Misery mounts for Ascot & Sunnings motorists . The A 329 Bracknell should be avoided with the Martins Heron junction alteration and closure of Priory Road for 5 weeks from January 8th.

Signs have gone up just east of the Ascot High Street / Winkfield junction , advertising gas works from January 4th ( see below). And round the corner in Winkfield Road (beside Racecourse Car Park 6) there are traffic-light-controlled road works. 

The Royal Borough has welcomed plans to allow all six Berkshire unitary authorities to take collective control of 100 percent of their business rates, giving greater power over spending and increasing investment for local businesses and residents.

The proposal will see the majority of business rates growth collected by each council to go to the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). This will ensure there is more local control over funding local important infrastructure.

The remaining finances will be allocated directly to each council to spend according to local priorities. Previously business rates were sent to central government before being divided and allocated back out to councils across the country based on a funding formula. The pilot will be implemented for the 2018/19 financial year.

Creating more secondary school places | 

The Royal Borough is creating 450 more spaces at ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ secondary schools after cabinet confirmed a series of tenders to expand three schools, on Thursday 27th July 2017.

Charters School, Cox Green School and Newlands Girls’ School have all had programmes of work approved to allow construction to begin on increasing their capacity.  

• Charters School tender is for  £3,343,199 to provide 210 more places. The scheme comprises a new block of 11 general classrooms, two science laboratories and a dining room extension. The work at all three schools will support an increased intake from the academic year beginning in September 2018.

 CLICK HERE for article of new £11m facilities at Charters Leisure

The current proposed RBWM's Borough Local Plan has;

• No Vision for our Borough
• No Plan for New Roads or to address congestion issues
• No Care for the protection of the character of our Areas
• No Regard for a proper Greenbelt review
• No Guarantee that 30% Affordable housing will be delivered (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdp2WAZWjZQ&feature=youtu.be)

  Visit:  www.papplewick.org.uk 

Pictured: Jeshiaiah Murray as Ebenezer (sitting) and Monty Johnstone McLaren Clark as Bob Cratchit.

 Papplewick’s Christmas play last week was Ebenezer, a retelling of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella ‘A Christmas Carol,’ about the cold-hearted miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who despises Christmas.

A matinee performance on Thursday 30^th November was attended by 65 pupils and staff from Upton House School in Windsor, with parents enjoying evening performances on the evenings of 1^st and 2^nd December.

A great time was had by all,” Tom Bunbury, Headmaster at Papplewick, said. “The boys all got into the spirit of the play, helping with the sets, the costumes and the rehearsals. The deafening applause was testament to the enjoyment of the audiences!”

Next Open Mornings:   February 3rd and May 12th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m 

About Papplewick...

 www.chartersschool.org.uk 

On Wednesday 12th July, Charters School in Sunningdale held the Annual Celebration of Achievement Evening which this year was sponsored by a number of local businesses.  The event celebrates the progress and achievements of students not sitting public exams during the current academic year and Ascot Grange, Hamptons International, Lynwood Village, Londis of Sunninghill and Coworth Park kindly each sponsored a different year group.  Prizes, cups and special awards for both academic achievement and effort were awarded by Ms Ellie Wallace, Chair of Trustees.

Celebration of Achievement is always a great evening, exceptionally well supported by parents and staff because it is a lovely opportunity to acknowledge a whole range of our young people’s efforts and successes over the last academic year. The addition of the sponsors really added an extra dimension to the proceedings as each company delivered a short speech before their year group received their awards, allowing the audience to hear how well regarded the school is viewed throughout the local community.

Students were also selected for awards for their contribution to school life. The school recognises that students make progress all the way through their school career and develop skills in many areas.  It is always an extremely enjoyable occasion for students, parents, staff and governors.