Mayor's blog

Sunshine, spring flowers are definitely in bloom and further easing on our restrictions due to COVID-19 are on their way. I hope there is something for everyone to smile about this month.

The COVID-19 infection rate in our borough has fallen, and for this, we should all be both proud and relieved. The rate has dropped, as we all know, due to a combination of people keeping to the rules and restrictions necessary, and also people have taken up the vaccination offer. Thank you to everyone for working together to control this pandemic.

Thanks for your contribution to reducing infection and transmission – I was able to share a meal outside with my daughter. The first time we have been able to sit together for 8 months. I really hope other families have also enjoyed this improvement in our lives.

Feeling the difference

The launch of Street Eats enabled pubs and restaurants to provide outdoor eating and drinking in a safe environment. This is a piece of really excellent news for our hospitality trade, and I for one have enjoyed this opportunity to safely meet my family. You need to book, and take precautions, but it is so very worth it. Well done to local businesses for providing pods, heaters and a safe way of operating.

Also, I had a haircut – which means I can actually see the world in front of me at last. Thank you to hairdressers for providing a COVID-19 safe experience. A definite improvement.

I also hope everyone has been able to collect a home testing kit. I find this so reassuring and have decided to use Tuesdays as my weekly ‘test’ day, so we can feel slightly more confident. Masks, hand hygiene and only meeting in the open air must still be in operation and this will make sure that improvement in all our lives can continue. Let's stick to that together.

Sad start to the month

We were all sad to learn of the death of HRH Prince Philip, and we paid our respects to this long-serving consort to the Queen, who was also Baron of Greenwich. I was truly honoured to represent Royal Greenwich on several occasions to mark the Prince’s passing. I also learnt many facts about the strong connections between Prince Philip and our borough. One of the main highlights of this week of mourning for me was our multifaith memorial on board the Cutty Sark. A wonderful opportunity to bring into focus the rich diversity of Royal Greenwich and its connection to HRH Prince Philip.

Out and about

Due to the change in restrictions, I have been able to move about and meet more people across the borough, wearing masks and always outside, but nevertheless, we made it happen!

I was truly honoured to be invited to Charlton Park Academy for the formal opening of the brand new Mulberry Residential Centre. Being the Mayor has allowed me some wonderful opportunities, and this was one of the star events. The staff and headteacher, Mark Dale-Emberton continue to provide world-class facilities including training, education and wrap-around family support – fantastic.

I also visited Hawksmoor School in Thamesmead. Here, the Head of Schoo,l James Thompson is leading his dedicated team forward and together they are establishing many improvements. I was privileged to meet many pupils and staff. As a retired Headteacher, I am well aware of the energy and commitment that goes into securing a safe and inspiring place to learn, and I congratulate James and his team on their school.

I also visited the amazing More2Children Nursery Care in East Greenwich and was delighted to share their fifth Birthday celebrations, with some wonderful singing from the children. Thank you to manager Yvonne and all the More2 Team – and a Happy Fifth Birthday to everyone. More2 was founded by 3 parents, who had 9 children between them, decided there was a need for affordable childcare in East Greenwich. That was 5 years ago, and I was delighted to meet directors Eve, Kelly and Glenda. An amazing achievement.

Road Crossing Patrol

I was able to meet up with Anne Grant and one of her team of road crossing patrollers, Colin. We were at Westmount Road in Eltham, as pupils crossed this busy road to St Marys Primary School in Glenure Road. Thanks to Colin and his colleagues across the borough, our school children are able to cross in safely. For those who may not realise, Royal Greenwich stands out as one of the very few boroughs which provide this service. I am also pleased to have trained as a volunteer crossing patroller in order to support the schools in my ward which is Eltham North. This service is an amazing support for children, parents and school teachers and leaders.

Community links

The NHS vaccination bus provides a brilliant service and accessibility for residents to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. So I thought I would pop along informally to Thamesmead on Sunday and say hello and thank you to the workers and volunteers providing this service. On Sunday 160 residents booked and had the vaccine on the bus. Well done.

I was really pleased to be invited to talk to the Charlton Society on Saturday afternoon at their monthly meeting. The theme of my presentation was A Day in the Life of a Mayor during Lockdown. It was a bit tricky, as the days have been so different and so varied!

A true reflection of the impact the pandemic has had on all of our lives and routines.

Finally, but amazingly...

Well done to all who have helped with the fundraising this month – 30 K in 30 days.

And amazingly we have raised around £800. Just thanks to all for donations and any sore feet and aching legs.

I am so pleased to be able to support our charities - Greenwich Starting Blocks and METRO Charity.

Thank you for reading and let's continue to take care.

Thank you,

Cllr Linda Bird - Mayor of Royal Greenwich