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Matters

LOCAL EVENTS BECOME CORONAVIRUS CASUALTIES Fears over the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic have unfortunately led to a number of local events to be cancelled. St George’s Fayre, which was due to be held in March on Sunday, April 26th, is a notable casualty, as is the March Summer Festival, which was due to be held in June. Organised by Fenland District Council and a committee of volunteers, St George’s Fayre usually attracts thousands of people to the town every year. Cllr Peter Murphy, the council’s cabinet member responsible for events, said: “St George’s Fayre is a highlight in the calendar, so it is with deep regret that is has had to be cancelled. We realise this will be a great disappointment to the thousands who usually attend, and to our loyal stall holders, but it is necessary in these unprecedented circumstances. “I’d like to thank the events staff and the committee for all the hard work they have put into this year’s event, and we look forward to it returning next year.” Meanwhile MADAOS – a group which performs pantomimes, concerts and musicals in March – has had to cancel its performance of ‘9 to 5 the Musical’ which was due to be held at the MCC, Station Road, March, on April 15th-18th. The show has been called off because the venue is unable to allow the group to perform. Ticket Source, which arranges bookings for the shows, will contact people who have already bought tickets. Finally, the 6.5k Walk to Remember, which was due to return for a third year to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough and planned for Sunday, May 17th, has been postponed. For more information visit www.sueryder.org/walktoremember Further events are likely to become casualties of the coronavirus, so please contact the relevant organisations for the latest updates.

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MINIMISING THE RISK Preparations have been underway in Fenland to help minimise the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). The Fenland District Council has undertaken a number of precautionary measures in response to guidance from Public Health England and the Government to ensure the authority is well prepared to respond to the outbreak and help prevent the spread of infection. The council has been working in close partnership with the health authorities, who are leading on the response to coronavirus at national level. It is also working with partners in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Resilience Forum which is meeting regularly to discuss potential risks and impacts for Cambridgeshire and plan jointly. Health advice posters have been put on display in the council’s customer service centres, community hubs and staff offices, and additional hand sanitisers have been installed. The latest advice and links for further information and updates are also available through the council’s website at www.fenland.gov.uk/ coronavirus, and are being shared through the council’s Twitter and Facebook pages. Cllr Steve Tierney, Fenland District Council’s cabinet member responsible for emergency planning, said: “There are some really simple steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others to stop the spread of viruses and germs, including coronavirus. “These include covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and following good hygiene practices. For the latest updates, you can see the dedicated NHS coronavirus webpage at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19.”

We are excited to announce that Greater Peterborough UTC is now accepting applications from students who wish to start with us in Year 9, 10 and 12 in September 2020! After a successful consultation and with the full support of the Baker Dearing Trust we are finally able to share this excellent news, which means that young people who are passionate about STEM are now able to come to our school at an even earlier age. We are the school of choice for the engineers, architects, scientists and designers of the future in Peterborough and the surrounding area. Our innovative approach prioritises employer-led enrichment activities, work experience and personalised careers’ guidance, alongside technical and traditional qualifications at GCSE and A Level standard. "Expanding our age range to include year 9 means we are able to offer our specialist curriculum to even more of Peterborough's young engineers, architects and designers." GPUTC Principal, Mr Bisley

To ensure students are well prepared for their GCSE exams, Year 9 students will study English, Maths and Science in a way that is linked closely to their project-based challenges. Teachers will focus on closing any knowledge and skills gaps, embedding and accelerating students’ learning, ensuring a smooth and purposeful transition from their previous schooling, so all students are ready to start their GCSE programmes in earnest at the start of Year 10. Students will also have one hour of PE and one hour of personal development per week. Applications are now open for Year 9 as well as Year 10 and 12 for a September 2020 start. For more information visit www.gputc.com, call 01733 715950, email applications@gputc.com and follow our socials @GPUTC

CORNERSTONE GETS A POSITIVE TICK… Cornerstone Practice in March has had its activities to identify and support carers, including young carers and young adult carers, recognised by the awarding of the Carer Friendly Tick. It joined Addenbrookes Outpatients Department in Cambridge, Alconbury and Brampton Surgeries, Norfolk Healthy Child Programme (0-19), and MTM Youth services in Norfolk, in receiving the award by Caring Together after showing the work they are doing to identify people who are carers, and give them the relevant support. Hellesdon High School in Norfolk has also had its accreditation renewed after initially being awarded the Carer Friendly Tick in January 2018. Andy McGowan, Head of Carer Services at Caring Together, said: “With three in five of us likely to be a carer at some stage in our lives we are seeing more and more organisations in our communities recognising the importance of identifying and supporting carers of all ages.” Dr Wendy Harrison, senior partner at Cornerstone Practice, March, said: “Recent studies show that caring has a huge negative impact on both

APRIL 2020 physical and mental health with carers often neglecting their own health needs, leaving them vulnerable and at risk. “Here at Cornerstone we really want to make a difference to these unsung, forgotten heroes, and make it as easy as possible for them to access the care they need themselves, while they provide care to others.”