Make Music Day – 21st June 2018

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logo_3bbd7b3067218e0b909abb3f553a46bf_1xMake Music Day is an annual set of free music events taking place in venues and public spaces around the UK – from town squares to libraries, bandstands to school halls and arts centres. NYMAZ is working with Make Music Day to take music to the countryside – we are encouraging music groups and individuals to take their music to the hills, mountains and beaches. We are challenging participants to find the remotest spot and live-stream their event through Facebook.

cassiobury-park-watford-4Make Music Day UK is also attempting to connect each performance through a unified piece, the song chosen is the Morecambe and Wise classic Bring Me Sunshine. This year, we want your weird and wonderful versions of the summer classic in all sorts of surprising places – as remote as you can get!

We have prepared guidance to help participants to live stream their performances – http://bit.ly/ruraltoolkit

If you are interested in getting involved we would love to hear from you – please contact grace@nymaz.org.uk and also sign up at: http://makemusicday.co.uk/.

Save the Date: Silver Sunday – 7th October 2018

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Silver SundayA day of free events and activities for older people.

Silver Sunday is an annual day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK. Led by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation, it celebrates the value and knowledge they contribute to our communities while combating loneliness and isolation. Everyone can get involved, whether that’s organising an event, spreading the word, or simply attending an activity. The next Silver Sunday is on 7 October 2018. To find out more and register your interest please click here.

This is a special day for older people to get involved in community events and activities to bring back some of the traditional community spirit. It’s also a small thank you for your contribution to society. Joanna Lumley, OBE FRGS. Actress, author & activist

lt is so important that older people feel included in London’s communities. That is why I support Silver Sunday and hope that you all have a wonderful time celebrating the valuable contributions that older people make. These contributions span not just London but up and down the UK. In a city as large as London there is no need for older people to ever feel lonely or isolated but sadly some do. As Mayor, I want to make sure that everyone is engaged and active in their community – young or older. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Live in West Berks and want to save money on your energy bills? Sign up to the West Berkshire Energy Switch!

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ElectricitySee if you can pay less for your energy bills and have the chance to win a year’s free energy by signing up to the West Berkshire Energy Switch

Its 5 years since West Berkshire Council’s switching partner iChoosr began running collective energy switches in the UK, and they are fast approaching one million registrants in the UK. To celebrate, the one millionth UK registrant will win a year’s free energy.The winning registrant must go on to switch supplier and this will be up to the value of £1,135 (this is based on the Ofgem average of dual fuel, direct debit and available paper tariffs from the six large suppliers at February 2017).

The West Berkshire Energy Switch is a free to join scheme which gives residents the chance to see if they can make savings on their fuel bills by registering to take part. A one day reverse auction will be held on the 22nd May, where suppliers compete with their best offers, the winning supplier/s then send registrants their personalised offer for consideration.

There is no obligation to switch. Sign up and see if you can save; to register or find out more, visit www.westberks.gov.uk/communityswitch

You will need to have your latest energy bill to hand, as you’ll need the details during the registration process.

Registration is open to all, so tell your friends and family. Register by midnight on Monday 21st May to be sure of taking part.

West Berkshire residents without internet access can contact West Berkshire Council on 01635 503267 to register – remember to have your energy bill or annual statement to hand when you call.

Calling All Neighbourhood Planning Groups – exciting event taking place at the University of Reading

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neighbourhood planning
Are you engaged in neighbourhood planning and reached at least pre-submission stage? Do you want to share your first hand-experiences of the process, learn from others and help to inform and enhance neighbourhood planning in the future?

If so, then you will be interested in attending the free Neighbourhood Planning HIVE event which is taking place at the University of Reading on Wednesday 6th June 2018.
The event will bring together groups from all over the country to share their first-hand experiences of the process. This will enable you to not only learn from others but also to help and enhance neighbourhood planning in the future.

The full-day event will be led by Professor Gavin Parker and his research team who are actively involved in researching participation in planning. The event will be designed specifically to address emerging issues from those engaged in the process with the agenda and format of the day to be shaped by those attending. This will ensure it provides the best learning value as it meets your needs and priorities.

A practically useful report will be produced quickly and shared shortly after the event – which will provide on the ground practical advice to help you progress your plan.
The event is free to attend and we do hope you can join us.

Places are limited and a pre-qualification questionnaire will be required.
For more information and to register your interest visit https://research.reading.ac.uk/neighbourhoodplanning/hive-2018/.
If you have any queries about the event contact us at neighbourhoodplanning@reading.ac.uk.