card is free, unlike other widely accepted proof of age cards and can be used to access services such as libraries and leisure centres.

So far, more than 8,000 PASS accredited e+ cards have been issued to under 21s in Bracknell Forest.

Anyone aged10-21 years can apply for a free e+ PASS card at any Bracknell Forest library or Bracknell Leisure Centre, Edgbarrow and Sandhusrt Sports Centres or Downshire Golf Complex.

Some schools in Bracknell Forest are also ordering e+ PASS cards for their students.

Those applying aged 12 or older need to provide photographic proof of their date of birth (such as a passport or driving licence) or a referee must complete a form on their behalf. Under 16’s need a parent or guardian to complete their e+ PASS card application. For more information, young people should visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/smartcard

Vincent Paliczka, Director of Environment and Leisure, said: “We have had a very positive response about the e+ card readers.

“They help retailers to quickly and easily ascertain the age of their customer so that they know they are within the law when selling goods.

“I urge all licensees to use the readers that we have sent them and I recommend all young people under 21 apply for an e+ card."

Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest, said: “Young people have asked for this card and we’re pleased to be able to offer it to them.

“As well as helping businesses stay above the law, we are pleased that young people can use the cards to their advantage and get discounts that they are entitled to.”

For more information about the readers, call the e+ team on 01344 352000 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/smartcard

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

The community safety and neighbourhood policing teams in Bracknell are pulling out all the stops in November to help residents avoid becoming victims of burglary.

As part of this month’s Focus on Burglary, crime reduction advisers, Neighbourhood Watch coordinators, neighbourhood officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are working together to get crime reduction advice to as many people as possible across the borough.

After a burglary has occurred and been dealt with by Bracknell police officers, the crime reduction team steps in to provide additional support. Advisers send letters and a ‘Safer Homes’ pack of crime prevention material, not only to the victim but also to residents in the surrounding area. Householders are offered a free home security survey and the opportunity to join Neighbourhood Watch.

Bracknell Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Margaret Weber said: “We’ve had a spate of burglaries recently in the northern parishes, especially Winkfield, but I’m pleased to say there is now a very active Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the area. More than 50 people have signed up so far, with others joining all the time.

“Our neighbourhood officers and PCSOs have been busy giving out crime reduction advice in Winkfield, Binfield and Warfield. We have also placed advertisements in parish magazines and put up posters in public places such as council offices, advising residents on how to keep their property secure.”

PCSOs in Bracknell have recently received special training to enable them to carry out basic home security surveys and give crime prevention advice.

Crime reduction adviser John Oblein said: “Since October, we have been participating in ‘Hot Streets,’ an initiative run by the Berkshire Fire Service. Concentrating on one street at a time, the fire service goes house to house offering free fire safety surveys, while we offer home security surveys.

“Now that we have more staff trained to carry out home surveys, we can provide prompt and relevant crime reduction advice, as well as reassurance, to residents throughout Bracknell Forest.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

The foot and mouth surveillance zone which affected northern areas of Bracknell Forest borough was lifted at 5pm on Monday, November 5.

The zone included parts of North Ascot, Cranbourne, Woodside and Winkfield Martins Heron, Maiden's Green, Chavey Down and part of Swinley Park.

The zone was set up after outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Surrey. A restricted zone is now in place, which allows some animal movements.

The Bracknell Council will continue to keep local farmers updated on the ongoing situation. Information about animal movements in the foot and mouth restriction zone and the bluetounge suveliance zone is still available from Defra

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Christmas shopping will become a lot more mobile this month when for the fourth year running the shopmobility shopping event is held in Bracknell town centre.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and the Bracknell Shopmobility team, based in Charles Square, are inviting those less able members of the public to sign up for the event where they can get the help they need to get their Christmas shopping done this year. They do not have to be Shopmobility members and there is also a whole lot of fun to be had during the day!

The Free event is being held on Sunday 25th November and is open to all who have difficulties with mobility whatever their age. The team will arrange free transport through Keep Mobile which will pick up shoppers from home and bring them to Bracknell Shopmobility where a warm welcome awaits them.

The team will then, by prior arrangement, make the trip to Bracknell town centre even more comfortable by providing a manual wheelchair and a volunteer helper to help choose those Christmas presents for family and friends. When the shopping is finished everybody meets back at Bracknell Shopmobility for a well earned glass of wine and a mince pie, whilst waiting for the transport home.

Many Bracknell town centre retailers are also taking part in the fun with offers and reductions for Shopmobility customers. Some of these include includes Bentalls, which will be giving a 10% discount on cosmetics and toiletries, gifts, christmas cards, decorations and stationary cards as well as fashion accessories and toys. Phones 4 U is offering a free Pay as You Go phone with every contract phone purchased and Principles will be offering a free gift wrapping service, with gift boxes bought for £3.50 each.

Graham Mountford, Town Centre Manager at Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "We have done this event for the last three years and it is our aim to attract even more people to Bracknell Shopmobility and Bracknell town centre. For some people it may be the only time in the year that they are able to leave their home and it is our aim to give them the assistance they need and a fun time whilst they are here.

"We know from past customer comments that people enjoy the day immensely, not least because it enables them to have a little bit more independence when buying their Christmas presents without having to rely on family and friends.

"I hope that this year will be no different and that we will have as much fun as last year, if not more."

For more information about the Shopmobility Day or to sign up to take part contact: Bracknell Shopmobility, 2 Crossway, Bracknell or phone Becky Pearce on 01344 861316 (email: mail@bracknellshopmobility.fsnet.co.uk)

All those who register to take part in the day will receive a badge which will entitle them to the relevant discounts on offer from town centre retailers.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Christmas Bazaar & Winter Wonderland Ice Rink Doors will be open from 12 noon to 3pm on Saturday 8th December 2007

Location: Warfield CofE Primary School, All Saints Rise, Warfield, Bracknell.

Come along to meet Santa, plus:

Warfield Skate ‘n’ Glow Room for Face Painting, Glow items and Tattoos and prebook your Ice skating time here too. Plus, Pocket Money Games, Lucky Dip, Cake Stall, Guess the Weight of the Cake, Feed Santa, Tombola, Teddy Tombola, Jam Jar Ping Pong, Ceramic Fun , Guess the Number of Sweets, Silent Auction, Guess the Name of the Teddy, Table Football Game, Show Me The Money, Scaletrix Challenge, Panda Pop Game. Plus stay on and Ice Skate into the evening at The Warfield Winter Wonderland Ice Rink only £2.50 pp.

Get some Christmas shopping done with our gift stalls:

Christmas Wreaths, Hair Clips, More Precious Than Silver Jewellery, Plants, Virgin Vie, Wooden Jewellery, Gemini Jewellery, handbags & Candles.

Stay for lunch & dinner with our yummy refreshments:

Turkey baps and hot dogs, mulled wine and soft drinks & BBQ into the evening.

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

Warfield CofE Primary School, All Saints Rise, Warfield, Bracknell

Thames Valley Police carried out further speed checks in the Maidens Green area of Bracknell this week, in response to concerns raised by the local Bracknell Neighbourhood Action Groups (NAGs) about speeding drivers.

Previous checks saw 92 drivers stopped for speeding offences in three separate checks.

On Wednesday (31/10) officers from Taplow Roads Policing Department, alongside Road Safety Officers from Bracknell Forest Council, carried out speed checks on drivers using the Bracknell Road in Maidens Green.

In an hour and three quarters, 39 Bracknell drivers were stopped for speeding offences. The highest speed recorded was 47mph on the 30mph road. All drivers above 35mph were given fixed penalty notices (FPNs), however those who were travelling at less than 40mph were given the opportunity to receive some driver education from the Road Safety Officers.

PC Bob Wade, Road Safety Constable for Berkshire East, said: “These motorists are showing a complete disregard for the speed limit, other road users and the local residents

“It is about time we got rid of this myth of the ‘innocent’ motorist by listening to people in our neighbourhoods who are having their lives affected on a daily basis by others inconsiderate, and sometimes anti-social, drivers.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Forest Borough Council played host to the Executive Director of the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), Lucy de Groot, on Monday (29th October).

Lucy's visit was to find out about how Bracknell Council works closely with its town and parish council partners and to find out more about its work. She had been interested to learn that Sandhurst Town Council had joined the Local Government Association (LGA) and was keen to meet both councils to learn more about the partnership.

During her visit to the Bracknell Council, Lucy was given presentations by Martin Gocke, Assistant Director, Children, Young People and Families, Ian Davey, Director of Social Services and Housing. Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive and Victor Nicholls, Assistant Chief Executive, presented on the 'Biggest Regeneration in the South East', with the £750 million regeneration of Bracknell town centre.

However, one of the highlights of Lucy's visit, was being driven back to Bracknell train station by horse drawn dray, with the Council's shire horses Bracken and Bramble taking the strain.

Cllr Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest, said: "This visit will help Lucy with the development programme at the IDeA to see how top tier authorities, like Bracknell Forest, can work successfully with high performing grass roots authorities, like Sandhurst.

"I really enjoyed our visit from Lucy and she made some really encouraging remarks about our partnership working here and about some of the major projects we are working on at the moment. She especially enjoyed meeting Bracken and Bramble too. I hope to welcome her back to the Council in the future."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest’s new digital television service is proving popular with residents as it is already one of the top 20 visited Council sites.

The service was launched less than three months ago by Bracknell Forest Borough Council to increase access to electronic services to people living in the borough.

Over the next few months there are plans to add new services including Buy With Confidence - the Council’s list of reputable local businesses, and the e+ directory which has deals and discounts in more than 1,000 local shops, restaurants and businesses.

The Bracknell Digital TV service is available by selecting the Looking Local menu option through the interactive button on your TV remote control. You can access the service if you have Sky or Virgin Media or a Freeview box with a modem.

Visitors to the pages can also take part in a competition to win family saver tickets to the hands-on science exhibition at the Look Out Discovery Centre. The competition runs until the end of November.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "Our Digital TV service is proving to be a real winner. There's lots of information already available including travel information and job vacancies and more to come, there's even a chance to win tickets to The Look Out, it really is worth taking a look.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council

Bracknell Forest Borough Council is making a number of changes to its planning service over the coming months.

To comply with Government advice to prevent identity fraud there will be changes to how Bracknell planning documents can be viewed online.

Bracknell Residents will be able to continue viewing public documents relating to current planning applications and appeals, but personal details like signatures, telephone numbers and email addresses will no-longer be visible. Only the decision notice and plans will be displayed on approved planning applications.

The Bracknell Council is also introducing charging for pre-application discussions with planning officers from November 1.

Providing advice on whether planning permission is required or the likelihood of permission being granted is an additional service provided by the Council. By asking residents and developers to pay to see planning officers means the Council will still be able to maintain high levels of service.

Commercial developers will be charged on a sliding scale of up to £1,000, depending on the size of the development, but enquiries from householders will attract a discounted flat rate charge of £20.

There will be no charges for essential works to meet the needs of a Bracknell disabled person or relating to listed buildings or conservation areas.

By formalising the pre-application process, the Bracknell Council hopes it will lead to easy identification for the need of specialist information - including listed buildings, trees or flood prevention; faster decisions on planning applications; fewer unacceptable planning applications being submitted; and more certainty about the final outcome.

Additionally, from December 1, there will be a £50 administration charge if amendments to planning applications are submitted.

Finally, new planning application forms are being introduced to help the Council prepare for a change in planning laws next year, the online application facility will also be improved in the New Year.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "The Council's works very hard to maintain a quality planning service, which provides good and reliable advice to applicants.

"By formalising the pre-applications service, we hope we will be able to save everybody time and money."

For more information about the changes to the planning service, visit the Council's planning web pages or call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council