Bracknell

Bracknell Forest borough’s businesses, voluntary organisations, and members of the Council joined the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest Cllr Mrs Gill Birch at the annual civic reception last Friday (April 11) to celebrate excellence.

Other guests included Sir Philip Wroughton KCVO, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Dr Carolyn Boulter, High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Rt Hon Andrew MacKay MP, other local mayors and Council staff.

The prestigious black-tie event was held at the Licensed Victuallers' School in Ascot and is an annual celebration where the borough's Mayor thanks everyone who she has come in to contact with during her period as Mayor.

In her speech Bracknell Cllr Mrs Birch reflected on the year and events which have and will shape the borough for years to come.

She recognised the huge contribution made to many groups and individuals in the borough who give so much, often unpaid, to support a wide range of activities and public service.

Gill had invited a wide range of people from community groups, schools, Heathlands care home, and youth organisations.

The Bracknell Mayor also thanked the head teachers, staff and governors of the borough’s excellent schools and all the other, coaches, mentors, scout leaders and support staff who work hard to support Bracknell Forest's young people.

She introduced Michael Carne, Deputy Member of the Youth Parliament, and talked about his work with young people.

She said: "It has been a very busy year with the Council receiving many awards and high praise for many areas. We are now a four star Council which means the residents of the borough will continue to get first class service from us.

"Our social services have improved so much with the dementia tea, winning a national award. I also wanted to thanks all the staff, tenans and leaseholders who have worked so hard on the housing stock transfer and I'd like to wish Bracknell Forest Homes the best for the future.

I have attended many events over the last year and have been impressed by the work in the borough by volunteers and also the support of the business community. The civic reception is a way of saying thank you to these people.

I would also like to thank everyone who has supported my chosen charity, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help, and helped by raising or donating money.

"This year I set two objectives for my charity. I didn't want to just raise as much money as possible which is going well, but to also raise the profile of SSAFA and all the terrific work they do to support our former service men and women.

"I am pleased to say that in the last year the number of referrals to SSAFA locally has increased by 15%.

My husband Dale and I have had a wonderful year in office and we are both extremely proud and privileged to have served the community in this way.”

Cllr Birch thanked the Deputy Bracknell Mayor Cllr Bob Edger, the Mayor's Chaplain Rev Guy Cole and her secretary and chauffeur for their support during her mayoral year. She also thanked her children, Graham and Susie, for their support.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council