In tribute
To Jan Parsons who died 20th of May 2020 and who will be sadly missed by all her friends and readers of the Lapford Lookout where she was the Editor. Jan had bravely battled with a terminal illness while maintaining her complete dedication to our community magazine. She and husband Bill always flew the flag that could be seen by users of the A377.
S. Keable
Chair, Lapford Project 2000 (LP2K)
The Lapford Lookout
INSTRUCTION = Stay In. If you can't Stay In, Stay 2 metres away!
Government Announces Financial Support
Get in touch with your LAPFORD Emergency Response Team on 07496 144 772
or on Facebook at
Please CLICK HERE to view the most recent response updates from Devon County Council
COVID-19 Test Facility for Mid Devon
Mid Devon District Council has been working closely with the national testing programme to open a new test facility for COVID-19.
The temporary testing site is specifically for people showing symptoms of COVID-19 who are either essential workers in Mid Devon, or are aged over 65. Household members of these groups, who are showing symptoms, are also eligible for testing.
From Thursday, 30 April 2020 a mobile unit will be situated in the car park at Exe Valley Leisure Centre at Bolham Road, Tiverton, EX16 6SG
Please CLICK HERE to view full details on the MDDC website.
For Government guidance on how tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work please CLICK HERE
Everyone in the United Kingdom with symptoms now eligible for coronavirus tests
Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough; high temperature; and now also a loss of or change in your normal sense of smell or taste can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
CLICK HERE for further details
Please note that from the week commencing 15th June, Lapford Post Office will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (instead of Thursdays). Please spread the word amongst friends and neighbours who may not have access to the internet.
Voluntary Action in Mid Devon
Mid Devon’s Council for Voluntary Service
We support and promote voluntary and community action across Mid Devon through: Developing the capacity, skills and knowledge of groups; Connecting groups to facilitate and promote joint working; Building the influence of the sector and helping people to become Active Citizens.
Website: https://involve-middevon.org.uk/#about
Tel: 01884 255734
Email: office@involve-middevon.org.uk
Facebook: @InvolveDevon
Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am – 2.30pm
TRANSPORT FOR KEY WORKERS
Over the last week, bus companies have lost up to 90% of their passengers, leading many to drastically reduce services.
Devon County Council are therefore trialling an on-demand subsidised taxi service for Devon residents for key workers accessing employment only.
If you are planning to take your permitted exercise on a local walk across farmland, PLEASE consider our local farmers when using public footpaths through their land. Take extra care to avoid touching gates/fencing and please keep all dogs on leads near livestock.
Tell the NHS about your current experience of coronavirus!
This survey will help the NHS understand more about how and where coronavirus is affecting people currently.
By answering some quick questions, you can help the NHS plan its response to coronavirus.
Devon & Cornwall Police
Unfortunately, we continue to see incidents of Livestock Worrying, a particular concern owing to lambing and a reminder to those using rights of way and access land to keep dogs on leads.
Beware of scams!
Some people are receiving emails and phone calls requesting your bank details to make sure you’re supported!!! They are SCAMMERS!
Updated 24 March 2020
Important! - Coronavirus
In order to reduce the spread of this virus we are now all advised by Public Health England to maintain social distancing – basically we need to keep away from each other where possible!
In the meantime the village has set up a support network for those who NEED to self-isolate.
See below for information on what is being offered.
Also below we hope to signpost people to government advice and information on getting some of the help (financial and other) that they are promising.
Village Support Network - Dedicated number 07496 144 772
- Groceries We can collect groceries from the village SPAR. You will need a bank card to pay over the phone for these. At the moment we are not able to handle cash transactions but we’re keeping this under review.
- Post We can take any essential post items to the post office.
- Medication & Prescriptions We can arrange collecting medications from Bow, Wallingbrook or Morchard surgeries.
- Dog Walking We can give your pet some exercise.
Please don’t forget that the Lapford Voluntary Car Aid service is operating as normal with fully insured drivers operating to the Doctors’ surgeries at Wallingbrooke, Morchard Bishop, Chiddenbrooke, New Valley, Bow and Winkleigh, plus the Dentist at Chulmleigh, Crediton Hospital and Crediton Breast Screening Clinic.
All you need to do is book your transport by telephoning Grace Hill (Co-ordinator) on 01363 83178 and arrangements will be made for you. There is a small charge per journey ranging between £3 & £6 according to distance. For more information contact Grace or see page 6 of the March 2020 Lookout.
Can You Offer Help?
email icanhelp@lapfordvillage.co.uk
We are Lapford Emergency Response Team (LERT) and have for some time been planning how to co-ordinate offers of help in a time of crisis. This is indeed a time of crisis and so we are trying to co-ordinate offers of help within Lapford so that;
1. We don’t duplicate effort
2. But also, we keep ourselves well briefed on the needs of our village as the situation develops.
If you feel able to offer support, we’d very much like to include you in this group.
That being said, we also fully recognise that a lot of volunteers will feel that they are best placed to organise their own offering for support, instead of being a part of the LERT team. If this is you, then we just want to say a massive Thank You for being an All Round Good Egg (ARGE), take care of your health and remember that handling cash can have significant infection risks.
Meanwhile if you have any questions we’d love to try answering them. If you want to share your experience of volunteering in this crisis or would like to register your availability to help, PLEASE get in touch with us now using the email icanhelp@lapfordvillage.co.uk This way we can all truly work together!
With thanks in these times of crisis,
Lapford Emergency Response Team