As part of a new government funded project, small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) operating in Berkshire with less than 250 full-time equivalent employees can now access free training for members of staff over 16 years old (and resident in the UK/EU) to help upskill their workforce.

Training will be delivered on a flexible, modular basis and will be tailored to the specific needs of your company and employees. Programmes can include accredited units, certificates or diplomas as well as non-accredited training, which will be delivered at your workplace and local partner facilities. Employees will then have the opportunity to progress on to a full, industry-recognised qualification, such as an apprenticeship, to gain more in-depth knowledge and higher level skills.

All of the training partners in the Skills for the Workforce programme have years of experience working with businesses in a wide range of sectors, and can ensure your workforce is equipped with the skills it needs to keep your business competitive.

To benefit from this offer and see how the pieces can fall into place for your business, please contact your nearest training provider for a free consultation.

West Berkshire Training Consortium, Consortium House7 Cheap Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DD. T: 01635 35975 E:rachel@wbtc-uk.com W:www.wbtc-uk.com

The Skills for the Workforce programme is part of the Employees Support in Skills project, which is part-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund (ESF).

The villagers of Stanford Dingley celebrated the reopening of their Clubroom on Saturday 23 September.

It was formally  opened by the oldest and youngest residents of the village. The Club Room, which required major refurbishment and is the only communal meeting place in the village apart from the church and pubs, is an old building in the centre of the village. A local team led by parish councillor Chris Dent, raised funds and carried out most of the work themselves. Wendy Dacey, CBAS Advisor from CCB advised as to where to apply for grants which were obtained from Greenham Common Trust and West Berkshire Council.

The Club Room is now light and spacious with a new kitchen and disabled toilet and up to date audio visual system. A meeting place for villagers to be proud of.

The NEW President of CCB, Richard Benyon MP, is inviting CCB supporters to come join us at our 2017 Annual General Meeting.

Our AGM is taking place on Thursday 19^th October at Shaw House, Newbury, RG14 2DR. Refreshments and registration will be available from 5.45pm with the AGM commencing at 6.00pm prompt.

CCB (Community Council for Berkshire) is an independent charity and Rural Community Council that has been working throughout the county for over 43 years.

Our vision is for all communities in Berkshire to be strong, sustainable and able to take control of their own futures. Our mission is to inspire communities in Berkshire to thrive. We do this by providing information, advice, support and training to individuals, groups and other organisations. We work as enablers, raising money locally and nationally to deliver projects that have positive, long-lasting effects.

To learn more about us and our work we would be thrilled if you could join us at our 2017 AGM. In order to reserve your place please contact Gemma Pearce at admin@ccberks.org.uk or telephone 0118 9612000 by Wednesday 11^th October.