By Mary Temperton

Leader of Bracknell Forest Council

On Saturday, July 20, Bracknell Forest held its second Pride event at The Lexicon. This was even bigger and better than last year. It started with a parade through the town led by The Hot Dogs brass band and it was lovely to have residents join in as we progressed along. The whole day was a huge success and I would like to thank all those who organised the event and everyone who came out to support our LGBTQIA+ community and to enjoy the music, the sparkle and the fun.

On July 15, I was proud to launch the South East Fostering hub. With over 11,000 children in care across the south east, and fewer than 3,000 local authority approved foster carers, there is always a need for new fosterers.  Bracknell Forest is hosting this new initiative, working with

School summer holidays are now with us, and I wish all our young residents, teachers and school staff a very happy six weeks off. We are so fortunate to have our many green spaces, recreation grounds, Swinley Forest and leisure facilities within the borough for young people to explore and have fun in. Let’s hope the weather enables you to enjoy them.

The Free Summer of Fun Days are again being organised by the parish and town councils. These free events are running from July 31 to August 28. For details visit: www.bracknelltowncouncil.gov.uk.

We have used a government grant to provide food vouchers to support our children who cannot get their free school meals in the holidays. Organised activities are also available for these children throughout the summer.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is all about creativity. From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music. Children from four to 11 will be able to find new reads linked to their favourite creative arts and access free activities at their local library.

We are lucky that we live in a lovely borough and to make it even more enjoyable, can I make a plea to all our residents, let’s make August litter free. If you are out and about, please dispose of your rubbish properly or take it home. What a difference this will make.