Even on the darkest of days, we can find rays of joy in the most unusual places. In the midst of a bleak winter with the virus doing its best to dampen the Christmas sparkle; there are reminders of the sheer brilliance of our community life. Covid restrictions challenge our natural desire to connect, which is particularly tough at this time of year, so it’s been wonderful this week to witness how we’re still managing to express our family and community bonds, often in highly creative ways.

The festive lights and decorations seem all the brighter thanks to the extra efforts that have been made. So too do the many other creative displays such as this pop-up, knitted, nativity, which appeared on the Bishop’s Tachbrook post box. You can’t help but smile, when you contemplate this colourful scene while posting your cards! 

Yes, we all know that this was not the Christmas we were expecting, but it remains a poignant moment to reflect on what’s important; our health, our loved ones and the prospect of a brighter future ahead for our community.

Our council teams will be working through the holidays to help keep us safe and maintain essential services. We’re also delighted that Heartbreak Productions will be live-streaming a carol service this Sunday at 6pm, for us all to enjoy at home via their website. 

It’s disappointing that we’ve remained in Tier 3, but not surprising given the rise in local infections to 181 per 100,000 residents. Family gatherings this Christmas present an opportunity that the coronavirus will exploit, unless we remain vigilant to protect our loved ones. Please take time once again to review the Government guidance; remember to properly wear face coverings, thoroughly wash our hands and keep socially distant, even within our homes. An extra precaution, especially during this mild spell, is to ventilate our rooms regularly through the day. Now is not the time to drop our guard if we want 2021 to be a brighter year for us all.

A new “Lateral Flow” test centre is opening in Leamington Spa next week, so even if we’re NOT displaying any Covid-19 symptoms, we can quickly confirm that we’re not carrying the virus. And if we’re infected, we can protect those closest to us by isolating, preventing the spread this Christmas and throughout the winter ahead. Appointments can be booked online and the results will be processed in under an hour. More details will be shared early next week.

There is grant support for local businesses affected by the current restrictions and you can find out what is currently available and how to apply on our website.  

We should continue to support our local businesses - take a trip to our vibrant town centres where every pound spent supports vital local jobs. Take advantage of our free off-street parking throughout December, which we’re providing to help make your visit safe and enjoyable.

Our magnificent weekly markets continue:

• Leamington’s Yuletide market this Sunday
• Warwick has a special Christmas market on Wednesday 23 December
• Kenilworth market is Thursday 24 December

Each of our markets has in place strict Covid-19 guidelines, so we can safely visit for all our last minute purchases and Christmas essentials.

Let’s also make some time this week to check-in with family, friends and neighbours who might be vulnerable and need extra support. The Covid-19 Community directory gives helpful information and a call to 0800 4081447 will access support for the clinically extremely vulnerable. The council’s Community Emergency Recovery Fund is still available for charitable organisations which have adapted or increased their support services to help during the pandemic. 

To finish with some good news, we’re delighted that Kenilworth received a special Christmas gift this week, with the funding confirmed and the land purchased at Southcrest Farm for a brand-new school which will be opened by September 2023. We’re pleased to be partnering with Kenilworth Multi- Academy Trust on this game-changing project, which will bring educational, community and housing benefits for the whole district.

Finally, we’ll be pausing these updates over the holidays to take a break ourselves. Until we next connect, may we wish you a safe, joyful Christmas and a prosperous, fulfilling new year ahead.

Keep smiling and stay safe.

Cllr Andrew Day
Leader, Warwick District Council

Chris Elliott
Chief Executive, Warwick District Council