To receive updates from members of the group.

Jane Corry explained that Norden Farm was coming to the end of its cultural recovery fund money. Work had been done with a number of families, schools, Achieving for Children and concerts had been produced for care homes. Norden Farm wanted to continue to deliver services for residents but there was significant competition for funds. On 5^th September 2021 there would be a kite festival, with kite making packs available to buy online. Workshops would be available in July and August, while the Norden Farm market would be available on the first and the third Saturdays of the month.

Philip Reynolds said that the Rotary ‘service above self’ award had received six applications and ten nominations for individuals, he thanked those that had applied.

Jeff Pick asked the group to let him know if there was anything that they wanted him to send out in his email newsletter.

David Scott, Head of Communities at RBWM, gave a brief update on Covid. He said overall RBWM was in a good place but asked groups to remember to stay safe, particularly as restrictions were being relaxed. A note was being sent to community influencers about myth busting around the vaccine and the pandemic. The key Covid messages were:

·         Even if you had been vaccinated – you must still be COVID-19 safe.The vaccination programme continued to reach more and more of our adult population and although getting vaccinated was still one of the best ways to help beat COVID-19, it does not make people invincible. Even after having had both vaccination jabs, it is still possible to catch this virus and spread it. Vaccination improves the chances of not being so unwell and reduces the likelihood of spreading the virus to others, but please follow the basics of Hands, Face Space and Fresh Air, even though the country was now in Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap. Doing this would help reduce the risks for everyone.

·         The latest Delta Variant was now the dominant variant in the community. Being vaccinated would reduce the chances of catching this variant, which was more transmissible so it was even more essential everything was done to try and stop community transmission. If you had been offered the vaccination, please take it. If you were uncertain for any reason about going to have your vaccination please let the team know and they could talk you through any questions or doubts you might have. Getting both doses was also really important as the second increases the effectiveness of the vaccination significantly.

·         Testing was still a really powerful way to reduce the risk of spreading the virus without knowing. It was recommended that two tests were taken each week to check. Tests could be done at dedicated test centres, tests could be collected from community collect points, pharmacy collection points or even order home delivery kits.

Sabahat Hassan said that she was part of the Communications team at CCG and they were encouraging residents to get both doses of the vaccine. A campaign called ‘people like me’ was currently running, which looked to convince younger cohorts to come forward for their vaccination. Further information would be sent out to the group after the meeting.

Jane Corry asked if the latest version of the One Borough directory could be sent out to the group.

ACTION – Mark Beeley to send out the One Borough directory to the group.

Claire Kellow suggested that a database could be created on the RBWM Together platform, if that would be useful.