Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 8th April print edition.
It’s hard to believe that we’re at that time of year already when the schools have broken up for the Easter holidays and the clocks have gone forward. Spring is finally here, and with the further easing of lockdown restrictions from 12th April there is a feeling of optimism that we might finally be slowly heading back towards a more normal way of life.
It’s because of months of sacrifice that we are now able to see our friends and family again. Whilst this might only be possible outside, and in groups of six or two households, it means the world to those who live alone and whose only contact with their loved ones, for most of the past year, has been through a screen. We have some wonderful outdoor activities available across Burton, with plenty to do for all the family, such as The National Forest Adventure Farm, the walks around Stapenhill Gardens, or the Washlands in the centre of Burton, and of course the many pub gardens which we will be able to visit again from 12th April. But, as we plan our Easter holiday activities and visits to family and friends, it’s important to plan ahead. Filling up the car with petrol, and going to the shops locally, before embarking on a journey all help to reduce the risk of transmission.
The battle against COVID has been a battle unprecedented in our lifetime and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our NHS staff and all the frontline workers such as teachers, shop workers, delivery drivers and the police, and indeed the entire population for sticking to the guidelines and staying at home in order to drive down infections and protect the NHS. Our vaccine rollout is the envy of Europe and means that we can continue on our roadmap to freedom. However, we must be aware of the third wave of COVID rising in Europe. This, coupled with new variants, means that despite the easing of restrictions, as we head into spring and look ahead to the promise of a great British summer, we must continue to stick to the rules and not jeopardise the incredible progress that we have made, as well as the phenomenal effort we have all put in to beat this terrible disease.
