Author Archives: Caring Together

Poetry Corner: ‘I Must Go Down To The Sea Again’ by Spike Milligan

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Dear all,
 
The below poem is shared by Maureen Kershaw, which she says is one of the few poems she remembers of Spike Milligan’s.
 
I must go down to the sea again,
to the lonely sea and the sky;
I left my shoes and socks there –
I wonder if they’re dry?
 
Thank you Maureen, I love this.

Leeds Museums and Galleries – what’s reopening this week

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Kirkstall Abbey

Lotherton 

Wildlife World is reopening from Monday, but please make sure you book a ticket before visiting.

(please also only go if you intend to send us pictures of the warty pigs afterwards)

The playground, toilets, shop and café will also be open.

For FAQ, follow the Lotherton Facebook page or visit our webpage.

Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey is fully open for all of your Cistercian monastic ruin needs, including the shop, which does sell ice cream.

Conveniently, research shows that the ruins are best enjoyed with a wry smile and ice cream around your chops.

We’re open Tues – Sun, 10am – 4pm.

Abbey House Museum 

Over the road, the shop at Abbey House Museum will be open. Hooray!

Temple Newsam 

Home Farm at Temple Newsam will be open from Monday, but please book online before you visit.

The playground and toilets will also be open along with Temple Newsam Tearooms for takeaways and outdoor seating. The shop will be open from Tuesday.

For updates, follow the Temple Newsam Facebook page or visit our webpage.

Leeds Industrial Museum

The shop at Leeds Industrial Museum will be open from Tuesday, so drop in and show the site a little support.

The grounds at Leeds Industrial Museum are open and beautiful, thanks to our hard working team of volunteers (who wrote a blog about it). Have a stroll through and admire their lovely green-fingers.

Leeds Art Gallery

The Leeds Art Gallery Shop will be open from Tuesday and stocked t’brim with local gifts and art inspired homewares if you’re planning a trip into the city.

The rest of our venues – and the indoor parts of these ones! – are gearing up to see you all in May.

Leeds City Council update – Coronavirus – Support for people & communities

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Latest update from Leeds City Council and including Leeds’ infection rates, the new restriction rules and rapid testing for everyone.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that Leeds joins the country in mourning following the announcement from Buckingham Palace that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has passed away.

The Royal Family are encouraging safe tributes with an online book of condolence and are suggesting charitable donations instead of flowers.

Read our statement regarding the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh here: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/statement-regarding-the-death-of-his-royal-highness-the-duke-of-edinburgh

An update on Leeds’ infection rates

Every Leeds resident makes a difference to Covid infection rates in our city.  When you continue to follow the government guidance, meet fewer people outdoors and stay local, you help to keep everyone safe.

There is a lot to look forward to, as we move ahead on the government roadmap towards fewer restrictions, but we need to be cautious and keep infection rates low.

We’re making real progress in Leeds, our Covid rate is now 78.3 per 100,000 (down 34% in the last week), but this is still above the England average of 31.9. The new UK variant spreads very easily.

The recent figures also show that we have falling infections among over-60s (26.1 per 100, 22% lower this week).

As restrictions relax, it’s even more important to remember that people are still vulnerable. Please act as though you have the virus, follow the hands/face/space/fresh air, test/trace/isolate rules, and keep working #TogetherLeeds

Information to support businesses and individuals can be found on the council website.

Hands, face, space, air

Update as COVID-19 restrictions ease on 12th April

Leeds will move into a new phase of relaxing lockdown restrictions next week as council services, along with more shops and businesses, start to reopen and welcome back the public.

The changes to restrictions will mean businesses, including non-essential shops and gyms, can reopen along with outdoor hospitality and some outdoor attractions.

Indoor venues can only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households. Even though being outdoors is safer, there is still a risk of catching the virus.

Social distancing, hand hygiene and other safety measures will remain in place, including COVID marshals and hand sanitiser stations in the city centre. Members of the public are urged to follow the latest guidance to keep COVID-19 rates under control and ensure Leeds keeps heading in the right direction.

For more info on the easing of restrictions go to: https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/update-for-leeds-as-covid-19-restrictions-ease-next-week

The latest updates on individual council services can be found at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/our-services

Work along the Headrow has been ongoing for some time with completion due in May. Changes include more appealing alternatives to the car, with quicker and more reliable bus services, ensuring that journeys on foot and by bike are more convenient, attractive and safer by widening pavements, cycle lines and making safer road crossings.

More info about the changes and what to expect can be found here- https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/major-headrow-scheme-set-to-pave-the-way-for-city-centre-re-opening

Vaccine update

 Vaccinations are in progress, with over 350,000 people in Leeds having received the jab as of 30 March (about 48% of the population) and more than 59,000 people have had their second jab but new infections are still happening.

Analysis carried out by Public Health England suggests that the COVID-19 vaccination programme prevented 6,100 deaths in England up to the end of February 2021. It is crucial that we all get the vaccine when we are ready and able to do so to help stop the spread of the virus but whether or not you’ve had your vaccine, we all need to keep following the restrictions and continuing to follow the hands/face/space safety measures.

More information around vaccinations can be found at the Leeds CCG website.

Through April we are focusing on going back over JCVI cohorts 1 – 9 to ensure everyone who is eligible is offered a vaccine and has access to the necessary information to make an informed decision.

As per national guidance we can’t book anyone in for their first vaccine who falls outside of the JCVI 1 -9 cohorts

We are encouraging all of those eligible in cohorts 1-9 who have yet to receive a vaccination or without an existing appointment book their vaccine online, by calling 119 or contacting their GP.

Those who are eligible no longer need to wait to be invited.

Safe Ramadan

Ramadan Kareem.

With Covid19 restrictions still ongoing, 2021 Ramadan (12/13 April to 12/13 May) will be a very different experience for British Muslims.

Whilst the restrictions will be more relaxed compared to 2020, many of the usual practices normally observed, particularly visiting friends and family indoors, will sadly still not be possible this year.

We ask Leeds residents to make sure every Iftar is a safe one by following COVID-19 guidelines. For the latest information on how to stay safe, please visit gov.uk.

Ramadan

COVID-19 Spot The Signs

A new set of translated films about spotting Covid-19 symptoms, how to get a test, and the support available if you have to self-isolate are now ready to view on the Coronavirus Information in Different Languages playlist on YouTube. The films are called COVID-19 Spot The Signs and have been translated into the top 12 most spoken languages in Leeds.

Rapid testing for everyone

Around 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 don’t have any symptoms. This is why regular rapid testing is so important to prevent the spread of the virus and help us return to normality.

From today (9 April), everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test twice a week.

You will be able to access regular testing through:

More info here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twice-weekly-rapid-testing-to-be-available-to-everyone-in-england

Rapid testing

Next stage of “lockdown roadmap” – what are the rules from today?

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Today marks the next step in lockdown easing, however government and the health service are all stressing the importance of continuing to be careful and protect ourselves and others. Many restrictions remain in place and, very importantly you must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with, unless you have formed a support bubble with them, or another exemption applies, and continue to social distance when meeting people outdoors.

Here’s what changes from today:

  • non-essential retail can reopen
  • personal care services such as hairdressers and nail salons can reopen, including those provided from a mobile setting
  • public buildings such as libraries and community centres can reopen
  • outdoor hospitality venues can reopen, with table service only
  • most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) can reopen
  • some smaller outdoor events such as fetes, literary fairs, and fairgrounds can take place
  • indoor leisure and sports facilities can reopen for individual exercise, or exercise with your household or support bubble
  • all childcare and supervised activities are allowed indoors (as well as outdoors) for all children. Parent and child groups can take place indoors (as well as outdoors) for up to 15 people (children under 5 will not be counted in this number)
  • weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events can take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies. Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens
  • self-contained accommodation can stay open for overnight stays in England with your household or support bubble
  • care home residents will be able to nominate two named individuals for regular indoor visits (following a rapid lateral flow test)
  • you should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the amount that you travel where possible

 

Keeping yourself and others safe:

Social distancing is still very important. You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.

You should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus at all times, including if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

 

Free regular rapid covid testing available for everyone without symptoms.

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Anyone in England who does not have symptoms can now get regular rapid lateral flow tests to check for coronavirus.

Information:  If you have coronavirus symptoms, you need a different test called a PCR test. Get a PCR test if you have coronavirus symptoms on GOV.UK

How to get regular rapid tests

Go to a test site

You can go to a rapid lateral flow test site to get a rapid test.

If you go to a test site:

  • you may need an appointment, so check before you go
  • a trained helper might be able to help you do the test
  • you’ll get a text or email with the result when it’s ready

Find your nearest rapid lateral flow test site

Get a test to do at home

You can get rapid tests to do at home.

You can collect up to 2 packs of 7 tests from a local pharmacy or test site:

You can get a pack of 7 tests sent to your home. Order rapid lateral flow home test kits on GOV.UK

If you do tests at home, you’ll need to report your results online or on the phone.

This video from NHS explains more about what to expect from a rapid flow test

Livestream Concert from The Deep tonight

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Join electronic artist R•MCL for a spectacular livestream concert. Performed live from the top of The Deep, one of the most iconic buildings in the UK.

The livestream will combine the artist’s never-before-seen set with cinematic camera and drone shots of the dramatic UK landmark, with soaring views of the Humber estuary behind.

You can watch at 7pm on The Deep website: https://www.thedeep.co.uk/livestream-concert or on the facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/TheDeepHull

From the Deep website “We can’t wait to host our first ever livestream concert!

Join us for a sunset performance from electronic artist R·MCL livestreamed from The Deep’s nose cone on Friday 9 April 2021 at 7pm. Enjoy live music with cinematic camera and drone shots of the Humber and surrounding landscapes.

This is a live stream performance with no audience (as we are still closed), and is free of charge to view.

The performance will be held outdoors in the nose cone of The Deep and is subject to changing weather conditions. Details will be available should the performance be rescheduled.”

 

Headingley Farmers Market is back Saturday 10th April

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Rose Garden North Lane Headingley LS6 3JJ

9.00am – 12.30pm Saturday 10th April

headingley Farmers' Market

The market re-launches this weekend and on 2nd Saturday of every month

Outdoors and socially distanced.  The entrance is on North Lane, there will be a one-way system and you will be asked to wear masks unless medically exempt. A maximum of only 5 customers (or households) will be allowed to queue at each stall. This is to ensure social distancing on the small site so you are encouraged to ‘shop don’t stop’.

Musicians, Kilburn, Coles and Rendell, will help to make it go with a swing.

April’s stallholders are:

STICKEYS HONEY range of honey.

HOLY SMOKERY range of smoked produce from Kilnsey

WHOLE IN THE GROUND coffees including swiss water method decaffeinated coffee as well as half in half.

REALLY INDIAN samosas, onion bhajis, pakoras and cook-in curry sauces including recipes from 6 different regions of India.

YORKSHIRE PIE BAKERY different flavoured pork pies made from locally sourced pork, plus vegetarian and vegan pies.

JOHNSON fish from Whitby. Also brings fish across to Headingley from Whitby in his van.

LINCOLNSHIRE POACHER raw milk and butter from their farm as well as cheese.

CRYER AND STOTT cheeses.

SQUEAKY CHEESE “halloumi-style” cheeses.

SWILLINGTON ORGANIC chicken, pork, beef and lamb and Headbangers sausages and bacon made from Swillington pork.

HEADINGLEY COUNTRY MARKETS cakes, biscuits, and preserves from Headingley kitchens.

ORGANIC PANTRY organic vegetables.

OLIANAS pizzas, enormous doughnuts and home-made Yorkshire Pecorino Cheese.

KARDAMARKIS olive oil and olives from the family farm in Crete and other Greek delicacies.

YORKSHIRE ORCHARDS apple juice and juices mixed with many local fruits – raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, blackcurrants, blackberries.

CHURCH FARM EGGS hen, quail, and duck eggs.

Shared Moments: ‘Blooming’ Marvellous Bingo prizes….

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Socially distant delivery of bingo prizes were handed out last week. Daffs and Eggs were gratefully received by the lucky winners for this month and plants, hand sanitiser and fruit for the month before.

Our next bingo session is on Wednesday 21st April 2021 @ 3pm.

Call if you would like to join us, Lisa 07436 530073, or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk