ST CUTHBERT (OUT) 22nd April PARISH COUNCIL 2021 Serving the villages around Wells

NORTH WARD EAST WARD (incl. Hole & Easton) (incl. The Horringtons & Maesbury)

Parish Councillors Parish Councillors

Cllr Paul Cannon… 674913 Cllr Ian Humphreys…675100 Cllr Martin Cooke…675115 Cllr Bruce Hunt…07546 382291 Cllr Diana Newington….07492 331119 Cllr Pablo Foster…677443 Cllr Marcel Hayden (Chair)…677738 Cllr Jenny Baker Cllr Mark Lunnon…670023

Wookey Hole Village Website South Horrington Village Easton Village Community [email protected]

WEST WARD SOUTH WARD (including Coxley, Polsham & Burcott) (including Dinder & Dulcote)

Parish Councillors Parish Councillors

Cllr Jane Walker…679530 Cllr Tony Hathway..07872 362676 Cllr Jim Reeves…671383 Cllr Ed Danson…07790 027167

Cllr Ted Mallinson…07522 902044 Cllr Gill Pettitt Cllr Margaret Mitchell… 679533

Coxley Village Life Dinder & Dulcote Villages

PARISH, DISTRICT & COUNTY NEWS Updates from County Hall, 12th April & 16th April (SCC) Wells Coronavirus Network - weekly update (WCN, 12th April) Wells Vaccination bus service: every 30 minutes to the Bath & West (FirstGroup) Prepared - Spring Newsletter Avon & Somerset & Crime Commissioners: their role Dementia Action Week: 17-23rd May 2021

Planning Planning Bulletin (Mendip DC, 2nd February) Parish Council Parish Guides - easily digested guides to common issues APRIL Council Meetings ( PC) Parish Council responses to Government Consultations on planning matters

Easton’s Woodland project: saplings enjoy their first Spring! Congratulations all – photo from Cllr Diana Newington NATIONWIDE Updated Red List of countries from which entry into the UK is banned (DoT, 19 April) Surge-testing: areas currently and previously tested.(DHSC, 16th April: parts of Birmingham added, 21 April) How to stop the spread of Coronavirus (PHE) Household Resilience Study (Wave 2 Nov-Dec 2020) (MHCLG) Statement on vaccination progress & new variants (DHSC, 19th April) Preparing for Future Pandemics (SofState & DHSC, 20 April) LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION One Somerset: Business Case (Dec. 2020) 'Stronger Somerset': Mendip DC's proposals

Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government are expected to make a decision on the way forward in July 2021 YOUNG PEOPLE, EDUCATION & TRAINING Learning support for adults in education (Somerset Skills & Learning) Beautiful Britain, bad blisters! add your DofE memories to the tribute collection for HRH Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Support and information for the DofE Award scheme for young people not involved through school / college (Support Services for Education) Summer Schools Programme- aiming first for current Year 6 pupils. (DforE, 30 March) Driving Tests & advice to take a Covid-19 rapid test Childline: DeafZone – advice & support in British Sign Language

ARCHIVE Careers & training  CodeFirstGirls: training courses for women in technology  "Know your skills" map (Career Pilot)  Your Future - Choices for 16-19 year olds (Somerset Education Business Partnership)  Step Up Somerset: skills, training employment & progression programme  Young People, education, job-hunting and next steps into work (Somerset Education Business Partnership)

Health & Wellbeing  Young Carers support & advice (Childrens Society)  Somerset Big Tent - helping children and young people build their wellbeing  CALL US: Somerset directory of contacts for young people (SHC)  Resilience and better mental health at GCSEs  Young People & Parent Hubs Mon & Fri 4pm ; Mon 4pm for parents (Young Somerset)

Home learning & things to do  Make new friends anywhere in the world! (International Penfriends by snailmail)  Census Detectives!! Can you solve the mysteries? (National Archive)  What's your learning style? (20 qs quiz - Education Planner)  Games & Activities & resources for Home Learning (Canals & Rivers Trust)  Peter Rabbit & Friends - activities and games to try at home (National Trust)  The Unstoppables: forum for young people with Special Educational Needs and or disabilities to help make changes in Somerset (SCC/YouTube)  Join Mick Aston's young Archaeologists! For 8-16 year olds (SANHS)

Parents  Somerset businesses working with Ollie The Flamingo for autism awareness (SPCF)  Tidy summary of how qualifications will be awarded in 2021 (Ofqual)  Grow to School - back to school wellbeing pack & learning outside the classroom  Five things to know about SEN in Schools (Children’s Commissioner)  Flo & The Funny Feelings - download resource for 7-11 year olds experiencing worry and anxiety for the first time (#iamwhole campaign / YMCA LOOKING AFTER YOURSELVES Ways for Wellbeing: free course (2hr session for 16 weeks) (Run by Chard CIC – Mendip Course Mondays 10.30-12.30) Regular rapid tests: how, where and why (NHS) National Gardening Week, 27 April - 2 May: scroll for some ideas! (RHS) Visiting Care Homes from 12th April (DHSC, 6th April) Off-site visits for care home residents: guidance (DHSC, 7th April) ARCHIVE Vaccinations and Testing  Unpaid carers invited for vaccination (NHS, 8th March)  Covid-19 vaccinations for older people: British Sign Language video  What to expect after you've had your 1st vaccination (PHE, NHS 25th January)  Guide to Phase 2 of Vaccination Programme (PHE, 7th April)  Help and financial support for self-isolating (NHS)  Getting Tested: all government programmes here (DHSC, updated 1st April)  Reducing transmissions in the home: 10 steps (Sage & Cabinet Office)

Health . Preventing Diabetes: know your risk (NHS Campaign) . Staying healthy, happy & safe (Healthy Somerset) . Looking after your feelings & your body (PHE-easy-read version, 3rd March) . Healthy Start-free vouchers for milk, fruit, veg & vitamins (NHS) Apply here

Wellbeing . Time To Talk: Tues 10-12.30 & Thurs 12-2.30pm 01458 259384 or join meeting (Somerset Parent Carers Forum) . Reconnect: support services for people over 65 and experiencing memory loss . Accessing mental health support online - for all Somerset residents (Open Somerset) . Let's Talk Loneliness - useful advice (DCMS) . Top Tips for keeping well at work (MIND) . Incredible resource bank for lifestyle, wellbeing, staying well and coping with the world! (Health Connections Mendip)

Practical help . Chat to Connect: service for clinically vulnerable people to connect (Somerset CCS) . New: online tool to help navigate your finances in the wake of Covid-19 (Money & Pensions Service) . Citizens Advice links: Housing, debt, benefits, immigration & more . Dealing with bailiffs (Citizens Advice Bureau) . Caring for the Carers: some tips for carers & Covid-19 (Somerset CCS) . Covid19 Domestic Abuse-all genders and ages (SomersetSurvivors) . CAB Mendip: Project for supporting those with Multiple Sclerosis . Facemasks and Living with Dementia (Alzheimers UK) . YouTube: DIY Face panels with clear panels - for lip-readers (NDCS) . Modern slavery concerns under Covid-19 - what to watch for (Clewer Initiative) BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT Staying Covid-secure: notice for businesses (DBEIS, 19th April) Skills Support for your workforce: funded training ( Council) Support for young people starting a business (Princes Trust)

ARCHIVE Funding & Grants  Non-essential businesses: are you eligible for a new Restart Grant? (DBEIS)  Welcome Back Fund: Govt announces support for high streets & sea fronts (MHCLG, 20th March)  New one-off payment for working households receiving tax credits (HMRC, 3rd March)  Changes to the Furlough System (HMRC, 3rd March)  Self-Employment Income Support Sheme: 4th Grant (HMRC, 3rd March)  Business Bulletin, 6th January 2021 (Mendip DC)  Bounce Back loan repayment period extended. (HMRC, 8th Feb)  Is your business eligible for support due to Lockdown? (DBEIS, updated 21st January)

Training & Skills opportunities  Webinars for Starting a business: current & archive (Companies House)  Start-up support package: free online programme for start-ups and social enterprises (Business West)  Businesses in Somerset - free Mentoring Service (Skills Up Somerset)  The Skills Toolkit: digital, numeracy & employability skills training free and online (HM Treasury, 26th January)

Heart of the West Business Support Growth Hub Business Support (24th Mar) Growth Hub Business Support (7 Apr) Growth Hub Business Support (24th Feb) Growth Hub Business Support (10 Mar) Growth Hub Business Support (13th Jan) Growth Hub Business Support (10th Feb) Growth Hub Business Support (24th November) Growth Hub Business Support (10th Dec)

Employment & Workforce advice  Seeking work? Health & Social Care opportunities in Somerset (ProudtoCare Somerset)  Opportunities in Adult Social Care - register interest here (DHSC, 9th Feb)  NHS Recruitment (NHS)  Covid-19 tests for haulage drivers if leaving the UK (Dept of Transport, 17th Feb)  Working Safely during Covid-19 - all sectors, all tiers. Updated 15th April (GOV.UK) – all sectors & workplaces  Hospitality Venues: why visitors should sign in (DHSC, 5th April)

VOLUNTARY, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Community Resilience: Case Studies in Somerset & funding details (SomersetPrepared) Community buildings & safe use guidance (MHCLG, 12th April) The Big Cycle / Walk: Tin Bridge to Ticknells Roundabout - Sunday 25th April, 10am (WellsVoice/ [email protected]) Travel tips for new Lockdown dogs's 1st holiday (for all 3.2million homes!) RSPCA *St Andrews Ward-closure put back to 2022: petition to save the ward is still open*

ARCHIVE  Advice for people with animals, including ferrets. (APHA, updated 9th March)  Support with translation and interpreting & if you are new to Somerset (Diversity Voice)  THATCH - February Bulletin (Community Council for Somerset)  Village Halls Domesday Book 2021 celebrate the work your Village Hall is doing and contribute to better lobbying & funding for Community Buildings (NALC / ACRE)  Community Grant Opportunities for Groups (Somerset Community Foundation)  Spark A Change - Discover a volunteering opportunity near you (Spark Somerset)  Volunteers sought to help upskill charities (Somerset Community Fund)  Support for Covid-19 groups & for plannng new community projects (SparkSomerset’s new Community Development Worker)  Bristol Water's £500 monthly grant for charity or community group

FARMING & RURAL NEWS Open Consultation: Possible reform of permitted development for quicker deployment of telecoms equipment (Closes 14 June; MHCLG / Dept for DCM&S) Rural Economic Bulletin, April 2021 (DEFRA) ARCHIVE Protecting Rural Workplaces  Livestock worrying - what farmers can do (NFU Hub)  Cesar Scheme: agricultural equipment security & registration  Farm theft, poaching & rural crime - January Update (CLA / A&S Police)  Advice for people with animals - domestic and livestock (DEFRA, 13th January)  Impact of dog waste (Neosporosis) on livestock (Moredun Research)  Japanese Knotweed & animal grazing (Environment Agency) In the news  "Farming Is Changing" - overview of Government 7 year plan, starting 2021(DEFRA)  Sustainable Farming Incentive: pilot & launch summary (DEFRA, 10th March)  Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust - business & mental resilience to the UK Farming Community (FarmWell)  Overview of the Agriculture Act 2020 - what's new, what's changed (HofC)

RURAL CRIME HOTLINE 0800 783 0137 KEEPING SAFE

NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING TEAM The Neighbourhood team will be moving from the Police station on Road to the Fire Station Burcott Road on the 20th April. This will NOT be for Public access to report Crime, there won’t be any front desk facility. You can report crime online on the Avonandsomerset.police.uk website and you can make contact with the Neighbourhood team by going to your area: WELLS RURAL & WELLS CITY - click on ‘contact the team’ Non emergencies calls 101. Emergencies 999. Avon & Somerset Police Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill 2021 : Factsheet (Home Office,16 April) & an alternative view (The Good Law project) Community Safety (non-emergency) (Mendip DC) & Reporting Anti-Social behaviour (emergency) (Avon&Somerset Police)

VACCINE FRAUD: The NHS will NEVER ask you to press a button on your keypad or send a text asking you to confirm you want the vaccine, NEVER arrive unannounced to administer a vaccine, NEVER ask for documentation to prove your identity and NEVER ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to [email protected]. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge (ActionFraud) ARCHIVE . Avon & Somerset Police: the tipping point (Report by A&S PCC) . Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter (NW, April 2021) . Top tips for avoiding holiday booking fraud (Action Fraud, 26th February) . Public warned over Covid-19 vaccination scams (A&S Police/SCC) . Outbuildings, perimeters, farm vehicles, livestock & tack, fuel tanks: security advice to beat rural crime (A&S Police) . Texts offering vaccinations - scam (Devon & Somerset Trading Standards) . Mendip West Newsletter (A&S Police, Nov 2020) . Romance fraud and safe dating online (A&SPolice, October 2020) . BT Phone Scams - report form (BT) . Your Favourite Things? Register possessions for free (A&S Police) . Keeping Cyber-safe during Covid-19 Quick Tips (Avon & Somerset Police)  Crime statistics, policing priorities & events - enter your postcode (A&SPolice) . Keeping children safe online during Covid-19 (A&SPolice) . Charities & pandemic fraud (ActionFraud) ENVIRONMENT (Including Mendip AONB & Somerset Wildlife Trust News)

Monthly Water Situation report - Wessex (Environment Agency) Somerset beaver strategy (Somerset Rivers Authority) AONB Volunteers resume caring for Mendip's dry stone walls (Mendip AONB)

CAMPAIGNS  Hedgehog Street Campaign Record your Hedgehog sightings here (PTES/BHPS)  Summary of key projects taking place across Mendip AONB in 2021  'Vulnerable to extinction' - petition for better legal protection for hedgehogs (BHPS)  Cultivating Sustainable habits & easy-read version (Cllr Jane Walker, SCO PC Resilience Officer)  Ash Die-Back appeal on YouTube (Stephen Moss, President: Somerset Wildlife Trust)  Free Guide for taking ACTION FOR INSECTS (Somerset Wildlife Trust)

REPORTS  A-Z of British Trees, native, naturalised & non-natives + Free tree identification app (The Woodland Trust)  'Reservoirs of Life': hedgerows and their unique place for Net Zero (The Guardian)  'Government Planning Reforms Must Address the Nature & Climate Crisis' (Somerset Wildlife Trust)

SURVEYS  National Water Vole monitoring programme: join the survey! (PTES)  The Great British Hedgerow Survey (PTES)  Orchard Survey: own, know of or manage an orchard? Get involved (PTES)  Survey results: the role & importance of nature during Coronavirus (RSPB)

TRANSPORT NEWS

CURRENT TRAFFIC NOTICES APRIL 2021

ROAD CLOSURE: St Johns Street, Wells 12th-23rd April ROADWORKS: A39 below Southway, 12th-29th April ROADWORKS: Long Street, Dinder 26th-28th April ROADWORKS: Glencot Lane, 27th-30th April ROADWORKS: Roemead Road, 29-30th April

MAY 2021

ROADWORKS: High Street, Wookey Hole, 4-6th May ROAD CLOSURE: Thrupe Lane, Boards Lane & Poundfold, 10-28th May ROAD CLOSURE: Whitestown Lane, 12th May ROAD CLOSURE: Burcott Lane, 24th May- 7th June ROAD CLOSURE: Totterdown Road, Pilton 24th-27th May

JUNE 2021

ROAD CLOSURE: Stoppers Lane, Coxley 15th-16th June ROADWORKS: Glencot Road, Wookey Hole 14th-18th June

======SLOWWAYS - Footpath and walking fans!

CREATING A NETWORK OF WALKING ROUTES THAT CONNECTS ALL OF GREAT BRITAIN’S TOWNS AND CITIES.

"BUS BACK BETTER" HM Government’s new national bus strategy (DoT, 15th March)

EU TRANSITION 2021  Settlement Scheme - apply for settled status (For EU residents to continue to live & work after 30 June 2021) & advice clip from HM Government)  Grants for trading in the EU (HMRC)  Webinars for trading with the EU, sector by sector (Cabinet Office)  Hiring employees from the EU (GOV.UK)  Sending items to the EU - Customs Declaration Forms CN22 or CN23 (Royal Mail)  Apply for a replacement for EHIC card (NHS)  The Turing Scheme - replacement of Erasmus Student Programme (DofE Statement)  Visiting Europe from January 2021 (GOV.UK)  GDPR & EU Transition? (ICO)  Pet Travel to Europe (GOV.UK) OUT & ABOUT  Local heritage: the peat industry (Avalon Marshes)  Share your photos of 's listed buildings and places (Historic England)  Kitty MacFarlane & the (Open Country, R4)  The Steart Marshes - a new Wetland Reserve (Open Country, R4)  The (After June. Maybe.) Mendip AONB / YouTube  Walking In Somerset: free walks to download & print (John Harris) Clare Balding & Prof Alice Roberts on (Ramblings, BBC Sounds)

THE SPARE CORNER

***There are 6 much-loved phone boxes in the parish*** History of the Red Phone Box (wiki) The Roadside Rivals: AA phone boxes & locations, to 1962 (The AA) Thank you to all residents who use and care for them – they’re getting a makeover! HELPLINES & SUPPORT UNIVERSAL CREDIT- HELP TO CLAIM: 0800 144 8444 Includes a dedicated service for those made redundant. Offer help or request help: Corona Helpers

Somerset Coronavirus Support Helpline 0300 790 6275 7 days per week 8am – 6pm Mendip District Council Coronavirus Helpline: 0300 790 6275 Citizens Advice Mendip 03 444 889 623

Mindline Somerset: 01823 276892 (24hr, 7 days a week)

Supporting your teenager's wellbeing during Covid19 [email protected] for free funding database.

Talking Cafes now available on Facebook livestreaming.

Weekly-Wednesdays, 11am. @talkingcafesomerset Every Mind Matters: self-care videos from celebrity parents & role models AgeUK - advice about Coronavirus

Wellbeing & Mental Health: looking after yourselves & others (Health Connections Mendip, June 2020) Confidential sector support & helpline 03000 111999 Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution 0808 291 9490

General Enquiries 0370 000 2288

‘WE HEAR Cancer & all life threatening illnesses- counselling charity YOU’ Tel:01373 455255 [email protected]. Bereavement Support: Marie Curie Helpline 0800 3047 412 Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm

RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 Hearing Aid batteries through the post: 01225 825602 (RUH, Bath)

21st April CORONAVIRUS CASES IN SOMERSET 20,182 (MENDIP – 3,443) 2021 (Public Health England/GOV.UK) LOCAL & COMMUNITY NOTICES

PLAY AREAS ARE NO-DOG AREAS

Read more about why dogs are not permitted in play areas here Thank you for your support.

(Images: The Dogs Trust) **PLEASE PICK UP AND DISPOSE OF DOG POOP PROPERLY**

PLANNING COMMENTS: PARTICIPATION IS EASY… Any resident can comment on a planning application within Mendip District – to oppose, to support or to remain neutral.

It’s very simple to register and the Planning Portal is easy to use – you don’t need to be an expert! As residents in the Parish, we really encourage you to register so you can make your point of view known. REGISTER FOR MAKING COMMENTS ON A PLANNING APPLICATION HERE

WOOKEY SCRAMBLING Knowle Hill, Yarley RACE DAYS (ALL SUNDAYS UNLESS STATED) 9th May 20th June 4th July 4th September (Saturday) 19th September 26th September ------SEW BUNTIFUL Villages around Wells – of course you’re invited!!

https://www.facebook.com/Wellscommunitybunting/ or phone Project Factory on 372234 Sew Buntiful - Competition Entry Forms Bunt with friends! Join the weekly Coffee Mornings, Thursdays at 10.30am ------

‘FLY THE FLAG FOR SOMERSET’ DAY! Flag & Bunting sorted? 53 days to go!

======BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Bereavement Support Champions have supporting bereaved people across Somerset for years. Here one Champion shares some reflections and lessons he’s learnt along the way: Grieving There are usually good and bad days, most people find the good days gradually outnumber the bad days, aided sometimes with a little help on the way. Silence is golden You don’t have to keep talking and maybe struggling for things to say. Silence really is golden and gives us a chance to really hear what is being said and particularly the way that it is said. Listening Really listening allows a ‘coming together’ even on the phone. The mind can move away from brain thinking and into another dimension where true empathy comes into its own and the magic of healing is facilitated. Your presence is a gift Don’t pretend you are a doctor and can give advice to make any physical problems disappear. The person doesn’t expect this and any healing that is required can take place by virtue of your very presence. Plan for the end During our lives we all share two common events, our birth and our death. Births are planned for and celebrated; deaths should be no different. ------If you or someone you know, is affected by grief or bereavement, and would like to talk to someone, please call the Somerset Bereavement Support Service call 0800 3047 412 (Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm) VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT

When restrictions lift, why not volunteer for the Community SpeedWatch programme?

A Community SpeedWatch can be set up in any village, small town, or urban area, governed by either a 20, 30 or 40 miles per hour speed limit.

A team of local residents who are willing to volunteer a small amount of time each week are trained and issued with speed detection equipment to monitor speeds.

Vehicles observed speeding will be sent a warning letter along with advice to help change their driving behaviour.

Further action will be taken by the police against persistent and high end speed offenders as well as targeting individual locations.

Contact [email protected] Your email will be forwarded to the local Main Lead Contact for Community SpeedWatch.