Lockdown lumbers on and, whilst there has been an easing of restrictions, we are still some way off being able to re-open traditional services. Our staff and trustees are working hard, adapting to the ever-changing government guidelines to ensure a coherent plan is in place when we can welcome everyone back safely. We would be very pleased to hear from any of our members, those who care for them, or our volunteers, about any COVID-19 related concerns you might have. We can then build them into our plans.

Lizzie, our Communications Officer, and family have enjoyed alphabet-themed walks

Times are tough everywhere and we have had to put some staff on a rolling furlough until at least the end of July. Whilst we are still covering all the bases, it does mean that it may take a while before particular staff members can respond to you. Please bear with us! We are still keeping in touch with members by making regular welfare calls, sending them updates, extra newsletters and cards and helping with essential shopping or advice. Please give us a ring if you need a friendly chat or some assistance:

07875 288605 (Harrogate) or

07426 716677

(Wakefield)

OPEN COUNTRY NEWSLETTER

Lockdown Special No. 3

June 2020 Open Country is a charitable organisation

(1107331) which enables anyone with a

disability to access the countryside, through

the provision of outdoor activities and

information.

Allan is still enjoying local walks. See you soon, Allan!

Happy 30th Anniversary!

On 29th May, we celebrated our 30th

Anniversary with a ‘Zoom Party’, attended by over 50 party-goers. Sadly, we couldn’t share the birthday cake but instead shared stories from down the years. We’ll meet up properly when Lockdown ends. Hold that thought.

Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be...but here are two tales from the last thirty years. Read them, then tell us your own!

‘Ashen-faced’

We attended the ‘American Challenge’ day up at RAF Menwith Hill. Our American hosts split us into teams named after different US states. To help us enjoy the day, they brought along gifts and trinkets to let us learn about the represented states. Later, we enjoyed hearty American fare, with burgers, hot dogs and cans of Dr. Pepper piled high. Suddenly, amid the hubbub, Charlotte’s cry went up, “Stop eating that – it’s volcanic ash from Mount St. Helens!” A startled Graham was seen, literally ashen-faced, having accidentally consumed half a bag of one of the educational displays.

‘Old Fossils’

Our cyclists pedalled along Yorkshire’s ‘Dinosaur Coast’. At Ravenscar, overnight rain had loosened rocks from the cliff face. One chunk had raised, cylindrical fossils in parallel lines, just like a ribcage. We decided it was a fossilised plesiosaur! The discovery of the century was placed in a tricycle basket and we wobbled home. On our return to Harrogate, the ‘dinosaur’ was shoved under someone’s bed and our amazing find became the stuff of Open Country folklore. Years later, we revisited the site. Expectations were high as we wondered what dinosaur we would surely find this time. Maybe a T-Rex, or a Pterosaur? We went in the visitor centre at Ravenscar and saw a large lump of rock with the same ribcage-like design. To our dismay, it emerged we had not harboured a rare dinosaur all these years but fossilised Horsetail, a prehistoric forerunner of the modern persistent garden weed!

Here is the only surviving photo from our launch in 1990, with our VIP Baroness Masham. The gentleman on second left still attends, 30 years later!

Page 2

Lockdown eases ... a bit!

There has been some easing of restrictions and, as long as you observe social distancing measures, you can:

spend time outdoors or in private gardens e.g. enjoying the fresh air, picnicking, or sunbathing, in groups of up to six people.

exercise outdoors as often as you wish, for as long as you wish.

travel to an outdoor location irrespective of distance, as long as you return the same night.

use some outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis court, or golf course.

go to garden centres or outdoor markets.

spend time outdoors once a day if you are shielding with members of your own household or, for those shielding alone, with one other person from another household.

Opening Up...

Only nine of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s 112 nature reserves are still closed. Great news! Locally however, Ripon City Wetlands and Ripon Loop are still shut.

Elsewhere, the picture is changing on a daily basis. The RSPB have car parks open but no toilets or visitor centres.

In the North York Moors, the Sutton Bank toilets are open but only on limited hours.

At the time of writing, it is probably simplest to assume most public toilets are currently closed unless you learn to the contrary.

Our Allotment Rocks!

Our allotment has never looked better. If you are ever passing, pop in and chillax for a bit by the pond. Getting bored at home? If so, the allotment could do with some decorated stones to provide even more colour, ideally painted using acrylic paints or give them a coat of varnish to waterproof them. Here are some ideas..... rock on!

Page 3

Wild about Wakefield

Our Thornes Park base is shut for now, so please send mail to the Harrogate office. Ella and the team are working on lots of new ideas, projects and funding for Wakefield, so watch this space...

We’ve sent out 100 free 'Sunflower of Hope' packs to members and local people. The challenge has been designed to be a bit of fun during this dark time. We're asking participants to start sharing photos, videos and stories of their sunflower growing experiences so that we can spread a bit of joy over the next few months. The tallest sunflower grown by Yorkshire Day (Saturday 1st August) will win a special prize and all participants will receive a certificate for their green-fingered work. One grower wrote:

“I am welling up because I have never felt so loved. It is a comfort getting your calls and I really value your time to bring fresh fruit and veg round to my house. The sunflower project is great and I have already got 14 healthy looking seedlings. I just enjoy spending time looking after the sunflowers, it’s all very satisfying! It is the next best thing to having a pet.”

Page 4

Our Wakefield work has not gone

unnoticed. HM Lord Lieutenant of West

Yorkshire (who represents the Queen

in his County) has said:

“Dear Ella and colleagues. It has been

brought to my attention that you have

been providing an outstanding service

to the community during the Covid 19

crisis. As Lord-Lieutenant of West

Yorkshire may I express my heartfelt

thanks.

With very best wishes,

Ed Anderson”.

Call of Duty

Zoe Senior joined Open Country in 2018. She is a regular walker and cyclist and has a thirst for adventure too – last year she jumped out of a plane to raise sponsorship money for us!

We were really proud to hear that since Lockdown, Zoe, who is visually impaired, has been dedicating her time to a telephone befriending service with Lightwaves Community Centre in Eastmoor, Wakefield. She is currently ringing two isolated adults every couple of days in a bid to improve their mental wellbeing.

Zoe has a long history of volunteering to help others and it is really encouraging to see her kindness in action during this tough time. Zoe has also been running wildlife gardening sessions with her daughter Sapphire in her back garden.

We’re Spinning it out!

Ella has recently set up a Sunday morning virtual ‘Spin Class’. Anybody with an exercise bike at home and access to Zoom can join in the fun. We do around an hour on exercise bikes with a stretch session at the start and end. It’s lots of fun and includes all the silly moves to some disco classics. If you have an exercise bike at home, dust it off and join the group via Zoom. To get sent the weekly Zoom link, email Ella on wakefield@opencountry.org.uk or ring 07426 716677.

Adam Stokes: Our Unsung Hero

Community Foundation Wakefield's ‘Unsung Heroes Awards’, where our very own Adam Stokes was due to be given an award for his hard work helping us to ensure access for all in our community, were recently postponed due to Covid-19. We were really touched to get this message from Harry Gration, who presented the awards last year:

“Last year’s Unsung Heroes’ event was the most emotional uplifting awards ceremony I have EVER been involved in. By the end of the evening I was a jibbering wreck. I was moved by the presence of love and respect in the room. I cannot wait to do it again. A year is a long time but believe me it will be worth it. Please though get Kleenex to sponsor the night! If only for me. Stay safe and support your local heroes''.

Well done Adam, we look forward to seeing the trophy next year!

Page 5

Fundraising News

Open Country alumnus Chris Hunter and his wife Rebecca are taking on a tandem cycle challenge to raise much needed funds for Open Country. Our own ‘Geordie Coast’ tandem extravaganza had to be postponed this year due to Coronavirus. However, keen to rise to the occasion, Chris and Rebecca are going to tandem cycle the equivalent of the ‘Way of the Roses’ 170-mile route. They will achieve this by completing 68 laps of their local Liverpudlian countryside spot, Sefton Park, in one weekend! Please visit their fundraising page below and support the ‘Liver-pedal-ians’ on their challenge on the weekend of July 11/12

th, by following their updates

using #OutThereTogether. We wish them all the best, comfy saddles and good luck!

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/

CovidCoastToCoastChallenge

We know money is tight for many, but here are ways you can help Open Country without it costing you a penny!

You can also support Open Country when you shop online through Amazon Smile: Use https://smile.amazon.co.uk instead of https:// www.amazon.co.uk. Once logged in as normal, please choose Open Country as the Charity you wish to support. Amazon Smile donates 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible Amazon Smile purchases directly to Open Country.

We’ve registered with #easyfundraising so you can help us just by shopping online! Use the ‘easyfundraising’ website or download the App to shop with 4,000 retailers like John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Just Eat, Argos and M&S. When you buy something, the retailer donates to us! Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/opencountry

We have been chosen as one of the nominated charities in the Aviva Community Fund to take part in a crowdfunding campaign to secure funds for our befriending work in Wakefield District. We aim to raise £1,300 to ensure the wellbeing and physical health of the most marginalised Wakefield residents. From 3

rd June

members of the public can support Open Country by going to www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk and searching for ‘Wakefield Disabled Befriending Service’. Then from 10

th

June Aviva employees each get to donate £25 towards their chosen campaign. If you know anybody who works for Aviva, please sing our praises!

Lots of lovely people have been donating to Open Country at this difficult time. Thanks so much! If you qualify, please consider gift aiding your contribution, either online or using one of our forms. It gives us an extra 25%, at no extra cost to you.

Page 6

Website Windows on Nature

It’s not as good as the real thing but here are some web links for getting your nature fix during Lockdown:

Whilst their beautiful gardens are still closed, the ‘National Garden Scheme’ and garden owners are working to bring their gardens to life for you with virtual garden visits, tips and stories.

https://www.ngs.org.uk/virtual-garden-visits

The RSPB have a great guide to identify birdsong (as a bonus it comes with a fab picture of a ‘shouty’ robin too!)

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-songs/what-bird-is-that/

Paths for All, in Scotland, have compiled loads of articles and podcasts about staying active both indoors and out.

https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/podcasts

Finally, check out all our great new outdoor blogs on our very own website.

http://www.opencountry.org.uk/blog/

Nicky’s Lockdown Refrain

Nicky Wynn, stalwart volunteer, writes: “After reading the May Newsletter I went out in my garden to weed and move daffodil bulbs. Whilst I was there on my knees, the idea of a song for this time and Open Country came to me! We will get there, Love Nicky”. (Top Tip: Hum ‘Jerusalem’ as you read - it helps!)

And did those wheels, pre-lockdown time

Roll upon Yorkshire's hills of green?

And was the Open Country van

On England's pleasant byways seen?

And did the walking groups go out

In sun or on those clouded hills?

And was the countryside enjoyed by all

And nature found in ponds and rills?

Bring me my bike of burning gold!

Bring me my tandems of desire!

Bring me my gears: o maps unfold!

Bring me my Kelly Kettle of fire!

I will not cease from mental fight;

Nor shall my spade sleep in my hand

‘Til we have claimed the countryside

And hike again o’er Yorkshire’s land.

Page 7

York on the Wild Side

Seeing nature locally is the name of the game right now, so our York residents, may like the free booklet 'Wildlife Sites around York’, which lists many sites with disabled access. The booklet can be downloaded from the iTravel York website at:

https://www.itravelyork.info/walking/walking-for-leisure/wildlife-walks/

Once open, copies are available at York and Acomb Explore Libraries.

Become a Spokes-person

The perceived health risks of using public transport right now means there has never been a better time to promote cycling. Why not sign up to support www.harrogatecycleaction.org.uk? It’s a great way of telling our local councils how important it is to encourage more people to take up cycling.

Page 8

Great Yorkshire Creature Count Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st June

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is on a mission to discover how many different wildlife species can be recorded in 24 hours and are challenging Yorkshire folk to record what they see on their doorsteps. Whether it’s looking and listening out of a window, exploring the nooks and crannies of a terraced yard, or scouring a leafy garden - they want to know what you see and where you see it! Spot it, snap it, record it!

The Count begins at midday on Saturday, and runs right through the night to finish at midday on the Sunday. You can join in for as long as you like - whether that’s 20 minutes or several hours. No special knowledge or skills are required - they’ll provide you with everything you need to make it easy and fun. Sign up at:

https://www.ywt.org.uk/great-yorkshire-creature-count

TC Our Head Office address is:

Open Country, Community House

46 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LT.

Temporary Office Tel: 07875 288605

(07426 716677 - Wakefield)

Email: info@opencountry.org.uk

wakefield@opencountry.org.uk

www.opencountry.org.uk

Complaint? Our confidential trustees’ email

address is opencountrytrustees@gmail.com

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Please email info@opencountry.org.uk if you would prefer to receive our

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