u/Volunteer67

Bracknell student accepted into University of Oxford

Bracknell student accepted into University of Oxford

Joy Yip who attends Kendrick School in London Road, is among a number of their sixth formers who got accepted into their first choice university yesterday (August 13), having achieved a stellar set of
A-level results.

Joy will be off to the University of Oxford, one of the most elite institutions in the world, holding the number one spot in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The 18-year-old clinched an impressive set of grades, achieving two A*s and an A in biology, chemistry and English, securing her place after two interviews and an entry exam at the university.

Joy will study English language and literature, which the university is world-famous for because of its broad historical scope.

She opened her results alongside her friend Wincy Ho, 18, who also came to collect her results.

This amazing achievement is an example of what Bracknell teens can accomplish!

u/Volunteer67 — 6 days ago

Happy Pride Month! 🌈 In solidarity with the LGBTQ+ communities the Progress Pride flag flies proudly at the Time Square offices of Bracknell Forest Council as the town eagerly looks towards celebrating Bracknell Forest Pride on Saturday, 18 July

facebook.com
u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Switch Together Bracknell Forest

We have partnered with Switch Together to help you access better-value solar panels, battery storage and more, through a group-buying scheme.

Formerly Solar Together, the scheme brings everything into one place, including:

  • solar panels

  • battery storage

  • heat pumps

  • electric vehicle chargers

  • smarter tariffs

Registration opens from 1 June 2026. If you go ahead, your system will be installed by vetted professionals and backed by a 10-year guarantee.

https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/housing/energy-home/switch-together-bracknell-forest

u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Braccan Walk Youth Hub open event yesterday

Braccan Walk Youth Hub held an open event for young people aged 11 to 18 years (25 years for SEND) on Friday

The free event included:

  • pizza van

  • affirmation cards

  • Chelsie’s Ink Lab (including graffiti lessons)

  • scavenger hunt

  • pool and table tennis

  • competitions with prizes

u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Council commended for providing good quality services

Bracknell Forest Council has been officially praised by local government peers for providing good quality services to residents.

Peers also commented that the council is leading impressive work to support the regeneration of the area and the local economy. They said the council is well-regarded and innovative in many other areas of its work – including housing and children’s social care.

The council welcomed 6 experienced local government staff and councillors in March during its latest Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Review. These reviews are a key way in which councils across the country monitor and benchmark their performance.

The team spent 3 days looking at the services the council provides. They talked to staff, councillors and representatives from other organisations like town and parish councils, the NHS and The Lexicon. They also looked at the council’s finances, governance, leadership and culture.

In their official report, the peer review team said:

  • the council is a respected authority that provides good services to residents

  • many services are of high quality, backed up by positive independent inspections

  • the council performs well compared to other similar local authorities

  • impressive work is being carried out with residents and partner organisations to support community development, regeneration and economic development

  • children’s services teams are carrying out innovative work to reduce the number of children in care and support young carers

  • temporary accommodation work is addressing the challenge of rising housing demand and those in greatest need are being effectively prioritised

  • council staff are capable, responsive, willing to learn, can manage demand and change effectively and are keen to make a difference

  • senior staff and councillors are playing an important role at a regional level

  • performance reporting is strong and risk management is robust

  • the council’s approach to overview and scrutiny and the briefing and training of councillors is commendable

  • the council works well with its partners especially with regards to community resilience and cohesion, climate change and equality

  • the council has had a strong financial position to date, but this is now being impacted by the national Fair Funding changes

  • staff feel supported and there is an inclusive work culture

  • councillors are capable and there is a constructive political culture

  • senior leaders are visible, available and well respected

The Corporate Peer Review report was discussed by cabinet councillors on Tuesday, 19 May. They also agreed an action plan to address some of the areas for improvement, which will further strengthen services for residents.

The action plan addressed recommendations around:

  • resetting roles and responsibilities between councillors and senior staff to improve how political decisions are implemented

  • consolidating different visions and strategies so that priorities for the council and the borough are clear

  • strengthening the council’s financial management and clarifying budget setting timelines to help address immediate and future budget gaps

  • bringing together transformation work into 1 programme to support political priorities and help address the budget gap

  • empowering staff to lead change and innovation

  • building on existing governance and assurance so there is appropriate challenge and oversight from councillors and key committees

  • recognising the importance of a strong relationship with parish and town councils, including involving them more, and earlier

bracknell-forest.gov.uk
u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Councillor Peter Frewer is the new Mayor of Bracknell Forest

Councillor Peter Frewer became the new Mayor of Bracknell Forest at the Annual Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 13 May 2026. Councillor Frewer has represented Harmans Water and Crown Wood ward since 2023.

Councillor Frewer has worked in Bracknell as a Postman for 37 years and most recently as a baggage handler for a major US Airline at Heathrow Airport.

In his new role as Mayor, Councillor Frewer aims to engage with voluntary groups, businesses, and schools across the borough, recognising their significant contributions to the community. He is looking forward to meeting with local communities and carrying out mayoral duties with enthusiasm and dedication.

bracknell-forest.gov.uk
u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Dhu al-Hijjah Mubarak Bracknell

Monday, 18 May marks the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah or 'The Month of the Pilgrimage'.

Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month in the Islamic calendar. It is the month in which the Ḥajj pilgrimage takes place, as well as Eid al-Adha.

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage made by Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Every year, millions of Muslims from across the world make the journey.

Dhu al-Hijjah Mubarak to all who celebrate!

u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Free tool marking Monday, 18 May from 9am to 11am at Wickes in Western Road

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Selecta DNA are running a free tool marking kit session on Monday, 18 May from 9am to 11am at Wickes in Western Road, RG12 1NS.

There's no need to register, just come along and pick up a tool marking kit, register it and then walk away knowing that you have made your tools and livelihood safer from opportunistic thieves.

u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Paws at The Lexicon Friday, 22 May to Monday, 1 June 2026

Paws at The Lexicon is taking place this May half-term, from Friday, 22 May to Monday, 1 June 2026, with funds being raised throughout in support of Guide Dogs.

There will be a range of free activities and interactive experiences for all ages including:

Tuesday, 26 May to Friday, 29 May: a dog agility course in Union Square, opposite Boots.

Tuesday, 26 May: a dog caricature artist creating personalised keepsakes in Union Square, opposite Boots.

Wednesday, 27 May: craft sessions and storytelling in Princess Square.

Thursday, 28, to Saturday, 30 May: face painting

Friday, 29 May: soft toy-only agility session for younger children.

Saturday, 30 May: children will have the chance to come and see Bluey at intervals throughout the day in Princess Square.

Saturday, 30 May: meet Guide Dogs volunteers and their amazing four‑legged friends in Princess Square.

All activities will be free and will take place between 11am and 4pm.

u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11 to 18 May)

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11 to 18 May) is to take action.

Monday, 11 May - action for physical health

12 noon to 1pm: Exercise to music with Sport in Mind at Bullbrook Community Centre, sign up  to secure your place.

1pm: Walk for wellbeing. Meet at Bucklers Forest Community Hub.

Tuesday, 12 May - action for social support

10am to 12 noon: Connect over coffee at Brew Coffee Bar, Easthampstead Works.

11am to 1pm: Binfield Happiness Hub drop-in at Foxes Den Café.

1pm to 2.30pm: Young at Heart group – over 30s welcome at Starbucks, Princess Square.

Wednesday, 13 May - action against hardship

10am to 12 noon: Action against hardship service roadshow, Princess Square, Bracknell.

12 noon to 1.30pm: Managing stress information session at Bracknell Open Learning Centre.

Thursday, 14 May - action for wellbeing

11am to 1pm: Mindfulness activities at Bracknell Library.

4pm to 6.30pm: Action for wellbeing service roadshow at Forest Café, Time Square.

Friday, 15 May - action for happiness

11am to 1pm: Crowthorne Happiness Hub drop-in at Crowthorne Fire Station.

11am to 3pm: Action for happiness event Princess Square, Bracknell.
u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on May 17

Sunday, 17 May marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

It raises awareness of the discrimination LGBTQIA+ people face worldwide and marks the 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from the World Health Organisation’s list of diseases.

IDAHOBIT is a reminder to stand against prejudice and support a more inclusive world for everyone. Every one of us can make a positive difference.

As is now tradition, Bracknell Forest will celebrate inclusion and equality at this year's Bracknell Forest Pride on Saturday, July 18.

u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago

Bracknell Forest Community Climate Summit, on Wednesday, 8 July 2pm - 8.30pm

Organised by Bracknell Forest Community Climate Action (BFCCA) with support from Bracknell Forest Council and sponsorship from Easthampstead Park, the summit will bring together residents, community groups, and local organisations to share progress, spark ideas, and celebrate practical climate action across the borough.

Bracknell Forest Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in September 2023, committing to net-zero CO2 emissions for the council and the wider borough as close to 2030 as possible.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bracknell-forest-community-climate-summit-2026-tickets-1986195035819

u/Volunteer67 — 3 months ago