Deputy Mayor Diaries: VE Day celebrations at the Maples Centre

Things got a bit busy in May - can't think why.  Anyway it's time I finished my Deputy Mayor Diaries now that I am the actual Mayor.

On Friday 8 May I dashed from the local election count, where I was seriously over dressed (I'd dressed for the VE day theme), to join the people at The Maples Centre for their VE Day celebration.  There were lots of activities on during the day with a raffle, games, entertainment buffet and toast to those that were not here to remember VE day 70 years on.

It was clear everyone was enjoying themselves and I was lucky to hear some of the stories of VE day from some of those at the event.  At 3pm we observed a two minute silence, joining thousands across the country to remember those who lost their lives to make VE day happen.

The Maples in one of the councils day centres, along with drop-ins in Caversham and Southcote.

Deputy Mayor Diaries: ACRE Diversity Day

Saturday 18 April was a busy day.  From opening a pottery painting cafe I headed to the University of Reading for the ACRE Diversity Day.

I was asked to say a few words to open the event and I spoke about how diversity in Reading is one of the towns strengths and something we should treasure and maintain.

There were lots of things to do and see and I enjoyed talking to the Berkshire Carers Service, Berkshire Autistic Society and Reading Voluntary Action who told me about how they are focusing on volunteering oppotunities for 16-24 year olds (see www.RVAyouth.org.uk).

Sadly it was a flying visit so I didn;t get the chance to see everyone but I hope to return next year with a bit more time!  I also made sure everyone knew about next years Year of Culture as because I want the year to reflect our town fully.

The welcome was made by Harish Raichura, ACRE Trustee

An energetic performance by Niquelle LaTouche and friends

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Opening of Mad Hatters Pottery Painting Cafe

 I was delighted to be asked to open the Mad Hatters Pottery Painting Cafe in Tilehurst because I am a bit of a fan of pottery painting and my husband has been presented with many a hand painted mug designed but one of the boys.

The cafe has been created by Fiona Stevens and it sits happily in the Tilehurst Triangle area and easily accessible by the 17 bus!  As well as pot painting they also serve all the bits you would expect from a cafe.

It was opened on Saturday 18 April. I was made to feel very welcome by Fiona and her family and I was invited to paint a square on their giant pottery pig.  Luckily chairing the Arts and Heritage Forum doesn't require artistic skill!

With Fiona Stevens

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Nominations for the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Yesterday, 27 March 2015, I attended the Berkshire College of Agriculture for a ceremony to present two British Empire Medals and twelve certificates celebrating nominations to the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service which is the MBE for voluntary groups.

Mr James Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, arranged the ceremony and two Reading groups where awarded.  They were East Reading Horticultural Therapy & Community Based Training Ltd - known as the Ridgeline Trust and Parenting Special Children.

It was a wonderful event and I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to Reading's two recipients and I sincerely hope they are selected to receive the award.

 

Parenting Special Children receiving their certificate

The Ridgeline Trust receiving their certificate from the Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire

The 12 certificates.  Also nominated were Alzheimers Dementia Support, Bracknell Foodbank, Children 1st West Berkshire, Early Adopt-a-Street Initiative, Jealott's Hill Community Landshare, Link Visiting Scheme, Open Kitchen, Slough Special Voices. The Herschel Park Volunteers and West Berkshire Cruse Bereavement Care

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Oxfam and the Henley Business School Certificate Presentation

As Alumna of the Year for the University of Reading I do try and attend as many events at the University as I can.  This engagement was on Tuesday 24 March.

Students of the Henley Business School, led by Dr Daniel Gozman, had been working with local Oxfam shops.  They had been using the skills they are learning to see if Oxfam could or should improve these three areas:

Customer loyalty:  should there be a customer loyalty scheme?  How would it work?  How would customers be rewarded?

E-commerce: How can the stores improve listing on the Oxfam web store?  What equipment would be needed?  How much space would be required and how should items be selected?

Crowd funding: How is this done? How can prizes be gathered?  What types of events should ther be?

The three groups of students made presentations to Oxfam, Jim Odell from Kemp Little Consulting, Jannah Patchay and independent consultant and Alex Furneaux from Capgemini.  They were then asked questions about their proposals before the studies were handed over to Oxfam.

You can read more about the event here:

Deputy Mayor of Reading recognises student achievements at Oxfam Projects presentation event

I think these types of 'town and gown' collaborations should be encouraged and students given the opportunity to help local charity and community groups.

  

 

Deputy Mayor Diaries: West Forest Sinfonia

This is a tricky one to write about.  First I shall give you the facts.  The West Forest Sinfonia give concerts of professional quality with musicians drawn from across Berkshire.  Today's conductor was Philip Ellis and we had a wonderful piano performance from the very talented Georgina Sutton.  It was held in the Geat Hall of the University of Reading which was a stunning setting.

The pieces played were:

Beethoven - Egmont Overture
Mozart - Piano concerto K in D Minor
Faure - Pelleas et Melisande
Schubert - Symphony No.5

The reason it's tricky to write about is because music means different things to everybody.  I found the concert enchanting.  I have enjoyed classical music since I was little, being introduced to it through the famous ballets and Fantasia.  I have expanded my collection over the years but I don't find myself listening to it very much.

I love classical music but I find it very distracting so having it on in the background usually ends in me stopping doing whatever it was I was trying to do.  I love the rhythm and the 'rules' and find my brain connects to the music.  I find it very relaxing and I imagine the ballet moves that could accompany the piece I am listening to.  This meant this concert was very enjoyable.

The conductor and musicians were also fascinating to watch.  I can't recommend attending a live concert enough.  It really is a very different experience to listening to a CD.

Sadly my relaxed mood didn't last long because when I got home the boys had turned the front room into a pig sty! 

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Ugadi Celebrations

Happy Ugadi!  Today is the new year for a few parts of central and southern India and I was invited along to join in the celebrations.

One of the things I love about Reading is the sheer number of different cultures we have. It's adds to the richness of life in the town.  Today I had the chance to meet members of the Telugu Association of Reading and Around (TARA) and I received a very warm welcome.

I was treated to some very tasty food, excellent singing and dancing and great company.  While I was there Mr Srinivasa Alluri was given a special recognition award for his work with Manavata and 3H - Healthy (food leads to), Happy (people and a more) & Harmonious (community).

TARA runs a lot of events throughout the year to educate children about their Telugu heritage which is rich in art, music, dance, language, poetry and family.  I do hope they are part of the Year of Culture in 2016.

A big thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcome and the organisers of this wonderful event.

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Reading Primary School's Music Festival

What a truly wonderful evening tonight was.  400 children from 17 Reading schools took part in a celebration of music and dance.  It was the 70th anniversary of the Reading Primary School's Music Festival (RPSMF) and the event was called 'Thank you for the music'.

It was a joy from beginning to end.  The voices of 400 children made a wonderful sound and it was great to see the songs signed by some children from The Avenue too.  There were also dances and solos performed by some very talented children.  We were also treated to a performance of 'Let it go' by Anne Fairbrother.

The following poem was written by Mya Darji who also read it out this evening:

A celebration of music

The celebration of music has evolved over many years,
It all started with the Medieval cheers.
This century brought us Rock 'n' Roll and Elvis,
Girls dropped to his knees watching his pelvis.

The beatles gave us a 60's vibe,
And the Bee gees kept disco Staying Alive.
In the 80's Pet Shop Boys about West End Girls,
And Prince wanted to shower them with diamonds and Pearls.

The 90's brought us Brit Pop.
With the Spice Girls, Blur and Take That,
But in the Noughties, Robbie sadly left and they went splat.
And in the Teenies, we saw their revival,
But that shows sharing good music
Is a fight for survival.

The schools who took part were: Caversham Park, Caversham Primary, Churchend, Emmer Green, E.P. Collier, Garland Junior, Hemdean House, Katesgrove, Manor, Meadow Park, Moorlands, Oxford Road, Park Lane, Redlands, St Annes, The Avenue and The Hil.

I was sad to hear this may have been the last of these events due to the difficulty getting volunteers.  I sincerely hope they can keep going and make it to their century!

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Alternative Queen of Reading

This was the second event I attended on Friday 6 March.  I was delighted to be asked to judge the Alternative Queen of Reading.  I saw myself as a Darcey rather than a Craig although as one point I was nearly booed - whoops!

The Alternative queen is a celebration of all things female. Today is International Women's Day which is another day to celebrate all women have achieved but also to focus on the work we still have to do to achieve fairness and equality for women all around the globe.

There were six acts.

Penelope Porchette who shared her confessions of a serial dieter 'Under tall not overweight'.

Gog who was very funny and shared a song about the British habit of queuing - unless you're in a pub.

Nichole shared a poem about her life then a song called In The Garden which were both very moving.

Cassie Magnolia sang and danced about.

Alex Reindorp was the lady of the house.

Miss Pearl La Peach did a very glittery (and brave) burlesque act.

You can read more about them here.  The winnner was Gog and the runner up Cassie Magnolia.

It was a wonderful evening with many ukuleles and much laughter and fun all compered by Baroness Maria Von Hackemann.

Photo thanks to Richard McKenzie

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Women's World Day of Prayer

On Friday 6 March I attended two very different  events to celebrate women.  The first was the Women's World Day of Prayer at Abbey Baptist Church. This was an event that was taking place across the world and this year the service had been written by Christian women of the Bahamas and the theme was:

Jesus said to them: what have I done to you?

It was an very interesting service.  I am not a Christian but it gave me food for thought and many of the lessons were universal.

The women of the Bahamas had highlighted six concerns they had for the islands and during the service each was addressed and a wish given.  They were:

Poverty - Blessed
Domestic Violence - Blameless
Migrants - Accepted
Teenage Mothers - Included
HIV & Aids - Never Alone
Breast Cancer - Cured

We were also asked to write down a word or phrase demonstrating how we could express radical love. This is what I wrote because truly listening is very different to hearing:

It was a multi denominational, global event which made the day even more special.

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Theatretrain - Perform It! Playathon

What an lovely way to spend a Sunday evening!  On Sunday 1 March I was invited to watch Theatretrain Reading's Perform It! Playathon.  It was an intriguing title and I was really looking forward to it.

I have a bit of a performing arts background and took ballet classes well into my late 20's.  I was also a ballet teacher until I had my eldest son.  I remember too well the nerves and excitement when waiting to go on stage.  The heat of the stage lighting and, in my case, the mild terror that accompanied a performance.

The young people who performed last Sunday hid this all very well.  I was treated to some wonderful performances.  There was singing, drama and dance but this wasn't any ordinary performance,  it took place as a live director show with instructions being received over the sound system from an unseen director.  The performers had to listen carefully and react to the instruction being given - very impressive!

There were many songs I recognised from popular musicals like Chicago, Les Miserable and Little Shop of Horrors, all sung very well.  The young people and staff involved should all be very proud of their performance.  They even managed to pursuede me to get my jazz hands out.

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Visit from Rudi Delvai - President of World Fair Trade Organisation

If you didn't know, we are half way through Fair Trade Fortnight and Reading, which is a Fair Trade Town, was proud to welcome Rudi Delvai, president of the World Fair Trade Organsiation (WFTO).  I was invited to attend a talk by Mr Dulvai about how Fair Trade organisations are certified.

I have always been interested in Fair Trade and its effect on the people it helps.  It was a very interesting talk where we were told how organisations are certified and how the WFTO ensure they continue to trade fairly once they have entered the scheme.

There was also time for quetions at the end.  I was interested to hear the Scouting movement are very keen to educate their youngsters on Fair Trade and, by using the pester power of children, get parents to consider switching to Fair Trade products.  I have first hand experience on this when last year my eldest bounced out of Beavers and insisted I buy Fair Trade bananas from that point onwards.  Luckily I was able to show him we already to.  Pester power - it works!

There are still lots of events still to take place and you can find out all about them here.

Reading also has a Fair Trade group and their website is here.

One of the audience members made a very good point about paying that bit extra for Fairtrade (although you can find products in places like Lidl and Aldi).  You would usually give 50p or a £1 here and there to charity so why not buy Fair Trade and provide a worker somewhere in the word with a decent wage.

Rudi Delvai, me and David Sutton

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Whitley Research Project - Presentation of Results and Recommendations

As I've said before being Deputy Mayor means a varied diary.  Yesterday I attended the presentation of the results of the Whitley Research Project by Fusion Youth and Community UK at St Agnes church in Whitley.

The team involved with the project, and who did the presentation, were Dr Claire Bankole, Revd Anika Parker, Skye Leon and Kim Anderson. 

They have spoken to people and groups throughout Whitley to identify the challenges faced by this community.  They have used this information to produce a report and recommendations on how to strengthen the community of Whitley and help them overcome the difficulties they face.

It was a very interesting and positive event.  Whitley has many strengths but, like the Oxford Road and West Reading, they are often tarred with an unfair reputation. The report identified the changes that need to be made for people living in Whitley to fulfil their potential.

I have a copy of the report and look forward to reading it.  You can download a copy here:

Click here to see the report.

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Caversham Primary - school councillor badge presentation

Well today was my first engagement since the Civic Carol service in December.  I was invited by Caversham Primary School to present their newly elected school councillors with their badges.

Caversham Primary has three school councils - the main one, the charity council and the eco-council.  Each one has an elected representative from each class from Reception to year 6.

Each child's name was called out and they stood up looking as proud as can be.  I shook hands with each of the main school council councillors and they we given a round of applause and their badges.

It was lovely to be invited to make this presentation.  I believe it's important that children understand the importance of voting and democracy at a young age.  I reminded them it is important to listen to their class as they are not elected to represent themselves but  the whole class.

Who knows, I may even see one of them elected as a councillor in 10-15 years!

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Barbados and Friends Assocation Independence Dinner & Dance

Catch up time!  It's been a bit busy on the lead up to Christmas but I have a bit of time so I am getting up to date.

On 22 November my husband and I had the pleasure to attend the Barbados and Friends Association (BAFA) Independence Dinner & Dance.  This event celebrated 48 years since Barbados gained independence. 

It was a great evening with wonderful entertainment from comedian Geoff Schumann and we were serenaded by the very talented Liberty Buckland.  It was also an honour to meet the Deputy High Commissioner for Barbados.  We were also made to feel very welcome by our host.

It was very interesting to hear all about BAFA and the work they do in Barbados and with our twinned town, Speightstown.  I look forward to supporting their initiatives in the future - especially those where they are supporting schools.  It would be nice to create a link with Reading and Barbados schools and give children the opportunity to learn about each others daily lives.

With my hosts and the Deputy High Commisioner - courtesy of the BAFA website.  Click this pic for more photos

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Reading Fibromyalgia Support Group - Anniversary!

On Thursday evening I attended the Reading Fibromyalgia Support Group's 1st anniversary celebration however it was all tea and cakes.

I am not sure how many people are aware of Fibromyalgia.  I am, as I know people who have the condition.  It is a painful and debilitating thing to have.  You have good days and bad days.  You have a range of symptoms that effect your ability to carry out your usual daily activities.  Until last year there was no support group in Reading but now the membership is 100 plus!

The event included a presentation by Dr Antoni CHan MBChB ERCP PhD on Fibromyalgia.  I found it very interesting and gave me a even greater understanding.  I did not know it is considered a disability. I did not know how it was diagnosed or how it is managed.  The group have a very useful information pack put together by Dr Deepak Ravindran.  You can read the information here and I recommend you do:

Fibromyalgia -All you need to know

There was a question an answer session at the end and I felt I had to ask whether this information was available to employers and trade unions.  Fibromyalgia can lead to time off work or reduced activity so I feel it is vital employers and trade unions understand the condition to prevent distressing sickness
disciplinaries.  I will be sharing the above document with my empoyer and trade union.

The group is run by Alice Gostomski.  They meet at Prospect Park Hospital 7.30pm-9pm and will be meeting on the following dates:

Thursday 18 December 2014

Thursday 22 January 2015

Thirsday 19 February 2015

You can find out further date and information by calling 07789708072 4pm-8pm weekdays or email reading.fibromyalgia@gmail.com.

With my excellent host Neil Stafford

Deputy Mayor Diaries: Caring, Chairing and Ceremony

My last three engagements have been of such variety I thought I would tell you about them all in one place.  The role of Deputy Mayor, and Mayor, is very, very varied and the following show you just how different your duties can be.

On Thursday  October I had a 'caring' engagement.  I was asked to attend the Macmillan coffee morning at Emmbrook Court retirement complex.  I had a lovely afternoon talking to residents and hearing all about their complex of flats.  I also got the chance to spend a few pounds in support of Macmillan and joined in (and lost) the tombola and raffle.  I also picked up a few cakes to share with my boys and some bulbs for the garden.

It was lovely listening to residents.  One lady I talked to worked at Wilson School which is where I went to primary school!

On Tuesday  14 October I took the day off work to take part in the ceremonial opening of the courts.  This was the 'ceremony'engagement.  I wore the full robes of the Deputy Mayor of Reading and, with the mace being carried before me, lead the mayors from surrounding towns and boroughs into St Marys church for the ceremonial service for the opening of the Crown Court.

This is an ancient tradition and everyone was in their full ceremonial dress.  The judges were be-wigged and be-ribboned, the High Sheriff was proceeded by a ceremonial sword and the choir of Eton College sang Zadok The Priest.  The singing was so beautiful the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.  It was an amazing event.

On Tuesday 21 October I attended the AGM of the Reading Association for the Blind.  The Mayor is their president so I took his place and chaired the AGM.  As well as the usual election I over saw the vote on the proposed merger with Berkshire Blind.  I made sure time was taken to hear peoples views on the proposal and that th meeting was run fairly and efficiently (good practise for full council when I'm Mayor!).

I won't share the result as that's not my story to tell but it was a privilege to be part of their AGM.

So there you go.  Being Deputy Mayor is never dull and is filled with variety, interesting stories and a little bit of magic.

Deputy Mayor Diaries : Caversham Bridge Newspaper 50th Anniversary

This evening event, on 3 October, was my second of the day and was a pleasure to attend. The room was filled with the many people who ensure the publication and delivery of the Caversham Bridge newspaper every month. I was sent a pdf of their 50th anniversary edition which you can see here.  It was a great read.

This newspaper was the brainchild of Canon John Grimwade who wanted to see the various Christian demoninations working together for the good of Caversham and it's residents. 

Many different people contribute to the content which is then edited by a team of 6 editors.  The copy is sent to the typesetters, then Newbury Weekly News who produce the plate and print the edition.

120 distributors make sure subscribers get their monthly 25p newspaper Everyone is a volunteer!

The cake was cut by Jim Pilgrim, who was secretary and treasurer, and with the paper since shortly after it began in 1964. 

Here's to another 50 years! 

Some past editions

Jim Pilgrim cutting the cake!

Deputy Mayor Diaries : All Nations Christian Centre WW1 Memorial Unveiling

This engagement was a privilige to be asked to attend.  

This is the centenary year of the start of World War One and the All Nations Christian Centre have refurbished their memorial stone.  On 3 October I unveiled the newly restore stone at a small service presided over by Reverend Billy Fenning.  I also laid a wreath of remembrance.

The Exhortation was recited by Mrs Christine Lewendon who is  Branch President of the Tilehurst Royal British Legion - the first woman to ever hold this position!  The Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Don Richardson of the Salvation Army.

This newly restored memorial can now be the focus of November's remembrance services.

 

Deputy Mayor Diaries : Ridgeway School Sensory Room Opening

I get asked to attend all sorts of events at all sorts of times and, this one being on a Monday (29 September) at 6.30, and at a school, meant I could take my two children (now called the Deputy Mayorettes) who had been complaining they hadn't been to anything for a while.

I was asked to come and see the opening of the new sensory room at The Ridgeway Primary school.  The room was opened by Tom Homer, who plays for the local rugby team, London Irish. Why a rugby player you may ask?  Well, the sensory room was funded by the Wooden Spoon - the charity of British and Irish Rugby supporting mentally, physically disadvantaged children through capital based projects.  You see, it makes sense now.

Wooden Spoon have been working with schools withing the Whitley Excellence Cluster to deliver various projects, this being one of them.  Sensory rooms can be hugely beneficial to all children, especially those with sensory, physical or communication difficulties and I'm sure it will improve the lives of many.

Deputy Mayorettes joining in

With Tom Homer

Tom and Headteacher Madeleine Cosgrove