A very warm welcome, no pun intended as we struggle through the heatwave, to the new Rotary year. This year is shaping up to be a big year and we need to add into the mix the impact the Covid variant is having on all of us. Our local retailers are struggling and of course we want to continue to support them. I know I have been endeavouring to shop locally and that makes me walk there as its not worth getting out the car. A win-win!The Emerald Hotel will no longer be open on Mondays for the foreseeable future. Today I received confirmation that we have secured a room for the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Emerald. I had looked around the area and most establishments are closed Mondays and some Tuesdays, as well. Finding staff is difficult and managing the challenges that the new variant is having is certainly taxing the hospitality industry. A few places were open Mondays but their costs were far too high. I am delighted that we are able to meet at the Emerald.
Dennis Tarrant will be organizing the equipment in order for us to have hybrid meetings. I am so grateful as I know some find it difficult to attend due to distance or health issues. Again, the pandemic is swaying our thoughts about what is less risky as the ‘new normal’ continues to evolve. Challenging times!
Corona virus continues to impact our way of living and it is important that it is recognised for the impact that it is having on us all and the need to seek support in the way that is most effective for us all.