Fairford news by Chris Roberts

LAST Thursday, Cotswolds MP, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, visited several shops and hostelries in Fairford and Lechlade to find out personally how everyone was coping during these difficult times.

He was pleased to hear that a lot of the traders were feeling optimistic and had been supported by the Government.

He was able to discuss any concerns that businesses had and offered to help in any way that might be needed.

UNFORTUNATELY, the Open Water Lions Swim (OWLS) at Bowmoor Sailing Club did not go ahead at the beginning of August because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In view of the safety guidance from the Government, it was decided that it would be hard to run the event, but plans are to make next year’s swim bigger and better.

Lechlade Lions continue to serve the local community by manning the telephone helpline for volunteers, collecting and delivering prescriptions, and helping with the food package deliveries.

If you would like to donate to the Lions to help them continue their good community work, please go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for ‘Lechlade and District Lions’.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust has been working in partnership with the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group, South West (FWAG) and Fairford Town Council on projects in Fairford and across the county.

One of the projects has been an accessible riverside path from Dilly’s Bridge to Snake Lane where FWAG and volunteers have installed a new hedge beside the path.

They have also carried out riverbank restoration work alongside the path to prevent bank erosion and encourage colourful riverside vegetation.

It would be much appreciated if those using the path could dismount from bikes, keep dogs on leads and out of the water, and take any litter home with them.

There has also been progress on the creation of a sensory garden in the Walnut Tree Field in partnership with the Ernest Cook Trust.

In full collaboration with the public, the garden will be designed to stimulate the senses through touch, smell, sound and vision.

If you wish to learn more about the sensory garden, please email dan.geerah@fwagsw.org.uk to subscribe to the mailing list.

THE Fairford Patients Participation Group (PPG) at Hilary Cottage Surgery has lots of useful information to help you.

For example, are you, or do you know, a carer?

The PPG says that The Gloucestershire Carers Hub has lots of useful information and support online: https://gloucestershirecarershub.co.uk.

The Summer News Letter is available: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/685544/ and also at the bottom of the Events tab What’s on August – is a link to free carer skills training and development and coffee mornings and more, done via Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

There are also some that can be dialled into, for those who do not have access to a computer.