Issue - meetings

HRH The Queen’s Birthday

The Mayor sent birthday wishes to HRH The Queen on her 95^th birthday.

Mayor’s Charity

The Mayor announced that her online charity auction had been moved to commence on 21 June 2021. The event would be in aid of her two military charities: Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA Berkshire) and the British Forces Foundation (BFF). She encouraged members present to consider pledging an item to be included or bidding for something to help support the charities.

Civic events across the borough

The Mayor updated the meeting on a number of events she had attended including:

·       meeting Year 2 of Holly Spring School over Zoom to discuss the role of the Mayor, civic duties and Bracknell

·       celebrating World Book Day with Year 6 of Binfield Primary School with Councillor Leake

·       assisting a member of the Brownies with a badge-earning project to write about her role as Mayor   

·       spectating at an online Karate session

·       attending the High Sheriff Award Ceremony which recognised those organisations making such as difference to their communities

·       the swearing in of the High Sheriff, Mr Willie-Hartley Russell MVO DL

·       delivering a formal welcome to new citizens at remote Citizenship Ceremonies

·       attending the Annual Crowthorne Parish Meeting

Reopening of the Lexicon

The Mayor reported that she had the pleasure of recording a short video in the Lexicon to encourage residents to support their local businesses and advise shoppers of the arrangements for the re-opening of non-essential shops.

Handprint tree

The Mayor and her granddaughter took part in the Lexicon’s community art project to grow its own special Handprint tree in Princess Square which would be in place until 6 June 2021. Members present were encouraged to take part.

HRH Prince Philip

The Mayor advised the meeting that she had the privilege of attending a Civic Service for HRH the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh at Christ Church Cathedral Oxford. She reflected that this small gathering, to comply with Covid regulations, was a fitting and moving tribute to His Royal Highness and asked the meeting to join her in a minute’s reflection.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Bettison OBE

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bettison OBE welcomed Grainne Siggins, Executive Director: People to her first full Council meeting at Bracknell Forest Council.

Councillor Kirke, Ward member for Bullbrook

Councillor Kirke was pleased to report that Bracknell Town Football club and SB Group Sport and Education Academy were working together to provide a series of free professional summer sports camps. The covid secure sessions would be available at Ranelagh School every Saturday commencing on 1 May until 28 August offering rugby, futsal and kwick cricket.