Coronavirus update
Important Coronavirus Information from Oxford City Council
Oxford officially moved to 'high' COVID alert level as cases continue to rise. The city of Oxford will be moved into the government's 'high' or tier 2 alert level after a further rise in cases of COVID-19. The move means that Oxford residents will need to abide by new rules from Saturday 31 October.
Evidence continues to show that, in the past three weeks, the virus has spread to a much wider age range across the county and is no longer confined to younger people in urban areas. Hospital admissions have begun to increase as a result.
Bruno Holthof, Oxford University Hospitals CEO, said: "We have moved from a position of low and stable hospital admission rates over the summer to one in which admission rates are increasing. We know there is a time lag between rising cases and an increase in hospital admissions and so we expect to see a further increase in hospitalisation rates over the coming weeks."
What are the features of the 'high' level of COVID alert? - People must not meet socially with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
- People must not meet in a group of more than six outside, including in a garden or other space.
- People should aim to reduce the number of journeys they make where possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or cycle where possible. If taking public transport, they should plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes.
Further information is in the OCC update attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/82436bc4-fde7-421a-bb38-0661edb05120/OCC_update_29.10.2020.pdf
Also available at https://www.oxford.gov.uk/tier2 and in the Gov.UK links below
Uffington, Baulking and Woolstone. There are currently cases of Covid 19 in our villages, so it remains important to continue to observe all the usual precautions.
Gov.UK links:
Local COVID alert level: medium
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live in an area where the local COVID alert level is medium. The current Local COVID Alert Level for Vale of White Horse District Council is Local COVID Alert Level: Medium.
Local COVID alert level update: areas moving to 'high'
More areas will move from local COVID alert level 'medium' to local COVID alert level 'high' from 00.01 Saturday 31 October.
Local COVID alert level: high
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live in an area where the local COVID alert level is high.
NHS COVID-19 app updates across England and Wales
Updates to the app will make it more accurate and user-friendly.
Check if you're eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak. The Bounce Back Loan scheme is open to applications until 30 November 2020.
Vale of White Horse District Council Community Hub Support Update
With winter and Christmas fast approaching, we want to let you know how we are preparing for the next few months. Especially now that we have begun to see an increase in requests for support from our residents during the last couple of weeks. From the start of the pandemic, your amazing volunteer support has been essential to the work of the Community Hub and we remain grateful for that and your ongoing readiness to help the most vulnerable.
New dedicated COVID-19 support pages. The council recently launched a brand-new website with dedicated COVID-19 support pages. Please head over to these pages to find out what help and advice is available to anyone affected by the pandemic.
Web link: https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/coronavirus-community-support/support-for-people-who-need-help/
Access to food for all. We know that many people are affected financially by the pandemic and access to food is becoming more of a challenge for many. We are working closely with the Good Food Oxford network and have produced a spreadsheet of updated free and heavily discounted food services in our districts. Please see attached. Check out the wonderful options for families during half-term. To stay updated on food services in Oxfordshire, head over to the Good Food Oxford food map.
Our message of support to residents. We continue to encourage residents affected by COVID-19 with no other support available, to contact the Community Hub. Our dedicated team will continue to work with all the amazing volunteer groups, charitable organisations and services to support residents in the best possible way. The Community Hub team is available from:
- 8.30am-5pm Monday to Thursday
- 8.30am-4.30pm on Fridays
(These timings will be subject to change if demand increases). Call our Community Hub on 01235 422600 or email communitysupport@southandvale.gov.uk
Alternatively, within our villages, you can contact Simon Jenkins or Mike Oldnall, or the local support network in Baulking or Woolstone.
Other news from the Vale is attached here:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/19b9e0ae-bb7c-4764-a44b-2090bdb04680/District_Council_update_29_October_2020.pdf
Airband FTTP Project Uffington/Kingston Lisle
The Parish Council has been asked to look into the possibility of establishing a community project to get "ultrafast" or "full fibre" broadband installed into homes and businesses in the village. This should provide a significant improvement to services with a much faster and more reliable FTTP "gigabit ready" (150Mbps to 1000Mbps/1 Gbps) "future-proofed" service. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) means a pure "full fibre" broadband connection from the exchange, into your home or business.
Because this is a rural area, government grants are available which could eliminate altogether the cost to individuals of installing full-fibre through such a project. In addition, Oxfordshire County Council has just introduced a scheme to support better rural broadband with additional grants.
To assist the Parish Council in identifying how much interest there might be in getting full-fibre broadband installed in the Uffington area we would be grateful if you would complete a short Survey Monkey questionnaire by 30 November. It should take less than 10 minutes. The link to the questionnaire is here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TTCKKSQ
If you have any questions please email broadband@uffington.net
Jubilee Field Tidy – postponed
The forecast for tomorrow is unpleasant - heavy rain and very strong winds, so it seems sensible to postpone the Autumn Tidy until next Saturday – 7 November. Meet at the Village Hall at 10.00 am on Saturday 7 November.
November Village Walk cancelled
Following a walking group committee meeting (Pamela, Lilly and myself), we have decided it would be unwise to continue with the November village Wed walk. Given the worrying increase in the second wave of the Covid virus, and the advice linked with the new tier system it felt appropriate to take a break for this month. We will continue to monitor the situation month by month and look forward to resuming the walks when appropriate. Apologies to those who have only just joined the group, hopefully it won't be too long before our next walk.
In the meantime hope you will all continue to enjoy walks locally in smaller groups and look forward to a catch up with some of you if our paths cross. Photos attached of last month's walk through Fawler and Kingston Lisle - when the fields were a lot less muddy:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/7d562415-39aa-4745-8980-ef877eb346df.jpg
The Walking Group Committee, Verity Pamela and Lilly
Age UK Oxfordshire
Age UK Oxfordshire have reminded us that they offer a number of services, including the very popular phone friends and Good Neighbour Schemes. During the pandemic more and more people have requested a phone friend. Should you need the services of Age UK Oxfordshire, or should you become aware of anyone who could spare a little time to become a phone friend volunteer, please direct them to us. The website is here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire/our-services/
Free IT help for individuals
With the Covid restrictions, the move of services to digital has been inevitable. However, we all know that some people can't access this, and this has left them even more isolated. AbilityNet is a charity that provides free IT support to help older people and people with disabilities to use technology to achieve their goals. They have a network of friendly volunteers (all DBS checked) who can help with most computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smart phones. To find out more about them go to https://abilitynet.org.uk/at-home/request-free-it-support-home
Virtual Oxford Christmas Market goes live
Obviously, the Oxford Christmas market has been cancelled for this year. However, an online market - bringing together small independent traders - has been set up at https://www.oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk
Jeb Loy Nichols, St Nicholas Church, Baulking, Friday 27th November
Cow Muck Promotions. It's been 21 days since our last show with Richard Durrant at the Church and there are no reports of any ill effects so it is safe to say the show was a medical and artistic success. Thanks to all who turned up to make it a lovely evening. Our next show will feature last March's hero the very fine Jeb Loy Nichols. This will be an acoustic show and Jeb will be accompanied by Clovis Phillips on guitar who was in his band the last time he played here. It will be a great evening with a quality performer.
The show will be on Friday 27 November and it will start at 7.00 pm. Tickets are £17 each from 01367 820282. If you are interested, don't delay as we are down to single figures in remaining tickets - it will be sold out soon!
Oxfordshire Artweeks May Festival - May 1st – 23rd 2021
We need your help. Oxfordshire ARTWEEKS Artists and visitors cover every parish in the county. Covid has hit Artweeks as it has so many other events this year and we are having to plan for unknown times in 2021. Oxfordshire Artweeks is a not for profit members company designed to support amateur and professional artists and craft makers as well as community and charity groups, that live or work in Oxfordshire. This is a financially challenging time for Artweeks; we need artists support during this uncertain time so that it can survive to support artists beyond 2021.
The biggest change for visitors in 2021 is there will not be a printed guide book as it is highly unlikely that our distribution points will be able to take printed material to distribute in early April. We will be relying on local advertising and the public visiting the website to view the flip book version or to use the website searches to find venues.
For more information and how to register see attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/d3467a2d-5bf9-42a9-955d-aa01eabc3db7/Oxfordshire_Artweeks_May_Festival_2021.pdf
Temporary Road Closure at Uffington, Fernham Road, 16 -18 November
In the interests of public safety, it will be necessary for Oxfordshire County Council to close the road as detailed above in order to facilitate trial holes on the existing bridge structure "Uffington Mill". See map attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/60f5a8b0-3728-406d-a82d-f73ca985f8ef/Road_closure_16_to_18_November.pdf
The suggested alternative route: via Fernham Road, Station Road, Fawler Road, Broad Street, Fernham Road and vice versa.
Bonfire Night
If you're planning on holding your own fireworks party with family and friends follow the advice in this link, as well as following the local and national COVID-19 guidance: http://www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/bonfire-night
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 1st November: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/df14b677-4f1b-4832-aeb4-3d5b33ce9657/wsh_2020_11_01.pdf
All service resources and links are under the service page on the Uffington Benefice web site: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/home
Village news 23 October 2020 Coronavirus update
More Gov.UK alerts:
Millions of extra flu jabs available to support largest UK vaccination programme
Over 30 million people to be vaccinated this year to protect them from flu and support the NHS.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high. Added that Slough, Stoke-on-Trent and Coventry will move into 'local COVID alert level: high' on Saturday 24 October.
The Job Support Scheme
Find out more information about the Job Support Scheme.
The situation changes regularly and rapidly, so if in doubt please check for the latest guidance on: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
From OCC
See attached update dated 22/10/2020: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/8174a28e-5d9c-44da-b33a-fcbe998226c4/OCC_update_22_October_2020.pdf
This includes: - Climate Action - changes in Oxfordshire
- Local COVID-19 contact tracing system launched to support national efforts
- Parents urged to have children vaccinated against flu
Yesterday's newsletter warned of the rising levels of infection across the county and included this quote from Leader of Oxfordshire County Council Ian Hudspeth: 'In light of the escalating situation across the county, we are pushing hard for Oxfordshire to be moved to a high alert level. This would be a preventative measure to stem the spread of the virus and protect the county's most vulnerable residents.'
The update today is that the decision has been taken by Government not to move the county to a high alert level at this stage. However, the situation is being monitored extremely closely and Oxfordshire's Director of Public Health and Council Leaders are pushing for a move to happen as soon as possible. This has sparked a political row in the county, with the two MPs representing Oxford and all the Council leaders taking a different view to the county's other 4 MPs.
The decision to stop Oxfordshire moving up into the next tier could be reviewed as early as next week. Moving to a high alert level would mean that residents could not socialise with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
From the Police
Oxford Scam Warning. Thames Valley Police are urging people in Oxford to remain cautious after an elaborate scam has resulted in victims losing a total of £15,000.
A man, described as being of Mediterranean appearance, in a dark coloured car, has been approaching people asking for directions to Heathrow Airport. He claims to be a fashion designer with Giorgio Armani and that he has excess stock he is unable to take back to Dubai with him due to the high cost. He asks people to lend him money to cover the cost of his car hire on the promise that the money will be paid back. He encourages the individuals to provide their bank account details and will then drive them to the bank where the money is withdrawn and handed over.
The contact details passed over to the individuals turn out to be false and no money is ever paid back. This scam results in a significant financial loss and poses a risk to the victim's safety by agreeing to get in a car with a stranger. Where personal details including bank details have been handed over, this also leaves the victim open to identity fraud. Thames Valley Police also are urging the following: - Never agree to lend a stranger money, no matter how elaborate and believable their story may be.
- Never agree to purchase or accept items from a stranger – These items may be stolen and you could be implicated as being involved in handling stolen goods.
- Never reveal personal details to a stranger, especially banking details.
- Never agree to get in a stranger's car, no matter how friendly and trustworthy they may seem.
- Contact your bank immediately if you think you've fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
Please always call 999 in an emergency. For more information, visit the national Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
End of British Summer Time
The clocks will go back on Sunday 25 October at 2am.
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 25th October: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/c9c99793-cfb1-48fc-9295-65c5d8dd4775/wsh_2020_10_25.pdf
All service resources and links are under the service page on the Uffington Benefice web site: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/home
Village news 22 October 2020 Coronavirus update
I have been asked to get the following notice out asap, particularly in light of half term and Halloween, etc approaching – please pass it on. I will circulate an update tomorrow if there is anything to say.
From OCC
Oxfordshire close to 'high' COVID-19 alert level. Read here:
https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-close-to-high-covid-19-alert-level/
People in Oxfordshire are being advised to be extra vigilant, particularly over half-term, as cases of coronavirus continue to spread across the county. Evidence shows that, in the past two weeks, the virus has spread to a much wider age range across the county and is no longer confined to younger people in urban areas. Hospital admissions have begun to increase as a result.
Oxfordshire County Council's Director for Public Health Ansaf Azhar said: "Across all areas of the county, we are starting to see a significant shift in the spread of the virus beyond people in their teens and 20s to older and more vulnerable age groups. This is a really concerning development. We know that, once the virus starts to spread to more vulnerable groups, then hospital cases will rise and deaths will inevitably follow. "We have seen what's been happening across the north of England and how the virus has quickly taken hold across huge swathes of the community. Based on the current trajectory of the virus, we could well find ourselves in a similar position in just a few weeks' time if we do not take collective action now."
"With half-term approaching, as well as events such as Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali coming up, it's very easy to get caught up in the excitement of meeting up and celebrating with friends and family. But we mustn't forget about COVID. We need to do everything we can to keep our families and communities safe and stop the spread.
"I know the temptation will be to meet up and socialise over half-term. However, the virus thrives when people are in close contact with one another. So I would strongly urge everyone to limit their social interactions and focus instead on the many COVID-secure family activities that are taking place over half-term."
Oxfordshire is currently at the 'medium' or tier 1 level in the COVID-19 alert system. This is the national three-tier system, which classifies areas as medium, high or very high based on their numbers of infection and overall risk level. Discussions have taken place this week with central Government about whether all areas of Oxfordshire should move to the 'high' alert level, given concerns over the spread of the virus to age groups beyond people in their teens and 20s to potentially more vulnerable groups.
The decision has been taken not to move the county to a high alert level at this stage. However, the situation is being monitored extremely closely and Oxfordshire's Director of Public Health and Council Leaders are pushing for a move to happen as soon as possible. Moving to a high alert level would mean that residents could not socialise with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
Leader of Oxfordshire County Council Ian Hudspeth said: "In light of the escalating situation across the county, we are pushing hard for Oxfordshire to be moved to a high alert level. This would be a preventative measure to stem the spread of the virus and protect the county's most vulnerable residents. We are aware that some businesses, particularly the hospitality sector, would be affected if we moved to a high alert level, and we welcome the announcement from Government today that additional support will be available. However, we must do everything we can to keep residents across the county safe. We know that the majority of transmissions occur when different households mix, so increasing our alert level to high, which prevents households from mixing socially in indoor settings, is one of the best ways we can help our residents at this critical time."
More Gov.UK alerts:
Jenrick confirms allocations of £1 billion funding for councils this winter
Allocations confirmed for individual councils from the £1 billion of additional support announced by the Prime Minister earlier this month.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you're eligible and how much you can get.
The situation changes regularly and rapidly, so if in doubt please check for the latest guidance on: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
A message from the Royal British Legion
There will be no house to house collection for the Royal British Legion this year, but poppies and donation boxes will be available at the following locations in Uffington:
The village shop; Uffington primary school; St. Mary's Church; Norton House, Broad Street; 21 Patricks Orchard.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an overwhelming impact on people's livelihoods and way of life, leaving some in the armed forces community in dire need of urgent help and support. The Legion's work is more vital than ever as we support our community through additional hardships from those struggling with social isolation, financial difficulties and unemployment, to those who have lost loved ones or are facing the threat of homelessness.
Please give as generously as you are able during this difficult time.
Uffington Apple Juice
The last 40 bottles of juice were sold at the Farmers Market on Sunday, and after expenses, £100 has been gift aided to St Mary's Church and £100 donated to ACCESS in Bangalore. Thanks to everyone who supported this project - bringing us apples, buying the juice and to the village shop for helping to sell it. Let's hope for another bumper crop next year! Fenella and Carl Oberman.
Halloween - Dogs Trust
Karen at Glenfield, Broad Street, Uffington is planning a small fund raiser for Dogs Trust for Halloween. 'I plan to put a box of knitted stuffed animals on my wall with a sign that says "Halloween animals free to a good home - donations to Dogs Trust welcome". There will be a collection box, signage and stickers from them.' See attached photo: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/a9dc39d9-22dc-4be6-9f57-f68dead492a0.jpeg
'Your Mission Starts Here' – Spy Oxfordshire exhibition to open at Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.
Flyer attached here:
https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/6a88682e-3ae9-43d0-8956-26537ddf44af/SOF_SPY_A5_FLYER.pdf
Website: https://www.sofo.org.uk/
From OCC
Street Tag. Street Tag is a new family-friendly game that rewards primary schools, families, individuals and communities for physical activities such as walking, running, and cycling. See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/images/f5234961-8dd7-469d-8c8b-664abdc25651.png
Street Tag is turning streets and parks in Oxfordshire into a giant virtual playground. You can play to win rewards for your child's primary school, or as an individual or team of up to six people in Oxfordshire's community league.
Watch your total distance accumulate and see how you far you climb up the local leaderboard. Get ready to push yourself and start your journey to a healthy lifestyle with Street Tag. For more info on how to play, head to www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/streettag
From the Police
Police & Crime Bulletin October 2020 | Cyber resilience, reducing drug crime, support for the visually impaired and more...See:
https://5kgdp.r.ah.d.sendibm4.com/mk/mr/JtgThLBZyICFUfsadSi1e9XP3eQ8Pmw0cP4cKKLB5mSD9fdDEx2gWHxE0TSH8TkaOx3MB_GuwasY3A1uSL_8DRsXKv53I9jdLh1_Td0iBjXH0SI-
Did You Know That You Can Report Rural Crimes Online? Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the Thames Valley and we know that it can have a huge impact on our rural communities. However, these crimes tend to go unreported. We're reaching out to our rural communities and encouraging you to report anything you've seen, however big or small, which can help us tackle agricultural, equine, wildlife and heritage crime.
Did you know that you can report a crime in your area, or pass on any information that you may have, on our website? It's quick and easy to do and it can be done whenever is most convenient for you. After all, you know your community best and you're most likely to know when something doesn't feel right.
Whether it's something suspicious you've spotted in your local area or something you've overheard which may point to organised crime, we want to hear about it. It can sometimes be difficult to know whether something that you've seen is a crime and whether you should get in touch. But we'd encourage you to contact us, as we can use this information to build a better picture and to target our resources effectively. By working together, we can prevent opportunistic and organised crimes taking place in our communities.
If you see something, report it on our website: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
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