OUR famous local scientist, Dr Edward Jenner, is in the news. Whether it’s the world leading Jenner institute at Oxford University or frequent references to him being responsible for the world’s first vaccine, Dr Jenner continues to be an inspiration to scientists around the globe during the current pandemic.

I’ve been supporting the team at Dr Jenner’s House and Museum in Berkeley with its Crowdfunder drive because the attraction, expertly led by Owen Gower, faces an uncertain future unless it finds extra money to cope during lockdown. Luckily, I was able to organise some recent national news coverage on the BBC, ITV, the Daily Telegraph and others to help give a boost to funding. To support the campaign to raise £35,000 for Dr Jenner’s House please visit: bit.ly/3c2kodL

While we are all stuck at home, protecting venues and activities that we cannot attend may feel like the last thing to do. Yet, we need these places to survive and thrive because we will want to enjoy them when lockdown ends.

Music venues like the Prince Albert pub are campaigning for support too and there are a number of other initiatives to help our rich tapestry of culture, arts, walks and events, including the Stroud Tourism Forum and Visit Gloucestershire. Please support their campaigns and work, if you can.

There was some very good news last week when the government allocated nearly £1.2 million of extra funding to help our district council during the Coronavirus pandemic.This is a substantial sum and I’m particularly pleased it’s coming because I have been lobbying ministers for extra financial support for Stroud.

READ MORE: Berkeley's Jenner museum 'may not survive' virus lockdown