Bracknell Forest Council funeral procession for employee

A FUNERAL procession passed through the town centre this morning as dozens of council employees said goodbye to a ‘well-respected’ colleague.

A horse-drawn carriage travelled down Market Street past Time Square just before 10.30 am so Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) staff could applaud their colleague, who is believed to have passed away last month having contracted coronavirus.

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The carriage, which contained a floral ‘mum’ and ‘sister’ tribute, was on its way to Easthampstead Park Crematorium for a funeral service at 11am.

Both sides of the road on Market Street were filled with employees and residents who came out in the rain to pay their respects to the employee.

Colleagues were unable to attend the funeral due to covid-19 restrictions, but bosses at the council provided staff with appropriate advice regarding maintaining social distancing during the procession so they could say their goodbyes this morning.

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Yesterday, Timothy Wheadon, Chief Executive of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “Very sadly, the council lost a valued employee last month.

“At the family’s request, the funeral procession will pass Time Square on its way to the crematorium.

“This will enable everyone mourning the loss of their well-respected colleague to create an appropriately spaced guard of honour outside the building to pay their respects.

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“Staff affected have been offered appropriate support and our thoughts are very much with everyone grieving, particularly the family and close friends, at this difficult time.”

BFC declined to provide any further details about the employee.