Weekly Update from the Chief Executive

Dear Friends,

As we all start to make our preparations for the ‘big day’ it’s been heartening to hear about some of the initiatives taking place in our community which will bring some joy to families and individuals who may otherwise receive little or nothing this Christmas. This week members of our housing team joined local charity Young People First, to wrap presents for local families needing support. They were blown away by the amount of new and second-hand toys and gifts that had been donated by the charity’s partners and sponsors and also the amount raised to provide food hampers and a Christmas lunch. We’ve also been working with Child Friendly Warwickshire (WCC) to support their Christmas gift appeal which is being coordinated by the Family Information Service, Foster Care teams and Family Centres.

For some the greatest gift will be a healthy Christmas spent with friends and family, hence the weekly reminder to all those who are eligible to take up their flu and Covid vaccines as we socialise more.

In other news:

• We’re delighted to announce that the new Castle Farm Leisure Centre in Kenilworth will be opening to the public on Thursday 21 December. The new £multi-million centre which replaces Castle Farm Recreation Centre features a 6-court sports hall, 80 station gym, 2 fitness studios and cycling studio and a new HQ for Kenilworth Scouts and Guides.
• As part of the Heart of England Forest ‘Trees Call to Action’ project, we’ll be at Montgomery Avenue Park in Hampton Magna tomorrow (9 December) from 10am to 1pm planting hundreds of trees for the local community. All are welcome to join in.
• We also welcome the launch of the government’s ‘Best Bar None’ scheme in Leamington. BBN has been designed to help licensed venues make a nationally recognised commitment to high standards of venue management, staff training and care and customer service, safety and welfare.

• Our shiny new corporate strategy is now live on our website, I do recommend you have a read as it sets out our vision, priorities and focus as we move towards the next decade.

• Don’t forget that tomorrow marks the start of Panto season at the Royal Spa Centre (oh no it doesn’t!). ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ runs until Sunday 7 January and promises to be a GIANT of a panto! A great Christmas present idea?

And finally …… ‘Happy Hanukkah’ to all in our district who are celebrating the Jewish festival of light this week. Chag Sameach!

Have a great weekend.

Chris Elliott, Chief Executive