I am very excited that in June Nottingham will again be hosting a number of exciting events, celebrating the extraordinary contribution of the Windrush Generation to our city. This year is a significant time as it marks the 75th anniversary of the ship HMT Windrush coming to the UK in 1948.

This is a great opportunity ?to thank the Windrush Generation for overcoming great sacrifice and hardship and celebrate their descendants who have gone on to lead the field across Nottingham?s public life, in business, the arts and sport. As the City Council?s first female black Deputy Leader, I am looking forward to celebrating my own heritage throughout June and joining friends and partners, including Reverend Clive Foster, who recently received an MBE for services to the Windrush Generation. Events throughout the month include:

• Thursday 8 June ? Special Windrush Lecture ? NTU University Hall at 6pm
• Thursday 22 June - Civic Service - Nottingham Council House at 10.30am
• Thursday 22 June Lunch & Entertainment ? Binks Yard, Island Quarter at 1pm
• Saturday 24 June ? Windrush Cuisine & International Celebration - 2pm-9pm
• Sunday 25 June ? Commemorative Gospel Service ? Binks Yard, Island Quarter at 3.30pm

You can find out more details and book yourself in for celebrations here - Windrush 75 Events ? (thepilgrimchurch.org) I hope as many of you as possible will join me in coming together for this important moment.

Today is World No Tobacco Day ?and while fewer people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire smoke than ever before, smoking remains one of the largest causes of ill-health and early death in the area. That?s why I?m pleased that the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Smoking and Tobacco Control Alliance has launched a smoking and tobacco control vision document and delivery plan, setting out an ambition to see smoking among adults in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire reduced to 5% or lower by 2035.

We do not underestimate the impact that smoking and tobacco use has on the lives of local residents, from the negative impact on finances, to the health of those who smoke or who are around second-hand smoke. We are working towards eliminating smoking and tobacco-related harm, creating a smoke-free generation for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire by 2040.

Nottingham City residents can access support on quitting smoking here.

If you are aged 16 or over and live in the city or county, we?d also like to hear from you about why people smoke and vape and how people feel about smoking in their communities. A survey has been launched here: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/ho1msa

It?s good news that the energy regulator Ofgem has announced that the Energy Price Cap is set to drop. From Saturday 1^st July 2023, it will fall to ?2,074 a year for a typical household, which is 17% lower than the current Energy Price Guarantee. This means that for every ?100 per month people pay today, they will be paying around ?83 per month from July.

The cut to the price cap is welcome, but we know energy bills remain much higher than previously and that many households in Nottingham will be struggling. There is support available to prioritise and reduce your bills on the Ask Lion website.

There are lots of activities underway in Nottingham to keep the kids occupied during the half-term break. The popular Luminarium is at Highfields Park until Sunday (4 June), with all the usual park activities also available including mini golf, boating and the play area which were all put to good use over the Bank Holiday weekend. All our parks are a great way to get out of the house for some fresh air, exercise and fun.

Nottingham Libraries celebrate Elmer Day with themed activities throughout half term, including craft sessions, picture hunts and stories. Littles ones can also take part in baking workshops and a games day at Green?s Windmill.

There?s more activity ideas here.