Agenda item

Queen’s Visit

The Mayor was pleased to be able to welcome HM the Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of York and HM King Constantine and Queen Anne Marie of the Hellenes to the borough as they visited Wellington College on Monday 17th October. HM the Queen officially opened the Round Square International Conference.

Award for Local Alzheimer’s Group

The Mayor congratulated Ascot Area Alzheimer’s (Triple A) Support Group who were presented The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service by the Duchess of Gloucester. Groups were nominated by the members of the public who had been helped personally or witnessed the benefit of a group’s work within the local community.

Award for borough resident

The Mayor was pleased to announce that a resident of the borough, Athena Giddings, was a finalist for the Breakthrough Award at The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards. The Awards honour the achievements of disadvantaged young people supported by The Trust who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community.

Jennett’s Park

The Mayor reported that he had attended the opening of Jennett’s Park Community Centre and that this is now the heart of the estate. The Mayor was also proud to have been present at the opening of Jennett’s Park CE Primary School by the Secretary for Education the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP and the Bishop of Reading.

Christmas Light Switch On

The Mayor congratulated Bracknell Regeneration Partnership for the successful event to switch on the town’s Christmas lights held on Sunday 27 November.

School Carol Service

The Mayor was looking forward to the annual School’s Carol Service which was being held on Sunday 4 December at 5pm at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Charity Collection

The Mayor announced that he was holding two collection days for his charity, Age Concern Bracknell Forest, on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 December at the Meadows in Sandhurst. Any volunteers were asked to contact the Mayor’s PA, Sue Brunt.

Masquerades Ball

The Mayor announced that he was hosting a Masquerades Ball in aid of his charity on Saturday 11 February. Tickets would be £30 for a single, £50 for a double and could be purchased through the Mayor’s PA, Sue Brunt.

Executive Member for Planning, Transport and Economic Development

Councillor Mrs Ballin was pleased to show the Members present images of the new Salt Barn and snow plough which was now fully stocked and operational. Councillor Mrs Ballin also encouraged residents to get prepared for bad weather.

Executive Member for Children and Young People

Councillor Dr Barnard congratulated and thanked staff and volunteers for their hard work as the annual Children’s Services Ofsted inspection had judged Bracknell Forest as ‘performs well’ which was a great result.

Executive Member for the Environment

Councillor Mrs Hayes was very proud to congratulate Scottish & Southern Energy who had been awarded £22.8m from OFGEM’s Low Carbon Network Fund for its innovative “New Thames Valley Vision” project. The New Thames Valley Vision is a 5 year project (2012-2017) located in Bracknell Forest.  Bracknell Forest Council was one of the founding members of the successful partnership which supported SSE with other partners including GE, Honeywell and University of Reading. The general aim of the Low Carbon Network Fund is to encourage electricity network companies to test and anticipate the power distribution challenges of a low carbon economy. 

Councillor Mrs Hayes was pleased to report that Longshot Lane had received 99% ‘good’ or ‘very good’ responses in a recent satisfaction survey of its users. The cleanliness of the site and the helpful staff were recognised and Councillor Mrs Hayes thanked both the staff and residents for these excellent results.

Executive Member for Education

Councillor Kendall was pleased to announce that Birch Hill Primary School had moved from Special Measures to receive a ‘good’ Ofsted inspection. The annual Children’s Services Ofsted assessment had shown that the majority of primary schools were good or outstanding. The Local Authority had provided good targeted support and the one remaining inadequate school was making good progress.

Executive Members for Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection

Councillor McCracken was pleased to announce that the Council’s Communications team had received two gold awards from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations for the work it did during the Swinley Forest fires to keep residents, motorists, leisure centre users and the media informed and for its excellent ‘Welcome to the Borough’ publication.

Councillor McCracken announced to the meeting that the ‘Tell Us Once’ service was now in operation. The new service means that the bereaved tell us information and four Government Offices and 11 council departments would be contacted. Feedback from those who had already used the service had been very positive.

Councillor McCracken was pleased to confirm that the Olympic Flame would pass through Bracknell on Tuesday 10 July 2012 on its journey from Oxford to Reading. The route was not yet confirmed but residents were encouraged to come and witness the special occasion.

Councillor McCracken was delighted to report that there had been a record attendance at the annual Primary Schools Cross Country event. 600 children had taken part at the popular event on 18 November at South Hill Park.

Councillor McCracken was pleased to announce the completion of the main contract for the £4 million restoration project of South Hill Park’s grounds

Welcome Back

On behalf of the whole Council the Mayor welcomed both Councillor Baily and Councillor Kendall back to the Chamber.