What was going on in Bracknell way back in 2001?

Focusing on the feel good moments from the second year of the century, one of the stories from that time saw many year six pupils from an Easthampstead school put on their final production for the academic year of 2000/01.

The students performed their own rendition of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes.

Sarah Cushenan, who was a spokeswoman for the St Michael’s Easthampstead Junior School at the time, said: “It was truly delightful, with a wonderful performance by Ben Emmett as the emperor, who kept the sewing team and wardrobe organises very busy,

Students from the St Michael’s Easthampstead Junior School taking part in the production

“The two rouges of the piece, Bogus and Fishweedle, played by Rhodri Rees and Edvin Worley were also exceptional, true con artists in the making.

“All the children played their parts well, with some great facial expressions and some superb one liners,

“We wish them all well at their new schools.”

Dentist Receptionist, Pat Ford, celebrated 29 years in the job in 2001

The students would start their second school journeys in September 2001.

Another feel good story from the year saw seven members from a Bracknell-based technological company embark on the Three Peaks challenge.

The colleagues and friends in Craig Flynn, Nick Poulon, Steve Smith, Paul Clifford and Sean Galvin, along with two others, all climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, in an attempt to raise money for Children’s Aid Direct.

Five of the seven colleagues that did the Three Peaks challenge

Nick Poulton of EXE, the company the fivesome worked for, said: “There are seven of us climbing, two drivers and a medical support person.

“We are raring to go.

“It its going to be tough but it is something we have wanted to do and it is for a very good reason.

“It’s going to be worthwhile.”

There was also a fundraiser to help injured cats in the area

Sticking with charity stories, 2001 also saw a woman from near the Bracknell area shave her head for a good cause.

Nicola Tull, who is from Farm Close in Priestwood, made a vow to her sister-in-law, who had a mastectomy, then when she loses her through her cancer treatment, she will shave off her locks to keep her company.

The heartwarming offer was obliged by Tull, who raised £449 for the Macmillian Cancer Trust.

Speaking about her good deed in 2001, she said: “My nan died of cancer and she had a Macmillan nurse.

“My aunty had breast cancer and my sister-in-law had a mastectomy.

Nicola Tull shaved her head after her sister-in-law got cancer

“She was frightened of losing her hair and I said I would lose mine for her.

“I was really nervous until about 15 minutes before I actually had it done, but then I was fine.

“I thought, ‘well, I can’t backout now’, and there was no point in worrying about it.

“I was more proud to do it than scared.

Many students from the US visited the 3M headquarters

“My friends and family are really pleased and I have been told it really suits me.”

The music event was organised by the local council

Other notable feel good events from the time included 27 school kids taking part in a music event that was organised by the Bracknell Forest Borough Council, a reception dentist was awarded for 29 years of service and numerous university students from the US visited Bracknell’s 3M UK headquarters.