 We are encouraging residents to get behind local and national efforts to provide much-needed support for the people of Ukraine - in particular those who have fled the country and are seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.
We're supporting the Government's initiative to offer homes to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, given the harrowing situation they are facing and will be working proactively with government to see how we can best provide support.
Greenham Trust have set up an appeal on The Good Exchange to provide local funding to support those families arriving in West Berkshire. Together with the Greenham Trust we've committed to contributing £25,000 each in match funding, ensuring public, corporate and trust/foundation donations to this appeal are matched £1 for £1 for the first £50,000 raised. You can donate funds here.
Visit our website for more information about the ways you can support - including the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and Ukranian Families Scheme.
 Don’t miss the Spring Food & Craft Fair at Shaw House. Explore the House and browse over 60 stalls offering artisan food, drink and locally produced crafts, giving you the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and treats. The café will be serving light refreshments and a delicious selection of hot food will be available to enjoy from caterers outside on the lawns.
The children’s entry price includes an activity trail in the grounds and a goody bag to take home, the indoor activity room and exhibition rooms will be open too!
Sunday 3 April | 11am – 4pm | Adults £2, Children £1 (Free for children aged 3 years and under)
Tickets must be pre-booked online.
We’re asking for your views on a new separate food waste collection service launching in the autumn.
The new service will mean food waste will be collected weekly, but on the same day as your usual recycling and rubbish collection. We currently collect food waste every fortnight in your green bin, with your garden waste, if you are subscribed to that service.
The majority of properties will be provided with a 23-litre kerbside caddy with a lockable lid, which can be stored outside with other existing recycling containers. Residents who share a bin store will receive a different sized bin to share with neighbours. All residents will also be supplied with a handy 5-litre kitchen caddy to collect food waste in before emptying it into their bigger kerbside caddy outside.
The easiest way to participate in the survey is online via our website: www.westberks.gov.uk/WBCfoodwaste. It closes at midnight on Tuesday 3 May 2022.
Anyone without online access can request a hardcopy from our customer services team on 01635 519080.
 It’s World Autism Awareness Day this Saturday - an opportunity to celebrate autism and take time to better understand and embrace different ways of thinking and doing things.
Our Autism Spectrum Advisory Service works with local schools and academies to support pupils on the autistic spectrum. The team’s Autism Advisor for Families offers support for families and carers post-autistic spectrum diagnosis and helps make connections with other local services and voluntary organisations.
You can find information about local autism services and voluntary organisations for adults and children on the West Berkshire Directory and find support on the West Berkshire Autism Awareness Community Facebook page.
 Shaw House are delighted to present a series of illustrated talks to complement the period costume display ‘Dressed for Shaw’.
Friday 24 June | The Fashion Chronicles: Style Stories of History’s Best Dressed
Friday 22 July | Decorative Embellishment and Sumptuary Legislation during the Reign of Elizabeth
Friday 12 August | A Tudor Guide to Getting Dressed
Friday 16 September | Dressing Victorians and Edwardians in West Berkshire
Tickets for each talk are £15 which includes a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic Nozeco and a private view of the exhibition.
Click here for more information or to book.
Spring Covid-19 Booster Vaccine
The NHS is inviting more eligible people to book their spring booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine this week.
You will be offered a spring booster if you:
- are aged 75 and over
- live in a care home for older people
- are aged 12 and over and have a weakened immune system
You may be affected more seriously by Covid-19 if you are in one of these groups. The spring booster is being offered to help reduce your risk of getting seriously ill.
You don't need to ring your GP; you will be contacted and offered an appointment around six months after your last dose of vaccine.
Staying safe and healthy
Covid-19 infection rates are still high, and we all need to stay safe, protect ourselves and the people around us. The best way to do that is:
- get fully vaccinated, including the Booster
- wear a mask in enclosed spaces and maintain social distancing
- ensure rooms are ventilated by opening windows and doors
- wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
- if you feel unwell, and have symptoms, organise a test and stay at home
If you need further information, please visit https://info.westberks.gov.uk/coronavirus-residents.
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