Newsletter ¦ 10th December
Greetings from the Jubilee Centre
I hope you and your loved ones are warm, dry, safe and well.
The week’s highlight was the wonderful concert by the Radcliffe Male Voice Choir. The choir were on fine form and everyone who came had the perfect start to Christmas. A big thank you to the Choir, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year and to everyone who joined us for the afternoon.
In this week’s newsletter, there is an update on the coronavirus in Bury, and our activities at the Jubilee Centre, our opening and closing times for Christmas and an advert for a minibus driver.
Coronavirus in Bury
As of Thursday 9th December, 479.8 people per 100,000 in Bury tested positive for coronavirus over the last 7 days – that is an increase of 31% from the previous week. On the same day, the England average was 502.4 people testing positive per 100,000 over the last seven days– an increase of 13% from the previous week’s figure.
One bit of good news is that In the week ending 1 December 2021, the percentage testing positive decreased for those aged 50 years and over – a strong indication that boosters are protecting people from infection.
The Bury Public Health briefing for the borough of Bury (dated 10th December, 2021) provides all the information about testing, where to get vaccinations, and other sources of help in Bury. Click here to download.
“Plan B” rules and how they affect our services
This week the government announced ‘Plan B’, a new set of rules that is being used to tackle increasing COVID cases and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the UK.
- You will not need to wear a facemask when visiting the Jubilee Centre, as it is a café, bar, dance hall and exercise venue, which makes it exempt from the requirement to wear a face mask. However, if you want to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so.
- You must wear a mask if you visit our shops.
- You will not need to provide proof of your COVID status to come into the Jubilee Centre.
We ask that if you are feeling unwell, please help us to stay open by not coming to the Jubilee Centre or our shops. We are asking everyone to use the sanitiser provided and be considerate in giving each other space.
As I prepare this newsletter, the news websites are full of speculation about “Plan C”. It is possible that further measures may be announced suddenly. We will announce any changes via a special e-newsletter, website, Twitter, Facebook, notice board and a message on our answerphone (0161 763 9030).
Get a Booster
If you haven’t had your vaccinations or booster yet, please make it your priority. Go to https://www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus-vaccine for more information.
Mask up
Facemasks are compulsory in all shops, in many indoor settings (libraries, museums etc) and on public transport. Shoppers and passengers who refuse to wear masks face fines of £200, which can rise to £6,400 for those wanting to flout the rules.
Activities next week (13th-17th December)
Melanie and Diana are both on holiday and so our timetable is smaller than usual. Next week’s activities are listed in one easy to read leaflet.
Timetable for week beginning 13th Dec 2021
Christmas Parties
Our Tea Dancers will be holding their Christmas Party on Thursday 16th December from 12.30 –4.00. The price is £10 which includes a buffet. Andrea, Keith & Nadine will be our hosts.
Our Line Dancers will be holding a Christmas Party on Friday 17th December from 1.00–4.00 pm. The price is £10 and this includes a buffet. It will be hosted by the one and only Malcolm Brister.
Tickets for both parties are now on sale at the Jubilee Centre reception. Refunds will be given if the event is cancelled; if you, or the person you care for, or the people you are coming with, fall ill; or if you are worried about mixing with other people. Refunds will be available at the reception desk at the Jubilee.
Our Café
Our café is open Monday to Friday next week. The main café will close to the general public on Thursday and Friday so our dancers can enjoy their parties.
Christmas and New Year opening times
The Jubilee Centre, our café, Friends Together and shops will be closed on Friday 24th December, Monday 27th December, and Tuesday 28th December.
We will reopen these services on Wednesday 29th December and Thursday 30th December.
Our Jubilee Centre and café will open from 9.30 to 2.00 on Friday 31st December.
We will be closed on Monday 3rd January and all our services will return to normal from Tuesday 4th January 2022.
Job Vacancy ¦ Friends Together – Minibus Driver
Age UK Bury runs four "Friends Together" groups to bring older people together. Our groups are aimed at people, aged 65 and over, who rarely see anyone from week to week or need a little extra support to get out for the day.
We are seeking a minibus driver to help older people to get to see their friends.
- Rate of Pay: £8.91/hour
- Location: The minibus is parked in Clarence Park. The service is located in Bury on Monday, in Prestwich on Tuesday, in Whitefield on Wednesday and in Radcliffe on Thursday.
- Hours: 16 hours / week. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 8.45 am to 10.45 and 3.15 pm to 5.15 pm. Some overtime is permitted.
For an application pack, please go to https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bury/about-us/work-for-us/
Free art activity booklet
A creative activity booklet - Create to Connect - is available to download for free from City Arts.
The specially designed booklet detail art activities that you can do at home, on your own or in a group. They are designed for people who have not done much art before.
Go to https://city-arts.org.uk/free-download-a-mindful-art-activity-booklet-to-reduce-isolation/
Keep warm and safe.
Andy and all at Age UK Bury
