The vaccination programme for 12-15 year olds is now underway in secondary schools. We believe this is an important step in the ongoing work to protect as many people as possible. The vaccine not only reduces the chance of catching the virus, but it also lessens the impact for those who do. Young people aged 12-15 who have a serious underlying health condition have already been part of the vaccination programme, so we welcome the next step to extend the vaccine to all pupils over the age of 12. Parents and young people will have a lot of questions about the vaccine. Some useful guides have been produced to help with this:

• Covid-19 ? a guide for young people
• Covid-19 ? a guide for parents

Please take a moment to read these ? and do share with anyone who you feel would like to know more about the vaccination.

After a year off last year due to Covid, it?s good to see the Robin Hood Marathon back this weekend to celebrate its 40^th anniversary. Over that time, the event has become a firm favourite in the race calendar for thousands across the country who have raised millions of pounds for national and local charities.

The route this Sunday takes in all parts of the city including Wollaton Park before crossing the finish line at Victoria Embankment. This necessitates some road closures which will affect some bus services, so please plan your journey on Sunday. All the best to everyone taking part ? enjoy the day and our beautiful city!

I?d like to wish good luck to my fellow councillor Linda Woodings who is running the half marathon to raise funds for Nottingham & Notts Refugee Forum. A worthy cause and you can sponsor her here should you wish to.

The city took part in a race of a different kind today. We hosted a Race to Zero event at the Motorpoint Arena ahead of COP26, which was a chance for local public sector organisations, businesses and universities to get together to discuss the opportunities the path to net zero presents. I?m proud that the City Council could share its knowledge as it leads the city towards carbon neutrality by 2028, and to hear what others are doing and how we can work together towards that common goal.

Our award winning service, Nottingham Catering, is urgently seeking catering staff. If you, or anyone you know, is looking for employment, this could be the perfect role. There are over 20 jobs available straight away for people who love working with food, are friendly and looking for jobs with good pay and opportunities to develop, including School Chef Supervisors, Assistant Chefs, Kitchen Assistants and Casual Kitchen Assistants.

The recruitment drive is essential to ensure Nottingham Catering can provide a healthy, hot meals to schools across Nottingham and the East Midlands. School kitchens have been under increased pressure during the pandemic and have more vacancies than normal at this time of year, with Covid-19 also adding to that pressure.

If you are interested in any of the positions, please visit?https://jobs.emss.org.uk?and search for the key word of ?catering.? Or email?[email protected]?for help or further information including registering for casual roles.

Meadowlands Festival promises to bring some of the very best international, national and local indie artists to Victoria Embankment on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 June 2022.

Gerry Cinnamon has been confirmed as the first headliner for this all-new festival series and tickets are on sale now. I look forward to this brand-new music festival along with the significant economic boost it will bring to the city?s events and hospitality sectors, which have suffered during the pandemic.

Get tickets