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Flag lowered for Duchess of Kent


Following the announcement by Buckingham Palace of the death of the Duchess of Kent, as a mark of respect, we will be flying the Union Jack on the Town Hall at half-mast until 8am on Saturday 6 September.  

AskSARA


Residents can now access free, expert advice to support their independent living through a new online service.


AskSARA, a new online self-assessment tool, offers quick, personalised advice on equipment and technology to make everyday tasks easier. Covering more than 90 topics, the tool guides users through a simple set of questions and generates a tailored report with impartial recommendations.


It’s free to use, doesn’t require sign-up, and doesn’t collect personal data. The tool is designed to be accessible and user-friendly, with support available at local libraries for those who need help getting online. 

School children ride for free!


Students across the borough will be able to travel on buses for free during the school week next week from Monday 8 September to Friday 12 September!


Students must be aged 5 to 16 and wearing their school uniform. Valid on participating operators for journeys within the Royal Borough: First Bus, Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, and Carousel Buses.

Updated new buses


Brand new buses are on the road from this week on select routes. Improvements include a smart air system, audio and visual location announcements, USB charging and free on-board Wi-Fi. The new low-emission vehicles are also better for the environment, in line with the council's cleaner, greener, safer vision for the borough.


The new Thames Valley vehicles will replace the following bus routes: 1, 7, 16, 227 and 228. Carousel Buses’ new vehicles will be introduced later this year and will be used across route numbers 3/3A, 4, 9, 10/10A, 15 and 37.

School admissions for 2026/27

 

For children moving on to secondary, middle or upper school next year, the online portal is now open to register to apply for a space. The application process will open from Tuesday 9 September 2025. You must register before proceeding with the application process.


The closing date for applications is 31 October 2025.


Please see our admissions guideline, checklist and a link to apply here

Maidenhead Town Forum next week

 

The next Maidenhead Town Forum will take place on Thursday 11 September at Maidenhead Town Hall, St. Ives Road from 6.30pm.

 

The purpose of the forum is to represent the town’s unparished wards - which are Belmont, Boyn Hill, Furze Platt, Riverside, Oldfield, Pinkneys Green and St Mary’s. The meeting provides an opportunity for residents to participate in discussions around local issues, ask questions, and suggest items for future meetings.

 

You can follow the meeting live or watch it back on our YouTube channel

UK Emergency Alert – How to protect hidden phones - Sunday 7 September


A UK-wide emergency alert test will be taking place this Sunday 7 September. Mobile phones will emit a loud siren and vibrate — even if they’re on silent.

These alerts aim to keep public safe in case of emergencies but can be a safety risk to individuals experiencing domestic abuse who keep a hidden phone for emergency use. To prevent hidden phones being found, emergency alerts can be turned off in advance. On most iPhone and Android devices, this can be done by searching for 'emergency alerts' in the settings and disabling 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'.

Get moving at the Desborough Suite with Leisure Focus!

 

Have you signed up for the health, wellbeing and fitness classes in our Desborough Suite?

 

The sessions, which will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, are hosted by Leisure Focus’ well-loved fitness practitioners. Activity will expand in the coming months, to offer a more enhanced fitness programme and the opportunity for greater daytime community use. 

 

To book your place, visit the Leisure Focus website

Our consultations - have your say


We regularly hold consultations and surveys to seek your views on proposals within the borough: 

Community Spotlight


To see details on community events and volunteering opportunities in the borough visit: RBWMTogether - Community Spotlight


Do you have an upcoming not-for-profit community event or appeal for volunteers you’d like us to add to the page? Send a short summary including key dates and a link to communications@rbwm.gov.uk

Local travel updates


For details of further council works on highways, visit our website


For full local roadwork details, including work by utility firms, please visit the One Network website

Keep in touch


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