Royal Borough interfaith group welcomes representatives to annual summer reception

An interfaith group in the Royal Borough welcomed faith representatives, community leaders and dignitaries to its annual summer reception.

The event by the Windsor and Maidenhead Community Forum (WAMCF) saw 70 people, including representatives from nine different faiths, gather in The Long Barn at Norden Farm on Thursday, June 19.

The reception looks to boost friendship and trust between different faiths and in the wider community.

A host of guests, including Maidenhead MP Josh Reynolds, Royal Borough mayor Cllr Mandy Brar and her consort Harry Brar and deputy lieutenant for Berkshire Geraldine Lejeune.

WAMCF was first established 44 years ago and is ‘credited with making a significant contribution to harmonious interfaith relations in the Royal Borough’.

Rabbi René Pfertzel, who joined the Maidenhead Synagogue last year following the departure of Rabbi Jonathan Romain, was formally welcomed to the borough at the reception.

Rev Sally Lynch of St Luke’s Church is set to retire in July and will be moving away from Maidenhead.

She was thanked at the event for her ‘exceptional contribution’ to both interfaith relations and WAMCF.

Dr Rachael de Caux, chief executive at Thames Hospice, said: “Thank you for organising the most wonderful gathering yesterday evening.

“I really enjoyed connecting with the community as well as seeing some familiar faces.”

Richard Doidge, humanist representative on the steering group, said: “It was a really well organised and very enjoyable reception evening. The guests I spoke to said the same. Well done.”

Michael Gammage, Bahá'í representative on the steering group, said: “These events are precious because they weave bonds of fellowship that benefit our community in so many ways.

“They're also a lovely opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. Well done WAMCF.”