Published: Friday, 6th February, 2009 11:56am

Gritting fails: 'It's the wrong kind of snow' we were told

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THIEVES breaking into Broadmoor high-security hospital and the Ascot vicar whose new wireless microphone system broadcast his Sunday service over the nearby train station's tannoy system by accident. These are examples of the huge variety of stories that came up in this fascinating and friendly place while I edited the paper.

We had our share of scandals, crime and too many tragic stories to tell. There was also the see-saw of disappointment and hope over the town centre regeneration. The ‘winter blunderland' that happened when road gritting failed to work on all roads. ‘It's the wrong kind of snow', we were told.

But my fondest memories are of the area's strong community spirit. I remember the Pop Icon contest we ran with Park Studios at South Hill Park when 130 people queued for the open audition and a thrilling finals night was held in the Wilde Theatre. There was the campaign led by parents and teachers to save primary schools at the heart of their communities that were threatened with closure or merger.

And there were all the people who turned up at events to help others. We (especially reporter Sarah Clark) had the honour of helping to organise events such as Halloween walks and aerobathons in aid of the Sebastian Gates Action Against Cancer Appeal.

I remember very well the Christmas we reported the story of Sebastian's illness and death. None of us could have guessed how a family suffering that most awful tragedy could find the strength to form a charity that would make life better for so many others.

The brilliant support of people in the Bracknell area must have been a huge help.

I was fortunate to work with a talented reporting team at Bracknell. I wish the Bracknell News a happy 50th birthday.

Paul Ryan

Editor 2002-2005