Village News Archive
News from the village, December 2020
© All content copyright 2021
winterton-on-sea
Christmas statement from Winterton Parish Council
The Government has put Norfolk into Tier 4 from 00:01 on Boxing Day.
From Norfolk County Council’s statement:
“People cannot leave or be outside of the place they are living unless they have a reasonable excuse. People cannot meet other people indoors, including over the Christmas and New Year period, unless they live with them, or they are part of their support bubble. Only two people from different households can meet in public outdoor spaces.”
In Winterton, the car park, but not the toilets will be open on Christmas Day. Both will be open on Boxing Day and over the Christmas weekend. Please do not park in the village, you will be putting yourselves and residents at risk. Please maintain your distance from wardens and car park staff if you visit the dunes. A reminder that due to ongoing erosion and recent heavy rain and high winds, the beach and the dunes are under great pressure and are not safe for recreation.
We have all have noted with shock how numbers of COVID cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Norfolk have risen so dramatically, and hope everyone will take care of themselves and others and stay at home. The weather is predicted to be poor over the Christmas weekend in East Norfolk, contributing to flooding and further erosion.
Tier 4 should mean that numbers of people visiting Winterton will be reduced from Boxing Day onwards. However, due to the numbers of people being off work and because we have so many vulnerable seal pups on the beach at present, it is in the best interests of all if the car park and toilets stay open to meet demand, and it is safe to do so. We will constantly review this, especially as Tier 4 requires a much higher level of Covid-safe behaviour from us all.
If any local resident has concerns around safety, then Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) have employed Covid-19 Rangers:
email: GYBC enquiries@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or telephone 01493 856100, who may be able to give further advice.
For any direct safety issue contact the Police on 101 or report it via the website link.
We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.
Further Covid support grants available to local businesses in Great Yarmouth Borough (22nd December, 2020)
Great Yarmouth Borough Council is handing out further Covid relief grants to eligible businesses, including financial support linked to the Tier 2 restrictions, and extra help for those in the hospitality, hotel or B&B, or leisure sectors.
The council is inviting applications for a new “top-up payment”, under the Additional Restrictions Support Grant, for eligible businesses which trade within the hospitality, hotel or B&B, or leisure sectors or in the supply trade to those sectors.
This is for eligible businesses that have already received either a Local Restrictions Support Grant or an Additional Restrictions Support Grant. The applications deadline is January 11, 2021.
In addition, the council has also extended, until January 11, the deadline for applications to the original Additional Restrictions Support Grant, which was first launched during the second national lockdown for eligible businesses.
Furthermore, the scheme criteria has been widened to include home-based business where their main trade is supplying the hospitality, leisure and hotel and B&Bs sectors. This might, for example, include businesses providing security guards, wedding planners and entertainers.
A Tier 2 Local Restrictions Support Grant for business-rated properties will shortly be paid out automatically to those businesses who received a LRSG for the national lockdown period in the business sector of the following broad categories: pubs, bars and wine bars, cafés and restaurants, hotels and B&Bs, cinemas and entertainment venues. There is no need to apply. The council is contacting those eligible businesses directly to confirm.
In addition, a one-off £1,000 Government Christmas Support Payment for wet-let pubs will be administered to those eligible premises, with the council contacting pubs directly to ask them to complete a short application to establish they meet the criteria.
Visit www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/coronavirus-advice-businesses for the link to the online application forms (where required), information and support about all the grants, eligibility criteria and further business advice.
Cllr Carl Smith, the council leader, said “We are pleased to have received Government funds to offer these further grants to help our local businesses in challenging times, and we’re pleased to be able to pay out many of these without the business having to actively apply.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic, the council has handed out more than £33m in grants to local businesses, which we know have been a lifeline for many businesses, and I would like to thank the officers for their hard work in administering these in line with the national guidance.”
Update on what the NHS in Norfolk and Waveney is doing to respond to coronavirus (21 December 2020)
Open letters to the people of Norfolk and Waveney from local health leaders
Health leaders across Norfolk and Suffolk published open letters to local people urging them to think carefully about their Christmas plans – just ahead of the government’s revised guidance issued at the weekend.
The letters acknowledge that the world is facing its biggest health emergency in living memory, and that health and social care colleagues have risen admirably to meet this challenge.
But with COVID-19 infection rates rising rapidly and families preparing for Christmas, health leaders have taken the unprecedented step of writing open letters urging residents to think carefully about their Christmas plans and to follow the guidelines to stay well.
The letters state: “The emergence of COVID-19 has confronted our National Health Service and its partners with its biggest challenge for generations. Our health and social care colleagues have risen admirably to meet that challenge and continue to do so, despite the incredible strain the virus has placed upon our staff and resources.
“However, this is not a quick win situation. Despite this incredible hard work, infection rates continue to rise and this Christmas – let’s be candid – we have a monumental challenge on our hands. A challenge that can only be won by each of us making further sacrifice.
“Sadly, we no longer have the capacity to lower our guard or lessen our resolve over the festive period. We must continue to live with caution and follow guidance fully.
“We, therefore, ask that you think carefully about your Christmas plans and to think twice before seeing your elderly or vulnerable relatives. As Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has told the nation, one of the best ways to fight this virus is to limit contact with other people. This is on top of those things we already do well, such as washing hands, wearing a mask and social distancing.”
You can read the letter Norfolk residents here and to Suffolk residents here, both published on 18 December prior to the Government’s announcement about changes to the Christmas rules.
First patients now receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at GP practices across Norfolk and Waveney
Eight GP practices across Norfolk and Waveney are now vaccinating patients against COVID-19.
The first practices in our area started delivering the vaccine on Tuesday 15, December, with more sites set to go live in the coming days and weeks.
The following eight sites are now acting as ‘primary care hubs’; vaccinating patients from their own practice as well as other neighbouring practices:
• Fakenham Medical Practice, Fakenham
• St James Medical Practice, King’s Lynn
• Lionwood Medical Practice, Norwich
• Falkland Surgery, Bradwell
• Swanton Morley Surgery, Swanton Morley
• Thetford Healthy Living Centre, Thetford
• Kirkley Mill Surgery, Lowestoft
• Cringleford Surgery, near Norwich
Those who are most at risk from COVID-19 are being prioritised first; members of the public who are over 80 years-old, care home workers and a small number for at risk frontline NHS staff.
GP practices work closely together with neighbouring practices in local groups called Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Each PCN will have a designated vaccination site, providing a good geographical spread of vaccination locations across Norfolk and Waveney.
Each of these sites will vaccinate patients from across a number of the PCN’s member practices – not just those on their own surgery list. People in the ‘at risk’ priority groups will be contacted to make an appointment no matter which practice they are registered with.
Following the go live of the first GP practice vaccination sites, the local NHS is working with
PCNs to mobilise additional large and small community sites over the coming weeks and months.
GP practices are working through their lists and booking in the first patients for vaccination appointments at either the hospital hubs based in Norwich and Great Yarmouth or at a local GP surgery site. All those being vaccinated will be asked to fill in a health screening questionnaire and consent form.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme has been planned extensively by the NHS so it can be rolled out as quickly and safely as possible. This programme of vaccination is the largest in the history of the NHS.
Dr Anoop Dhesi, a GP in Stalham and Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical
Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “People are understandably eager to get vaccinated and colleagues in local NHS services will contact you when it is time for you to get your jab – please don’t contact us, just wait for your invitation.
“Our GP surgeries in Norfolk and Waveney are supporting local hospitals in the delivery of the vaccine. This is really great news and a cause for optimism but there is still a long way to go. We can’t afford to be complacent; this is a going to be a huge task and we would like to urge local people to bear with us and to be patient.
“The best thing we can all do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities is to keep following the guidance; wash hands, cover face, and make space.
Got questions about the COVID-19 vaccination programme?
We’ve set-up a page with the answers to some frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, which we’re updating regularly – take a look:
www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid19-vaccination-programme.
You’re not alone this Christmas: Mental Health Campaign is launched
A new mental health campaign, Not Alone, has been launched to help people who will find this Christmas particularly difficult to deal with.
Norfolk County Council, the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, local mental health charity, Norfolk and Waveney Mind, and the county’s NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group are working in partnership with the support of Archant to encourage people to reach out to those who may be struggling.
Christmas is often a difficult time of year for people and, with measures in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus, we may not be able to do the things we normally do and to be with friends and family, especially if they are vulnerable and feel they need to be alone to be safe, this year.
The campaign offers support and advice, via an e-card. This digital card can be sent to people who may be struggling, to show that they are being thought of and to signpost them to a range of services that can give them some extra help and support.
One of the available services is the NHS Wellbeing Service, which offers a range of talking therapies, employment support, peer support and social activities by telephone, video call, instant messaging and webinar. The service is for anyone experiencing common mental health and emotional issues, such as low mood, depression or stress. People can self-refer by visiting www.wellbeingnands.co.uk or call: 0300 123 1503.
Cllr Bill Borrett, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board said: “I am very pleased to be working with health colleagues over this festive season to convey this very important message; it’s okay not to be okay.
Use your NHS wisely this Christmas
“Many people experiencing a mental health problem will speak to their friends and family before they speak to a health professional, so any support you can offer would be really valuable. If someone tells you that they are struggling, it's common not to know what to do or say, but you don't need any special training to show that you care. Just being there and doing little things can make a difference. That’s exactly what this campaign is about – helping us all to be there for others – and telling us all where to find support services should they need them.”
Diane Hull, Chief Nurse at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Christmas can be a joyful time of the year, filled with festivities and seeing loved ones. However, for some people, it can also be one of the hardest times of the year - this so more than ever as we have to learn to celebrate differently.
“If you start to feel unsafe, distressed or worried about your mental health you can call the First Response helpline on 0808 196 3494 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all through the festive period.”
With Christmas and New Year fast approaching people in Norfolk and Waveney are being reminded to Think 111 First if they need medical care over the festive period and to make sure they request their regular medications early.
Those who take regular medication should make sure they have ordered enough to last through the holiday period or ask their GP practice for a new prescription.
Planning ahead is very important to help stay well and it also helps the NHS at a time when services are busy.
Dr Anoop Dhesi, Chair of the Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group said: “It’s essential to plan ahead at this time of year. If you have a long-term health condition you should make sure you have enough medication for the holiday period, but please don’t attempt to stockpile more than you need.
“Ordering and collecting new prescriptions can take several days. So, if you or someone you care for needs medicines regularly, please make sure you order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, ask them if they need help collecting their medications.”
Winter illnesses such as colds and coughs, sore throats, and upset stomachs can easily be treated at home with medicines available at low cost from your local pharmacy.
Dr Dhesi added: “Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can give advice about minor illnesses so you can care for yourself at home. They are available on every high street and at some supermarkets, with many open evenings and weekends.”
Be sure to stock up on winter self-care essentials for your medicine cabinet: take advice from your pharmacist before purchasing if you take other medicines.
• pain relief (paracetamol)
• cough and sore throat remedies
• first aid kit
• upset stomach treatment
• rehydration treatment
• heartburn and indigestion treatment
Winter is a busy time for health services and patients are being asked to choose services wisely and help ease the pressure on the local NHS.
Width13854Width3 For life-threatening emergencies call 999, otherwise:
NHS 111
If you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do, contact NHS 111 first.
If you think you need A&E, just contact NHS 111 first. The NHS will help you right away and if you need urgent care, the NHS can book you in to be seen quickly and safely.
Contacting NHS 111 first will help NHS urgent and emergency care services maintain social distancing and ensure that patients receive the right care in the right place, in a timely and safe way.
People with life-threatening illnesses or injuries should continue to dial 999 and anyone who arrives at A&E without calling NHS 111 will still receive medical care, with those needing emergency treatment prioritised.
You can use NHS 111 either by visiting the website https://111.nhs.uk or by calling 111
The NHS111 Service is free to call and available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Your call will be answered by a trained call handler, whose job it is to ensure you can access the most appropriate local service. You can call 111 first if:
• you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency
• you think you need to go to A&E or need another NHS urgent care service
• you need to see a GP urgently when your practice is closed. NHS 111 can arrange for an emergency out-of-hours doctor to help if necessary
• you don’t know who to call or you don’t have a GP to call
• you need health information or reassurance about what to do next
You can call 111 on your telephone/mobile, you can use the online service https://111.nhs.uk or you can use the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet.
Your GP surgery
Your GP surgery will be able to offer appointments with different clinicians, including a doctor or nurse, depending on your needs.
Walk-in Centre and Minor Injuries Unit
Norwich Practices Health and Walk-in Centre is open seven days-a-week between 7am and 9pm.
It is based at Rouen House, Rouen Road, Norwich, telephone 01603 677500. The Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer Hospital is open seven days-a-week between 8am and 7.45pm, in Mill Road, Cromer, telephone 01603 646230.
Your pharmacy
Pharmacy opening times over the holiday period are available here.
You can find your nearest surgery or pharmacy by visiting https://www.nhs.uk
Mental health support available for the public
• It’s important that we look after our mental wellbeing during this time – for tips and advice visit www.everymindmatters.co.uk.
• If you are worried about your own mental health and wellbeing call First Response, a free 24/7 helpline offering immediate support, on 0808 196 3494.
Winterton householders are decorating their homes to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to this festive season.
A sparkling Winterton Wonderland
Whilst this Christmas will be a little different to previous years, there’ll still be a lot of gift and food packaging produced, which Great Yarmouth Borough Council is reminding residents to recycle wherever possible.
You can recycle in your green bin items such as glass jars and bottles, plastic food pots, tubs and food trays, aluminium foil and foil trays, juice and soup cartons. The only requirement is that these items are clean, dry and unbagged. You can also recycle Christmas cards, envelopes and wrapping paper, of which each year there is enough produced to reach the moon – some four hundred million metres.
However, please be aware that not everything can be put into your green recycling bins, including some wrapping paper. To discover which wrapping paper can be recycled, simply carry out the “Scrunch Test”, which can be seen here. After removing any sticky tape or labels, scrunch the wrapping paper into a ball. If it holds its shape, then it’s ok to recycle.
Refuse collections days will differ slightly over the festive period, meaning some collections will be earlier and some later. We ask that you carefully check your revised collection day and make sure your bin is presented by 6.30am that day. You can visit the council’s website at www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling if you need the list of revised collections dates and a quick reminder of what can and can’t be recycled.
Cllr Penny Carpenter, chairman of the environment committee, said: “Of course Christmas is going to be very different this year, but it is still really important that we all do our part to recycle as much as we can during the festive period.
“On average, there is an extra 30% of waste produced nationally and discarded over the festive season, which is unnecessary considering how easy is it to recycle products. Recycling helps reduce how much waste ends up in landfill and will help us all have a greener Christmas.”
Great Yarmouth Borough Council asks you to jingle all the way to the recycling bin this Christmas.
THE North Sea has finally claimed the Dunes Café after a battle that lasted years.
Early on 1st December the village woke up to the news that heavy overnight storms had battered the cliff edge in front of the café and had torn away a chunk of the car park, the café patio and part of its foundations.
Landowner Jan Hewitt made the difficult decision to demolish the building because it was no longer safe, having fought since 2004 to save it from erosion.
A sad farewell
Tank traps (boulders) from the Second World War had done sterling work as sea defences pushed into place in front of the car park and café against the relentless tidal surges and storms, but ultimately the fight was lost.
The day before demolition started utilities engineers were called in to cut off supplies and dismantle equipment as the area was cordoned off by police
Many residents, including management from the Hermanus, turned up to help remove items from the building.
Carmel and Mick Shiggins, who ran the café said on social media: “It is with great sadness that we have had to say goodbye to our Cafe. It has finally succumbed to the erosion devastating our coastline...it will be demolished on Friday.
"Thank you to all the people who helped us yesterday to remove everything from the Cafe... you were amazing!!
"We would like to thank all of the young people who have worked for us over the years and have gone on to do fabulous things you are awesome !!
"But mostly we would like to thank, from the bottom of our hearts, all the truly fabulous customers and their fur babies for their continued support... we love you all
"We will be opening our Cafe at Waxham Barn on Thursday ..it is a short walk to the beach and there is plenty of free parking ......and in March we will open our Cafe at Acle Bridge.
"Bye for now Mick Carmel and Family xxxx”
Friday came and a JCB digger arrived to start the demolition around mid morning. Many residents were there to see it and some posted photos and videos to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Dunes Café: March 1989 - December 2020
Both the toilets and car park will be open every day between 8.30am and 4.00pm. Car park attendants will be operating to keep any possible queues to a minimum. For the rest of this year and next the car park will be supporting the Friends of Horsey Seals. They will be manning the car park most Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays out of season. Takings on these days will go towards their charity.