Royal Borough launches Bright Idea Challenge Prize 2015

The search for the Royal Borough’s next bright idea has been launched.

The Bright Idea Challenge Prize, now in its third year, was launched on Tuesday, calling on ‘residents, businesses, entrepreneurs and inventors living or working in the borough’ to suggest ways to improve life or solve problems in their local areas.

This year’s challenge was launched by competition ambassadors Roz Savage MBE and her partner Howard Lack.

Roz is the first woman to have rowed solo across three oceans – the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific – to raise awareness of plastic pollution and climate change.

Speaking about the contest, she said: “I believe everyone has bright ideas to offer and this competition is a really exciting opportunity for people who might otherwise be too shy or not know how to put their ideas forward.

“I am really looking forward to reading the entries and seeing how we can make our towns healthier, safer, more sustainable – and more fun.”

Howard is chief executive of the environmental charity Plastic Oceans, which aims to tackle plastic pollution.

The winner of the best entry will receive £250 and the support of the council to help make their vision a reality with the help of the competition’s shared funding pot of £20,000.

A junior category for under 18s has also been launched.

Initiatives that have come about from previous years include night markets in Windsor and Maidenhead, and the Maidenhead Park Run.

Another is a children’s maze in Oaken Grove Park, Maidenhead, an idea which won mum Claire Castignetti the runner-up prize in last year’s event. The maze is set to open in late October.

Speaking at the launch, Claire said: “I’m tempted to re-enter again. It’s a fantastic idea and anything that can encourage people to get involved in their area is great.

“There’s an idea in everybody and this is a great opportunity for people to stop thinking about what they could do and make it happen.”

Visit www3.rbwm.gov.uk or contact brightidea@rbwm.gov.uk to find out more or submit an idea application. The deadline is Friday, October 30.

Shortlisted entries will be judged by a panel of councillors, council officers and competition ambassadors.