All Members will appreciate that like almost every Organisation in the Country we are unable to participate in group activities until cleared by the Government. That said, the Wey Valley Walks have dried out and at least we can get some fresh air and exercise while complying with Government instructions.
Of interest, when out in the sun enjoying the view from the top of the Ridgeway, Imogen and I picked up some discarded personal property. At least it was useful to clear it away before it was submerged and lost under the Spring growth.
As soon as I have more news on possible activities for our Society I will of course let the Membership know.
Meanwhile , please stay safe, the Virus will lose in the end.
This is the information on Coronovirus mentioned in my Spring report.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
CORONAVIRUS
If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold
Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose. 3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the Sun.
If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne
If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours – so if you come into contact with any metal surface – wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.
On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it.
Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.
Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but – a lot can happen during that time – you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.
You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice. 10. Can’t emphasis enough – drink plenty of water!
THE SYMPTOMS
It will first infect the throat, so you’ll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days
The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.
With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.
The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you’re drowning. It’s imperative you then seek immediate attention.
Members will not be surprised to know that the Corona Virus has dominated your Management Committee (MC) thoughts and plans for our Society in the coming months. The next MC Meeting at the end of this month is under review as is our AGM which I had hoped might take place in early May , but until the National picture becomes clearer, i am not going to commit to any formal Society activities.
Meanwhile, we are all being vigilant and sensible in our personal lives and complying with Government Instructions. However, as a Society, we do try and look after our people when flooding threatens , so in this case let us think about those who may not have much support in the Wey Valley and assist them if they require help or reassurance.
There is some good news. While many sports and pastimes have been cancelled or postponed, we are still able to enjoy the Wey Valley and it’s walks in complete safety from the Corona Virus. The weather will certainly be fine next week and even beyond. !!
I will keep members informed of significant changes.
On the 5th March the EA raised the Wey flood risk from Flood Watch to Flood Warning following unexpected heavy rainfall which in Upwey amounted to 1.5″ in about 6 hours.
This rainfall, following so quickly after the third storm since Christmas, had the effect of pushing the groundwater level back to almost records levels.
The Society has created a Facebook Group page which it is hoped will be a good source of information to be shared with other members. Please apply to join and post any information about our valley and the river. Already there are some excellent photos taking in the Nottington area.
