Dear Residents
It is a couple of weeks since I last wrote to you, during which time most of us have seen the pattern of our lives change completely.
Shopping Challenges
Our small local businesses have responded quickly the challenges of keeping us supplied, developing telephone and email ordering and delivery. An updated list of local suppliers is available on our website (www.wp-ra.org.uk ) and Facebook page – do keep an eye on them as things keep changing.
Larger organisations are increasing deliveries and prioritising more vulnerable customers – if you are in this category, do register with them. For the fit and able, the message is that you should shop in store to enable delivery slots to go to those who need them most. Keep shopping visits down to once or twice a week.
Gardening tips
The WPRA Gardening Club has come up with some tips on how to cope with no green waste collections, as well as how to obtain garden supplies. These are available to read on our website. The club has also established a plant swap area outside The Interiors Shop (which is still open online). Pot up and label any spare plants and drop them down. You can then browse the offerings to see if there is something that you would like to take home.
You may also be interested to know that Grosvenor Garden Centre is now offering deliveries. Ring 01244 625200 or email via their website: www.bluediamond.gg/garden-centre/grosvenor-garden-centre.
Cancellation of WPRA events
With regret we are postponing and cancelling some of our planned events for this year. Our AGM, due to take place on Wednesday 15 April, will be rescheduled this autumn. The Spring Community Action Day planned for next Friday, has been cancelled as has our Spring Quiz on Saturday 16 May.
Helplines and websites
A number of new helplines and websites have been established to provide support:
Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a dedicated helpline those most in need of help with self-isolation 0300 123 7031 which runs 7 days a week from 8am to 7pm. There is more local information on ‘Coping at home with Coronavirus’ on their website www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
The NHS Cheshire West Partnership has launched a 24/7 Mental Health Helpline – 0300 303 3972.
For the most up to date information about local matters and services, check on our WPRA website and Facebook page.
WPRA help for over 70s and the medically vulnerable
Government guidance is clear – stay at home unless absolutely necessary to go out, particularly if you are medically extremely vulnerable. Westminster Park Residents’ Association has organised a local support network of neighbours to support those who are over 70 or vulnerable.
If you need someone to collect your prescriptions, do some shopping for you or even walk your dog in order to enable you to stay safely at home, please contact me on 07752 854383, or email chair@wp-ra.org.uk or register on our portal via our website: www.wp-ra.org.uk
Many of our volunteers are also happy to give you a call to keep you up to date with what is happening locally, so if you would like one of them to ring you, do let me know.
Please join your Residents’ Association
The challenges presented by the coronavirus have made us all realise how important our local community is to us and how valuable our neighbours are. If you are not already a member of the Westminster Park Residents’ Association, I would urge you to join to enable us to carry on our work supporting and informing our local residents. You can join via our website and pay online, or put your subscription of £3 in an envelope with your name, address, phone number and email address on the front and pop it through our Treasurer, Sandra Magilton’s door at 31 Rowcliffe Avenue.
The spirit of Easter is all about hope, love and joy, all of which we are in great need at present. The committee of Westminster Park Residents’ Association send their warmest Easter wishes to you and your family.
STAY AT HOME THIS EASTER, PROTECT THE NHS, SAVE LIVES
Kind regards
Jennifer Crew
Chair, Westminster Park Residents’ Association