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 Following the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II in September, we wish to create a lasting legacy in memory of our former long reigning monarch.
On Monday 12 December 2022 at 11.00am, HM Lord-Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, Mr James Puxley, and the Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Councillor Rick Jones, will be planting a Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) at Stroud Green in Newbury in tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Members of the public are very welcome to join us for the ceremony which will last around 30 minutes. No booking is needed but please arrive by 10:45am for a prompt 11:00am start at Stroud Green, Newbury, RG14 7JH.
A tulip tree has been chosen as it is said to have been one of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite trees and the location close to Newbury Racecourse was selected as the late Queen was a regular visitor to the Racecourse and a keen horsewoman.
For more information, please contact Jo Watt, Countryside Officer – Community Co-ordinator.
 Weekly food waste collections for residents who have shared bins collected from a bin store area, such as flats and communal dwellings, have started this week.
If you live in a flat or communal dwelling, you should have received a big purple food waste bin in your bin store area plus an inside grey food waste caddy with compostable liners and a leaflet to explain how you should recycle your food waste weekly.
The leaflet can also be found online so let’s start recycling food waste weekly.
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Shop Local, Shop Green launch |
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 We’ve put together a fantastic magazine showcasing our local sustainable businesses this Christmas. We’re encouraging residents to shop less but shop better during the cost of living crisis, which benefits our wallets but also reduces unnecessary waste. In addition you can find information about free Christmas bus travel, as well as tips on saving money whilst reducing waste, and more.
Saturday 3 December is Small Business Saturday, which is a day many businesses encourage consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
Businesses across West Berkshire will be taking part so why not take advantage of the free bus travel and head out to support all types of small businesses such as bakers, butchers, craft shops or bespoke retailers.
Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts, some of which are in the Shop Local Shop Green Guide.
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 Sign up and support a good cause today and not only will you be in with the chance of winning weekly cash prizes of up to £25,000, but if you enter before Saturday 17 December, you will be in with the chance of winning a £1,000 John Lewis gift card, all for just £1 a week!
West Berkshire Lottery is a lottery for the people, by the people. It’s a fun way to help good causes without giving up precious time.
Tickets are just £1 in the weekly draw, and you can choose exactly which good cause you would like your money to go to. More of your money goes to your chosen cause than with any other major lottery. At least 60% from each ticket sold goes to support West Berkshire, and there’s a chance to win the £25,000 jackpot every week!
So why not join in? Visit our website to see which good causes you can support, and buy a ticket today.
 With the weather now taking a turn as the temperatures drop, we have implemented our Winter Plan and Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to proactively minimise the adverse impact on rough sleepers this winter across West Berkshire. Beds are set aside to ensure anyone who is verified as sleeping rough can have access to accommodation 24/7 to be safe and warm.
If you spot a rough sleeper, here is some information on what you can do:
- Call Streetlink on: 0300 5000914 or via their website
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Email our Rough Sleeper Team
- If you think the person you are concerned about is in immediate danger or needs urgent care, please call 999
- Donate to local homeless charities
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With over 1,500 members of staff corporately, plus additional members of staff working across our local schools and education settings, we're one of the largest employers in the area. There are lots of reasons to consider a career with us - from the wide range of services we provide to the training and benefits we offer.
Current vacancies include:
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This January, we are holding a Virtual careers event for anyone who is interesting in learning more about our current vacancies and careers with us.
A range of our managers who actively looking to recruit into positions will be joining to chat to you about working for West Berkshire. Areas will include Adult and Children’s Social Care sectors, Environment, Transport and Countryside as well as Customer Services.
This will give you a chance to listen to recruiters and understand the jobs available along with understanding the recruitment process.
You will need to register online in advance for the webinar. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
For more information you can email Amanda Povey.
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We value your views on the decisions we take. There are several areas we are currently holding consultations on, including:
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 This time of year we start to see lots of the usual cold and flu winter bugs. Sometimes these viruses can cause babies and young children to become unwell, so it is important to know the signs and when you need to seek help for your baby’s cough and when you can care for your child at home.
Dr Akmal Hussain, a local Paediatric Consultant explains in this video signs to look out for when your child is unwell.
You can learn more about coughs and colds in children here and when to seek help online.
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 Could a Sustainable Warmth Grant transform your home and support you in managing your energy bills?
Sustainable Warmth is a new Government grant scheme designed to fund energy-efficiency upgrades for residents who are most likely to be impacted by the high cost of rising bills.
The Sustainable Warmth scheme incorporates two areas of funding, targeting households with a combined gross household income of less than £30,000 living in energy inefficient homes. The energy efficiency criteria is determined by the EPC rating of the property. These improvements will help residents to use less energy and spend less on their energy bills.
We are encouraging eligible residents to apply. To see if you're eligible, check the criteria through the online application.
If you require any further information, visit our website.
Deadline to apply is 31 December 2022.
 On Wednesday 14 December we are hosting a Cost of Living Q&A for anyone who may have questions regarding the crisis. We will be answering questions and giving further advice on issues that may be facing you. We will also be doing a Q&A on our Facebook and Instagram stories where submitted questions will be answered during the live and on the platforms.
You can submit questions prior to the event by messaging our social media platforms or by submitting a question on our Facebook and Instagram stories
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The Giving Tree is open for donations. Whilst out shopping for Christmas presents this weekend, if you spot something suitable for the Giving Tree why not pick it up and donate it.
To give a gift you can either visit one of the four venues across West Berkshire or you can use the online booking platform. Gifts can be a mixture of donations, toys and experiences and the campaign closes on 6 December.
For more information visit our website.
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And finally...
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Don't forget Community Champion Awards are back and we want your nominations.
These awards are a brilliant opportunity to say thank you to people who have done something special for the local community and will honour individuals and community groups who have gone above and beyond to support others throughout West Berkshire this past year.
You can find out more information and nominate on our website.
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