News………..
Ramsbury Horticultural Society Virtual Spring Show is now available to view online. The show is a wonderful display of spring flowers and a bunny’s tea party enough to lift the heart during this cold weather. Also included are photographs of the Easter flowers in Holy Cross church. To see the show visit www.ramsburyhortsoc.co.uk
16 April 2021
Elections update: The deadline to apply to vote is just days away
It’s still not too late to register to vote via post or in person in the upcoming elections, and it literally only takes a few moments to do.
We encourage you to vote by post if you can as this is the safest and most convenient way.
The deadline to register to vote is Monday 19 April, the deadline to register to vote for postal vote is Tuesday 20 April and the deadline to register for proxy vote is Tuesday 27 April.
More information can be found on our website.
Latest Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
The number of cases in Wiltshire continues to be below the national average and has fallen slightly this week.
The rate of cases per 100k has decreased from 21 to 16.8.
As some businesses begin to reopen, please continue to play your part to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Community testing and test collection sites for people who are symptom-free
As you may be aware, the Government announced that from Friday 9 April, everyone in England would be eligible for free rapid COVID-19 tests, twice a week.
Alongside the roll-out of the vaccine, regular testing is an essential part of the easing of restrictions, helping identify variants and stopping individual cases from becoming outbreaks. With one in three people with coronavirus showing no symptoms and potentially spreading it without knowing, rapid lateral flow tests are a vital tool in helping to identify cases of coronavirus we would otherwise not find.
Lateral flow tests are easy to use and can give results in 30 minutes. After a positive test result, people alongside their household must self-isolate immediately for 10 days and may also claim for a Test and Trace payment if they are eligible. They should arrange a confirmatory PCR immediately by booking online or calling 119. As no test can guarantee 100% accuracy, if people receive a negative test, they should continue to socially distance, and follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance.
More information about community testing in Wiltshire
Covid restrictions eased yesterday (Monday 12 April)
Shops, gyms, libraries, hairdressers, beauty and nail salons and outdoor pubs and cafes were able to reopen yesterday (Monday 12 April).
There are no changes to social contact rules. Outdoor gatherings are still limited to six people or two households, and you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with.
Full guidance on the easing of restrictions
Leisure centres have reopened
All 20 leisure centres across the county reopened yesterday (Monday 12 April).
Leisure centres reopened with gym, swimming and some racket sports court hire available. Indoor group exercise classes are not permitted to resume until 17 May at the earliest, so most leisure centres will instead be offering some outdoor group exercise class programmes, with limited numbers.
The 10 leisure centres run by Places Leisure on our behalf have also reopened with bookings for gym and swim available online on the Places Leisure website. For information about Places Leisure managed services, please visit the Places Leisure re-opening information hub..
More info on the leisure centres reopening
Libraries and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre have reopened
Wiltshire’s 22 libraries and three mobile libraries and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre reopened yesterday (Monday 12 April).
Box, Durrington, Ludgershall, Lyneham, Market Lavington, Purton, Ramsbury and Tisbury will remain closed for now. We are working with the libraries’ volunteers to reopen these as soon as possible.
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre
The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre will have limited reopening from today (Tuesday 13 April) between 9.30am to 5pm, but customers will need to book visits in advance. Spaces are limited due to social distancing requirements and to ensure customer and staff safety. Customers will be asked to order any documents they wish to consult in advance of their visit, as documents will be quarantined 72 hours before and after their visit.
More details on libraries and Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre reopening
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub taking on additional role
The Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub has proved a lifeline to many local residents during the pandemic.
The multi-agency hub has provided support, guidance and signposting helping to provide a community response to assist those who are at highest risk of serious illness if they contract COVID-19 – the clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable.
The Hub now has an additional role of supporting those self-isolating due to a positive test or as a close contact where they don’t have friends and family to help. The Hub can provide advice or support for individuals who are required to self-isolate and need practical, social and emotional support.
More details on the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub taking on an additional role
Elections update: Candidates confirmed, apply to vote by post if you can, poll clerks wanted
The candidates for the upcoming unitary, town and parish, and Police and Crime Commissioner Elections have been confirmed.
Local elections are due to take place on 6 May for the 98 Wiltshire Council unitary divisions, as well as town and parishes. The Police and Crime Commissioner election also takes place on the same day, as do a number of neighbourhood planning referendums.
The candidates for each of the elections have been published on our website and can be found below:
Unitary elections
Police and Crime Commissioner Election
Town and parish elections – Wiltshire Council
It’s still not too late to vote via post or in person, and it literally only takes a few moments to do. We encourage you to vote by post if you can as this is the safest and most convenient way. More information can be found on our website.
If you’re looking to earn some extra money, we also have a number of election roles available, including being a Poll Clerk on 6 May. Training is available to please visit our website for more information and full job descriptions. We’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about the May 2021 Elections
Ramadan Kareem
Stay safe this Ramadan by following COVID-19 guidelines.
A vaccination does not break your fast.
The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain components of animal origin.
For more information, please visit gov.uk
PLEASE WEAR A MASK IN VILLAGE SHOPS AND OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING EVEN OUTSIDE. THIS VIRUS IS DEADLY AND TRANSMITS VERY READILY. DO NOT MIX INDOORS EXCEPT WITH YOUR HOUSEHOLD OR SUPPORT BUBBLE
New online directory launched to support local businesses
We have launched a new digital directory to help business owners and managers as they make decisions about the future of their business.
The Business Support Directory is a comprehensive online tool which signposts businesses affected by COVID-19 to local, regional or national support or alternative solutions to help them survive.
We created the tool, in conjunction with partners and stakeholders, to help many businesses who are facing new risks and challenges and may not be aware of what support is available to them or what the best solution may be for their situation. So, whether businesses may be considering growing, changing, downsizing or potentially closing, the tool can help identify the information and support available to help them.
The tool contains information tailored to the size of the business, ranging from self-employed and sole traders to large businesses with over 250 employees. So, if you are looking to grow your business’ online presence but need to upskill yourself or your team, or thinking about future talent but don’t know where to start, or having to make staff redundant and want to support them move on, this directory can help you do that.
View the Online Business Support Directory
Poll cards start to be posted out with elections on the horizon
With the elections a little over a month away, poll cards are starting to be sent out by Wiltshire Council to eligible voters, and will soon land on residents’ doormats.
We are legally obliged to send out poll cards to registered voters. The poll card also contains details of the resident’s local polling station. More than 20 polling stations have changed from previous years, with extra measures being introduced to make them COVID-secure. In total there will be 348 polling stations across the county.
On 6 May, unitary and town and parish council elections take place, as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner election. Given the amount of elections and COVID measures required, the count of the ballots will take place from 7 to 10 May. There are also a number of neighbourhood planning referendums, and those eligible to vote in those will be sent an additional poll card.
You do not need to bring your poll card to vote but it is helpful if you can bring it with you.
Terence Herbert, Wiltshire Council’s Chief Executive and Wiltshire’s Returning Officer has filmed a short video to talk about the poll cards in a bit more detail.
It is not too late register to vote if you haven’t already; visit the GOV.uk website for more information.
To register to vote by post, please go online.
For local information on the elections taking place on 6 May, please v
Online fostering information session
“All we’ve done is make him feel safe, loved and accepted. He can be exhausting, but to see him develop and grow as a person is so rewarding,” Laura, foster carer.
If you’re looking for a change of career and to make a huge difference to a child’s life, come and join us as we host an online fostering information session on Wednesday 7 April at 7:30pm.
Link to join.
COVID-19 Roadmap
Following the announcement from central government yesterday (Monday 22 February), the COVID-19 Roadmap has been released.
The roadmap explains how we plan to come out of this lockdown cautiously and safely.
It’s broken down into four key steps:
Step 1 between 8 March and 29 March
Step 2, no earlier than 12 April
Step 3, no earlier than 17 May
Step 4, no earlier than 21 June
All the dates in the roadmap are indicative and subject to change. Only when the government is sure that it is safe to move from one step to the next will the final decision be made.
The COVID-19 Roadmap gives us all a clear pathway out of this lockdown. However, we must not become complacent.
All of the sacrifices you have made during this time have resulted in case numbers dropping in Wiltshire, so a massive thank you for your efforts. We must all continue to play our part to stop the spread of coronavirus, as this is vital in making the transition out of this lockdown as smooth as possible.
So please continue to:
Wash your hands regularly
Wear a face covering where required to do so
Stay 2m apart from other people (outside of your household)
View the full COVID-19 Roadmap guidance
25 March 2021
Service updates and advice as the first stage of lockdown is eased
From 29 March, you can meet outside only, in groups of up to six from different households (the Rule of 6) or two households of any size. This includes in private gardens, but please follow this advice closely and don’t break the rules.
The ‘stay at home’ rule will also end on 29 March, but please continue to work from home where possible and minimise the number of journeys you make.
Outdoor sports facilities
Some outdoor sports facilities can reopen from 29 March and you will be able to play formalised sports such as football and tennis.
The council leisure facilities that will be open from 29 March include the tennis courts at Springfield Community Campus in Corsham, the football pitches at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury for club block bookings, and the tennis courts at the Nadder Centre in Tisbury.
Litter picks
Organised group litter picks can take place in Wiltshire from 29 March, so long as you stick to the Rule of 6 and maintain social distancing.
If you wish to pick litter in your local area, if you can, please dispose of it in your home kerbside waste and recycling collection services. Or if you’re planning a large litter pick, please contact streetscene@wiltshire.gov.uk two weeks before the litter pick to arrange a suitable collection point.
Shielding ends on 31 March
On 31 March, the requirement for the clinically extremely vulnerable to shield will formally end, and while this is welcome news, the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub remains in place for people who may need additional support. You can call the hub on 0300 003 4576 or email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday.
Unpaid carers now invited to have COVID-19 vaccination
Wiltshire unpaid carers aged 16+ are now being invited for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Unpaid carers who have a carer flag on their GP record will be contacted by their GP practice.
A list of unpaid carers known to us, Carer Support Wiltshire and Youth Action Wiltshire has been shared with the NHS so those who have not already been invited to have a vaccine can be contacted and sent a letter of invitation.
If you are an unpaid carer but are not already known to any of these organisations, you can contact your GP surgery to register as a carer.
If you have any questions or concerns you can contact Carer Support Wiltshire on 0800 181 4118.
Elections – we need you
With elections taking place in May, we are asking for people to put themselves forward to carry out a number of paid roles, and help support the local democratic process.
A number of elections are taking place on 6 May, including unitary, town and parish and Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as 10 neighbourhood planning referendums.
We have a number of roles available for people to carry out from 6 – 10 May. The elections, verification and count are taking place over five days, which takes into account the restrictions brought on by the pandemic.
There will be polling stations up and down the county, with the three count venues at the Olympiad in Chippenham, County Hall in Trowbridge, and Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury.
The roles available include Poll Clerk, Presiding Officer, postal vote opening and general support staff.
If you’re interested please visit our website for more information on the roles and to express your interest.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, we want as many of you as possible to vote by post in May’s elections, as this is the most safest and convenient way. For more information, please visit our websit
If the vaccine programme maintains its good progress and we all continue to adhere to the rules, then we are really not too far away from seeing more people and enjoying special occasions together again.
More information about the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown
Targeted COVID-19 rapid community testing update
Our rollout of the government’s rapid COVID-19 community testing initiative locally to help drive down transmission rates continues.
The programme, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, is specifically aimed at asymptomatic people at small businesses who cannot work from home, and private early years settings and childminders. It has also been confirmed that students who require a lateral flow test before going back to university can also use the sites.
You can now book a test at all four centres at Devizes Leisure Centre, Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury, Monkton Park in Chippenham, and County Hall in Trowbridge.
The centres cannot accept people dropping in, and everyone must book an appointment and not have any symptoms of COVID-19.
The self-administered test should take no more than 15 minutes and results should be known within half an hour.
Free testing continues to be available to everyone in Wiltshire who has COVID-19 symptoms – high temperature, continuous cough or loss of/change in taste or smell. You should visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test in that instance.
Anyone who receives a positive Lateral Flow Test result automatically activates legal obligations to self-isolate, and may also claim for a Test and Trace payment if they are eligible.
You can book your place on our website, where you will also find additional information, including FAQs.
Dropping off and picking up your child from school
We’re asking parents not to stop and chat with other parents when they drop their child at school and pick them up.
This will help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On the journey to and from school, please remember to observe social distancing at all times.
Thank you for your support.
Stopping smoking during COVID doesn’t have to be stressful
The last year has been difficult for many of us. Stress and concern about our health is on the rise.
For smokers this has pulled them in two directions. On the one hand, the chances of smokers successfully quitting are has high as they’ve ever been. On the other, smokers experiencing stress and mental distress are more likely to be smoking more.
No Smoking Day took place this week (Wednesday 10 March) and is an opportunity for smokers to quit for good and could be less stressful than they fear and ultimately improve their sense of wellbeing. We all have less control over our lives than we’d like at the moment, but smokers can take some positive control on No Smoking Day. We want to encourage smokers to seize the moment and look forward to happier smokefree future.
Free stop smoking support is available at GP Practices and via our Health Improvement Coaches For further information visit Smokefree Wiltshire
Please note that stop smoking support will no longer be available in Wiltshire pharmacies after the end of March 2021. If you would like further information about this please contact wiltsstopsmoking@nhs.net
Make today the day for taking that first step on your quit journey.
Information evening to find out more about overnight short break care
Are you interested in offering overnight short break care for children with additional needs for small periods of time?
We operate an Overnight Short Breaks Scheme which offers a lifeline to families with children who may have a range of needs.
The team of carers are trained and supported to provide regular breaks for children with autism, learning disabilities or physical disabilities.
If you want to know more, come along to our online information evening on Thursday 25 March at 7pm.
More details on the Overnight Short Breaks Scheme and the information evening
Latest Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
The sacrifices we’re all making are having a very positive impact, but we all need to keep playing our part to stop the spread of the virus, so please remember – stay at home, protect the NH
May 2021 Elections
On 6 May 2021, all eligible residents in Wiltshire will be invited to vote in a number of elections and referendums.
The Police and Crime Commissioner election, town and parish council elections, Wiltshire Council unitary elections, and nine local neighbourhood planning referendums will all be taking place.
Our top priority is for you to have your say in a safe way.
Given the pandemic, we understand that many of you may not wish to vote in person on election day. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you vote by post, as it is the easiest and most convenient way to vote. If you haven’t already done so, you can apply at the Government postal vote page
Find out more on how you can vote
Families urged to keep following the rules and stay safe this half term
We are urging parents, children and young people to continue to follow social distancing guidance during the half term holidays.
During half term, parents can form a childcare bubble for a child under 14, with one other household, ideally who live locally. The childcare bubble is for childcare only and should not be used to mix with another household for social reasons.
A childcare bubble is different to a support bubble which is a support network linking two households. You can only form a support bubble if you meet one of the following criteria:
You live by yourself
You have a child under one
You’re a single adult living with one or more children under 18
You’re the only adult in your household not in need of continuous care
You have a child under 5 with a disability who requires continuous care
You’re aged 16 or 17 living with others of the same age and without any adults
Full guidance for half term
Eligible unpaid carers in Wiltshire can now apply for PPE, following government announcement
Wiltshire’s eligible unpaid carers will be able to receive PPE following updated government guidance published last week.
We are working closely with charity Carer Support Wiltshire to ensure unpaid carers receive the PPE they need to keep those they care for, and themselves safe.
Carers can request PPE if they care for or go into the home of someone they don’t live with to provide care or support.
Full details on PPE available for unpaid carers
Mental health forum members have produced a guide to local support services
People with lived experience of mental ill health have produced their own comprehensive guide to mental health and wellbeing services on offer in Wiltshire.
Members of the Wiltshire Mental Health Open Forum worked together to compile the Wiltshire Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Services list, which details where adults, children and young people can get support, counselling, and advice on topics such as addiction, bereavement and homelessness.
Set up in July 2020, the forum is a joint collaboration between Healthwatch Wiltshire and mental health service provider Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), and is supported by a range of organisations including Wiltshire Council, Richmond Fellowship, Carer Support Wiltshire and Citizens Advice.
Download the Wiltshire Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Services list
We have received a Green Homes Grant to progress our Housing Energy Efficiency Programme
We have been successful in our bid for a Green Homes Grant of £546,500, which will target work to be carried out to improve 100 of our least energy efficient homes as part of our Housing Energy Efficiency programme.
We received the funding through the Government’s Local Authority Delivery (LAD) scheme and it will be used to help deliver the Housing Energy Efficiency programme, which aims to bring all council houses in Wiltshire up to an EPC B energy rating over the next 10 years.
Full details on our successful bid for a Green Homes Grant
Latest Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
Although the number of cases in Wiltshire is below the national average and rates have fallen again, there’s still a long way to go.
The rate of cases per 100k has decreased from 268 to 182.4.
It’s going in the right direction, which is great, but we all need to keep playing our part to stop the spread of the virus, so please remember – stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.
If you cannot transport yourself or depend on friends or family
ring Ramsbury LINK 520111
Half term holiday childcare for parents working to support the COVID-19 response
We’ve been working with local childminders to provide a directory of half term paid-for childcare for those working as critical workers during the holiday.
Details of the provision has been shared with health partners initially, so Wiltshire residents working directly to support the COVID-19 response can access childcare provision during half term.
Now these details will also be available to any parents looking for paid-for childcare during the February half term, who are having difficulties. Parents are asked to email schoolholidayprovision@wiltshire.gov.uk for details of providers with vacancies in their area.
The first option for any parent needing childcare during the February half term school holidays is to consider forming a childcare bubble locally.
The government has said that people who need childcare during the school holidays for a child under 14 can form a childcare bubble with one other household – ideally who live locally.
People urged to vote by post and have their say in a safe way
We’re urging people to register to vote by post, with a number of elections and referendums due to take place later this spring.
On 6 May, registered voters will be able to have their say in the Police and Crime Commissioner, unitary, and town and parish council elections, as well as a number of neighbourhood planning referendums.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Wiltshire’s Returning Officer is asking that as many people as possible register to vote via post.
To avoid the risk of fraud, a signature is required when applying for a postal vote. Anyone unable to print a postal vote application form at home should call us on 0300 456 0112 and we can arrange for a copy to be posted out.
For those who haven’t already registered to vote by post, details on how to do so are included on the Household Enquiry Form that we recently sent to households.
The Household Enquiry Form is to help us ensure our electoral register records are as up-to-date as possible.
More details on the upcoming May 2021 elections
The Chancellor has announced new support for businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. New one-off grants will be available to closed businesses as follows:
£4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 and under
£6,000 for businesses with a rateable vaue of between £15,000 and £51,000
£9,000 for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000 details available soon
SCAMS A number of scam text messages are being received across the UK trying to entice people to give card details either to claim a non-existent government grant or to apply for a COVID -19 vaccine-THESE ARE SCAMS When you are invited for your vaccine you WILL NOT be asked for bank details or any payment. Nationally the vaccine programme is being rolled out led, in Wiltshire by Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire Commissioning Group supported by Wiltshire Council. residents will be written to directly with information on an appointment for the vaccine so please do not call the NHS in advance.
If you need help, visit
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Be aware there are dog thieves in the area. A silver and green Subaru type vehicle is possibly involved with this. Men have been seen attempting to steal dogs from gardens
The Recreation Centre is still open for sensible socially distanced exercise.
IT IS NOT A DOG EXERCISE AREA(EVEN IF YOU PICK UP) PLEASE ACT RESPONSIBLY THE GRASS IS A RECREATION AREA
Hills Stores Charity Shop now closed selling items from the window or on facebook
LINK can organise lifts for medical appointments, shopping, collect prescriptions etc. Ring 520111 for details
Ramsbury Brewery has 500ml bottles of alcohol hand sanitizer £15 ring the brewery 541407 and pay by card. Bottles can be collected from Sheila Glass or the brewery
No 48 bus service is operating as usual
The Post Office will deliver essentials to vulnerable and isolating residents in Ramsbury & Axford Please ring 520229 for details
Small supermarket shops can be arranged. Ring 07979327505/520409 or 07724063800/520279 or 07795199059
5aday Devizes will deliver veg boxes FOC plus an assortment of other food items www.5adaybox.co.uk 01380860968
Morrison’s supermarket are providing mixed boxes of food- meat, fish, assorted £35 delivered No need to get a slot www.morrisons.com/foodbox
The allotment site is closed to all but plot holders
Play areas are open
The Bell is closed
The Crown & Anchor is closed
Ring Sheila Glass 07979327505/520409 if you need help with shopping, prescriptions etc.
Please take care to avoid passing infection-if you have any symptoms -fever, cough, headache loss of taste or smell, isolate yourself for 14 days. Elderly people and those with medical conditions-diabetes, COPD, asthma, heart disease, immunocompromise are more at risk from serious complications so take particular care around these groups. The virus can live for up to 72 hours on surfaces including money so wash hands regularly if you have been out or use hand sanitiser and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
If you have vulnerable neighbours who you think may need help and you are well you could print off a note and use to make contact without risking infection.Deliveries of shopping etc should be done with no contact. If the person/s being helped are ill defer taking payment until the quarantine period (14 days) has passed and there are no longer symptoms. Telephone contact, especially for those who live alone, can help to alleviate loneliness and help pass the time.
Larger versions are available in Ramsbury Post Office
If you have problems with shopping or obtaining supplies ring 07979327505/520409 or 520045 parishcouncil@ramsbury.org or candsglass@btinternet.com and we may be able to help.
The library is closed. Audio books can be downloaded via Wiltshire Council website as well as a variety of magazines and books to read online
You may wish to download and display one of these notices if they are relevant to your situation.
RECYCLING AND REFUSE COLLECTION DAYS ARE CHANGING
Volunteers from the Parish Council have planted up tubs at the village entrances.
We are working to improve accessibility on the website if you encounter problems please contact webmaster@ramsbury.org
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