Bracknell

The Bishop of Reading, Stephen Cottrell, volunteer organisations and representatives of schools joined the Bracknell mayor, Cllr Bob Edger OBE, and mayoress Sigi Edger at the annual civic reception on Friday (March 27) to recognise and celebrate those who have contributed to the borough during his year in office.

Other Bracknell guests included Brigadier Michael Aris CBE, deputy lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Dr Carolyn Boulter, high sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, the Rt Hon Andrew MacKay MP, mayors from neighbouring local authorities and Bracknell Forest Council members and staff.

The prestigious black-tie event was held Wellington College, in Crowthorne, where the assembled guests listened as Cllr Edger reflected on the events of the past 12 months and the work that has been done across the borough to support the community.

He emphasised the Bracknell council's six priorities designed to help residents and businesses move forward in difficult economic times and highlighted the strong performance of frontline services for children, older people and environmental management.

Bracknell Cllr Edger went on to say: "Some of the most enjoyable functions Sigi and I have attended during the last year have been those involving children and have included inter-schools sports and other competitions, music and choir concerts, plays and art exhibitions.

"We have a nation of young achievers that only need the stimulus to succeed and we must do all in our power to enable them to do this...because quite simply, children are our future."

The mayor's charity this year has been Childline. He said: "Here in Bracknell Forest we must do whatever it takes to ensure that children in our community are safeguarded and protected and I am sure that all of us here tonight...are dedicated to seeing this happen.

The borough's volunteer organisations were also singled out for praise by Cllr Edger who said: "It has been one of the great privileges for Sigi and me over the last year to see how these organisations and charities operate.

"If anything is designed to keep one's feet planted firmly on the ground it is witnessing some of these volunteers at work."

The mayor also referred to the successful development of partnership working, particularly in tackling crime and disorder. He hoped for progress in the Bracknell's regeneration scheme and flagged the town's celebration of Armed Forces day on Saturday, June 27.

Bracknell Forest Council