Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead Royal Borough school governors are scoring top marks for long service – with the highest achievers recognised for notching up a staggering total of 3,000 years service.

Nearly 200 Maidenhead school governors are eligible for awards in a new scheme being spearheaded by the borough's governors' services department to recognise governors' commitment, hard work and loyalty.

The first group of those governors – representing a total of almost 1,500 years service - will be presented with their awards by Maidenhead Cllr Eric Wiles, Mayor of the Royal Borough, at the first award ceremony in the Town Hall tomorrow (Wednesday February 1). Between 70 and 80 recipients out of the total of 95 are expected to attend, with a second ceremony scheduled for early March.

The high-fliers' achievements are divided into three categories, with tomorrow's group receiving;
· continuous service (8 to 15 years) – 66 awards
· exemplary service (16 - 29 years) – 24 awards
· distinguished service (30 years and above) - 5 awards (one of whom is to Geoff Hill who retired last year after 50 years' service to Burchetts Green CE Infant School).

Cllr Cynthia Pitteway, lead member for Maidenhead education, said: "I am delighted that we have introduced these awards to recognise the hard work and commitment shown by so many of our school governors, who are very often the unsung heroes and heroines behind the excellent work that goes on in our schools.

"We are extremely fortunate to have such a loyal group of governors who make a very real difference to the lives of our children, and they deserve our very warmest congratulations on their achievements.

"I hope that their dedication and loyalty will be an inspiration to others in the community. And what better time to think about volunteering to become a school governor than in this Year of the Volunteer!"

Carol Pearce, head of Maidenhead governors' services, said: "We would really like to hear from anyone who feels they would like to make a difference to children's lives by becoming a school governor. There are no specific qualifications necessary – but we would be particularly keen to hear from people with business expertise and those who represent ethnic minorities in our community. We provide full training and an ongoing support service for new governors."

For further information about becoming a school governor contact governors' services on 01628 796960.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead