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 The Summer Reading Challenge is back again this year!
After the success of last years Summer Reading Challenge, West Berkshire Libraries will be challenging primary age children to read up to six library books between 1 July and 15 September with medals and certificates for everyone who completes the challenge.
The theme of this year’s challenge is ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ aiming to empower young people to unleash the power of play, sport and physical activity through reading. Children will be able to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots as they navigate a fictional summer obstacle course brought to life with illustrations by children's illustrator Loretta Schauer.
There will also be a mini-challenge for pre-school children and one for the grown-ups too!
The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way for children to keep up their reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays and prevent the common holiday ‘reading dip’.
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Business Breakfast Event: Energy Efficiency |
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 We're inviting local businesses to share their thoughts on sustainable practices and their business needs. Join us at Chequers Hotel on 4 July, 7.30-9am, for breakfast and networking, followed by a chance to hear from other businesses and learn how the council can support businesses to improve energy efficiency.
Topics include:
- Existing grants and schemes for businesses
- Benefits of improving energy efficiency and adopting sustainable practices
- Hearing from those already taking steps to be more energy efficient
- Possible ways the Council could look to support businesses, e.g. energy/carbon audits, sustainable certification etc.
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 A new Leader and Executive have been confirmed following West Berkshire Council's annual meeting on Thursday (25 May).
Councillor Lee Dillon has been elected Leader of West Berkshire Council and will be joined by nine other councillors on the Executive. The new Chairman of West Berkshire Council is Jeremy Cottam.
You can find out more about who is on the Executive and their specific roles.
The Executive is the main decision-making body of the Council. They make the key decisions - those that affect two or more wards or where decisions will have a significant impact on the Council's budget. Each councillor has responsibility for a specific area (or portfolio).
The Executive meets for the first time at 6pm tomorrow (Thursday). You can read the agenda and reports here and watch it live on our YouTube channel.
 As a nation of dog lovers, dogs are often part of the family, so it's vital that both parents and children have the knowledge they need to enjoy spending time with dogs safely.
We know that sometimes dog bites can happen because of certain circumstances or because we miss important signals from dogs. Following the Dog Safety Code can help to prevent that from happening.
Find more information online.
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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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 Our popular HAF scheme is running again this summer!
There will be a wide range of both established and new providers offering exciting and rewarding activities. These include paddle boarding, rock climbing, arts and crafts and a nutritious meal (included in all bookings).
HAF is free for children in full time school aged 4 -16 who receive Free School Meals.
Bookings and additional information will be live on our HAF webpage very soon…
 The oldest decoratively carved wood in Britain has been found in Berkshire! Discovered by chance during construction in Boxford, it has been identified as being more than 6,000 years old and will eventually be on display at West Berkshire Museum. Read more online.
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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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 Our Procurement and Economy team are delighted to be hosting the 2023 West Berkshire Council Procurement Fair at Shaw House, Newbury.
Open to all businesses, whether small or large, this free event is an opportunity for suppliers to meet the team face-to-face and understand how to register onto our preferred list of suppliers.
This drop-in event will include networking opportunities, talks and “how to” sessions. There will be demonstrations on how to use the In-Tend procurement portal and how Social Values are embedded into our procurement process.
There will be representatives from various category areas including, but not limited to, Early Careers, IT, Facilities, Finance, HR, Agency and Consultancy, Transport and Construction.
Please book your space here
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T-Level Students prepare 3 course meals for businesses |
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Local businesses met at Newbury College yesterday to enjoy a meal prepared by students and to discuss the T Level and apprenticeships offer at the college.
Businesses also heard about the new financial support available to small businesses for T Level placements. You can find information online if you are interested in being a part of the scheme.
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And finally...
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If you’re aged 65 and over, we’d like to hear from you about how you get around the district. We'd like to know about any challenges you face and the things you find most helpful when walking or using buses. If you'd like to take part, please complete our survey by midnight on Friday 16th June 2023.
Find the survey online.
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