To receive Mayor’s Announcements.

(a)        Holocaust Memorial Day

The Mayor invited the Council to join him in a minute’s silence in respect of Holocaust Memorial Day which was held on 27 January and to provide a period of reflection for the victims of the all too many wars that were currently being waged around to world.  He also wanted to provide an opportunity for the many Councillors who were unable to attend the Holocaust Memorial Day Event to pay their respects.

(b)        Bet Tickner

The Mayor paid tribute to former Mayor and Abbey ward Councillor, Bet Tickner who had sadly died recently.  The Mayor said “Bet was not only a colleague but also a long-standing personal friend. We worked closely together over the years to represent the interests of Abbey ward.  Besides her obvious passion for Reading and supporting the Royal Berkshire Hospital and local NHS, Bet was also a committed internationalist and a keen supporter of the Refugee Support Group, of which she was a trustee for some years.  Her enthusiasm and passion will be sadly missed.”

The Council stood for a minute’s silence in Bet’s memory and as a mark of respect.