WAAG Receives Community Shield for Services to the Community

Wokingham Area Access Group (WAAG) received official thanks from the borough council Mayor Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons for championing disabled access across the borough on May 7, 2009.

After each main council meeting, the Mayor usually presents flowers, or an alternative gift, to a person, group or organisation that has given good service to the community. To mark the council meeting of May 2009, a commemorative shield was presented to chairman of WAAG David Gaskin on behalf of the voluntary organisation at a special presentation. David was joined by a number of representatives from WAAG – David Anderson, Candy Egan and Margaret Reeves – who all received certificates for their commitment and dedicated to the organisation.

Mayor Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: "WAAG has worked closely with the council to put this scheme into action, but they are themselves all volunteers who do this in their own time. Because they are disabled people themselves, they can speak from experience when they talk to shopkeepers and business owners about the problems they face in getting into everyday places.

"Contrary to what people think, helping them access premises does not cost much, often nothing, but it’s just about changing the way you think and approach people. I recommend the booklet that WAAG has produced to explain this. And it is good business to encourage people to your shop!

"I really applaud the way WAAG has persevered to bring these awards to the whole borough and make life less difficult for a large group of people."