Maidenhead could 'rival San Antonio' says new mayor

Cllr Richard Kellaway (Con, Bisham and Cookham) made his comment at Tuesday's annual meeting of the Royal Borough, when he was formally elected as Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead for 2014 to 2015.

He takes over from Cllr Andrew Jenner (Con, Riverside) after his year in office came to an end.

Cllr Kellaway talked enthusiastically about the ongoing regeneration of Maidenhead. He said: "Maidenhead will be unrecognisable in the next five to 10 years. This has been a labour of love for many years and is now happening."

He cited San Antonio and its famous River Walk, saying: "That is how we envisage Maidenhead to be."

Cllr Kellaway announced that his two chosen mayoral charities for the year will be the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service and the Longridge Activity Centre in Quarry Wood Road, Bisham.

Among the guests at the mayor-making ceremony at Windsor's Guildhall in High Street were John and Fiona Devine, the Dedworth couple who set up their charity in memory of their son Alexander. They plan to build a £5m children's hospice at Snowball Hill in Woodlands Park, Maidenhead.

Longridge is the celebrated activity centre offering outdoor activities for young people. It suffered £100,000 worth of damage during the recent floods.

Cllr James Evans (Con, Clewer South) was confirmed as Deputy Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead at the meeting.

A keen cyclist, he announced his intention to donate 20p for every mile he pedals during his term in office to the mayor's charities.