Mayor of Thatcham recognises town’s best and brightest at civic awards ceremony

Thatcham mayor Suzanne Adamantos held her Civic Reception on Friday night.

And in front of an assembly of specially invited councillors, charities and esteemed guests, she shone a light on some of the best and brightest in the town.

Mrs Adamantos presented cheques for £1,915 to her chosen charities Thatcham Youth and Cruse Bereavement Support.

Mrs Adamantos, who has lived in Thatcham for 36 years, supports Thatcham Youth with fellow councillor Ben Schiffer-Harte (Thatcham North East).

She said: “Thatcham Youth do a fantastic job of helping to develop new skills.

“Paige [McShane] is amazing and she goes above and beyond what she is contracted to do.”

She also explained how she benefitted from Cruse Bereavement Support when she lost her sister.

Mrs Adamantos thanked all the selfless volunteers she has met during her tenure as mayor, christening them the “true heroes of our town”.

She shared some of her highlights in the role, from visiting school theatre performances to presenting a certificate to Thatcham man Pete Congerton for his years of fundraising efforts.

But she jested singing at Thatcham’s Christmas lights switch-on was not one of them.

Mrs Adamantos, passionate about suicide prevention, is also a member of the West Berkshire Suicide Prevention Action Group and is a past deputy director for Newbury Samaritans.

Councillor Mike Cole (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) gave a moving address to Mrs Adamantos about her time as mayor.

He confirmed Mrs Adamantos attended 165 events this civic year and recognised her as the first mayor to lead a Chinese dragon during the town’s first Chinese New Year Celebrations.

He also thanked her for being a generous supplier of cake at council meetings.

Mrs Adamantos’ successor will be announced at a mayor making ceremony at Frank Hutchings Community Hall on Sunday, May 11.