IT WAS a chance to say thank you and well done.
Last Tuesday evening, the mayor of Reading hosted a reception for winners, sponsors and organisers of the Pride of Reading awards.
Held in the council chamber at the civic offices of Reading Borough Council, it was an opportunity to reflect on last November’s ceremony, let winners catch up with each other and have a moment to thank the many people who make the event possible.
Cllr Tony Page was one of the winners at last year’s event, given an award to mark 50 years of service to Reading as a councillor. His mayoral year will be his last before retiring.
He was thrilled to welcome people to the event.
“This reception is just a small way, on behalf of the council and the community, to thank people for the work that they do that goes into the organisation,” he said.
“We’ve got a good cross-section of award winners and sponsors here and hopefully it encourages further buy-in (from potential sponsors) to this year’s Pride of Reading Awards, which I think will be in November.”
Cllr Page felt the Pride of Reading Awards are an important part of Reading’s rich tapestry, creating an opportunity for the town to celebrate its unsung heroes, community champions and special businesses.
“The recognition is important in a community like Reading, where we have not only a very diverse and active voluntary sector, but we also recognise the contribution that many key individuals in the public sector, emergency services and key council workers play in that community,” he said. “It’s a really good, positive event.”
Of his honour, he said: “My award is on my shelf along with various other bits and pieces. It was genuinely a surprise to me and I’m very grateful for it, having been on the council for over 50 years.
“I’m pretty familiar with many of the organisations and individuals involved but also to be recognised in that way is something that I appreciated, It meant a lot to me because it was genuinely a surprise and a well-kept secret.”
During the event, Matt Whitelock spoke on behalf of the board of the Pride of Reading Awards, thanking the Mayor for hosting the reception for winners, sponsors and organisers.
He said he had been lucky to win an award in its inaugural year, and then sponsor the Child of Courage Award in 2013 for the 10th anniversary. He then got involved with the production side of the annual event, through his former company Berzerk Productions.
He is now chair of the board for the newly formed Pride of Reading CiC.
A Reading boy through and through, he said how important the event is for the town of Reading and in “celebrating the exceptional people, businesses, organisations and charities that truly make a difference.
“I’m proud to play a small role in something that means so much to those nominated each year.”
The awards kick-off for their 20th anniversary soon.
“Nominations open at the end of April so start thinking about who you’d like to honour or celebrate,” he said.
For more pictures, don’t miss the print edition of Reading Today, on sale on Thursday, February 15
