Hambridge & Westport Newsletter
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HAMBRIDGE & WESTPORT NEWSLETTER December 2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) It has been almost 12 months since the first confirmed cases of this virus occurring in the UK were reported and I am sure that we are all thoroughly fed up hearing about it. The news of the successful efforts to create vaccines have given hope that we will soon be able to return to some sense of normality, whatever the ‘new’ normal turns out to be. Until this time it is important that we follow the government and NHS advice and all do our bit to minimise the spread of the virus and to keep each other safe. The possible relaxation of some of the measures over the Christmas period will bring with it higher risks of transmission and we must all ensure that we continue to be vigilant, particularly when we may be in contact with the elderly or vulnerable. Whilst we know that many people who contract this virus may only feel mild effects, there will be people in our community who more adversely affected. Aside from the physical threat of the virus, the lockdown measures have contributed to the feeling of isolation and sense of loneliness that some may already be feeling at this time of year. If you know of vulnerable neighbours, perhaps you could drop them a note asking if they are okay. Do they need anything from the shops? Do you have their next of kin’s number in case of emergency? Contact cards are available at the shop for individuals who wish to offer more local help to their neighbours. Please don’t be afraid to ask for help - there is also a list of people within our villages who have offered to help during this difficult time - this can be found on the noticeboards and the website. www.hambridgeandwestport.org A wide range of key information relating to the Coronavirus is available on the South Somerset District Council Website: www.southsomerset.gov.uk/coronavirus From October the monthly meetings of the Parish Council have changed to every second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. These meetings are currently held by video conference and are open to the public. Should you wish to attend any of the meetings please email the clerk ([email protected]) for details of how to participate. The PC have committed to fund the printing costs of a newsletter as we feel that it is an excellent way of communicating PC discussions or views with our community and to convey the latest news, build relationships, highlight upcoming events and help to create a greater community spirit. You may have noticed that the last copy of the Newsletter was some months ago. We are currently seeking anyone who would be willing to assist in the production of the newsletter or help our existing group of volunteer distributors to ensure that we have a regular edition, with a range of content that would appeal to all our residents. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity to contribute to our community, please contact Simon Denley on 01460 281340. Page 1 of 8 St James the Less Christmas Greetings from St James the Less Parish Church. We can't guarantee our church being open for Christmas services that have always proved so popular - that is down to the government and the steps they consider necessary to keep us all safe. What we can guarantee is that the birth of a Saviour who would show the world how to live and love is always worth celebrating in whatever way we can. His message of goodwill and kindness to our neighbours is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. Please note that through this current lockdown, the church is open on Wednesday mornings for private prayer. We are praying that we will be able to hold our Christmas services this year although final confirmation of what can go ahead is yet unknown. Under the current understanding if we can hold services, we do have to limit numbers to ensure social distancing is adhered to. All services this Christmas would have to be pre-booked unfortunately. We will not be opening bookings until 5th December as we then might have further guidance on what is going to be allowed. To book tickets please contact: Christingle services Kate on 01460 281300 Carols on the green The shop For all the other services Gill on 01460 282913 The following services are currently planned (SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION): • Sunday 13th December Holy Communion 11.00 • Tuesday 15th December Isle Brewers Carol Service 7pm • Friday 18th December Carols on the Green at 6.30 pm led by Vincent Carrington followed by mince pies and mulled wine • Sunday 20th December Family service Christingle 9.30am • Thursday 24th Christingle at 3pm • Christmas Day Communion will be held in Isle Brewers at 9.30am When you book the Christingle this year please let us know how many Christingles you will require. Christingle packs will be made up and need to be collected 2 days before the service, inside the pack will be everything that is needed to make your Christingle to bring to the service. If you do find time for a quiet moment over Christmas, just look up in the night sky - you may just hear the echo of the angels singing (even if we are not allowed) and see a bright star. These words come with our very best wishes for a peaceful and meaningful Christmas - not from the 3 Kings, but from Phil, Phil, and Gill (vicar, curate and churchwarden) Volunteer Needed: Are you any good with numbers? The parish council are looking to find someone with the right skills to carry out a quarterly audit of our accounts. Perhaps you are a retired accountant or someone with book-keeping experience, who can spare a few hours every 3 months to independently inspect the accounts? If so, please contact Simon Denley on 01460 281340. Page 2 of 8 HAMBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL At Hambridge Primary School we have been adapting well to all of the changes we have faced due to the COVID-19- 19. We have new systems in place for lunchtimes and playtimes and the children have all been fantastic. They are a real credit to their families as they just get on with things so well. School has felt like a happy and safe place for us all and the children are used to their 'new normal'. We have been thinking about the men and women who sacrificed their lives for us during wars and conflict and the children have been making wreaths and writing poems. On November 11th 2020 the children held their own 2 minute silence. If you have time please take a walk past the school and read the poems the children have written. We are all looking forward to Christmas and although we will have to do things a bit differently, we will make it as exciting and magical for the children as possible. We are still looking for volunteers to help us with some basic maintenance, if you are able to spare a few hours - and of course, we will now have to wait until after lockdown before taking up any offers of help. If you can offer us some help please call 01460 281370 so we can give you some more information. Warm regards Sharon Chapman Headteacher Hambridge Primary School Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society Households across Hambridge & Westport will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said. “This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.” Census day will be on March 21, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information, visit census.gov.uk. Page 3 of 8 Hambridge & Westport Recreation Trust (HWRT) The HWRT committee continues to meet regularly via video conference. The use of the village hall has been adversely affected due to the past and current restrictions imposed. When permitted, use of the hall has been in accordance with guidelines set by the relevant bodies. On a positive note, the HWRT have used this quiet period to make a number improvements to the hall.