Covid -19 Figures Rise in Oxfordshire
As you all know, Oxfordshire has been placed in Tier 2 because despite positive improvements across key indicators throughout all the districts, the case rates are still too high for Tier 1 and variable on a daily basis.
Whilst most of us know what the general rules are, not everyone is aware of all the detail. For example, if you want to travel to a Tier 1 zones such as Cornwall, are you allowed to adopt the more relaxed rules of Tier I or are you supposed to stay within the rules of Tier 2? The answer to this and many other questions can be found at the end of this email.
Road Sweep this Coming Monday
Please put out a note to remind yourself that this coming Monday (30th November) we have the CDC road sweeping lorry in the village from just after 8am in the morning.
For those who are new to the village, this happens three time a year and residents with cars parked on the streets, are asked to move them if possible the night before onto the grass verges, or to move them for a short period when the presence of the vehicle is heard, so that the lorry has clear access to the gutters.
Some residents join in by sweeping leaves from the pavement outside their house into the road, which all helps to clean up the village.
EWR Local Disruption
Work on the Stratton Audley Park Road was officially due to be completed by today. However due the contractor experiencing a problem with the tarmacking machine, delays have been experienced and unfortunately this means that the closure will be extended until at least Wednesday 2nd.
Please also remember that access to Marsh Gibbon is best done via Poundon as the Bicester Road (Launton) will be closed from Monday 7th December. The closure for 24 hours a day is from the crossroads with Station Road/Poundon Hill (by Billy Evans) i.e. the road that leads to Marsh Gibbon.
George outside the Red Lion – TUESDAY not Monday
George with his Nepalese curry and Momo van, ably assisted by Pat (ex of the Butchers Arms), will be outside the Red Lion once again but please note it is Tuesday not Monday. Serving hot chicken, lamb and vegetable curry as before from 5pm – 8pm. Pre orders can be made from 4-5.30pm by phoning 07976 455 654.
The Red Lion extends an invitation for those who want to take their meal inside and enjoy with a drink – See below.
The Red Lion
Homemade beer battered cod and chips with homemade tartar sauce and mushy peas on Friday evenings is proving to be a great take-away success. You have to place an order in advance by calling Verity on 07713 891619 and booking your collection time. These slots are limited so please book quickly to avoid disappointment! All collections are from 6pm till 8.30pm on Friday’s.
A message From Verity Taylor:
“Unfortunately rules have become stricter for British pubs, with new regulations inhibiting you from visiting the Red Lion with anyone outside your bubble and having to have a meal in order to have an alcoholic drink. Due to this, we have come up with a fortnightly food menu which hopefully has something for everyone. For the next couple of weeks, the pub will only be open on five nights and we ask that you bear with us in order to protect the future of the pub. You have all been so kind in supporting us right from the start of this venture and the Red Lion cannot thank you enough, however times just seem to keep getting harder and we’d appreciate anyone wanting to have dinner in the pub to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment”. For more information including menus and timings visit the website at www.redlionstrattonaudley.co.uk.
To make a booking call 07713 891619.
As per above, on Tuesday, the Nepalese trailer will be outside the pub and they invite you to bring-in your meal take-outs to the pub and enjoy with a drink.
Stratton Audley Barn Xmas Trees
Stratton Audley Barn are very excited to announce The Christmas Barn will open again from 10am Friday 27th November and EVERYDAY until 20th December. Selling fresh British Christmas Trees outdoors & a range of festive decorations & gifts in their shop. The elves have been busy making sure everything is just right, but most importantly super safe for everyone to enjoy. Why not grab yourself a hot chocolate, panini or cake from their takeaway cafe whilst you choose your tree! Pre orders also available, follow the link below to secure your tree ahead of the launch weekend!
https://www.strattonaudleybarn.co.uk/fresh-christmas-trees
Advent Candle Sales Burning Bright
A big thank you to all who have already purchased candles. There are only 19 candles left which must be purchased this weekend in order to start the December BURN. Candles cost £15 and will be delivered to your doorstep.
Just email one of the following people:
David Young – david@betteroutliers.com
Anthony Flack – flack.wine_train@btinternet.com
Alice Goodall – alicegoodall313@gmail.com
Click this link for a short video presentation https://spark.adobe.com/video/ABPxhh1unsROX
Advent Window Trail 2020
The community of Stratton Audley have come together to create an Advent Windows trail around the village with new windows being revealed throughout the month. Each of the windows is based on a different Christmas Carol and we’re looking forward to seeing some really imaginative interpretations.
To add to the excitement we are inviting everyone to have a go at guessing the carol that each window is depicting – the ‘Christmas Carol Challenge’.
For full details please open the attached leaflet.
Church Service on Sunday
Unfortunately under the current lockdown regime there are no services in any of the churches, but there will be two livestreamed services this Sunday, which is Advent Sunday.
- A service of Holy Communion will be livestreamed from Finmere Church at 10am on Sunday morning
- A special Advent Reflective Service will be livestreamed from Fringford Church at 6pm on Sunday evening.
To participate visit the website www.shelswellparishes.info where you will find the orders of service, notice sheets and hymn words.
You will find the livestream services on Facebook on the Shelswell News Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ShelswellNews If you don’t already belong to the group then it is very easy to join; just log in to Facebook, search for ‘Shelswell News’ and click on ‘Join Group’. If you don’t use Facebook then the services will be uploaded later to YouTube where anyone can see them at any time; just go to YouTube and search for ‘Shelswell Parishes’.
Vineworks at Stratton House – Showroom Open for Viewing
Vineworks is a range of items made in Stratton Audley from grape vine wood. At this time of year, small decorative candle holders are popular, so the studio is open to visitors. Just call 278 000, drop by or email jhonsinger@btconnect.com Additionally, at weekends it is open house between 1-4pm or when you see the gates are open. To see more visit www.vineworks.co.uk
Also available are gift bags of freshly picked & dried local walnuts at £4 per half kilo.
DIY Church Xmas Tree
A Christmas tree with lights is being placed inside the church on Monday together with boxes of decorations. Children are invited to decorate it however they like, by using these decorations or making their own to place on the tree. It also needs a suitable star or angel for the top.
For those feeling particularly creative, there is nothing to stop you from making something to be placed on the floor next to the tree.
Additionally next to tea area, is a large table which can be used to display maybe up to 8 Christmas themed scenes or decorations. The Rector is behind the idea and anything goes within reason.
Fringford School Christmas raffle (a reminder)
A number of children from Stratton Audley attend the Fringford School and Trish Nash is selling raffle tickets to raise money for several new projects. Tickets are £1 each and they have amassed many prizes of vouchers for meals and shopping, beautiful hampers including Eagles, alcohol and lovely Christmas gifts.
Please email FoFS.Fringford.School@gmail.com or phone Trish on 277 132 to arrange to buy tickets. Once purchased tickets stubs will be popped through your door or can be collected from No 5, The Limes. All sold tickets need to be returned to the school by the end of this coming week- 4th December.
The draw will be on Friday December 11th and winners will be contacted thereafter.
With most other fund raising activity halted due to Covid-19, supporting this initiative is more important than ever.
Church Clock Tower to be repaired in Chime for Christmas
Work is due to start on Monday 7th December 2020 and take approximately two weeks to complete.
Pot holes and verge damage in Mill Road
A number of people have reported the poor state of Mill Road between Elm Farm and the entrance to the village. Verges have been eaten into by heavy lorries and there are pot holes on the edges as a result of the tarmac cracking.
These matters are being investigated by the County Council, as too are a number of potholes in the Launton Road. Please remember to report any highway issues on Fixmystreet (Oxfordshire) which covers such things as pot holes, fly tipping, and damage to signs etc.
Collection Point for disposal of Ink Jet cartridges
The collection box for used ink-jet cartridges is still located in the bus shelter on the Stoke Lyne Road and any money raised from their bulk return will go to the RSPB.
Detailed Covid-19 Restrictions from 2nd December in Tier 2
The following are the Government rules for our area:
- you must not socialise with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place
- you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 people outside, including in a garden or a public space – this is called the ‘rule of 6’
- businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a Covid secure manner, other than those which remain closed by law, such as nightclubs
- pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals
- hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:
- provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol
- close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)
- stop taking orders after 10pm
- hospitality businesses and venues selling food and drink for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through
- early closure (11pm) applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls. Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
- public attendance at outdoor and indoor events (performances and shows) is permitted, limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
- public attendance at spectator sport and business events can resume inside and outside, subject to social contact rules and limited to whichever is lower: 50% capacity, or either 2,000 people outdoors or 1,000 people indoors
- places of worship remain open but you must not socialise with people from outside of your household or support bubble while you are indoors there, unless a legal exemption applies
- weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on numbers of attendees – 15 people can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, 30 people can attend funeral ceremonies, and 15 people can attend linked commemorative events such as wakes
- organised outdoor sport, and physical activity and exercise classes can continue
- organised indoor sport, physical activity and exercise classes will only be permitted if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with (or share a support bubble with). There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing
- you can continue to travel to venues or amenities which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
- if you live in a tier 2 area, you must continue to follow tier 2 rules when you travel to a tier 1 area. 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
- for international travel see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for your destination and the travel corridors list (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors)
The best advice remains to ask yourself these questions:
- Can I justify this to the police if they stop me?
- Can I live with myself if I brought coronavirus to a vulnerable person from an area or an activity not on this permitted list?
More information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#high-alert
