Renovations Diary
The Weekday Warriors kept the kitchen project moving during lockdown, with plenty of hard work, good humour, and steady progress behind the scenes.
Lockdown 3.0
December to March 2021
The government website states January, but we all remember that we were not allowed to travel to visit loved ones for Christmas. We didn’t get to Christmas before we entered into Lockdown 3.0 – the pub closed for the rest of the year and into 2021. As soon as this happened, we immediately went back to online quiz and bingo events. And there was a very special Swan Song to 2020 too. [Ed]
Third national lockdown (January to March 2021)*
Following concerns that the four-tier system was not containing the spread of the Alpha variant, national restrictions were reintroduced for a third time on 6 January.
The rules during the third lockdown were more like those in the first lockdown. People were once again told to stay at home. However, people could still form support bubbles (if eligible), and some gatherings were exempted from the gatherings ban (for example, religious services and some small weddings were permitted).
Leaving lockdown (March to July 2021)*
On 8 March 2021, England began a phased exit from lockdown. A four-step plan, known as the roadmap out of lockdown, intended to “cautiously but irreversibly” ease lockdown restrictions. Instead of a return to the tiered system, the Government said it planned to lift restrictions in all areas at the same time, as the level of infection was broadly similar across England.
England moved through the roadmap as planned, but step four was delayed by four weeks to allow more people to receive their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
*Text from “Coronavirus: A history of English lockdown laws“
Message from the Directors
Following the move into Tier 3 restrictions, The Swan closed once again, with takeaway plans and essential community activities continuing where possible.
Online Quiz
The Swan’s hybrid Quiz Night combined online and in-person teams, ending with friendly competition just before Tier 3 restrictions forced another closure.
Renovations Diary
The Weekday Warriors pressed on with kitchen preparations despite the weather, while the team tested the new food van ahead of future dining at The Swan.
Renovations Diary
The Weekday Warriors kept the refurbishment moving through the festive season, with the new kitchen windows marking another exciting step forward for The Swan.
Swan Song to 2020
The Swan’s biggest online celebration of 2020 combined beer tasting, musical bingo, quizzes, and fundraising to end a challenging year on a high.
Renovations Diary
The Weekday Warriors continued preparing The Swan’s new kitchen, with volunteers making steady progress and always welcoming an extra pair of helping hands.
Message from the Directors
Entering a third lockdown, The Swan paused trading once again while continuing its kitchen project and planning for a stronger reopening in the spring.
Online Bingo
Another enjoyable online Bingo Night brought together familiar faces and new players for an evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition.
Online Quiz
Another challenging online Quiz Night kept minds active during lockdown, with Hettie’s Heroes, Ann Payne, and Sheila & Sid Allen taking the honours.
Renovations Diary
The Weekday Warriors continued transforming The Swan, with major structural work, new kitchen windows, and Coach House improvements bringing the restoration ever closer to completion.
Online Bingo
Sue Rigby stole the show at Bingo Night with a remarkable hat-trick of line wins across all three rounds.
Renovations Diary
The Weekday Warriors pressed on despite the storms, bringing The Swan’s new kitchen another step closer while preparing for the installation of its handcrafted windows.
Online Quiz
Another challenging online Quiz Night tested the regulars, with Anne Tebbatt, The Cliffords, and joint team winners taking the honours.
Renovations Diary
Behind the scenes, the Weekday Warriors made major progress preparing The Swan’s new kitchen, helped by generous community support and plenty of hard work.