I would like to wish every resident across Hastings and Rye a very Happy Easter this weekend.
This annual celebration in the calendar is an opportunity for Christians around the world to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the renewal of life.
But whether you are of faith or none, the message is one we can all embrace after the tumultuous and challenging year we have all endured together.
As the snowdrops begin to spring up across the woodland floors, and as the cherry blossoms bloom, lambs are seen bouncing around the fields, and as we begin to enjoy the first warmth of Spring in the lighter evenings, we can take a moment to be optimistic for the future. After a long, dark Winter, we are beginning to feel the rewards of the hard work we have all put in together to help combat the Covid19 virus.
This Easter, more than any other, we can really take to heart the message of renewal, hope and optimism, as we continue to keep the virus under control and gradually, cautiously, unlock our economy and society again.
Infection rates continue to fall, hospitalisations are coming down and deaths rates are reducing sharply, all while our vaccine rollout has meant over 32 million people have had a first dose of a Covid19 vaccine. We are finally beginning to beat the virus, and gradually return to normal.
But our return to normality must be steady and surefooted, we cannot allow the huge progress we have made to go to waste in these next few weeks and months. That is why we must all continue to do our bit, day by day, to combat the virus and protect the most vulnerable.
So whether you will be celebrating Easter by meeting family in a back garden, catching up with friends in the park or attending church, please make sure you continue to follow the rules and guidance, and by doing so protect yourselves and your loved ones, and help to keep us on the road back to freedom.
Happy Easter to you all.
