Mayor's Announcements
Minutes:
The Mayor reported on her activities since the last Council meeting in September. These included:
· Bracknell Foodbank Advent Calendars
· Unveiling of Royal Title at Berkshire Archives
· Judicial Service Parade
· Silver Sunday Tea Dance
· Home Start 30th Anniversary.
· Navratri
· Poppy Pod
· Diwali
· Remembrance Sunday Parade
The Mayor was pleased to announce that her nominated charity for the remainder of her mayoral year would be Berkshire Women’s Aid who, while found outside of the borough, provided support to Bracknell Forest families experiencing domestic abuse and domestic violence. This was particularly timely given the recent White Ribbon Day on 25 November 2023 which aimed to end men’s violence on women and girls. The Mayor invited all Councillors to participated in the White Ribbon Campaign Vigil event on 9 December 2023.
The Mayor drew particular attention to the Foodbank’s Advent Calendar campaign, and encouraged all Councillors to generously contribute to the Foodbank this festive season.
The Mayor commented that she had been pleased to attend two major Hindu celebrations, Navratri and Diwali, which had been hosted by two different community groups. It had been a huge opportunity to be a bridge between communities.
The Judicial Service led by the High Sheriff of Berkshire had raised money for Legal Aid to support those who could not afford legal services, and the Mayor had also attended the Crown Court open day which had been eye-opening.
The Mayor had attended the retirement party for the Lord Lieutenant James Puxley, and she thanked him for his service and wished him all the best.
On 12 November 2023, the Mayor had attended the Remembrance Sunday service which had been very well attended by residents and members of the armed forces to remember those who served in the line of duty. The Mayor commented that her grandfather had served 6 years in active duty, and had provided soldiers from his clan to the British Army, and that the sacrifices of all servicemen and women would not be forgotten.