The 6th Wokingham Borough community conference was held on 7 March 2008 at the Sindlesham Court Conference Centre.  Led by the Wokingham Borough Strategic Partnership, the event was attended by over 120 community representatives from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors as well as local residents, and featured information stands and displays of local initiatives across Wokingham Borough.  The event was funded as part of the Government’s Partnership Improvement Programme funds to build the capacity and effectiveness of Local Strategic Partnerships across the southeast region.  A DVD was also produced about the Partnership.

  

 

The main aims of the conference were to showcase the role and work of the Partnership over the last 12 months, debate some of the important issues facing Wokingham Borough, and consider how the community as a whole can can get involved. 

 

 

The conference began with a review of the Partnership's work since the last conference. This was followed by a presentation by Wokingham Borough Council Chief Executive Susan Law on the Council’s vision and priorities for Wokingham Borough over the next 10 to 20 years.  Delegates then attended 2 pre-selected workshops on key community themes.   

 

The afternoon focussed on Wokingham Borough as a whole and began with a presentation by consultant John Fisher from “Local Futures” Group on the local economy and the challenges ahead.  “Local Futures” has been commissioned by the Berkshire unitary authorities to develop a strategy for sustainable economic prosperity for Berkshire.  The conference concluded with a public question-time style discussion with 2 partners from the Partnership, leader of the Council and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition.

 

 

All agreed the conference was a great success - specific comments included:

 

“It had turned from an event where there were a lot of whinges to one where people were actively looking for and offering solutions”.

 

“ I thought the event had a real buzz and feel really energised at the end of the day”.

 

“Very worthwhile and informative conference – I was able to inform as well as be informed”

 

“It is always so useful to meet new people and network at this conference”

 

The full conference report is attached.