Last week was Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, when the guns fell silent and World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918. On Sunday we gathered once again for commemorations across the district to reflect and remember those who sadly lost their lives in all wars.  

This also is a timely moment to reflect on the impact of the pandemic, remembering the many lives that have been tragically and adversely affected by Covid. Although local infection levels continue to ease, falling from 534.1 to 367.8 per 1,000 people in the last seven days, Covid remains a major concern. While for many of us life has to a large extent returned to normal, with the colder weather we must once again be vigilant to protect our NHS and health services. Please continue to support the vulnerable in our community by wearing a face covering when in indoor public spaces, taking regular tests, ensuring that we’re fully vaccinated and of course, having our boosters when we’re offered them! 

We’ve been busy this week pressing ahead with the Recovery Plan: 

• The redevelopment of Castle Farm Recreation Centre and Abbey Fields Swimming pool begins next month. Both facilities will close on 12 December and 18 December, respectively. Thankfully, Everyone Active has put in place plans to minimise the disruption to our exercise programmes during the redevelopment programme.   

• The new Whitnash Civic Centre and Library will be officially opened this Wednesday 17 November. We’re proud of what’s been achieved and pleased to have been able to back the Town Council’s plans for this wonderful new facility. Residents will at last be able to benefit from a multi-use sports hall, library, community café, meeting room and offices. Why not come along and to the “open house” from 5 – 7pm. 

• Creatives across the district are being ‘called out’ to make an application to be part of our CultureFest, which will run as a fringe event at the same time as next summer’s Commonwealth Games. A useful Toolkit has been shared to help with applications and we hope that our many incredible artists, creatives, and venue owners, will take this fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents with us.  

• Warwick’s The Lord Leycester Hospital has successfully secured a £1.4m lottery grant, which is a wonderful birthday present for its 450th anniversary. The grant will fund renovations to the building over a four-year project, transforming this historic landmark into a modern attraction for visitors, as well as enabling it to continue to provide homes for ex-servicemen. Warwick District Council has contributed financially and in terms of advice in support of this scheme, which when all contributions are counted amounts to £3.8m worth of investment into the town.

And finally, as part of local plans to tackle the Climate Emergency, we’re hosting a free webinar this Wednesday 17 November at 1pm.  Well-known author and speaker, Jen Gale will be sharing her expertise and some simple steps we can all take to reduce waste, reduce our carbon footprint, and enjoy, in Jen’s words “a sustainable-ish Christmas!”  You can join the talk by clicking, here.  

Keep smiling and stay safe. 

Andrew Day   Leader