Advertiser review of the year 2025: April

The town centre welcomed the opening of organic coffee shop Esquires Coffee, while the new immersive roleplay café, Piccolo Land, offered children themed spaces to explore different careers.

The council admitted a construction error during works on the £1.3million roundabout at the A308 Windsor Road and Holyport Road junction, following public concern when the structure was partially dismantled and rebuilt.

In other transport news, changes to bus routes in RBWM prompted criticism from residents, who said the alterations risk isolating vulnerable people.

Safety concerns were also raised over Dorney Common, where cattle continue to be killed by vehicles on a 60mph road crossing the historic grazing land, prompting renewed calls for action.

Politically, the Royal Borough Conservative group appointed Ascot and Sunninghill councillor Sally Coneron as its new leader.

Meanwhile, Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury councillor David Buckley defected from the Borough First Independents to Reform UK.

On the national stage, Maidenhead’s Liberal Democrat MP Josh Reynolds was named on the Sunday Times Young Power List, recognising the 30 most inspiring people under 30 – alongside Molly Mae Hague and F1 driver Lando Norris.

In health, Maidenhead resident and radio DJ Chris Stark spoke to the Advertiser about his testicular cancer diagnosis.

The celebrity hoped that by leading ‘awkward’ conversations around the disease, more men would check themselves and see a doctor.

Thousands attended celebrations at Maidenhead Gurdwara for Vaisakhi, described as the largest congregation the site has ever seen.

Crowds were also in force for the annual Walk of Witness on Good Friday, where Christians marched through the town centre accompanied by a symbolic wooden cross.

Good Friday also saw a milestone moment for the popular Easter Ten – as runners marked the 70th anniversary of the Maidenhead Athletic Club event.

Maidenhead driving school Ace Drivewise was also celebrating a landmark as it marked its 40th birthday.

Finally, Furze Platt-raised chef and former MasterChef champion Craig Johnston claimed the prestigious Roux Scholarship 2025, adding to his growing list of culinary achievements.