Freedom day in the Valley of cheers
More Covid restrictions are unlocked
ANOTHER Covid corner was turned this week with indoor socialising and hugging bringing an end to almost seven months of lockdown.
As of Monday, a further relaxing of restrictions meant two households or groups of six can meet inside and up to 30 outside.
Pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums and children’s play centres can also welcome customers into their premises, providing Covid-secure measures are in place.
Simon Kaden-Smith, owner of Revival Sports Bar in Rawtenstall, said it was “fantastic” to be welcoming people back.
He said: “Monday wasn’t as busy as everyone expected, but I think this will hit this weekend. It’s been long days and nights trying to get everything ready.”
ANOTHER Covid corner was turned this week with indoor socialising and hugging bringing an end to almost seven months of lockdown.
As of Monday, a further relaxing of restrictions meant two households or groups of six can meet inside and up to 30 outside.
Pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums and children’s play centres can also welcome customers into their premises, providing Covid-secure measures are in place. Residents in Whitewell Bottom have also been taking advantage of new freedoms, with a range of ‘Escape from Lockdown’ outdoor activities.
Despite the generally upbeat air, there remained an air of uncertainty as some pubs began to open for the first time this year, not least caused by regional concern around the Indian Covid-19 variant.
Andrew Pilling, owner of The Old Boot Cafe and Wine Bar in Bacup, said: “It was a quiet opening day as people are still nervous about coming out; however we have installed booths so to give people some amount of space and privacy and it looks like it’s slowly picking up. I feel we need to be patient as we don’t expect it to be as busy as it was before the pandemic.
“But as always, we’re very optimistic for the future.”
Simon Kaden-Smith, owner of Revival Sports Bar in Rawtenstall, said it was “fantastic” to be welcoming people back. He said: “Monday wasn’t as busy as everyone expected, but I think this will hit this weekend. It’s been long days and nights trying to get everything ready.”
Helmshore Mills Textile museum was able to reopen for outdoor tours in April, but indoor tours and visits are now possible.
Free taster sessions at Whitewell Bottom, funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Lancashire, have already been held in tai chi, seated exercises, a guided walk with Abigail’s Trails, and a scavenger hunt.
Forthcoming events include family fun dance fit with Dansworks Dance Academy on Wednesday, May 26, at 6.30pm and Rossendale Drum Majorettes on Tuesday, June 8, at 6.15pm. For more information and bookings visit the Whitewell Bottom Community Centre Facebook page or 07843 263714.