A “bare-almost-all” calendar is set to brighten the kitchens of the residents of Isle Abbotts as breasts and bits are bared for charity!
On this, the 25th anniversary of the original Calendar Girls film, a group of gutsy women, including two octogenarians, have whipped off their bras, thrown caution to the wind and bared all in the name of Cancer Research.
All of them have been affected by cancer in their everyday lives and at the time we took the photos, there were 2 bereavements - one a young husband and father of 3. They just wanted to do something to lighten the burden, inject some humour into everyday life and raise some cash for such a brilliant cause.
The ladies have been surreptitiously dashing in and out of each other’s houses, lowering straps, snapping away and creating a fantastic supportive spirit of solidarity amongst sadness, illness and death. The calendar is entirely funded by the ladies, so every penny goes to Cancer Research - and they have not been photoshopped - you get the real deal!
They are really hopeful that our calendar will cheer up local residents, raise spirits (and maybe the odd eyebrow) and bring in a good lump of money.
As we live in a Duchy of Cornwall village, they will be sending one to the King, who has visited our village on many occasions, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have now taken over the Duchy of Cornwall titles. With their own experiences of fighting cancer, they will understand our motivation and the need to keep humour and positivity at the forefront or our lives.
The ladies have had such fun creating this and maintain that whilst cancer destroys lives and our loved ones, it can also be a motivation for change, and a positive outlook is vital to get through troubled times. Please help us maintain joy and positivity.
Calendars, priced at £10 can be purchased by emailing isleabbottsvillagehall@gmail.com or ringing 077745 76009
They will also be live on ITV at 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday so tune in and have a giggle with them!!
AVIAN INFLUENZA (Bird Flu)
From 7th November 2022, it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their birds housed and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. This applies whether keepers have commercial flocks, or just a few birds in a backyard. Link to the housing order:- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs [Logo] (publishing.service.gov.uk)
The decision was made by the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, as the UK continues to face its largest ever outbreak of avian influenza – with over 70 cases since the start of October.
You should be vigilant for any signs of disease in your birds and seek prompt advice from your vet if you have any concerns.
You can help protect your birds and prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on your premises, including:
- housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds - including making sure that their feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.
- preventing access by poultry and captive birds to ponds and watercourses
- cleansing and disinfecting footwear and equipment before and after contact with poultry and captive birds (or changing into clean footwear before tending to your birds)
- regularly cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces in areas where birds are kept
- reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination, and using effective vermin control
- keeping fresh approved disinfectant at the right concentration for use at farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures
Full details of what is required can be found on the government website - www.gov.uk/bird-flu
You can also find a self-assessment checklist at the above link to help you put the measures in place, as well as more information about the virus.
You can keep up to date with any future changes by regularly visiting the avian influenza section on the government website, and by registering for email or text alerts - www.gov.uk/guidance/apha-alert-subscription-service
The risk to public health from the virus is very low, however it is important that people don’t pick up sick or dead birds.
You should call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 if you find:
- one or more dead bird of prey or owl
- 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
- 5 or more dead birds of any species
The Food Standards Agency advice remains unchanged, that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
ISLE ABBOTTS PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council have received complaints concerning dog fouling in the areas of Otterham Lane (The Drove) and Townfield footpath (linking Blind Lane down towards the River).
POLITE notices will shortly be displayed in these areas and we would respectively ask all dog owners/walkers to clear up their dog poo wherever it may be in the village.
Thank you.
Isle Abbotts Parish Council
15/05/21
