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The Health Secretary is urging people to have their flu and Covid-19 booster vaccines after experts predicted the viruses could push the health service to breaking point this winter.

The Government has launched the biggest flu programme in the NHS’s history, with more than 35 million people in England eligible for a free vaccine.

Covid booster jabs are also being rolled out, with around 1.7 million people given these third jabs so far and around 28 million people in England eligible.

The Covid booster must be given no earlier than six months after a second dose of any coronavirus vaccine, according to guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

As the weather gets cooler, experts are calling on people to take up the offer of a flu and/or Covid booster when the NHS contacts them, and not to delay having either jab.

In some regions, people may be offered the Covid jab in one arm and the flu vaccine in the other on the same day, although this will not be available in every area.

Last winter, there were very few hospital admissions for flu as people social distanced but the health service is braced for a big surge in the coming months due to a lack of population immunity, people meeting more indoors and cooler temperatures helping the virus spread.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This year we are rolling out the largest flu vaccine programme in our history, alongside the new Covid-19 booster vaccine rollout; both are important to provide vital protection not only to yourself, but also your loved ones while also helping to ease pressure on the NHS.

“The Covid-19 vaccine programme is a fantastic example of how successful vaccination programmes can be – with around 130,000 lives saved.

“It is vital we continue that incredible progress with all those eligible ensuring they get both their flu and Covid-19 booster injections as soon as they are invited.”

Stokeinteignhead Village Hall presents the national theatre production company, Kick in the Head’s production of Old Herbaceous, on Saturday 25th September at 7pm.

Tickets are £10 and can be bought from Stoke Village Shop or via Judy Bowden at judyebarnes57@gmail.com or 07845 613855.
Bar will be open, plus teas, coffees and ice-creams.
Don’t miss this beautiful and amazing play: you don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy it!

Review from Edinburgh Fringe

“What exactly was the factor that kept the audience riveted to Giles Shenton’s performance? 

It’s a simple story: old Herbert Pinnegar has spent his life as a gardener at ‘the big house’ shares his memories with us.  His interest in flowers and plants was aroused with the help and encouragement of the village schoolmistress.  He won first prize in the village fair’s wild flower competition, and when “My Lady” presented him with the prize and whispered to him that he won because he had carefully cut the flowers, not simply yanked them out of the ground as others had: thus began his lifelong devotion to plants, and to her.  All the village boys were destined to work on the land, but Herbert refused: fortunately he was taken on as an apprentice by Captain and Mrs. Charteris at the Big House. We hear of Herbert’s first day at work and his gradual rise up the ranks within the garden until eventually he becomes head gardener, addressed as “Mr Pinnegar”

Week commencing 13 September

• 24-hour contraflow in place between Ashcombe Cross and Penn Inn to allow works on the Northbound carriageway. Waterproofing and resurfacing works to Northbound bridge decks, and signage works, until mid October Contraflow will then be repositioned to allow works on the Southbound carriageway.

Mid October

• 24 hour contraflow in place between Ashcombe Cross and Penn Inn to allow works on the Southbound carriageway. Reconstruction of carriageway to remove the ‘dip’ at Ideford. Waterproofing and resurfacing works to Southbound bridge decks.

Early November

• Work complete – removal of contraflow

The Village Hall committee needs new members as most of the present members are taking retirement after long service.

The hall has always had an active committee to run it efficiently but now, like many other Village Halls, it is threatened with closure unless we can recruit new people to be part of this valuable parish amenity.

The next Village Hall meeting is on the 7th September at 7.00 pm. In the Hall. As always, this is an open meeting and would be an ideal opportunity for interested parishioners to come along, see what needs to be done, see if it is something you feel able to be involved in running the hall. The AGM is in October and that would be the ideal time to come forward and join the committee.

Contacts:

Cathy (clerk) 01803 392419

Dot (Chair of Parish Council) 01626 872211

Bernard (Chair of Village Hall) 01626 873454

It would be a sad loss to the parish if the Village Hall were to close, but unfortunately,that is the reality so please do come forward if you are able.

We need you!

At Last, somewhere to voice your opinion and have a good discussion about anything that affects you here in the village, and beyond.