A Message from Our Chairman To contact your emocracy in Action is at the heart of a Parish Council and RBWM would Ward Councillor like to see that Elections, the process underpinning democracy, are held

BRAY D more frequently for vacancies on Parish Councils. Bray Parish Council is in Steve Adams - 01628 622405 the vanguard of this drive and we have just had a contested Election for a vacancy in the Ward of Oakley Green and Fifield. The vacancy was caused by the retire- Ken Elvin - 01628 624823 ment of John Foulger after 26 years of active service. Our thanks go to John for his Chris Graham - 01628 778054 invaluable contribution. In his place we welcome newly-elected Councillor Nick Derek Mellor - 01628 630005 Pellew. Nick is already involved with local clubs and with the Bray Parish Neighbourhood Plan. We look forward to his involvement in the work of the Parish Margaret Pierce - 01628 622289 Council.

HOLYPORT In a Parish Council of 15 members there is always change and vacancies do arise Peter Janikoun - 01628 636891 from time to time. So, if you are interested in becoming a Bray Parish Councillor, Louvaine Kneen - 01628 675996 please contact the Clerk, Janice Eden Bagley on 01628 777997 or by email [email protected] Andrew Monks - 01628 628597 Leo Walters - 01628 627967 The operation of a Parish Council is governed by Standing Orders. As things pro- gress and develop it becomes necessary to update these from time to time. Bray Mark Smith-Lyons - 07833 781776 Parish Council has just voted to adopt a new set of Standing Orders based on the Susan Mackie - 07721 613214 National Association of Local Councils template, but modified to suit our particular needs. In addition to the Standing Orders, we adopted two further documents OAKLEY GREEN & FIFIELD which control two aspects of our work: Financial Regulations and The Planning Nick Pellew - 01753 830644 Process. These documents are available on our website or from the Parish Office. Chris Yates - 01344 882374 Devolution of Powers to Parish Councils is a very current topic and Bray has taken ALEXANDER the view that we are interested in Powers where we can use those Powers to make Helen Howard - 01628 782003 a difference for our Residents, but not in those where economies of scale mean that they are better managed at Borough level. We have signed an Agreement to DEDWORTH take responsibility for spending S106 (Developers Contributions) Monies allocated Michael Airey - 07809 243448

for Public Open Spaces, Play Areas and Public Art. We have already received the The number of Councillors per money from RBWM and have put together a small committee to identify suitable Ward is representative of head of projects. In addition we expect to sign an agreement shortly with RBWM to take on population on the Electoral Roll for the decision making on some specific types of Planning Applications. each area. Chris Graham - Chairman Bray Parish Council Do you know where this is?

Parish Office Christmas Opening Hours

Our Christmas opening hours will be - last day Christmas Eve 24th December at 12.30 pm - re-opening on Thursday 2nd January, 2014 at 9.30 am.

Newsletter Deliverers - needed please Thank you once again to our fantastic Team of volunteer deliverers Answer on the back page. who bring this Newsletter to you a couple of times a year.

Bray Ward RBWM Councillors This helps us to keep our costs (and therefore your Council Tax) down. But we are struggling to recruit replacements for those who have given David Burbage 01628 796322 their time over the years and “retired” or moved on in the past year. David Coppinger 07866 493272 Leo Walters 01628 627927 If you feel you would like to “do your bit”, providing a Service to the local Commu- nity and join the Team, please contact the Clerk at the Parish Office. Bray Parish Neighbourhood Plan Update Fifield Inn is now a

Delivered along with this Newsletter is a flyer produced by the Community Asset BPNP Communications Group which gives you an update on the Steering Groups progress towards a Draft Neighbourhood Plan. The Fifield Inn has now been listed The key timescales we are working to are: as a Community Asset by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, following an ap-  Dec 2013 Complete Draft of Bray NP plication from Bray Parish Council.

 Spring 2014 Consultation on Draft of Bray NP This means that, if at some time in the future,  Summer 2014 Submit amended Draft of NP to RBWM the Owners (Green King) wish to cease oper-  Autumn 2014 Independent Examination of Bray NP ating the site as a pub and they wish to sell it, then the listing of the pub as a Community Late 2014/Early 2015 Parish Referendum on Asset will mean that the community will have Bray NP (adoption by simple majority) to be approached first to see if they have the

Chris Graham, Steering Group Chairman, ability to purchase the property and continue Bray Parish Neighbourhood Plan to operate it as a public house. C H R I S T M A S B A Z A A R S

There will be Christmas Bazaars at the Holyport War Memorial Hall on Saturday 14th December and Sunday 15th December.

Looking after our Assets

In the last Parish Newsletter, a number of future projects were listed and the Land Management Working Group (LMWG) can report progress as follows: -

 The tree maintenance (see photo) and new dog bin at Aysgarth Park have been completed.  The Parish Cemetery wall on the A308 has been repaired and 250 bricks have been replaced (see photo). The wall has been pointed using traditional lime mortar which is currently very noticeable. As this mortar weathers, it will tone down and blend in with the original.  Following a survey, an order has been placed with RBWM for a new bus shelter for Reeve Road  Work is progressing to identify a suitable site for the new Notice Board in Oakley Green.  The tree work on Bray Green has been completed. The majority of the large dead tree has been removed making it safe (See photo). The remaining stump will be removed when the surrounding trees have filled the space.

In addition to the projects mentioned above, work is in progress on the following: -

 Repairs to a Tarmac path on Aysgarth Park  Repair of lighting column in Bray Car park  Consultation with local residents regarding the possible relocation of the bus stop at the junction of Holyport Road and the A308  Improving the land at the entrance to Manor Grove, Fifield.  Now that the wall has been repaired, further work is planned on the trees Dead Tree on Bray Green at the entrance to the Parish Cemetery

The recent bad weather was relatively kind to the Parish trees but we did lose a sizable willow adjacent to Holy- port pond. Regular tree maintenance in the Parish will continue with work planned this autumn for Aysgarth Park, Lonsdale Way, St Michael’s churchyard and Holyport Green. Land Management Working Group

Repaired Cemetery Wall on A308 Tree Work at Aysgarth Park Manor Grove Entrance Site Flood Warden Required Not willing to talk to the Police? A vacancy has occurred due to the resignation of our previous

Flood Warden, Gerry Bett. Thanks go to Gerry, an ex-Parish CRIMESTOPPERS are completely Councillor for carrying out this important Role over the past few independent. Call anonymously years. The Flood Warden responsibilities are important but not onerous and with information about crime and include: updating the Flood Warning Sign on Bray Village Hall as advised by you could receive a reward. the Environment Agency: passing on flood warning information and representing Bray Parish Council at meetings on Flooding as and when CRIMESTOPPERS required. 0800 555 111 Further details can be obtained by contacting the Clerk, Janice Eden Bagley on 01628 777997 or by email [email protected] Strategic Direction Workshop

The Workshop was devised to provide all Councillors with an opportunity to have their say in how they would like Bray Parish Council to be in 3 year’s time. In other words, to create a “Shared Vision”. The Workshop Agenda was created by Grenville Annetts who also facilitated the evening with the assistance of Ken Elvin and Mark Smith-Lyons. Interestingly, there was a common theme throughout the evening which was Communication and the need to do it in a more focussed way and to do it more effectively.

There were some things that we thought we did well: Planning and Financial Management. Equally there were some things where we thought we could improve: Communications – and this was communication with Resi- dents, RBWM, contractors and partners – and Working as a Team.

The general output from the evening’s work was very positive and a number of Actions were agreed at the ses- sion. However, if we are to keep the momentum up, then it will be necessary to arrange at least one follow up session, possibly in January 2014, to focus on agreeing more detailed Actions. The Notes from the session will be available on our website when they have been agreed. Chris Graham - Chairman Bray Parish Council

Bray Village Hall is having an evening of Christmas songs and carols for all on Friday December 6th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are £10 and include mince pies and mulled wine. Proceeds will go towards the Hall Restoration Fund. A survey has revealed structural work and decorations are required and a programme of work will commence next Easter. Total cost is estimated to be £16,000. Tickets can be obtained from Robert Howes on 01628 777017. Parish Council Meetings 2014 Parish Allotment Competition Dates for your Diary There are two Allotment sites in the Parish, at Full Council Meetings Bray and at Holyport. At the former larger one, there is a waiting list for applicants. Rental is 20 Jan 17 Mar 1 May * payable to the Parish Clerk and the Allotment 19 May ** 21 Jul 15 Sep year runs from October to September. Pensioners pay half price and a water supply is included in the Fee.

17 Nov * Annual Electors Meeting, ** AGM Some Allotments Holders have worked their plots for years while others may have little experience but a great Planning Meetings:

desire to grow fresh fruit and vegetables in what can be 6 Jan 3 Feb 3 Mar a sociable environment. Beans, salad crops and soft 7 Apr 12 May 2 Jun fruit seem to be some of the favourite items grown. 7 Jul 4 Aug 1 Sep Cheap produce and an outdoor space to call their own seems to motivate a number of Allotment Holders BUT 6 Oct 3 Nov 1 Dec keeping the plot in good order does involve hard work. All meetings commence at 7.30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated and are held in the main hall of Braywood As an encouragement and pat on the back, the Parish Memorial Hall, Fifield Road, Fifield. Council offers Prizes each year after Judges have in- spected all the Allotments. The Prizes take the form of Fifteen minutes are allocated to members of the public Garden Vouchers. This year’s Winner at Bray was Mr T who wish to speak at a General Meeting and interested Cook for Plot 9a and Runner Up was Mrs S King for Plot Parties in Planning matters are also able to speak 17b. For Holyport, this year’s Winner was Mr & Mrs D briefly on specific plans, subject to notifying the Clerk Woolhouse for Plot 4 and Runner Up was Mrs C Bennett prior to the start of the Planning Meeting. for Plot 2. John Foulger Retires Major Upgrade to Footpath

John Foulger retired from Bray Parish Council in RBWM have completed a major July. As a Councillor for the Oakley Green and upgrade to the Foot Path from the Fifield Ward for 26 years, John contributed sig- A308 – next to Pardoe’s Shoe Re- nificantly to the running of the Parish Council - pairs – to Stroud Farm Road (see as Chairman of Planning, a member of several photo). We thank them for their Committees and latterly as Deputy Chair of Plan- support. ning until May this year. John always expressed his own, well considered views which were always worth listening to. His interest in trees sparked Maps of the Footpath Network in many a discussion and the results of his enthusiasm can be seen around the local the Parish in the leafy environment in which we live! Councillors gathered area are at the Fifield Inn on Monday 15th July after John’s last Main Council Meet- available ing, to celebrate his contribution and to present him with a framed letter of from the thanks signed by the Right Honourable Theresa May, MP, and personal Parish gifts from the other Councillors. We all wish John well in this, his third re- Office. tirement, and look forward to maintaining contact in the future.

Braywood Parish War Memorial

Many of you may never have seen the monument to the brave men of what was once known as Braywood Parish who gave their lives during the two World Wars.

For the last forty or so years it has been positioned against the wall in the Braywood Memorial Hall in Fifield. It's first home was the Braywood Church, situated off Drift Road, on the edge of Windsor Forest. The Church was deconsecrated and subsequently demolished on the death of the vicar, the Rev Daniels, in the late 1950s. A new wooden Church was built next to Braywood CE First School on Oakley Green Road and so the Memorial moved there. But as the congregation dwindled, Braywood Parish was absorbed by St.Michael's in Bray and the Church became an annexe to the School next door. So, it was some time in the 1970s, that the Memorial was moved to its current position in Fifield.

Next year, 2014, sees the beginning of the centenary of World War One and there will be many events around the country, during the following four years, designed to remember and pay homage to all those who gave their lives for our freedom. It seems only fitting that the Memorial should be located where it may be easily regarded and shown the respect it deserves.

To this end, a Committee has been formed to look at the feasibility of moving, or indeed replacing, the current Memorial.

We have had the Memorial examined by a monumental mason and the verdict is that the current Memorial is too fragile to be moved. It will therefore remain where it is on the wall of the hall. However, there is still a strong desire to create a visible and lasting memorial to all those from the old Braywood area – including Oakley Green and Fifield - who have given their lives for our Country.

We received some comments from local residents. David Embery felt that there was no need to change any- thing, however, ‘ if a new stone and site is required then could I suggest Braywood cemetery in the Oakley Green Road’.

We also had a letter from Mr Alan Roberts whose wife lost her father and uncle in the 2nd World War, he says; ‘ it is right that local children should be aware of their names ...and suggest the small copse across from the hall (adjacent to the school)’

We thank everyone for taking the time to contact us. Following these comments, we have visited the Braywood Cemetery and have had discussions with representatives of the Parochial Church Council regarding the possi- bilities of putting the Memorial outside the old wooden Church where it could be clearly visible and with space around it to gather for a Remembrance Service. We have also provided an indicative design for consideration. Provided we reach an agreement in principle with the Diocese, we can then commission the final design and plan the installation.

If anyone has a relative named on the Memorial, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us via the Par- ish Office, Bray Parish Council, Moneyrow Green, Holyport, SL6 2NA.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could celebrate next year’s Remembrance Sunday by laying a wreath on a new Memorial in Braywood as well as at Bray and Holyport? Braywood Memorial Relocation Committee Grants and Awards The following Grants and Awards have been made since the publication of the Bray Conservation Area was judged in the Regional last newsletter:- round of this nation-wide competition on 23 July 2013 and had an outstanding record of successes to perpetu-  Bray Memorial Hall £3,000.00 ate. Results were announced at a Prize-Giving event in Reading on 18 September 2013 and were all that one  Fifield Fun Day £250.00 could have wished: a Royal Horticultural Society Gold Award and a Special Award for Floral Input.  Family & Friends in Windsor & £250.00

Bray’s Campaign had been all inclusive and earned it full  Bray & Holyport Scout Hut £5,000.00 marks for Community Participation. Bray Parish Council  Holyport Youth Club £1,500.00 and RBWM each supported this entry. The Village looked at its best, residents got to know each other and to work  Multiple Sclerosis £200.00 together. Guides, Scouts, Brownies, Rangers and pre- school participated.  Royal British Legion Poppy £200.00 Now Bray is looking forward to next year and The En- hancement Committee is working on new ideas for 2014 If you would like to make an Application, please when the Royal Horticultural Society’s theme is “Going contact the Parish Clerk in the first instance. for Gold”. Bray Enhancement Committee Holyport C of E Primary School is Britain in Bloom 2013 holding a Christmas Fair at the School on Saturday 7th December, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Water Oakley Planning Application – Extraordinary Planning Meeting

After listening to Residents who said that they wanted to be able to have more of a say and input on important local Planning Applications, on Thursday 31st October, Bray Parish Council (BPC) Planning Committee held an Extraordinary Meeting.

The Meeting was held solely to discuss the Water Oakley Applications; one is an Outline Application to change the Green Belt land, next door to Bray Studios, from its current mixed Residential/Industrial usage to Residen- tial and allow 44 new Houses to be built. Included in this Application is the relocation of the Phoenix Gym within the local area. The second Application was to confirm the style of houses to be built.

On Thursday the 31st, at Saxon Barn on the Dedworth Road, the doors opened at 7.00pm to allow Residents to view the Plans and talk to Farmglade, the Applicant. The venue was full when the meeting started at 7.30pm.

The meeting commenced and the presenting Cllr. Helen Howard provided a summary of both Applications; then, for approximately 3 minutes, Farmglade presented the Application and this was followed by four separate pres- entations by local Residents. Then, again in a change to the standard Planning Committee process, there was a Q&A session where Cllrs and Residents were able to put questions to Farmglade, the Applicant.

Cllr. Howard then provided more detail on the applications to the Councillors and two votes were taken. The Outline Application for 44 Houses was recommended for Refusal by 6 votes to 5 and the second Application for the style of houses was recommended for Approval by 6 votes in favour, 2 against and 3 abstentions. These recommendations have been provided to the RBWM who are expected to make a decision on both Applications by 18th December 2013.

Following on from the feedback from our Residents and others who attended this meeting, the BPC Planning Committee intends to continue to hold further Extraordinary Planning Meetings for future important Bray Parish Planning Applications. Louvaine Kneen - Chair of Planning Committee Fun in the Sun The Parish sponsored 3 days of “Fun in the Sun” for 8 to 16 year olds this year – at Braywood Cricket Club (August 27) and Holyport Memorial Hall (August 28 and 29). The sessions were run by RBWM and took place from 11 am to 3 pm. This year the weather was kind for a change and local Children were able to take part in all kinds of supervised outdoor activities – including Sumo Wrestling, Cricket and on a Bouncy Castle. However, despite wide publicity, attendance was disappointing. St Michael’s Church Dates in December

Sunday 1st 6:30 pm Advent Carol Service Sunday 8th 4:30 pm Performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” Saturday 21st 4:00 pm Annual Christingle Service Sunday 22nd 4:00 pm Carol Service followed by mulled wine and mince pies Tuesday 24th 11:30 pm First Communion of Christmas (Midnight Mass) Wednesday 25th 10:00 am Christmas Morning All-Age Eucharist

Got a problem - Who do I call?? The Pavilion For those Parishioners who do not have access to the Inter- at Bray net, here is a useful list of telephone numbers of other local Maidenhead & Service Providers from whom you may require assistance:- Bray Sports Club Keep the handy list below! has revived the 01628 683804 Abandoned Vehicles - RBWM Streetcare idea of the village pub in Bray.

0845 9200 800 Blocked Sewer - Thames Water For a token £5 annual social 01628 683810 Building without permission - RBWM Planning Enforcement membership, you are welcome every evening of the week to 0800555 111 Crimestoppers Thames Valley meet friends, enjoy straightfor- 0845 988 1188 Environment Agency Floodline ward pub food, and pub prices for 01628 683830 Environmental Protection - RBWM Environment Team drinks and snacks. 01628 683804 Floods and fallen Trees - RBWM Streetcare You can watch Sky Sports or 0500 885 055 Fly Tipping - RBWM other TV programmes, or just re- 01628 683800 Footpaths - RBWM Public Rights of Way Team lax for a chat. During the winter, 0800 111 999 Gas Leaks - National Gas Emergency Service there are hockey training ses- 01628 683800 General RBWM Enquiries - Customer Service Centre sions to watch. During the sum- mer, there are cricket matches 01628 683804 Graffitti - RBWM Streetcare every Saturday and Sunday, as 01628 683804 Manhole Cover loose or missing - RBWM Streetcare well as cricket coaching/practice 01628 683830 Noise Problems - RBWM sessions and/or colts matches 101 Non Emergency Police Number - on most evenings.

01628 683804 Paving Slabs loose - RBWM Streetcare Come on down and enjoy socialis- 08444 828 354 Pest Control ing and relaxing in a comfortable 01628 683804 Potholes in Road - RBWM Streetcare pub atmosphere.

08457 70 80 90 Power Cuts - Scottish and Southern Energy Sports Club Members also now 01753 853517 RBWM - 24 Hour Emergency Line have a privilege discount for 01628 683801 Refuse and Re-cycling - RBWM booking the Bray Tennis Court @ £5 per session – phone Alwyn 01344 786543 Social Services RBWM Emergency Team Jones on 01628 625918 01628 683800 Street Lighting and Cleaning - RBWM Tony and Maxine are waiting to 01628 796134 Trees - RBWM Tree Team welcome you in the Pavilion – 01628 683820 Unauthorised Encampment by Travellers - RBWM open from 5:30 pm onwards until 101 Vehicle Obstruction - Thames Valley Police late. 0800 714 614 Water Leaks - Thames Water Maidenhead & Bray Sports Club

Picture Quiz - Page 1: Brewery sign built into the wall of the Fifield Inn

This Newsletter is published by Bray Parish Council and distributed voluntarily by our local residents.

All queries and suggestions should be passed to: The Clerk, Janice Eden-Bagley at The Parish Office, Moneyrow Green (to rear of Holyport Memorial Hall) Holyport, Berkshire SL6 2NA.

The Parish Office is open to the Public from 9:30am to 12:30pm Monday to Friday. Telephone: 01628 777997, email: [email protected] Website: www.brayparishcouncil.gov.uk