To hear from the new Maidenhead Town Manager, Robyn Bunyan.

Robyn Bunyan, Maidenhead Town Manager, introduced herself to the Forum and explained that she had been working at Norden Farm for the past 11 years. It was a really interesting time to be joining RBWM and Robyn Bunyan wanted to energise Maidenhead and return a sense of identity to the town. There was a lot happening and it was important that residents were engaged and aware of what was going on in their local area. There was a programme of events being put together that everyone could get involved with. The Christmas light switch on would be taking place on Saturday 20^th November 2021. Other events were planned to have an impact, for example planting projects, working with schools and a mural project. Looking ahead to 2022, there would be events celebrating the lunar new year and linking this in with the Winter Olympics, which would be hosted in China around the same time. Wellbeing events would be run in conjunction with rambling groups, Robyn Bunyan wanted residents to be in a good mind set. She wanted to work with community groups, organisations and schools to improve on the good framework of events that had already been organised.

Councillor Baldwin thanked Robyn Bunyan for her work with Maidenhead Food Share, she had brought a lot of joy to vulnerable residents. He liked the sound of the ideas which had been mentioned, murals in particular could be productive and creative rather than just vandalism.

Robyn Bunyan responded by saying that some spaces had already been identified in the town which would be appropriate for the mural project. There were a lot of creative people in Maidenhead and Robyn Bunyan also wanted to reach out to local professional artists.

Councillor Davey said the activities based around the lunar new year sounded good. He asked if Robyn Bunyan could work in conjunction with Paul Roach, Windsor, Eton and Ascot Town Manager, to develop similar plans.

Robyn Bunyan said that she was working closely with Paul Roach, it was all about RBWM being one borough.

Councillor Singh said that the mural project was a great idea, there had previously been a mural in Queen Street which had been positively received. There were local artists and schools that would be keen to get involved. Councillor Singh felt that it would bring some positivity to Maidenhead. Some plants had been removed a few years ago due to funding, it would be good to get these back.

Robyn Bunyan said she was keen to investigate projects like ‘adopt a plant’, working with schools to help children look after plants. Linking in with other things like the borough in bloom could see initiatives like businesses in bloom come to the fore.

Councillor Singh asked what were the top three targets or challenges facing the new Maidenhead Town Manager.

Robyn Bunyan said that she wanted the sense of identity to be restored for the people of Maidenhead and their town. Business engagement was important to ensure that local businesses could flourish. Robyn Bunyan wanted to see animation and a sense of vibrancy about the town centre going forward.

Councillor Baskerville commented on a number of anniversaries that were happening at the moment for some of Maidenhead’s sports clubs. Maidenhead United were currently playing in their 150^th season, so there were various celebrations and events happening at York Road across the season. Maidenhead Rugby Club were celebrating their 100^th anniversary, it would be good to work with these clubs. Kidwells park had some beech trees and it had recently been the 100^th anniversary of when these trees were planted.

Robyn Bunyan said that she would look to add these into the calendar of events.

Councillor Bhangra thanked Robyn Bunyan for the presentation and said that it was good to have her working for RBWM and improving Maidenhead town centre.

Councillor Singh asked if there had been any communication with the organisers of the downhill go kart race.

Robyn Bunyan confirmed that she had not heard from the organisers of this event.

The Chairman said that he recently spoken to the organisers, he would speak to Robyn Bunyan about it.

Councillor Singh requested that he was part of the discussions on this event.