FARINGDON & DISTRICT U3A  12TH NOVEMBER ‘20

Thursday 12th November’20 at 2.30pm

The speaker will be Debi Evans,  a local author of children’s books who comes highly recommended;  she speaks at festivals and to many groups. Her talk is entitled Dragons and Rescue Dogs – My Inspiration to Write Books. Debi writes as if she is her Jack Russell and her books include lots of history woven into the adventure stories in which Rolo (the dog) takes part in the events. Debi will be talking online but there is a possibility to purchase books in time for Christmas  presents for the grandchildren. The talk is taking part on Zoom for which details can be found online at https://faringdondistrictu3a.com/   Put the talk in your diary!
 

Dear Members
I am writing to inform you about rising cases of COVID-19 in Oxford.

In the 7 days up to 25 September, there were 67 confirmed cases in Oxford, up from 33 in the previous week.

This means that the weekly rate for Oxford currently stands at 43.9 cases per 100,000 population and is at its highest level since May. The city is currently at amber alert status, but is edging closer to a red alert level.

The increase is predominantly among young people in the 18-24 age bracket. The rise is being seen across the city and is not focused on one particular area.

The fact that cases have doubled within the space of a week is a matter of considerable concern.  If cases continue to rise at this rate, then it is highly likely that we will need to introduce local control measures.  However, this needs to be put into context with the worsening national picture where England average is above the City at 55 cases per 100,000.  Therefore the increase is in line with the national picture.

We will be working with our Oxfordshire system partners to issue increased and targeted communications to help contain the situation and reduce the rate of infection. We would like to ask for your assistance to urge residents, particularly those in younger age groups, to continue to follow preventative measures.

We will start public communications this afternoon (30 September), and would very much appreciate your assistance in reinforcing these public messages from then. We are urging people to follow these six simple steps to keep themselves, their family and community safe:

• Keep your distance
• Stick to the rule of six
  
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Wear a face covering
  
• Symptoms? Self-isolate and get tested
• Download the NHS COVID-19 app
  

Further information is available at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/stopthespread. The website includes a weekly update of confirmed cases in Oxfordshire, broken down by district.
Kind regards,
 
Ansaf Azhar
Corporate Director of Public Health
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One of the most serious outcomes of the current pandemic problem is that thousands of people in the UK are losing their jobs. If you are one of these people, and are made redundant or offered voluntary redundancy, it is important that you thoroughly understand your rights and options.

The first thing to do if you are at risk of redundancy is to look at your contract of employment, which will spell out your basic rights. Make sure that your company abides by these conditions. Also, consider other sources of help such as your union if you belong to one. Bear in mind that if you have been in the job for less than two years you do not have as much job protection, but if for more than two years, your employer has to follow certain procedures, e.g. find you another job in the company if possible.

You can’t be made redundant in an unfair way or for discriminatory reasons. The reason must be a genuine one, i.e. the job you do or the skills you have are no longer needed, or the employer can’t afford you, or the business is failing. With technology advancing, sometimes fewer people are needed to do a given job.
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You might be entitled to receive redundancy pay, which increases with length of service and has two elements – statutory and contractual. Statutory pay (not paid to those who have less than two years’ service) is the minimum that the law says you are entitled to, and is based on your age, weekly pay and the number of years you have worked in the job. Contractual redundancy pay is the additional amount to which your contract may entitle you. If you have been furloughed, the law says that your redundancy pay must be worked out according to your usual wages, not the 80% furlough figure. Bear in mind that if your employer offers you a suitable alternative job and you refuse to take it without good reasons, they can refuse to give you redundancy pay. You can check that your redundancy pay is fair by using the calculator at https://www.gov.uk/calculate-your-redundancy-pay.

You are also entitled to a paid notice period or pay in lieu of notice, and the employer should give you paid time off for attending job interviews.

All the implications of redundancy are helpfully described on the Citizens Advice website at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/leaving-a-job  The website also gives advice about claiming benefits or dealing with your debts if you need this. You can talk to an adviser on our Adviceline, 0300 330 9042. Visit www.caox.org.uk to find your local Citizens Advice office.
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Download here if you need it.

While doing some research on Ancestry I came upon the Electoral Register for Great Coxwell for 1959.  By digging further I reached the 1935 Electoral Register.  I have found them very interesting and a number of people in the village have expressed interest (or already had copies from me), so I thought I would make them available to you all.  There are a number of names that will be very familiar.  I also have a register from 1939 which is more like the usual census, giving all people in a household, their dates of birth and their occupations.  However, the images are very dark so I will have to clean them up as much as possible to make them more legible.  If I succeed I will put them on here shortly.  I shall also see what others are available.

Dear Editor of the Coxwell Newsletter.
 
Thank you for publishing the story of Marian Czerwinski.  It is important to have it recorded.  I wonder whether the Oxford Polish Association would like a copy (I have sent a copy - Ed).  

​I well remember Marian’s smoke-emitting Robin Reliant.  One of its incarnations burst into flames on the corner of Puddleduck Lane, leaving black scorch marks on the wall of what was then Helen Anderson’s house.  
 
Ann-Marie and I look forward to receiving our copy of the Newsletter and enjoy reading about life in Gt Coxwell, where we had five very happy years.
 
Best wishes
Ian Beckwith (Vicar of Gt Coxwell 1997-2002).
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The below might be of interest, there's something for everyone.  Lots of stuff for kids too. Might help to dispel any October gloom a bit!

Regards Jacqueline

Oxford Science and Ideas Festival
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The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will take place (belatedly this year) on Thursday, 8th October at 6.30pm by Zoom.  If you would like to attend this will you please email Michael Harris at [email protected] so that he can send you a Zoom invitation nearer the time.
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A little bird told me that Daphne and Mark celebrated 50 years married last week on September 12th, described as long term stalwarts they have been in Great Coxwell since 1974.

Seen below on the big day, and later running the vegetable stand at the village fete - which was their "patch".

Congratulations!
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