Bracknell

Hundreds of people from across Bracknell Forest and beyond are expected for the open air memorial service in the grounds of the Easthampstead Park Cemetery and Crematorium in September.

The memorial service will take place on Sunday, September 7, at 3pm and will last for 45 minutes. It is an annual event, and is now in its 21st year. The event is organised by the Bracknell Forest Council-run Cemetery and Crematorium to offer those who attend a chance to gather and pay their respects to loved ones and to gain comfort from readings, prayers and hymns.

The Mayor of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, will give a reading; and further readings and prayers will be made by Reverend Roy Burgess, Vicar of St George's Church, Owlsmoor and College Town; Reverend Robin Selmes of Bracknell Methodist Church and Father Tony Cunningham of St Joseph's and St Margaret Clitherow, Bracknell. There will also be a reading by the humanist celebrant Jan Frances.

Maidenhead Salvation Army Citadel Band and Songsters will be attending to accompany the hymns and local Scout group, 1st Easthampstead, are to provide refreshments afterwards.

Bracknell Cllr Bob Edger, said: "This annual service is very special and gives an opportunity for many people who wish to remember their loved ones to do this in an informal, yet movingly, spiritual way.

"As well as giving an opportunity to those who have been bereaved to celebrate the lives of their loved ones the service also aims to raise money for my charity this year – ChildLine.

"Some children lose those they love and coming to terms with bereavement is as difficult for them as it is for adults. Sometimes they have no way of expressing their grief other than by contacting ChildLine; this charity seeks to fill the void by providing the only 24 hour national helpline and counselling service that allows children and young people to make a free and confidential call, to help them through the grieving process.

"I’m hoping that people will give freely in support of this immensely valuable cause”

ChildLine is the only 24-hour national helpline in the UK that enables children and young people to make a free confidential call about any issue that is worrying them.

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Residents are advised that the Longshot Lane civic amenity site will be closed between 9am and 10am on Saturday, August 30.

The temporary closure is necessary so the site can receive waste and recycling picked up that morning by the refuse collectors. Normally there is no collection service on a Saturday but the crews will still be catching up due to the August bank holiday.

Residents are reminded that all households in Bracknell Forest will have their refuse or recycling collected a day late following the bank holiday on Monday, August 25, and the households who normally have a collection on Friday will receive it on Saturday.

During the redevelopment, Longshot Lane is normally open to residents from 5pm to 8pm on weekdays and at weekends and bank holidays from 8am to 6pm in the winter and until 8pm in the summer.

The latest opening times, webcams showing how busy the site is and details of short term closures are available at www.re3.org.uk or call freephone 0800 9883023.

Bracknell Forest Council

Swinley Forest & The Lookout Centre, Bracknell

Date: Sunday 12th October, 2008

Local charity Autism Speaks is holding a major sponsored walk in Bracknell on Sunday 12th October.

Up to 600 families and friends are expected to turn up at this flagship event, where they will have a choice of walks to take part in. This is a wonderful event where families with autism in the family can get together for a fun day out – in one of Berkshire’s prettiest forests, while raising vital funds for Autism Speaks.

Autism Speaks is the only charity in the UK committed to finding out the causes of autism, through ground-breaking research projects.

Autism is a life-long brain disorder where people have difficulty communicating, forming relationships and making sense of the world. Autism can be a lonely and sometimes distressing condition.

Walk organiser, Lynn Hart says:
‘One in a hundred of our school children are now being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and we need to know why. Once we know what is causing autism, we can seek truly effective treatments that will improve the quality of life for those living with autism – and their families. We believe we will have some important answers about autism in 10 years, giving many families in the UK real hope.

‘Our walks are a lovely way to bring together families and friends affected by autism and I hope that local people will join us on what will be a memorable autumnal day out.’
To find out more about the walk, contact Lynn at lynn.hart@autismspeaks.org.uk or 01491 411569

Bracknell Forest pupils and schools are celebrating their best ever GCSE results.

Provisional results reveal the number of Bracknell pupils achieving five or more passes at the top A* to C grades has risen from 59.5 per cent to just over to 61 per cent.

The improved performance was even more marked in the new performance measure of five or more A* to C grades including both English and mathematics. This figure has risen by almost three per cent from last year and now stands at 51 per cent. The national average in 2007 was 47 per cent.

Lesley Heale, Director of Bracknell Social Care and Learning, said: "The GCSE results have risen considerably over the past few years and it is very pleasing to note that our schools have been able to reach a new peak.

"Many young people have achieved excellent results and I offer my congratulations to all of them. A great deal of hard work has gone into achieving these results, both from the young people themselves and the many teachers and other members of staff who have supported them so well.”

Nationwide, there has been considerable difficulties this year with the marking and reporting of results for the national curriculum tests and assessments at Key Stages Two and Three. Results for a number of schools are still incomplete and as a result, it is not yet possible to compare overall performance with that of previous years.

Mrs Heale said: "It is unfortunate that we are not yet able to see the full picture in relation to the National Curriculum Tests and Assessments. We hope that they will also show that we are maintaining our long term improvement."

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Bracknell Education, said: "Congratulations to all the pupils and staff whose hard work has been rewarded with such good results at GCSE.

"As results continue to improve, it becomes harder to set new high levels of performance so this year’s GCSE results are particularly pleasing.”

Any GCSE pupils 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 Council

A dancing adventure on the London Underground, Edwardian photographers, a man spurting water and meeting a mermaid inside a giant whale was all part of the entertainment on offer during the five weeks of Streetlife which finished in Bracknell town centre last Saturday (16 August).

There was something for everyone at this year’s Streetlife, which is put on annually by Bracknell Forest Council, South Hill Park and with the support of Bracknell Regeneration Partnership. There was an array of weird and wonderful street theatre, amazing dance and acrobatic performances, awe inspiring music and comedy shows.

Last Saturday saw Bracknell performances from:

Circo Rum Ba Ba - The Pirate's Misadventure, where passers-by were able to squeeze themselves inside an inflatable sperm whale to find a shipwrecked pirate with a story to tell and a mermaid with a song and a secret to share.

El Andaluz Trio enchanted the audience with a musical feast.

Desperate Men - Darwin and the Dodo walked around the town centre entertaining shoppers with their unusual attire and questions about life.

Black Eagles amazed with their awe-inspiring dance routines and zebra print costumes.

Graham Mountford, Bracknell Town Centre Manager, said: This year’s Streetlife was one of the biggest and best ever. It always provides great amusement and excitement in the town centre and is a real talking point. South Hill Park does an excellent job in finding the best acts they can and I really hope that everyone who saw Streetlife enjoyed it. I look forward to next year when we can expect another fun packed summer of amazing acts.”

We would love to hear what you thought of this year's Streetlife. To give your feeback please click on Streetlife feedback or drop and email to: communications.marketing@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Council

Feed your Olympic dreams this autumn with a wide range of classes for all ages at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

With the countdown now on to London’s games in 2012, what better way to discover a gold medal winning talent than by trying a new sport.

For Bracknell children, courses include gymnastics, trampolining, team gym and there’s a wide range of classes for babies to teenagers in the pools.

Young football fans can enjoy soccer dribblers and the Chelsea FC soccer school, while toddlers can take part in fun sessions which include a bouncy castle, climbing equipment and tumblers which develops basic skills like balance, and hand and eye movements.

Meanwhile, for adults, courses include seated and standing tai-chi, tap dancing, yoga and pilates. There are also pay-as-you-go sessions in badminton, circuits, trampolining, yoga, pilates, and ladies multi-sports.

In the Bracknell swimming pools there are a full range of adult classes, suitable for non swimmers, right up to people who want to improve their strokes. There are also l’eau robics and ante-natal sessions.

The centre is one of the largest in the south east, with a gym, fitness studio, squash and badminton courts, an outdoor synthetic pitch and athletics track, plus three swimming pools and a spa.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: "Here in Bracknell Forest we are privileged to have first class leisure facilities and even if you haven’t been enthused by the Olympics, it’s still worth trying out some of the sports at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

”You never know, you could unlock your potential Olympic gold.”

For more details, call 01344 454203

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest’s annual car free challenge is taking place this year on Friday, September 19.

Commuters and residents are all being challenged by Bracknell Forest Council to leave their cars at home for the day and find alternative ways of getting to work - it could be by foot, bike or public transport.

Companies and organisations can also compete for the car free challenge cup - which is currently held by car hire firm Avis Europe, who have their headquarters in Park Road, Bracknell. Last year, 44 per cent of its 273 staff found alternative ways to work.

Bracknell Forest Council lays down the challenge every year to see who could get the most members of staff to ditch their cars and travel to work using other methods. The challenge is timed to coincide with European Mobility Week.

The challenge is designed to raise awareness of alternative methods of travel and encourage businesses to develop travel plans aimed at staff using greener, cleaner travel choices, and reducing reliance on the car. The Council can work with businesses across the borough to develop travel plans.

Cllr Mrs Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "The car free challenge has become a fixture in the borough’s calendar and we welcome all businesses who wish to take part.

”Even if your office isn’t part of the challenge, why not try leaving your car at home for the day? It is probably easier to get to work than you think.”

Residents and businesses wanting more information on the car free day or travel plans, should contact the Council’s travel plan co-ordinator Phillip Burke on 01344 351266.

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bracknell Look Out Discovery Centre has retained two of its prestigious national awards after mystery shoppers agreed its services and facilities were still top quality.

It remains on the roll of honour for the Loo of the Year awards for the 13th consecutive year and had its Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service accreditation renewed for the first time.

The toilets were assessed during unannounced visits by official Loo of the Year Award inspectors. A number of criteria were judged including signage and decoration, fixtures and fittings, and overall standards of cleanliness and management.

Attention to detail is self evident, from the protective guards on the doors so visitors do not catch their fingers, to the puff of perfume that is sprayed as the door is opened to keep a fresh and clean smell. There are also excellent baby changing facilities.

The Bracknell centre has also retained its approval from the national tourist board’s Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service.

Being quality assured means information on the centre will be available through the national tourist board. Inspectors examined a range of services and facilities provided at the centre, also in an unannounced visit.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: “The staff at all our leisure facilities work hard to make sure that both the services and the facilities offer the very best to our customers.

”I am really pleased The Look Out has retained these two national awards as it demonstrates the dedication of our staff to first class service provision and to maintaining our high standards of customer care.”

The Look Out Discovery Centre is open from 10am - 5pm. As well as the hands-on science exhibition, there is a children’s adventure play area, free car parking, gift shop and coffee shop. Based in 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, there is plenty of space for walks, cycling and orienteering.

For further information, please call The Look Out Discovery Centre on 01344 354400

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Cllr Iain McCracken and Jacky Henderson with The Look Out staffThe Look Out Discovery Centre has been recognised yet again for the service it offers its visitors.

The centre has been approved again by the English tourist board’s Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service.

In its inspection in June 2008, assessor Fred Cubbage said “The Look Out Discovery Centre offered the visitor an overall excellent quality experience.”

The assessor also praised the cheerful and active staff displaying excellent standards of customer care. He thought the hands-on science and nature exhibition was imaginative, stimulating and well used. He said that all aspects of the attraction were very good to excellent.

In addition, to gaining the accreditation, The Look Out also has the charter mark for good customer service and has consistently been awarded four stars for the cleanliness of the toilets.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: “The Look Out is a fantastic facility for families. The hands-on science and nature exhibition appeals to all ages. I am delighted that The Look Out has once again been awarded this prestigious award - they deserve it.”

The Look Out Discovery Centre is open from 10am – 5pm. As well as the hands-on science exhibition, there is a children’s adventure play area, free car parking, gift shop and coffee shop. Based in 1,000 hectares of Crown Estate woodland, there is plenty of space for walks, cycling and orienteering.

For further information, please contact The Look Out on 01344 354400

Bracknell Forest Council

My name is Hilary Hyslop. I am the latest Bracknell Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to join the Birch Hill and Hanworth neighbourhood policing team. I am married with three grown up children, all of whom have flown the nest. For the past 20 years I have been a childminder, a job with a great deal of responsibility but very rewarding and enjoyable.

I feel that my new role as part of Bracknell community policing will give me the opportunity to make a difference to the everyday lives of people in the neighbourhood. Ultimately what is happening is that we are going back to ‘how it used to be,’ when the presence of a police officer walking down your street was no more unusual than seeing the postman. Everyone knew their name and they knew yours, where you lived and your mum and dad, and this made them a real part of the community. This is exactly what my role is as a Police Community Support Officer: to listen to what your needs are and what you think we can do to make a difference. So please do approach me with any concerns you have and I will endeavour to help.

One of the top priorities of residents in Birch Hill and Hanworth, Bracknell is parking. Not only do I patrol the hotspot areas, but in a couple of the worst roads I have sent a personal letter to all households, asking people to park more considerately. This has worked well and the situation has improved a lot.

Many people have told me how much they miss the local supermarket since it closed down. It wasn’t just a shop but a meeting place for friends and neighbours. Hopefully it won’t be long before the store re-opens under new management and returns to its role as a hub of the community.

I have had some very enjoyable times on duty, one being the Bracknell South Hill Park Festival in July, where I got to meet a lot of people in the community. On Tuesday evenings, I sometimes call into the Birch Hill Community Centre to meet the Rainbows (a group for girls aged five to seven before they join the Brownies) and talk to the girls about road safety and personal safety. I also drop into Liscombe House on Wednesdays and chat to the elderly residents. The home overlooks South Hill Park, and I am able to reassure the residents that police patrol the area to prevent anti-social behaviour.

On Thursday 28 August, I and my colleagues in the Birch Hill and Hanworth policing team – Bracknell PC Michael Foot and PCSO Michelle Noone – will be holding a beat surgery at Birch Hill Community Centre. We’ll be there between 6pm and 8pm and look forward to meeting as many people as possible.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

There was a ray of sunshine amidst the rain in Bracknell town centre last weekend, as shoppers were entertained with live music and wierd and wacky entertainment as part of Streetlife 08.

The very bizarre and surreal performance from The Spurting Man, cascading fountains of water from all parts of his body, had passers-by strangely captivated. This was followed by the very lively and colourful jive and swing band Ding Dong Daddios, who took refuge from the rain under one of the Charles Square, Bracknell walkways. Shoppers were also intrigued by the Vegetable Nanny who walked his baby vegetables, complete with nappies and dummies, in a pram with a compost bed. Other shoppers came upon a family of gorillas as they explored the town centre.

The last Saturday of Streetlife, which is put on jointly by Bracknell Forest Council, South Hill Park and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, takes place this Saturday (16 August).

Graham Mountford, Bracknell Town Centre Manager, said: "Whether it's raining or sunny, Streetlife give the town centre a real buzz and this year has been no exception. I would urge anybody who has not experienced the thrill and excitement of the acts to get along this Saturday, as it will be the last chance to see Streetlife this summer."

For a chance to get involved in the madness and mayhem then Streetlife will be in Charles Square, Bracknell, from 12pm. There will be a lifesize inflatable sperm whale as part of Circo Rum Ba Ba - The Pirate's Misadventure. Shoppers will be able to squeeze into the belly of the whale where they will find a shipwrecked pirate with a tale to tell.

There will also be a musical performance from El Andaluz Trio - who will perform in their classical Arabic, North African and Andalusian style.

Desperate Men - Darwin and the Dodo will attempt to answer some of life's most intriguing questions, like did Dodos die out because we did them in? and why did Darwin spend eight years with only barnacles for company? and The Black Eagles will perform stunning acrobatic tricks, energetic dance and an uplifting African soundtrack.

Bracknell Forest Council

There have been several incidents involving out-of-control dogs across the Bracknell borough in the past couple of months. Our neighbourhood officers regularly receive complaints from the public about dogs causing problems, and I would like to use this week’s column to appeal to local dog owners to take more responsibility for their pets.

The Bracknell incidents fall into three main categories: dogs attacking other dogs; boisterous dogs that jump up at people, causing fear or injuries such as scratches; and dogs biting people. There is no particular breed of dog that stands out: scanning recent reports I can see a German Shepherd, a collie, a Doberman, a Jack Russell terrier, a Dalmatian and various others.

What often happens is that two dogs start fighting while being walked by their owners. When trying to separate them the owners get bitten, or end up arguing with each other.

I want to emphasise that Bracknell owners are legally obliged to keep their dogs under control, and that dogs must wear a collar with the owner’s name and contact details when in a public place. If a person is found to be in charge of a dog that is out of control, they could face imprisonment or a fine, and the court may disqualify them from keeping a dog for any length of time. If the court is satisfied that the dog is dangerous, they may make an order for it to be controlled (including neutering of male dogs) or even destroyed.

It is therefore in everyone’s best interest that Bracknell dog owners should behave responsibly. If their dog does cause problems, they should reassure the other party that they will take appropriate steps to prevent it happening again, such as keeping the dog on a lead or muzzling it if necessary. Ideally, they should try to reach an amicable solution at the time, before involving police and the courts.

Owners must understand that aggressive or over-boisterous dogs can cause real fear and distress. The need for police involvement and possible criminal charges could be easily reduced if owners apologised and offered to pay for any damage or vet’s bills resulting from their dog’s behaviour.

Further information can be found in a leaflet: ‘Control of Dogs, The Law and You,’ available on www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domestic/dogs.htm
Helpful information for dog owners is also available on www.rspca.org.uk and www.dogstrust.org.uk

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

For a weekend of free live entertainment then Bracknell will be the place to be for the next two Saturdays as Streetlife continues in the town centre.

Last Saturday saw strange looking pointy headed aliens loose on the streets of Bracknell. Provided by Natural Theatre, the Coneheads stopped people on their path asking questions about earth, the human race and the concept of shopping. The Strangelings - Photographers were also in town making sure that people were suitably dressed and posed for a professional photo and then the Beatroots provided the entergetic carnival style Samba music to an audience in Charles Square.

Graham Mountford, Bracknell Town Centre Manager, said: "This Saturday marked half way through this summer's Streetlife and so far it has been excellent. The quality of the acts are amazing and I have not seen many acts like this outside of Covent Garden before. It really gives Saturday shopping in Bracknell a sense of occasion.

Next weekend (Saturday August 9) there will be face painters in the Bracknell town centre to accompany the acts, which include:

Plunge Boom - Vegetable Nannies - The vegetable nanny's edible family are taking a day out from the allotment. Come and meet the vegetable babies.

Avanti Display - The Spurting Man - The pompous spurting man shows off his tricks, reluctantly assisted by his downtrodden sidekick.

Creature Feature - Gorillas - A family of four mountain gorillas and their interpid explorer go ape in the town centre.

Streetlife is put on by Bracknell Forest Council, South Hill Park and Bracknell Regeneration Partnership. It is free, family entertainment put on annually in Bracknell town centre and is now in its seventh year.

Streetlife runs every Saturday until August 16 from 12pm until 3.30pm, in Charles Square, Bracknell. A full list of acts is available. For more information log onto: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk or www.bracknell.com

Bracknell Forest Council

Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was assaulted near Bracknell last week.

At about 6pm on Wednesday 30 July, a 50-year-old man was cycling along Malt Hill towards Warfield when a white, older style jeep with five people inside overtook him.

As the rear of the jeep drew level with the cyclist, a passenger in the vehicle struck him hard on the back. The jeep then sped off with the group laughing and jeering at the cyclist.

Bracknell PC Philippa Davies, who is investigating the incident, said: “This was an unprovoked assault on a member of the public, who sustained bruising and reddening after being struck by one of the occupants of a passing vehicle.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact PC Davies on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Nature lovers can now take a walking tour of Bracknell town centre and discover the many urban wildlife sites which are flourishing with biodiversity.

The sites include roadside verges, roundabouts, a copse and a cemetery which have been nurtured by Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Town Council’s landscape teams.

Orange and pink butterfly signs, sponsored by Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, are popping up around the town to mark the sites in support of Bracknell Flowers 08. They now form part of a walking tour that residents can enjoy this summer.

They are currently located at:

•Twin Bridges Roundabout
•Weather Way Banks
•Larges Lane Cemetery
•Running Horse Roundabout
•Downshire Way
•Frog Copse

Steve McKenna, Landscape Manager at Bracknell Forest Council, explained: At these roadside nature reserves the grass has been allowed to grow and wildflowers bloom, encouraging a whole variety of wonderful and sometimes rare wildlife. Some of these reserves also support orchids which are thriving in this environment - so I would certainly encourage people to enjoy these areas but to please not pick these or any of the wildflowers blooming at these sites.”

Helen Barnett, Marketing Manager for Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, said: We are thrilled to be able to sponsor the signs showing these beautiful, nature reserves right around the town centre. I would encourage anybody to take a walk and see what nature can be spotted and to appreciate it. You never know there might even be a rare butterfly or insect to be found.

The walking tour of these sites should take around one to one and a half hours and is illustrated on a map of Bracknell Forest which is available to download from the Council’s website: http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/environment/env-britain-in-bloom.htm. The wildlife which might be sees includes red-tailed bumblebee, Speckled Wood Butterfly, St John’s Wort, Common Blue butterfly and Betony.

Nature spotters can send their wildlife records and photos to the Biodiversity Officer at Bracknell Forest Council, Time Square, Bracknell RG12 1JD. To enter records online log onto: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks and click on biodiversity.

Bracknell Forest Council