RBWM Innovation Fund Project

Project Updates

• Share CAP Debt Coach for WIndsor on Facebook Share CAP Debt Coach for WIndsor on Twitter Share CAP Debt Coach for WIndsor on Linkedin Email CAP Debt Coach for WIndsor link

  CAP Debt Coach for WIndsor

  by Kerith Windsor, over 1 year ago
  Kerith Community Church are pleased to confirm we have recruited an ideal candidate to take on the part-time role of CAP Debt Coach for Windsor. She will be in training until the end of the year and will start to visit homes to provide 121 debt recovery support from January 2025.

  
  

  Kerith Community Church are pleased to confirm we have recruited an ideal candidate to take on the part-time role of CAP Debt Coach for Windsor. She will be in training until the end of the year and will start to visit homes to provide 121 debt recovery support from January 2025.

  
  
• Share Launch of Friends of Ray Mill Island on Facebook Share Launch of Friends of Ray Mill Island on Twitter Share Launch of Friends of Ray Mill Island on Linkedin Email Launch of Friends of Ray Mill Island link

  Launch of Friends of Ray Mill Island

  by FoRMI, almost 2 years ago
  

  
  

  Maidenhead, UK — The Friends of Ray Mill Island are delighted to announce the resounding success of their inaugural Community Open Day, held on Sunday 23rd June 2024. The event marked the official launch of the Friends of Ray Mill Island, an initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and community spirit of this cherished local landmark.

  The Open Day was a vibrant celebration of community collaboration, drawing an impressive crowd of visitors from across Maidenhead and beyond. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a variety of stalls and activities. There were over 20 various stalls hosted... Continue reading

  
  

  Maidenhead, UK — The Friends of Ray Mill Island are delighted to announce the resounding success of their inaugural Community Open Day, held on Sunday 23rd June 2024. The event marked the official launch of the Friends of Ray Mill Island, an initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and community spirit of this cherished local landmark.

  The Open Day was a vibrant celebration of community collaboration, drawing an impressive crowd of visitors from across Maidenhead and beyond. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a variety of stalls and activities. There were over 20 various stalls hosted by local wildlife organizations, physical fitness groups, charities, and small businesses, each showcasing their unique expertise and services.

  Highlights of the Day:

  • Wildlife Encounters: Visitors enjoyed interactive sessions with local wildlife experts, learning about the diverse flora and fauna that call Ray Mill Island home. Educational displays and hands-on activities for children provided a fun and informative experience for all ages. Thanks to Wild Maidenhead, Wild Cookham, River Rangers, Wildlife Garden Awards and Berks & South Bucks Bat Group.

  • Fitness Demonstrations: Physical fitness groups conducted live demonstrations, encouraging attendees to participate in yoga on Paddleboard , aerobics, and other fitness activities. These sessions highlighted the importance of physical well-being and the beautiful setting of Ray Mill Island as an ideal location for outdoor exercise. Thanks to Tikki Training, Maidenhead Hockey, Team Jashan (Bollywood exercise class), Cycling without Age Trishaw. Special thanks to Paddleboard Maidenhead and Fotini Wellness raising over £250 that afternoon through SUP Yoga.

  • Charity Engagement: Local charities had the chance to connect with the community, sharing information about their missions and how individuals can get involved. The event fostered a spirit of giving and community support, with many visitors expressing interest in volunteering. Thanks to Aqua Box, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club, Brett Foundation, Filling Good, Green Skills Library and Good Gym (who helped paint the Mural wall on the back of the toilet block).

  • Small Business Showcase: Small businesses from the area displayed their products and services, offering everything from local artists to homemade, delicious treats. This provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to support local entrepreneurs and discover unique offerings. Thanks to Face2Face Maidenhead, Purista Artisan, Vidya’s Kitchen. Suchi Art was there creating Henna tattoos for those interested. Happy Days Mural are excited to embark on their creative project on the back of the toilet block.

  The success of the Community Open Day is a testament to the strong community spirit in Maidenhead. The event was very well supported by our local Independent and Lib Dem councillors (Cllr. Joshua Reynolds, Cllr. Richard Coe, Cllr. Karen Davies and Cllr. Geoff Hill). The Friends of Ray Mill Island are committed to continuing this momentum, with plans for future events and initiatives aimed at enhancing the island for the enjoyment of all.

  “We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive response from the community,” said Nivi Bhide. Tara Crist said “The support and enthusiasm we’ve seen today truly underscore the importance of preserving Ray Mill Island as a space for wildlife, recreation, and community gatherings. We look forward to many more successful events in the future.” Both Tara & Nivi are the co-founders of Friends of Ray Mill Island
• Share Friends of Ray Mill Island team up with Wild Maidenhead on Facebook Share Friends of Ray Mill Island team up with Wild Maidenhead on Twitter Share Friends of Ray Mill Island team up with Wild Maidenhead on Linkedin Email Friends of Ray Mill Island team up with Wild Maidenhead link

  Friends of Ray Mill Island team up with Wild Maidenhead

  by FoRMI, almost 2 years ago
  

  
  

  VOLUNTEERS HEDGE THEIR BETS!

  Volunteers from Wild Maidenhead and the Friends of Ray Mill Island teamed up last weekend as part of a plan to help improve biodiversity at the much-loved riverside park, next to Boulters Lock in Maidenhead. The volunteers constructed a ‘dry hedge’ around a large beech tree stump, protecting an area of natural riverside vegetation from grazing geese to allow it to regenerate. Fungi and insects will colonise the tree stump as it decays, in turn attracting birds such as woodpeckers.

  A double row of posts was hammered in around the site, with loose branches then used... Continue reading

  
  

  VOLUNTEERS HEDGE THEIR BETS!

  Volunteers from Wild Maidenhead and the Friends of Ray Mill Island teamed up last weekend as part of a plan to help improve biodiversity at the much-loved riverside park, next to Boulters Lock in Maidenhead. The volunteers constructed a ‘dry hedge’ around a large beech tree stump, protecting an area of natural riverside vegetation from grazing geese to allow it to regenerate. Fungi and insects will colonise the tree stump as it decays, in turn attracting birds such as woodpeckers.

  A double row of posts was hammered in around the site, with loose branches then used to fill in between the posts to create the ‘dry hedge’ barrier. All the materials were sourced on the island, from piles left by contractors after trimming back overgrown trees and shrubs.

  Peter Gibbs, President of Wild Maidenhead paused from the work to say – “This is a great example of what can be achieved when community groups come together and combine resources. Wild Maidenhead’s Wilder Parks project aims to improve biodiversity in our town’s parks. Our volunteers are already working in Kidwell’s, Oaken Grove, Ockwell’s and Desborough and we’re delighted to now add Ray Mill Island to that list, thanks to the Friends.”

  Local councillors Jack Douglas, Gurch Singh and Richard Coe dropped by to see how the work was progressing, and quickly found themselves roped in to help with the task! Visitors to the park were intrigued by the work, with many asking questions and expressing thanks and support when the project was explained.

  Friends of Ray Mill Island founder Tara Crist was delighted with the result. “It looks fantastic! We’ll be planting up some locally grown native plants inside the enclosure later in the year. It’s wonderful that locals are wanting to join us in preserving the island's beauty through increasing natural habitats. We have so many exciting projects for the island and can't wait to show them off and get more people involved!

  Tara also says "Nivi and I want to say a massive thank you to Ascot resident Shoshan Dagan, a Landscape architect who has volunteered to come on board to fully support the greening and rewilding projects on the island. We are truly grateful for all her time, wisdom and energy as we are no experts on these matters. She did a fantastic job of organising us on Saturday and we look forward to project planning with her. That is one of the beauties of volunteering , wonderful people appear in your life with all different talents and adds to enriching your own. We want to enjoy what we do for the island and have it be a fun process."

  
  
• Share Knowl Hill School Prize-giving on Facebook Share Knowl Hill School Prize-giving on Twitter Share Knowl Hill School Prize-giving on Linkedin Email Knowl Hill School Prize-giving link

  Knowl Hill School Prize-giving

  by sglover1, almost 2 years ago
  Prize-giving for the Knowl Hill School Creative Writing competition was held on 16th July. The competition is sponsored by Knowl Hill Village Association and prizes given for the first, second and third best entries in each of the 6 year groups. The competition is enthusiastically received by the pupils and the standard was particularly high this year.

  Well done to all who participated and congratulations to the prize winners.

  Prize-giving for the Knowl Hill School Creative Writing competition was held on 16th July. The competition is sponsored by Knowl Hill Village Association and prizes given for the first, second and third best entries in each of the 6 year groups. The competition is enthusiastically received by the pupils and the standard was particularly high this year.

  Well done to all who participated and congratulations to the prize winners.
• Share An afternoon on the river on Facebook Share An afternoon on the river on Twitter Share An afternoon on the river on Linkedin Email An afternoon on the river link

  An afternoon on the river

  by sglover1, almost 2 years ago
  

  The KHVA Cameo group had an afternoon boat trip on the river at Henley on Friday 19th July. We were a group of 13 and enjoyed the glorious sunshine on the hottest day of the year so far.

  The KHVA Cameo group had an afternoon boat trip on the river at Henley on Friday 19th July. We were a group of 13 and enjoyed the glorious sunshine on the hottest day of the year so far.
• Share Getting Switched on...slowly! on Facebook Share Getting Switched on...slowly! on Twitter Share Getting Switched on...slowly! on Linkedin Email Getting Switched on...slowly! link

  Getting Switched on...slowly!

  by ClewerandDedworthTogether, about 2 years ago
  We were very excited by our project and soon after the funding was awarded we signed up to the Digital Champion Network.

  
  

  Unfortunately, progress has been hampered by delays in getting the infrastructure up and running in the cafe. We have been beset by problems getting the wifi installed and working- even getting a phone line in proved difficult.

  
  

  Our priority now is to get the refurbished technoliogy installed in Woodys, so that people can start using it.

  We are also starting to recruit digital champions and would welcome applications from anyone who'd like to do the free training and... Continue reading

  We were very excited by our project and soon after the funding was awarded we signed up to the Digital Champion Network.

  
  

  Unfortunately, progress has been hampered by delays in getting the infrastructure up and running in the cafe. We have been beset by problems getting the wifi installed and working- even getting a phone line in proved difficult.

  
  

  Our priority now is to get the refurbished technoliogy installed in Woodys, so that people can start using it.

  We are also starting to recruit digital champions and would welcome applications from anyone who'd like to do the free training and help others. Our capacity as a small team has been stretched so we need more people to help.
• Share Sensory park for all families in the borough on Facebook Share Sensory park for all families in the borough on Twitter Share Sensory park for all families in the borough on Linkedin Email Sensory park for all families in the borough link

  Sensory park for all families in the borough

  by Sheshelle, about 2 years ago

  A sensory park for all children and families with additional needs in Maidenhead, ideal location alongside poppies nursery day care centre, with the large growing number of younger working families and children the area this would be not only an additional asset but a wonderful resource and bring community closer together.

  
  

  This would help support and provide access to better children and people’s health and

  Improve Social isolation & loneliness.

  
  

  It’s aiding of health prevention to reduce risk factors including the outside environment and to reduce mental or physical health issues I both children andSensory park young families

  A sensory park for all children and families with additional needs in Maidenhead, ideal location alongside poppies nursery day care centre, with the large growing number of younger working families and children the area this would be not only an additional asset but a wonderful resource and bring community closer together.

  
  

  This would help support and provide access to better children and people’s health and

  Improve Social isolation & loneliness.

  
  

  It’s aiding of health prevention to reduce risk factors including the outside environment and to reduce mental or physical health issues I both children andSensory park young families
• Share Oaken Grove Park - New Community Orchard!! on Facebook Share Oaken Grove Park - New Community Orchard!! on Twitter Share Oaken Grove Park - New Community Orchard!! on Linkedin Email Oaken Grove Park - New Community Orchard!! link

  Oaken Grove Park - New Community Orchard!!

  by Dave Duncan, about 2 years ago
  On Saturday 25th May 2024 a small group of volunteers from The Friends of Oaken Grove Park and Wild Maidenhead planted 10 apple trees that had been donated by Thatchers Cider. They were planted in two rows of 5 towards the south of the park in the wild area. The trees are of five varieties (Scrumptious, Katy, Red Windsor, Queen Cox and Bramley) a mixture of eaters and cookers and all good for making cider! They will make a lovely addition to the park and as they mature they'll provide good habitat for lots of wildlife and some lovely apples... Continue reading

  On Saturday 25th May 2024 a small group of volunteers from The Friends of Oaken Grove Park and Wild Maidenhead planted 10 apple trees that had been donated by Thatchers Cider. They were planted in two rows of 5 towards the south of the park in the wild area. The trees are of five varieties (Scrumptious, Katy, Red Windsor, Queen Cox and Bramley) a mixture of eaters and cookers and all good for making cider! They will make a lovely addition to the park and as they mature they'll provide good habitat for lots of wildlife and some lovely apples for the local community!
• Share Knowl hill Village Association CAMEO update on Facebook Share Knowl hill Village Association CAMEO update on Twitter Share Knowl hill Village Association CAMEO update on Linkedin Email Knowl hill Village Association CAMEO update link

  Knowl hill Village Association CAMEO update

  by sglover1, about 2 years ago
  

  Last Thursday 16th May we held our latest monthly Cameo meeting at the Village Hall. Children from years 2, 3, 4 & 5 from our local Knowl Hill Academy (primary school) joined our regular attendees for an afternoon of mixed activities including dominoes, colouring, scrabble, & pictionary. And, of course, tea or apple juice and home-made cakes! Sumayyah and Nicky from the Innovation fund joined us and observed the fantastic interaction between the generations. It is truly heartwarming to see how lively our Cameo session becomes with the children present. Our next session will be a whist drive on 20th... Continue reading

  Last Thursday 16th May we held our latest monthly Cameo meeting at the Village Hall. Children from years 2, 3, 4 & 5 from our local Knowl Hill Academy (primary school) joined our regular attendees for an afternoon of mixed activities including dominoes, colouring, scrabble, & pictionary. And, of course, tea or apple juice and home-made cakes! Sumayyah and Nicky from the Innovation fund joined us and observed the fantastic interaction between the generations. It is truly heartwarming to see how lively our Cameo session becomes with the children present. Our next session will be a whist drive on 20th June.
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  Vintage Transport Festival

  by TVaGWOT, about 2 years ago
  

  Join the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust for a fun day out at the McAlpine estate outside Henley on Saturday 18th May. Our Trust is offering free travel there and back by vintage coach (departing Bray/Holyport/Fifield area ~8:30-9:00, returning ~18:00). Entry charges to this charity fundraising event apply. Find out more about the mix of vehicles on display, the music and fun of the fair here. To travel there with the Trust, please contact us by email: enquiries@tvagwot.org.uk.

  In March we hosted visits to the Trust's collection, and volunteers washed and polished vehicles in April so it's... Continue reading

  Join the Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust for a fun day out at the McAlpine estate outside Henley on Saturday 18th May. Our Trust is offering free travel there and back by vintage coach (departing Bray/Holyport/Fifield area ~8:30-9:00, returning ~18:00). Entry charges to this charity fundraising event apply. Find out more about the mix of vehicles on display, the music and fun of the fair here. To travel there with the Trust, please contact us by email: enquiries@tvagwot.org.uk.

  In March we hosted visits to the Trust's collection, and volunteers washed and polished vehicles in April so it's great to have a trip out in May. We'll have three vintage vehicles on show at Fawley and a display stand with books and memorabilia.

  PS Our February photograph was of the Thames Valley Traction Co. Ltd's first head office and depot in Bridge Road, Maidenhead (since renamed Moorbridge Road) on the site now occupied by Waitrose.