Two people active in the community in Reading West were last week rewarded for their endeavours when they attended a reception given by Prime Minister, Gordon Brown at No. 10 Downing Street. Labour MPs were invited to nominate two community representatives to attend the reception on Thursday evening.

The purpose of the reception was for the Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet and Government to thank local residents for their role in promoting community engagement and improving the quality of life in their area.

Martin Salter nominated Bath Road Reservoir campaigner Mel Woodward and Geoffrey Field Junior School head Charlie Clare as his “Community Champions”.

Mr Salter said:-

“I always enjoy taking people from my constituency around Parliament and occasionally to Number 10. The last time I was invited to nominate Community Champions I chose Marjory Marjorie McClure, Branch Manager of Battle Library and Reading Street Warden, Ahmed Abd-Eighany. This time I thought it appropriate to invite two people with whom I’ve been working closely over the last couple of years on campaigns that are both important to Reading and close to my heart. I desperately want to see the Ufton Court summer camp project succeed in providing affordable outdoor education opportunities for youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds and I firmly believe that the Bath Road Reservoir site should become a local environmental amenity for that part of my Reading West constituency. Both Mel and Charlie have been at the centre of these projects and thoroughly deserve this wonderful opportunity to look behind Britain’s most famous front door.”

Charlie Clare says:-

“To have both the active support and encouragement of our local MP over many years has been invaluable and I am delighted to accept this invitation to go to Number Ten on behalf of all the professionals who work tirelessly and effectively to increase the life chances and opportunities of all those who live in South Reading. It is an enormous privilege to have worked for so long beside such dedicated colleagues within my school, across Whitley and in the wider Reading. The quality of colleagues’ work, their drive and determination, the support of parents, and above all the needs of our pupils is what’s kept me working here so long.”

Mel Woodward says:-

“I am delighted to have been chosen to go to Number 10, this award is for everyone who has helped keep the reservoir safe from the clutches of Thames Water so far.  Without the tireless campaigning and support from everyone involved in the Save the Bath Road Reservoir campaign, the site may well now have had planning permission granted and may have been counting its days.  I’m overwhelmed at Martin’s generosity in nominating me, and am sure this will be a tremendous boost for our campaign to protect this important green oasis in the heart of Reading.”