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There has been a mass of kindness and community support in Whitchurch ranging from provision of accommodation for carers for our Care Homes to the supply of over 1000 hot meals to the self-isolating and key workers; from collection of shopping and prescriptions to the brightening of our windows and running quizzes and events.There have been hundreds of acts of kindnessSo much worthy of recognition

So it is with much pleasure that we hear of this event launched this week:

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A ‘BIG THANK YOU’ is being planned to celebrate all those in Basingstoke and Deane who volunteered to help others and the amazing acts of kindness that have taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Love Basingstoke and Basingstoke Voluntary Action are calling on residents, groups and businesses to send in their messages of thanks to local heroes who have gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic to support vulnerable people in the community, either by volunteering or by carrying out thoughtful and kind deeds.

Everyone recognised will be celebrated during Basingstoke and Deane’s Big Thank You Week, from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August.Throughout the week of celebration, there will be a spotlight on:

• Unsung heroes on 10 August• Volunteer organisations, community hubs and community associations on 11 August• The business community with two categories – community support and adapting operations on 12 August• Local artists, art organisations and the heritage sector on 13 August• Key and essential workers on 14 August.

NominationsPeople can take part by nominating others for their support and acts of kindness during lockdown from Wednesday 8 July until Friday 31 July.This can be done by tweeting @lovebstoke using #thebigBDthankyou, online at www.thebigbdthankyou.co.uk, by calling the council on 01256 844844 or by post to The Big Thank You, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AH.

Kindness – children artistic inputAs well as encouraging people across the borough to share their thanks, a children’s drawing, poetry and spoken word project on the theme of kindness has also been launched.

Open to anybody under the age of 18, it aims to inspire young people to focus on the acts of kindness they may have seen or carried out during the past few months in lockdown, and to interpret it through art, a poem or spoken word. All artwork will be displayed as part of a digital art projection project that will take place later this year and will be available to view on the website as a lasting memory of this time.

Schools, Groups and IndividualsSchools, youth groups and individuals are encouraged to get involved. Submissions can be made by email to mypart@thebigbdthankyou.co.uk or post to The Big Thank You, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AH.

BusinessesBusinesses across the borough interested in supporting the event should contact mypart@thebigbdthankyou.co.uk.

The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Diane Taylor said:

“So many wonderful people in the borough have gone the extra mile to help others who may be struggling or vulnerable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Whether it was making up and delivering food parcels, collecting medical supplies, being a friendly voice for somebody to chat with on the phone or key workers across the borough who have worked tirelessly to keep services we often take for granted running, our local heroes deserve to be recognised and thanked.

“The Big Thank You is a chance for everybody in the borough to recognise volunteers and unsung heroes in their communities and I hope you will join in this opportunity to give them our well-deserved thanks.

“And don’t forget to encourage any young budding artists, poets or public speakers to get creative, focusing on acts of kindness that have been taking place in our community during lockdown.”

Whitchurch Town Council to keep its Play Areas and Outdoor Gym CLOSED

This afternoon (July 3rd), Whitchurch Town Council made the following announcement:

PLAY AREASWhilst the government is allowing play areas and outdoor gyms to open from Saturday 4th July, the play areas at Alliston Way and Kingsley Park and the outdoor gym are not ready to be opened yet and will remain locked.It is up to each venue owner to decide if the facilities are ready to be reopened or not. Before they are allowed to open, the Town Council needs to ensure that we can meet the government guidelines regarding social distancing and health and hygiene measures by carrying out an appropriate Covid-19 risk assessment and we must ensure that the equipment is safe to use.

No date for reopening has been given.

Although there has been some easing of the lockdown, Covid-19 has not gone away and there are still people suffering and worse, including in our own area. There has been some support provided to make sure this easing is as safe as possible and to help prevent any increase in cases.

Support Following the recent government announcements, which allow greater use of shops, public houses, hairdressers and other amenities, Basingstoke & Deane has been undertaking a number of risk assessments and looking at means to help keep people safe. They have been assisted by the Town Council on this.

Details of which businesses can ease restrictions and re-open as from July 4th are here:www.gov.uk: Guidance/opening certain businesses and venues in England from 4th July 2020

Hand SanitisersAmongst the support for Whitchurch has been the positioning of two hand sanitisers, which have been located outside the Town Hall and on the south side of the Square outside Paynes the Printers/Velvet Rose. 

If found empty and in need of topping up, or if any problem is noticed, please call: 07765 830695 .

Other supportIn addition there are floor markings being provided to help customers of businesses adhere to social distancing and there has been the installation of screens in several premises, as well as a move to contactless payments.

Social DistancingThere are a number of people very worried about going out, due to some not adhering to social distancing.

To assist, signage has included markings on the ground at bus stops to aid queuing, while parking has been temporarily suspended outside the chemist in Newbury Street.  This part of the street becomes congested as people wait to collect prescriptions.With cones in place this enables passing pedestrians to use part of the road space in order to maintain a two metre distance.

Drivers are also asked to take great care and reduce speed throughout the town, as pedestrians who need to pass each other may be also using the road.

Public houses and restaurantsThis weekend sees the re-opening of pubs and restaurants under very strict rules and guidelines. It is understood that all Whitchurch pubs will be re-opening, but with different, or limited hours and with many restrictions.If planning a visit it is advised to contact them in advance, as there may be requirements to book, or other constraints. Our publicans and traders are amongst the most affected by the lockdown so please respect all the rules that they have to comply with.

The virus has not gone away and there are still risks of it increasing. Around ten people have lost their lives in the Whitchurch area, devastating for their families, friends and colleagues, while others have been extremely ill and are still recovering.LET US ALL HELP EACH OTHER

PLEASE STAY SAFE 

With Covid-19 affecting all our lives one area has suffered considerably due to the lockdown restrictions – the local businesses of Whitchurch.

Wide range of businessesWhitchurch has a wide variety of local businesses ranging from the excellent retail shops, business services and trades folk, through to cottage craft workers, designers, health and fitness providers, builders and even honey producers and pottery makers.

A quiet Whitchurch centre is starting to open up.

Doors are beginning to openThe Covid-19 crisis required many of those with premises to close, including much loved town centre shops such as Daisy Down gifts, Paynes the Printers, Dowlings and the Dolls House shop. Some have been able to run limited services such as meal deliveries, while others such as hairdressers and pubs have been forced to cease all trade. However with the ease in lockdown and doors opening now they need support more than ever before.

‘Support Local’ campaignThe Covid-19 crisis has seen several cooperate in the aim of promoting LOCAL business. Many have social media pages to promote their services and some have started a Support Local campaign and have produced a poster for circulation.This latter initiative is aimed at increasing both footfall in the centre and wider knowledge of other services available including the great many that work from home or other premises.

Promote a businessMeanwhile the volunteer town website supports this wonderful move forward and if any local businesses provides an article promoting their services such as a special event or a new venture it will do its best to have it published – a few pictures can help too.Just send to contact@whitchurch.org.uk

We can all helpWe can all help our town by both shopping locally and using local services. Nearly everything is available without need to travel elsewhere, whether it be locally sourced meat or vegetables, a toy puzzle or a pair of slippers, a ring-binder or a gift card, a haircut or some buttons, a hole dug or a window cleaned – all are available.Supporting our local businesses helps us all.

WE NEED THEM, THEY NEED US