Mayor's blog

It hardly seems possible that another month has passed since my first blog. I am amazed at how well we have been able to contact so many groups and share some very enjoyable quality time together.

I feel there is a positive to draw from being isolated. It is that, we can all stay in contact. Holding meetings on zoom or teams gives the advantage of being really focussed together for that time. I certainly have enjoyed meeting everyone in this way. And I want to thank the officers and staff in RBG who have worked hard to achieve good communication links for myself and other councillors.

Well, we are beginning to see some relaxation of restrictions, which for the Mayor means meeting people in reality a bit more, and not so much virtually. I will be keeping masks in place, wearing gloves, washing hands, social distancing, and continue to take precautions about cleaning surfaces.

So this will be the new normal, to keep us safe, but allow us to meet.

Small steps into public events.

I am pleased to have been able to raise the flag for the important Armed Forces Week on 22nd June. Joined by representatives of our Armed Forces, Royal British Legion and the 56th Woolwich Squadron ATC. Also on 10th July, raising a flag for the memory of the holocaust in Srebrenica. A very moving occasion, and I was honoured to be joined by our faith leaders to commemorate this event, remembering the thousands of men and boys who were slaughtered.

Council meeting

On 24 June, I chaired my first Council meeting. Despite the virtual nature of the meeting, and the potential for disaster which is always lurking around technology, I am pleased to say we managed very well. Thanks to officers for wonderful support, and thanks to fellow councillors for their contributions and positive comments.

Who knew that chairing a meeting for 2 hours plus on zoom could be so exhausting?

Moments of absolute joy

Over this month, it has been my absolute pleasure to judge our Greenwich in Bloom competition. What can I say? There were 136 entries altogether, all of them amazing in their own way. Thankfully our parks department had carefully organised criteria for judging, and also managed to shortlist a bit.

I was joined by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Denise Hyland and Cabinet Member Cllr Adel Khaireh, to make the final choices for winners in each category. It was a great thing to do, and I think those who entered should be proud of their amazing gardens and patios and balconies festooned in beautiful plants!  

It was particularly great to see the children’s section, lots of really hard work goes into planting and growing – well done everyone.

On July 17  I attended what is my first public event. When I say attended, it was more of a challenge of Mayoral fitness! My Consort daughter, Amy and our Leader Cllr Danny Thorpe and Deputy Leader, Cllr Denise Scott McDonald, all joined representatives of the front line services, to climb the O2. With the Mayor in the lead!!

Pause. Catch of breath. We did it together, and took a huge banner up to the top, showing our appreciation and gratitude for all doctors, nurses, care workers, police, volunteers, ambulance crews, council staff ,and all service providers who continue to keep us going during COVID lockdown and beyond . It was such an emotional occasion. Tears came easily as we thought of all the members of our community who have demonstrated true resilience and care for each other during this pandemic.  

Pleased to meet you

During this past month , I am pleased and delighted to have met virtually  with many representatives of our local organisations. In total I have met with 17 organisations around the Borough.

Highlights include  a Sunday morning virtual yoga session with the Woolwich Shivaji & Pannabai Shaka Hindu group.  Amy and I joined  in our various homes, and it was great to see families coming together and enjoying the yoga experience.

 Also celebrating the 4th Birthday celebrations of the Reflections group  for Dementia sufferers and their carers. My partner Tom and I had a really great time with  all the members and their families. An amazing group.

I have met with the Royal Navy, RAF cadets, and our new Borough Police Commander. Also with Trinity Laban, Ravensbourne University and Greenwich University.

Also thanks to our volunteer groups , such as the incredible Mums Aid , the Greenwich Carers Centre and Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice coffee morning .

I would like to thank everyone for their time and inspiration . It is through our residents groups and Friends of parks groups for example that we can make sure we remain in contact with our residents.

Making speeches.

I am really pleased to have filmed several speeches now.  This month these included a special speech for  Armed Forces Day.

Also a very special speech for the Graduates of Greenwich University. I think we all have difficulties during this time, but when a course of intense study cannot be celebrated in the usual way , it felt really  good to be able to offer words of support virtually at least .

Mayor Birds Writing Project

Marking a point in history – thoughts on isolation, lock down and the COVID pandemic.

I plan to publish a book containing samples of writing , thoughts, poems from children and adults alike around our Borough.

We need the world and future generations  to know how the people of Greenwich looked after each other and how we all are dealing with this massive change in our lives.

Thanks for the contributions already coming in – well done ! Please send yours to the Mayors office to reach us by October 2020.

And finally

I hope this Blog is of interest and provides some insight into the work we are continuing to do around the Borough.

If I could end on a personal note – my best moment if I am honest – this month has been my first cuddles with my three wonderful grandsons and my two daughters. Yes there were tears …….

Councillor Linda Bird

Mayor of Royal Greenwich