More than 200 people attend community celebration at Maidenhead Library

More than 200 community members gathered at Maidenhead Library last week to honour and celebrate the borough’s residents, voluntary service organisations and community groups.

Attendees to the evening on Friday, September 29 enjoyed food, refreshments, a live DJ and free activities such as bhangra dancing.

A total of 18 community organisations also spoke to residents about their work and the support they offer.

The event was organised in partnership with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and NHS Frimley community development teams, and provided a chance to reflect on all the collaborative work that has taken place across the borough under the Empowering Our Communities initiative in the last year.

The evening also showcased successful community projects, promoted the borough’s Community Champions, celebrated how communities have taken up the opportunity from the RBWM Innovation Fund, and provided an opportunity to share what has been learnt through the World Cafes with residents.

The event also provided a chance for people to connect to look ahead and ask residents and the community to think about what is next and how further difference can be made.

Cllr Joshua Reynolds, the Royal Borough’s cabinet member for communities and leisure, said: “Our community celebration was an absolute triumph, bringing together residents and local organisations from across the town.

“It was a testament to the spirit and unity of partnership between the council, voluntary sector, NHS and our residents, that we had an incredible turnout, and such positive energy filled the room.

“The event was our way of celebrating our communities’ successes, promoting what they’ve done so far, and setting out how we can all keep this momentum going during the coming year.

“It was about showcasing the achievements of our varied and diverse communities and groups, and was a great way for us to give them the spotlight.”

Alex Tilley, RBWM director of operations, for NHS Frimley, said: “What an honour to be part of an event where residents, communities, council, public health and local health partners coming together to celebrate the impact from the Empowering Our Communities initiative.

“We have an excellent foundation in the relationships and the positive impacts to date to push forward and do more together. We asked everyone to explore the showcase, and then to take a moment to think what next and what can I do to take their ideas forward.”

For more information about Empowering Our Communities, World Cafes, Innovation Fund and Community Champions, visit RBWM Together at:https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/hub-page/empowering-our-communities