A LOT of local businesses have struggled over the past few months and there is a way to help some of them.

It is a shop local scheme, but with a difference.

Instead of using the big stores or mail order giants, why not buy our friends and loved ones presents from our own local businesses?

You can either buy goods or services or a voucher.

For example, buy from our many local pubs, cafés, restaurants or hotels; our local chemist, garden centre, hairdresser, beauty therapist, butcher, grocery store or gift shop.

The choice is endless.

You could purchase a voucher for whatever amount you can afford and thereby help our local economy.

FOLLOWING the announcement that there was an outbreak of Covid-19 at Fairford’s Hilary Cottage Surgery, Dr Wallis advises: “The outbreak at the surgery appears to be under control, although we remain very significantly down on support staff in particular.

“We aim to prioritise our patients’ urgent medical problems, and would encourage patients to use the many resources and sources of help that are on our website instead of calling the surgery, if possible.

“We plan to arrange the assistance of an off-site call handling service from 5pm to ensure our receptionists are available to cover our busiest periods.”

Dr Wallis asks that these requests are followed so that he and his staff can still provide the service that we all need in this difficult time for the surgery and for all of us.

THERE is a temporary road closure for C/168 Road from Horcott Road to Whelford Road from Monday, November 30 until Friday, December 4.

To allow contractors, working on behalf of Thames Water, to carry out the installation of a new water service.

THE Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities are especially keen this year to increase membership of their 100 Club, as they have been unable to raise funding through other means due to Covid-19.

If you are already a member and pay annually by cheque, please forward your cheque for £12 to Jeff Dawson, Glen Lea, High Street, Meysey Hampton GL7 5JW.

If you are not yet a member and wish to join, please see the website: friendsoffairford.org.uk

Or contact Christine Barker on 07767 408409 or email fairford.lof@hotmail.co.uk for further information.

Half of all the money raised each year is distributed in cash prizes.

The remaining half is added to the friends’ charitable funds.

SADLY, it will not be possible for individuals and couples in Fairford and surrounding villages who will be on their own at Christmas to meet together this year in Fairford Community Centre.

The organisers of the former Christmas Day lunch will be in touch with all the regulars from 2019 and will be happy to hear of other individuals and couples who will be on their own.

The organisers are currently looking at home – or at least doorstep – visits and dropping off goody bags.

Not the same, of course, but probably the best that can be done in the circumstances.

For more information, please contact Amanda Cully on 01285 712700, or email cully.amanda@gmail.com.