Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Would you like to use and develop your skills and experience while helping police in Crowthorne and Sandhurst reduce crime, disorder and the fear of crime?

If you have a little spare time and a lot of enthusiasm, come along to a drop-in volunteer recruitment event at Crowthorne police station in Upper Broadmoor Road, Crowthorne on Friday 15 June.

The event, which will run from 10am – 12pm, aims to recruit people to volunteer at Crowthorne police station and Sandhurst police point. Volunteers are needed to man the front counters at both premises, work in neighbourhood policing and in crime reduction.

Sgt Graham Thorne, who is based at Crowthorne police station, said: “We need volunteers to support officers and police staff. This assists the Force in the achievement of its targets and local policing priorities, and increases community involvement. Volunteering with the police is rewarding and I would urge anyone who would like to help make their community a safer place to come along to the event.”

Front counter volunteers are the first point of contact for members of the public who come to the police station. Neighbourhood policing volunteers undertake tasks such as arranging rooms for Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) meetings and delivering leaflets to let their communities know what’s happening. Crime reduction volunteers give the public advice on how to prevent crime, for example at crime reduction fairs.

Volunteers are crucial to the smooth-running of Thames Valley Police. Amanda James, co-ordinator of the Volunteer Support Team, said: “We wouldn’t be able to operate without volunteers. We especially need them at Sandhurst police point, which is completely run by volunteers – without them the point couldn’t open.”

There are 84 volunteers working across Berkshire East at present, with another 86 on the books waiting to start. They are mainly employed on front counters, in Neighbourhood policing and in the property section.

Amanda is currently looking for volunteers to work across Berkshire East in the property section, for example to take stock of all crime property currently in police possession.

For more information about the recruitment drop-in event at Crowthorne, or to find out more about volunteering with Thames Valley Police, contact Amanda James on 01753 506238. You can also pick up an information pack with role descriptions and an application form from any police station.

Thames Valley Police ~ Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Local Sandhurst computer business Computer Help 4U, which provides help with computers and other IT equipment to home users and small businesses in Bracknell, Wokingham and surrounding areas, continues to go from strength to strength. Computer Help 4U is owned and run by Malcolm Hegarty and his ethos of reliability, customer care and confidentiality has ensured that the business has been extremely successful. Nearly nine months after starting up the business Malcolm has become a Microsoft TechNet member and a registered Microsoft Partner, and he is expanding the number of services that the business offers.

Computer Help 4U are now offering:

• Computer, broadband & wireless - Installation & problem solving.

• 20% discount on leading brand PCs and laptops.

• Help with Windows Vista and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc).

• Virus removal, file recovery and set up of file/printer sharing.

• Help with digital cameras, music downloading, computer games.

Malcolm began his training in computing in 1980 and gained an HND Computer Studies from Liverpool Polytechnic in 1983. He worked in the Defence industry developing computer software for various major projects (mainly Naval) until 1999. In 1999 he joined the Karten Centre (a Neighbourhood Learning Centre specialising in providing computer based learning for adults with disabilities) within Ravenswood Village in Crowthorne, Berkshire where he worked as an IT Technician until September 2006.

In June 2004, while working at the Karten Centre as an IT Technician, Malcolm launched the popular www.computer-security.org.uk web site. Its purpose is to provide free computer security advice and information to home users and small businesses. It soon became popular and currently attracts several thousand hits a year. Malcolm left the Karten Centre in September 2006 to form Computer Help 4U.

Malcolm is fully insured and offers a friendly and confidential service at an affordable price. If you would like to contact him you can do so at:

40 Moray Avenue
College Town
Sandhurst
Berkshire
GU47 0XE

Tel: 01344 752839
Email: malcolm@computer-help-4u.co.uk

Celebration and cheer was in the air in Crowthorne last month when a resident of Carlyle Court turned 105.

Elsie Herbert, who is one of the borough's oldest residents, celebrated her 105th birthday in style with champagne and cake at the Bracknell Forest Borough Council run sheltered home, where she has lived for 20 years.

A tea party with Elsie's friends was held at Carlyle Court, Crowthorne, on Friday, April 27, two days before her birthday on Sunday, April 29.

Elsie moved in to the sheltered home in 1987 when she was 85-years-old and has since made many friends with both residents and staff who pulled out all the stops to make her 105th birthday special by laying on cake, champagne and music.

Angie Pryke, Scheme Manager of Carlyle Court, said: "Elsie's lived here for some time and has many friends who wanted to wish her a very happy 105th birthday. It's not often that people get to celebrate such a milestone birthday and so we wanted to make sure it was extra special for her.

"The residents and staff had a great time celebrating and Elsie was thrilled so many of her friends had come along to wish her many happy returns."

Elsie who has lived in the borough for most of her life was the daughter of a police sergeant who pounded the streets of Sandhurst for many years when she was young. She has been married twice during her life both to men she met while working at the Crowthorne-based hospital.

Staff at Carlyle Court say that Elsie puts her long life down to having married twice, which kept her young, but having no children to run around after.

Cllr Clifton Thompson, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest said: "On behalf of everyone in Bracknell Forest I'd like to wish Elsie a very happy, although slightly belated, 105th birthday ."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ Crowthorne

College Town Infant school celebrated Nepali New Year last week (Wednesday 25) by having a 'Nepal Day' as part of Sandhurst's ongoing effort to work with the local Nepali community.

Children throughout the Sandhurst school took part in various activities during the day, including learning to write their names in Nepali.

Parents were incredibly generous and made traditional food which all of the school children tried. All staff and children were invited to wear costume and made traditional style hats.

The whole day concentrated on Nepali culture and tradition and the grand finale was a colourful dance at assembly.

Over 150 Nepali parents attended on the day.

Margaret Dillon, acting Headteacher said: "Every child in the school had the opportunity to experience a different culture first hand.

"The day enabled our children from Nepal to take centre stage and shine."

The number of Nepali families in Sandhurst has increased significantly in recent years and families based at the Royal Military Academy contribute to the twenty per cent Nepali population at College Town infant school.

A number of initiatives are under way across the borough to help Nepali children improve their English, including after-school study support sessions at Sandhurst School and extra literacy and reading groups at College Town Infant School.

There are future plans for the formation of a Nepali women's support group and also representation for the Nepali community on school governing bodies.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ Sandhurst

Police have arrested three teenage boys and stepped up uniformed patrols after a spate of robberies in the Memorial Ground in Yorktown Road, Sandhurst.

At about 7.40pm on 10 February, three boys aged 14 to 16 were in the Sandhurst Memorial Ground when they were threatened by two youths, who stole three mobile phones and a wallet.

At 3.30pm on 5 March, two young men aged 17 and 19 were threatened in the Sandhurst Memorial Ground by three youths, who stole a mobile phone and an iPod music player.

Following a high-profile operation, an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident on 5 March. He is currently remanded in custody.

At about 9pm on 10 April, three boys aged between 15 and 16 were in the skate park at the Memorial Ground, Sandhurst when they were approached by a group of youths, who stole their mobile phones. The youths are white, in their mid teens and slim. One is very tall, about 6ft 4ins. Some youths matching this description were seen at Blackwater railway station at about 10.30pm catching a Reading-bound train.

Two 16-year-old boys have been arrested in relation to the incident on 10 April. They have been bailed until 4 June.

Sandhurst Detectives investigating the robbery on 10 April are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con John Braddy of the Priority Crime Team on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sgt Graham Thorne, neighbourhood policing sergeant for the Sandhurst and Crowthorne area, said: “Fortunately, crimes of this type are rare in Sandhurst. In response to these three incidents, we have stepped up patrols by neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs in the Memorial Ground and surrounding area.

“The high-visibility police presence, together with the recent arrests, should prevent further offences, but we would like to warn young people using the skate park and the Memorial Ground to take extra care.”

Ian Boswell, Safer Communities Manager for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "It's extremely important that young people are vigilant and keep their mobile phones and music players out of sight where possible. It's tempting for thieves to strike if high-value goods are visible.

"This type of crime is very rare in Bracknell Forest and I'm pleased the police have increased their patrols at Sandhurst Memorial Park to send out the message that theft and any other type of crime is unacceptable. The Council will continue to offer all the support it can to reinforce this message and stamp out crime in the borough so that it remains a nice place to live, work and visit."

Thames Valley Police offer the following advice to avoid becoming a robbery victim:

• Keep your mobile phone out of sight as much as possible

• Keep your wallet out of sight and don’t flash your cash

• Keep your bag/rucksack closed, zipped and buckled. If someone grabs it, let it go. Bags – and their contents – can be replaced

• Use public transport rather than walk home alone

• Stick with your mates - you are more likely to be a target on your own

• Don't drink too much - you will be an easy target for a robber

• Take extra care when taking money out of the cashpoint and put your money away safely before leaving the cashpoint

• When using a cash machine go in daylight or with a mate if you can, or choose a well lit one

• If you suspect you are being followed, cross over the road to see if they follow. If you’re still worried, don’t hang about. Go into a pub or shop to call a mate to meet you

• Have your house keys ready before you reach the door. Rummaging around for them means you’re not looking at what’s around you

• Remember if you’re chatting on the phone or listening to your personal stereo, you won’t hear someone come up behind you

• When your gut says there’s trouble ahead there probably is! Go somewhere safer

• Steer clear of a confrontation. What’s the point? Life’s too short.

• If something does happen to you, report it to the police. You could stop it happening to somebody else. If you do not want to speak to the police or give your name contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst

Renowned author Salley Vickers visited Sandhurst Library on Wednesday, April 25.

Salley is the author of the bestselling Miss Garnet’s Angel, Instances of the Number 3 and Mr Golightly's Holiday.

Salley spoke about how she began writing, her novels and the recurrent themes that run throughout them.

She spoke of her love of art and her preoccupation with the effect the death of a loved one can have on people.

Visitors to Sandhurst Library commented that they had been inspired to read more of Salley's novels and after the talk she answered questions from the audience and went on to sign copies of her books.

As well as writing her third novel, she is also working on the story of the Book of the Common Prayer, the Church of England's authorised form of worship for over 300 years.

Salley has also worked as a university lecturer of literature, specialising in Shakespeare.

In addition to writing, Salley is also a trained analytical psychologist and talks widely on the connections between literature, psychology and religion.

Ruth Burgess, Head of Libraries and Information, said: "Salley's visit proved very popular with more than 50 people coming along to meet her.

"I know that everyone who attended found the talk fascinating and really enjoyed hearing about Salley's inspiration for her novels."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ Sandhurst