Dear resident,

I had hoped not to have to write another newsletter, let alone so soon after my last!  But coronavirus cases continue to rise and the NHS is very stretched.  Some people have asked me why we can’t simply open more Nightingale hospitals.  We could, of course, but they have to be staffed and NHS staff are like the rest of us; they get ill, they come into contact with coronavirus and have to self-isolate for a period and they have positive tests, albeit with no symptoms, so again have to self-isolate.  This all reduces the number of people available to be deployed and whilst we might be able to put up a new building almost overnight it takes a few years to train medical staff!  Add to that the increased number of people requiring intensive care –and the additional staff levels associated with that—it is not surprising the system is under strain and the Government’s full lockdown response.

I am also being asked about vaccines, and why some people who have had their first vaccine are having their appointments for the second, follow up, vaccination cancelled.  You can find the answer here https://www.rutlandhealth.co.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme-rutland-patient-update/

I am sure we are all worried about businesses locally.  The Government has recognised the strain on businesses and is introducing additional help.  If you are a business your first port of call is RCC as many of the grants are administered by the Council https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-services/health-and-family/health-and-nhs/health-and-support-services/coronavirus/covid-business-grants/ . And do support your local pub if it is offering a take-away service.

If you have children and don’t have access to the resources you need to access your child’s school’s home learning offer contact the school who should help.  Children without IT or a space to learn are entitled to be in school.   If you have any problems regarding your children’s education at this time let me know.

Lockdown is difficult for everyone.  But, as I write, there are almost 300 positive coronavirus cases per 100,000 population in Rutland and the increase is in all age groups, including the over 60s. It is important we all abide by the law to get the case numbers down.  Full details can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home but in brief:

• Stay at home unless you have absolutely no choice but to go out to work
• Stay at home unless you need to go out for essential shopping such as food and then shop as infrequently as possible and on your own
• Stay at home unless you have to go out for a medical appointment/to collect a prescription
• Stay at home unless you are taking your once a day exercise when you should “stay local” (see below for the Government’s definition of “stay local”)

 “If you do leave home for a permitted reason, you should always stay local – unless it is necessary to go further, for example to go to work. Stay local means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live.”

The only people you should be mixing with are the people you live with or the people you have contact with through work.  There are exceptions, the “bubbles” we have all heard about, but these have legal definitions and the definition changed on 2 December 2020.  You can find out the current law here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household#what-a-support-bubble-is

Local advice and sources of help, whether you are an individual or a family, can be found here https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-services/health-and-family/health-and-nhs/health-and-support-services/coronavirus/

Remember HANDS FACE SPACE!

Gale Waller

County Councillor, Normanton Ward

gwaller@rutland.gov.uk

Dear resident,

First may I wish you all a Happy New Year.  It may not seem, with Rutland moving into tier 3, that it will be happy 2021 but this pandemic will not last forever and with the second vaccine having been approved the end is in sight.  Everyone has done really well to keep Rutland as safe as we are and I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have supported their neighbours, and supported strangers through the likes of Rutland Foodbank, during these strange times.

However, to stop Rutland being moved into tier 4 it is important to stick to the rules to continue to keep our covid levels comparatively low.   The general rules of wearing a face covering, keeping two meters away from others (except in your own home, of course) and washing your hands regularly are still good ways of slowing the spread. In addition, in a tier 3 area:

• No socialising with anyone indoors, in your garden or an outside public venue unless you live with them or they are in your official support bubble (i.e. you ordinarily live on your own and have set up a support bubble according to these rules https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-support-bubble-with-another-household#what-a-support-bubble-is)
• No socialising outside with more than 6 people
• No going on holiday as hotels and holiday lets in tier 3 must close and if you live in a tier 3 area you must stick to tier 3 rules
• Local pubs and restaurants must close except for take-aways –do support your local business where you can as they need your support to survive

There are exceptions, for example weddings and funerals can still go ahead.  Full details can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-3-very-high-alert

Travel outside tier 3 is discouraged, even for food shopping.  The Government states “Where possible, you should stay local and avoid travelling outside your local area, meaning your village or town, or part of a city. People should continue to travel for reasons such as work, education, medical attention or if they have caring responsibilities.”  

Local advice and sources of help, whether you are an individual or a family, can be found here https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-services/health-and-family/health-and-nhs/health-and-support-services/coronavirus/

The current Covid crisis is having a major impact on the NHS.  Everyone is being encouraged to contact NHS111 rather than their GP if there is a medical problem.  Either ‘phone 111 or go online at https://111.nhs.uk/  The NHS locally tell us “Patients contacting NHS 111 will be clinically assessed so that they can be referred to an emergency department, an NHS Urgent Treatment Centre, a Minor Injuries Unit, pharmacy, GP or advised to self-care where appropriate. They will also be provided with a time that they should attend.”  I have been assured that the 111 system will refer Rutland residents to geographically appropriate services and not send us to the other side of Leicester!

Gale Waller

County Councillor, Normanton Ward gwaller@rutland.gov.uk

Rutland Covid Vaccination Programme

If you are registered with a surgery in Rutland, they will be sending booking details for the Covid Vaccination Programme to your mobile phone, if you have one, over the next few weeks and month. If you are aged over 70 and have not yet received an SMS message (text message) about the Covid Vaccination Programme then they may not have your mobile phone number. 

If you have a mobile phone please let your practice know the number by writing to your practice or emailing rutlandhealth.cvp@nhs.net. Please do not phone your practice. If you do not have a mobile phone then they will contact you by other means.

Message sent on behalf of Rutland Health Primary Care Network (rutlandhealth.co.uk)

Dear Villagers,  

The Rutland Foodbank is extremely thankful for all the donations that have been given in the past  year. The collection point at the telephone box in North Luffenham will continue in use for the  foreseeable future.  

Please use the plastic box to leave donations as it is rodent safe. The shelves are for the jigsaw  exchange only. 

 The box is emptied regularly and goods are taken to Oakham on a weekly basis. 

Please do not give mince pies (they have a short shelf life ) or Christmas puddings.  A list of the latest shortages is updated regularly on Rutland Foodbank’s Facebook site.

 Many thanks 

St Georges Barracks, airfield will be CLOSED to the public for the beginning of the new year. This is for training purposes.

The airfield will be out of bounds to the public from 16th Jan 2021 straight through to 22nd March 2021.

With the exception of the following weekends:

30-31st January 2021

6-7th February 2021

27-28th February 2021

6-7th March 2021

13-14th March 2021.

Please note that the grey bin collection this week will be on Monday 21st. The following week the black bin collection (no green bin) will be as normal on a Tuesday (29th).

Sunday 20^th December 6pm on The Oval

“Come & Sing Carols by Starlight”

30 minutes of Carols & Readings

Do dress warmly, bring chairs, torches & refreshments! 

The songsheet for the Carols can be downloaded by clicking on this link: https://d3hgrlq6yacptf.cloudfront.net/5f19ade9a5895/content/pages/documents/1607361575.pdf

Christmas Day in church 9.30am

Family Communion 

We may not sing but will have live music! Both events will be conducted strictly in line with current Covid guidelines – please be thoughtful & observe social distancing

Please click on this link for the poster:

The UK Government has today confirmed that Rutland will remain a Tier 2 area (High Risk) as part of England’s local COVID-19 restrictions.

Under current guidance, anyone living in a Tier 2 area must:

*Not mix with other households indoors
*Only meet people outdoors in groups of six or less
*Work from home if possible
*Reduce the number of journeys they make

This is in addition to washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and staying at least two metres apart from other people – or one metre with a face covering or other precautions.

Full details of what you can and cannot do if you live or work in a Tier 2 area can be found online at: www.gov.uk/guidance/tier-2-high-alert <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Ftier-2-high-alert&data=04%7C01%7CGWaller%40rutland.gov.uk%7Cf694c3067a174717b1b108d8a2b25c4c%7C60a080bbbc0f4d9399c183748e10674d%7C1%7C0%7C637438234219626872%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=qb8m1giTQJhFHS%2F%2BfSDwaTRM%2BR0eAK6qOL7aFxhXF2c%3D&reserved=0> .

From 23 to 27 December 2020, there are different Christmas rules for meeting friends and family: www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-the-christmas-period <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Fguidance-for-the-christmas-period&data=04%7C01%7CGWaller%40rutland.gov.uk%7Cf694c3067a174717b1b108d8a2b25c4c%7C60a080bbbc0f4d9399c183748e10674d%7C1%7C0%7C637438234219636830%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=ipjlUMVDT7ogPJwh4Dmo7zYUNNu0ibDTTfp7hfHEdlE%3D&reserved=0> .

We saw a promising decline in Rutland’s COVID-19 figures during the second national lockdown. These numbers have risen again in recent weeks, which is why we remain a Tier 2 area.

It is incredibly important that we continue to follow the guidance for our area, particularly as the government has committed to relaxing some of its COVID restrictions over Christmas.

This is positive news for families who have been kept apart during the pandemic but, equally, comes with risks and we must all act responsibly. Those who choose to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ can do so between 23 and 27 December, with people from no more than three households. However, it must be stressed that this is a limit, not a target, and that meeting fewer people will mean families are less likely to catch or spread the virus.”


Best Wishes,
Gale Waller
Councillor, Normanton Ward
Rutland County Council

Please find attached details of a road closure concerning Moor Lane, North Luffenham on the 11th January 2021

In the Community Centre 

(Please note that the venue has been changed from The Fox)

When: Tuesday 8th December.

Time: 6pm. Somebody will be on hand to answer your questions

and

Thursday 10th December (help on queries from 3pm)

We will take note of everything you have to say. 

Post it notes will also be available for your comments.

In the Community Centre 

(Please note that the venue has been changed from The Fox)

When: Tuesday 8th December.

Time: 6pm. Somebody will be on hand to answer your questions

and

Thursday 10th December (help on queries from 3pm)

We will take note of everything you have to say. 

Post it notes will also be available for your comments.

Why? The Neighbourhood Plan Survey asked questions about what was good and not so good about the parish and how you wanted it to look and develop in the next ten years.

The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group would like to present the results of that survey and explain the purpose of the Plan. The impact of the plan will be wide ranging and just one of the aims is to protect the parish from adverse effects of the proposed development at St. George’s Barracks.

In particular your comments are needed as this Neighbourhood Plan is for you, the residents of North Luffenham.

Please note that the display will now take place in the Community Centre and not The Fox as previously advertised as due to current restrictions it is not opening.

Tuesday 8th December (somebody will be on hand to answer your questions from 6pm)

Thursday 10th December (help on queries from 3pm)

We will take note of everything you have to say. Post it notes will also be available for your comments. (The current guidelines will be observed)

Dear resident,

Many in Rutland are breathing a sigh of relief that from 2 December when this lockdown finishes we will be in tier 2 and not tier 3 like our neighbours in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.  It is indeed good news and here is a summary of what it means:

• No socialising with anyone not in your official support bubble in any indoor space
• No socialising with more than 6 people outside
• Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol to people having a “substantial meal” (but note bullet point 1 –no going to the pub with friends!)
• Pubs have to operate table service and stop taking orders at 10pm
• Places of worship can open but the congregation mush not socialise other than within their own support bubble
• We are all encouraged to travel as little as possible

I have been asked by a number of people about whether we can shop in the tier 3 areas of Stamford or Melton (after all, Christmas is coming).  This is what the Government says “Avoid travel to or overnight stays in tier 3 areas other than where necessary, such as for work, education, youth services, to receive medical treatment, or because of caring responsibilities. You can travel through a tier 3 area as a part of a longer journey.”  This seems to me that all our shopping will be in Oakham and Uppingham until the rules change.  For further information, including on other matters such as weddings and funerals or moving home see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert

Local advice and sources of help, whether you are an individual or a family, can be found here https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-services/health-and-family/health-and-nhs/health-and-support-services/coronavirus/ as can information on what the relaxation of the rules at Christmas really mean.

And remember, general rules still apply so wear a face covering if you can’t keep two meters away from others (except in your own home, of course) and wash your hands regularly.

An Avian ‘flu prevention zone is in place across England so if you keep chickens, ducks etc. in your garden click here to find advice on what you should be doing. https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-council/council-news/prevention-zone-in-place-in-response-to-avian-flu-cases/

The consultation on the reconfiguration of Leicester’s hospitals continues until 21 December.  This includes the proposal to close the maternity unit in Melton and other reductions at the General.  These proposals are likely to have a significant impact on Rutland residents, particularly in relation to travel time, and so you may wish to respond to them.  You can find out more about the proposals, and how to respond, here https://www.betterhospitalsleicester.nhs.uk/

From 1 December everyone is being encouraged to contact NHS111 rather than their GP if there is a medical problem.  Either ‘phone 111 or go online at https://111.nhs.uk/  The NHS locally tell us “Patients contacting NHS 111 will be clinically assessed so that they can be referred to an emergency department, an NHS Urgent Treatment Centre, a Minor Injuries Unit, pharmacy, GP or advised to self-care where appropriate. They will also be provided with a time that they should attend.”  I have been assured that the 111 system will refer Rutland residents to geographically appropriate services and not send us to the other side of Leicester!

Assuming I won’t have to write another update till next year have a safe Christmas and let us hope the New Year brings a vaccine and a steady return to normality.

Gale Waller

County Councillor, Normanton Ward

Following the latest government Covid-19 restrictions The Fox, along with other pubs in the area will remain closed the time being.

Please read the attached message from Jason Allen, landlord of The Fox.

Seeing some Christmas themed jigsaws in the phone box now 🙂

Does anyone have a picture of a completed jigsaw from the phone box?

We are open 9am – 5.30pm every day until Christmas Eve on Christmas Eve we will shut at 2.30pm.

We are doing late night opening until 7.30pm on Wednesday 2^nd, 9^th and 16^th December.

I can provide more information if you would like.

We would love to see lots of the local villagers at the farm.

Rutland Local residents are invited to join a virtual meeting on Thursday 3^rd December 2020 between 6.30pm – 8pm to discuss with a panel of health and care professionals their experiences of using local health and care services.

Andy Williams, Chief Executive, Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “We are bringing together a panel of health and care professionals from a wide range of health and care organisations to hear from Rutlanders and answer questions about the future provision of care closer to home.  

“During the event we will be discussing how we jointly develop a local plan for health and care in Rutland. We want to hear from the community about what we can do to develop services. Whether people are interested in services provided at their GP practice, in their own home, at Rutland Memorial Hospital or in another clinic or hospital, and regardless of whether it is treatment for a mental or physical condition, we want to hear from all residents of Rutland.”

On the panel will be representatives from Leicester Partnership NHS Trust who provide mental and physical care services, Primary Care Network (representing GPs in Rutland), Rutland County Council and University Hospitals of Leicester.

Andy continued: “We know that these discussions have been a long time coming, but we are committed to picking up these conversations in earnest and to delivering a greater range of service locally, closer to where patients live as is practically possible.”

The event will be independently facilitated by Rutland Community Ventures. Director, Tony Gray said: “We wanted to be sure that the proposals to develop healthcare services, including local hospital services, will not adversely affect us all, so when we were asked to ensure that people know what’s being proposed, we decided to support the creation of an opportunity for anyone in Rutland to quiz the decision makers.”

“Anyone can come and ask any question. The panel is made up of key people behind the proposal and who really want to hear what Rutlanders think, so you can be sure of answers straight from the horse’s mouth. There’ll be no planted or pre-arranged questions, just those from local people asked on the night or sent in beforehand. It will be a truly open conversation between the public and the people in charge.”

RCV Co-director, Ben Searle added: “Most people either don’t know or don’t care too much about these proposals. But everyone at some point in their life will be directly affected. Here’s a chance to ask questions and to have your say. Next time you or a loved one needs health and social care or support you may well be very glad you did.”

Join us online on Thursday 3 December 2020 at 6.30pm – 8pm to take part. We look forward to seeing you there.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+44 20 3443 8728,,461425589#   United Kingdom, London

Phone Conference ID: 461 425 589#

We are inviting Rutland residents to attend an important online event to discuss local experiences of using health and care services. We are bringing together a panel of health and care professionals to hear from you and answer questions about the provision of care closer to home.

During the event we will be discussing how we jointly develop a local plan for health and care in Rutland and we want you to be involved. We want to hear from the community about what we can do to develop services, to improve the health and wellbeing of all of those who live in the area.

Whether you are interested in primary, secondary (mental and physical), acute or care, we want to hear from you.

Join us online on Thursday 3 December 2020 at 6.30pm – 8pm to take part. We look forward to seeing you there.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting <https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ap/t-59584e83/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fteams.microsoft.com%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%253ameeting_NDA5NGU3YWEtNThiMS00NzgxLThjYjYtNWI5MTZkYmI3YzRm%2540thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%2522cdbddc73-78fb-4b6f-8b6b-0d165d385518%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%25225eaaa3f6-d542-435a-8367-cc81e0112376%2522%257d&data=04%7C01%7CGWaller%40rutland.gov.uk%7C939bc0545bf44a3df6f008d88c790ebf%7C60a080bbbc0f4d9399c183748e10674d%7C1%7C0%7C637413798855587599%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=KOm6ZYFTyx5tqzw73n6E0MO%2BZjkWeiSH9S4ZK7maaZM%3D&reserved=0>

Or call in (audio only)

+44 20 3443 8728,,461425589# <tel:+442034438728,,461425589#> United Kingdom, London

Phone Conference ID: 461 425 589#

Why? The Neighbourhood Plan Survey asked questions about what was good and not so good about the parish and how you wanted it to look and develop in the next ten years.
The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group would like to present the results of that survey and explain the purpose of the Plan. The impact of the plan will be wide ranging and just one of the aims is to protect the parish from adverse effects of the proposed development at St. George’s Barracks.

In particular your comments are needed as this Neighborhood Plan is for you, the residents of North Luffenham Parish.

Please join us for one of the following virtual meetings by Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87263523277?pwd=Z0Iwd0Y2TmxtSElvQXFocFFEMUVqQT09
Meeting ID: 872 6352 3277 Passcode: 292804) 

Wednesday 25th November at 4pm.
Sunday 29th November at 5pm.
Monday 30th November at 7.30pm.

There will also be a poster display at The Fox on:

Tuesday 8th December (somebody will be on hand to answer your questions from 6pm)
Thursday 10th December (help on queries from 3pm)

We will take note of everything you have to say. Post it notes will also be available for your comments.(The social distancing guidelines in place at the time will be observed)