Remember, remember the fifth of November, poignantly not only because it’s bonfire night, but as this is the date when COP27 in Warwick District comes to town. This is an opportunity to ‘think global, and act local’ alongside organisations and community groups undertaking initiatives that are tackling climate change.

Taking place at Leamington Town Hall, there will be talks and presentations from a variety of different groups, including Kenilworth All Together Greener, Low Carbon Warwickshire and Heart of England Forest, plus updates from our Climate Change team on the progress being made with our Action Programme. You can book a place to attend this event, here.

In today’s news, everyone 50 or over is now eligible to book a Covid booster and flu jab. With local cases rising, this added protection is welcome. Remember too, if we’ve feeling unwell let’s avoid contact with our vulnerable friends, colleagues and relatives until we’re better. For further information on the Covid vaccines and to book an appointment, please visit here.

In other news:

• Investment Zones – An expression of interest has been submitted to designate the proposed West Midlands Gigafactory site at Coventry Airport and adjoining, already approved development sites.  If this bid to establish a new, flagship Investment Zone is successful, it would help to achieve the ‘game changing’ battery Gigafactory. This significant new manufacturing capacity would help anchor the new EV based motor industry in the West Midlands, securing tens of thousands of jobs, improving local prosperity and making a significant contribution to our vision of a net zero carbon future.
• Kenilworth Leisure Facilities - Work has now started on the new Abbey Field swimming pools following recent archaeological surveys. While the majority of Abbey Fields, including the main children’s playground, will remain open throughout these building works, the toddler playground will be open only on the weekends to ensure the safety of our little ones!
• Leamington Autumn Markets – If you’re interested in some early Christmas shopping or fancy a stroll along the Parade on a Sunday afternoon, then the good news is that the weekly markets are now in full swing, with over 60 stalls brimming with goodies, unusual gifts, and artisan food and drink.
• Cost of living support – We working with voluntary and community sector organisations to provide meaningful, practical support to help us all deal with these challenging financial times. A networking event has been organised in Leamington Spa, next Wednesday 19 October. Our communities’ team is also hosting a Money Advice Market on Wednesday 26 October at the Royal Pump Rooms, with local partners on hand to give advice on a range of subjects including finance, food, energy, family, housing and jobs.

And finally… the annual Warwick Mop has started with the reading of the ancient charter dating from Edward III. Road closures are already in place around the town centre and market square. Our thanks go to our partners CJs events for their great work with our events and business teams to safely bring this historic occasion to our beautiful Warwick. See you on the dodgems!

Keep smiling and stay safe.