Mayor Linda Bird's blog - May/June 2020

At the time of writing this we have been in post for just three weeks. I am so proud and honoured to be elected as Mayor, and to bring my two daughters with me into the role , as my Consorts. We are all three very excited and look forward to the year ahea

My chosen charity this year is Metro Greenwich , the charity supporting equality and diversity. The Mayors charity will also support Greenwich Starting Blocks , the charity supporting local young athletes to achieve their full potential.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us and changed all of our lives. Along with many other residents, I have been in isolation for 100 + days. I can offer my sympathy and understanding for families and friends who are enduring separation, and I hope everyone stays safe and remains well at home. 

During this time, we have all had to develop new ways of working together, and different ways of keeping contact. So I am pleased to say, despite the isolation, the Mayor’s diary remains busy.

Inauguration

The inauguration day was in May. We held a virtual tea party with beautiful scones, cakes, cream and jam delivered to our doors and a zoom session organised.  We had a great time, together. However we are all optimistic that there will be a safe more traditional inauguration ceremony in the fullness of time.

Mayor's Chain Competition

We held a competition for children aged 15 and under to design and make a chain for the new Mayor. There were some stunning entries . The winner was 4 year old Loki O’Shaugnessy .

Loki

Support for all our carers

The weekly Thursday ‘Clap for Carers ‘ was supported all over our Borough, and I was delighted to join each week and ring my old school bell, in the hope it could be heard by the heroes who are our front line workers.

Clap for Carers

Walk a mile a day in May

I was delighted to support CACT and Greenwich Starting Blocks by taking part in this fundraising initiative and thoroughly enjoyed my mile a day around Oxleas Woods.  Like most people, it was good to turn the daily exercise routine into a fundraiser!

Cycling

I have serviced my lovely bike. Brakes, tyres all checked and chain oiled, and have taken to the open road and cycle ways around the Borough. I hope to see some of you cycling safely too.

Cllr Bird  riding bike

Activities and virtual meetings

I had my first virtual planning meeting with Metro Greenwich where we started the plans to organise fund raising and activities. We had a very productive meeting and look forward to getting started.

I also had my first community group meeting in May, and I am pleased to say it was with the fantastic Caribbean Social Forum. I was privileged to join their regular Thursday meet up, and to hear how the lock down might be affecting some members. I know the forum is often in fine voice on Thursdays, so I hope to return to join in the singing!

During the month of June, I saw the launch of Volunteer Week. I was delighted to have the opportunity to prepare a speech and a written piece to launch the week, which gave me the opportunity to express my feelings of absolute gratitude and humility for those in our community who give their time, energy and skills to help others less fortunate.

I also had a meeting with Kate Heaps CEO of Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice. Kate and I had a conversation about the outstanding work of the Hospice, and how I might further support their work. I look forward to future meetings especially around the Compassionate Neighbours Scheme.

I met with Michelle Martin, Chief Executive of Volunteer Centre Greenwich. What a privilege to spend quality time with Michelle and share some of the plans for the future and celebrate the outstanding work already in place.

On 4 June, I met with Matthew Mees the Chief Executive of the Greenwich Foundation of the Old Royal Naval College. Again, we were able to celebrate the volunteers who work around the College, as guides and much more. We discussed the contribution this amazing asset brings to our Borough, and how we might develop links further.

I then moved on to join my daughter Amy in a surprise virtual visit to the Volunteer Centre Greenwich celebration Tea Party . This was arranged by Michelle as a thank you to volunteers for all their work, and to mark Volunteer Week together. I am pleased to say the technology worked, and we surprised the team. I was able to speak to individuals and the whole group about the fantastic positive impact their work has on our residents. It was really great. We discussed the new initiative Pass the Time Project, which has inspired me to turn out the jumble that is my games cupboard!

Sadly, as I continue to enjoy this exciting time and share meetings and events, my thoughts are often about our friend and colleague, Cllr Christine Grice, who sadly passed away on April 28. I miss her friendship very much. This has been such a difficult time for many people across our Borough.

All meetings are being held  remotely. I wanted to say that although this is a great change in the way we work, I have so far found this to be a positive experience. Holding the meetings in this way allows at least 40 minutes of a one to one focussed conversation, with no distractions.  

Please contact the Mayor's Office if you would like me to attend any virtual events/meetings – on mayor@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

Meanwhile please stay safe and well

Councillor Linda Bird,
Mayor of Royal Greenwich