Please find below the latest update on COVID-19 and other council matters:
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The Prime Minister confirmed yesterday that all businesses and venues can re-open from 4 July 2020, except for the following:
Nightclubs
Casinos
Bowling alleys and indoor skating rinks
Indoor play areas including soft-play
Spas
Nail bars, beauty salons and tanning salons
Massage, tattoo and piercing parlours
Indoor fitness and dance studios, and indoor gyms and sports venues/facilities
Swimming pools including water parks
Exhibition or conference centres must remain closed for events such as exhibitions or conferences, other than for those who work for the business who run the venue
Cafes, restaurants and shops that are self-contained and can be accessed from the outside, will still be permitted to open.
To support the NHS Test and Trace, businesses are being asked to keep a temporary record of their customers and visitors for 21 days. Many businesses will have a booking system but for those who do not have such facilities, the government will soon be issuing details of a system they can use that complies with data protection legislation.
Local authority administered grant schemes
As of Friday 19 June 2020, we issued £86.37 million to 7,221 local businesses. This has supported 5,301 businesses with Small Business Grants totalling £53 million and a further 1,920 businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with grants totalling £33.36 million. Of the 1,920 businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, 944 local businesses received a £25,000 grant and 976 businesses received a £10,000 grant.
We have also received more than 700 applications for the local Discretionary Grant. The application window closed on Monday at 5pm (22 June) and applications are now being reviewed, assessed and paid.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
From 1 July, employers can bring furloughed employees back to work for any amount of time and any work pattern, while still being able to claim the grant for the hours not worked.
This scheme closes to new entrants on 30 June and so from 1 July, only employees that businesses have successfully claimed a previous grant for will be eligible for more grants under the scheme. This means they must have previously been furloughed for at least 3 consecutive weeks sometime between 1 March and 30 June 2020.
Wiltshire Council joins Countryside Climate Network to help tackle climate change
Wiltshire Council has today (Wednesday 24 June) become a founder member of a newly-launched network to promote the voice of the countryside in climate change discussions.
The Countryside Climate Network aims to ensure that the voice of rural knowledge and experience on climate action is listened to in Westminster, and asks that rural councils are an active participant in transforming the national economy into one that saves, rather than harms, our environment.
The network brings a voice on climate change to the two-thirds of the country who live outside major towns and cities, and calls for investment, such as the government’s delayed £100bn infrastructure fund, to be targeted at rural areas.
The council is also working closely with the Local Government Association (LGA) and the County Councils Network to develop a tool that measures the council’s levels of carbon emissions.
The tool will create a standard, comparable measurement for all councils in the country, which can then be used to baseline carbon emissions and report on them regularly, as Wiltshire seeks to become carbon neutral by 2030. The trial of this new system is expected to begin later in the summer.
The Countryside Climate Network has been established by UK100, a network of local leaders that campaigns on climate change. The 21 councils represent 14.3 million people in total, a quarter of the population (25%) and two fifths (41%) of England by area. The group is chaired by the Leader of Cambridgeshire Council, Cllr Steve Count. To find out more about the Countryside Climate Network, please see: www.uk100.org.
Hot weather warning
Public Health England has today issued a heat warning encouraging vulnerable people to take care during the exceptionally hot weather forecast this week.
People ‘shielding’ indoors from COVID-19, older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children are all more vulnerable from the higher temperatures.
Advice for keeping healthy:
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, everyone is at risk of dehydration in hot temperatures, but babies, children and older people are particularly vulnerable.
Stay cool indoors: open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside; shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight; move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping.
Slow down when it is hot: exertion heats up our bodies so plan any strenuous activities (e.g. exercise, gardening) outside the hottest time of the day, typically 11am – 3pm.
Cool your skin with water, you could use a cool wet sponge or flannel, cool water spray, cold packs around the neck and armpits, or a cool, wet sheet.
Stay connected and listen to the weather forecast, knowing the forecast can help you plan ahead and adapt what you’re doing.
Dress appropriately for the weather, protect yourself against the sun’s radiation and keep yourself cool by wearing thin cotton clothes.
Eat smaller meals, more often. Cold salads and fruit are the perfect summer foods.
For more information on the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke visit NHS Choices.
Garden waste renewals
Since sending out garden waste reminders we’ve had more than 36,000 sign ups and over 32,000 of those have been completed online.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic garden waste collection renewals were delayed this year, but customers can renew their garden waste subscription if they wish to continue to receive the service. The cost of having garden waste collected will be £50 per bin for the year.
Current garden waste subscriptions were due to expire on 30 June 2020, but customers should continue to present their bin to be emptied on their usual collection day with their current 2019-2020 red sticker until they receive a new one. Garden waste bins displaying a red 2019/20 bin sticker will continue to be emptied until 31 August.
Once people have renewed, they will be sent a letter within three weeks, containing a new garden waste bin sticker.
People can renew or sign up to receive garden waste collections at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/gardenwaste People don’t need to contact us if they do not wish to renew.
Please find below the latest update on COVID-19 and other council matters:
COVID-19 Business Re-opening Pack
We’ve launched the attached pack to help businesses re-open their premises as safely as possible and in line with government guidance. The pack includes a toolkit comprising social distancing floor spots and safety advice posters for them to use.
The toolkit is also available for town and parish councils to use in their high streets and a space has been left on the designs to incorporate their logo. The cost of printing and delivering the materials to them will come from the Re-opening the High Streets Safely Fund recently awarded to Wiltshire Council.
Briefing Note for Town and Parish Councils – Fly Posting and the Law.
Types of fly posting:
Three main types of fly posting have been identified by the Department for Communities and Local Government:
Advertisements primarily for local events
Posters advertising products of large organisations
Posters displayed by pressure groups or political bodies
Locations:
Within the public highway
On Wiltshire Council/publicly owned land
On private land
Within the highway: The local authority (i.e Wiltshire Council) has power under the Highways Act 1980 to remove flyposters with immediate effect. If the owner of the poster is identifiable 2 days advance notice may be given so that the owner can remove it.
On council/public land: as highway but the power to remove is under the Town and Country Planning Act. 2 days advance notice must be given if the owner is identifiable.
On private land: As council//public land but the landowner may be asked to remove it as the first resort.
The local authority also has powers to prosecute should they deem it appropriate or necessary.
Instances of fly-posting can be reported via the council’s website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk using either “report a problem” or by downloading the My Wiltshire app.
Please note that the council may exercise judgement on the urgency of securing removal according to the extent to which there is a risk of public safety.
Time to renew your garden waste collections
Households that pay to receive garden waste collections will receive an email or letter this week inviting them to renew their subscription by 14 August. New customers can also sign up to receive this service.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, garden waste collection renewals were delayed this year, but customers now need to renew their garden waste subscription if they wish to continue to receive the service. The cost of having garden waste collected will be £50 per bin for the year.
Current garden waste subscriptions were due to expire on 30 June 2020, but customers should continue to present their bin to be emptied on their usual collection day with their current 2019-2020 red sticker until they receive a new one. Garden waste bins displaying a red 2019/20 bin sticker will continue to be emptied until 31 August.
Once people have renewed, they will be sent a letter within three weeks, containing a new garden waste bin sticker.
People can renew or sign up to receive garden waste collections at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/gardenwaste People don’t need to contact us if they do not wish to renew.
Garden waste bins are emptied fortnightly except for two weeks over Christmas and New Year. A full waste collection calendar is available at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/rubbish-collection-days.
Shared Lives Week, 15 – 21 June
Shared Lives Wiltshire carers, who open up their homes to support young people and adults, will be talking about their experiences as part of Shared Lives Week from 15 – 21 June.
Shared Lives is a unique caring arrangement enabling more than 14,000 people nationally with a learning or physical disability, mental ill health, dementia or other ongoing needs, to share their carer’s home and family life. Shared Lives promotes people’s rights, choices and independence and helps vulnerable people feel included in family life and community activities.
Currently Shared Lives Wiltshire is looking to recruit to the local scheme. People with care and support needs are referred to the scheme and matched with a formerly-recruited carer in Wiltshire. The carer is paid between £371 and £571 per week and receives support, training and guidance from the Shared Lives team at Wiltshire Council.
Celebrations will be taking place across the UK as part of Shared Lives week, organised by the UK charity, Shared Lives Plus, which is celebrating the work carried out by over 10,000 Shared Lives carers. With Covid-19 restrictions in place, Shared Lives in Wiltshire will be sharing stories, videos and photos online and hosting a virtual tea party for all their carers.
For more information about Shared Lives Wiltshire please visit their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter.
If people would like to find out more about becoming a Shared Lives carer, please call 01380 826451 or email .
Learning Disability Week 15 – 21 June
Long walks, chats over the phone, visits, newsletters and exchanging craft ideas are just some of the many ways the Wiltshire Council Inhouse Learning Disability Team has been keeping in contact with adults they care for during COVID-19.
The team has developed an outreach service both for those adults they usually care for and others in the community.
The outreach services can involve home visits to give parents or carers a break, taking people out for long walks to maintain their physical wellbeing, sharing crafts and activities but always staying in weekly contact.
The team also writes to customers and delivers activity packs and are currently exploring setting up virtual sessions.
The outreach service has placed an emphasis on maintaining relationships and links with local community. The work of the service ties in with the national theme for Learning Disability Week which celebrates the importance of friendships during lockdown.
The Inhouse Learning Disability service includes team leaders, support workers, shared lives staff team, caretaking team and administration team. The In house LD service works closely with the Wiltshire Council Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities, Wiltshire Health and Care and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust learning disability services to ensure that people with learning disabilities and their families are supported. There is a focus on what people can achieve and enabling them to live full, independent lives.
Funding could help to unlock potential of Bradford on Avon site
Wiltshire Council has secured £85,000 in funding from the Government’s One Public Estate (OPE) programme to explore future possibilities for a new community facility in central Bradford on Avon.
The site, opposite the railway station, is currently home to the town’s health centre, and a police and fire station. The funding will be used to conduct feasibility and environmental studies to see whether the site could be redeveloped to benefit the town, including a new health centre; combined facilities for fire, police and community emergency volunteers; a new museum; a tourist information centre; council offices and social housing. This funding will help to test different ideas for the site and help establish what it could become in the future.
Specifically, the funding will be used to engage a team of architects and master planners on the project and help establish what it could become in the future. This work is expected to begin in the autumn, in consultation with Bradford on Avon town council, other public sector partners, residents and businesses.
Once ideas have been collated, any plans will, at a later stage of the process, be subject to full consultation. Any development of the site is some way off and would also be subject to further applications for funding that would be led by the town council.
The OPE programme provides support and funding to councils around the country to create property-focused projects that bring economic growth; bring services together; and generate efficiencies through capital income and reduced running costs.
Update on Rights of Way & Countryside Volunteers
We just wanted to make you aware of the below letter which has been sent to Rights of Way and Countrywide volunteers:
Dear Rights of Way & Countryside Volunteers,
We hope you are keeping safe and well during these Covid-19 times.
Further to our email below which was sent in March, as government is easing lockdown we know that some of you would like to resume normal volunteering activities; Wiltshire Council has taken the view however, that we should not be asking you to return to normal volunteering just yet. We know you will find it frustrating, it is for us too. The council has made this decision based on government guidance and what the health professionals are advising, but this may change in the near future. When it does, and when the council advises that volunteers can return if they wish and if they do not fall within the vulnerable/shielding categories, the latest government Covid-19 guidelines will still need to be followed. For rights of way and countryside volunteering, it is likely the following procedures also will still need to be followed:
Travelling to site in own vehicle – lift sharing only with others in your own household
Social distancing maintained at all times
Avoiding busy areas/busy times of day to minimise contact with others
Being prepared to abandon task if the way or area becomes too busy to enable social distancing
Avoid touching latches, stiles, notice boards etc if possible – wearing gloves if this is unavoidable
Using only own tools, and not sharing them
Bringing own refreshments and drinking vessels, and not sharing them
Washing hands before and after undertaking other activities, especially before eating/drinking/touching your face
Using hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available
We mention the above at this stage to assist with plans for returning to normal. We are really grateful for your work before lockdown, and right now we are really grateful for your understanding, support and keenness to get back to volunteering – it is really good to know we can still rely on your help in managing Wiltshire’s rights of way and country parks – hopefully in the near future now.
We will be back in touch again soon; if one of your colleagues doesn’t have access to email, would you be kind enough to pass this message on please? In the meantime, stay safe and please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have any questions.
Registration service resuming face to face appointments
From Wednesday 17 June Wiltshire Council’s Registration Service will recommence face to face appointments for the registration of births at its Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury offices.
The council is in the process of contacting all parents whose children were born in Wiltshire but have been unable to register their child due to the lockdown restrictions.
There is an inevitable backlog of Wiltshire births to be registered so the council asks people to bear with them. The council will contact people to make appointments so there is no need for people to call. Appointments cannot currently be made online. In accordance with registration guidance at this time, all babies born outside of Wiltshire will need to register their child in the district where the birth occurred.
From Monday 22 June 2020 the council will be able to arrange notices of marriage or civil partnerships for couples whose appointments were cancelled during lockdown. People should email and the council will then contact the person to make an appointment. Appointments cannot currently be made online. New notice of marriage/civil partnership appointments can be made from 1 July 2020.
Please note that no date has been announced by Government as to when any ceremonies can recommence.
In line with General Register Office guidance and to adhere to social distancing rules, the council is having to restrict face-to-face registration appointments to people who are required to be there only. If this is difficult for anyone, they are advised to contact the council in advance to discuss arrangements for their appointment.
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ciitgnbeogw-scaled.jpg17072560Cllr Joycehttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngCllr Joyce2020-06-10 09:15:462020-06-10 09:18:47Wiltshire Recycling Centres - need to book
Please find below the latest update regarding COVID-19.
Government Updates
On Thursday evening the Prime Minister gave an update on the UK’s progress against COVID-19, having met the five tests that allow the adjustment of lockdown. Full details of this statement can be found here.
From Monday 1 June
1) Nurseries and other early years settings and reception, year one and year six in primary schools can reopen in a safe way;
2) Outdoor retail and car showrooms, where social distancing is generally easier, can reopen; and
3) Up to six people will be able to meet outside (in parks, gardens and other private outdoor spaces) – provided those from different households continue strictly to observe social distancing rules by staying two metres apart.
Today, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced that from Monday 1 June the shielding guidance is being updated so that people will be advised that they can take initial steps to safely spend time outdoors. Those shielding will be able to spend time outdoors with members of their own household or, if they live alone, with one person from another household. Mr Jenrick’s full statement can be found online
Further social distancing guidance will follow in the coming days – please visit the GOV.UK COVID-19 FAQs page here for updates.
From Monday 15 June
1) Secondary schools will begin to provide some face-to-face contact time for years 10 and 12; and
2) The Government intends to reopen other non-essential retail – but only provided the five tests are still being met and shops have been made COVID secure.
NHS Test and Trace service
A new NHS Test and Trace service has been launched in England to help identify, contain, control and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The service will:
• Provide testing for anyone who has symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to rule out if they have the virus
• Get in touch with anyone who has had a positive test result to help them share information about any close recent contact they have had
• Alert those contacts, where necessary, and notifies them that they need to self-isolate to help the spread of the virus
Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions. This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus. Those contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service will be given clear information explaining what they must do and how they can access local support if needed.
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that those having to self-isolate will be eligible for statutory sick pay if they are unable to work from home.
The Government has also expanded testing availability for children aged under 5, to help support the phased opening of schools and childcare settings in England from 1 June. From today, all symptomatic individuals in England will therefore be able to access a test if they need one.
A package of £300 million of new funding has been made available to local authorities to work with NHS Test and Trace to develop local ‘Outbreak Control Plans’ (as mentioned in yesterday’s Member’s Briefing). The plans will focus on identifying and containing potential outbreaks in places such as workplaces, housing complexes, care homes and schools, ensuring testing capacity is deployed effectively and helping the most vulnerable in self-isolation access essential services in their area. A new Local Government Advisory Board has also been established to support this work.
The NHS COVID-19 app, which will form a part of the NHS Test and Trace service, will be launched in the coming weeks once contact tracing is up and running. It will significantly extend the speed and reach of contact tracing, by helping to identify others who may have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Coronavirus.
Further information on the NHS Test and Trace Service, is available by clicking the following link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works?
Government food parcels – opt out
Those people on the extremely vulnerable shielded list that receive a Central Government food parcel are able to opt out of receiving further parcels should they wish.
Residents to whom this applies, are required to re-register at the Government website www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable. Once re-registered they need to click that they do not need support with food to prevent further parcels. Alternatively, they can call 0800 028 8327and follow the instructions.
Residents will need to have their NHS number to hand to complete the process.
UK Heatwave plan
With the very dry and sunny weather conditions this weekend and forecast to continue, Public Health England has updated its Heatwave Plan for England taking into account COVID-19, to help people stay as safe as possible.
The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm. Many of those who are at risk of harm from heat are also at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and may need to spend more time at home than they would usually. Others may need to stay at home because they are self-isolating or recovering from the infection.
We still have much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the body but both heat and COVID-19 infections put a strain on the heart, lungs and kidneys and are linked with inflammation in the body. As a result, people shielding or displaying COVID-19 symptoms are advised to take extra precautions.
For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/heatwave.
Council updates
Parking enforcement
The council will be reintroducing parking enforcement at all car parks, and on residential and on-street parking areas in the county from Monday 1 June. All parking permits and season tickets will also restart from this date, and parking wardens will enforce any parking contraventions.
On 25 March, the Government gave NHS and care workers free use of all council parking and this will continue until further notice. However, Wiltshire Council went one step further and suspended all parking charges, including in residential areas, from the 27 March which was to be reconsidered when the Government issued new guidance.
As the Government looks to return to a new normal, it is important we reintroduce parking charges and enforcement to ensure the highways and parking networks are working effectively.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the council’s budget, particularly in terms of lost income, and reinstating car parking charges will help us to continue to support our residents and businesses through these challenging times.
People using car parks should note the following guidance to help keep staff and residents safe and ensure social distancing:
• Cash will be accepted (change not given) at all car parks, but please pay using a digital permit or contactless if you can. Not all car parks accept contactless payments, but all accept digital permits.
• Signage will be in place to let people know of the charges and also to remind people to ensure social distancing when using machines or walking in car parks.
• Where possible, people should park leaving one space or more between cars to aid social distancing. This may not always be possible, but it may be achievable in quieter car parks.
• NHS workers and care workers must place supporting evidence in their windscreen when parking to be eligible for free stays, such as photocopies of work passes with sensitive information removed, or a letter of evidence on headed paper from their employer.
All valid parking permits and season tickets will be restarted from Monday 1 June with the other charges – with the nine weeks of the suspension period automatically added on to the end of parking permits and season tickets. For example, if a person has a parking permit or season ticket that expires on 31 August, that permit or season ticket will now automatically be extended to end on 2 October, nine weeks later. People do not need to contact the council for this extension; it will happen automatically.
Refunds can be given to people who no longer need extended season tickets – contact for more information.
Highways and high streets
The council is set to receive £227,000 of Government funding to support the use of temporary and pop-up measures to create a safe environment for walking and cycling.
Following significant changes in travel behaviours during COVID-19 which saw more people choosing to walk and cycle during their daily exercise, these new measures will help encourage walking and cycling activity to continue whilst maintaining social distance. They play a key role in helping to avoid overcrowding on public transport as shops and businesses start to reopen.
This indicative allocation is part of the first tranche of funding from the government’s £250 million Emergency Active Travel Fund. The initial focus promotes cycling as a replacement for journeys previously made by public transport and could include closing some roads to through traffic, installing segregated cycle lanes and widening pavements.
Many suggestions for schemes across the county have been received and those that meet the funding criteria, including timescales, will be prioritised. Work on these priority schemes will need to start within four weeks of receiving the funding and completed within eight weeks from starting.
A further tranche of funding is likely to be released later in the summer and will help support permanent cycling and walking measures throughout the county.
In addition, Wiltshire Council has been awarded approximately £450,000 to support the safe reopening of high streets across Wiltshire.
This funding comes from the Government’s Reopening High Streets Safely Fund and supports measures that ensure businesses and their customers can trade safely. This could include temporary changes to public spaces owned by the council and which are next to businesses so they can be reopened safely and supporting retailers on how to make temporary adjustments to their premises to comply with social distancing.
Some measures will be easier to implement such as pavement stickers outside shops showing 2 metres apart and others will take a bit longer as pavements are reconfigured to support social distancing for shoppers. However, the council will work with town and parish councils and key partners to ensure there is local support for any scheme that is progressed and we will aim to implement as many schemes as possible.
Street markets
Following recent changes to Government guidance, Wiltshire Council run street markets will be open from Tuesday 2 June with stallholders now able to sell their full range of goods.
Social distancing will be in place at each of the markets, and the public are strongly urged to take notice of the signage at each site and ensure they do everything they can to adhere to the measures and keep at least two meters apart from each other and the stallholders at all times.
To keep stallholders and the public as safe as possible a socially distancing queuing system will be in place at each market for each stall. Stallholders will be regularly using hand sanitiser, and cleaning where appropriate, and people are also encouraged to pay via contactless where they can and when it’s available, and should not unnecessarily pick up items and put them back.
A number of stall holders have laid their stalls out differently to have a dedicated entrance and exit and operate a one way system and all have been advised to follow government guidelines around hygiene, regular hand washing and sanitising.
Council officers will be on site to manage set-up and ensure stalls are socially distanced, and arrangements are in place at each stall for a socially distanced queue system.
More information on opening times at each location including FAQs can be found at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-environment-street-markets.
Chippenham, Devizes, Royal Wootton Bassett and Salisbury markets are not Wiltshire Council-run so please check with the relevant councils to find out about their current arrangements:
• Chippenham Town Council
• Devizes Town Council
• Royal Wootton Bassett
• Salisbury City Council
Financial support for vulnerable households
Some Wiltshire residents of working age will pay less council tax due to a Government-funded scheme to support people from the impact of COVID-19.
This latest support package from the Government, which is being managed locally by Wiltshire Council, is aimed at working age families who already qualify for council tax reduction but still have to pay some council tax.
There are currently more than 16,000 working age households in receipt of a council tax reduction in Wiltshire, and around 11,000 of those will qualify for additional financial support under this scheme.
The scheme ensures that anyone who qualifies for council tax reduction will receive a further reduction of £150 in addition to their current council tax benefit. The scheme will not put accounts in credit, so those already in receipt of a 100% reduction will not be affected.
It also applies to those who are successful in claiming council tax reduction for the first time who may need some short-term support, before they return to work.
COVID-19 has left some people struggling financially and this extra money will provide support and hopefully ease the pressure for those who are already in a particularly vulnerable situation.
Qualifying households will shortly be sent a new council tax bill for 2020/21 by Wiltshire Council confirming they have been awarded a further reduction.
If anyone has any questions they should call 0300 456 0109 or email .
Schools – booklet to help families return to school
Schools have been open for children of key workers and the most vulnerable children throughout the lockdown, however as mentioned earlier, the Government has announced early years settings, primary school reception, years 1, 2 and 6 can return from 1 June. Secondary school years 10 and 12 will have some face-to-face contact from 15 June.
For all children, and particularly young children, going back to school with new structures and routines in place is going to feel very different. Schools across Wiltshire are working very hard to prepare pupils for these changes and the council is providing guidance and support where it is needed.
The council’s Schools Team has created a new information guide for parents and carers to support them get their children ready to return. The booklet provides useful advice and tips including:
• Talk about the positives of going back to school
• Talk about all the things you have done during the lockdown period
• Think about ways for them to connect with their friends before going back
• For younger children explain when this is going to happen i.e. there are so many sleeps before going back
• Encourage open discussion
• Start to encourage the number of times your children wash their hands and practise maintaining social distancing
• Share school information with them to help them prepare for the changes
• Put a routine in place in the run up to going back – get your child to talk to you about what the routine will look like
The booklet can be accessed online – www.wiltshire.gov.uk/downloads/22821
Support for older residents
A new ‘Active at Home’ booklet has been launched by Public Health England today to provide practical guidance for older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance during the Coronavirus outbreak.
The booklet is available to download here. Please encourage people in your community to download the booklet for themselves or share with family or friends that might find it useful.
IT update
Criminals are using COVID-19 as an opportunity to target the public sector, businesses and individuals. The biggest threat is ransomware attacks where hackers attempt to gain access through fake (phishing) emails and prevent you from accessing your computer or data and demand payment to restore access.
Recently the council has seen an increase in these fake emails and the design of some has been very sophisticated.
If you receive an email that in any way doesn’t feel right or has links and attachments which are unfamiliar to you, always be cautious. Don’t click on any links or attachments and forward the email to only.
If you notice something out of the ordinary or if you have any security concerns, please contact the council’s ICT service desk immediately on 01225 718718.
Other matters:
Road and street work permits
From Monday 1 June, the way road works and street works are managed in Wiltshire will be changing.
The Government is requiring all highway authorities to implement Permit Schemes, where anyone wishing to work on Wiltshire’s roads has to submit a permit to work. The current system relies on work promoters submitting Notices where they have a legal right to carry out work.
The new Permit Scheme will allow better control and direction on the works that take place on our roads as they are not permitted to start unless they have prior approval (excluding emergency works).
The change has required an increase in the staffing in the Network Management Team in order to be able to process approximately 33,000 applications per year.
Further information on the council’s works permit scheme system is available by clicking the following link http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-road-works-permit-scheme.
Special schools
Plans to invest in special school education moved a step forward this week after Government officials gave the green light to a key part of the process to provide additional school places in north Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Council wants to ensure that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have access to a first class education for SEND pupils. The new school is key to these plans.
After consulting extensively with parents, pupils, schools and the community the council approved a number of recommendations including:
• The establishment of a new, maintained special school with a single leadership team to work across all three sites of St Nicholas, Rowdeford and Larkrise schools.
• Expansion on the existing Rowdeford site to accommodate up to 400 pupils as part of the new special school by September 2023.
• Approve that the sites of St Nicholas and Larkrise stay in use until the new provision is ready, and then review if it is appropriate for children to transition to the new site at Rowdeford. This is to be established by approval by cabinet of further consultation on the appropriateness of transferring the provision of St Nicholas and Larkrise to the Rowdeford site no later than 12 months before opening all the new provision. This consultation would be determined by the demand for places, views of stakeholders and wider development of inclusive education for children and young people with SEND living in Wiltshire.
The Office for the School Adjudicator (OSA) examined the proposals to amalgamate the three schools and establish the new, maintained special school with a single leadership team to work across all three sites of St Nicholas, Rowdeford and Larkrise schools. It has now given the green light for the amalgamation to go ahead – a key milestone in taking forward exciting work to develop the provision.
In preparation for the OSA decision the council has already started to design a build programme to meet the need for additional special schools places in north Wiltshire.
The council will be shortly announcing the preferred contractor to oversee the build and it looks forward to working together with families, pupils and schools to ensure the county has the best available provision which meets the needs of our SEND pupils now and in the future.
I hope you all had a safe and enjoyable weekend
Regards
Cllr Philip Whitehead
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eaggqoiddmg-scaled.jpg14402560Cllr Joycehttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngCllr Joyce2020-06-02 10:06:082020-06-02 10:06:08COVID-19 UPDATE – Sunday 31 May 2020 on behalf of Cllr Whitehead
Following the success of the online Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the next Cabinet meeting in June will also take place online.
An online Full Council meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday 16 June and this will be followed by meetings of the Area Boards to elect Chairs and Vice Chairs.
Further details of the Full Council meeting and elections of committee and Area Board Chairs will be provided in due course.
Reopening of schools
On Friday 22 May I wrote to all headteachers to reassure them that they should not feel compelled to open to all the additional year groups on 1 June. Whilst it is recognised that it is of the upmost importance for children to resume their education, so they can learn and interact with their peers, it is the council’s responsibility to work with schools to ensure that this is done in such a way that we minimise the risks to the school community. The council will support schools in implementing a phased return of pupils and students to manage this situation safely.
You can read the full letter online
Household Recycling Centre Update
We continue to see large volumes of traffic at our household recycling centres (HRCs) with significant queues throughout the day at some locations. However, queues are being well managed by the on-site marshals and regular updates on HRC waiting times are being provided to residents via council social media channels and local media partners.
We continue to review our guidance and postcode tracker during this initial opening phase to ensure that residents can use the HRCs efficiently and safely. A change has been made to the number of vehicle occupants that are permitted on site, although guidance remains that only one person from a vehicle can unload materials. Further changes to the guidance may be made over the following weeks, so people are advised to check the FAQs on the council website for the latest HRC updates before they travel.
Please encourage residents to check that their local HRC is open before visiting as sites are closed on some days.
Wellbeing Hub Update
The Wellbeing Hub continues to work effectively with partners and voluntary organisations to support vulnerable individuals.
Headline figures (to 19 May):
• We have delivered over 1,174 food parcels
• We have made 2,595 home visits
• We have contacted 14,989 people in Wiltshire
• We have received 2,469 emails
• We have received 4,614 calls
The Wellbeing Hub can be accessed by anyone in need by calling the helpline on: 0300 003 4576 or via email .
Please note: The Wellbeing Hub opening times will be changing next week as follows:
Bank holiday Monday: 10am-4pm
From Tuesday 26 May (until further notice): 8am-6pm Mon to Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday to Sunday.
Food Bank Appeal
With some residents left particularly vulnerable by the COVID-19 situation, Wiltshire Council is encouraging people to continue to donate to their local food banks if they can.
Some of the usual locations where people may have previously donated, such as schools and places of faith, are mainly unavailable at this time, but major supermarkets have food bank trolleys in their stores and people are encouraged to buy a couple of extra items to donate if they can.
Some food banks are reporting an upsurge in demand since COVD-19, with some of the likely reasons for this including some people being furloughed and the increased costs associated with whole families being at home for more time than normal.
It is advised that items donated are non-perishable or with a decent amount of time left on the ‘use-by’ date. Among the items people can donate, and perhaps don’t think to, include shower gel, jam, tinned potatoes, instant mash potato, tinned ham, long-life milk, tinned sponge puddings, tinned custard and tinned fruit and vegetables.
The council has a local welfare assistance scheme for households who are struggling without funds, and it has also agreed to help food banks re-stock where they are running out of goods.
A list and more details of Wiltshire’s food banks can be found in the ‘community information’ section of Wiltshire Council’s COVID-19 page at http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus.
People can also donate money to local charities such as the Wiltshire Community Foundation, they are providing support to food banks via their Wiltshire & Swindon Coronavirus Response Fund. More information on that can be found at https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/Coronavirus%20Fund/. Their website can be found at https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/
Government Business Support and Initiatives
BEIS working safely webinars
Following on from the Government’s recent publication of workplace guidance, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will be hosting a series of free webinars to help businesses make their workplace COVID-secure. Webinars for a number of different sectors will run from Wednesday 27 May and will run until Tuesday 2 June. Further information can be found by clicking on the following link https://bit.ly/BEISWebinars.
Pick for Britain campaign
As you may have heard in Tuesday’s Downing Street press briefing, the Environment Secretary has launched a new ‘Pick for Britain’ website to address the fact that we are likely to only have about a third of our normal labour force for this year’s harvest.
As such, Britain’s horticultural sector needs to rely on British workers to lend a hand to help bring that harvest home. Opportunities are available across the UK for those seeking a second job, particularly those that are furloughed. Further information on how to find work or advertise job opportunities in Wiltshire can be found by clicking the following link https://bit.ly/Pick4Britain.
Road Safety Campaign
Wiltshire Police has launched a #SlowDownSaveLives road safety campaign to remind road users in the county to drive safely.
From now until early June, Wiltshire Police and forces throughout the UK and are undertaking a national enforcement operation to remind motorists of the importance of travelling within the speed limit. This operation is deliberately timed as the easing of Government travel restrictions has shown an increase in speeding on roads across the country.
Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum (LRF) partners will be supporting this campaign through social media channels. The Wiltshire Police press release can be read here.
Regards
Cllr Philip Whitehead
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/eaggqoiddmg-scaled.jpg14402560Cllr Joycehttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngCllr Joyce2020-05-26 10:06:522020-05-26 10:06:52COVID-19 UPDATE – Sunday 24 May 2020 on behalf of Cllr Whitehead
COVID-19 UPDATE – Saturday 16 May 2020 – published by Wilts CC
Good afternoon
Please see the latest COVID-19 update.
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub
The Wellbeing Hub continues to work effectively with partners and voluntary organisations to support the community.
Headline figures (to date):
• Total number of people on the master list – 22,716
• Food parcels to individuals – 1,100
• Home welfare visits made to people not reached by phone/email – 2,229
• Total people actively contacted – 14,031
• Total calls received – 4,240
• Emails received – 2,252
• The council is working with the government to streamline the process of making calls to shielded individuals to avoid unnecessary contact duplication.
• The council, with the support of DBS checked volunteers from partner organisations, is undertaking welfare checks at the addresses of individuals who have not been reached by phone/email.
Business Support
• The Business Support Contact Centre has provided one-to-one support to over 2,500 businesses to date and the council is working with larger organisations to make them aware of UK wide opportunities /initiatives.
• We are continuing to process the applications and contact those businesses that have not yet applied for their grant. We have paid out over £78m to support nearly 6,500 local businesses.
Business grant fund schemes
The council is currently reviewing the guidance received from Government on this fund to see how we can roll it out. We aim to be in a position where we can advise businesses on eligibility and how they can apply for this new funding next week. In the meantime, we are advising businesses not to complete the existing application form on our website, which should only be used for those businesses applying for the small business grant or the retail, hospitality and leisure grants.
Self-employment Income Support Scheme
Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus can apply for funding. The online application service is now open, with money being paid into bank accounts within six working days of the claim being submitted.
The grant is paid in a single instalment and is worth 80% of trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for three months, capped at £7,500.
Business support schemes
Please see attached our guidance outlining the various business support schemes available. A printable version is on our website. http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus
Household Recycling Centre Update
As you are aware, all of Wiltshire’s household recycling centres (HRCs), bar Stanton St Quintin, will reopen on Monday with an easy to use postcode entry system to help limit the number of people on site at any time and ensure social distancing.
Stanton St Quintin HRC will remain closed because parking spaces on site have been significantly reduced and because of the already difficult traffic management issues at the site. This will be kept under review and in the meantime people should use the Purton, Melksham or Lower Compton sites.
Information about the postcode entry system, HRC opening times, details on the types of waste that can be taken, FAQs, and the restrictions being put in place to protect our customers is available on our website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/household-recycling-centres This information continues to be communicated via council comms channels and through local media partners.
We anticipate high volumes of visits to the HRC’s when they re-open so would encourage people not to visit in the first few days if at all possible to minimise their queuing time.
Leisure Services Update
With all Wiltshire leisure centres closed at the current time, the council is offering free access to a comprehensive online group exercise class programme. This is a great way to stay active while working from home, shielding or simply not able to access a similar offer in a local leisure centre.
There are fitness classes available every day of the week at different times throughout the day, with the vast majority requiring no equipment. All classes are being provided through Zoom, so residents will need to have this downloaded to the device that they wish to use to join the class.
For the full class programme and details on how to access all the classes please visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-online-classes
May I wish you a very good weekend.
Regards
During the current lockdown we would like to notify you of the services still available through The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust to those over 60 or 18+ with a registered disability.
Our team of Home Security Operators are still securing the homes of victims of house crime and domestic abuse. Our office team are on hand to give telephone support and advice on a range of home security issues. Please call 01380 861155 and leave a message, your call will be returned within a few hours during working hours. Our operators are also delivering Personal Protective Equipment for Wiltshire Police across the County.
Our team of Stay Safe Online volunteers are available to offer telephone advice on a range of issues from improving cyber security awareness, to cyber and scam prevention advice and signposting to future advice and resources. Please call and leave a message on 01380 861191 and someone will get back you shortly.
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The Parish Council and Church are working together to support members of the community and residents affected by the virus.
If you have been diagnosed or are self-isolating in line with NHS guidance and you need help with, for example, essential shopping or collecting medicines, contact the following volunteers using the details found below.
You are not alone; a member of our local community coronavirus group will then contact you to try to provide support from within the community.
Sandra Hartley Tel: 731523
Margaret Manley Tel: 731564
Carolyn Crocker Tel: 852754
Helen Greer (Thornhill) Tel: 731092
Kate Orton Tel: 731536
Caron Lubin Tel: 731076
Or email:
Public Health England has advised people who are self-isolating to do what they can to avoid visitors to their home and any deliveries of groceries, medications or other shopping should be left at the door, so please ensure that when you are providing support this advice is followed.
If you would be prepared to help a householder in this way, please let Margaret Manley know so that we can increase the number of volunteers.
Thank you for all your support.
The NHS has some simple advice to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19:
• Number of COVID-19 cases in the UK, including the affected areas – information can be found on Wiltshire Council’s website, wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus
• Common questions and answers on COVID-19 including advice for families, prevention, how it’s caught and spread, self-isolation, testing and treatment, foreign travel – www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ common-questions
• NHS 111 – information can be found on Wiltshire Council’s website, wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus
• Wiltshire Council’s COVID-19 information page – wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-coronavirus
• The NHS Every Mind Matters website has some really simple useful tips and advice to support good mental health at this difficult time – www.nhs.uk/oneyou/everymind-matters
Useful contact numbers
• NHS 111 – only call 111 if you cannot get help online
• Education queries –phone the Department for Education on 0800 046 8687
• Wiltshire Council – 0300 456 0100
PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
The Parish Council are currently seeking advice about holding public meetings during the coronavirus outbreak. The planned Parish Council meeting on Monday 6th April and the Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 27th April will be affected. Updates will be posted on the Broad Town website broad-town.co.uk and on the parish noticeboards when this information is available.
For any queries please contact the Parish Clerk at:
CHRIST CHURCH
Church of England public services are to be suspended until further notice. We will be doing our best to keep our benefice churches open so that people can come in for a change of place to be self-isolating, to pray and perhaps to light a candle (where that is safe).
For any queries contact Ray Manley Tel: 731564
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Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate. Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN. BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.
JUNE 2020 EDITION
Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the June edition please note that items must be submitted to
Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX. Tel. No 854200
BY 6pm on FRIDAY MAY 22nd IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED
Dear Friends
I’m hoping that by Passion Sunday 29 March we will in some way or other have a ‘virtual’ service that you can share in.
It will be recorded, rather than live streamed so that the quality is only as ropey as your parish priest normally is, rather than as ropey as rural broadband.
It is hoped that the service will be recorded in different churches each week, starting with Clyffe Pypard for Passion Sunday (29th March).
Ways to share:
You can send a photo or a drawing of you and your family as a sign of your presence.
You can make a paper outline of your hand with names written on it of those that you would like to be remembered in the prayers of the church.
If you name of a friend or family member please ask them if they are happy for you to do that.
If you want me to remember someone who has died, please add RIP to their name. Thank you.
Thanks, Rachma
FUTURE EDITIONS
There is no plan for a May newsletter so probably the next issue will be at the end of May – the June newsletter.
If there is pressure to publish next month or the general climate eases then there will be a May newsletter.
ON PLANS AND THE PRESENT MOMENT
I and probably you too, had plans, lots of them. I like plans. I had plans for services and work; plans for seeing loved friends and family; plans for holidays; plans for the future. In the present moment all my plans, and maybe yours too, are being changed by a particular coronavirus. I’m not sure when I next catch a cold I will say as easily as I used to do: ‘it’s just a virus’.
The situation seems to be changing so fast I can’t work out how to plan anything in response and I’m left with feelings of frustration and sadness and fear and panic. It could be easy to be overwhelmed by these feelings in a situation where all my plans are in disarray. And of course, others had plans of much greater importance: a family wedding or hard-working plans towards a place at university or a career advance.
There won’t be public worship or school or visits to friends and family. There may be times of real loss and suffering and sorrow.
So I stopped (and shouted at a loved one, and cried a few tears of self-pity) and then went out into the garden and I saw a tulip starting to unfurl and some nearly-tadpole commas in the pond. When I came back indoors there were some messages of kindness and offers of help both personally to me and simply offered to support neighbours and strangers.
So I may not be able to share this with the physical touch and warmth that I have earlier taken for granted, perhaps I will only be able to share at the social distance of a smile heard, but not seen on the phone.
My plans may come to nothing yet there will still be kindness and gratitude and the practices of sitting and reflecting that I call prayer. I also know that in the garden, just as all those years ago, there will be new life in flowering plants and frogs and Jesus greeting Mary Magdalene through her tears with the assurance of the resurrection.
Whatever has gone awry in my plans, and perhaps in yours, may we all find new life and kindness and gratitude that we did not plan for.
I don’t know yet what being your vicar and being your church will look like in the days and weeks ahead but we will work towards the churches being open for prayer and pondering and expressing our love and service to you in whatever ways we can.
The Reverend Rachma Abbott
Priest in Charge Lyneham with Bradenstoke and Priest in Charge Woodhill Benefice: (Broad Town, Clyffe Pypard, Hilmarton, Tockenham)
The Vicarage/ The Rectory, Clyffe Pypard, SWINDON, Wiltshire. SN4 7PY 01793 73113
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
6th April Parish Council Meeting
27th April Annual Parish Meeting
Both of these dates are liable to change.
SUSPENSIONS
All Church services – the Church will be available for private prayer; please contact Ray Manley first.
Village Hall – the hall may be available but check with Nigel Crocker first.
Church Annual Meeting
Social Club
Community Coffee Mornings
Whist Drive – please contact organisers first
Graveyard Tidy-up – If you were thinking to help, please contact Ray Manley.
Hilmarton Moviola
VE Day celebrations will now possibly be in October
Guild of Wiltshire Artists
Lindy Hop
CANCELLATIONS
May plant sale
May Church Coffee Morning
June Bassett Stall
Gentlemen’s Breakfast for April.
CHURCH FLOOR
Good News! Repairs to the floor have now been completed. We are currently carrying out an intensive clean to the building to have the Church ready for services when we are advised these can be resumed. If you would like to assist with the cleaning (max 2 people at a time) please contact Ray Manley to agree a day and time. In the meantime, if anyone would like access to the Church for private prayer or have a change of place to be self isolating, again, contact Ray.
The next project in the Church will be to carry out repairs to the walls and redecorate. Estimates, funds/grants and permissions will all need to be obtained and we will give regular updates on progress in the Broad Town News.
Group tidying up sessions in the churchyard have been temporarily suspended but individuals can continue to attend to graves as before.
Ray’s telephone number for all enquiries is 731564
WINE GLASSES
Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564
COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS
Many thanks to everyone who was able to support the fundraising morning for MS and the neurortherapy Centre. We were delighted to donate a total of £150.
We look forward to opening the doors again as soon as is possible. In the meantime if you need anything or would just like a chat our telephone numbers are on the list.
Our best wishes from the Coffee Morning Team.
FOOTPATHS
After two good working mornings in February and March, much work has been done to clear overgrowth away from sections on the White Horse Trail (BTOW35). Firstly the section from the top of Horns Lane to the top of the escarpment was cleared and re-way-marked, then the March working day was utilised to improve access on the stretch from under the white horse to the top of the escarpment. Thanks to all involved, the Broad Town section of the WHT is starting to look much improved. We still have a couple more tasks to complete, with one section requiring significant work, but hopefully this summer should see completion of improvements to this particular route.
BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE – LIMING
In view of the current situation the organizers have decided to postpone the liming of the White Horse until the Autumn. The situation will be reviewed in July with the aim of setting a date for maintenance in September. Thank you to all those who offered their assistance for the original date and they are asked to look out for updates in the summer.
BROAD TOWN VILLAGE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF VICTORY IN EUROPE (VE)
It is with great regret, but unsurprising given the current situation, that the May VE Commemorative event will not go ahead in Broad Town as planned. However all is not lost and we have postponed it until later in the year, hopefully when the world has returned to a more stable situation. So put the weekend of 3rd/4th October in your diaries. More details to follow once all the arrangements have been switched over. So, something to look forward too even though it is much later in the year than first anticipated.
LOCAL HEATING ENGINEER & PLUMBER IN BROAD TOWN
Ben Davis, BTD Plumbing and Heating, Hurstbridge House, Pye Lane, Broad Town, Wiltshire, SN4 7RR
Tel No 01793 317758 or 07920 042880
PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE
Good Energy Community Fund Grants
The Parish Council was pleased to be able to award the two grants recommended by the Advisory Group; one for the Broad Town Village Show for the VE Day Anniversary Celebrations and the other for the Footpaths Group for the installation of a Berkswell Kissing Gate on the footpath leading to Clyffe Pypard.
BROAD TOWN PAINTER & DECORATOR
Hi Just thought I’d remind all of you that I’m in the Village. It’s Glen Morley the Painter and Decorator. I undertake interior and exterior work, to a very high standard. Everything is completed to the level I would have in my own home. Please feel free to call me at any time for a free consultation and VAT free estimate. My numbers are: Landline: 01793 739227 Mobile: 07545 573002. Please leave a message if I’m unable to answer.
CHRIS ROOKS || FUTURE BALANCE
I’m Chris Rooks and I work as a financial planner (non-investment) for future balance finance. I can help you with any of the following services:_
* _mortgage advice_
* _protection advice (life assurance / income protection)_
* _equity release / later life mortgages_
* _commercial lending_
* _business continuity & protection advice_
* _will writing & estate management_
* _power of attorney applications_
you can contact me on 01793 731141 or via e-mail on ._
LOUISE – GIRL FRIDAY
I primarily focus on administration and have excellent typing
skills (88wpm), but am also available for various tasks including
housekeeping, gardening, pet care, odd jobs, even odder jobs, or
just as an extra pair of hands when required.
I’ve lived in Broad Town for sixteen years and have a DBS/CRB check
and public liability insurance. References are available from
several Broad Town residents.
Please give me a call if there is anything you need help with.
Mobile: 07748 752625, Land line: 01793 731858
Web site: louisegirlfriday.co.uk
Email:
Thank you all for your support.
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March 15th – M & R Manley, March 29th – M & C Green.
DISCLAIMER
Broad Town Newsletter (BTN) takes all reasonable care to ensure that pages published are accurate. Articles and letters submitted may be the personal opinion of the author and, as such, are not endorsed by BTN. BTN takes no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information published on any of these pages, and such information does not form any basis of a contract with readers or users of it.
APRIL 2020 EDITION
Will organisations or anyone wishing to have news, etc. included in the April edition please note that items must be submitted to
Margaret Green, 5 Eastwood Avenue, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wilts. SN4 8BX. Tel. No 854200
BY 6pm on FRIDAY MARCH 20th IT IS REGRETTED THAT SUBMISSIONS AFTER THAT TIME WILL NOT BE INCLUDED
CHURCH FLOOR
We expect the repairs will have been completed by the time you receive this newsletter and following a good spring clean we expect the Church will be ready for our service on 8 March (Evening Service at 6pm).
Thank you for your patience whilst the work was being carried out and once again our thanks to the village hall committee for their support.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
6th March BT Social Club Quiz Night
9th March BT PC Meeting
11th March Community Coffee Morning
14th March BT Footpath Working Day
25th March Community Coffee Morning
27th March School TTD
28th March Gents Breakfast Club
28th March Hilmarton Moviola
29th March Church AGM
3rd April End of School Term
18th April BT Footpath Working Day
20th April Back to School
25th April Hilmarton Moviola
27th April PC Annual Parish Meeting
8th May 75th Anniversary VE Day – Decorate Village Hall
9th May Produce Show, Cookery and Craft Competitions + Classic Vehicles
10th May Indoor Street Party @ Village Hall followed by Commemoration evening Church Service.
Scarecrow Competition throughout the weekend.
9th – 10th May Hilmarton Scarecrow Festival
17th May Re-liming White Horse
COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS
Wednesday 11th March – a fund raiser for the Swindon MS Therapy Centre which provides much needed help and support for people living with multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions. It offers a fantastic range of therapies.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that causes a wide range of symptoms including problems with vision, movement, balance and senses. It affects all ages and is two to three times more common in women than men.
The Therapy Centre receives no central funding and relies on local donations and bequests. Any help we can provide this local charity will be greatly appreciated by the dedicated team who work there.
Wednesday 25th March Look forward to seeing you!
BROAD TOWN SOCIAL CLUB QUIZ NIGHT
Consider yourself smarter than the average bear? Want to test your general knowledge against the best the village has to offer. Pop along to a The Brain of Broad town Community Quiz night at the village hall on Friday 6th March from 7pm. £1.00 entry fee per person minimum teams of 2 people. Winner takes all. Families welcome.
FOUR WAYS: OUR COMMUNITY PUB in Broad Town Village Hall
BAR EVERY FRIDAY 8pm-late – EVERYONE WELCOME Draught pints of Wadworth 6X and Carlsberg, bottled cider, wine, spirits, fruit juice, squash, fizzy drinks, Aero hot chocolate, Tetley tea, Nescafe cappuccino, coffee & decaf always available. Plus chocolate bars, crisps, nuts etc.
BINGO EVERY SUNDAY – eyes down 7.30pm; last ball 9pm. Every pound fluttered is returned to players: stakes from £1.25, prizes can be over £50. More participants = bigger winnings!
Hosting your own event in the village hall? Our fully licensed bar can be stocked and staffed daytime/evening according to your needs: at least three weeks’ notice usually required, please! Contact: Trevor on 01793 731699 email • ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/FourWaysBroadTown
FOOTPATHS
Now we are past the festive season, we are busy planning our footpath maintenance campaign for the new year. Footpath working days for the next 2 months this year are planned for 14th March and 18th of April. Details of where and when will be distributed closer to the dates. For more information about the project and to register interest, contact Malcolm Holland 01793 731567
In describing paths we have worked on, or are working on we identify them using the Wiltshire Council numbering system (BTOWXX etc.) from the Councils master footpath map of the county. The following link is where the map is located on the good old tinterweb! Hopefully this will enable everyone to better understand where and what we are doing! http://wiltscouncil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=43d5a86a545046b2b59fd7dd49d89d22
BROAD TOWN WI
We are a friendly group and welcome new members. Our meetings are generally held on the third Wednesday of the month in the Village Hall. If you are interested in visiting us, please contact Kate on 01793 731536. We are also on the Broad Town Village website and on Facebook
BROAD TOWN WHITE HORSE – LIMING – SUNDAY 17 MAY
It is planned to carry out maintenance and liming of the White Horse on the morning of Sunday 17th May and the aim will be to tidy up the area and then apply lime to keep the Horse looking at its best.
The event will be open to all those who wish to be involved with the only stipulation being that participation will be limited to those who are physically fit and in good health. We will also need to maintain attendance at a level that is consistent with safe operations.
Would interested people please contact me via e-mail or by phone 01793 731472. Confirmation and details will be sent out nearer the date.
BROAD TOWN VILLAGE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF VICTORY IN EUROPE (VE) FRIDAY 8TH – SUNDAY 10TH MAY 2020. DIARY DATES AND REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
Next year’s Early May Bank Holiday has been changed to Friday 8th May so that the country can celebrate 75 years since VE Day. The small planning group are moving ahead to start to put more detail to the plans, now the main events have been booked, so get the dates booked in your diaries!
OUTLINE PLAN Friday 8th May afternoon and evening – decorate Village Hall and everyone welcome to normal Friday night Social Club opening hours to get into the spirit!
Saturday 9th May daytime – “Produce Show” – cookery and craft competition based on World War 2 themes. Classic Vehicle and other displays outside of Village Hall
Saturday 9th May evening – 1940s dance night with supper, singer, music and dancing. Period dress actively encouraged! Prizes for best 1940s dress.
Tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks.
Sunday 10th May daytime – bar open over lunch with more live entertainment followed by an indoor “street party”. Tickets will be free to village residents.
Sunday 10th May evening – commemoration service during evening Church service
Scarecrow Competition
This will run throughout the weekend with a period theme (yet to be announced).
FANCY HELPING OUT?
The organising team is quite small and offers of assistance for setting up, clearing up and running elements of the weekend’s events are being gratefully accepted. If we can organise several small teams to take on an element, then it gives everyone a chance to see and enjoy as much of the weekend as possible.
Please make contact if you have any further suggestions or can help over the weekend. Contact Malcolm or Tracey Holland 731567 or
PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE
Parish Stewards and Pothole repairs
Wiltshire’s army of parish stewards are focusing their energies on repairing potholes to combat the wet weather damage on Wiltshire’s roads this month. The 20 stewards work in local communities to carry out repairs and maintenance, based on the needs of the communities they serve. They have been in place since 2016, and work on a local basis to carry out tasks such as repairing potholes, tending pathways, clearing drainage and verge maintenance. However, for at least the next month, they will be solely focusing on repairing potholes in their community areas. Residents can report potholes with the MyWiltshire smartphone app which can be downloaded from the council website, or report them on the council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywiltshire-online-reporting. It is well worth reporting any issues as across the 12 months from December 2018 to November 2019 the average repair time from reporting was only 3.68 days.
Annual Parish Meeting
Our Annual Parish Meeting will take place on Monday 27th April at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. This is not a council meeting but is an opportunity for all village groups and associations to share with the village the activity they have undertaken in the past year and their plans for the future. Everyone is welcome. The Parish Clerk will be contacting village groups in the coming weeks to discuss the agenda.
The next Parish Council meeting is 9th March at 18.30pm in the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.
LINDY HOP CLASSES TUESDAY EVENINGS AT BROAD TOWN VILLAGE HALL
Join in the fun and friendly classes, a great way to learn some classic Lindy Hop moves to take onto the dance floor and a chance to be step-perfect for the VE Day 75th Anniversary celebrations in May!
Broad Town Village Hall is a lovely venue with a wonderful dance floor, a great place to get you dancing. The classes are Tuesday evenings and each class is 1 hour long with an extra 15 minute practice session:
Beginners 7.00 p.m. Improvers 8.15 p.m. Pay weekly, £6.00 per class, no need to pre-book or pre-pay, just turn up on the night!
Everyone welcome, couples or singles as you don’t need a partner to join in.
Contact: Erica and Cliff 01793 340271 www.swingoutswindon.co.uk
WINE GLASSES
Broad Town Church have 96 wine glasses available to borrow (for a donation for Church Funds). Enquiries to Margaret Manley Tel: 731564
GENTLEMAN’S FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST CLUB
The next meeting of the Gentleman’s Breakfast Club will be on Saturday 28th March 2020 at The Crowns Café, adjacent to the REME Museum at MOD Lyneham. 9am. for 9.30am. start. The cost is £8.00 per person for a full English breakfast. The speaker this time is not yet confirmed but an enquiry to Dave nearer the time could be made.
Please book by Wednesday 25th March – email:
BUSHTON MANOR PLANT FAIR AND OPEN GARDEN
Sunday May 10th 11am -3pm Postcode SN4 7PX. Not our usual Bank Holiday slot due to VE Day celebrations! BUT once again the Angus family are kindly allowing their gardens to be open for the Annual Plant Fair. Within the lovely grounds of this 18th century Manor House there will be many stalls scattered around the garden with plants, crafts, food and other garden related products as well as the ever-popular bacon butty BBQ and home-made refreshments. People can stroll around without having to carry purchases by leaving them at the Plant Crèche.
This event has grown and grown over the years with over 1000 people attending for the last 3 years and we hope folk will still come along even with the date change!
For the younger people there will be outside games to keep them occupied.
Money raised will go towards the upkeep of St Peter’s Church the Grade 1 listed building in Clyffe Pypard. Entrance £2. Children and car parking free. Dogs on leads are allowed.
WILTSHIRE MOVIOLA
Hilmarton Parish Church Hall, Saturday March 28th The Good Liar (15)
7pm FOR 7.30pm, 75 comfy seats, refreshments and a wine sale licence, tickets £6 from Breda Cottage, 34 Church Road, Hilmarton 760312 (opposite chapel) or
Email
Hilmarton Moviola also has a Facebook page.
For more info call Geoff Procter on 01249 760312
COMMUNITY HEARTBEAT TRUST DEFIBRILLATOR
This is a reminder that we have a defibrillator in the Village. It is sited outside the Village Hall and is available for anyone to use in the unfortunate situation of someone they are with having heart failure. It is simple to use and talks you through what you must do. It is a requirement though, that you RING 999 FIRST to get help on the way as soon as possible. The ambulance service will also tell you what to do and support you while you wait for the ambulance. If you are within 200m of the Hall they will automatically tell you about the defibrillator and tell you the access code. If you are further away but have someone who could fetch it for you quickly, you will need to ask them for the access code.
THE GUILD OF WILTSHIRE ARTISTS
Run workshops at the Village Hall on every first Friday and third Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm. All are welcome including painters who are beginners. The cost is still £5 per person per session which includes tea/coffee and biscuits but do bring a packed lunch. Help will be given to those who request it.
Contact Jim Dowton 850029 or Roy Davey 731154.
LOCAL HEATING ENGINEER & PLUMBER IN BROAD TOWN
Ben Davis, BTD Plumbing and Heating, Hurstbridge House, Pye Lane, Broad Town, Wiltshire, SN4 7RR
Tel No 01793 317758 or 07920 042880
BROAD TOWN PAINTER & DECORATOR
Hi Just thought I’d remind all of you that I’m in the Village. It’s Glen Morley the Painter and Decorator. I undertake interior and exterior work, to a very high standard. Everything is completed to the level I would have in my own home. Please feel free to call me at any time for a free consultation and VAT free estimate. My numbers are: Landline: 01793 739227 Mobile: 07545 573002. Please leave a message if I’m unable to answer.
CHRIS ROOKS || FUTURE BALANCE
I’m Chris Rooks and I work as a financial planner (non-investment) for future balance finance. I can help you with any of the following services:_
* _mortgage advice_
* _protection advice (life assurance / income protection)_
* _equity release / later life mortgages_
* _commercial lending_
* _business continuity & protection advice_
* _will writing & estate management_
* _power of attorney applications_
you can contact me on 01793 731141 or via e-mail on ._
https://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.png00Clerkhttps://www.broadtownparishcouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/btown-logo-534.pngClerk2020-02-24 22:17:042020-04-23 18:32:34Broad Town News - March 2020
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