Bicester

Coronavirus Help

Although we are no longer in lockdown some of the information on this page may continue to be useful so we will leave it here for the moment.

With all the links - if you get a message saying 'content can't be shown in a frame' click on 'open new page'

LATEST INFO

  • TVN Study Days As you all know Thames Valley Network (TVN) are holding regular study days on zoom. I know many of you have attended these sessions and the feedback is very good. Just click on TVN Study Days to access the TVN web page giving details of all the current study days.
  • Internet Archive is a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more. For those looking for a bit of radio nostalgia click on Old BBC Radio Shows to go to a directory listing of old BBC Radio Shows. There’s classic fiction, comedy, drama, dramatisations, plays, documentaries, Shakespeare…. Something for all tastes, I think.
  • Clicking on individual links will take you to the relevant page which will list all episodes of your chosen subject. Choose the mp3 version for greatest compatibility, and the episode will load up and play. The more technically-minded should be able to download the episode to their device of choice for listening later. The system has been tested with ‘Hancock’s Half Hour’, ‘Round the Horne’ and Dr Finlay. The links work with I-pad, I-phone, laptop, desktop. Smartphones haven't been tested, but they should be OK.
  • Volunteer Driver Service If anyone has an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccination and is looking for a means to get there call the Volunteer Driver Service on 0300 3030 125

CONTACTS

  • Age UK Answering Service and Help Line 01865 411288 If you have a worry or a problem ring, leave a message with your name and phone number and they will get back to you.
  • There is telephone support for people in Cherwell and West Oxfordshire - guidance on help that is available, support for people feeling anxious and suggestions on how to keep well at home. Telephone 0300 004 04 01 community.connect@nhs.net
  • There are new contact details for Cherwell residents who are shielded or extremely vulnerable - call 01295-227051 or email cdcshield@cherwell-dc.gov.uk. The Oxford contact, 01865 897820 shield@oxfordshire.gov.uk Mon - Fri 8.30 - 8 pm Sat & Sun 9 - 5 pm, still deals with personal care for the vulnerable.

WHAT'S ON

  • Games Check out the link Games to Play Online for many free table top games. These include Hearts, Mahjong, yahtzee and backgammon to mention a few.

THINGS TO DO

  • British Bird Songs For an alphabetical list of bird (257) and their songs go to Bird Songs
  • If you want some colouring in sheets based on L S Lowry's famous paintings click on Lowry
  • Free Origami instructions - click on Origami
  • Visit museums, galleries, zoos, parks, stately homes etc without leaving your house - see the list and links at Virtual Tourist Attractions
  • Rummikub - you can play on line with your friends. Google Rummikub on line. The App is free from the Apple Store.
  • Don't forget the Open University has lots of short FREE courses available through their OPEN Learn programme. Again google to find this.
  • Body Coach has a chair workout for seniors. You can find this on You Tube.
  • The Libby App allows people to borrow library digital books and read them on their smartphone or iPad. You must have your library card number in order to register with Oxfordshire County Council, library online service. Just google Libby App - the directions on how to download and use are very easy.
  • Another library app Borrow Box Click here Borrow Box to get to the site.

USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

  • Zoom for those of you interested in hosting zoom sessions here's our user guide for hosts, and also the one for participants. Zoom Hosts Zoom Participants
  • For everyone struggling with online applications like Zoom, there are how-to-guides on the U3A website click How to guidance
  • Bicester Chat (Facebook)
  • Bicester Community Chat (Facebook)
  • You may have seen, if you signed up to the Third Age Trust Mailings, that there is a new Facebook Group, U3A: Keeping in Touch. This is a very useful group.