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Thatcham’s best and brightest recognised in civic awards




The Mayor of Thatcham has held his Civic Reception.

And he shone a light on some of the best and brightest in the town.

PALS receiving their cheque, picture: TTC
PALS receiving their cheque, picture: TTC

Mayor Mark Lillycrop has attended more than 120 events this civic year and said it has been a window into what is really happening in the community.

He handed out mayor’s awards to a number of individuals and organisations.

Sally Mitchell received a mayor’s award for her gardening work on the Jubilee Sensory Garden.

Sally Mitchell with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC
Sally Mitchell with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC

She bought a splash of colour to the dementia-friendly space which opened more than a year ago.

It now holds dementia garden parties and is home to a bug garden, vegetables and flowers which can be taken away and a quiet, safe community space.

Brain Woodham from the flood forum’s surface water management plan funding committee (SWMP) was also a recipient of an award.

Brian Woodham with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC
Brian Woodham with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC

Mr Lillycrop said the work of the SWMP is remarkable and possibly the only scheme of its kind, nationwide, to have protected so many houses.

The importance of diversity was on the agenda and two organisations caught Mr Lillycrop’s eye this year.

An award went to Alice Kunjappy Clifton and Julian Swift Hook of Community United, an organisation that has fostered and promoted links between ethnic groups through sports, religious and cultural events.

Community United's Alice Kunjappy-Clifton with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC
Community United's Alice Kunjappy-Clifton with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC

The second organisation promoting diversity is Newbury Pride in Thatcham.

And Mr Lillycrop awarded recognition to Andrea Brookes and Graham Reese.

Newbury Pride with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC
Newbury Pride with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop, picture: TTC

The mayor said: “This amazing group are key to encouraging tolerance, inclusion, and respect for personal freedom across our area.

“And I’m really pleased that Newbury Pride in Thatcham, as we’re calling it, has brought their community closer to home here in our town.”

He also presented cheques to his chosen charities Sport in Mind and Pals West Berkshire.

Sport in Mind with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop and councillor Ben Schiffer-Harte, picture: TTC
Sport in Mind with mayor of Thatcham Mark Lillycrop and councillor Ben Schiffer-Harte, picture: TTC

He said: “Using physical activity to support mental health is a subject close to my heart.

“I first came across Sport in Mind in Reading a year or so back, and it’s been good to help raise this excellent charity’s profile in Thatcham,

“PALS are well known in Thatcham and do amazing work for young people with physical disabilities.

“They are a very special group of people and I’m so happy to be able to help them.”

Mr Lillcrop’s successor will be announced in mid-May at the mayor making ceremony.



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