NEWS...

*Following a NHS England audit we will be stopping emailed prescription requests on 31st March 2019. Patients are encouraged to use the Access system to order medication. Please contact Alison Harries to obtain a password.

*   Staffing Sister Kim Harries has now joined the practice for four days a week. Kim has been the Diabetes Nurse here for many years but will now be taking on a more extensive chronic disease role.  The practice will not now have a medical student until May.

* The Virtual PPG website is now live. The website is MyPPG.

*Ear Wax Removal  Lesley Woakes, Head of Primary Care at the CCG, has responded to the PPG and offered to come to a meeting (hopefully April) to discuss this ongoing issue.

* A Memorial Walk is planned for the Spring more news on which later.  

**Training dates: Leintwardine surgery will be closed for the afternoon on the following dates 13 March, 12 June, 11 Sept, 11 Dec '19 for staff training.C.M. PPG 

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HUNGARIAN FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Why is a 19th century Hungarian national hero buried far from home in a tiny Herefordshire village?

https://player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-hungarian-freedom-fighters-1980-online

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa took 199 years to build - and began leaning soon after it was finished!

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How beautiful Mortimer Ward looks at present, the milder winter has resulted in spring flowers and blossom appearing much earlier than usual and it is an absolute joy for me to drive around the area.

Although some time ago, I  just wanted to comment on the NDP referendum. The turn out was low which was disappointing and although it was close to Xmas, I pointed out in my article for the website and elsewhere that anyone can get a postal vote which might not only have been useful on that occasion but would also avoid people being unable to reach a polling station due to poor weather if a general election was called during winter months. 

I have received an email from a resident congratulating Balforur Beatty on their salting performance to date and that their timings had been impeccable. Also that they were not spreading too much salt with great piles randomly dumped all over the place as has been seen many times. They also observed that the “Veloceraptor” patching machine appears to be effective with patching holding up. I have passed the compliments onto Balfour Beatty as I think it important to give praise as well as criticism. 

The budget for 2019/20 was recently agreed. The Council received late on an extra £2 million. There were a number of rural one off projects which were included. One of these was that a £250,000 pot of money would be put to one side for parish councils who operate a Lengthsman scheme to bid for up to £25,000 in order to carry out small drainage improvements on minor roads. There was also money set aside for dealing with more major drainage projects.

A second Parish Council Summit was held in January and well attended again with over 50 Parish Councils represented. This one concentrated on how communities could assist with looking out for their more vulnerable residents. This included the Good Neighbour Scheme which is running in many parishes across Herefordshire and is just getting underway in Aymestrey. 

I note that a further section of road from Lingen to the A4110 has been repaired and although by no means perfect the road is now in a much better condition than previously. My frustration is that it takes so long to get such works carried out. 

Update for March 2019

We had another busy time last month with a mixture of relaxed meetings, sociable fundraising and an inspiring speaker. The first lunch of the month was at a local venue.  The following week we welcomed Rotary Friends and guests to our quiz and supper at the Baron in Bucknell, our regular venue. This was a fundraiser for Rotary’s “End Polio Now” project and was very enjoyable.  And the month finished off with Di Emmett from the Breast Cancer Haven in Hereford telling us about the amazing work the charity undertakes for those who have, or are recovering from, breast cancer. We are proud to have the Haven as one of our chosen charities for this Rotary year.     

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LINGEN AUGUST DIARY DATES

CHURCHYARD FETE Saturday 24th

NEEDLING ALONG sewing exhibition Sunday 25th

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Our Council tax bills are set to rise by 4.9%. for 2019/2020.  This is the second financial year running Herefordshire Council has raised this annual tax by 4.9%.

It only seems like two minutes ago since I was wishing you all a Happy New Year!  Where has a whole two months gone?

They say as you get older time goes faster. Something to do with a year being a smaller percentage of your whole life. Or the other theory being that you have fewer life landmarks and that makes it feel as if the years go faster. Apparently you should do different  things as often as you can. Learn something new. Try something new. Go somewhere new. Push yourself. Set a goal, even a silly goal, and work to achieve it.

 So... if you've never been to FLIX on a Friday evening or an AAI event now's your chance!!   FLIX is back in September with another batch of six screenings!