A COMMUNITY in Shinfield has been nominated for the Community of the Year award, sponsored by Hilton Hotel, Reading.
In the time since the cul-de-sac was established, its residents have raised thousands of pounds for a number of causes through Christmas light displays, street events, and barbecues.They were nominated by resident Mark Taylor, who said that the cul-de-sac has demonstrated a sprit of care and community-mindedness.
“Since the road was completed, we have really come together as a thriving community with a real ‘team spirit’ and a supportive approach to all out residents, which comprises of 20 houses.
“During the pandemic our WhatsApp group was used extensively to help with requests from isolating residents.
“Since our first event in 2017, which usually happens on May Bank Holiday (to coincide with our road name), we have held a yearly street BBQ, Victory Day street event and our yearly Christmas lights display.
“Our organising committee, which comprises of six residents, is always looking for innovative ways and events to bring our community together and we have been so lucky to receive Easter Bunny chocolates, delivered to our front doors; a visit by Father Christmas on Christmas Eve, handing out presents for all the children in the road and not forgetting our amazing Christmas Lights,
Mr Taylor said that many of the road’s events have raised funds for numerous charities.
“This year, we decided to do it for two charities, Epilepsy Action and MacMillan Cancer support, mainly due to the fact two of our residents sadly had diagnosis’s of this.
“Visitors to Maybank were urged to donate via a QR code, which was displayed in the window of every house.
“Local estate agents, Dan and Neil from Avocado, also erected boards at the entrance to Maybank, with the QR Codes on. We also have a community Christmas Tree, which the residents help decorate and then a switch-on ceremony with carols, mulled wine and mince pies.
“We eventually raised £879 for MacMillan Cancer and £1,375 for Epilepsy Action”
Mark says that the community has been working to provide cohesion with one another and celebrate one another.
“We have worked very hard to build a cohesive community which helps each other; supports each other through tough times but also knows how to celebrate and live life to the full, which given the past few years, has really helped all of us.”
Nominations for the Pride of Reading Awards 2022 are currently open.
To nominate a person or organisation, visit:https://www.porawards.co.uk/
