Mayor’s Blog: The start of spring

The daylight hours are getting longer, crocuses have appeared and there was a beautiful display of snowdrops to surprise me on Nursery Green, Hampton, when I went for a walk this week.

Perhaps now, as it is slightly warmer, is the time to come out of hibernation and become more sociable. How about going along to one of those coffee mornings near you? Or consider a reading group at one of the Borough's libraries.
 
Of course, some residents have kept being energetic all winter, especially the sportsmen and women amongst us. Towards the end of January, I was fortunate enough to see a match at the home ground of Hampton and Richmond Borough Football Club. The players worked hard at their game and the supporters were wrapped up warmly while encouraging the players in their game. The Club are supporting a White Ribbon Walk in Hampton on 17 February. The walk is to draw attention to violence against women and girls and starts at 1pm in Hampton Square, and will end up at the Football Club, Station Road, Hampton.
 
The Twickenham Yacht Club, on the other hand, were inside rather than on the water at a dinner and dance event held to celebrate their annual awards. It was good to find out all the things they do on and off the water. They have been a Club in Twickenham for over 100 years!

If your daily life doesn't include a walk to work and back, you might like to find out about our health walks. These are for people of all ages who want to become more active. There are some shorter and slower walks for beginners and those who may have limiting health conditions.

If you are feeling the start of 'spring fever' and slightly more energetic, come and strut your stuff at the Mayor's Scottish Ceilidh on Friday 15 March. No previous experience is required as the dances will be 'called'. Buy your tickets for the ceilidh online.
 
Perhaps you are looking to change careers during this season. Don't forget to check out Work Match which is a free recruitment service for local businesses and gives employment support for residents. Richmond Work Match will also be hosting Employ Richmond, a free employment and skills event on Friday 23 February at The Exchange in Twickenham. Find out more about Employ Richmond.

Also, Richmond Chamber of Commerce held a 'Skills gaps and HR strategies' event this week, hosted by Richmond upon Thames College. Amongst the excellent speakers there was an apprentice (now in work) who had been at the College and had gone on from there to become an apprentice. This was good to hear as it is 'National Apprenticeship Week'.
 
So, whatever you decide to do, surprise yourself, like those snowdrops surprised me!

Share this