Hambledon moved into the next phase of lockdown easing today – but who expected the day to dawn with snow showers!
On a day when people could sit outside in a pub garden for the first time in three months, the occasion was greeted by unseasonably cold and wintry weather.
This was the view across the fields looking towards the village from Hydestile at 8am this morning.
But the weather soon perked up and, although remaining chilly, the village shop was able to welcome back customers to its outside seating where they could enjoy drinks and food from the delicatessen counter.
Here is the same view just a few hours later.
At the Merry Harriers, guests were arriving to stay at the shepherd huts and locals can look forward to gathering in groups of up to six in the garden for table service later this week. Hours will be limited to afternoons and early evenings to start off with, so give the pub a call to check.
At the shop the deli counter is now open each day including weekends until 1.30pm and the shop until 2pm. Customers will still be served outside for the time being but the table and chairs are now back in place to serve drinks and food.
The village church doors are open and some Sunday services taking place inside, as well as being streamed online. Check the church website for further details.
April 12th was Stage 2 in the Government’s calendar of Coronavirus lockdown lifting, and sees the reopening of non-essential shops in England and Wales, with hours extended until 10pm, hairdressers, salons, gyms, outdoor attractions and pubs and restaurants with outside space. Six people, or two households, can meet outdoors.
This follows the continued fall in the rate of Covid 19 infections and deaths, together with the vaccine roll-out.
The next stage is due to take place on May 17th, when six people or two households can meet indoors, pubs and other hospitality venues can have customers inside with distancing, hotels, theatres, cinemas and museums can reopen and indoor sport and exercise can take place.
Finally, on June 21st, it is hoped that all legal limits on social contact will be removed.
For full details please follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do