COVID -19 HOBKIRK COMMUNITY BULLETIN 2
Volunteering
A good number of individuals within our community have volunteered to help. Some of these volunteers are restricted by medical conditions within their family and are housebound or some have livestock responsibilities. However, they have an important role as communicators – talking to people who are vulnerable, lonely or under considerable stress. The more readily available volunteers are those who have offered to drive and run errands. They will be identified by wearing florescent jackets and carrying an ID card. They will have a certain degree of priority when supermarket shopping.
Getting supplies and getting chatting.
We are using the facebook page Port 19 to help communicate within the community as to what help and support is available. Most posts are shared through the Bonchester Bridge Community & Village Hall page, but it is recommended to “like” the Port 19 page to get information directly. There is also a dedicated Helpline on 01450 390041. Free deliveries of pre-ordered food and assistance with shopping are available and a “virtual pub” has been organised on Zoom for Friday night.
Shielding
Some people with underlying health conditions have been asked to self-isolate (or shield) for at least 12 weeks. They are receiving letters this week to inform them what this means and what services are available to them. The letter comes from the Scottish Government and is 10 pages long! These people will require additional support from our community volunteers; more details to follow.
Insurance
Alastair Ross, Assistant Director of Association of British Insurers (ABI) at 25/3/2020 has indicated that If you are using your own car for voluntary purposes to transport medicines or groceries to support others who are impacted by Covid-19, your cover will not be affected. You do not need to contact your insurer to update your documents or extend your cover.
Scottish Border Council
All up to date information can be accessed at www.scotborders.gov.uk/coronavirus
Hub locations have been established for children of key workers and vulnerable children. These children can now be booked in to attend via an online booking system.
All kerbside collections continuing as normal. Community Recycling Centres (Hawick) are closed from today (Tuesday).
Contact Centres
All closed now but please call 0300 100 1800 to talk to someone or make an appointment.
Social work/Care
The 0300 100 1800 Customer Advice and Support Service number continues to operate as normal for customers.
- Social Work out of hours - 01896 752111
- Borders Care centre - 01896 752431
- Homecare service - 01896 662701
- Joint Learning Disability Service - 01896 740200
- Local Area Co-ordination service - 01896 664155 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Other services
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People are encouraged to visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/coronavirus which is being updated with thechanges to all SBC services.
The Rhayader and District Male Voice Choir
On Friday 25th October the William Laidlaw Memorial Hall was privileged to host the wonderful internationally famous Rhayader Male Voice Choir from Powys for a charity event in aid of the Borders Children’s Charity. The male choir was accompanied by their partner ladies’ choir, Frinfdiau (friends), and pianist Bethan Rees.
There was standing room only as the choirs performed a range of traditional and modern songs in Welsh and English.
A surprise addition to the programme was an appearance by Bonchester’s own Henry Douglas ably accompanied by ‘Shankend Mac’.
Both choirs were greatly impressed by the enthusiasm of the welcoming Bonchester audience as well as the famed hall acoustics in what was a memorable night for all present.
An invitation to return has already been issued and we hope to welcome the choirs again in the not too distant future.
