The Dorchester Volunteers – keen to help!

The Dorchester on Thames Corona Volunteer Group was set up in the early days of the emergency when it became apparent that this awful virus was going to be a real challenge for us all. It has been set up with the support of the Abbey and the Parish Council, with the sole purpose of offering help to local residents who need it whether they are ill, self-isolating or just plain need help. We have assembled a wonderful group of around 70 volunteer helpers who are now collecting prescriptions, walking dogs, sorting bins and getting shopping for people throughout our community.  

Our helpers are an enthusiastic bunch and would love even more work so please don’t hesitate to ask us to help. Our main contact point is Anne Morrow-Andrew, who is available by e-mail or phone in the afternoons, to make sure those in need are helped in whatever way they need it. 

Email:          anne.morrowandrew@gmail.com

Phone:         01865 340007      anytime but preferably between 2 and 4pm

In particular we would encourage residents who have been asked to self isolate or are in an at-risk group to take advantage of the shopping service we offer.

The Coop have been just brilliant in working with us but the shop is a bit tight and social-distancing is a real challenge there and neither the Coop’s team, nor we,  want to see our friends and neighbours put at risk by feeling they need to do the shopping themselves. We can do that for you, please, please, please just ask us.

Thank you to all our helpers. And to everyone else, take care of yourselves at this difficult time.  

On Behalf of the DoT Corona Volunteer Group  

 

Sue Booys, Rector

Mike Corran, Parish Council Emergency Coordinator Dorchester on Thames 

Social Distancing on Public footpaths and Bridleways

Access to public rights of way and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The restrictions on movement announced by the government now apply to public rights of way and the countryside access network.

Many people will want to seek solace in nature, especially now it is Spring. The outdoors is a great place for exercise which has numerous benefits for health and well-being, especially at a time when we all face social isolation and anxiety. However, people must adhere to government rules and advice for the safety of all.

Please also be aware that some people live in very close proximity to public rights of way – including residential moorings on canal and river towpaths and farmers. Please consider their need for social distancing, treat each other with respect and be aware that some of these people may be in self-isolation because of illness or other vulnerabilities.

The rules to adhere to are:

  1. Only use your local public rights of way network for lawful access which is to exercise once a day and for routes to food shops or when essential for work.
  2. Do not drive or travel to ‘honeypot’ sites with large car parks or where there are residential moorings. Check our online map of rights of way here
  3. Keep around 2 metres (6 feet) spacing between your household group and others you may meet on the paths
  4. Don’t arrange to meet other families or form groups larger than two to share your exercise walk or ride
  5. Carry, use and take home your tissues and other health products
  6. Where paths use canal towpaths and river banks please respect residents who have limited space and may be in self-isolation due to illness and other vulnerabilities. Consider using other routes.
  7. Although there’s no evidence of human-animal transference of coronavirus, it is sensible to limit contact with other families’ dogs and farm livestock as part of social distancing

Please continue to enjoy the public rights of way network for exercise and essential journeys responsibly. Our online reporting system for issues is active but please bear in mind that problem resolution may take longer due to staff unavailability.

Oxfordshire County Council
Public Rights of Way Strategy & Operations
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countrysideaccess

There is also this useful video produced by DEFRA

https://www.facebook.com/DefraGovUK/videos/848907328918645/

Bonfires and smoke

We are urging people not to light bonfires at this time to protect the respiratory health of the vulnerable and to avoid unnecessary burden on the NHS. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and smoke inhalation can impair people’s breathing. In addition to this, with larger numbers of people now working from home and also looking after children, the smoke from such bonfires can cause unnecessary nuisance to your neighbours.

We appreciate the inconvenience for residents due to the Household Waste Recycling Centres being closed for the time being, but we are asking you to stack or bag up rubbish for disposal at these centres when the current emergency is over. Please continue to dispose of your household and recyclable waste in the usual way.

How can I complain about a bonfire nuisance?

There are no bylaws about garden bonfires, so anyone can light one at any time and as often as they like.

However, if it causes a statutory nuisance, the council can do something about it and so can you. For a bonfire to be classed as such a nuisance, the smoke will have to be affecting you in your home and/or garden. It will also need to be happening on a regular basis (two or three times a week).

There are laws relating to burning trade waste on industrial or commercial premises (including building sites). If these bonfires emit dark smoke, then an immediate offence is committed and the council or Environment Agency can take action which could include prosecuting the offender.

The full text is at http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment-and-neighbourhood-issues/report-problem-noise-and-nuisance/bonfires-

Urgent: Equipment required due to COVID-19

If you have been loaned equipment that you no longer need please hand it back

Much of this equipment could be recycled and reused. It helps us get the equipment to the people who need it.

We need chairs, beds, wheeled commodes, mattresses, any electrical items, bed rails, walking & toilet frames, telecare items and slings. If you have other equipment to return, please keep hold of it and contact us after the COVID-19 virus.

If you want to Hand Back some equipment and would like to arrange a collection, please call NRS Healthcare on:

01869 225 420 during opening hours 8.30am–4.30pm Monday to Friday

Or email your details to: enquiries@oxfordshire.nrs-uk.net

Important!
Please make sure the item has an NRS Sticker on which includes a bar code

Together we can help those who need it most

 

Covid 19

The Dorchester Volunteers!

There is now a thriving group of volunteers in our village!

Lots of people are using them for:

  • Prescriptions and supplies from pharmacies
  • Shopping 
  • Newspapers
  • Dog walking
  • Putting out bins
  • A friendly chat
  • Making online connections
  • Technical issues
  • What do you need?

They are keen to help so don’t be shy, do get in touch if you need any help – and you might make some new friends!

Email:          anne.morrowandrew@gmail.com

Phone:         01865 340007  between 2 and 4pm