The manager of Broad Street Mall – one of the many places where you can pick up Xn – was given a very fond farewell as he left to take up a new role.
Steve Fawke, who arrived in Reading in 2005, has been headhunted by the Brunel Shopping Centre in Swindon.
His departure was marked with a special party held at Reading’s pentahotel on Friday, September 20.
Surrounded by friends, family and local business and community leaders including Sir John Madejski, Steve gave an emotional address.
In it, paid tribute to the town and its people.
“I’m really going to miss the sense of community in Reading, it really is unique,” Steve said.
“In any great town centre you need a good team. Reading has very passionate people who make up that team.”
Steve said that one of the reasons why Reading has weathered the economic storm better than other areas was due to this strong sense of community. In turn, that has benefitted the Mall, which has seen new shops come in over recent months.
Steve said: “It’s all about getting involved and getting the community involved with you.”
He also praised the team at the Mall.
“All security, maintenance and cleaning teams continue to give great service and are a credit to the Mall. It’s thanks to those guys and girls that those [high] standards are kept.”
Sir John Madejski paid tribute to Steve in a humorous address.
“He is a great gentleman and a wonderful man,” he said.
One of Steve’s achievements in Reading was the launch of Has Reading Got Talent? To mark the success of the contest, previous winners formed part of the evening’s entertainment including TJ Shiyanbola and Katie Dale.
