Launch of Friends of Ray Mill Island

Maidenhead, UK — The Friends of Ray Mill Island are delighted to announce the resounding success of their inaugural Community Open Day, held on Sunday 23rd June 2024. The event marked the official launch of the Friends of Ray Mill Island, an initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and community spirit of this cherished local landmark.

The Open Day was a vibrant celebration of community collaboration, drawing an impressive crowd of visitors from across Maidenhead and beyond. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a variety of stalls and activities. There were over 20 various stalls hosted by local wildlife organizations, physical fitness groups, charities, and small businesses, each showcasing their unique expertise and services.

Highlights of the Day:

• Wildlife Encounters: Visitors enjoyed interactive sessions with local wildlife experts, learning about the diverse flora and fauna that call Ray Mill Island home. Educational displays and hands-on activities for children provided a fun and informative experience for all ages. Thanks to Wild Maidenhead, Wild Cookham, River Rangers, Wildlife Garden Awards and Berks & South Bucks Bat Group.

• Fitness Demonstrations: Physical fitness groups conducted live demonstrations, encouraging attendees to participate in yoga on Paddleboard , aerobics, and other fitness activities. These sessions highlighted the importance of physical well-being and the beautiful setting of Ray Mill Island as an ideal location for outdoor exercise. Thanks to Tikki Training, Maidenhead Hockey, Team Jashan (Bollywood exercise class), Cycling without Age Trishaw. Special thanks to Paddleboard Maidenhead and Fotini Wellness raising over £250 that afternoon through SUP Yoga.

• Charity Engagement: Local charities had the chance to connect with the community, sharing information about their missions and how individuals can get involved. The event fostered a spirit of giving and community support, with many visitors expressing interest in volunteering. Thanks to Aqua Box, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club, Brett Foundation, Filling Good, Green Skills Library and Good Gym (who helped paint the Mural wall on the back of the toilet block).

• Small Business Showcase: Small businesses from the area displayed their products and services, offering everything from local artists to homemade, delicious treats. This provided a fantastic opportunity for attendees to support local entrepreneurs and discover unique offerings. Thanks to Face2Face Maidenhead, Purista Artisan, Vidya’s Kitchen. Suchi Art was there creating Henna tattoos for those interested. Happy Days Mural are excited to embark on their creative project on the back of the toilet block.

The success of the Community Open Day is a testament to the strong community spirit in Maidenhead. The event was very well supported by our local Independent and Lib Dem councillors (Cllr. Joshua Reynolds, Cllr. Richard Coe, Cllr. Karen Davies and Cllr. Geoff Hill). The Friends of Ray Mill Island are committed to continuing this momentum, with plans for future events and initiatives aimed at enhancing the island for the enjoyment of all.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the positive response from the community,” said Nivi Bhide. Tara Crist said “The support and enthusiasm we’ve seen today truly underscore the importance of preserving Ray Mill Island as a space for wildlife, recreation, and community gatherings. We look forward to many more successful events in the future.” Both Tara & Nivi are the co-founders of Friends of Ray Mill Island