I want to take this opportunity as we head to the Easter weekend to thank everyone once again for doing everything necessary to keep covid-19 rates down. Cornwall’s rates are about 1/3 of the English average as the vaccine rollout continues at pace. I want to add a particular thank you to all school staff. Easter will be the first clear break many will have since the beginning of the first lockdown. I know how much extracurricular activity has gone on behind the scenes to adapt to changing guidance, adjust to teaching online and in the classroom safely whilst keeping a compassionate eye on their pupils' well-being. I’m sure I’m amongst good company when I say the return to classroom teaching for our children nearly a month ago was most welcome.
Whilst Easter is not marked in the same way as Christmas by the wider public the weekend is an important part of the Christian church calendar and I know that most (if not all) churches locally plan to hold special services both online and as congregations. It will be the first week for months that the church my family and I attend will meet physically. Put simply, Easter offers hope and this seems in short supply at the moment for many. I know a church near you will give a warm welcome.
Brain Tumour Awareness month is now over and I was encouraged to get the commitment of the PM at Prime Minister’s Questions to meet with me after Easter to receive a petition calling for research funding for brain tumours to match other critical cancers. Over 100,000 people signed the petition and the true sadness is that most will have some personal experience of a devastating brain tumour diagnosis. As soon as the opportunity arises we shall hold our ‘annual’ Great Western Dog Walk to continue raising awareness and funds for vital research.
There is still time to apply for the apprenticeship vacancy in my office. The post is as a business administrator and you are invited to apply to [email protected].
Cornwall Council, Town Council and Parish Council elections take place on May 6th. The vote to elect the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Police is also on the same day. Standing for election is a great honour and an act of public service (especially if you are successful!). You will need a set of nomination papers from Cornwall Council and have your completed nomination papers in by 4pm on April 8th. To register to vote (and I urge everyone who is eligible) you have until April 19th. To apply for a postal vote you have until 5pm on April 20th.
Having just collated (with a member of staff) a 50 page chapter setting out what measures have been taken, what measures are being taken and what measures are ‘in the pipeline’ to decarbonise our economy, support biodiversity and nature recovery it is clear to me that whatever we think of the issue there is no getting away from the changes that will impact us all whoever we are and wherever we live. For a copy of this first chapter (which I’m sure does not completely cover everything) please email me if you have not already done so. The report will be emailed to you as a PDF during Easter week.
