Archives
Below are our archives for May 2013. If you are looking for a different month, please use the date search box feature below. To browse please choose from last month or try the News, Sport, The Guide or Opinion archives for this month.
Man taken to hospital after small fire
A MAN was taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after a small bedroom fire.
'Being a foster mum is truly amazing'
FOR Sonia Fulcher, looking after children has always been a huge part of her life, but she never really understood the importance of helping troubled youngsters until she took them under her own roof.
Missing woman from Wexham Park Hospital found
A WOMAN that went missing from Wexham Park Hospital on Friday has been found safe and well.
Woman in hospital after crash in Swallowfield
A WOMAN has been taken to hospital following a collision in Swallowfield.
HOWLS of derision rang out as a make-or-break planning inquiry was postponed for five months.
Appeal launched to find missing woman
POLICE are appealing for help in finding a woman who went missing from Wexham Park Hospital yesterday.
Appeal launched to find missing woman
POLICE are appealing for help in finding a woman who went missing from Wexham Park Hospital yesterday.
Man dragged from car and seriously assaulted by 12 attackers
A MAN was dragged from his car and seriously assaulted by around 12 men in the early hours of this morning.
Man in serious condition after assault in Reading
A MAN is in hospital with serious head injuries after he was attacked in Reading in the early hours of this morning.
Reading Children's festival returns today
FUN and games will return to Reading today when a popular two-week festival returns for the 24th year running.
Weekend (May 31-June 3) closure of Cow Lane warning
MOTORISTS and pedestrians are being warned that Cow Lane in west Reading will be closed for an entire weekend.
Bright legal minds set for national final of mock trial competition
ASPIRING legal minds were judged guilty of good work after they advanced to the final of a national mock trial contest.
Displays of Morris dancing in Windsor town centre this afternoon
WINDSOR Morris will be joined by four other teams of Morris dancers to put on dance displays in Windsor today.
FIREFIGHTERS tackled a blaze in a pleasure boat on the Kennet and Avon Canal last night.
A COMPANY boss was triumphant this week after council chiefs tore up two parking tickets and admitted: "We got it wrong."
Councillor exposed by The Observer expelled from his political party
A COUNCILLOR named and shamed for only attending 28% of meetings in an Observer investigation last week has been expelled from his political party.
No rail services at Bracknell, Wokingham and Winnersh stations on Sunday
RAIL users are advised that they will not be able to catch a train from Bracknell, Wokingham and the Winnersh stations on Sunday (May 19). Buses replace trains as a new footbridge and lifts are installed at Wokingham.
First regatta on the Thames at Windsor for 44 years announced
THE Queen has given the royal seal of approval for a regatta to be staged on the Thames at Windsor for the first time in 44 years.
THE THAMES Valley Police and Crime Commissioner has denied claims he set up a 'sham' office to rake in travel expenses.
Students take over from teachers after winning auction
TWO pupils swapped places with a head teacher for the day after winning an auction.
Chobham Carnival basks in glorious sunshine
A PROCESSION of colour filled the village of Chobham during its annual carnival as scouts, schools and pipers made their way from Burrow Hill to the recreation ground.
Last chance for Network Rail apprentices
YOUNG people across Reading have the chance to take the last few places in this year's Network Rail advanced apprentice scheme and fast-track their careers.
Reading Chronicle doughnut champions!
TEAMS from the Reading Chronicle and Reading 107 battled their way through jam, sugar and chocolate for the right to become doughnut champions.
Berkshire's fomer high sheriff backs prisoner rehabilitation
BERKSHIRE'S former high sheriff is optimistic about new Government plans for prisoner rehabilitation
Four arrests made in suspected false imprisonment
FOUR people have been arrested on suspicion of holding two men captive.
Fire engulfs shed in suspected arson attack
A SUSPECTED arson attack engulfed a shed and damaged a nearby brick building last night.
Police hunting man with two silver front teeth after sexual assault
POLICE are hunting a man who made sexual advances at a 19-year-old woman after getting into her parked-up car.
Free lanuguage courses available online
FREE online courses for residents to brush up on language skills or pick up a new hobby have been launched.
Heatherwood governor to appear in court on child sex assault charges
A Governor of Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is due to appear before Reading Crown Court on Monday (May 20), charged with sexually assaulting a five year old girl.
Strictly Come Dancing Star Dani Harmer backs foster care campaign
BRACKNELL'S dancing queen Dani Harmer is backing a campaign to encourage people to become foster parents.
Firefighters tackled a series of bin fires around the Coley area of Reading in the early hours of this morning.
Search begins for inspiring women
FEMALE success in all walks of life is to be celebrated with the launch of a major awards ceremony in honour of inspirational women.
Councillor plots challenge to Royal Borough leader
A SENIOR Conservative councillor is plotting a party leadership challenge in the Royal Borough, according to Observer sources.
Royal Borough leader David Burbage faces challenge
A SENIOR Conservative councillor is plotting a party leadership challenge in the Royal Borough, according to Observer sources.
Englefield Green mum wins best trade stand award at Windsor Horse Show
A BUSINESS woman with a flair for design has won an award for the best trade stand on her first ever trading day.
Chobham rugby club attracts revellers for community fun day
ABOUT 80 people flocked to Chobham rugby club for a free fun party on Sunday.
Plan to open 'needed' foodbank in Windsor emerges in the week town is named 'wealthiest' in the UK
PROPOSALS to open a foodbank to help an increasing number of struggling families in desperate need of food in Windsor, have been revealed.
EXCLUSIVE: Incoming Mayor of Slough under investigation for string of allegations
A COUNCILLOR set to be made Mayor of Slough tonight is under investigation by his employer and trade union for a string of allegations including jetting off to India for a friend's wedding while being signed off sick.
New bid to halt noisy helicopters
FURIOUS councillors have united in a bid to get controversial helicopter flights grounded.
Aldermaston nuclear blaze sentencing adjourned.
SAFETY measures at AWE Aldermaston were insufficient and patchy when a serious blaze left a worker injured, Reading Crown Court was told today.
A REVIEW of fire services that could see the scrapping of retained fire crews in Bracknell and Ascot is underway in east Berkshire. Also in this week's Bracknell News, Lapland UK could be coming to Swinley Forest, Bracknell's Got Talent finalists named, a horse rider pays tribute to her animal killed by a drunk driver and find out details of how to enter the search for Bracknell's top tot!
Body pulled from canal in Reading town centre
THE body of a man was pulled from the Kennet and Avon Canal yesterday.
Campaigners stage protest outside Thames Water
CAMPAIGNERS armed with flags, loudspeakers and a giant inflatable rat staged a protest against blacklisting outside Thames Water's Reading headquarters today.
Parish council meeting over Khalsa Secondary Academy tonight
STOKE Poges Parish Council is hosting a public meeting tonight prior to the Khalsa Secondary Academy planning meeting next week.
POLICE are on the hunt for two callous fraudsters who left a 72-year-old man shaken in Reading
Disabled woman rescued from fire in Tilehurst
A young disabled woman in a wheelchair was rescued by firefighters last night (Wednesday) when flames swept through the kitchen of her Tilehurst flat.
Englefield Green: Money saving tips at The Village Centre
MONEY saving expert Pippa Alton will be sharing tips on how we can save money by making our own cleaning products
Retained fire crews at Bracknell and Ascot face the chop
A REVIEW of fire services that could see the scrapping of retained fire crews in Bracknell and Ascot is underway in east Berkshire.
Big Match organisers gear up for Madejski Stadium kick-off
THE organisers of an ambitious charity football match which will see well known faces flock to Reading are gearing up for the big kick off.
BREAKING: Pinewood expansion plans refused
PINEWOOD bosses have vowed to appeal a South Bucks District Council (SBDC) decision to refuse planning permission for its £200m expansion project.
New executive and chairman at West Berkshire Council
WEST Berkshire Council welcomed a new chairman and two new executive members last night.
Bracknell Forest Council pledges extra action for children from low income families
BRACKNELL'S education chief says the council will narrow the gap in achievement between richer and poorer school pupils.
Communities secretary backs Local Newspaper Week
COMMUNITIES secretary Eric Pickles is backing Local Newspaper Week.
Family of man who died after car collision have paid tribute to the 'best dad ever'
THE family of a grandfather who died following a collision with a car have paid tribute to the man who meant 'so much to so many'.
Communities secretary backs Local Newspaper Week
COMMUNITIES secretary Eric Pickles is backing Local Newspaper Week.
Blooming great result for disabled riders at horse show
DISABLED riders harvested second prize when they were inspired by BBC 2's Gardeners' World for a fancy dress competition in The Queen's garden at Windsor Castle.
Former immigration centre worker arrested at his Slough home by Operation Elveden officers
A FORMER immigration centre was arrested at his Slough home by officers from Operation Elveden on Wednesday.
Communities secretary backs Local Newspaper Week
COMMUNITIES secretary Eric Pickles is backing Local Newspaper Week.
Date set for inquest hearing into death of Philmore Mills
A PRELIMINARY hearing for an inquest into the death of Philmore Mills is due to be heard in July.
Fundraiser to support recovering Tony Calvert
A FUNDRAISING event in aid of a local football hero will take place on Saturday (May 18).
CAMRA award for Windsor publican couple
A WINDSOR couple have been presented with an award of long service to their pub.
VIDEO: The Abbey School break ground for new hockey pitch
The Abbey School break ground for a new international-sized hockey pitch.
Biker injured in Farnham Road collision
A MOTORCYCLIST was injured in a collision in Farnham Road, Slough, on Tuesday.
THE number of unemployed signing on in Reading has dropped for the second consecutive month.
Hundreds attend St Bernard's Grammar School summer fair
HARD-WORKING parents turned their hand to cake-baking, burger-cooking and hamper-wrapping to raise vital cash for a school.
Marathon effort for new endurance equestrian event
HORSES were tested to their limit in the first endurance race held in Windsor - over a 120km cross country course through the Great Park.
Easthampstead: Firefighters called to rescue elderly man from bathroom
FIREFIGHTERS were called to free an elderly man who had collapsed and fallen behind his bathroom door, preventing his rescue.
Mum and ducklings return to Woodley library
A FLUFFY brood of ducklings has been delighting library-goers in Woodley. The week-old ducklings have been finding their feet in Woodley Library's central garden, after their mother returned to her favourite nesting spot for the third time.
Mayor pays tribute to running club initiative
A MAYOR raced to pay tribute to a running club's initiative to help beginners get active.
Tory councillors take on new roles
TORY councillors have taken on a specific role of responsibility to provide more efficient service to residents.
Peascod Street Morrisons given green light to sell booze until 11pm
A SUPERMARKET giant has been given the go-ahead to sell booze until 11pm every night in the centre of Windsor, despite residents' protestations.
Nominate your Women of Achievement
FEMALE success in all walks of life will be celebrated with the launch of a major awards ceremony in honour of inspirational women.
VIDEO: Boxing star Barry McGuigan opens new multi-million pound college facility
FORMER world champion boxer Barry McGuigan officially opened East Berkshire College's new multi-million pound sports centre at Langley College today.
Masked men raid Tesco Express store in Farnham Common
THREE masked men made off with cash from a Tesco Express store in a late-night robbery.
Police appeal following car thefts in Calcot
POLICE believe raiders were stealing to order when they looted tools and equipment from vehicles in the Calcot area.
Khalsa Secondary Academy application recommended for refusal
PLANS for a controversial school have been recommended for refusal by planning officers.
VIDEO: Touring exhibition aims to bring the Bible 'alive'
A TOURING exhibition is promising to bring the Bible 'alive' with artefacts, costumes, models and talks.
Royal Windsor Horse show breaks records with thrilling finale
A WORLD-CLASS equestrian line-up wowed spectators at this year's record-breaking Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Three men snatch bag in daylight robbery
THREE men snatched a bag containing personal papers and documents after pushing a man to the ground in a daylight robbery.
Men arrested over fuel thefts in Burghfield Common
POLICE have arrested two men on suspicion of stealing fuel from vehicles parked in Burghfield Common.
POLICE are appealing for witneses after a man was stabbed in west Reading this morning (Tuesday).
BREAKING: Hare Hatch Sheeplands inquiry postponed
THE planning inquiry into the future of Hare Hatch Sheeplands Garden Centre has been adjourned until the autumn.
Countdown is on for Reading Arts Week
ARTISTS from across the borough are being invited to show off their work at the only festival exclusively for Reading talent.
Free online courses launched for library members
FREE online courses for residents to brush up on language skills or pick up a new hobby have been launched.
Firefighters and paramedics help 90-year-old woman with her fingers stuck in a bin
A 90-YEAR-OLD woman required help from firefighters and paramedics to free her from a bin in which she had her fingers stuck.
Wokingham school girls reach technology competition final
BUDDING entrepreneurs at a Wokingham school have beaten more than 350 rivals to reach the finals of a national competition.
Woman threatened with shovel in attempted burglary in Burnham
A WOMAN was threatened with a shovel by up to five men to hand over money in her own home.
Man sentenced to nine years in jail for stabbing
A TEENAGER has been sentenced to nine years in prison after stabbing a man in Caversham.
Job winners start at giant Tesco depot
MORE than 1,000 jobs, around 6,000 applications, 12 miles of racking and three weeks to fill up this 902,000 square foot distribution centre.
Soldiers race up street from barracks to help fight Park Street fire
A FEARLESS soldier forced entry into a property where he thought a family was in danger from the fire in Park Street on Tuesday.
Teenagers try to snatch girl's phone in west Reading
A TEENAGE girl was left shaken when two boys tried to snatch her phone as she walked along Oxford Road in west Reading.
Reading University students rescued from lift
Firefighters freed two students from a lift in the Whiteknights Campus Library of Reading University today.
Couple shocked after shed blaze
AN ELDERLY couple are devastated after their belongings, two sheds and an entire fence were burnt to the ground by mindless thugs.
Berkshire workers third most productive in the country for boosting the economy
BERKSHIRE workers are the third-most productive in the country for boosting the economy, new statistics have revealed.
Capacity crowd at racecourse for fun day and Royal winner
A RACECOURSE attracted a record number of punters and families as thousands came out for some fun in the sun.
Reporters battle it out in doughnut eating competition
FAMILIES are battling it out in a series of tasty competitions this week to celebrate National Doughnut Week with Warings Master Bakers.
Runners descend on Great Park for first staging of women-only race
MORE than 1,000 runners descended on Windsor Great Park to make the first staging of a new event a 'fabulous' success.
More live music at Windsor Racecourse
A RACECOURSE has been granted permission to have almost double the amount of live music performances on its premises a year.
Car theft suspect arrested following speed camera collision
A 27-year-old from Slough has been arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft after a car was found crashed into a speed camera.
Antiques Roadshow star at Guildhall to examine ceramics
A TV star was on hand to do what he does best at The Guildhall, in High Street, on Saturday last week.
Michael Gove backed by Philip Hammond in call to leave EU
Michael Gove, MP for Surrey Heath has been joined by another Tory MP in saying he would vote for Britain to leave the EU if a referendum were held now.
Wetland nature reserve to open this week
SCHOOL children will be among the first to tour a new wetland nature reserve at its grand opening on Friday.
UK Independence Party sets sights on Royal Borough
THE UK Independence Party has sent out a challenge to the borough's Conservatives with plans to field up to 50 candidates in the next election.
A 'BRAVE and beautiful angel' who won the hearts of a community by fighting fear with a smile on her face was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Cash pot to help boost travel plan in Bracknell
RESIDENTS are being asked to have 'travel sense' in Bracknell as part of a £1.6m project.
Countess of Wessex opens new screening facility in Windsor
A ROYAL visitor officially launched a new service to help increase the speed and accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of breast problems.
A MOTHER-OF-ONE will lace up her running shoes in an attempt to raise £500 for fellow epilepsy sufferers.
FIREFIGHTERS were called to a chimney fire in Tidmarsh last night at around 7.45pm.
Sun soaked holiday celebration
SUN kissed Katesgrove basked in bank holiday sunshine as the Mayor of Reading joined residents to celebrate the Katesgrove Spring Fayre on Monday.
Surprise awards for courageous women
A BERKSHIRE charity presented surprise awards to three brave women for speaking about their private battles with an incurable health condition.
Future stars set for Bracknell's Got Talent semi-finals
MORE than 20 singers have made it to the semi-finals of Bracknell's Got Talent, alongside a comedy singing act, street dancer and lyrical dancer.
Helping hand at find funding fair in Windsor
HOW to get more funding as a voluntary group was the topic of a get-together at Windsor Racecourse.
Prospective Khalsa free school parents set up a campaign group to fight for Stoke Poges site
PROSPECTIVE parents whose children are signed up for a new free school have formed a campaign group to fight for it to be built in Stoke Poges.
Helicopter called in to kill poison caterpillars
TOXIC caterpillars threatening the health of villagers face the chop as a huge airborne operation gets under way.
Battle Proms return to Highclere Castle, Newbury with a bang
For the 13th year, Battle Proms will go off with a bang when it returns to Highclere Castle, Newbury, on Saturday, August 3.
Reading man questioned over motorcycle smash near Wargrave
POLICE have arrested a Royal Mail delivery driver in connection with a road smash near Wargrave in which a motorcyclist was killed yesterday.
More children to learn life skills in Bracknell and Wokingham
THOUSANDS more pupils in the News's circulation area will receive first aid training, thanks to the renewal of a sponsorship deal.
Collapsed wall clear up not yet underway
RUBBLE and metal fencing still cover a footpath in Tilehurst where a wall collapsed last week.
Langley cycle lanes explained after concerns from baffled residents
THE council has assured residents it did not run out of paint after questions were raised about new cycle lanes 'only a few yards long'.
CAVERSHAM Bridge has re-opened after a lorry collided with a prison van today.
Trial date set for teenager charged over stabbing
A TEENAGER will stand trial at Reading Crown Court on Monday, June 10 in connection with a stabbing.
Chaos in Reading following smash outside Royal Berkshire Hospital
A DRIVER has been cut free from their car following a serious accident in Reading which has brought traffic to a standstill.
Caversham Bridge closed after prison van collides with lorry
MOTORISTS are being warned to expect delays around Caversham Bridge after a lorry collided with a prison van.
School campaigners make their message clear by staying silent
CAMPAIGNERS protested against plans to open a free school in their village by gatecrashing a parents' open day with protest T-shirts and banners.
Middle of Park Street out of bounds until tomorrow
THE middle of Park Street is likely to remain fenced off until Saturday at the earliest.
Passenger in car that killed Simon Large sentenced to 15 months
A PASSENGER in a car where the driver was found guilty of murder has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for perverting the course of justice.
Riders gear up for charity event
THERE are just three days left until hundreds of riders across Berkshire get pedalling for an annual cycle challenge.
Man in hospital following Fleet Hill car crash
A MAN is in hospital following a serious traffic accident near Finchampstead.
Peascod Street Morrisons licence application to be heard today
AN APPLICATION from Morrisons to sell alcohol until midnight seven days a week at their convenience store due to open in Peascod Street by the end of the summer will be heard by the Royal Borough Licensing Panel Sub-Committee today.
Ex-Pangbourne College boy dies in sailing tragedy
FORMER Pangbourne College student and Olympic gold medal sailor Andrew Simpson has died after his catamaran capsized while training for the America's Cup in San Francisco.
The Observer names and shames councillors not fulfilling their duties
TWO councillors attended just one in three meetings they were due to attend last year, The Observer can reveal.
Neighbours recall 'tragedy' of Park Street fire
NEIGHBOURS have spoken of the 'tragedy' caused by the fire which damaged four houses and how 'lucky' they were to escape.
A lesson in fundraising from running teachers
A TEAM of PE teachers tested their fitness to raise cash for a charity which helped a colleague who died of cancer last year.
Motorcyclist dies in Wargrave smash
A MOTORCYCLIST has died after colliding with a van near Wargrave.
Windsor school headteacher supports charity walking effort taking place at his school
A HEADTEACHER has thrown his support behind a charity walk which starts and finishes at his school.
Pupils jump at Games chance to win school pride
YOUNGSTERS took to the field to battle it out for school sporting pride in an inter-regional competition.
VIBRANT proposals to regenerate Market Street could transform it into the 'night spot hub' for Bracknell, say developers. Also in this week's Bracknell News, shops still looking for new homes away from Broadway, May Fair picture special, Bracknell's Got Talent semi-finalists named, win tickets for the BMW PGA Golf Championship and much more.
School extension plans given the go ahead
EXPANSION plans for St Anthony's Catholic Primary School to accommodate an extra 180 pupils were given the green light yesterday.
Police launch appeal for witness to Park Street fire
POLICE have launched an appeal for witnesses to the Park Street fire as they keep 'an open mind' about its cause.
Injured rider makes horse show return
A HORSE rider who was mown down by a drunk driver is set to compete in one of the biggest equestrian events in the country.
UPDATE: Firefighters leave Park Street 36 hours after being called out as demolition work is halted
ALL firefighters have now left Park Street, around 36 hours after a large fire destroyed one property with three more damaged while demolition work has been halted.
A FUSEBOX was destroyed after it caught fire at a terraced house in Farm Crescent, Wexham.
Bracknell Horticultural Association plant sale on Saturday
A PLANT sale will take place at the Bandstand, in Charles Square, Bracknell, on Saturday (May 11).
Church Street Therapy Centre hosts open day
A HOST of complementary therapies will be on display during a free drop-in session when a specialist clinic showcasing its techniques on Saturday.
Anna's poetic comment on helicopter row
MUCH has been written in the Chronicle about the torture we residents of Purley On Thames and Mapledurham have had to endure as a consequence of the on-going helicopter pleasure flights that have been operating from Mapledurham house.
Fancy dress competition at horse show today
A FANCY dress competition will add a dash of colour to one of the biggest equestrian events in the country.
Mosque given go ahead to open at Langley Village Club after feisty council meeting
PLANS to build a mosque and Islamic community centre were passed last night.
House destroyed by fire will be demolished
THE house destroyed by yesterday's fire in Windsor will be demolished to ground level.
Reading reacts to Queen's Speech
YESTERDAY'S Queen's Speech proves the Tories "have run out of ideas", according to Reading's Labour party.
Holyport College plans to be decided tonight
THE man behind plans for a new free school believes it is ideally suited to help Windsor-based parents facing a shortage of school places.
Football hero Tony Calvert out of coma
A LOCAL football hero who suffered a heart attack while on holiday has come out of a coma.
Homeless man who died in alleyway after being held in police custody is named
A HOMELESS man who died a day after he was held in police custody for being drunk and disorderly has been named.
Disruption caused by Park Street fire
CHANGING of the guard at Windsor Castle has been cancelled today in the wake of last night's fire in Park Street.
Pedestrian in his fifties fighting for his life after car collision
A MAN in his fifties is fighting for his life after he collided with a car while he was walking in Langley Road.
Full throttle fun at bowls club open day in Windsor
A MAYOR on a motorbike was one of many highlights at a bowls club's open day.
Have your say: Plan to scrap taxi surcharge in Bracknell put on hold
CONTROVERSIAL proposals to scrap a 50% surcharge for extra taxi passengers have been delayed.
Wheels in motion for the Slough Foodbank trolley push
FUNDRAISERS got behind their trolleys and set the wheels in motion as they walked miles in aid of a charitable fund which helps feed those who have fallen on hard times.
Going through the mill to help
THE winners of a competition which pays people to work at a charity of their choice have opted to help a Reading-based project.
THE director of a company and his wife who won the demolition contract for a pub after a planning dispute had written twice to the council in favour of it being pulled down.
Windsor set for record-breaking horse show
AN HISTORIC and record-breaking Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) starts today.
PICTURE GALLERY: Resident - 'it felt like it was raining fire'
A COUNCILLOR who lives next to the fire ravaged Windsor house has spoken of the 'horrific' blaze.
Huge blaze in Windsor town centre
FIRE crews from Tilehurst and Caversham formed part of a 20-strong team of engines battling a Windsor blaze last night.
Bracknell pensioner to appear in court over sexual assault of five-year-old
A 68-year-old man has been charged with sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl.
Royal Holloway to set up £3.8 million cyber security training centre
Royal Holloway has received a £3.8 million grant to establish a new Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in cyber security.
Campaigners locked in during Heatherwood protest
A DEMONSTRATION to show the difficulty Ascot residents could experience accessing healthcare services in Bracknell resulted in protesters being locked in.
VIDEO & PICS: Update on Windsor town centre fire
A HUGE fire has torn through a house in Windsor town centre.
Givers asked to donate locally
CHARITY should begin at home but 90% of charitable donations made by Berkshire people are going to national causes outside the county.
Motorcyclist, 32, who died after collision with Royal Mail van named
A 32-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist who died after a collision with a Royal Mail van has been named.
Update: emergency services release statement on Windsor blaze
FIREFIGHTERS and police at the scene of a blaze engulfing three houses in central Windsor have released a joint statement.
Teen arrested after assault on 11-year-old girl in Burghfield
A TEENAGER has been arrested after an 11-year-old girl was slapped and threatened with a knife in Burghfield.
Old Windsor day centre users 'frustrated' by red tape preventing opening
ELDERLY users of a popular day centre which has been closed for a month after a rescue plan was stalled by red tape have been left 'frustrated'.
Man arrested in connection with stabbing
A MAN has been arrested in connection with an attack where the victim was stabbed in the upper torso.
Landlord toasts top local pub award
A PUB popular with drinkers across the borough has cemented its place on the national map.
Windsor scouts launch buy-a-brick scheme for hut fundraising
A NEW scheme has been launched to help fund the rebuilding of the Dyson Hut at the Bear Rails Scout Campsite in Windsor Great Park.
Pensioner arrested over sexual assault of five-year-old in Harmans Water
A 68-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a five-year-old girl in Bracknell. Officers from Thames Valley Police were called to Vulcan Drive, near Broad Lane, at around 6pm yesterday (May 6).
Sign up for Byte Night sleepout
BUSINESS leaders will be persuaded to give up their beds and sleep on the streets at the launch of a major charity fundraiser.
Council accused of striking poor deal over Windsor fire station
A COUNCILLOR has accused the Royal Borough of striking a poor deal over plans for a new fire station.
THE chairman of a parish council has been carrying out electrical repairs at a community centre despite not being a qualified electrician, The Observer can reveal.
Men jailed for £200,000 postal thefts across Berkshire and Surrey
TWO men have been sentenced for a series of postal thefts across Berkshire and Surrey.
Great Hollands woman charged £125 for return of her dog
A WOMAN has been reunited with her dog - but has branded the £125 charge she has to pay as "ridiculous".
Bailiffs sent out to collect £6 debt by Royal Borough
BAILIFFS were sent out by the Royal Borough to clawback a £5.63 council tax debt - a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.
Apprentices kicking off new careers
APPRENTICES who have managed to turn their careers around inspired jobseekers to land their own dream careers at the Reading Job Fair.
Council denies spending taxpayers' money on gagging outgoing staff
THE council has denied it is spending large sums of taxpayers' money to 'gag' outgoing employees.
New line-up as council leader has re-shuffle
READING'S ruling Labour group has unveiled the team which will lead it into the borough council's new committee system.
Rackets at the ready for badminton tournament
BADMINTON players from across the country had their rackets at the ready for a community group's second annual tournament.
AMBITIOUS plans to create more than 2,500 primary school places in Reading were submitted to the Government this week.
Slough teenagers are the best-qualified in the south east
TEENAGERS are the most qualified in the south east by the time they reach 19, according to new stats.
Windsor racecourse bids for more live music events
AN APPLICATION to have more live music events at a racecourse will be heard on Wednesday.
Five-year-old boy suffers life-threatening injuries in car crash
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD boy was airlifted to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries following a car crash last night.
Two suspected arson attacks in Manor Park
SUSPECTED arsonists struck twice in the same area last night.
Thousands due at Wokingham May fair
MORE than 20,000 people are expected to attend Wokingham's May fair today (Monday). A variety of stalls, performances and events are planned in the town centre and Elms Field.
Slough residents using debt charity owe an average of more than £19,000
SLOUGH residents seeking the help of a debt charity last year owed an average of £19,292 - more than £3,000 above the national average.
BRIGHT sunshine and blue skies were beaming over the borough, but green was the colour last Monday when Reading Buses unveiled a new chapter in the town's transport history.
Lack of councillor interest in donate tax savings scheme
NO ROYAL Borough councillors have taken the lead by opting in to a new scheme that allows residents to give back their council tax savings.
Wokingham man charged with dangerous driving
A WOKINGHAM man was charged with dangerous driving and criminal damage yesterday.
Witness hunt after motorcylist dies on A33 roundabout in south Reading
POLICE are looking for witnesses after a 46-year-old motorcyclist was killed in south Reading today.
THE phonecall came in at 8.50am. By 10.30am Ofsted had arrived at the Civic Centre to inspect the council's child safeguarding and child protection services.
Views to be aired on Bracknell Town Council
AN OVERVIEW of the past year will take place at an annual parish meeting in Priestwood, Bracknell.
Academy museum is roaring success
WALKING through the foyer at The Langley Academy to be greeted by an enormous dinosaur or an aeroplane model dangling from the ceiling is no shock to their students.
Women to tackle 40km walk for charity
A TEAM of eight women are taking on the 40km Across The Divide Just Walk challenge on the South Downs on Saturday, May 11, to raise money for the Family Friends In Windsor And Maidenhead project.
THE family of a youngster who died three months ago say it is "wonderful" the hospice that cared for her in her final hours was saluted this week by the Duchess of Cambridge.
Generous Bracknell firm look to donate another £20k
A BRACKNELL-based estate agent has pledged to raise another £20,000 for children's hospice service Alexander Devine.
Police called out to reports of a fight in Windsor
POLICE officers were rushed out to reports of a fight in Chaucer Close, Windsor, last night.
Bracknell's new police inspector Dave Bryan vows to make town safe
"A CRIMINAL record will stick with you for 100 years" - that is the message to young people from Bracknell's new neighbourhood police chief.
Electricity supply to block of flats in Langley switched off after burst pipe
A BURST pipe in a first floor flat led to the electricity supply for a whole building being switched off in Langley yesterday.
CALLS are being made to reverse a "tragic" decision to close a popular care home and day centre and disrupt the lives of frail and vulnerable pensioners.
£1.6m road rescue plans gathering momentum
PLANS to invest more than £1.6m on Reading's crumbling roads are gathering pace.
Workmates take on £1 food trial
A PAIR of keen fundraisers are spending a week in poverty to help families across the world survive the harshest of conditions.
Great Park set for inaugural running event
THE inaugural She Runs Windsor women's only 10k race will take place on Monday in Windsor Great Park from 10.30am.
Binfield: Village homes approved
COUNCILLORS given two options on how many houses should be built on a piece of land in Binfield chose the application with fewer properties.
AN ANGRY businessman is out to avenge a fixed penalty ticket for parking on his own land - by 'fining' the traffic attendant for trespass.
Woman cut free from three car crash
FIREFIGHTERS had to cut a women free after three cars collided on the A33 today.
Search launched for owners of jewellery stolen in raids across the Thames Valley
AN APPEAL has been launched to track down the owners of jewellery thought to have been stolen in burglaries across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.
Conservatives keep control of South Bucks despite UKIP challenge
CONSERVATIVE councillors retained their political monopoly in South Bucks despite a surge from a UK Independence Party (UKIP) candidate who missed out by just 44 votes.
Man fighting for life after collision with coach
A MAN is fighting for his life tonight after he collided with a coach on a busy east Reading road.
Windsor and Eton Neighbourhood Plan left in tatters after split
A RESIDENTS' association claims a decision to split up a group responsible for deciding a development strategy for Windsor and Eton was made in secret.
Bid to reduce speed limit on A30
THE speed limit on one of the Egham area's busiest roads could be reduced. Some residents want to see the limit on the A30 through the town cut from 40mph to 30mph - which it was for the duration of the Olympics and Paralympics.
Man punched in the face in Broad Street
A MAN was left with a bloodied nose after he was punched in the face in Reading's Broad Street yesterday.
Peter Andre spruces up Northcott home in 60 Minute Makeover
REALITY TV star Peter Andre was spotted in overalls with a paintbrush in Bracknell last week.
Thieves steal digger from Winnersh park
THIEVES stole a digger and a dumper truck from a park in Winnersh.
Partnership working key to thwarting threat from international criminals
POLICE are working to counter international threats as criminals from across the country and around the world target Slough.
Thieves steal digger from Winnersh park
THIEVES stole a digger and a dumper truck from a park in Winnersh.
Earley pensioner dies after collision with car
AN EARLEY pensioner has died after being knocked down by a car.
Slough Canal temporarily closed until June for bridge maintenace work
THE Slough Arm of the Grand Union Canal will be temporarily closed due to concerns over the movement of one of the bricks supporting the Reeds Bridge.
Royal Borough teenagers among the best-qualified in the south east
TEENAGERS are among the most qualified in the south east by the time they reach 19, according to new stats.
New bank in Slough opens with a bang
CUSTOMERS were queuing up before a new branch of a bank had even opened its doors this morning.
Contest winners put in the frame
PROUD parents looked on as the winning stars of this year's Broad Street Mall's Child of the Year beamed at the camera.
Look out for illegal raves this weekend
NEIGHBOURS are being warned to keep an eye out for illegal raves over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Resounding success at annual sponsored ride in Windsor
HORSE riders jumped to a resounding fundraising success at an annual sponsored ride.
Motorcyclist, 32, from Slough, dies after collision with Peugeot van in Iver
A 32-YEAR-OLD man from Slough has died after a collision with a van.
Windsor hotel chef cooks for royalty
A YOUNG chef at a Windsor hotel had the honour of cooking for royalty.
Rear of launderette and flat gutted by fire
THE rear of a launderette and first-floor flat were completely destroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning.
Deliberate fire burns hole through floor of empty Bracknell building
ARSONISTS set fire to a derelict building in Easthampstead last night (Thursday).
A MASSIVE increase of nearly 100 extra patients a day is keeping pressure on the Royal Berkshire Hospital's emergency department and costing millions of pounds a year.
NEIGHBOURS are being warned to keep an eye out for illegal raves over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Approval for Old Windsor homes plans described as 'detrimental'
LANS for 15 new homes in a village have been approved much to a councillor's dismay.
Shopping centre runs out of tickets for parking
WEEKEND shoppers were stuck in car park queues for more than 45 minutes after the entry and exit barrier system 'ran out of tickets'.
FIREFIGHTERS saved two dogs from a house after a kitchen caught alight today.
A MAN who had been missing for nearly two months has been found safe and well.
Village steps up for church access
VILLAGERS are determined to restore their crumbling Grade 1 listed church to ensure disabled people have access.
Drop into Bracknell surgery for some sound advice
HOUSING, children and the regeneration of Bracknell are the main issues brought up at councillors' surgeries in Old Bracknell and Wildridings.
Section of Nine Mile Ride to be shut
A SECTION of Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead will be closed from tomorrow (Friday) for electrical work. The westbound carriageway of the B3430 will be shut between its junctions with A321 Sandhurst Road and B3016 until Sunday.
Teacher at outstanding school resigns after exam misconduct investigation
A SENIOR teacher at an Ofsted outstanding grammar school has resigned after an investigation into an allegation of misconduct in the administration of an exam.
Langley post office to close for a month for refurbishment
A POST Office will be closed for refurbishment for almost a month.
Councillor vows to 'fight like hell' against Heathrow night flights
A LEADING councillor has vowed to 'fight like hell' for a ban on night flights.
Staying on track with customers
A RAILWAY worker who quit the corporate world to branch out into retailing has proved his shop is on track with what his customers want.
Catering costs for Royal Borough meetings revealed
THE Royal Borough spent £10,810 on catering council meetings in the financial year 2012/13 - a Freedom of Information request has revealed.
Slough driver jailed for murder
A DRIVER has been jailed for a minimum of 15 years today (Thursday) after being guilty of a pedestrian's murder in Ascot High Street. Ricky Clarke-Dilly - who was over the drink-drive limit - drove a car at Simon Large in Ascot High Street following a nightclub scuffle earlier that evening.
READ all about the inspiring tales of the winners of our Pride of Bracknell Awards, plus see lots of great photos, in this week's Bracknell News. There are also pictures from the Bracknell Half Marathon, with one runner telling us he carried on despite the pain of a knee popping out, because he was determined to finish following the recent death of a friend from cancer.
West End star urges animal lovers to go to Old Windsor animal home fair
THE star of a West End musical hit is urging animal lovers to attend the 10th annual fun day for a dogs and cats home.
Forces Equine Games to show Berkshire military riders' skill
Military riders from across Berkshire are to participate in the Forces Equine Games this weekend (May 4 and 5).
Rallying for relegated Reading FC
SPIRITS remain high with business owners predicting the town is still on a winner despite Reading's relegation from the Premier League.
Drop in reported crime in Windsor and Maidenhead
THE Royal Borough's top cop has praised the annual crime figures for the area which showed overall reported crime has dropped - though sexual offences have risen for the second year running.
Jewellery stolen from Stoke Poges house
JEWELLERY, a television and a camera were stolen from a home in Stoke Poges.
Exclusive offer for horse show tickets
The Royal Windsor Horse Show promises an exciting equestrian line-up in the grounds of Windsor Castle from Wednesday, May 8, to Sunday, May 12, and we have an exclusive offer to match.
Exclusive offer for horse show tickets
The Royal Windsor Horse Show promises an exciting equestrian line-up in the grounds of Windsor Castle from Wednesday, May 8, to Sunday, May 12, and we have an exclusive offer to match.
Bracknell Forest Council 'doing all it can to help over bedroom tax'
EVERYTHING possible is being done to help people being affected by the so-called 'bedroom tax', Bracknell Forest Council says.
Royal Borough parents urged to get measles check for children
PARENTS in the Royal Borough have been urged to check their children have had both doses of the MMR vaccine due to the ongoing measles scare.
UPDATE: Trains running between Wokingham and Reading
TRAINS between Wokingham and Reading are now running again after they were suspended earlier due to a fault on the line.
PLANNING chiefs gave the go-ahead for a 24-hour gym on condition that it would not cause overnight disruption to neighbours.
Grammar school joins with primary to form multi-academy trust
A GRAMMAR school has formed a multi-academy trust with a primary school.
Scouts fly the flag for St George during Windsor parade
AROUND 500 youngsters took to the streets of Windsor to fly the flag for Scouting.
TRAFFIC UPDATE: M4 delays due to crash
THERE are currently delays on the M4 eastbound after a crash which has left one lane closed.
'Free from 3pm' parking promotion returns to Bracknell
A TEMPORARY parking incentive to drive people to Bracknell's shops has been resurrected.
Fashion and fun at catwalk show at a Windsor hotel
CHILDREN and parents took to the catwalk for a family fashion show in aid of charity.
New room is designed for youngsters
DOUBLE Olympic gold medal rower Andrew Hodge pulled a stroke when he opened a new paediatric playroom which will take the fear out of a trip to one Reading hospital.
Continental market coming to Slough
A CONTINENTAL market will spring up in Slough town centre this weekend.
Event in Windsor connects charities
VOLUNTEERS from an array of sectors came together for a networking event showcasing worthy causes.
Bracknell adventurer returns to the UK after Arctic disaster gets friend killed
AN INTREPID Bracknell explorer who was crossing a treacherous ice sheet in Greenland has suffered frostbite and shock after a deadly storm killed his colleague.
Three men rebailed in connection with Windsor bar attack
THREE men arrested on suspicion of GBH in relation to an attack outside the Scotch Bar, in Goswell Hill, have been re-bailed to June 13.
Parents' heartbreak as £17,000 jewellery stolen from Bulbrook home
THE daughter of a couple who had £17,000 of jewellery stolen has spoken of their heartbreak.
Windsor Street Angels celebrate first anniversary
A GROUP of 'angels' who help revellers who have drunk too much were praised for their work as they celebrated their first anniversary.
Now it's easier to report hate crimes
A CAMPAIGN has been launched urging victims of hate crime to stop suffering in silence.
New Royal Borough children's services chief appointed
A KEY role in the Royal Borough's management structure will finally be filled in June after nearly a year of being held by an interim director.
Council worker who got the job after scoring only 27% in interview earns more than £30,000 a year
A CANDIDATE who was given a job at the council despite scoring only 27% in an interview earns more than £30,000 a year, The Observer can reveal.
