As I write this, the new tier levels have just been announced telling us what we can and can’t do in each region over the next two weeks.  Here in Worcestershire, we are in tier two.  It is good news however, that for the five days over the Christmas period we can meet with loved ones from two other households to celebrate the festive season.  That, together with news of the effective vaccines which should be rolled out soon, are things to be cheerful about.  We can look forward to better days in the not too distant future.

I can quite confidently say that the swans at South Quay didn’t care what tier we were in when I went to feed them this week at the launch of this year’s Big Christmas Swan Feed.  They are the most beautiful birds, and there is a knack to feeding them to stop the greedy gulls and pigeons stealing their food.  You have to make sure their necks are up so they are ready for the food and then throw it carefully into their midst so they get it before the other birds steal it.

I was giving them Ark Wildlife floating swan pellets which are available from several local retailers – but can also be bought more cheaply in 15kg sacks.  This festive feeding is being spread over a month.  We’d love you to take a photo of yourself feeding the swans and send it via Facebook (The Swan Food Project) or WhatsApp – or email theswanfoodproject@gmail.com

Everyone will be entered into a draw and the winner will receive a sack of floating pellets.

I hope you all remembered to wear your white ribbons on Wednesday to mark White Ribbon Day.  This will be followed by 16 days of action across the UK, in a bid to raise awareness and to end domestic violence against women.  If you missed the day itself, it is not too late to stand up for this cause which has sadly increased during the period of lockdown.  You can find out more at www.whiteribbon.org.uk/day