Bray Parish Council is delighted to announce that, at its Annual Council Meeting on the 18th May 2026, Cllr Leo Walters and Cllr Margaret Pierce were both awarded the Freedom of the Parish Award in recognition of their exceptional long service and outstanding contributions to the local community.
Cllr Margaret Pierce joined Bray Parish Council in 1969. At the time, she was the only woman on the Council and was at least 30 years younger than the other councillors. She recalls joining because she loved working with others to improve the community they all cared about. Her long service reflects more than five decades of commitment to local democracy, community life and the residents of Bray Parish.
Cllr Leo Walters began his public service with Cookham Rural District Council in 1971. He joined Bray Parish Council shortly afterwards, before becoming a member of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead at its creation in 1974, where he has served ever since. Since the beginning of his service, he has been a committed champion for protecting the Green Belt land within the parish, alongside his wider contribution to local government and the community.
The Freedom of the Parish is one of the highest honours a parish council can bestow. It recognises exceptional service, commitment and dedication to the parish and its residents.
Chair of Bray Parish Council, Cllr Mike Parkinson, said:
“The Freedom of the Parish awards is a new and important initiative for Bray Parish Council. It is the brainchild of Councillor Joanna Korczak who oversaw an intimate and happy presentation of the award at our Annual General Meeting. The awards are a fitting tribute to Margaret and Leo who have together given over 100 years of selfless and committed service to the Parish of Bray. Both seemed to enjoyed receiving their award certificates and the bouquets of flowers but Leo in particular was disappointed that the award did not bestow upon him the right to drive a flock of sheep though the Parish. We are all indebted to them and we hope that these awards go some way to demonstrating our gratitude.”
Bray Parish Council extends its warmest congratulations to Cllr Walters and Cllr Pierce and thanks them both for their outstanding service to the parish and its communities.