Community News

Sharing this important update from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA):

A red heat-health alert has been issued for six regions of England, including the South West from 1am on Wednesday 24 June until 11pm on Thursday 25 June.

A red heat-health alert indicates that a severe heatwave could have impacts beyond health and social care with potential effects on transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses, and indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population.

UKHSA will continue to work closely with the Met Office, the NHS and other government departments to assess the impacts of this hot weather.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA said:

Very hot weather is forecast across large parts of England in the coming days and we are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared. It is vitally important that people understand the risk posed by high temperatures like these, and take steps to keep themselves and their friends, families and neighbours safe.

UKHSA guidance on staying safe in hot weather is available online. There you can find a full list of the groups who are especially at risk, as well as advice on keeping yourself and others safe during periods of hotter weather, such as:

• keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
• stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
• try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest – if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
• take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
• check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening – also check weather forecasts to see when it will be cooler.

More information on common symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else experiences them are available on NHS.UK.

We are delighted to announce that the very first Northleach Community Volunteer Award has been presented to Kelly Mustoe in recognition of the time and effort she has given to supporting our community.

Kelly was nominated for her role in Northleach Teen Space, which provides a safe and inclusive space for young people to socialise. Through her time and commitment as a committee member, Kelly has helped Teen Space achieve its aims of supporting young people in the local area and preventing social isolation.

The award was presented at Northleach with Eastington Annual Town Meeting on Weds 27 May 2027, where the council also took the opportunity to recognise the many volunteers who give their time throughout the year.

From supporting local events to gardening and other maintenance tasks, volunteers play an essential role in our community and help to ensure it is a fantastic place to live. Special thanks went to:

• Volunteer painters who redecorated the interior of Northleach Pavilion.
• Volunteer gardener Carole who organised the planting of thousands of daffodil bulbs in the churchyard earlier this year, and continues to tend to the flower beds in the Market Place.
• Jan who is now in the third year of surveying our local wildflower verges.
• Northleach Drain Guardians who rally around to help prevent flooding in the town, and
• Northleach Wardens help to resolve all kinds of maintenance issues across the town.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to every volunteer who contributes, often quietly and behind the scenes, to support local activities and initiatives. Your efforts are appreciated and do not go unnoticed.

Congratulations once again to Kelly, and thank you to everyone who continues to volunteer and support our community.

Good news for people wanting to visit Bourton on the Water or Cirencester without a car.

Pulham’s 855 bus service will be increased to operate up to hourly between Bourton-on-the-Water and Cirencester. This will offer a direct link between Bourton, Northleach, Bibury and Cirencester all day.

To view the new timetable, please visit Pulhams’s website.

Pulhams’ 802 service between Bourton and the Rissington’s has also been expanded.

These improvements are funded by Gloucestershire County Council as part of their Bus Service Improvement Plan.