WOKINGHAM’S mayors past and present have gathered together to commemorate the borough’s 10th birthday.
In March 2007, Her Majesty the Queen granted borough status to the former Wokingham District Council, and while districts have a Chairman, boroughs have a Mayor.
Eight of the borough’s nine mayors – Angus Ross (2007), Annette Drake (2007-08), Pauline Helliar Symons (2008-09), Barrie Patman (2009-10), Dianne King (2010-12), Bob Wyatt (2012-13), UllaKarin Clark (2013-15), and Bob Pitts (2016-17) – came together to cut a special cake to mark the occasion.
Cllr Parry Batth, who became the borough’s first Sikh Mayor in 2015-16, was not present.
The first borough Mayor, and last district Chairman, Cllr Angus Ross said: “I was privileged to be able to initiate the process for borough status and this was supported by the then Lord Lieutenant and most of the councillors at that time.
“This has resulted in a wider understanding of the borough and its involvement with businesses and our various communities. I feel strongly that it was a sound move which has benefited everyone. We ensured the change was achieved at minimal cost to council tax payers as generous donations were received to make the change and provide the new Mayor’s chain of office and robes which distinguish the Mayor on formal occasions.”
