We live in uncertain times and they are getting more so.  So, when an old friend sends you a link to a YouTube video that was ‘uplifting’ I simply wanted to share it.

Beware, though, its a rock song from the pantheon of ‘Queen’ and it may not be to your taste.  For me it was/is a joyous interlude in a time of darkness.  Apart from being my kind of music, it represents an ‘anthem’ for our times (and yes, ‘Anthem’ is so much overused and abused’).  I hope tit plays – just ignore the ads.

Just found on ‘ Cheshire Live’

https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester-cheshire-news/latest-changes-cheshire-bus-services-18043284

Please see the below programme for the Surface Dressing prep works starting Friday 17/04/2020. per attached TRO TTRO notice of intent – PH .

Please note that ‘A’ Roads will be carried out under night closures between the hours of 19:00 – 06:00. All other closures will be carried out on day works with no restrictions.

Task Name                Duration      Start
Tirley Lane               4 days           Fri 17/04/20
Waste Lane               3 days          Tue 21/04/20
A54 Chester Rd        2 nights        Mon 27/04/20
A54 Oakmere Rd     2 nights        Wed 29/04/20

As we enter our third week of the euphemistically entitled ‘lockdown’ I am in awe at the little things and the ‘milk of human kindness’ that has gently cushioned our small community.  Whether its a couple of bread rolls, someone seeking a phone number, a prescription or something else small – the small coterie of residents whom we have labelled ‘Buddies’ have ushered in compassion to a world of doom, gloom and despondency – or at least that is what the media try to tell us.

Commerce too is not without compassion and John Johnson and all the staff at Rose Farm Shop have pulled out all the ‘stops’ (I hadn’t realised that this referred to organ stops) in making sure that their customers, far and wide, can get what they want, or rather need, – Thank you to the 20 or so staff there (in all guises) for making life just that little bit easier.

So, ladies and gentlemen of Utkinton and Cotebrook if you need help, with almost anything, or feel you want a call back from your Buddy, or simply want to call us then please do so – I publish our telephone numbers once again (without shame) and hope you can rely on us (them really) to get you through this.

So, should you wish to receive support, perhaps to collect a prescription, arrange home delivery etc.  Please get in touch with the ‘Buddy’ who has already contacted you – I know it works because I have used the system.  Just to confirm the role of a ‘buddy’ is to facilitate your requests, not to visit, but where they can they will.

My number (07860 917446) and email (utkintonpc@gmail.com) are there because I can be an intermediary if you cannot get in touch with your ‘Buddy’.

Today is officially the last day for submissions (online or by post) but because of the ‘crisis’ we are extending it till the end of this week (Friday3rd April). The results so far are very good – in terms of what you have said about what you would like.

Keep them coming – it will be worth it!

Tarporley Community Bus Survey

Just so you know, we’ve added a comments question on the online survey for,

Given the uncertain short-term future brought upon us by the Corona Virus pandemic, the organising committee (‘Friends of Utkinton School’, Utkinton Womens Institute and the Village Hall Committee) have decided that it is in the best interests of public health that we postpone the annual Garden Fete at Tirley Garth until further notice.

It may be that we are able to organise other events to compensate but until we know the full situation cannot do so.  This is the first time, in living memory that we have had to postpone and hope that 2021 will bring better health for all and an environment in which we can celebrate our community.

Thank you on behalf of the Committee

Francis Tunney

Please find attached important information in relation to the suspension of garden waste collections

Garden Waste website information 25 march 2020 – parish and town councils

People in Tarporley Ward, and specifically Utkinton and Cotebrook, have been volunteering to help those who are self-isolating during this Coronavirus pandemic and to help for those needing extra support. Utkinton and Cotebrook Parish Council has also been providing a coordination service to connect people with volunteers offering help.

Those self-isolating still need extra support and coordinating volunteers can help to further minimise and optimise the trips out that are essential.

Self-isolation will apply to people who:

• are in vulnerable groups, who may or may not be otherwise healthy
• have been in contact with infected or suspected infected people
• have returned from other parts of the world
• have the Coronavirus – COVID-19

The help that those self-isolating could need include, for example:

• collecting shopping
• collecting prescription medicines
• collecting takeaway meals
• dog walking
• someone to talk to

We have a number of contacts for residents of the Parish and they will be contacting others around the Parish, initially by phone, to see how we can help.

If you need some help while in self-isolation or would like to volunteer to help those in self-isolation then call 07860 917446 between 9am-6pm or email utkintonpc@gmail.com

How are local shops and cafes adapting; any local home delivery services?

Rose Farm Shop at Utkinton (tel. 01829 732978) are taking orders over the phone and offering collection and some deliveries. If necessary, we will be liaising with them to provide volunteer ‘pickers’ and drivers.

What about getting my prescription; how can that work?

Our Volunteers can collect your prescriptions and deliver them to you.
Call 01829 833 069 between 9am-6pm
Please see your GP websites for instructions on making appointments and requesting prescriptions:

Tarporley Heath Centre: Drs Adey and Dancy at https://tarporleydoctors.gpsurgery.net/

Dr Campbell and partners at https://tarporleygps.gpsurgery.net/

I’m an NHS key worker and am struggling to get what I need from local shops, can you help?

 Yes, we’ll try to help by collecting your order from a local shop and bringing it to your door when you’re at home after your shift. Call 01829 833 069 between 9am-6pm.

What about OPAL; how will that be functioning?

 OPAL has moved to running a telephone befriending service and weekly newsletter instead of its weekly Club for its members, who are all older people with limited ability to get out and about on their own.  See www.opalservices.org.uk or contactus@opalservices.org.uk for more information.

Jigsaws….

Tarporley High Street Post Office has already collected some jigsaws and will try and arrange their distribution on request. Let us know if you’d like one or have some you could donate. Don’t make a special journey for this purpose, we’ll try and combine with volunteers doing other essential trips.