The community has lost some amazing people this year who are sadly no longer with us. We have taken a look back at four beloved locals we lost in 2023.
Richard Stokes
Former Slough Borough Council leader Richard Stokes sadly died on Saturday, April 22 at the age of 100.
Richard had led the council between 2004 and 2008.
Richard was first elected to the council in 1983 as a Labour councillor for the then Kedermister ward, continuing to represent Slough residents through to 2012 when he retired – following 29 years of service.
Stephen Brown, Chief Executive of Slough Borough Council, said: “My thoughts are with former Councillor Stokes’s family and friends.
“He served on the council for decades and was dedicated to Slough, its residents and their wellbeing."
John Coke
John Coke sadly died on April 12 at the age of 76 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Members of the Slough and Windsor Railway Society paid tribute to John, who has been described as one of its most "hard-working" and "committed" members.
In a letter sent to the Observer, they wrote: "John’s great love was the railways and he was a founder member of the Slough and Windsor Railway Society (SWRS) which was established in 1983 and he took on the role of Social Secretary.
"He was admired for his boundless energy, wide interests and knowledge of Windsor where he conducted guided tours of the town and provided talks to local organisations. He also had a keen knowledge of ornithology, air transport and shipping."
John Medley, a director of SWRS, said: “He always brought enthusiasm to whatever he undertook, giving so much enjoyment to others. And while John got a lot out of life, he put in far more for the benefit of many others."
Christine Small
Christine Small, who served on Slough Borough Council (SBC) for more than a decade, passed away on Thursday, October 26 at the age of 77.
Christine was the Mayor of Slough in 2012 and had held many other roles in the council, including deputy mayor and in the cabinet at various points - before retiring from the council in 2014.
SBC leader Dexter Smith said: “Christine was a great councillor and an incredible mayor. She threw herself into her mayoral year with the no airs and graces attitude she was known for; representing Slough with energy, humour and an unending passion.
“We were political opponents, but Christine always cared more for doing what was right for residents than she ever did about political manoeuvring or who was part of what party.
“She was a champion of her residents, of Langley and of the whole of Slough; no-nonsense, down to earth and at all times, caring and human. It is an incredible loss for the town and our thoughts are with her family and all of those whose lives she touched.”
Roger Davis
Roger Davis, a former councillor and Slough FC hero, sadly passed away on Wednesday, November 8 aged 83.
During his time at the council, he played a key role in bringing Slough FC back to the town.
He was first elected to Slough Borough Council for Cippenham Green ward in 2008 and was re-elected in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2022 before retiring at this year’s (2023) election in May.
He was a keen Slough Town Football Club supporter and was instrumental in bringing the club back to Slough with the building of the Arbour Park stadium; an achievement he was extremely proud of.
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