Welcome to Inkpen

Website updated 10-JUly-20

Covid-19 update

Local councils in England and Wales have issued alerts following reports of bogus calls and messages asking for money to cover the cost of coronavirus testing kits. Official tracers will never ask for payment of any kind or for bank details.

Getting a test for Covid-19. Tests are available for all adults and most children in the UK with a fever, a new continuous cough or a loss of smell or taste. You can apply for a swab test for yourself, or for anyone in your household, if you or they have symptoms. To apply, click here.

Everyone should carry a face covering when they leave home in order to tackle covid-19, the head of the UK's national academy of science has said. He said face coverings should be worn "whenever you are in crowded public spaces", and added that evidence shows that face masks protected both the wearer and those around them. Nearly 80% of those testing positive for Covid-19 show no symptoms so it will be hard for you to recognise someone able to infect you. It is for you to take the initiative.

Wearing face coverings on public transport is to be compulsory in England from 15 June. There will be exemptions for young children. Those who don't comply may be stopped from travelling and passengers can be fined.

THE LATEST COVID-19 GUIDANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT IS PROVIDED HERE.

This week's West Berkshire Council news update is here. Community and West Berkshire Council information has been added here.

DON'T PUT OTHERS AT RISK - PLEASE ADHERE TO THE GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES ON EXERCISE, SOCIALISING AND SHOPPING. IF YOU DO HAVE TO GO OUT, THINK ABOUT WEARING A FACE MASK (See item on the News page). THE GOVERNMENTS RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING RELAXED BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT COVID-19 IS ANY LESS DANGEROUS. PLEASE BE ON YOUR GUARD, STAY SAFE AND MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Latest guidance and information
Covid-19 cases are still occurring in West Berkshire - it hasn't gone away, so be on your guard. For the latest guidance and information on what to do as a precaution or in the event of getting possible symptoms, go to the News page. If you are in good health, please make sure that any of your neighbours that might be vulnerable to the covid-19 are able to manage and are well, and keep in touch with them regularly. If you are aware of someone in Inkpen who is self-isolating but may not be getting help, please contact the clerk to the Parish Council.

Just to reiterate, if you need help and are in self-isolation, the News page provides a list of those offering to help you - take your pick.

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NEWS

Bulletin
To download your copy of the latest Bulletin click here.

Email and Phone Scams
There are always people out to exploit the vulnerable, especially at times where peoples attention is diverted to other matters of harm. A number of Covid19 related phishing emails have been reported to Action Fraud. These emails and texts attempt to trick you into opening malicious attachments which could lead to fraudsters stealing your personal information, logins, passwords, or banking details. If you get emails that you aren't sure about, or unknown people phone you or knock on your door, ignore it and please seek advice - go to ActionFraud. If you are using electronic devices that don't have up-to-date virus protection, please get it fixed - if in doubt, talk to one of the helper listed on the News page. A range of current scams, including track and trace scams, is listed on the News page.

Little Steps
Some of our local shops are now opening for business. These small businesses have been hard hit by the pandemic, so your support is essential in order for them to get back on their feet. For example, the bakery in Kintbury is now open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am till 1pm. In addition to bread, their Chelsea buns are excellent, as are the quiches and pies. Support your local shops. For more on this, go to the News page.

The History Group have had a bit of fun during lockdown and they hope you will find it both fun and interesting too. To see what they've been up to, click here.

St. Michael's Church and the Coronavirus
Places of worship will be allowed to open for private individual prayer under government plans to be announced next week. These are not expected to include weddings of any size, or full services - which will come at a later date. The prime minister is set to outline measures which will come into effect in England on 15 June..

VE'75
On the 8th of May, we marked VE’75, the 75th anniversary of the end of the second world war in Europe. It was an opportunity for us all to spare just a few moments to think of those people, those individuals, caught up in the tragedy of the second world war and of their many heartbreaks and sadnesses. Fuller details are given here. Some images of Britain's VE celebration can be found here.

Animals, Cars and Covid-19
There is information about how Covid-19 affects cats, dogs and other animals, on the news page, along with a bit of advice from the RAC on how to keep your car in running order during your period of self-isolation..

Things for you to do
If you find yourself stuck indoors, the news page offers loads of advice on resources, something for all ages (well almost), from age 3 upwards.

Going for a walk
If you want a breath of fresh air and some exercise, check out the Inkpen walks, but keep your distance from others, that's at least 6 feet apart in old money. If you feel that you should wear a face mask when outdoors, then checkout the design given on the News page.

Also on the news page this month there are a number of updates including from the Inkpen Primary School and pre-school, from the Playing field trust and Village Hall, and there's this months Police Report .

Climate change issues are taking hold and Inkpen's role in this will be discussed at the Parish Council and the IMPFT meetings. Climate issues haven't gone away and don't deserve a lesser priority even now. Climate change IS a pandemic just as much as COVID 19 is.

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inkpen parish council

Parish Council public meetings are, for the time being, suspended. Councillors will conduct their business by email.

Parish Council Information including planning updates, an archive of previous minutes and agendas, and dates for up-coming meetings. In addition, there are updates on environmental issues, library services and services such as high speed broadband.

There's a register of Councillor's details and interests, Council financial reports, details of the Code of Conduct, and application forms for village groups to apply for the limited Parish Council grants.

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other sections cover ....

Click on the MENU button to navigate to the particular pages of interest. Some pages are updated more often than others depending on level of new information.