Bracknell

Enjoy the speed of the Bracknell rapids, the noise of a giant piano, the thrill of the flumes and the appliance of science with a joint ticket for Coral Reef Waterworld and The Look Out Discovery Centre.

Two of Bracknell Forest’s most popular attractions have teamed up to offer joint tickets for both centres. It costs £7 for an adult and £4.80 for a child - almost half the price for twice the fun.

Tickets do not need to be used on the same day and must be used by January 31.

Coral Reef is one of the south east’s premier leisure pools, boasting three flumes, rapids, a wave machine, a pirate ship, and shallow pools for younger children.

Meanwhile The Look Out has 80 science and nature exhibits, which are bright and appealing to all ages. The exhibits are themed in five zones: sound and communication, light and colour, forces and movement, body and perception and woodland and water.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, said: "I never tire of the attractions of The Look Out and Coral Reef. They are some of the borough’s most popular attractions, so this is a fantastic offer for Bracknell Forest families who can now enjoy the fun of both centres.

”If you have never visited the centres before, this is the perfect chance to try both and see how entertaining they are and what you have been missing.”

Do not forget, The Look Out is holding toddler days with a dinosaur theme on Monday, November 17, and a space theme on Tuesday, November 18. It costs £5.50 for a parent and toddler, and £1 for additional toddlers - up to a maximum of three per adult.

For more details on Bracknell Coral Reef or The Look Out, visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be or call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

Shoppers in Bracknell town centre: prepare to be dazzled by the new livery on the Council’s five iplus information kiosks.

The Bracknell touch screen kiosks - found near the Post Office in the High Street, by the band stand in Charles Square, outside McDonald’s in the High Street, outside the entrance to Princess Square and at the bus station - have been given a facelift and are full of up-to-date information about the Borough.

The free-to-use kiosks, with their new, brightly coloured fascias, offer everything from free email, local maps, to telephone numbers and travel information, including train and bus timetables, cycle routes and taxi firms.

They also provide instant access to job websites and even free ringtones and games.

If residents need to find the latest about Bracknell Forest Borough Council services, the name of their local councillor or they want to make a complaint about such things as fly-tipping, the kiosks also offer those services, among many others.

In future it is hoped to add a directory of local organisations from the Council website and events listings.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Corporate Services, said: "These iplus information kiosks are a very valuable resource for residents. They are easy to use and hold a great deal of up-to-date information about all aspects of life in the Borough.

"If you want train information or you’re looking for a new job, iplus will point you in the right direction."

Bracknell Forest Council

Police are appealing for witnesses after a 19-year-old reported that she had been sexually assaulted in Bracknell on 26/10.

A woman known to the victim contacted police at 2.36pm after being told about the incident. The incident itself happened at around 2.21pm.

The victim was walking through an underpass near Iveagh Court, Harmanswater, Bracknell, when she was approached from behind and instructed to go into a nearby wooded area. It was at this location that she alleges being sexually assaulted.

She describes her attacker as white, under 6ft, of skinny build, with black hair, clean shaven, wearing a navy blue hooded top and tracksuit bottoms.

He left in the direction of Bracknell sports centre on a bike.

Det Insp Mike Petford, leading the investigation, said: “The incident happened in the middle of the day so I’m hoping someone witnessed what happened or saw the offender in the area. The underpass is frequently used so I would appeal to anyone with information, despite how insignificant it may appear on the surface, to get in contact with us.

“I would like to reassure local residents that this is an isolated incident and that a thorough investigation is underway.

He added: “As part of our investigation, a 17-year-old man was arrested shortly after the incident. He remains in police custody this afternoon.”

Anyone with information about this incident can contact Det Insp Petford at Bracknell police station via the 24-hour non-emergency number, 0845 8 505 505. If you do not want to speak to the police, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

A new local television service for the Bracknell Forest area launched on Monday, October 20.

Bracknell Forest Community Television shows a range of short silent films covering subjects including composting, neighbourhood policing, how to be more active, volunteering and health information. Many of these were filmed in Bracknell Forest.

The service is shown on ten large plasma screens around the borough. Local people can see community TV in places including Bracknell and Wokingham College, Church Road; Skimped Hill Health Centre, Edgbarrow Sports Centre and Bracknell town centre's Waterstone's café, Santa Fe.

In addition to local news, Bracknell Community TV shows national public service information as well as news, sport and weather. The screens can also be used to broadcast urgent emergency messages, such as missing people.

Community television is an initiative led by the Bracknell Forest Partnership which includes Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action.

Between them these organisations have managed to secure a total of £80,000 to meet the launch and first year costs of the scheme.

Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council, and Chairman of Bracknell Forest Partnership Board, said: “We are excited about the potential of community TV in Bracknell Forest. Similar schemes work very successfully elsewhere in the country. Other local authorities have seen positive results and we hope to see the same here.

“The sites for the community TV plasma screens have been very carefully chosen in a bid for it to reach as many different people, from different sections of the community, as possible.

“Bracknell Forest TV will not only be used to get important messages across but as a way to enable people to get more information about public services.”

Chief Inspector Simon Bowden, Area Commander for Bracknell Forest and Chairman of Bracknell Forest Partnership, said: "Bracknell TV will be hugely useful as a means of public information, involvement and reassurance; and having the ability to issue direct messages to the communities of Bracknell Forest will be invaluable. I hope that we can make a difference to how people protect themselves from crime and how they feel about the place in which they live.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Pupils from Broadmoor Primary School were welcomed to the heart of Bracknell Forest Council this week when they visited the Mayor, Cllr Bob Edger to find out how he helps their community.

The youngsters, aged 10 and 11, organised their meeting with the Bracknell Mayor as part of a special themed week which saw the whole school getting together with members of the community such as firefighters, the police and local politicians to find out what they do.

Twenty eight year six pupils and their teachers were taken on a tour of the Council chamber, followed by a visit to the Mayor's office where they took a closer look at the ceremonial robes and chains of office.

Cllr Edger said: "I have always had an enormous interest in the development of our young primary school children as they are our best investment for the future.

"This visit will help them understand the processes of local government and give them a small insight into how the Council works. Apart from this, being among these children is fun and I never fail to wonder at the direct questions they ask which are often very piercing, to say the very least."

Also on hand to field the questions were Bracknell Councillors Bob Wade and Jim Finnie.

Delyth Edwards, Broadmoor Primary School Headteacher, said: "The children really enjoyed their visit to meet the Mayor and Mayoress. They asked lots of questions and were very interested in the replies.

"They felt very privileged to be sitting in the Council chamber where our community leaders make their decisions.

"It was a very worthwhile visit and we were made to feel very welcome."

Bracknell Forest Counci

Comedy, crafts and lantern parades are just some of the highlights of this year's Northern Bracknell Parishes Arts Week, which is being supported by Bracknell Forest Council.

The annual Bracknell arts extravaganza is organised by Binfield, Warfield and Winkfield parish councils, and is set to provide an exciting and inspiring week of events from Monday, October 27.

This year's highlights include children’s comedy with funnyman James Campbell, a local arts exhibition, performances by the Binfield Bards and Wow with Words with Cbeebies poet Rosemary Harris.

There will also be lantern parades the parishes before a specially created community choir joins residents from all areas on a lantern parade right through Lily Hill Park in Bracknell; and South Hill Park Arts Centre will hold craft workshops including jewellery, ceramics, and spooky Hallowe’en fancy dress.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "I am delighted Bracknell Forest Council is supporting the Northern Parishes Arts Week once again.

"This annual event has something for all the family, and I'm looking forward to seeing residents from the parishes on the lantern parade through Lily Hill Park."

For more details, contact the parish councils on 01344 457777 or 01344 885110 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leis-arts-projects. Events are free, but may need to be booked in advance - priority is given to northern parishes residents.

Bracknell Forest Council

A new local television service for the Bracknell area will be launched next Monday (20/10).

Bracknell Forest Community Television will show a range of short silent films covering subjects including neighbourhood policing, volunteering, how to be more active and health information. Many of these will be filmed in Bracknell Forest.

The service will be shown on 10 large plasma screens around the borough. In the next few weeks, local people will be able to see community TV in places including Bracknell and Wokingham College, Church Road; Skimped Hill Health Centre, Edgbarrow Sports Centre and Bracknell town centre's Waterstone's café, Santa Fe.

In addition to local news, Bracknell Community TV will show national public service information as well as news, sport and weather. The screens can also be used to broadcast urgent emergency messages, such as missing person appeals.

Community television is an initiative led by the Bracknell Forest Partnership which includes Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership, Berkshire East Primary Care Trust, Thames Valley Police, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action.

Between them these organisations have managed to secure a total of £80,000 to meet the launch and first year costs of the scheme.

Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council, and Chairman of Bracknell Forest Partnership Board, said: “We are excited about the potential of community TV in Bracknell Forest. Similar schemes work very successfully elsewhere in the country. Other local authorities have seen positive results and we hope to see the same here.

“The sites for the community TV plasma screens have been very carefully chosen in a bid for it to reach as many different people, from different sections of the community, as possible.

“Bracknell Forest TV will not only be used to get important messages across but as a way to enable people to get more information about public services.”

Chief Inspector Simon Bowden, Area Commander for Bracknell Forest and Chairman of Bracknell Forest Partnership, said: "Bracknell TV will be hugely useful as a means of public information, involvement and reassurance; and having the ability to issue direct messages to the communities of Bracknell Forest will be invaluable. I hope that we can make a difference to how people protect themselves from crime and how they feel about the place in which they live.”

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Youngsters at Whitegrove Primary School proved their political know-how when they put Bracknell Forest Councillors on the spot during Local Democracy Week.

More than 80 Bracknell children, aged 10 and 11, took part in a political speed question time session at the school where they tackled councillors on issues ranging from library books to litter and refuse collection to road safety.

The children sat at tables in groups of two of three while the 11 Bracknell politicians moved around the classrooms answering their questions.

Christine Tsakmakis, Headteacher, said: "The children found the afternoon really interesting. They said the councillors were brilliant for answering all their questions in such a friendly way. They also appreciated the fact that the councillors gave personal opinions as well as information about the decisions that they took."

The pupils were keen to discuss the numbers of library books for their age group at Whitegrove Library, investment in new leisure facilities, and put a skateboard park and rugby pitch on their wish-list.

They were also concerned about the environment, particularly litter, and asked topical questions about the future of Bracknell town centre.

The councillors were quizzed on their reasons for entering the world of local politics and on their most difficult decisions.

Mrs Tsakmakis added: "There was a telling question from one of the children, who was obviously inspired by the day. He asked ' at what age can you become a councillor'?

"It was a very, very good event and one we would be happy to repeat next year."

Among the councillors in the firing line was Bracknell Cllr Anne Shillcock, who represents Great Hollands North. She said: "The children exhausted us with their fascinating and very perceptive questions. We were all very impressed by them.

"I think this kind of event allows youngsters to get to grips with local politics and democracy in a very practical way. They learn what the council does for them and they see councillors as real people. I hope that more schools will participate in such events in the future."

And Cllr Ian Leake, from Binfield with Warfield, said: "It was obvious from the sorts of questions that the children asked that they had done a lot of research into the work of the council.

"It was very encouraging that the children were so enthusiastic and so keen to learn more about their local council. We all hope this will be the start of a lifelong engagement with local politics."

Bracknell Forest Council

Volunteers are being invited to join the Bracknell Joggers in a littler pick in Larks Hill, Bracknell, on Saturday, October 18, from 10am until noon.

The Bracknell running club is collecting rubbish in the park as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s national Big Tidy Up campaign – which is designed to encourage people to pick litter and improve their neighbourhoods.

Bracknell Forest Council will be helping at Larks Hill, off Harvest Ride in Warfield, with support from the waste and cleansing team, and the parks and countryside rangers, along with street cleaning contractor Ringway. The Council is taking part in the campaign under its aim to keep the borough clean and green, .

Nationally, it costs the taxpayer £500 million every year to clear up after litter bugs.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Executive Member for the Bracknell Environment, said: The Big Tidy Up helps to show people who drop litter that it is their friends and neighbours who have to clear up after them.

As well as making our parks look tidier, it helps to inspire a sense of community in our neighbourhoods.”

For more details, to register litter picks or find a local event, visit www.thebigtidyup.org and to request support from Bracknell Forest Council, call 01344 352000.

Bracknell Forest Council

Detectives investigating the robbery of a 60-year-old man in Bracknell last week are appealing for witnesses.

At about 1.30am on Monday 6 October, the man was walking in an alleyway near Vandyke, Great Hollands, Bracknell when he was approached from behind by two men who stole cash from him and pushed him over.

The man sustained a cut to his head which required hospital treatment.

One of the Bracknell assailants is white, 18 to 20 years old, 5ft 7ins and stocky. He has dark hair, cut in a pudding basin style, and was wearing a grey scarf, which covered the lower part of his face, a grey anorak and dark loose-fitting trousers. He spoke with an English accent.

The Bracknell other assailant is white, 18 to 25 years old and slimmer than the first man. He has short dark hair and was wearing a grey anorak, dark jeans and a fawn coloured scarf covering his face.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Det Sgt Adam Wise of the Priority Crime Team at Bracknell via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Bracknell Police are appealing for information about two men who were seen at the scene of an incident in Binfield on Tuesday (7/10).

Sometime between 1pm and 2pm, a man was seen tampering with a white Fiat van in Terrace Road South, Binfield, Bracknell. Shortly afterwards he made off in a Ford Mondeo, driven by a second man.

The van was left with a damaged lock.

The first man is white, in his mid thirties, about 6ft and has greasy black hair. He was wearing a dirty sleeveless high-visibility jacket with a dark boiler suit underneath. The second man is white, of a larger build and was wearing identical clothing.

The Ford Mondeo is dark brown or bronze and has a roof rack.

Anyone with information is urged to contact PC Clare Hickman at Bracknell police station via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell

Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council, said: Bracknell Forest does have investments in two Icelandic banks, Heritable and Glitner, totalling £5 million.

"As a Council we are always very careful where we invest our money and use strict criteria in selecting banks based on their credit rating scores.The last review by the full Council was in April this year. We also limit the amount that we will invest in any one institution. At the time we invested in these two particular banks they had a strong credit rating.

"At least 70 other local authorities have invested in these two banks, many at a much higher level than Bracknell Forest Council.

"The Icelandic government and British Treasury are currently looking into how the investments can be protected and we are working with other local authorities and the Local Government Association to bring this forward.

"We are not currently expecting any impact on any of our Council services.”

Bracknell Forest Council

The Bracknell Longshot Lane civic amenity site will be closed for one week from Monday, October 20, as its redevelopment enters a second phase.

Then from Monday, October 27, the Bracknell site will return to its temporary opening hours, which are 5pm to 8pm on weekdays; and weekends and bank holidays from 8am to 8pm. Residents are advised to visit the site after 6.30pm on weekdays to avoid queues.

Work is being completed on the section of the site which will be the waste transfer station - where refuse and recycling from Bracknell residential collections are taken. The next phase will redevelop what will become the household waste recycling centre for residents. Phasing the scheme means residents can still access the civic amenity site in evenings and weekends.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Executive Member for the Bracknell Environment, said: This is a milestone in the redevelopment of Longshot Lane and brings us one step closer to having a modern and efficient household waste recycling centre where we can divert even more of your waste away from harmful landfill sites.

"We are working very hard to minimise the disruption caused by the redevelopment, and would like to thank residents for all their patience."

The redevelopment is part of the re3 waste minimisation partnership, a 25-year joint project between Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils and the Waste Recycling Group to dispose of 200,000 tonnes of domestic waste collected each year.

Bracknell Residents wishing to dispose of recycling can use the 39 recycling sites across the borough - which are currently being improved by the Council with improved signage; and garden waste can be put in a biodegradable brown sack or a brown wheelie bin - which is collected by the Council on recycling weeks. There is also a bulky waste collection service. For more details visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/abc or call 01344 352000.

Both Bracknell Forest and Wokingham residents may also choose to use the new household waste recycling facility at Smallmead, near the Madejski Stadium in Reading.

Having state-of-the-art facilities at Smallmead and Longshot Lane means the re3 partnership will be able to recycle even more of the waste that comes into the site and from the from the kerbside refuse collection service.

The re3 partnership was created to increase recycling, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and to significantly reduce the overall cost of waste disposal to the benefit of the council tax payer.

Residents should check the latest opening times and any short term closures before leaving for Longshot Lane, by visiting www.re3.org.uk or freephone 0800 9883023.

Bracknell Forest Council

A Bracknell campaign to let people know how crime and anti-social behaviour are being tackled in their communities hits the streets next week.

Bracknell Forest Council and Thames Valley Police and will be at the Bracknell town centre bandstand on Thursday (October 16) as part of the national Not in My Neighbourhood Week (October 13-17), handing out information on such issues as knife crime and offering advice on making homes more secure.

Visitors to the stand can meet members of the Bracknell council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team and the Community Safety Team to report any concerns they may have about anti-social behaviour, crime or drugs.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Public Protection, said: “Initiatives like Not In My Neighbourhood are aimed at bringing public and professionals closer together to provide greater knowledge and greater reassurance.

“We are fortunate to live in a low crime area here in Bracknell Forest thanks to the hard work, dedication and collaborative partnership between the local police force, local authority and in no small part to the residents of the Borough. Let's keep it that way.

"We would encourage as many people as possible to visit the team at the bandstand to voice their concerns and to pick up some useful information.”

Inspector Pete Carter, neighbourhood inspector for Bracknell North, said: “We are pleased to be working with our partners during this year’s Not In My Neighbourhood Week.

“Throughout the week, Bracknell police will be carrying out a number of enforcement operations related to drugs and vehicle crime, as well as checks on licensed premises. There will also be high visibility policing in neighbourhoods across the borough.”

Bracknell Forest Council

Lovers of fresh local produce now have even more reason to shop in Bracknell town centre thanks to a new stall now open in Bracknell market.

Sejwix, delicatessen and café-bar, in Charles Square, Bracknell, has expanded the range it offers in the shop by opening up a local produce stall in the market.

Neil Ellis, owner of Sejwix, wants to use the stall to make more people aware of some of the food which is produced locally and which he also sells from his delicatessen.

Neil said: I just thought I would promote some of the things I currently sell in the delicatessen. There is a whole range of local produce to choose from and it is all really well made. Some of the British cheese I will be offering is made very locally but I am also selling the more well-known varieties like Cheddar and Red Leicester.”

Available from the Sejwix local produce stall are locally produced jams, honey, marmalade, chutney as well as local and national award winning, handmade cheese. Some of which include the Barkham Blue, handmade in Barkham, Waterloo and Wigmore, both made on the Duke of Wellington Estate and Old Winchester, made in the New Forest. Some of the old favourites including olives and oils are also sold.

Graham Mountford, Bracknell Town Centre Manager, said: It is great that this new stall is open in the market and gives shoppers even more of a reason to visit. As well as all the lovely fresh and local produce available on this stall the market also offers an array of temptations, from fresh fish to haberdashery, rare magazines to fruit and vegetables, so there are plenty of reasons to pop in.”

Bracknell Market is open weekly on Friday and Saturday is located in the basement of the old 3M tower (Winchester House).

Bracknell Forest Council

Free family frolicks are on offer at Bracknell Wooden Hill Primary School this month.

On Saturday, October 11, Bracknell Forest families are invited to a fun activity day organised by the extended services team from Bracknell Forest Council.

From 10am unti 3pm, families can enjoy activities such as a treasure hunt, lessons in circus skills and Indian dancing, K'nex challenges, fun with food, craft sessions and much, much more.

Graham Symonds, extended services manager, said: "These free activities offered at Wooden Hill School are ideal for Bracknell Forest families to learn and enjoy together in a safe, convenient and friendly atmosphere."

Cllr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Bracknell Children's Services, added: "Extended services brings together key services in one place making it easier for parents and carers to get the help and support that they and their children need.

"I applaud the Council for putting on activity days such this as it brings the community together and offers free activities for the whole family to enjoy. I urge everyone to head over to Wooden Hill Primary School."

Bracknell Forest Council

Youngsters at the Bracknell Leisure Centre pre-school were in playful mood on Friday when the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger opened their new outdoor area.

The permanent, fenced-off play space will allow the 25 children, aged between two and five, to make the most of being outdoors.

Pre-school manager Yvonne Rance said: "We are thrilled with the new play area. The children have to play out every day as a requirement of the foundation stage education policy.

"Before, we had to put up and take down a fence each time the children went out as well as putting out the equipment. This is much better."

The pre-school, one of the oldest in Bracknell town, according to Yvonne, is open every day during term-time between 9.30am and 12 noon.

Bracknell Cllr Edger said: "It's very important that the children get out in the fresh air every day. This new play area is a great improvement and the youngsters are really enjoying using it."

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Forest residents have the chance to put their Council leader on the spot as part of the forthcoming Local Democracy Week.

Cllr Paul Bettison is to face his own personal question time during the event, which runs from October 13-17, when he will answer queries from Bracknell residents about the workings of the Council and its services.

The questions and answers will be published on a dedicated Council web page during the week and anyone wanting to quiz Cllr Bettison can submit their questions from Monday (October 6) by following the link www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/asktheleader

The information on the page will also offer guidance on the kinds of questions Cllr Bettison will be able to tackle and those that might be passed to an appropriate Council department.

Local Democracy Week is organised by the Local Government Association. It aims to work with young people to increase their understanding of community issues and the importance of making their voices heard.

Youngsters at Whitegrove Primary School, in Westmorland Drive, Bracknell will be speaking up when Year Six pupils take part in a 'political speed dating' event on Wednesday, October 15. The 10 and 11-year-olds will meet councillors in small groups and talk for a few minutes about the things that matter to them, before moving on to the next table.

Cllr Bettison said: "It is important we work with everyone, but in particular our young people, to make sure they understand the important decisions that are being made about their day-to-day lives by councils and how they can influence these decisions."

Bracknell Forest Council

The trophy-winning Bracknell Falcons will be competing on home soil when the town's first international Team Gym tournament takes place at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5.

The Bracknell team for seven to 11 year olds will be competing in the Team Gym disciplines of tumbling, trampette, vault and floor. In February, the centre hosted the south of England regional heats before the Falcons went on to win the British national finals for the second year running.

More than 50 teams from across Europe will be competing in the tournament which is being organised by Bracknell Gymnastics Club.

It will be attended on Sunday by the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Bob Edger, who will be watching some of the events, and presenting prizes at the end of the day.

For complete beginners, recreational gymnastics takes place on various days of the week at Bracknell Leisure Centre and is aimed at children aged four-years and over. The sessions help with the basics of good body alignment, general body control and awareness; it also helps endurance, co-ordination, agility and balance.

Cllr Edger said: "I am really pleased to be attending Bracknell Gymnastics Club's first international tournament, which I hope will cement our position as a leader in British Team Gym.

"I would like to wish the best of luck to the Bracknell Falcons and the other local competitors, I have no doubt that they will do the borough proud."

Bracknell Forest Council

Bracknell Music groups, dance or drama schools, art classes, stage plays and bands are just some of the organisations who are invited to join a creative network to promote and support the wide range of arts organisations who work in the borough.

Bracknell Forest Council is setting up the new network and hopes it will bring different organisations together, to pool resources, share best practice and provide a place for networking and discussion.

The creative network is holding its first meeting on Monday, October 6, from 5.45pm at South Hill Park Arts Centre, and the organisations which attend will help to shape its future. The visiting speaker will be Robin Simpson, the Chief Executive of the Voluntary Arts Network.

It follows the setting up of a creative network for individuals who work in the borough, who benefit from working closely together. The network for individuals has been running since 2004.

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Bracknell Leisure, Corporate Services and Public Protection, said: "The creative network for individuals has proved a great success in bringing together some of the people who provide the diverse range of arts we enjoy here in Bracknell Forest.

”I am pleased a network is being launched for local creative organisations, so they too can share the benefits of working together"

To register with the creative network for organisations contact Kerry Lemon on 01344 351756 or email kerry.lemon@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest Council