CHINNOR PARISH COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER
December 2008
(Pandemic: a disease affecting persons over a wide geographical area )
The World Health Organisation (WHO) are concerned that the world is due
for an influenza pandemic in the near future, as historically the pandemics
return at regular intervals. Although there are no indications at the moment
that a pandemic is imminent, given the extent of world travel today, if an
outbreak does occur it is expected to spread world wide very quickly. ‘Flu is
not just a bad cold, it can be a debilitating and very serious, sometimes fatal
illness, and as such could affect many of the services that we take for
granted.
All the major institutions such as the NHS, Police and Utility
companies have contingency plans already in place so that when the Department
of Health officially declares a pandemic in our area, these plans will be
initiated. However, local communities will be required to provide a large
degree of self help for everyday requirements.
All but the very seriously ill will be expected to quarantine
themselves in their own homes and self medicate. This could obviously present
difficulties for people on their own, children with sick parents, etc. who
would have difficulties getting shopping, medicines etc., particularly if the
utilities such as electricity, water and supplies of food and fuel are
disrupted.
THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP.
The Parish Council, in consultation with several village organisations,
are preparing a plan based on street “Friends”, volunteers who are prepared to
be responsible for an area of the village, a street, or part of a street. These
volunteers would be prepared to assist residents in their area with any
difficulties as they occur, all co-ordinated through a central office at the Village
Centre. We are pleased to report that we already have some volunteers from the
U3A and Neighbourhood Watch, but we need
many many more. Even volunteers might get the ‘flu and we need back up.
Although this may sound alarmist, and the Parish Council would be very
pleased if we never needed to use this plan, it will be too late to try and
organise a plan such as this once a pandemic has been declared.
If you are able to become a volunteer for this plan, irrespective of
your age, or ability, please fill in the tear off slip below and return to the
Parish office in
The information given will
be confidential until a pandemic is officially declared.
Name:
Address:
Telephone No. e-mail
CRB checked (needed for child care) YES / NO
Any useful specialist skills.
PARISH COUNCIL
OFFICE
The parish council have now moved into the new office in Station Road opposite the entrance to St. Andrews School. The new address is :-
CHINNOR PARISH COUNCIL
BRUNEL HOUSE
36 STATION ROAD
CHINNOR
OXFORDSHIRE OX39 4QH
Tel. no. 01844 353267 e-mail address :- chinnorpc@btconnect.com
AND FINALLY:
The Christmas tree is once more in position outside the Mayflower chinese restaurant and it serves as a visible reminder of the many unnoticed things that happen around the parish thanks to the efforts of the Parish Council, and its employees. Being human, we don’t always get things right, but they are always done with the intention of making Chinnor a better place to live.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow councillors and our employees for their sterling work throughout the year.
One of the few honours that comes with being Parish Council Chairman is laying the first wreath on behalf of the village, at the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.
After laying the wreath in honour of the ordinary people, who became extraordinary by sacrificing their lives for us, I stepped back and paused for a few seconds, and it brought into perspective the current financial crisis the World is going through.
It indicated to me that, even in difficult times, with determination, consideration, and goodwill there are few problems that we cannot overcome.
On behalf of Chinnor Parish Council, and our employees Liz, Jo, Trevor and John, I would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Michael Dix
Chairman Chinnor Parish Council
Published by : Chinnor Parish Council : December 2008
http://www.chinnorparishcouncil.org.uk