For nostalgia this week, we will be looking what was going on in the area back in 1996.
For some, the events of 25 years ago may still be fresh in the memory for those who live in Bracknell and the surrounding areas, so, what did take place in Berkshire in the mid 1990s?
Well, in March 1996, students and teachers joined forces to say goodbye to their school secretary who retired after 24 years.
Mrs Gill Crocker retired and was given a specail send off
Gill Crocker, who had worked at Binfield Primary School since it opened in 1987, was described as a ‘well known’ and ‘popular’ figure at the establishment.
On her final day in the spring of 1996, Mrs Crocker was treated to lunch where she was presented with a cake, before all staff members and students took part in an assembly to celebrate her work and service at the school.
The school’s then headteacher, Linda Woollacott, said: “Before joining us, Mrs Crocker worked for many years at the old St Mark’s School nearby and there are some parents now who remember her well.
“We will miss her a lot but because she lives in the village, Mrs Crocker has promised to keep in touch.”
The students at the Nine Mile Ride Primary School enjoyed their dress down day
Sticking with schools, 1996 also saw pupils at the Nine Mile Ride Primary School pay 10p to wear denim on a school day.
The dress down day saw all the money raised go to the Great Ormand Street Hospital.
The first few months of ’96 saw lots of people try and do their bit to improve the area, as hundreds of holes were dug by parents and pupils during a special tree-planting day at Emmbrook School.
More than 250 native trees were planted in the school grounds that were donated by Wokingham District Council.
Mum, Pamela Davidson, with Gav and Kim planting some trees
That same month also saw the Bracknell Sea Cadets go on parade for their annual inspection by the Area Officer from Portsmouth, Lt Cdr Graham Black.
Some of the VIPs who attended the event included the town’s mayor, councillor Anne Snelgrove, and the mayor of Wokingham, councillor Mrs Anne Davis.
Area Officer from Portsmouth, Lt Cdr Graham Black speaking to some of the Sea Cadets
One of the Sea Cadets at the inspection in Bracknell
In lighter news, March 1996 was the month where thousands of shoppers were seen donning Bracknell News goodies bags, after we launched a fun-filled giveaway day in the town.
A youngster has her face painted at the fun day
The Flare Jazz Quartet were on hand in the Broadway to entertain and serenade shoppers, which saw parents enjoy the music and children enjoy the face paint and balloons.
The day was enjoyed by many people.
Everyone seemed to have a good time
Around about the same time, campaigners who fought to reinstate a full service for patients at Heatherwood Hospital welcomed the good news that maternity ward was given the go ahead to have a renovation.
East Berkshire MP Andrew MacKay said: “It’s all good news for Heatherwood and for local people.”
East Berkshire MP Andrew MacKay with Frank Collins who helped get the renevation off the ground
Finally, the beginning of 1996 saw couple of taxi firms buy for disabled cabs to help their impaired customers.
Several cabs in Bracknell were now disabled friendly
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here