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
14 May 2021
Latest Wiltshire COVID-19 cases
The number of cases in Wiltshire continues to be below the national average and has fallen this week.
The rate of cases per 100,000 has decreased from 19.2 to 13.6.
Thank you for continuing to play your part to help keep case numbers low.
Stay safe and keep following the rules until restrictions change on 17 May
Following the Prime Minister’s confirmation of the move to Step 3 of the Government’s roadmap from 17 May, and the reopening of more businesses, we are asking everyone to keep following the current rules until they change.
Currently you can only socialise indoors with people you live with or who are in your support bubble. It is also possible to meet outside in groups of up to six people or two households. Please continue to work from home if you can and minimise travel.
However, the Government has confirmed that from Monday 17 May, restrictions will be further eased. This means that some limits on seeing friends and family will be lifted, so that indoors the rule of 6 or two households will now be permitted. Restrictions on meeting outdoors will also be lifted, although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
Full details on what you can and cannot do on Monday 17 May
Mobile vaccination bus
A vaccination bus is currently touring areas in Wiltshire where uptake of the coronavirus vaccine has been low and where it is known there are high levels of vaccine hesitancy. The vaccination bus is there to provide the coronavirus vaccine to people who are eligible for a vaccine, but who are unable to travel to a vaccination centre or who have been hesitant to a previous offer of vaccination and would like to chat to a medical professional first.
A full list of eligible groups can be found on the NHS website.
The mobile vaccination clinic is not intended for people who are able to travel, or who have not yet been invited for a vaccination.
If you are eligible, but are unsure about whether to have the vaccine, healthcare professionals will be stationed at the bus to discuss any of your concerns.
We will not be publishing details of when and where the vaccination bus will be located online. Details on the whereabouts of the bus will be advertised to specific communities through ongoing outreach work happening with community leaders, faith groups and public health workers.
Face coverings no longer required in schools and colleges from Monday 17 May
Pupils will no longer be required to wear face coverings in schools and colleges from 17 May.
The latest data shows infection rates continuing to decrease, deaths and hospitalisations at their lowest level since July, and the vaccine rollout continuing at pace.
In line with this data, pupils will no longer be required to wear face coverings in the classroom or communal areas in schools and colleges. This will improve interaction between teachers and students, ensuring the clearest possible communication to support learning.
Transmission of the virus in schools continues to decrease in line with wider community transmission, with the latest statistics showing a significant drop in the number of teachers and staff testing positive.
More information on face coverings no longer being required in schools from 17 May
Time to renew your garden waste collections
Households that pay to receive garden waste collections will soon receive an email or letter inviting them to renew their subscription by 30 June 2021.
Current garden waste subscriptions expire on 30 June 2021 and if you’re an existing customer, you now need to renew your garden waste subscription if you wish to continue to receive the service. The cost of having garden waste collected will remain the same at £50 per bin for the year.
New customers can sign up at any time to receive garden waste collections, either online or by calling 0300 456 0103.
You don’t need to contact us if you do not wish to renew.
Renew your garden waste collection now
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and the theme for this year is nature. There’s a lot of good research to support the role nature can play in protecting and supporting our mental health.
Locally we have a dedicated team of Health Improvement Coaches that can help you every step of the way to improve and maintain your mental wellbeing and help you find services and activities to help. They can be contacted at Health improvement coaches – Wiltshire Council
Physical activity has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and our leisure services have three schemes for people to try:
Get Wiltshire Walking – free, weekly, led walks in 38 areas
Beginners Running Courses and school gate runs for those that want to get in to running
Active Health – physical activity opportunities for those referred by a medical professional
Foster Care Fortnight
It’s Foster Care Fortnight this week and next (10 May – 23 May) and this year we’re asking residents to consider fostering older children aged 11 – 18 years to help meet a need.
The latest campaign is part of a wider three-year drive, which started in 2020, to recruit 100 foster carers in Wiltshire.
Foster carers and children in care will share their thoughts on social media throughout the fortnight, providing an insight into how fostering teenagers helps the young person but also how it is rewarding for the carer.
If you’re interested in finding out more about fostering, we’re hosting an online information session on Tuesday 25 May on our Fostering Facebook page.
More information on Foster Care Fortnight
Summary of changes from 17 May
Hugging
People can hug loved ones they don’t live if with they think it is safe to do so, but are still advised to keep 1.5 metres away from strangers.
Meeting indoors
People can meet indoors in groups of six or two households of any size.
Overnight stays
Overnight stays will be allowed.
Groups outdoors
Bigger outdoor gatherings will be allowed, with groups of up to 30 people. Social distancing will still need to be in place for these gatherings.
Pubs, restaurants and cafes indoors
Pubs, restaurants and cafes can welcome customers back inside. They will need to offer table service only, with the rule of six people or two households of any size.
Domestic holidays
People can go on domestic holidays with friends and family they do not live with, provided they stick to the rule of six or two households.
Foreign travel
Foreign travel will be allowed from 17 May, but there will be a traffic light system for international travel, and you must follow the rules when returning to England depending on whether you return from a red, amber or green list country.
Funerals
Funeral attendance will no longer be limited to 30 people, but will be determined by how many people the COVID-secure venue can safely accommodate with social distancing. Up to 30 people can attend a wake.
Weddings, Ceremonies
Restrictions for weddings remain the same. Only 30 people are allowed to attend indoor ceremonies and receptions in Covid secure venues.
Big events
Indoor events like concerts will be allowed with a capacity limit of 1,000 or 50% – whichever is smaller.
Outdoor events will be permitted to welcome up to 4,000 people or operate at 50% capacity. Seated outdoor events will be allowed 10,000 people or 25% capacity.
Cinemas, museums, theatres and children’s indoor play areas
Visitors will need to follow social distancing rules and wear face masks.
Saunas and steam rooms
Will be allowed to reopen.
Indoor group sports and exercise
Exercise classes and indoor group sports can resume, but must be organised by a by business, public body or charity and the organiser must take reasonable measure to reduce the risk of transmission.
Accommodation
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs will reopen from 17 May.
Care homes
Rules for care home residents going out and receiving visitors will change, allowing up to five named visitors (two at any one time), provided visitors test negative for COVID-19.
Work for home
This advice remains in place
Public transport
Social distancing guidance remains the same
Travel
Travel safety and plan ahead remains the message
Face masks in school
Removed face masks for children and teachers when in class
Coronavirus restrictions: What you can and cannot do in full
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
Families urged to keep following the rules and stay safe this 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
If you cannot transport yourself or depend on friends or family
ring Ramsbury LINK 520111
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.
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 open as usual 10-12.30 Tues Wed Thurs Sat morning 2-4.30 Tues Thurs afternoons
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
The allotment site is closed to all but plot holders
Play areas are open
The Bell is closed (opening May 17th)
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.
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
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.o
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