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Day 22 of Lockdown – The Loud Music Edition

CBC appeal to reduce loud music on day 22Day 22 of Lockdown

On Day 22 there is an appeal from Colchester Borough Council (CBC) about loud music; also a few other items from various sources.

Neighbourly Consideration

Upset residents, including key workers, are increasingly calling CBC about noise levels from neighbouring properties.  The increase comes as more and more families respond to Government advise to stay home.

In response, the council is Continue reading “Day 22 of Lockdown – The Loud Music Edition”

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Day 18 of Lockdown – What to do for Easter Edition

Coloured in Easter Eggs

Coloured in Easter EggsDay 18 of Lockdown

Given that we can’t meet up with friends or travel for pleasure, day 18 focusses quite a bit on Easter activities.  There are also a few more serious bits.  As usual, we start with the serious bits with the fun stuff at the end.

Cllr David FinchEaster message from Cllr David Finch

Thank you for staying home and saving lives.

The last few weeks have been challenging for everyone. Whether you are a key worker, or staying at home juggling work, childcare and home-schooling, I want to thank every single person who is complying with the current restrictions and social distancing guidelines. You really are helping to protect our NHS and save lives. Continue reading “Day 18 of Lockdown – What to do for Easter Edition”

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Day 16 of Lockdown – “There’s a Lot Going On” Edition

Day 16 of Lockdown

Day 16 of Lockdown and there’s definitely a lot going on.   We have updates from the ECC, CBC, Essex Police and more.  Let’s get started:

Residents urged to heed advice and stay at home as weather is set to improve

With the weather expected to turn increasingly Spring-like over the weekend, residents are being reminded to follow advice to stay at home, protect lives and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Continue reading “Day 16 of Lockdown – “There’s a Lot Going On” Edition”

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Day 15 of Lockdown – The Recycling News Edition

Day 15 of Lockdown

Day 15 and after two weeks of lockdown it almost seems like the new normal!  But, things keep changing.  First, there was no recycling, then there was and, the good news, there will be again tomorrow but read on.  Also, there were no council meetings but, watch this space!  And, again, a little light relief at the end.

Recycling

CSH EnvironmentalColchester Skip Hire (CSH) were very appreciative of residents respectful behaviour during the recycling collection last Wednesday.  Accordingly, they have arranged to collect again tomorrow at Continue reading “Day 15 of Lockdown – The Recycling News Edition”

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Day 14 of Lockdown – The “I gotta wash my hands” Edition

Day 14 of Lockdown

Day 14 brings 3 snippets of news and a musical interlude to round it off.  Two come from Essex County Council, one for small businesses, the other welfare-related.  The final one is from Essex Police for all of us.

Essex COVID-19 Business Support Service

ECC Support for BusinessECC has put a dedicated team in place to support businesses through Continue reading “Day 14 of Lockdown – The “I gotta wash my hands” Edition”

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Day 8 of Lockdown – The Recycling Again Edition

CSH Environmental TruckDay 8 of Lockdown

Day 8, one whole week under our belt, and a lot has happened.  Last week we heard about how recycling was going to be cut back, something the PC were not happy about.  Well, the PC has been in discussions with a local company and they are pleased to announce that you can recycle again starting from tomorrow, 1st April.  After this announcement, a little light relief in the form of a karaoke-style Tom Jones parody on COVID-19 to sing along to.

West Bergholt Recycling

CSH EnvironmentalCSH Environmental Ltd would like to offer a community waste collection service for the recyclable wastes.  You can mix paper, card, glass, tins and plastics in clear recycling bags.   This is not a kerbside collection but a Continue reading “Day 8 of Lockdown – The Recycling Again Edition”

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Day 5 of Lockdown – The Don’t Forget the Clocks Edition

Day 5 - don't forget the clocks
Workers preparing to move Stonehenge one hour forward for BST

Day 5 of Lockdown

Let’s start with some good news – although we are only in Day 5 we can look forward to Day 6 being ONE HOUR SHORTER!

Don’t forget to put your clocks forward tonight.

Just two other short items today:

Houseparty & Zoom

If you are missing meeting up with friends why not set up a virtual meeting.  There are a few ways to do so but the most popular seem to be Houseparty & Zoom. Continue reading “Day 5 of Lockdown – The Don’t Forget the Clocks Edition”

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Day 4 of Lockdown – the Where’s Waldo Edition

Where's waldo social distancingDay 4 of Lockdown

Day 4 and not as much new news although it is almost a daily ritual now to hear about recycling.  Other snippets are:

Recycling (or not)

A little bit too late to help with yesterday’s collection but CBC announced shortly after the Day 3 update that each household may now put out an Continue reading “Day 4 of Lockdown – the Where’s Waldo Edition”

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Day 3 of Lockdown – the Bohemian Rhapsody Edition

Day 3 launches enhanced Care NetworkDay 3 of Lockdown

The big news of day 3 of lockdown is the launch of the new enhanced Care Network for those self-isolating and in need of support.  Other items today include:

Launch of Enhanced Care Network for Pandemic

Great news today as we can now officially launch the scheme which aims to help those self-isolating or in need of a range of help from shopping to a chat.  The well-known and established West Bergholt Care Network has joined Continue reading “Day 3 of Lockdown – the Bohemian Rhapsody Edition”

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Day 1 of (Soft) Lockdown

Day 1 - Play Equipment ClosedDay 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”