Outgoing Reading mayor reflects on service to the town

Councillor Rachel Eden (Labour, Whitley) served as mayor for the 2022-23

Her Mayoralty saw the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, Her Majesty’s death, and also the Proclamation and Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

During her time as mayor, she engaged in a ‘boundary walk’ route which took her along the borough’s boundaries with  Wokingham, West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Hampshire.

On that walk, she said: “It will stay with me for life.

“Reading at our best is one of, if not the best. place in the country.”

She also uttered one of her favourite maxims during her speech: “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”

 The walk was undertaken in aid of Parenting Special Children, the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality and the Sue Ryder hospice. 

As well as that, cllr Eden led ‘Reclaim the Night’ vigils to stand up for women against violence.

Cllr Eden was also became mayor shortly after the Russian full scale military operation in Ukraine, which led her to form mayor’s appeal to assist Ukrainian refugees.

She said: “Part of my heart beats blue and yellow. We must not waver in our solidarity.”

A benefit concert for Ukraine was held on Friday, February 17, in sombre remembrance of the anniversary of the intensification of war in that country.

One of her last important functions in the role was being part of the Berkshire delegation of the 27 Privileged Bodies which enjoy historic right to present an address to the British Sovereign -in this case King Charles III- in person.

The delegation occurred at Buckingham Palace on March 9, 2023.

Cllr Eden reflected that those on the political left are reminded to check their privilege. She said: “I hope I’ve checked mine.”

Further work involved advocacy for victims of female genital mutilation (FGM).

In closing, cllr Eden said she looked forward to spending more time with her family and her career for accountancy firm Holy Brook Associates.

She finally thanked her children and cllr Richard Davies (Labour, Thames) the Mayor’s consort, for their love and support.

The new mayor of Reading for 2023-204 is cllr Tony Page (Labour, Abbey).

Cllr Eden’s speech was held at Reading Borough Council’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 24.