To receive Mayor’s Announcements.

(a)      Colette Dennis

The Mayor invited the Leader of the Council to pay tribute to Colette Dennis who had sadly died suddenly and unexpectedly on 9 June 2023.  Colette had been first elected as a Norcot Ward Councillor in May 2022 and had been re-elected on 24 May 2023 for a further four years. Councillor Brock expressed his appreciation of the contribution that Colette had made during her time on the Council, particularly in representing her constituents.  She would be greatly missed by councillors across the chamber, officers of the Council and by her local community.  He expressed his sincere condolences on behalf of the Council to Colette’s husband, Councillor Glenn Dennis and her family and friends. The Council stood for a minute’s silence in Colette’s memory and as a mark of respect.

(b)      Council Services Awards

The Mayor was proud to announce that the Council had won two awards.  Firstly, the LGC had judged the Council the winner of the category of building inclusive access to Learning, Culture & Leisure in Reading at its 2023 award ceremony.  Secondly, the Highways Maintenance Team had been the winner of the Best Council’s Services Team at the MJ awards 2023.  The Mayor congratulated the Council services for their success and said the trophies would be put on display at the Civic Offices.