Day 1 of (Soft) Lockdown

As you might imagine, as we sit here in our homes on Day 1 of a relatively soft lockdown, advice and news keep flowing. This update summarises some of the most relevant:

Allotments remain open to plot-holders who can access them ‘for exercise purposes’ once a day. Observe social distancing!
CBC has suspended Garden Waste collections, read more below.
Bonfire Warning, read below.
Parks closed and use of play equipment not permitted by Government Order.
Halls are also closed unless:
- they are being used to host pre-schools being kept open for key workers, or
- designated as emergency centres.
Charity Commission & Government advice on charity employees.
If you are an older person, living alone, and generally feeling the need for support then The Silverline is a useful resource. The Silverline also offers advice on protecting yourself from COVID-19 and is open 24 x 7.
It has been agreed nationally that all VE Day celebration due to be held in May are to be postponed. It is possible they will be held in August near VJ Day.
Concerts by Resonate Choir and Comrie Singers scheduled for Old Church in June are now highly unlikely to happen.

Continue reading “Day 1 of (Soft) Lockdown”

March 23, 2020

Allotments Spring Update – COVID-19

Allotments Spring Update

The following Spring Update has been issued by the Allotments Committee:

Hello Plot holders

Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, we have had to make some important changes to the way we are running the allotments from now. These changes we feel are important in safeguarding the well being of our plot holders and local residents during these difficult times.

Therefore, effective immediately the following Continue reading “Allotments Spring Update – COVID-19”

March 23, 2020March 23, 2020

Keeping Up To Date on COVID-19

If you want to keep up to date on COVID-19 with a local slant then it is worth tracking Essex County Council’s information page. ECC update this daily with news specific to Essex but it also gives highlights of recent national government announcements. Some of the biggest items addressed most recently are:

Appeal from Council Leader and Director of Public Health

Cllr David Finch and Dr Mike Gogarty express their dismay about the Continue reading “Keeping Up To Date on COVID-19”

March 22, 2020March 22, 2020

Update on our COVID-19 Help Line

Earlier this week we announced a COVID-19 Help Line scheme aimed at helping those most in need and impacted by the virus. The Parish Council is progressing this in association with the Care Network and volunteers in the village.

The aim is for anyone in the village who is in need of:

shopping supplies,
items from the pharmacy,
a reassuring chat, or
any other local need that they cannot satisfy themselves,

… to be able to ring a central number and get assistance. Continue reading “Update on our COVID-19 Help Line”

March 21, 2020

Candle for Hope and other Church News

Candle for Hope

Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a call to prayer in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic, read their letter below for more details. This is for all churches and people of prayer to join on Sunday 22nd March, Mothering Sunday. In other news, the Methodist Church is cancelling activities. First, the Candle for Hope though:

Light a Candle of Hope on Mothering Sunday

This Mothering Sunday, 22nd March, Churches Together are calling all churches to a National Day of Prayer and Action. At such a time as this, when so many are Continue reading “Candle for Hope and other Church News”

March 20, 2020March 20, 2020

Update on ASDA & a COVID-19 Scam Alert

ASDA & a COVID-19 Scam Alert

Skip to scam alert.

ASDA Update

https://youtu.be/EyhwbtSfRvY

ASDA told our MP of their plans to mitigate Covid-19 where it is within their control. unfortunately, it arrived too late to forewarn villagers of the early shopping for the eldery & vulnerable; we called their Head Office who advise this MIGHT become a regular Friday feature. Continue reading “Update on ASDA & a COVID-19 Scam Alert”

March 19, 2020

Colchester BC COVID-19 Updates

A number of updates in this, quick links in the list:

Closure of Buildings;
Services continue regardless;
Mayor reports uplifting response

Closure of Buildings

Following the Government’s advice on helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 CBC has taken the decision to close buildings to the public from close of play today (Thursday 18 March).

However, while the buildings are closed to the public, all other services, including the Continue reading “Colchester BC COVID-19 Updates”

March 16, 2020March 16, 2020

Volunteers Needed for COVID-19

Your village needs you - call for open gardens

West Bergholt Prepares Response to COVID-19

Army of volunteers needed

West Bergholt is preparing its own response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic but it needs volunteers. In addition to Government and District/County initiatives, the Care Network, with the support of the Parish Council, plans to offer assistance to anyone in the community impacted by COVID-19.

A scheme is being prepared which will offer assistance to those in self-isolation, older residents, and those with other concerns, to provide assistance accessing: Continue reading “Volunteers Needed for COVID-19”