New initiative looks to reignite community spirit with more events in Maidenhead town centre

A new initiative is looking to bring a ‘buzz’ back to Maidenhead town centre through more community events.

On Friday, December 5, crowds gathered on the High Street as The Reading Scottish Pipe Band performed at the official opening of Esquires Coffee.

The coffee shop opened back in April but held a grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony carried out by RBWM deputy mayor Sian Martin last week.

Through its bagpipes and drums, the band brought a sense of celebration to the High Street with a lively performance, which was ‘rooted in the rich heritage of St Andrew’s Church’ in Reading.

The event provided the first taste of a new initiative which looks to reignite community spirit and give Maidenhead a ‘reason to be proud’.

The Maidonian and Proud initiative has been founded by James Glover, the owner of British gymwear brand OiJim and co-founded by John Radley, who was the main organiser of last Friday’s event.

The project looks to bring people together, fund events, and ‘show that local action can transform the town’.

Cllr Martin thanked the pair for their efforts at the grand opening.

OiJim will be launching a new Maidonian and Proud collection on Monday, December 15, with £10 from every t-shirt going towards funding more community events.

Each product features a QR code to scan to find out more about the impact, upcoming events and how to get involved.

John said: “It was a great success – 400-500 people showed up and it goes to show that our initiative will bring footfall back into Maidenhead, so be ready to buy your t-shirts and invest into this great movement so we can turn ‘Maidendead’ to Maidenhead again.”

For more information, behind-the-scenes content and live event updates, follow @oijimofficial on Instagram or visit oijim.com