Agenda item

Funeral for Freeman of the Borough and former Councillor Jim Finnie

The Mayor reported that it had been a privilege to attend the funeral of James (Jim) Finnie, the Freeman of the Borough, past Mayor, former Conservative Borough Council colleague and Crowthorne Parish councillor. The Mayor was aware that many people attended the service virtually and looked forward to being able to celebrate his contribution to the Borough when Covid-restrictions allowed. The online condolence messages had been shared with his family.            

Thank you messages

The Mayor advised that due to the challenges of Covid it had not been possible to carry out the usual civic engagements which were often an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to residents and organisations. The Mayor announced that the Mayor’s Office was keen to participate in any community events and meetings that were being run virtually or future events that were being planned.

Mayor’s Charity Online Auction

The Mayor announced that she would be running an online auction in support of her chosen charities: Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA Berkshire) and the British Forces Foundation (BFF). She reflected how service personnel had been helping in the pandemic from testing to building Nightingale Hospitals. The Mayor asked for support for these charities by pledging an item for the auction or placing a bid.

Census 2021 – 21 March 2021

The Mayor reminded everyone present that the Census was being held on 21 March 2021. She advised that letters were being sent to each household with a unique access code to enable the census to be completed online, although paper copies would be available.

Executive Member for the Environment

Councillor Mrs Hayes MBE, Executive Member for the Environment was pleased to remind everyone that food waste recycling was being launched in the borough on 1 March 2021. The fleet of new food waste collection vehicles had been named following a competition to come up with food related names. Over 1,700 residents voted and the winners were: The Food Dude, Binderella, Truck Norris, Hank Marvin and Dame Foodie Dench. Actress Dame Judi Dench sent a video message thanking the Council for naming one of its food waste trucks in her honour.

Executive Member for Children, Young People and Learning

Councillor Dr Barnard, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Learning was proud to report that the transformation of Braccan Walk youth hub was now complete. The ground floor of a car park had been transformed into a modern and colourful youth centre for young people in Bracknell Forest. He concluded that he was looking forward to welcoming young people when restrictions allowed.

Councillor Dr Barnard paid tribute to the hard work of the borough’s schools through the pandemic and preparing for the reopening of schools from 8 March 2021. He recognised Rachel Morgan, Assistant Director of Education, who was leaving the Council, for her contribution to improving school performance with more schools now rated good and outstanding, developing good relationship with schools and a child-focused approach to education.  

Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing

Councillor Birch, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing advised the meeting of the Young Health Champions programme which was being run in secondary schools. He was proud that the initiative aimed to give young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to act as peer mentors by teaching young people about managing their own health and wellbeing and how to promote health campaigns to their peers. The project had been short-listed for the Children and Young People Now Award.

Fundraising for Careleavers

The Mayor was pleased to announce that £780 had been raised by Councillor Ms Hayes’ fundraising collection from councillors.