Fairford news by Chris Roberts

THE bridge at the Cascades on the Ernest Cook Trust permissive footpath in Fairford has now been replaced.

With essential tree maintenance work also completed, everyone is welcome again to enjoy this route through some very beautiful countryside.

For details of the walk, see: bit.ly/31mmjH2.

A RETIRED lady in Fairford who has several health issues but enjoys the great outdoors and fresh air, would love to share her walks on a daily basis all year round (even in the winter – weather permitting) with other people who can only walk slowly.

Is it possible to set up a small group of slow walkers, so if someone has to drop out, there are others there to keep each company? In other words, you’ll never walk alone!

The walks could start from outside Park Close Stores and could include people of any age – not just older people.

There may be old or young people with mobility issues; lonely mums or dads pushing buggies or people who have been going through medical treatments for illness and need to re-build their strength/confidence, but feel too vulnerable to do it on their own.

Fairford is a beautiful place with many lovely walks and it would be great to share the pleasure of looking at all the things that make it a pleasure to live here.

So, if you would like a slow walk in Fairford to gain the benefit of fresh air and companionship, please ring: 07526 359696 any day between 11am-4pm (even weekends).

CALLING all young people in the Cotswolds.

Have you got ideas about how you can improve your area for young people?

Do you want your voices heard? World Jungle/Young Gloucestershire are here to listen.

Have your say to shape your future. On Friday, August 28, in the Walnut Tree playground between 1pm-3pm and between 4pm-6pm.

COVID-19 has forced all surgeries to change the way they consult with their patients.

At Fairford surgery, where possible, telephone and video consultations are carried out but, if a doctor needs to see a patient, this will be arranged and will take place either in the surgery, in the Covid tent or at the patient’s home.

Fairford’s doctors are grateful for the understanding that the majority of their patients have shown for this major change of working.

It makes consultations more difficult, but it greatly reduces the risk of infection for us all.

SEPTEMBER is childhood cancer awareness month and the U8 players at Fairford Youth Football Club (FYFC) will kick off their support by wearing gold laces in their boots to support the local charity Shine Bright Support.

The FYFC is aiming to have as many players from across all age groups wearing gold laces to bring more awareness to childhood cancer.

Gold laces cost £3 a pair and can be bought from: shinebrightsupport.co.uk and should be worn throughout September and used as a conversation/talking piece to raise more awareness.

THE town council office and Fairford Community Centre will be re-opening on Tuesday, September 1.

Council and committee meetings will continue to be held remotely.

Please contact the town council if you would like to attend a meeting.

Anyone wishing to book the community centre for a class or event should contact the centre directly on 01285 711571.

Measures to minimise the spread of infection in line with Government guidelines including social distancing will be maintained for the time being.

ONE of the really positive things to come out of lockdown is the various offers of support for local communities provided by organisations and individuals.

In June, Charlotte Bull (13) and her sister Lucy (10) from Fairford accepted a challenge set by a family member to do running, walking and cycling over a 5k distance in exchange for a £5 donation to the Cirencester Foodbank.

The exercise provided a welcome break from home-schooling, gave them a chance to enjoy the lovely Fairford countryside and was great for their mental health as well.

They cycled from Fairford to Bibury pedalling through some of the stunning Cotswold villages on their round trip – Quenington, Coln St Aldwyns, Ready Token, Eastleach and Southrop with mum, Donna, on the other end of a mobile phone to keep track of them for safety and monitor their distance.

Their target was to reach 500k in a month but, well before the end of the month, they had notched up 509k.

In recognition of Charlotte and Lucy’s achievement, a family friend donated an extra £100 to the donations already collected.

Even though the girls have surpassed their initial target, they have continued to raise money for the foodbank and have now run, walked and cycled over 1,000k, which is equivalent to nearly 24 marathons!

THE major event of Lechlade Art Society’s calendar is their annual exhibition.

Obviously, this will not be happening this year in the same format, so the committee plans to hold a virtual art exhibition.

It is a way of reaching the community and celebrating the fine work that is produced.

It is also an opportunity to buy and sell work.

This year, the committee is delighted to announce that there will be a presence on the internet by way of a catalogue of work from members.

The virtual exhibition will be on-line for the whole month of September to browse the works from your computer.

You will also be able to contact the artists if you are interested in making a purchase.

Visit: lechladeartsociety.co.uk and enjoy this year’s exhibition.