OVER thirty volunteers from Preston Richard Parish have offered their services free to self-isolating households in the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Parish’s Emergency Plan was activated on Monday March 16 and the next day 300 “Help” cards had been printed. Volunteers gathered at Endmoor Village Hall, were registered, and allocated an area to distribute the cards and give assistance should the need arise.

The whole parish has been covered.

Wearing the Preston Richard Emergency Team Hi-Viz jackets, the volunteers will be able to offer free help to those self-isolating by getting shopping and prescriptions, posting mail, making a friendly telephone call, and in some cases, dog walking.

They are observing the new social distancing rules.

Most volunteers are neighbors of those self-isolating and have a close eye on their neighborhood.

The Village Shop and Bakery have teamed up to offer free delivery of groceries, newspapers, bread and pastries in Preston Richard and Patrick parishes. The proprietors of the “chippy” van, which serves Endmoor on Thursdays, have also offered free delivery of fish and chips.

As the pandemic is likely to grow, volunteers themselves may develop coronavirus symptoms and plans have been put in place to use reserve volunteers.

In addition, there will be an increase in households who are self-isolating.

For more information, or to get the services of a volunteer, contact Roger Gorman, Emergency Coordinator, on rogergormanr@aol.com, 07845662989, 01539566964; or Martin Smith, Preston Richard Parish Council Chairman, on Martin@smith-family.co.uk, 07388939762, 01539567453.