BERKSHIRE’S first face-to-face Citizenship Ceremony since the pandemic was held last month.
On Wednesday, September 15, 17 new citizens were welcomed to the borough.
During the pandemic, the ceremonies were conducted virtually or at small gatherings without guests or dignitaries.
All adult applicants who are accepted by the Home Office for citizenship by naturalisation or registration must take an oath of allegiance and pledge of loyalty while the national anthem is played, before they can become a British Citizen.
During the ceremony new citizens were presented with certificates from the deputy lieutenant of Berkshire, Dr Christina Hill Williams, and a gift of a passport cover from the borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker.
Tea, coffee and biscuits were served after.
Cllr Baker said he was delighted to celebrate the special day.
“We are proud of the borough’s wide diversity and have welcomed citizens from all walks of life,” he said.
“Our new citizens will bring transferable skills and talents which will enrich and enhance our community.
“Wokingham Borough regularly ranks in the top places to live in the country, and we are delighted that our new citizens have chosen the borough as their home.
“On behalf of the council, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all our new citizens and a huge thanks for choosing Wokingham Borough as a place to live, learn, work and grow.”
