Friday 25th April was the Mayor of Thatcham, Phil Dray’s civic reception to which Edwina Cooper and I were invited. Unfortunately, Edwina had fallen heavily that day and was not feeling or looking too good so I had to go unaccompanied. I arrived just after 7 p.m. with my attendant, Carol Currey and joined the line to be greeted by Phil and his wife. During the reception I met other guests, including the Mayor of Hungerford, Peter Harries and his wife, John Miller, the former High Sheriff of Berkshire and his wife and the Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Andrew Rowles and his lady. I also met Mike Harris, who was at one time the Director of Legal Services at Newbury District Council, then helped out at Newbury Town Hall when the Town Council was formed and is doing something similar at Thatcham Town Council. After dinner, we were treated to a performance of dance given by West Berkshire Ballet School, under their Principal, Jane Scholl. I am not an expert on dance but nevertheless, I thought it was a very polished performance and beautifully choreographed.
Phil then presented civic awards to members of the local community who had given outstanding service in mainly charity work and also presented a cheque to the West Berkshire Community Hospital to purchase a special bicycle for patients undergoing physiotherapy treatment.
After the presentations, Phil invited John Miller, a former High Sheriff of Berkshire to speak on his experiences during his year.
He gave an explanation on how he was recruited, what his duties were and some of the engagements he attended. I did not know that the High Sheriff was originally the Monarch’s representative until relatively recently when the duties were split between the Lord Lieutenant andf the High Sheriff. He is an excellent raconteur and his speech was well received.
Phil then thanked everyone for their support during the year and it was time to say farewell. Phil has been a great ambassador for Thatcham and I wished him well for the future.
Phil then presented civic awards to members of the local community who had given outstanding service in mainly charity work and also presented a cheque to the West Berkshire Community Hospital to purchase a special bicycle for patients undergoing physiotherapy treatment.
After the presentations, Phil invited John Miller, a former High Sheriff of Berkshire to speak on his experiences during his year.
He gave an explanation on how he was recruited, what his duties were and some of the engagements he attended. I did not know that the High Sheriff was originally the Monarch’s representative until relatively recently when the duties were split between the Lord Lieutenant andf the High Sheriff. He is an excellent raconteur and his speech was well received.
Phil then thanked everyone for their support during the year and it was time to say farewell. Phil has been a great ambassador for Thatcham and I wished him well for the future.
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