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Are you ready for back to school?


The summer holidays are ending this week, so if you are a parent or a carer, make sure you’ve got the term dates in your calendars.  

 

Many families in the borough will be supporting children to make the move up to secondary school, and while this transition is exciting for many, it can bring new challenges or worries. 

 

Our Wellbeing team and emotional literacy support assistants work with schools in the Royal Borough, alongside parents, carers, and partner services, to support children with a range of issues including feelings of anxiety.  

 

There’s a wealth of professional guidance from Kooth and the NHS on coping techniques available to parents and young people to help with anxiety. 

 

Frimley Health and Care also has a helpful guide for children to help them to manage their mental health, and their Little Blue Book of Sunshine is a great source of reliable, professional guidance. 


Mental health support and information for young people is also available on our website

Royal Borough prosecutes shop over selling knives to a child


An investigation by our Trading Standards team has led to a Maidenhead shop and its owner being ordered to pay court fines, costs and charges totalling £7,022, after selling a set of knives to a child.


The investigation brought about a successful prosecution against Powney Food and Wine Limited, trading as St Marks Food and Wine, 123 Powney Road, Maidenhead. The shop is owned by Mr Charan Singh Ahuja, aged 37, of Tollgate Drive, Hayes.


On 13 November 2023, St Marks Food & Wine sold a set of craft knives to a minor during a test purchasing operation, run by Trading Standards in conjunction with Thames Valley Police. The selling of knives to a minor is a serious offence and Mr Ahuja had previously received advice from Trading Standards about the law on age restricted products, both in writing and verbally.


Mr Ahuja pleaded guilty to the offence on behalf of himself and of the company, at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday 16 August 2024. You can read more about this story on our website

Property flood repairs grants


We’ve released more information about how residents and businesses can apply for Property Flood Repair Grants following the flooding resulting from Storm Henk, in January 2024.


Applications for this grant will remain open until the end of January 2025, with all works to be completed by property owners by the end of May 2025.

 

If you’ve any questions about the grants please email our flooding team. 

Bhangra evening at Maidenhead Library 


Come and enjoy an evening of Bhangra music in a friendly, welcoming environment at Maidenhead Library. You can dance or just watch, socialise and soak up the rhythms, and there will be a bar available on the night. 

 

It’s £6.50 per person and booking in advance is essential via Eventbrite. Come down and have some fun! 

Maidenhead Town Forum


The next Maidenhead Town Forum will be held on Tuesday 3 September at the Town Hall, St Ives Rd, Maidenhead, from 6.30pm.


Residents are welcome to attend (either in-person or virtually), take part in the discussion, ask questions and suggest items for future agendas. The meeting will also be streamed live on the Council’s YouTube channel.

All welcome at Merchant Navy Day flag raising ceremony


Each year Merchant Navy Day is held on 3 September, to honour the brave men and women who kept the UK afloat during both World Wars, and to promote both a greater awareness of the country’s maritime heritage and highlight the UK's continued dependence on modern day merchant seafarers. 


The mayor will lead a short ceremony at the Maidenhead Town Hall War Memorial, which the public are welcome to attend, at 10am on Tuesday 3 September. Following the ceremony the Red Ensign will be raised.

Do you know your numbers?


There’s a reason why high blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer. It often has no symptoms, affects one in three adults, and is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems and dementia. And it kills more than 70,000 people a year in the UK.


As Know Your Numbers Week is about to start (Monday 2 September to Sunday 8 September) it’s the perfect time to check your blood pressure as millions are still unaware they’re in danger.


High blood pressure can be caused by a range of factors, from lifestyle to genetics, although an active lifestyle, balanced diet and healthy weight do help lower your risk.


Visit the NHS Frimley Health and Care website to find out how to check and manage your blood pressure.

Drive down your parking costs


If you’ve joined our Resident Parking Discount Scheme, you can get an hour’s free parking each day in eight car parks in the borough:


  • Hines Meadow, Grove Road and West Street, Maidenhead
  • Alma Road, Alexandra Gardens and Victoria Street, Windsor
  • Horton Road, Datchet
  • Meadow Lane, Eton.


If you’re a resident of the borough, you can still apply, completely free of charge, and join the thousands of residents already saving on parking.


Don’t miss out, apply today!

Could solar panels be an option for your home?


A green energy scheme to help you and local businesses generate renewable energy through solar panels, cutting energy costs and carbon footprint, is open in the Royal Borough.


We've joined forces with neighbouring councils to group bid for cheaper installation of solar panels through Solar Together. Residents and businesses, with permission from the property owner to install the panels, can register until 13 September.


The scheme offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who've already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. 


The applications are grouped together, and reputable installation companies then bid to carry out the work through a reverse auction overseen by a company called iChoosr. For more information please visit our website

Yellow heat health alert


The Met Office has issued a Yellow Heat Health Alert for the South East, which will be in effect between 9am on Friday 30 August and 9am on Monday 2 September.


If you can, check in on vulnerable/elderly family, friends and neighbours because they’re more likely to be affected by hot weather. And keep an eye on children too.


One way to keep indoors cooler, is to close those curtains and blinds facing the sun during the day.


For more tips on how to keep cool visit the government's Beat the Heat advice page.

Royal Borough Community Spotlight


Here are just some of the upcoming community events and volunteering opportunities in the Royal Borough.


  • Come and join Windsor Soundswell Choir (Every Tuesday during term time, 7.30pm to 9.30pm) Oakfield First School, Imperial Road, Windsor, SL4 3RU. If you'd like to become one of the many people who enjoy all the benefits and pleasure of singing in a choir, why not join us for the autumn session. This small, friendly community choir always gives a warm welcome to new members. It’s a mixed choir, singing a wide repertoire of music (popular, folk and classical) and there's no auditions and no experience necessary, so just come along and sing. We also stream rehearsals via Zoom for those who are unable to come in person. For more information, and to join, visit or call Ros on 07814470814 or leave a message for Sue on 01753 868468.


  • New Members are very welcome at the Probus Club of Ascot. If you're interested in joining a light-hearted social group of guys from a wide variety of professions, who meet once a month for lunch, then the Ascot Probus Club is definitely for you. We meet on the second Monday of the month at Mill Ride Golf Club where we enjoy a fixed price set menu followed by some very interesting speakers covering a wide range of topics. We are a very friendly club so please come along and enjoy our company and make some new friends. If you're interested in joining, or require more information, please email


  • Adult volunteer leaders needed for Girlguiding Maidenhead. Help us deliver fun at our Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger unit meetings. We meet on a weekly basis during term time for one to two hours per session, depending on the age of the girls. We have units across the borough that meet on different days and times in the early evening and Saturday mornings. We can provide training and experience that can transfer to your CV as well as a hugely rewarding experience supporting girls and young women. For more information telephone Kate Snell on 07866 182987, email, or register on our website


  • Open Rehearsal with Maidenhead Choral Society (Monday 2 September, 7.45pm to 9.45pm). We would like to invite you to the first rehearsal of the new term, to sing some gorgeous pieces by Anton Bruckner that we're preparing for our November concert. The rehearsal will be held at St Edmund’s Catholic Church, Altwood Road, Maidenhead. Find out more on our website and see what we’re all about!


  • Royal Free Singers Open Evening (Wednesday 4 September, 7.30pm to 9.30pm) Trevelyan School, Windsor. No previous experience necessary, suitable for all, no pressure, no charge, and everyone is welcome. This is an opportunity to find out if singing in our big friendly community choir is for you! To book your free place or ask any questions email


  • Cookham at Maidenhead Heritage Centre talk (Thursday 5 Sept, 2.30pm) Cookham Dean WI Hall, SL6 9PD. This talk will be given by Richard Poad and is followed by tea and cake. For further information call Barbara Dent on 01628 476512.


  • Concert given by Bucks Symphonic Wind Ensemble (BSWE) (Saturday 7 September, 7.30pm to 9.30pm) All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead SL6 4HE. BSWE is an award winning, 48-piece wind band. Enjoy an entertaining evening of great music conducted by Duncan Stubbs OBE former Principal Director of Music for the RAF Music Services. In support of charities associated with All Saints Church. Tickets can be ordered in advance from email or purchased on the door.


  • Bray Fete is back for 2024! (Sunday 8 September, 11am to 4pm). Join us for a day of fun, food and live music on the village green. Enjoy our hog roast, gourmet burgers, traditional games and competitions, children's rides, a fun dog show, a cake stall and charity stalls. We also have local produce for sale, the Bray village beer tent and the chance to sample food from our famous local restaurants. We're raising money in aid of 6 local charities and community groups. Entry free. Parking available on site (charges apply). Come and relax and enjoy the entertainment. For more information visit


  • ‘Our Maidenhead’ handcrafted nature trail at Ray Mill Island (launch event on Friday 13 September, 2pm to 6pm). The Our Maidenhead team of crafters, who meet every Thursday afternoon to get crafty, are joining up with Friends of Ray Mill Island to create a handcrafted nature trail on the island. These crafters will be making, knitting, crocheting, felting a range of birds, bees, bats, butterflies and other local fauna - and we're looking for any like-minded residents and local crafty groups to join us to help celebrate this lovely local landmark. For more information email


  • Blue Plaque unveiling ceremony (Friday 13 September, 6pm) outside the George Inn, Eton High Street, SL4 6AF. The legendary Olympian rower Sir Matthew Pinsent will be unveiling a blue plaque, celebrating the life of George Yeomans Pocock who built the boats used by the US men's eight team who won gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. The true story of the US Eight is told in the best-selling book by Daniel James Brown 'The Boys in The Boat' and in the film of the same name, to be released this year, directed by George Clooney. All are welcome at this free event.


  • National Heritage Open Day (Saturday 14 September, 10am to 4.30pm) All Saints' Church, London Road, Ascot, SL5 8DQ. Visit this remarkable Grade II listed Victorian building as we commemorate our 160th year. There are murals in the sanctuary, painted chancel roof and arch and wall paintings in the north and south aisles. These outstanding paintings are a well-known feature of the church and were restored in the late 20th century. Refreshments will be available and there will be church tours. For more information email

 

  • Ageing Well Expo (Friday 4 October, 10am to 2pm) Nicholson Shopping Centre, Maidenhead. This free event aims to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for those aged 60 and above in the borough. We're looking for organisations that would like to get involved and showcase their services for free. To get involved complete this form by 5pm Monday 5 September or for more information email


  • Volunteers needed – Maidenhead Town Show, Sunday 13 October. Would you be able to help out at the 11th annual town show on Sunday 13 October? It's full of family fun, crafts, competitions, entertainment and the woofing wonderful dog show! Perhaps your company offers you paid-for volunteering time or you're a local resident happy to help out? The organising team are looking for volunteers to help out at the event with marshalling and manning a couple of fundraising activities, all in aid of Thames Valley Adventure Playground. If you are interested please email


If you have an upcoming not-for-profit community event or appeal for volunteers you’d like to promote in this newsletter, simply send basic information about your event to communications@rbwm.gov.uk and it could be shared with more than 21,000 local residents.


You just need to include a brief description, when and where it takes place, and a link to a website/social media page/contact where people can find out more.


To see further volunteering opportunities in the borough, or for another way for community organisations to promote volunteering opportunities, please visit RBWM Together

Local Travel Updates


For details of further council works on highways, visit our website. For full local roadwork details, including work by utility firms, please visit the One Network website   


  • Traffic Management will be in place on Forlease Road, from the junction with Moorbridge Road to the junction with the A4 St Cloud Way, from 9:30am to 4:00pm until Tuesday 10 September, to facilitate new walking and cycling routes.     

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