Lockdown news
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do. Section on "Going to work" updated.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Updated to reflect legal duty for public to isolate following a positive LFD test.
From the Vale
Community testing to be available for some key workers from early February. Community COVID-19 testing services for key workers will start to be rolled out in Oxfordshire in early February. It will use rapid lateral flow tests to help identify people who have COVID but display no symptoms. Identifying infectious individuals early, isolating them, and tracing their contacts can reduce transmission of the virus significantly. The new ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Councils launch a dog fouling awareness campaign with maps showing locations of the highest number of complaints. Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire district councils have put together dog fouling maps of local towns and villages showing the areas with the highest number of complaints about owners not picking up after their animals. Using the maps the councils want to highlight the issue of dog fouling and remind owners that it ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Vale of White Horse - town and parish update – 29 January
See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/7ec4a3ec-2ab3-4c3f-bef0-28e491a05fd1/District_Council_update_29_January_2021.pdf
Friends of the Ridgeway : Winter Newsletter 2021
The newsletter is in the website here: Friends of the Ridgeway Newsletter Winter 20/21.pdf
Following the letter from the Chairman, this Newsletter gives a report from the Secretary 'The Secretary's Minute Book', an update from the Treasurer, an update on the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize, a report on the Great Chalk Way, snippets from Ridgeway Partnership News including a story of 'Family adventures on the Trail', a report of cycling the full length of the Ridgeway 'A Ridgeway Epic' and finally Facebook conversation.
Throughout the Newsletter there are various requests for volunteers for different activities. If you can help, please do get in touch.
It is disappointing to once again have to cancel the Swire Ridgeway Arts Prize exhibition, Ridgeway Friends Day and AGM but it does not seem right to hold these as physical events. However, the art exhibition and AGM will take place on line. Details will be circulated as soon as possible. In the meantime, stay safe and well.
Anthony Burdall
Tel: 01367 240713
Mob: 07841352938
Email: anthony.burdall@burdall.net
Brown bins
A few people still had brown bins out this week. The service is suspended for the time being, as a result of staff sickness due to Covid-19 and others having to self-isolate. More information here:
Garden waste - Vale of White Horse District Council (whitehorsedc.gov.uk)
From the Police
Criminals Continue to Take Advantage of Coronavirus Vaccine Roll-Out as Phishing Email Reports Soar
Action Fraud is raising awareness of another coronavirus vaccine scam, after it received a high volume of reports relating to a phishing email on Monday 25 January. The email, which attempts to trick people into handing over their bank details, was reported more than 1,000 times in 24 hours. It appears to come from the NHS and asks the recipient to click on a link to accept or decline an invitation to receive the coronavirus vaccine. If they click accept, they are asked to input personal information and their bank card details. The national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime has previously warned about coronavirus vaccine scams, with many people reporting receiving fake text messages purporting to be from the NHS.
Head of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, is warning the public to remain vigilant as fraudsters continue to act: "It's despicable that fraudsters will take advantage of such an important tool in the fight against this evil and deadly disease. Not only are the people being targeted with this email at risk of losing money, or having their identity stolen, but they are also at risk of not receiving the real vaccine.
"The public have been fantastic at reporting these scams to us and raising awareness in their local community as well. But unfortunately, as this latest phishing campaign shows, we still have to remain cautious and alert. Remember: anything purporting to be from the NHS asking you to pay for the vaccine, or provide your bank account or card details, is a scam."
How to protect yourself: In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a GP surgery or pharmacy local to you, to receive your vaccine. Remember, the vaccine is free of charge. At no point will you be asked to pay.
The NHS will never: - ask you for your bank account or card details.
- ask you for your PIN or banking password.
- arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine.
- ask you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge. If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
(At least one Uffington resident has recently received one of these 'scam' emails)
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 31st January: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/128c961c-0773-4b86-a203-8b2538c4e75d/wsh_2021_01_31.pdf
Please see the Uffington web site for resources and links for the livestream and Zoom services:
https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/home
Village news 22 January 2021 Lockdown news
COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to wait
Information about COVID-19 eligibility and vaccine supplies.
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for adults
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for adults who are able to consent. Updated consent form.
A downloaded version of the letter is attached here: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/6e91ec8f-b4b3-4e86-8545-49c473c24c68/PHE_Covid_19_consent_form_adults_able_to_consent_v2_1_.odt
Community Outreach department at Rehab 4 Addiction.
This organisation has sent me an article about guarding mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. If this is of interest, please see their guide at: https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/coronavirus/mental-health-coronavirus
Vale of White Horse - town and parish update - 21 January 2021.
See attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/82a6208e-0ffc-4986-b01f-1c0a574034e7/District_Council_update_21_January_2021.pdf
(Garden waste customers still with brown bins and Christmas trees out, please read this)
Our local road side rubbish....
NAG 1 (our Neighbourhood Advisory Group, which is a grouping of local parish councils and parish meetings) is opening up a campaign to reduce the amount of rubbish which is thrown over our verges and hedges – especially meal packages, mugs and cups from McDonalds, Costa and other such suppliers of takeaway food and drink. Fortunately, there are a number of people in our villages who pick up this litter which means you may see rather less than what is actually dumped along our verges and hedgerows. To help the campaign it would be appreciated if you could e-mail photographs of this sort of litter, (with a brief description of the date and location) to Andi Cunningham, NAG Chair, at: andi@simonjameson.com, or by whats app or message to Mobile:07836 230759.
Andi will co-ordinate the picture response into albums and send them to the head offices of the offending firms.
Emergency Plan
The Winter 2020 edition of the Courier contained the following:
'Uffington Parish Council has recently completed an Emergency Plan. The intention of the Emergency Plan is to give the Parish Council and other key people involved a head start in dealing with an emergency. At a time when the normal way of life may be disrupted, people injured and / or in a state of shock, and when you get personally involved, and under stress, it can be difficult to think logically so the plan provides a generic framework to enable things to get moving quickly. Experience has shown that businesses and communities which have spent time planning and preparing for an emergency are better able to cope, and recover more quickly and that communications are vital. (For the avoidance of any doubt, the Emergency Plan is not intended to comply with any of the legislation or procedures specifically concerning the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.)
To improve the Plan, we would like to have available a list of 'local resources' which might be helpful in the event of an emergency, particularly:
- Trained First Aiders,
- The owners of tractors and 4x4 vehicles, and
- The owners of chain saws
- Anything else you think might be useful in an emergency; e.g., a generator
There is no commitment required, other than to be on a list in case these resources are required in a hurry. If you are willing to be included please contact Simon Jenkins. An e-mail address and mobile telephone number will be required – NO home addresses are included. The distribution of these will be limited only to those who need to know for Emergency Plan purposes, in accordance with our Privacy Notice.'
Thank you to those who have already responded. If anybody else in Uffington or surrounding villages is able to offer any of the above, please let me know.
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 24th January: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/b5177307-326b-427d-8d2b-029856f7b1e2/wsh_2021_01_24.pdf
Please see the Uffington web site for resources and links for the livestream and Zoom services:
https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/home
Vaccination update - Elm Tree Surgery Elm Tree Surgery Update for January 2021 – Vaccinations
Our surgery have been working alongside other practices in their group to roll out the vaccine in clinics being held at the Steam Museum in Swindon (next to the Outlet Centre).
The venue is large enough to enable over 1000 people to be vaccinated each day which means the roll out speed is increased for everyone. There are no other local vaccination clinics being held in Swindon and no surgery, including Elm Tree Surgery will be allocated supplies of vaccines for use only in their surgery. Individual practices will have access to limited supplies of the vaccine which is only to be given to those patients on the eligible lists who are truly housebound.
The surgery continues to contribute a doctor or nurse and an administrator to every clinic held at Steam, currently for three whole days a week, including Saturdays.
The practice is working through the lists of patients allocated in accordance with the government guidance for the first phase priority groups. All patients aged over 80 will have been invited for their Covid vaccines by 19th January 2021. As and when you are eligible for a vaccination appointment, the surgery will be in contact by phone or text. Please do not contact the surgery as everyone is listed and you will be contacted in due course.
Volunteers needed
Are there any recently retired or working doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists or other health care professionals who might like to help with the local Covid vaccinations? These are paid posts for which training will be provided. Clinics currently take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Steam museum in Swindon, and last from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Half day sessions may also be available.
If you are able to work any or some of these sessions, please contact us for further details: swiccg.secretariesets@nhs.net
Village news 15 January 2021 Uffington Parish Council
Uffington residents may wish to be aware that having completed very nearly 6 years as Chairman of the Council, I felt it was time for a break and I have stepped back from the office of Chairman, with effect from the Parish Council meeting on 11 January. Firstly, I would like to thank my colleagues on the Council for all their support throughout a busy period in the life of the village.
Secondly, I am delighted to report that the Council elected Mike Oldnall to be Chairman. I would like to thank Mike very much for taking on this role. He was previously Vice Chairman and the Council elected me to that post, so Mike and I have effectively swapped roles. I will continue to play an active part in the work of the Council, including this weekly newsletter; Mike has access to the system and so you may see notices from him from time to time.
Simon
Lockdown news
As ever, there is bound to be some duplication in these alerts, but hopefully not contradiction.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do. Guidance updated 14 January 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus. Updated guidance following the 4 January announcement of a national lockdown 13 January 2021
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination. Updated 14 January 2021
COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to wait
Information about COVID-19 eligibility and vaccine supplies. Updated: 13 January 2021
COVID Vaccine Fraud.
Vulnerable people are being exploited everywhere; see attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/7e317201-3c3b-436c-b26a-c045dc4c7b71/COVID_19_Vaccine_Fraud_Poster.pdf
(See also the Vale update of 14 January below)
From OCC
NHS and Local Authority stakeholder briefing as at 8 January 2021 has been placed in the village website here: https://www.uffington.net/app/download/17885140/2021.01.08+Oxon+System+Stakeholder+Briefing.pdf
Phone buddies needed
The phone buddies scheme, run by My Life My Choice, offers a phone befriending and support service to adults with learning disabilities. From the previous lockdowns, they know that this service has been extremely beneficial to those involved and has made a real difference. Interestingly, volunteers say that it has benefited their mental wellbeing too, so it seems it's a win win.
My Life My Choice have over 22 people waiting to be paired with a phone buddy. If you are interested, there is a short, simple applications form and an informal phone interview for those wanting to get involved. (Note: this was featured on BBC South Today yesterday at about 18.40.)
https://www.mylifemychoice.org.uk/pages/103-apply-to-volunteer
From the Vale
South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse district councils are reassuring residents and businesses that help is available, should they need it during the latest national lockdown. Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on Monday 4 January, England has now entered a new national lockdown, meaning that people should stay at home and ... You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Winter Support Scheme
The Winter Support Grant Scheme is now available for residents in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse who need help to buy food and heating their homes this winter. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils have been working with Oxfordshire County Council and other district councils to distribute the nearly £1.4million ...: You can see details on our website by clicking this link
Or you can call: - Citizens Advice – 0300 3309042 (South and Vale)
- Wantage Independent Advice Centre – 01235 765348 (Vale)
Only one member (over the age of 18) per household can apply, and they must live in South Oxfordshire / Vale of the White Horse. The Winter Support grant will be available from 11 January until 31 March 2021. The advice centres can support people with supermarket vouchers for food and fuel vouchers to top up prepayment meters or with paying a heating bill. This will be alongside their usual package of advice and support around budget management, debt and benefit advice and any other assistance the resident may need signposting towards. If a resident has received a food voucher from a previous scheme, or indeed support via free meals or any other route, they can still apply for a Winter Support Grant. Those in immediate and urgent need should, as always, contact our Community Hub on 01235 422600
To find out more about the Government's COVID Winter Grant Scheme, visit www.gov.uk, and to find out what other support is available to you during the pandemic, please visit our COVID support, advice and guidance pages on our website www.southoxon.gov.uk
A letter to Garden Waste customers in the Vale
Dear Garden Waste customers in Vale of White Horse As some of you already know we have had to temporarily delay the start of our garden waste service which was due to commence on 11 January following the usual suspension over Christmas and New Year, which we do to allow crews to focus on collecting ...
You can see details on our website by clicking this link
The restart date for this service is not currently known.
Vale of White Horse - town and parish update - 14 January 2021.
Other matters from the Vale are covered in the latest update, attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/98534a84-4f36-41c6-a6d4-233cfa145a4e/District_Council_update_14_January_2021.01.pdf
Fly tipping at White Horse Hill
On the evening of the 5th January a substantial fly-tip of ivy clad asbestos was dumped in the top (disabled) car park at White Horse Hill. If you've recently had work done or have any information about who may have done this, please contact Andrew Foley the National Trust Ranger on 07721 671024.
From the Police
Neighbourhood Watch National Newsletter - Our News January 2021 11/01/2021 13:30:38 [359179]. Please find attached our January 2021 Neighbourhood Watch national newsletter. This month we launch the Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey 2020 findings, recruit for a new Volunteer Development Manager, share crime prevention advice and look at the new community projects we are running. As always, we hope you find the information useful. The final page of our newsletter contains a reminder from the Government (www.gov.uk) on how we can all play our part in stopping the spread of the virus.
See: 70149_OUR_NEWS_January_2021.pdf (neighbourhoodalert.co.uk)
Police & Crime Bulletin January 2021 | Coronavirus enforcement, police funding survey and more...See:
Police & Crime Bulletin January 2021 | Coronavirus enforcement, police funding survey and more... (sendibm1.com)
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice needs volunteer advisers; see attached: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/27d7a68c-8e5f-4ff8-a6ba-cf67234add4c/Citizens_Advice_Jan_2021_volunteer_advisers.pdf
From the Churches of Uffington Benefice
Please find attached the Weekly Sheet for Sunday 17th January: https://mcusercontent.com/c90a1a7b6d1f693a28c947f92/files/26a5e70c-5271-49ec-b7fe-f6d7098c037c/wsh_2021_01_17.pdf
Please see the Uffington web site for resources and links for the livestream and Zoom services: https://www.uffingtonbenefice.com/home
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
