Advertiser review of the year: June

June started with fresh complaints over the state of the grass in Braywick Cemetery in Maidenhead.

Since summer 2021, multiple residents had contacted both the RBWM council and the Advertiser raising concerns over overgrown grass in All Saints and particularly Braywick cemeteries.

Despite apologies, the problem continued with more concerns voiced in the summer.

Elsewhere, it was announced that the long-standing Desborough Suite at Maidenhead Town Hall was due to be brought back into regular use.

Jonny Walker at the revived Desborough Suite

The popular venue, which had been out of use for several years, would open its doors for pay-as-you-go health, wellbeing and fitness classes.

In early June, campaigners were celebrating after a long-awaited appeal decision on controversial plans to develop a new film studio in Holyport was made.

Developer Greystoke Land had launched an appeal to the Government after the application was rejected by RBWM.

But Labour’s minister of state for housing, communities and local government Matthew Pennycook MP ultimately upheld the planning inspector’s recommendation to reject the plans on Friday, June 6.

He agreed that the proposed studio would have a ‘very significantly adverse’ impact upon the countryside.

Shoplifting continued to be a concern for businesses, but Thames Valley police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber sparked national debate when he called on the public and retail staff to take action if they see thefts taking place.

“Don’t just stand there and watch,” he said.

With the summer starting, thousands of people were out enjoying entertainment, attractions and plenty of food and drink at the 80th anniversary of the Holyport Village Fair and the Maidenhead Lions Club’s annual Duck Derby.

Later in the month, key figures including Royal Borough mayor Cllr Mandy Brar joined staff and pupils at the official opening of Desborough College’s new dining hall, costing £1.5million and seating more than 300 students.

Elsewhere, national chain Pret A Manger threw open the doors to its new format store in Maidenhead town centre, featuring a more spacious, sit-down environment and exclusive menu with a made-to-order service.