Last updated - March 2017
SIGN UP TO NIGHTWALK, SUPPORT THE WORK OF HOSPICE NIGHT NURSES
Women across North Devon can now sign up to Nightwalk 2017, after registrations opened this month. The ladies-only moonlit walk takes place on Saturday 20th May and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Those taking part will be helping to raise £100,000 for North Devon Hospice nurses who provide care during the night.
Nightwalk has become the single largest charity event in North Devon, after bursting onto the scene 10 years ago. The 2017 edition is set to be the biggest and best yet, with new routes, more entertainment and plenty of surprises in store.
Ali Hunt, head of fundraising at the hospice, hopes that local women will rally to the cause. “North Devon Hospice is providing more care during the night than ever before. Both on our Bedded Unit and in people’s own homes, the need for round-the-clock nursing is growing. We need the ladies of North Devon to step up to the challenge and step out for Nightwalk 2017. Help our nurses be the light in the dark for hundreds of local families.”
Ali added that Nightwalk 2017 will be a festival of colour and lights. “This will truly be an experience not to be missed. The sight of 1,000 women walking together, all dressed in neon and flashing lights, is spectacular. We’ve also added lots more features to the night including a prosecco bar, fire performers, live music, light shows and Nightwalk t-shirts available to all walkers. We have set a target of raising £100,000, which would help fund our team of nurses who care for patients during the night, both at home and on our Bedded Unit. So please sign up now and help make a difference to local people who need their local hospice.”
Starting points are at Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford, Torrington and Tamar Lakes (near Holsworthy), and route lengths range from 3 to 11 miles. So there really is a Nightwalk for everyone. Buses will be on hand to take Nightwalkers back to their starting point
This is a perfect chance to support a worthy charity and have a great night out with the girls. So join hundreds of other local women who will be walking for the same cause and show everyone how much you support the work of North Devon Hospice.
Visit www.nightwalk.co.uk to sign up today. Register before 1st April and take advantage of the special early bird discount. You will also be entered into a draw to win a Champagne High Tea for four at the award-winning Kentisbury Grange.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) outbreak in the UK - update
Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, is a disease that affects all types of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese. A severe strain of the disease, H5N8, has been found in wild and captive birds in the UK. Poultry keepers across England are currently required to take action to reduce the risk of disease spreading.
Bird flu can be passed from wild birds to poultry, causing birds to fall ill and die. It can be transmitted directly from bird to bird or via the environment, for example in wild bird droppings. The virus can survive in the environment for at least 50 days in cooler weather. This means if you keep poultry, including chickens, ducks or geese, even as pets, you must take action to prevent direct and indirect contact with wild birds. Risks to human health are very low and bird flu does not pose a food safety risk.
From 28 February a new Prevention Zone comes into force which requires all keepers in England to take action to protect their birds. Exactly what needs to be done depends on whether the birds are within a high risk area. At the time of writing, Putford is not currently in a high risk area, but check the map to make sure this hasn't changed: www.gisdiseasemap.defra.gov.uk/intmaps/avian/map.jsp
Details of what action needs to be taken outside the high risk areas can be found in the latest Defra leaflet here.
Chilsworthy Soup & Sweet Lunch
Every other month, on the third Thursday, Chilsworthy Village Hall holds a Soup & Sweet lunch. The format is always the same with a selection of soups, with roll and butter, and a choice of desserts, followed by tea/coffee. The charge is £5 per head and there is usually a raffle as well. It all starts at 12.30 p.m. There is no need to book. Just turn up. The next lunch is on Thursday, 16 March with further lunches in May, September and November (not held in July due to holidays).
Temporary and urgent closure of inpatient services at Holsworthy Community Hospital
The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust (NDHT) has outlined significant operational and safety issues which require temporary closure of inpatient services at Holsworthy Hospital, from March 2017. The Trust has taken the decision in response to a number of significant operational and safety issues which have escalated to reach a position that is no longer sustainable at Holsworthy Hospital. These are:
1. Sustained reliance on agency staff to cover staff sickness and maintain safe staffing levels
2. Prolonged and continued recruitment difficulties due to national skills shortages
3. Continued low bed occupancy even when there is high demand at North Devon District Hospital
Click here for a briefing note which explains what gave rise to the issues and the temporary arrangements that we will put in place to ensure patients continue to be able to access the care they need.
This painting of Putford Bridge was done by the father of two children who were evacuated to Putford in 1940. The little girl and mother lived at Raleigh, while the brother lived at Churston Manor. Sadly, the father died in a Lancaster bomber in 1944, but the daughter has been in touch and we hope to have more of this story on the website in the future.
Would you like to borrow a laptop?
Has your computer broken? Do you want to try a computer before you buy your own? We might have a solution for you. The Parish Council has obtained a laptop which can be borrowed by anyone living within the parish.
We can take no responsibility for the loss of any of your data and remember that you will need your own Internet connection if you want to browse the web.
A small deposit will be required when you borrow it and some basic help can be given to get you started if needed.
Contact putfordparish@outlook.com for more information.