In this week's column, Paul Bettison OBE, reminds people that this Friday is Holocaust Memorial Day, and also informs people about the photo ID they will need to vote in the all-out elections this year. Finally, he introduces a project to create a 'coronation crown' made up of a collage of images. Councillor Bettison writes:

This Friday is Holocaust Memorial Day. The day seeks to remember the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust. It is also to remember the millions of others who were targeted by Nazi persecution. Since then, the event has also been used to commemorate those persecuted in genocides from Cambodia to Darfur.

This date, 27th January, was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. Therefore, the day can be seen as a reminder that things can get better, as long as we learn from history.

In Bracknell Forest, we stand against all forms of persecution. You can find out more about the day, and the events that are available in the borough, on our website.

Looking ahead to May and the local elections, I’d like to remind everyone about the importance of ensuring you have proper ID, as it’s essential to the voting process. As it is a new process, there are some misconceptions. For example, did you know that you can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you? The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

You will continue to see information from the council on how to prepare for the elections in the coming weeks. However, you can also find out all the information in advance on the Electoral Commission’s website.

And on the subject of photos, have you seen the fantastic project the council and The Lexicon have planned? We are working together to mark the occasion of The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, by creating Berkshire’s largest coronation crown. To make this happen, 2,023 images are needed, which will be used to create a 14 by 10 metre spectacular collage in the shape of a crown. This will be on display in Princess Square in the weeks leading up to the Coronation ceremony on Saturday, 6 May. If you would like to be involved, upload your images to The Lexicon website before Friday, March 10.

Please take care in the cold weather and I wish you a happy week ahead.