Agenda item

Mayor's Announcements

Minutes:

Welcome to new Chaplain

 

The Mayor welcomed her new chaplain Father Malcolm Chalmers of Holy Trinity Church who had stepped into the role. Father Malcolm’s first engagement had been to officiate at the civic service on Sunday 24 October at The Parish Church of St Michael & St Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead. The Mayor reflected that they had been honoured to be joined by the Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Lindsay Beard JP DL and dignitaries from neighbouring boroughs.

 

Older People’s Day Events

 

The Mayor thanked Councillor Ms Gaw, Older People’s Champion, for organising the bingo session hosted by Shopmobility and Councillor Temperton for arranging the silver week tea party with a quiz provided by Easthampstead Park School.

 

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Events

 

The Mayor had attended the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service Celebration event on 2 October which recognised new and existing fire fighters and their support teams for their hard work during the pandemic. Crowthorne Community Fire station was officially reopened on 15 October which offered a shared location for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service.

 

Honouring the Armed Forces

 

The Mayor had visited the poppy pod which was set up in the Lexicon allowing online donations to be made to support the Poppy Appeal. Remembrance Sunday events were held across the borough with wreaths laid by Councillors in their wards. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor attended services in Bracknell and the Leader of the Council attended the service in Sandhurst. Sandhurst and Bracknell Town Councils were thanked for organising the parades.     

 

Open Learning Centre

 

Joining Councillor Dr Barnard, the Mayor had observed the work being carried out to support community learning by taking part in a water colour class for beginners and meeting students of all ages at the English language café.

 

Tribute to James Finnie

 

On 30 October 2021 a memorial service was held for ex-Councillor Jim Finnie, Freeman of the Borough and former Crowthorne ward councillor. After the service a small ceremony was held to formally name the square outside of Crowthorne Library as Jim Finnie Square – a tribute to someone who had dedicated so much of his life to the Borough. The Mayor thanked Immediate Past Mayor, Councillor Mrs McKenzie for attending on her behalf.

 

Other highlights

 

The Mayor highlighted a number of other events she had attended including the opening of the Lexicon’s Christmas Market, the talent at the Crowthorne and Sandhurst Art Exhibition, the Involve and Homestart Annual General meetings, the weekly online Citizenship Ceremonies, the Presentation ceremony for the Queens Award for Voluntary Service as well as the opening of the Crown Court at the start of the Judicial Year. The Mayor concluded by reporting that all 26 of the borough’s iconic poppies were safely stored.

 

Improvements to Lily Hill Park

 

Councillor Angell was pleased to report that significant improvements were being made at Lily Hill Park in the Bullbrook ward. £13.5k of Section 106 open space/recreation funding had been agreed. 23 new spires would be erected containing photos and information on the park’s history, including text in braille for those visually impaired.

Supporting documents:

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk