Pauline Helliar-Symons

Educated in Bristol and at Swansea University, where took 2 degrees in History and was a member of Students' Representative Council, Athletics Union and President of Debate Union.  Moved to Berkshire in 1974 as History teacher, then Head of RE at Charters School, moved to Prospect School, Reading as Head of History, the Windsor Girls' School as Deputy Head.  Is currently an assessor for Investors in People.  Always had an interest in community affairs, having served on a wide range of committees including the Berkshire CC Museums Service,  Agreed Syllabus Commission for RE, Southern Arts Management Committee and the Wokingham District Arts Council and Berkshire Arts Council and a number of different initiatives to link business and Education.  As Chairman of the Council encouraged increased opportunities for all sections of the community to meet and develop links and ways of working together.  While Chairman, also founded the Alzheimer's Carers' Trust to give support to those caring for dementia sufferers.  As a ward Councillor has taken a major interest in road safety, the environment and preservation of the countryside in its natural state and since Wokingham became Unitary, in developing links with local schools to help the Council support their specific needs - again with a particular focus on road safety.  Is a Trustee of Oakwood, a Christian outdoor Activities centre for young people, in Wokingham Without.  As an accredited member peer for the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) is called on to undertake mentoring and training for Councillors in other local Councils.  While Mayor, supported two charities, the LINK visiting scheme and Life Education.