5 Energy Saving Tips to save you up to £400 a year

Energy Saving Trust's Brian Horne gives advice to the Higgins family: parents Andrew and Avani, along with their son Theo, 13, and daughter Lily, 12.

Frozen Out: Reducing Winter Deaths by Fuel Poverty

Source: Social Publishing Project 

Around 25,000 vulnerable people* will unnecessarily die in the next few months due to the cold, the NHS says.

Those in fuel poverty are at highest risk, although different campaigners define it differently. It is usually described as when more than 10 per cent of a household's income is spent on energy bills. Other say it is when people are living below the poverty line but experience higher than average bills.

Despite encouraging results in previous years there was an estimated 43,900 excess deaths in England and Wales last winter the highest number since 1999, figures show. The report suggests most of the deaths involved people over 75 and although the flu virus was a major cause of the rise fuel poverty will have contributed to some deaths.

CCB's Project Co-ordinator, Helen Dean, is already providing valuable advice at Children's Centre's to families but is also now looking to talk to older people's groups about how they can reduce their home energy costs. Any older person’s group that would like to receive a talk on reducing energy bills should get in touch with Helen at helen.dean@ccberks.org.uk or call 0118 9612000. 

To read the full Frozen Out article please click here.

Search for Enthusiastic Makers, Inventors & Engineers

Would you like to give back to the community? Become a Trustee! CCB are recruiting.

The Community Council for Berkshire is looking to recruit new Trustees onto our Board and to fill the vacancy of Honorary Treasurer. 

CCB is an independent charity with over 40 years’ experience in community development work. CCB is the Rural Community Council for Berkshire and works to strengthen and support local communities throughout Berkshire. Our core mission is to enable communities in Berkshire to thrive by using our knowledge, skills and enterprise. Our vision is to strengthen, promote and empower communities across Berkshire.

Your skills and experience will be put to use to make a lasting difference in the communities in which you work or live. If you have more time on your hands due to retirement or other circumstances this could be the perfect role for you. Alternatively if you have a busy work life there are only a handful of (mostly evening) meetings to attend a year and we would appreciate your comments and input on key decisions.  

As we are a small staff team we do rely on volunteers to step in where needed and complete key task and finish jobs. This is an opportunity to enhance your CV and open doors to possible new career paths!

Honorary Treasurer
Non-remunerated post, however out of pocket expenses are payable.
Appointment initially for three years and up to a maximum of six years.

CCB is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer, following the retirement of the current post holder. This is a key voluntary position and the post holder will sit as a Trustee on CCB’s Board.

Ideally the post holder will have a professional qualification in accountancy or finance but a sound financial knowledge and experience would suffice.

The post holder will be expected to attend up to 5 Board Meetings per annum. In addition there will be a small number of other meetings including the Annual General Meeting and Board Away Day. The Hon Treasurer will also be a point of contact for our Chief Operations Officer and will need to be available for occasional meetings via telephone or face-to-face.

Trustee
Non-remunerated post, however out of pocket expenses are payable.
Appointment initially for three years and up to a maximum of six years.

CCB is seeking to recruit new Trustees to our Board of Directors. We are looking for people that have experience or knowledge in one or more of the following fields:
Budgeting, Business Planning, Charity Law, Company Law, Fundraising, Governance
Human Resources, Policy Making and Strategic Planning

Trustees need to have an interest and enthusiasm for working to improve community life in Berkshire and the ideal person will also have strong networks or alliances within the county. Post holders will be expected to attend up to 5 Board Meetings per year. In addition there will be a small number of other meetings including the Annual General Meeting and Board Away Day.

For further details please e-mail admin@ccberks.org.uk or to find out more about us please visit our website: www.ccberks.org.uk. To make an appointment for an informal conversation with the Chief Operating Officer please call on the above number 0118 9612000. 

CCB - Providing Advice on reducing energy bills

 Helen Dean at Wexham Road Children’s Centre Health Visitor Nuture group for Mums and Babies.

CCB are delighted to announce that they have received funding from the Scottish Power Energy People Trust to carry out a project giving advice to low income families on ways in which they can reduce their home energy costs. Helen Dean, Project Co-ordinator said “It’s great that we have funding for a year to be able to run drop in sessions at Children’s Centres across Berkshire. I started the project in September, and I have already advised many parents on how to go about comparing costs and switching supplier. Low income families are often unaware that they qualify for a discount off their electricity bill, and so they are often able to save over £250 a year off their home energy costs if they switch supplier and claim the Warm Home Discount”. 

For advice, and to find out more, visit:http://www.ccberks.org.uk/fuel-energy-advice/4575210374
  

Is your group interested in sharing a new Creative Community Learning Centre?

Is your group interested in sharing a new Creative Community Learning Centre?

Office, meeting and event space available Aspire@Wokingham on Winnersh Triangle has ideal spaces on two floors to support community groups and creative talent including:
 acoustic pods for music rehearsal or recording
 a green screen room for filming and videoing
 an arts and crafts/technology area
 meeting room areas
 office space

Any charities or community groups based in or serving the Wokingham area are invited to attend an Open Day on Wednesday 2nd December 2015, 10am to 3.00pm.

Drop in any time that day to discover more about working towards a sustainable shared community space.
*alternative sessions can be arranged and more information acquired by calling Beverley Graves on 0118 359 3131 or 0772 0038417

Contact Clare Rebbeck on clare.rebbeck@gmail.com or 07809 563714 if you are interested in attending on 2nd Dec Aspire@Wokingham, 520 Eskdale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham RG41 5TU.

CCB's Rural Housing News: Theale Housing Need Survey & The Housing & Planning Bill 2015

Image: Arlene Kersley, CCB's Rural Housing Enabler (RHE)


Theale Housing Need Survey Underway

Theale Parish Council are in the process of delivering housing need surveys to all householders in Theale. The survey will be open until the 30th of November.  If you live in Theale and have not received a copy of the survey contact the Rural Housing Enabler at CCB (Arlene Kersley) and she will send you a copy.  

The survey will help to inform the Parish Council of current levels of need in the village for affordable housing but also of the need for specialist housing to meet older people’s needs. 
It is important that we get the views of as many residents as possible.  The results of the survey will be reported to Theale Parish Council before the end of the year.

CCB’s RHE, Arlene Kersley, is happy to talk to your parish about housing need surveys, rural exception sites and other means of developing community projects.  Contact Arlene on 0118 961 2000, or by email at arlene.kersley@ccberks.org.uk


The Housing and Planning Bill 2015

Arlene continues to monitor the proposals in the Housing & Planning Bill that could affect future delivery and sustainability of rural affordable homes.  These include proposals for:
• Starter Homes – homes for 1st time buyers at 80% of open market value. You must be under 40 to be eligible for these homes and there is a maximum price of £250,000 on these homes.  (NB the average price of a home in West Berkshire is in the region of £270,000)  It is proposed that the purchaser will have to retain the property for a minimum time (5 years) before they can sell or rent the property on the open market.
• Extension of Right to Buy to Housing Association Tenants.  The details of this are now outside of the Bill as a voluntary agreement has been made between the National Housing Federation (who represent Housing Associations) and the Government.  This makes it even harder for the general public to know exactly what the implications are.

It is not yet clear how these initiatives will impact on existing and future rural exception sites where the homes are secured by a legal agreement as affordable in perpetuity.  It is also not clear whether the introduction of Starter Homes as an affordable housing option is at the exclusion of all other affordable tenures including affordable rent.

If you want to ensure that our rural affordable homes remain affordable and that we can continue to deliver affordable housing options in rural communities than you should contact your MP with your concerns.

The Housing and Planning Bill passed its 2nd reading stage in the House of Commons last week and is now in Committee stage.

Watch out for my next Housing update on the CCB website as I expect to be providing much more information as it comes available.

Whisks at the ready... The Great British Bake Off

And for those with a talent for creating baked treats. . . .The Great British Bake Off is back and we’re looking for home bakers to take part in the seventh series…

Can you bake a technically perfect tart, an exceptional celebration cake or a beautifully plaited bread?
Do you fancy putting your skills to the test?
Or do you know someone who might?

To find out more contact us: baking@loveproductions.co.uk 
or download an application at 
www.thegreatbritishbakeoff.co.uk 

Deadline for applications is midnight Sunday 10th January 2016

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 
To apply you must be over 16 on 1ST February 2016. As an ‘amateur baker’ your main source of income cannot come from commercial baking in a professional environment and you cannot have ever worked full-time as a baker or chef. You cannot have acquired any formal NVQ or other professional catering qualifications in the past 10 years.

Community Building's Health & Safety Workshop

On a wet and windy night in October, 11 volunteers from 8 halls attended a workshop on health and safety in community buildings at Bradfield Village Hall in West Berkshire. Wendy Dacey, CCB’s Community Buildings Adviser spoke about the legislation affecting health and safety in halls, both of users and employees. Some delegates were not aware of the need to report some incidents (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regs 1995 – RIDDOR) as well as the raft of other regulations which it is good practice to be aware of.

Delegates then carried out a risk assessment of the hall which they were then equipped to carry out in their own buildings. The training was supported by West Berkshire Adult Community Learning Team and the feedback was very positive with one attendee commenting: 'I found it interesting to share information with other participants and I've taken useful knowledge away to use on our own community hall'.

COMING SOON. . . . 

CCB has been awarded a grant from SEPD Resilient Communities Fund to run 2 meetings for volunteers responsible for running buildings registered to be used as emergency accommodation. One will be held in West Berkshire, the other in East Berkshire, hopefully, early in the New Year. For further information or to register an interest in attending, please email wendy.dacey@ccberks.org.uk

Wild Ride for Wildlife

Wild Ride for Wildlife from Greenham Common to Paris: September 8th to September 11th 2016

The Event: We are expecting 30-50 cyclists to take part in the Wild Ride for Wildlife, a three day 200-mile challenge starting at Greenham Common Control Tower Car Park and ending at the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The route includes rolling English countryside and the breath-taking panoramas of northern France before arriving at the iconic Eiffel Tower, which marks the finish line in the centre of this majestic city.

The Wildlife Trust aims to raise £33,000 to help us protect and manage the largest and most precious area of lowland heath in West Berkshire. The Commons are particularly important for some of Britain's rarest ground-nesting birds, including nightjar, woodlark and lapwing and a wide variety of wildlife including adder’s, great crested newts, dormice and a variety of beautiful orchids.

 Key Facts  Dates: 8 -11 September 2016  Duration: 4 days  Cycling days: 3 days  Distance cycled: 200 miles, approx  Accommodation: 2 nights hotel, 1 night 4-berth cabin on ferry  Challenge grading: tough  Minimum sponsorship: £1,300 per rider 

Come along to our Wild Ride for Wildlife information events and we will help answer all your queries on fundraising, the route and where the money raised will be used.
Breakfast Special 26 November 8am to 9.30am at Broadway House, Newbury
Breakfast included, booking essential

27 January 7pm to 9pm, Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham
Booking available online http://www.bbowt.org.uk/wildrideinfo

To book or for further information please ring or email The Fundraising Team on 01865 775476 fundraising@bbowt.org.uk

The Charity: The vision of Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is to create a region rich in wildlife, which is appreciated by all. BBOWT is one of 47 county-based Wildlife Trusts across the United Kingdom. Working across the three counties we manage and protect 90 nature reserves. Last year 12,000 school children visited our four environmental education centres and nature reserves. We also manage three Living Landscape areas and work with other stakeholders to achieve habitat restoration at a landscape scale enabling wildlife to move between suitable habitats.

Buy a Sustainable Christmas Tree and support the Wildlife Trusts

West Berkshire: Support At Home

A new home from hospital pilot scheme called the Support at Home Service is being trialled across West Berkshire to assist people over the age of 65 who may be socially isolated and vulnerable. The service offers low level, practical, emotional and social support for up to three weeks after leaving hospital; collecting prescriptions, helping to arrange transport to appointments and organising pet care are some of the tasks the service can offer help with. Also, signposting to other services and groups in the local community such as lunch clubs, the Village Agent and car schemes. You do not have to be living alone or have no family or friends to receive Support at Home so if you are about to go into hospital or know someone who is and would benefit from this service, please ring 01189358244 or email westberksprg@redcross.org.uk

Health and Social Care professionals may also refer their clients/patients to this pilot scheme which is a partnership with Newbury and District Clinical Commissioning Group, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, West Berkshire Council, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, Berkshire Age Uk and British Red Cross.

Reading People's March - 28th November 2015 - Call For Action

Climate change. We need everyone, EVERYWHERE

Message on behalf of Reading People’s Climate Change March below:

Please walk with us on Saturday 28th to show support for the international summit in
Paris in December 2015. We want to encourage ambitious action on CLIMATE
CHANGE to avert a global crisis.

Let’s be part of a giant global movement for change. Let’s walk together for a
more just, more equitable and healthier world for us all.
● Marches in Reading, along with other towns and cities in the UK, will show our
support for global action to address climate change, in solidarity with people all
over the globe who are coming together for events on 28th and 29th November.
● By marching we will attract media attention hours before the summit in Paris.

We need local and global leaders to know that we insist they should take
ambitious action on CLIMATE CHANGE to avert a global crisis.
Leaders cannot ignore hundreds of thousands of people coming together to say:
Yes to renewables
No to dirty energy (fossil fuels)
Yes to Justice for People and the Planet
Yes to new Climate Change related clean jobs
Yes to sustainable development NOW
Yes to science and clean tech for the future
Change is possible and within our reach if we stand and act together
The Reading Walk supports the London People’s March on November 29th.
Feel the excitement and be part of a giant global movement for change. Let’s walk for a
more just, more equitable and healthier world for us all.
To find out more, 
Reading Climate Demo team
TO JOIN READING CLIMATE MARCH signup
here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1625216147745987
Email
climate@readingpeoplesmarch.org
Web
http://readingpeoplesmarch.org/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ReadingClimateMarch
Twitter
https://twitter.com/PeoplesMarchRd g
Avaaz
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/event/globalclimatemarch/Reading_Peoples_March_for_Cli
mate_Justice_Jobs

Village Agents, the people to ask when you don’t know who to ask”

Many of us can be living totally independently.  Then, almost overnight, we may need a little help, but do not know what help is available. Volunteer Village Agents are able to put residents in touch with the organisations, agencies and services that already exist and which can help people to enjoy their homes and communities in which they live, for longer.

West Berkshire Volunteer Village Agents are already helping in the parishes highlighted in green.  

They would like to hear from potential Volunteers who would like to become a trusted face, residents can turn to, within their own community.  Full training and support is provided

Please contact Gill 01635 49004 or 07775366812. 
Or for more information view their website www.villageagentswb.org.uk

WE ARE RECRUITING: BALC County Officer

BALC County Officer

The Community Council for Berkshire (CCB) is an independent charity with over 40 years' experience in community development work. Our mission is to support communities in Berkshire to thrive.

The Berkshire Association of Local Councils (BALC) is the representative body for Town and Parish Councils in Berkshire. The County Officer, based within the CCB team, will:
• Provide a support service to member councils to assist them in operating effectively as the first tier of local government
• Undertake appropriate and effective administrative and communications functions for the Association
• Commission and facilitate appropriate training for local councils 
• Keep member councils up to date with changes in relevant legislation and government requirements

The successful applicant will either hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration or be prepared to work towards it, and be familiar with the issues and challenges facing Town and Parish Councils. 

The role will be for up to 35 hours per week and suggestions for a job-share will be considered. The role is based in Swallowfield, Berkshire. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 23rd November and interviews will be held on Thursday 3rd December. 

To apply, please send a CV with covering letter describing your suitability for the role to: Tim Parry, Community Council for Berkshire, Wyvols Court, Basingstoke Road, Swallowfield, RG7 1WY.

For a full job description please click here and for a full person specification please click here.