Since the Finham Parish Council has had to cancel its original plans for celebrating VE75 Day for this coming weekend, an alternative schedule has been suggested that allows everyone to take part without leaving home and observe the corona virus rules.

This Friday 8th May is the day 75 years ago that witnessed the formal acceptance of unconditional surrender of all German forces in Europe by the United Kingdom and its Allies.

To mark this historical event, this Friday 8th May at:-

• 11.00 am : Two minutes silence will be observed – to remember all the men and women of the armed services as well as civilians who made such sacrifices for us all so that we could live in a free democracy today. It is a time to reflect or remember in your own way, in the front garden, on your doorstep or at the window, standing or sitting.

• 3.00 pm : It was at 3.00 pm on 8th May 1945, 75 years ago that Winston Churchill delivered his famous victory speech which will be broadcast again as part of BBC One’s commemoration programmes.

• 4.00 pm : Tea & scones (or alternatives) on the frontages of our houses.

• 6.00 pm : Dinner and raise your glass to your neighbours and possibly to those you knew who served at the time and to deserving historical figures who played such an important part in the Victory in Europe.

• 9.00 pm Her Majesty The Queen will broadcast a message to the nation on BBC One, at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave his radio address in 1945.

This will be followed by a national sing-along of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’. We are all encouraged to open our doors and join in with this national moment of celebration.

(During the day, the main TV channels will be broadcasting a number of programmes which might be of interest.)

Paul Davies
Chairman
Finham Parish Council

A huge thank you to all who were able to attend Bob’s cortege on Wednesday which was the best any of us could do as none were allowed to be at his funeral due to coronavirus restrictions.

The lines of residents stretched from The Graylands, onto St.Martins Road and up the A45 as far as The Burnt Post as well as some applauding at the entrance to Canley Crematorium.

I know Angela, Anthony and Emma were stunned by the numbers and reaction to the cortege. One pallbearer stated that in over 20 years he had never witnessed anything like it.

A fitting send off for a man who will be sorely missed.

Thank you again

Sincerely

Paul Davies

Styvechale and Finham Empower Community buddy group (Covid-19)

We are a trusted network of volunteers covering the Stivichall, Finham and Wainbody areas. We are here to help those in need during the Coronavirus crisis, whilst keeping ourselves and others safe.

Our aim is to build a more connected community by acting with positivity and humanity, rather than panic, fear and distrust.

We have over 100 volunteers, all happy to help elderly and/or vulnerable residents with any practical assistance such as errands etc.

At the moment we are focusing on helping the elderly and/or vulnerable in our community, especially those who perhaps live alone and need help.

We can also be a friendly voice at the end of the telephone, for people feeling socially isolated and in need of a chat (although we are not trained counsellors).

Our organisation is endorsed by St. Martin’s Church, St James’s Church, Councillor Mattie Heaven, Parish Councillor Angela Fryer, Neighbourhood Watch and Finham Library, amongst others.

We have the necessary protocols in place such as a Code of Conduct, ID checks, Transaction Records for shopping deliveries, and a GDPR policy (drawn up by a lawyer who is part of our volunteer team).

Your support would be much appreciated in terms of endorsing us and passing this info on to people who may benefit. Even if practical assistance isn’t required, just the reassurance that our community is supporting each other may help reduce feelings of anxiety and social isolation.

Our FB group is: Styvechale and Finham Empower Community buddy group (covid-19).

You are most welcome to join the above group, which now has over 500 members since being created on Saturday. Our intention is to reassure and assist where possible, and absolutely not to increase fear or raise anxiety levels. Any inappropriate or unhelpful posts (scaremongering etc) are swiftly removed.

Kind regards,

Lisa and Jane

Lisa Goodsir

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

07834 336444

Jane Lisle-Holmes

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07725 403386

Attachments:

Lisa Buddy teams - TC list[638].pdf	[List of Buddy Teams]	144 Kb
SaFE poster[637].pdf	[Poster]	66 Kb

The 19th March Parish Council meeting is cancelled as is the Public meeting on the 27th March with Warwick District Council and Coventry City Council.