Newsletter 13th July 2022

Cases are rising significantly in Oxfordshire and the hospitals are very busy (with Covid and heat related problems).  In view of this we think it’s prudent to ask everyone to take extra care.  Please don’t some to a session if you have any symptoms (eg runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue etc).  We also recommend that masks be worn again when you cannot avoid being in close proximity to others, especially with those who may be at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.  Whilst for many the symptoms may be relatively mild, the large number of infections mean that the number of people being hospitalized is increasing and many of our participants are vulnerable so please take care, Please use the hand sanitiser on arrival and, if our volunteers are busy, please help sanitise the cycles between users.

 

Unfortunately due to the higher risk levels we think we should suspend our catering table for the time being – sorry, we know it’s very popular but we need to be cautious.  We will still provide water and disposable cups to help keep you hydrated. 

 

Our Friday sessions continue as normal.  Our first Tuesday session was a success and the Tuesday sessions will continue each week from Tues 26 July until further notice.  The Tuesday session is ideal for those who prefer it a bit quieter or want a greater choice of cycles and for groups who come together.  If you’ve not yet booked a slot (for Tuesdays or Fridays), please email Jennifer@wfaoxford.org no later than by midday the day before.

 

We would love to expand our team of volunteers both to cover for people who are away due to holidays or illness and to help at our Tuesday sessions.  Anyone interested, please come and see what we do any time between 9.30am and midday on a Friday morning (or Tuesday from 26 July) – it’s great fun and highly rewarding.  We are happy for all help that is offered, whether occasionally or regularly, part of the morning or the whole morning – whatever suits you.  If you’d like more info, please let us know.  Phone Jennifer or Steve if you’d like to find out more (07764 950685 or 07736 069632).

 

Two of our volunteers (Hope and Tom) decided thay wanted to raise funds to help us buy another electric side-by-side cycle so they have been riding a tandem around Oxfordshire  They have been singing as they cycled around the county and clocked up 97 miles despite the high temperatures.  A very big THANK YOU to Hope and Tom for this great initiative.  There are photos and videos of their ride on our Facebook page.  They’ve so far raised about 2/3 of their target – if you’d like to help them get to their target please go to their JustGiving Page.

 

 Weather

At present the temperatures forecast for Friday morning are around 20 deg C so it will, hopefully, be pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.  Should the forecast change such that the very high temperatures(and hot weather warning) for Sunday move forward to cover the Friday session then we would probably have to cancel the session. If this happens, we will endeavour to let you know by email, Facebook and on our website