thedailyecho--2020-02-05--Fuel price cuts at supermarkets as Coronavirus hits oil price

Supermarkets are cutting the price of their fuel for the second time in a week .
Asda , Morrisons and Sainsbury 's have all cut their prices .
It comes as the RAC called on supermarkets to cut prices after the oil price fell , saying drivers were being `` unfairly punished '' .
The Coronavirus outbreak in China led to the sudden drop in the price of oil as people in the country - the world 's second largest consumer of oil - restrict their travel plans .
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said : `` We urge the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what drivers pay for fuel due to their massive market share , to pass on the wholesale savings they ’ re benefiting to motorists at the pumps , especially as they have actually increased forecourt petrol prices every day since 2 January .
“ Drivers have been unfairly punished as a result of the very short-term oil price rise caused by tensions in the Middle East .
`` It seems as though the big four supermarkets have been capitalising on this as the oil price has fallen steadily from a high of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 24 January .
This is the first time oil has been under $ 60 a barrel since 31 October 2019 . ''
Government figures published on Tuesday show average fuel prices at UK forecourts stood at 125.85p per litre for petrol and 131.48p per litre for diesel .
Sainsbury ’ s has slashed the price of unleaded petrol by up to two pence per litre and diesel by up to four pence per litre across all its 315 forecourts from Friday .
David Pegg , fuel buying manager for Sainsbury ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to helping our customers live well for less , which is why we ’ re dropping fuel prices for the second time in as many weeks , reducing the price of unleaded petrol by up to 2 pence per litre and diesel by up to 4 pence per litre across every single one of our forecourts from Friday . ''
Asda have lowered their price for the second time in a week , knocking four pence off a litre of diesel and two pence off a litre of petrol .
The change is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store 's 322 petrol stations .
The supermarket confirmed drivers will pay no more than 118.7ppl for unleaded and 120.7ppl for diesel .
The firm ’ s senior fuel buyer Dave Tyrer said : “ We will continue to put the savings straight back into drivers ’ pockets without any vouchering requirements meaning all our customers , regardless of their budget , will benefit from a price cut at the pumps.
” Morrisons said it would drop the cost of diesel by 4p a litre and unleaded by 2p a litre from Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's have all cut their prices.
It comes as the RAC called on supermarkets to cut prices after the oil price fell, saying drivers were being "unfairly punished".
The Coronavirus outbreak in China led to the sudden drop in the price of oil as people in the country - the world's second largest consumer of oil - restrict their travel plans.
RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: "We urge the supermarkets, who are so influential in what drivers pay for fuel due to their massive market share, to pass on the wholesale savings they’re benefiting to motorists at the pumps, especially as they have actually increased forecourt petrol prices every day since 2 January.
“Drivers have been unfairly punished as a result of the very short-term oil price rise caused by tensions in the Middle East.
"It seems as though the big four supermarkets have been capitalising on this as the oil price has fallen steadily from a high of $69.82 on 6 January to $59.75 on 24 January. This is the first time oil has been under $60 a barrel since 31 October 2019."
Government figures published on Tuesday show average fuel prices at UK forecourts stood at 125.85p per litre for petrol and 131.48p per litre for diesel.
Sainsbury’s has slashed the price of unleaded petrol by up to two pence per litre and diesel by up to four pence per litre across all its 315 forecourts from Friday.
David Pegg, fuel buying manager for Sainsbury’s, said: “We are committed to helping our customers live well for less, which is why we’re dropping fuel prices for the second time in as many weeks, reducing the price of unleaded petrol by up to 2 pence per litre and diesel by up to 4 pence per litre across every single one of our forecourts from Friday."
Asda have lowered their price for the second time in a week, knocking four pence off a litre of diesel and two pence off a litre of petrol.
The change is effective from today at all the food store's 322 petrol stations.
The supermarket confirmed drivers will pay no more than 118.7ppl for unleaded and 120.7ppl for diesel.
The firm’s senior fuel buyer Dave Tyrer said: “We will continue to put the savings straight back into drivers’ pockets without any vouchering requirements meaning all our customers, regardless of their budget, will benefit from a price cut at the pumps.”
Morrisons said it would drop the cost of diesel by 4p a litre and unleaded by 2p a litre from Thursday at all of its 335 filling stations.


thedailyecho--2020-02-05--Storm Ciara to bring gale force winds and rain to Hampshire this weekend

A WEATHER system set to bring winds of up to 80mph to Hampshire this weekend has been named Storm Ciara .
The Met Office officially named the weather storm which is currently developing in the North Atlantic .
Storm Ciara will bring strong winds and heavy rain across the whole of the UK through the end of the weekend and into the start of next week .
Wind gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected across many inland areas , while the strongest gusts in exposed areas could reach 80mph .
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6pm on Saturday until around midnight on Sunday .
Neil Armstrong , a chief forecaster with the Met Office , said : “ An extremely strong jet stream flowing from North America will be steering a succession of low-pressure systems towards the UK at least into the middle of next week .
The relative predictability of this pattern has provided an early warning and has given us the certainty to be able to name this storm four days ahead.
” Mr Armstrong said that the next few days will see largely fine conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become unsettled by Friday .
Saturday will be relatively dry for much of the UK , before strengthening winds and rain arrive from the west in the evening ahead of Storm Ciara .
Storm Ciara is the third named storm of the season which started in September .

The Met Office officially named the weather storm which is currently developing in the North Atlantic.
Storm Ciara will bring strong winds and heavy rain across the whole of the UK through the end of the weekend and into the start of next week.
#StormCiara has been named and will bring very unsettled weather across the UK through Saturday night and Sunday.
Continue to check our latest warnings 👉 https://t.co/Bf2zfPgzXr #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/eY6ufXmgc7 — Met Office (@metoffice) February 5, 2020
Wind gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected across many inland areas, while the strongest gusts in exposed areas could reach 80mph.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the whole country which is valid from 6pm on Saturday until around midnight on Sunday.
Neil Armstrong, a chief forecaster with the Met Office, said: “An extremely strong jet stream flowing from North America will be steering a succession of low-pressure systems towards the UK at least into the middle of next week. The relative predictability of this pattern has provided an early warning and has given us the certainty to be able to name this storm four days ahead.”
Mr Armstrong said that the next few days will see largely fine conditions for most of the UK before things become unsettled by Friday.
Saturday will be relatively dry for much of the UK, before strengthening winds and rain arrive from the west in the evening ahead of Storm Ciara.
Storm Ciara is the third named storm of the season which started in September.


thedailyecho--2020-02-05--New-born found floating in river. But who was the mother?

Clearing a fallen tree from a tributary of the River Test a group of workmen came across a small bundle floating in the water , though a large stone had been attached to weigh it down .
`` Wonder what this is all about ? ''
one pondered .
Opening it , he was shocked to find the corpse of a newly-born baby in an advanced stage of decomposition .
The surgeon who carried out the post-mortem was convinced he had not died from natural causes and had been `` destroyed by violent means . ''
By who was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was called to the scene a few hundred yards outside Hurstbourne Tarrant , believed a local woman was implicated and arrested seamstress Elizabeth Ware who had come to live with her brother , John , in the hamlet on St Valentines Day , 1859 , to avoid her reputation being tarnished as an unmarried mother because a few weeks later on May 1 she gave birth .
Her brother then called their cousin Ann Lambden , who worked as a kitchen maid in the service of the Earl of Portsmouth , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewed another maid Mary Hill and as a result of their conversation Ware , 24 , and Lambden , 26 , were charged with murder .
Following a statement to the local magistrates , the women were sent for trial at Hampshire Assizes - and that provoked a protest from inquest jurors who sat a day after the committal proceedings , damning their procedure as `` useless '' and closing the case , returned the only verdict open to them - that of wilful murder .
The foreman , the Rev .
Watkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J H Todd a note which concluded : `` The jury beg to express their opinion that the magistrates should have postponed the committal until after the inquest of which they had knowledge and their not having done so tends to weaken the constitutional and useful institution of the coroner 's inquest . ''
Ware and Lambden came before Mr Justice Bramwell on July 18 when the prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Hill to whom Lambden had confessed she had never wished to see her cousin after being told she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about four o'clock , she found she had been delivered of a baby and she told her to get a pan of water to put it in and leave it there until it was dead , and after it was dead to take it out and lock it in a box .
She said she did it and when she first went in , Ware was in bed with the baby and had her hands to its throat to suffocate it .
`` I asked her how she could do it and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if John knew anything about it and she said 'no . '
Hill said she had accused Ware of being pregnant when she left her home in Devon to live with her brother .
`` She said she was and intended to do away with it . ''
Surgeon Mr Hempstead , who had carried out the autopsy , confirmed it was too decomposed to determine any external marks of violence but on cutting the lungs he found them `` gorged '' with blood .
`` I believe the child was born alive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The child had been in the water ten or fourteen days . ''
The prosecution 's case against the pair seemed to grow tighter when Pc Joyant related a conversation between the two women in which Ware told her cousin that if she had ten children `` I would never do the like again .
I hope God can forgive me . ''
Jurors were told Ware had remained silent when the magistrates asked her if she had anything to say in terms of her defence , but Lambden had stated : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for pardon if you will forgive me . ''
Inexplicably , however , the Crown could not muster sufficient proof Ware had given birth to the baby found in the water , an issue exploited by her counsel Mr Cole who commented : `` I have never heard looser evidence to support a charge of murder .
There was nothing seen at her residence to indicate she had been confined .
It is a sea of speculation . ''
Mr Karslake , defending her co-accused , said Lambden was renowned for her kindness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is it likely without motive she would be a volunteer to put out of this world a helpless and defenceless baby ?
The only evidence against her is her so-called confession but that confession is not supported by the evidence .
It is a well known fact that men have implicated themselves in crimes of which they were entirely guiltless from motives which can never be fathomed or explained . ''
The seed of doubt was further planted by the judge who underlined the fact there was no proof the baby had been @ @ @ @

"Wonder what this is all about?" one pondered.
Opening it, he was shocked to find the corpse of a newly-born baby in an advanced stage of decomposition.
The surgeon who carried out the post-mortem was convinced he had not died from natural causes and had been "destroyed by violent means."
By who was the mother?
Andover-based Superintendent Charles Hodge, who was called to the scene a few hundred yards outside Hurstbourne Tarrant, believed a local woman was implicated and arrested seamstress Elizabeth Ware who had come to live with her brother, John, in the hamlet on St Valentines Day, 1859, to avoid her reputation being tarnished as an unmarried mother because a few weeks later on May 1 she gave birth.
Her brother then called their cousin Ann Lambden, who worked as a kitchen maid in the service of the Earl of Portsmouth, to join them because she was ill.
Hodge interviewed another maid Mary Hill and as a result of their conversation Ware, 24, and Lambden, 26, were charged with murder.
Following a statement to the local magistrates, the women were sent for trial at Hampshire Assizes - and that provoked a protest from inquest jurors who sat a day after the committal proceedings, damning their procedure as "useless" and closing the case, returned the only verdict open to them - that of wilful murder.
The foreman, the Rev. Watkin Temple, handed to the county coroner J H Todd a note which concluded: "The jury beg to express their opinion that the magistrates should have postponed the committal until after the inquest of which they had knowledge and their not having done so tends to weaken the constitutional and useful institution of the coroner's inquest."
Ware and Lambden came before Mr Justice Bramwell on July 18 when the prosecution relied heavily on the testimony of Hill to whom Lambden had confessed she had never wished to see her cousin after being told she was unwell.
"When she went down about four o'clock, she found she had been delivered of a baby and she told her to get a pan of water to put it in and leave it there until it was dead, and after it was dead to take it out and lock it in a box. She said she did it and when she first went in, Ware was in bed with the baby and had her hands to its throat to suffocate it.
"I asked her how she could do it and she said she did. I asked her if John knew anything about it and she said 'no.'
Hill said she had accused Ware of being pregnant when she left her home in Devon to live with her brother. "She said she was and intended to do away with it."
Surgeon Mr Hempstead, who had carried out the autopsy, confirmed it was too decomposed to determine any external marks of violence but on cutting the lungs he found them "gorged" with blood.
"I believe the child was born alive and died from strangulation or suffocation. The child had been in the water ten or fourteen days."
The prosecution's case against the pair seemed to grow tighter when Pc Joyant related a conversation between the two women in which Ware told her cousin that if she had ten children "I would never do the like again. I hope God can forgive me."
Jurors were told Ware had remained silent when the magistrates asked her if she had anything to say in terms of her defence, but Lambden had stated: "I have nothing to say but ask for pardon if you will forgive me."
Inexplicably, however, the Crown could not muster sufficient proof Ware had given birth to the baby found in the water, an issue exploited by her counsel Mr Cole who commented: "I have never heard looser evidence to support a charge of murder. There was nothing seen at her residence to indicate she had been confined. It is a sea of speculation."
Mr Karslake, defending her co-accused, said Lambden was renowned for her kindness, humanity and good conduct.
"Is it likely without motive she would be a volunteer to put out of this world a helpless and defenceless baby? The only evidence against her is her so-called confession but that confession is not supported by the evidence. It is a well known fact that men have implicated themselves in crimes of which they were entirely guiltless from motives which can never be fathomed or explained."
The seed of doubt was further planted by the judge who underlined the fact there was no proof the baby had been born to Ware.
Following a short deliberation, jurors acquitted both women.


thedailyecho--2020-02-05--He was sentenced to hard labour and made a free man the same day

FEAR and joy - the emotional extremes of a teenage groom .
ONE minute he faced a week 's hard labour in Winchester Prison , the next he was a conditional free man - such was the unexpected fate of Williams Adams convicted of assaulting an acquaintance .
Elizabeth Osgood was on her way to cut furze on Selborne common when she saw the teenager standing at a farmyard gate who called her over .
But instead of striking up a conversation , Adams , 17 , swiftly pushed her through the gate , flung her on the ground and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He then got off and despite her shocking ordeal , she did not say anything for four days , even though she saw a local farmer 's cowman minutes later and that very evening attended a tea to which Adams had also been invited .
Jurors hearing the case at the Hampshire Winter Assizes of 1886 were told conflicting evidence .
The cowman Henry Bailey said the girl appeared to have been a consenting party and had urged Adams to write to her but that contrasted with the evidence of Pc Sharp who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Adams four days after the incident .
The delay caused the groom 's barrister Mr Crofton to scorn : `` She is not worthy of credence . ''
However , jurors deemed she was and Adams was jailed for a week with hard labour .
The judge , Mr Justice Fitzjames Stephen , had obviously pondered over the issue at lunch and following the recess recalled Adams to the dock .
`` I think the better course now would not be to send you to prison , '' he said bounding him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Behave yourself and you will hear no more of it . ''

ONE minute he faced a week's hard labour in Winchester Prison, the next he was a conditional free man - such was the unexpected fate of Williams Adams convicted of assaulting an acquaintance.
Elizabeth Osgood was on her way to cut furze on Selborne common when she saw the teenager standing at a farmyard gate who called her over. But instead of striking up a conversation, Adams, 17, swiftly pushed her through the gate, flung her on the ground and threw himself on top of her.
He then got off and despite her shocking ordeal, she did not say anything for four days, even though she saw a local farmer's cowman minutes later and that very evening attended a tea to which Adams had also been invited.
Jurors hearing the case at the Hampshire Winter Assizes of 1886 were told conflicting evidence.
The cowman Henry Bailey said the girl appeared to have been a consenting party and had urged Adams to write to her but that contrasted with the evidence of Pc Sharp who said the 14-year-old had made a complaint about Adams four days after the incident.
The delay caused the groom's barrister Mr Crofton to scorn: "She is not worthy of credence."
However, jurors deemed she was and Adams was jailed for a week with hard labour.
The judge, Mr Justice Fitzjames Stephen, had obviously pondered over the issue at lunch and following the recess recalled Adams to the dock.
"I think the better course now would not be to send you to prison," he said bounding him over in the sum of £20. "Behave yourself and you will hear no more of it."
Adams gleefully nodded and left court.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Pranksters wrap swings in cling film in Totton park

To the surprise of residents , pranksters in Totton covered the kids play area in Cheam Way Park with cling film .
The swings and play house were wrapped in layers of the product overnight between February 4 and February 5 .
Colleen Geary , who lives on Cheam Way , saw the play park on a Facebook community group and headed straight down there with a bin bag to clear the rubbish .
She then cleared up the park to let kids continue playing .
Colleen said : “ I saw it on Facebook and thought I would come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help out because I know the kids use it .
“ I am not annoyed , we have had graffiti and things on the park so this is not bad at all.
” Nicki Desty , a Totton resident , said : “ There ’ s a lot of nasty kids going round Totton right now , no respect for anyone or anything .
`` If anyone should say anything to them , they spit or deliberately ride their bikes into them and that ’ s on a good day .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poor drivers are having to slam brakes on to avoid hitting them , their luck will run out and that poor driver is going to go through hell .
“ So I think the cling film prank not only is harmless and protects the equipment from harsh weather , it ’ s a massive change in their behaviour.
” Residents praised the prank and dubbed it a “ nice change ” following serious crimes such as burglaries and vandalism .
Emma Birtwell , who works in Totton , said : “ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , complete harmless fun - most of us at some stage have cling filmed or toilet rolled something over the years .
“ With all the robbing and hatred going on it ’ s actually nice to see a harmless prank . ''
She added : “ They hurt nobody and damaged nothing I can honestly say some people need to remember they was kids once.
” This comes as vandals targeted an iconic war statue .
The War Horse memorial in Romsey had its reigns and paint damaged .

To the surprise of residents, pranksters in Totton covered the kids play area in Cheam Way Park with cling film.
The swings and play house were wrapped in layers of the product overnight between February 4 and February 5.
Colleen Geary, who lives on Cheam Way, saw the play park on a Facebook community group and headed straight down there with a bin bag to clear the rubbish.
She then cleared up the park to let kids continue playing.
Colleen said: “I saw it on Facebook and thought I would come and clear it up - I wanted to help out because I know the kids use it.
“I am not annoyed, we have had graffiti and things on the park so this is not bad at all.”
Nicki Desty, a Totton resident, said: “There’s a lot of nasty kids going round Totton right now, no respect for anyone or anything.
"If anyone should say anything to them, they spit or deliberately ride their bikes into them and that’s on a good day.
"They play chicken on the roads and poor drivers are having to slam brakes on to avoid hitting them, their luck will run out and that poor driver is going to go through hell.
“So I think the cling film prank not only is harmless and protects the equipment from harsh weather, it’s a massive change in their behaviour.”
Residents praised the prank and dubbed it a “nice change” following serious crimes such as burglaries and vandalism.
Emma Birtwell, who works in Totton, said: “I think this was funny, kids being kids, complete harmless fun - most of us at some stage have cling filmed or toilet rolled something over the years.
“With all the robbing and hatred going on it’s actually nice to see a harmless prank."
She added: “They hurt nobody and damaged nothing I can honestly say some people need to remember they was kids once.”
This comes as vandals targeted an iconic war statue.
The War Horse memorial in Romsey had its reigns and paint damaged.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Ambulance and lorry involved in crash on northbound side of M3 between Eastleigh an Winchester

AN ambulance and a lorry have been involved in an accident on a Hampshire motorway .
The collision occurred on @ @ @ @ @ M3 between Junction 8 and Junction 9 .
Three crews from Winchester and Eastleigh fire @ @ @ @ @ the scene .
Long delays on the M3 North between J9 Winnall and J8 Popham @ @ @ @ @ ambulance and a lorry .
Please avoid the area @ ROMANSE @ HantsPolRoads @ SCAS999 @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service ( @ Hants_fire ) February 6 , 2020 It is @ @ @ @ @ injured in the accident , which occurred shortly after 11am .
A Hampshire police spokesman @ @ @ @ @ called at 11.13am today to a report of a collision involving a lorry and an @ @ @ @ @ 8 of the M3 northbound .
`` Both lanes are blocked and the road has @ @ @ @ @ the scene . ''
South Central Ambulance Service have been contacted for comment .

The collision occurred on the northbound side of the M3 between Junction 8 and Junction 9.
Three crews from Winchester and Eastleigh fire stations were called to the scene.
Long delays on the M3 North between J9 Winnall and J8 Popham after an accident involving an ambulance and a lorry.
Please avoid the area @ROMANSE @HantsPolRoads @SCAS999
📸| @alexgustarr pic.twitter.com/LulNaZ9QCr — Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (@Hants_fire) February 6, 2020
A Hampshire police spokesman said: "We were called at 11.13am today to a report of a collision involving a lorry and an ambulance between junctions 9 and 8 of the M3 northbound.
"Both lanes are blocked and the road has been closed while officers attend the scene."
A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We received a 999 call at 11.10am with the caller reporting a collision between a lorry and an ambulance on the M3 northbound between junctions 9 and 8, resulting in the ambulance rolling over on to its side.
"We currently have a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance and our Hazardous Area Response Team at the scene who have reported that both drivers of the two vehicles are currently being assessed for minor injuries.
"The ambulance was one of ours but was being driven by a member of our fleet maintenance team and was not on active operational duty."


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Tottenham v Saints: Saints fan arrested over alleged anti-Semitic comment

A SAINTS fan was arrested last night over alleged anti-Semitism .
Hampshire Police 's Football Unit say the fan was @ @ @ @ @ comment during Saints ' 3-2 FA Cup Fourth Round Replay defeat to Spurs at the @ @ @ @ @ Daily Echo has contacted the Metropolitan Police and Saints for a comment .
Last night @ @ @ @ @ off to a bad start for Saints when Tanguy Ndombele 's strike took an unfortunate @ @ @ @ @ Stephens and past Angus Gunn for an own goal .
But Shane Long managed to @ @ @ @ @ , before Saints took the lead through a Danny Ings strike .
Tottenham 's Lucas @ @ @ @ @ before a late penalty by Heung-Min Son won it for the home side .

Hampshire Police's Football Unit say the fan was arrested over an alleged anti-Semitic comment during Saints' 3-2 FA Cup Fourth Round Replay defeat to Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Daily Echo has contacted the Metropolitan Police and Saints for a comment.
Last night's FA Cup replay got off to a bad start for Saints when Tanguy Ndombele's strike took an unfortunate deflection off Saints defender Jack Stephens and past Angus Gunn for an own goal.
But Shane Long managed to pull one back before half-time, before Saints took the lead through a Danny Ings strike.
Tottenham's Lucas Moura levelled six minutes later before a late penalty by Heung-Min Son won it for the home side.
More to follow...


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Hampshire is the 'amphetamines capital of England and Wales', new figures reveal

HAMPSHIRE is the amphetamines capital of England and Wales , the latest figures on drug seizures reveal .
The Police Federation has warned that a `` proliferation of illicit drugs on the streets of the UK '' is being used to fund serious crime , following the first rise in drug seizures across England and Wales for seven years .
Hampshire Constabulary made 67 seizures of amphetamines in 2018-19 , according to figures released by the Home Office .
At 34 seizures per million residents , it was the highest rate for any police force in England and Wales .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are stimulant drugs , categorised as a Class B , which are considered to be less harmful than Class As .
Possession carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison plus an unlimited fine , while those caught supplying it could face a 14-year spell behind bars .
They were the second most commonly confiscated Class B drug across England and Wales during the year , behind cannabis .
Overall , Hampshire Constabulary recorded 3,962 drug seizures during the year , an increase of 17 per cent , and the third consecutive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,995 seizures for every million residents , lower than the rate of 2,432 per million across England and Wales .
The most frequently seized drug was cannabis ( 3,527 ) followed by cocaine ( 248 ) .
Across England and Wales , the number of drug seizures increased for the first time since 2011-12 .
Police and border forces recorded 153,000 seizures , an increase of more than 16,000 in one year , but still far lower than the peak of 241,000 seen in 2008-09 .
Labour MP Jeff Smith , co-chair of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform , said the figures were `` little reason to celebrate '' .
`` The illicit drugs market is resilient to the extent that a major bust is only likely to disrupt supply for a matter of hours , '' he said .
`` With UK drugs-related death figures the highest on record , the Government ’ s approach to drugs policy is doing nothing to avert the public health crisis we face .
`` The real priority should be to focus on education and to bring in harm-reduction measures that will save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policing lead for the Police Federation , said the figures demonstrate `` the importance of all law enforcement agencies in the UK working in a joined up way '' to tackle organised crime .
He added : `` These figures also reflect the huge amount of drugs which are available , as both prices and purity of drugs available on the street don ’ t seem to have been affected .
`` This is a concern which underlines how there is a proliferation of illicit drugs on the streets of the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organised crime . ''

The Police Federation has warned that a "proliferation of illicit drugs on the streets of the UK" is being used to fund serious crime, following the first rise in drug seizures across England and Wales for seven years.
Hampshire Constabulary made 67 seizures of amphetamines in 2018-19, according to figures released by the Home Office.
At 34 seizures per million residents, it was the highest rate for any police force in England and Wales.
Amphetamines – also known as speed – are stimulant drugs, categorised as a Class B, which are considered to be less harmful than Class As.
Possession carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison plus an unlimited fine, while those caught supplying it could face a 14-year spell behind bars.
They were the second most commonly confiscated Class B drug across England and Wales during the year, behind cannabis.
Overall, Hampshire Constabulary recorded 3,962 drug seizures during the year, an increase of 17 per cent, and the third consecutive rise.
The figures mean there were 1,995 seizures for every million residents, lower than the rate of 2,432 per million across England and Wales.
The most frequently seized drug was cannabis (3,527) followed by cocaine (248).
Across England and Wales, the number of drug seizures increased for the first time since 2011-12.
Police and border forces recorded 153,000 seizures, an increase of more than 16,000 in one year, but still far lower than the peak of 241,000 seen in 2008-09.
Labour MP Jeff Smith, co-chair of the all-party parliamentary group for drug policy reform, said the figures were "little reason to celebrate".
"The illicit drugs market is resilient to the extent that a major bust is only likely to disrupt supply for a matter of hours," he said.
"With UK drugs-related death figures the highest on record, the Government’s approach to drugs policy is doing nothing to avert the public health crisis we face.
"The real priority should be to focus on education and to bring in harm-reduction measures that will save lives."
Simon Kempton, operational policing lead for the Police Federation, said the figures demonstrate "the importance of all law enforcement agencies in the UK working in a joined up way" to tackle organised crime.
He added: "These figures also reflect the huge amount of drugs which are available, as both prices and purity of drugs available on the street don’t seem to have been affected.
"This is a concern which underlines how there is a proliferation of illicit drugs on the streets of the UK, all of which goes to fund serious organised crime."


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Man arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation after police raid house in Roewood Road in Holbury

POLICE carried out a drugs raid in a Hampshire village and discovered about £100,000 worth of cannabis being grown at the property .
A large number of officers converged on a semi-detached house in Roewood Road , Holbury , and discovered scores of cannabis plants being grown on both floors .
Officers gained entry to the property by smashing a glass door and spent several hours conducting an investigation .
A man was injured jumping out of an upstairs window at the back of the house and was carried to a police vehicle after injuring his leg in the fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32-year-old suspect had been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis .
People living in the area said the curtains had been closed for several weeks , with no sign of any activity at the property .
One woman said : `` I saw five police vehicles at the house and a lot of officers wearing gloves and masks .
`` My first thought was that someone had died .
With all the drug dealing around here you never know who might had had an overdose . ''
The woman said police arrived before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 3.30pm .
She added : `` One of the windows at the back of the house was open wide - really wide - and I 'm told someone had jumped out .
`` I had n't seen any activity at the property for ages .
It was almost as if there was no-one living there . ''
A man living nearby said : `` I saw about six police vehicles outside the house , with officers going in and out of the door .
`` Nothing like this has ever happened around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many police . ''
A police spokesman said : `` Officers in the New Forest found a large cannabis 'factory ' after executing a warrant at a property in Holbury .
It is believed that £100k worth of cannabis was being grown within the house .
`` Following the discovery officers arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of cannabis cultivation . ''
Waterside Police tweeted : `` House searched and substantial cannabis farm discovered .
Evidence seized and investigation now ongoing . ''
Police have issued advice on how to spot a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong , sickly smell , high levels of condensation , curtains drawn all day long , the constant buzz of a fan and bright lighting at all times of the day and night .

A large number of officers converged on a semi-detached house in Roewood Road, Holbury, and discovered scores of cannabis plants being grown on both floors.
Officers gained entry to the property by smashing a glass door and spent several hours conducting an investigation.
A man was injured jumping out of an upstairs window at the back of the house and was carried to a police vehicle after injuring his leg in the fall.
Last night police confirmed that a 32-year-old suspect had been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.
People living in the area said the curtains had been closed for several weeks, with no sign of any activity at the property.
One woman said: "I saw five police vehicles at the house and a lot of officers wearing gloves and masks.
"My first thought was that someone had died. With all the drug dealing around here you never know who might had had an overdose."
The woman said police arrived before 10.30am on Tuesday and were still there at 3.30pm.
She added: "One of the windows at the back of the house was open wide - really wide - and I'm told someone had jumped out.
"I hadn't seen any activity at the property for ages. It was almost as if there was no-one living there."
A man living nearby said: "I saw about six police vehicles outside the house, with officers going in and out of the door.
"Nothing like this has ever happened around here before. I've never seen so many police."
A police spokesman said: "Officers in the New Forest found a large cannabis 'factory' after executing a warrant at a property in Holbury. It is believed that £100k worth of cannabis was being grown within the house.
"Following the discovery officers arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of cannabis cultivation."
Waterside Police tweeted: "House searched and substantial cannabis farm discovered. Evidence seized and investigation now ongoing."
Police have issued advice on how to spot a cannabis factory.
Tell-tale signs include a strong, sickly smell, high levels of condensation, curtains drawn all day long, the constant buzz of a fan and bright lighting at all times of the day and night.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Thornhill Primary School puts wellbeing first

THIS school makes the mental health and wellbeing of their pupils and staff a top priority .
Thornhill Primary School , Southampton , is an academy that aims to equip their children with `` tools for life '' throughout their everyday learning .
When the Daily Echo visited , pupils were enjoying day two of a wellbeing workshop .
They were taught about healthy eating , stretched their muscles out in yoga , and practised their relaxing meditation skills .
Pupils also take part in a P For C ( Philosophy for Children ) every term , when they discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their most recent debate answered what they believe the bare necessities in life are .
The 405-pupil school also pledges to enhance the pupil 's lives by hosting an annual careers fair .
Children can meet people from 17 industries , from the likes of radio stations to universities .
According to headteacher Kerry Stamp , the school is a `` cultural capital '' which provides children with experiences that `` some schools do n't do '' .
Over the last year , pupils have tasted paella during a Spanish day , followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school taught them about famous people from Southampton .
The school , which holds a Good Ofsted rating , became an academy in November 2017 .
It is part of the multi-academy Hamwic Education Trust , forming the Mayflower Partnership with Sholing Infant School and Sholing Junior School .
The trust pledges to improve life chances for young people .
I AM so proud to be the Headteacher of Thornhill Primary School .
Our pupils are fantastic !
Our brilliant staff work relentlessly each and every day to live our school ethos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can be ’ .
It is carefully embedded throughout all aspects of school life .
We truly believe in the whole child and the leaders within the school are highly ambitious ensuring that we drive further improvements and secure the best outcomes for pupils .
Our vision is to create a positive , secure and stimulating environment in which everyone feels valued and can become successful learners .
We are inclusive and enjoy celebrating difference !
Our Core Values really underpin the ‘ WHY ’ and help shape our positive and encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Reflection , Openness and Stewardship .
Over the last two days we made the decision to focus on wellbeing .
We know that the feeling of wellbeing is so fundamental to the health of both children and adults .
It allows us all to overcome difficulties and achieve success .
For years we have taught children about healthy bodies , but we want to be able to equip children to have the strategies and tools to also have a healthy mind .
We know that experiences our pupils encounter , even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – 11 years old , can impact on their wellbeing .

Thornhill Primary School, Southampton, is an academy that aims to equip their children with "tools for life" throughout their everyday learning.
When the Daily Echo visited, pupils were enjoying day two of a wellbeing workshop.
They were taught about healthy eating, stretched their muscles out in yoga, and practised their relaxing meditation skills.
Pupils also take part in a P For C (Philosophy for Children) every term, when they discuss an open-ended question put to them.
Their most recent debate answered what they believe the bare necessities in life are.
The 405-pupil school also pledges to enhance the pupil's lives by hosting an annual careers fair.
Children can meet people from 17 industries, from the likes of radio stations to universities.
According to headteacher Kerry Stamp, the school is a "cultural capital" which provides children with experiences that "some schools don't do".
Over the last year, pupils have tasted paella during a Spanish day, followed later with an aspiration theme when the school taught them about famous people from Southampton.
The school, which holds a Good Ofsted rating, became an academy in November 2017.
It is part of the multi-academy Hamwic Education Trust, forming the Mayflower Partnership with Sholing Infant School and Sholing Junior School.
The trust pledges to improve life chances for young people.
A WORD FROM THE HEADTEACHER
I AM so proud to be the Headteacher of Thornhill Primary School. Our pupils are fantastic!
Our brilliant staff work relentlessly each and every day to live our school ethos of ‘working together to be the best we can be’. It is carefully embedded throughout all aspects of school life.
We truly believe in the whole child and the leaders within the school are highly ambitious ensuring that we drive further improvements and secure the best outcomes for pupils.
Our vision is to create a positive, secure and stimulating environment in which everyone feels valued and can become successful learners.
We are inclusive and enjoy celebrating difference! Our Core Values really underpin the ‘WHY’ and help shape our positive and encouraging culture; Aspiration, Acceptance, Responsibility, Reflection, Openness and Stewardship.
Over the last two days we made the decision to focus on wellbeing. We know that the feeling of wellbeing is so fundamental to the health of both children and adults. It allows us all to overcome difficulties and achieve success. For years we have taught children about healthy bodies, but we want to be able to equip children to have the strategies and tools to also have a healthy mind.
We know that experiences our pupils encounter, even though they may be as young as 4 – 11 years old, can impact on their wellbeing.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--“Mindless” vandals smash windows with ‘slingshot or catapult’

A ROMSEY couple have had to fork out over £100 after their window was smashed by `` mindless '' vandals .
Andrew and Maxine Smith , who live in Malmesbury Road , had to pay £150 after they discovered shards of glass scattered by their front window last week .
It is believed the damage may have been caused by vandals brandishing a slingshot or a catapult .
Andrew , who works as a beauty therapist , said : `` My wife got home at 4pm to find the window had been smashed and she was worried because we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She was also bringing back the grandchildren from Romsey Abbey C of E Primary school and it could have been very different if she got home earlier .
`` The front window was hit with a half inch steel ball bearing either with a slingshot or catapult ; they are not common things to have , like a brick which someone can pick up .
`` I was at work when this happened and on January 21 , my father died so the last thing I needed to be deal with was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 60-year-old added : `` I was angry that someone thought it was okay to do and for their split second of enjoyment it affects the victims for weeks .
`` We have double glazing on the windows so it only broke through the outer side of the glass , which meant there was none on the inside of the living room where the dogs were otherwise it would have been nasty .
`` I do not think we were targeted , but that makes it more concerning because there is not much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Maxine , 64 , added she felt `` a little bit vulnerable '' after seeing her window had been vandalised .
Andrew said : `` We reported it to the police on Tuesday evening and we are asking people who may have an idea about who it is to come forward . ''
The couple 's window was broken on Tuesday , January 28 , between 9am and 4pm .
The window was repaired on Friday , January 31 .
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said `` one of the panes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` ball bearing was found between the panes '' .
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call 101 .

Andrew and Maxine Smith, who live in Malmesbury Road, had to pay £150 after they discovered shards of glass scattered by their front window last week.
It is believed the damage may have been caused by vandals brandishing a slingshot or a catapult.
Andrew, who works as a beauty therapist, said: "My wife got home at 4pm to find the window had been smashed and she was worried because we have two German Shepherds in the house.
"She was also bringing back the grandchildren from Romsey Abbey C of E Primary school and it could have been very different if she got home earlier.
"The front window was hit with a half inch steel ball bearing either with a slingshot or catapult; they are not common things to have, like a brick which someone can pick up.
"I was at work when this happened and on January 21, my father died so the last thing I needed to be deal with was some mindless act of vandalism."
The 60-year-old added: "I was angry that someone thought it was okay to do and for their split second of enjoyment it affects the victims for weeks.
"We have double glazing on the windows so it only broke through the outer side of the glass, which meant there was none on the inside of the living room where the dogs were otherwise it would have been nasty.
"I do not think we were targeted, but that makes it more concerning because there is not much you can do to protect yourself."
Maxine, 64, added she felt "a little bit vulnerable" after seeing her window had been vandalised.
Andrew said: "We reported it to the police on Tuesday evening and we are asking people who may have an idea about who it is to come forward."
The couple's window was broken on Tuesday, January 28, between 9am and 4pm.
The window was repaired on Friday, January 31.
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said "one of the panes in some double glazing" was smashed and a "ball bearing was found between the panes".
Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call 101.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--The Art House faces closure if they do not reach £25,000 target

AN ART cafe in the centre of Southampton faces closure if they do not raise £25,000 by the end of the month .
The Art House in Southampton are currently facing the decision of pushing one final time to reach their goal , or closing its doors .
The cafe has been open for 12 years and offers a Grassroots Art Venue , gigs , workshops , meet-ups , gallery , a licensed bar and a vegan café .
On a statement on their website , they say they are too small to attract arts funding , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafe on vegan food due to a rise in popularity and competition .
For 10 years , their 85 percent cafe income and 15 percent income from donations worked .
However , last year ’ s fundraising fell £10,000 short of target .
Devin Valentine , director at The Art House said : `` Due to the boom in vegan food in the city , it has meant we do not get as much income as we once did as it is far more accessible .
`` If we got the £25,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafe and make the venue , stage and art area bigger since that is our passion .
`` So the idea is to transform the space , we will continue running the cafe but it will not be our main priority , because at the moment we talk about food 80 % of the time and that is not our passion . ''
Devin said if they did n't reach the goal , they would try to stay open for as long as possible but would n't be able to transform the Art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This would mean carrying on how they are which is not sustainable for the business .
A statement on their website says : `` This brings us to our current hard choice .
Call it a day or make one last big push for donations along with a restructuring of the business , with less emphasis on being a place to eat and more focus on what we ’ re all about – the art , the creative writing , theatre and community , campaign groups and music .
`` We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times like these when we must pull together in our little communities to protect the vulnerable , to keep the flame of hope and creativity alive . ''
If the Art House reaches their £25,000 target , they will implement a new venue and events-centred business plan and keep running .
In order to donate to the Art House , located on Above Bar Street , and keep it running in the city centre , you can ; Switch your energy provider to Ecotricity who will donate up to £70 back to Art @ @

The Art House in Southampton are currently facing the decision of pushing one final time to reach their goal, or closing its doors.
The cafe has been open for 12 years and offers a Grassroots Art Venue, gigs, workshops, meet-ups, gallery, a licensed bar and a vegan café.
On a statement on their website, they say they are too small to attract arts funding, as well as finding it increasingly harder to run the cafe on vegan food due to a rise in popularity and competition.
For 10 years, their 85 percent cafe income and 15 percent income from donations worked.
However, last year’s fundraising fell £10,000 short of target.
Devin Valentine, director at The Art House said: "Due to the boom in vegan food in the city, it has meant we do not get as much income as we once did as it is far more accessible.
"If we got the £25,000, we would tear back some of the cafe and make the venue, stage and art area bigger since that is our passion.
"So the idea is to transform the space, we will continue running the cafe but it will not be our main priority, because at the moment we talk about food 80% of the time and that is not our passion."
Devin said if they didn't reach the goal, they would try to stay open for as long as possible but wouldn't be able to transform the Art House into a bigger arts space.
This would mean carrying on how they are which is not sustainable for the business.
A statement on their website says: "This brings us to our current hard choice. Call it a day or make one last big push for donations along with a restructuring of the business, with less emphasis on being a place to eat and more focus on what we’re all about – the art, the creative writing, theatre and community, campaign groups and music.
"We don’t want to close our doors during times like these when we must pull together in our little communities to protect the vulnerable, to keep the flame of hope and creativity alive."
If the Art House reaches their £25,000 target, they will implement a new venue and events-centred business plan and keep running.
In order to donate to the Art House, located on Above Bar Street, and keep it running in the city centre, you can;
Make a one-off donation with PayPal.
Donate £2 a month by joining their Patreon.
Switch your energy provider to Ecotricity who will donate up to £70 back to Art House.
To donate, visit https://www.thearthousesouthampton.org/donate/


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Man, 71, suffers serious injury after falling down 40-foot cliff – the equivalent of two two-storey

Man, 71, suffers serious injury after falling down 40-foot cliff – the equivalent of two two-storey houses

A NEW Milton man in his 70s fell around 40 feet down a cliff on the Dorset coastline on Wednesday .
Coastguard crews , the air ambulance and police were called to Peveril Point in Swanage after the New Forest man tripped , stumbled and plunged down the cliff face .
He suffered a serious head injury after falling the equivalent of more than two two-storey houses stacked on top of one another .
Officials from Swanage Coastguard say the incident was `` observed by a member of the public who acted fast and called the coastguard and ambulance '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day trip to Swanage from New Milton .
He tripped , stumbled , then fell off the cliff , falling abut 35 to 40 feet , '' the official said .
`` The Swanage Coastguard team , coastguard helicopter , paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service , St Alban 's Coastguard team , Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Dorset Police attended .
`` The various units coordinated a rescue of the man , who suffered a serious head injury .
`` He was treated by paramedics , an air ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coastguard helicopter was used to airlift the casualty to a land ambulance before he was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment . ''

Coastguard crews, the air ambulance and police were called to Peveril Point in Swanage after the New Forest man tripped, stumbled and plunged down the cliff face.
He suffered a serious head injury after falling the equivalent of more than two two-storey houses stacked on top of one another.
Officials from Swanage Coastguard say the incident was "observed by a member of the public who acted fast and called the coastguard and ambulance".
"The 71-year-old man was on a day trip to Swanage from New Milton. He tripped, stumbled, then fell off the cliff, falling abut 35 to 40 feet," the official said.
"The Swanage Coastguard team, coastguard helicopter, paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service, St Alban's Coastguard team, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Dorset Police attended.
"The various units coordinated a rescue of the man, who suffered a serious head injury.
"He was treated by paramedics, an air ambulance doctor and coastguard team members
"The Coastguard helicopter was used to airlift the casualty to a land ambulance before he was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment."


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--A31 multi-vehicle crash: Delays of around 30 minutes

DRIVERS are being warned of rush hour delays on the A31 due to a multi-vehicle crash .
The crash is @ @ @ @ @ Stoney Cross and Picket Post .
There are approximately 30-minute delays on approach .
# @ @ @ @ @ One lane BLOCKED between # StoneyCross and # PicketPost due to a multi vehicle RTI @ @ @ @ @ building on approach .
pic.twitter.com/xKdjBHvuLO — ROMANSE ( @ ROMANSE ) February 6 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ is currently blocked .
UPDATE : The blockage has now been cleared and delays are @ @

The crash is on the eastbound carriageway between Stoney Cross and Picket Post.
There are approximately 30-minute delays on approach.
#A31 #TheNewForest Eastbound - One lane BLOCKED between #StoneyCross and #PicketPost due to a multi vehicle RTI, approx 30 minute delays building on approach. pic.twitter.com/xKdjBHvuLO — ROMANSE (@ROMANSE) February 6, 2020
One lane of the carriageway is currently blocked.
UPDATE: The blockage has now been cleared and delays are easing.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--A level results for Hampshire sixth forms

THE A level results for Hampshire ’ s colleges and sixth form have been revealed .
The figures released by the government have highlighted the top performing colleges and sixth forms in the UK , as well as the results from colleges in Hampshire .
The table revealed the average grade of the college and the percentage of AAB grades between 2018 and 2019 .
An AAB achievement is when a pupil will receive two As and a B in three of their A level exams .
St Anne ’ s Catholic School in Southampton has an average grade of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students achieved an AAB grade .
At Bitterne Park School in Bitterne , 15 per cent of students achieved an AAB grade and the average grade is a C. Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Shirley students have an average grade of C- and a total of 4.10 per cent achieved an AAB grade .
And at Itchen College , 1.7 per cent achieved an AAB and the average grade is a C. Peter Symonds College in Winchester has an average grade of B- and 21 per cent of students achieved an AAB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved an average grade of B- and 11.40 per cent of students gained an AAB grade .
Ringwood School Academy , in the New Forest , received an average grade of B- and 17.10 per cent of students achieved an AAB grade .
King Edward VI School , a private school and sixth form in Southampton , has an average grade of B+ and a total of 42.10 per cent achieved an AAB grade .
Throughout the UK at the top of the pile is King ’ s College London Maths School , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of students got three A-levels at grades AAB or higher .
Queen Ethelburga ’ s College , in Thorpe Underwood , North Yorkshire , was second with 85.7 per cent getting the coveted grade .
Also with AAB pass rates higher than 80 per cent were St Mary ’ s School Ascot , Concord College in Shropshire , and St Paul ’ s Girls ’ School in Hammersmith & Fulham .

The figures released by the government have highlighted the top performing colleges and sixth forms in the UK, as well as the results from colleges in Hampshire.
The table revealed the average grade of the college and the percentage of AAB grades between 2018 and 2019.
An AAB achievement is when a pupil will receive two As and a B in three of their A level exams.
St Anne’s Catholic School in Southampton has an average grade of C and 15.10 per cent of its students achieved an AAB grade.
At Bitterne Park School in Bitterne, 15 per cent of students achieved an AAB grade and the average grade is a C.
Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Shirley students have an average grade of C- and a total of 4.10 per cent achieved an AAB grade.
And at Itchen College, 1.7 per cent achieved an AAB and the average grade is a C.
Peter Symonds College in Winchester has an average grade of B- and 21 per cent of students achieved an AAB grade.
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College achieved an average grade of B- and 11.40 per cent of students gained an AAB grade.
Ringwood School Academy, in the New Forest, received an average grade of B- and 17.10 per cent of students achieved an AAB grade.
King Edward VI School, a private school and sixth form in Southampton, has an average grade of B+ and a total of 42.10 per cent achieved an AAB grade.
Throughout the UK at the top of the pile is King’s College London Maths School, in Lambeth, where 90 per cent of students got three A-levels at grades AAB or higher.
Queen Ethelburga’s College, in Thorpe Underwood, North Yorkshire, was second with 85.7 per cent getting the coveted grade.
Also with AAB pass rates higher than 80 per cent were St Mary’s School Ascot, Concord College in Shropshire, and St Paul’s Girls’ School in Hammersmith & Fulham.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Student who returned from China tests negative for coronavirus

THE University of Southampton student who was taken for tests at Southampton General Hospital has tested negative for coronavirus .
The Daily Echo previously reported that the student and their flatmates had self isolated after the student “ fell unwell ” after returning from an unknown region of China .
The student was admitted to Southampton General Hospital on February 3 and has since been released .
A spokesperson from the University of Southampton said : “ We are pleased to confirm that the student has tested negative for the coronavirus.
” In a dramatic escalation of its official advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office is now actively urging the 30,000 UK nationals in China to leave .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : “ There are still commercial flights available .
“ The principle that we are taking is that we want to take no chances with this virus .
“ We want to take a science-led approach .
“ The approach we have been taking is very much driven by the advice of the chief medical officer .
“ This is a very serious virus and having a very serious impact in China .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK but we do expect more , so we are taking no chances.
” This comes as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak continues to rise with Chinese authorities reporting 490 victims and an increase in the number of cases to 24,324 .

The Daily Echo previously reported that the student and their flatmates had self isolated after the student “fell unwell” after returning from an unknown region of China.
The student was admitted to Southampton General Hospital on February 3 and has since been released.
A spokesperson from the University of Southampton said: “We are pleased to confirm that the student has tested negative for the coronavirus.”
In a dramatic escalation of its official advice to just avoid China, the Foreign Office is now actively urging the 30,000 UK nationals in China to leave.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “There are still commercial flights available.
“The principle that we are taking is that we want to take no chances with this virus.
“We want to take a science-led approach.
“The approach we have been taking is very much driven by the advice of the chief medical officer.
“This is a very serious virus and having a very serious impact in China.
“There are two cases only here in the UK but we do expect more, so we are taking no chances.”
This comes as the death toll from the coronavirus outbreak continues to rise with Chinese authorities reporting 490 victims and an increase in the number of cases to 24,324.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Southampton's childcare is among the cheapest in the South East

SOUTHAMPTON 'S childcare is among the cheapest in the South East , figures reveal .
The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years warns providers across the country are struggling to stay afloat , thanks to rising costs and insufficient funding for the Government 's 30 hours ' free childcare scheme .
The average hourly fee charged by childcare providers for three and four year olds in Southampton was £4.75 in 2019 , according to a Department for Education survey .
That was one of the lowest charges in the South East , where the average was £5.37 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area have increased over the past year , rising from £4.25 in 2018 , following a national trend which saw a 2.4 per cent hike across England .
Localised figures are rounded to the nearest 25p .
Families with both parents in work – or just one in single-parent households – who earn at least 16 hours minimum wage per week but less than £100,000 a year are entitled to 30 hours ' free childcare weekly during term time .
But industry experts argue funding for the scheme does not cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost of childcare outside the funded hours .
PACEY says some smaller providers are being forced to shut up shop or join larger chains , leading to what it described as the `` Tesco-isation '' of childcare , and less choice for parents .
In Southampton , the number of Early Years childcare providers – those who care for children from birth up until five – registered with Ofsted fell from 340 in 2015 to 275 last year , a decrease of 19 per cent .
Over the same period , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 61,700 , a 16 per cent decline .
Liz Bayram , chief executive of PACEY , said the current system was `` untenable '' , and called for the Government to readdress its funding formula .
`` The situation has been in this mess for far too long and this government needs to take action now , '' she said .
“ We believe all of [ the challenges ] can be resolved if this government revisits its funding formula for early education entitlements so that it covers the current cost of delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to inflation . ''
A Freedom of Information request by the National Day Nurseries Association found that three-quarters of councils underspent on early years education in 2018-19 , with £63.5 million earmarked for pre-schoolers either lying unused , or channeled away to other areas of education .
The council currently receives £5.11 in government funding per hour per child , according to NDNA .
Of this , £4.37 ( 86 per cent ) goes to providers as a base rate to fund the provision of free places .
Additional hourly supplements provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deprivation or special educational needs have not been factored in .
Local authorities are required to pass on at least 95 per cent of early years funding to providers , with a maximum 5 % permitted to be kept back for administration costs , and to meet other local needs for pre-schoolers .
A Department for Education spokeswoman said the Government had recently announced an increase to hourly funding rates for councils in 2020-21 , and it would continue to monitor the childcare market closely .
She added : “ The setting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for local authorities in consultation with their Schools Forum . ''

The Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years warns providers across the country are struggling to stay afloat, thanks to rising costs and insufficient funding for the Government's 30 hours' free childcare scheme.
The average hourly fee charged by childcare providers for three and four year olds in Southampton was £4.75 in 2019, according to a Department for Education survey.
That was one of the lowest charges in the South East, where the average was £5.37. The average for Hampshire was £5.
Fees in the area have increased over the past year, rising from £4.25 in 2018, following a national trend which saw a 2.4 per cent hike across England.
Localised figures are rounded to the nearest 25p.
Families with both parents in work – or just one in single-parent households – who earn at least 16 hours minimum wage per week but less than £100,000 a year are entitled to 30 hours' free childcare weekly during term time.
But industry experts argue funding for the scheme does not cover provider's costs, pushing up the cost of childcare outside the funded hours.
PACEY says some smaller providers are being forced to shut up shop or join larger chains, leading to what it described as the "Tesco-isation" of childcare, and less choice for parents.
In Southampton, the number of Early Years childcare providers – those who care for children from birth up until five – registered with Ofsted fell from 340 in 2015 to 275 last year, a decrease of 19 per cent.
Over the same period, the number of providers nationally dropped from 73,500 to 61,700, a 16 per cent decline.
Liz Bayram, chief executive of PACEY, said the current system was "untenable", and called for the Government to readdress its funding formula.
"The situation has been in this mess for far too long and this government needs to take action now," she said.
“We believe all of [the challenges] can be resolved if this government revisits its funding formula for early education entitlements so that it covers the current cost of delivering a place, and in future is linked to inflation."
A Freedom of Information request by the National Day Nurseries Association found that three-quarters of councils underspent on early years education in 2018-19, with £63.5 million earmarked for pre-schoolers either lying unused, or channeled away to other areas of education.
Southampton City Council reported a £100,244 underspend during that time.
The council currently receives £5.11 in government funding per hour per child, according to NDNA.
Of this, £4.37 (86 per cent) goes to providers as a base rate to fund the provision of free places.
Additional hourly supplements provided by the council based on levels of deprivation or special educational needs have not been factored in.
Local authorities are required to pass on at least 95 per cent of early years funding to providers, with a maximum 5% permitted to be kept back for administration costs, and to meet other local needs for pre-schoolers.
A Department for Education spokeswoman said the Government had recently announced an increase to hourly funding rates for councils in 2020-21, and it would continue to monitor the childcare market closely.
She added: “The setting of local provider funding rates is a decision for local authorities in consultation with their Schools Forum."


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Firefighter to fly to Australia to help with rebuild after wildfires

A WINCHESTER firefighter will fly to Australia to provide humanitarian aid after wildfires have ravaged the country .
Steve Watters , from Winchester Station , will join 40 other firefighters deploying to Canberra where a state of emergency has recently been declared .
The mission was organised by firefighter-run charity Tunnel2Towers to re-establish communities and work alongside wildlife organisations .
The Australian Capital Territory ( ACT ) has declared a state of emergency as large bushfires continue to rage in Canberra .
More than 18,500 hectares is burning in the territory ’ s south and residents have been warned of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months Australian bushfires have killed 33 people and destroyed thousands of homes .
More than 11 million hectares of land have been scorched and a billion animals are estimated to have died .
The team of current and retired firefighters will be camping in Adelong and working closely with Fire and Rescue New South Wales ( NSW ) .
Whilst the team won ’ t be doing any actual firefighting , they will be assisting with re-establishing boarders and restoring farms and homes .
Steve will help rebuild the farming communities by constructing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will also be working with BlazeAid , RSPCA Australia and WIRES ( Australia ’ s largest wildlife rehabilitation charity ) to rescue , recover and provide welfare to injured koalas and kangaroos .
The group intend to spend time with and embed themselves into the Aboriginal and indigenous communities to share learning , knowledge and practices about the land and bushfires .
This will encompass a vital part of the deployment for coordinating relief efforts and applying the learning internationally .
The 51-year-old said , “ I ’ m doing this because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity that is close to home for me .
I have family living in Australia and I ’ ve seen the devastation and how hard communities have been hit .
“ This is a chance for me to give something back and help people in need .
I ’ m sure this will be an experience that will stay with me forever .
“ Every little bit helps , and I ’ ve always believed that if you can help , you should .
The more people that join and come together as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get back to their normal lives.
” Steve has been a part of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for nearly 25-years , serving as a firefighter at Eastleigh , Andover and now Winchester .
He has honed his skills with Hampshire ’ s Urban Search and Rescue ( USAR ) team , assisting with the collaboration and planning of deployment to the earthquakes in Haiti and Christchurch , New Zealand , and Japan after the tsunami hit in 2011 .
Group Manager Jerry Leonard , who had a fundamental role in developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HFRS is pleased to be supporting the ongoing situation in Australia .
“ Steve has diverse skills to offer , not only his specialised knowledge from being with the service and USAR , but also his practical ability .
“ Our firefighters can bring a wealth of experience and capabilities in many areas to cope with the worst type of incidents , and Steve has the full support of the Service behind him.
” The Tunnel2Towers group plan to fly to Canberra later this week .
They will be the first group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every two weeks .

Steve Watters, from Winchester Station, will join 40 other firefighters deploying to Canberra where a state of emergency has recently been declared.
The mission was organised by firefighter-run charity Tunnel2Towers to re-establish communities and work alongside wildlife organisations.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has declared a state of emergency as large bushfires continue to rage in Canberra. More than 18,500 hectares is burning in the territory’s south and residents have been warned of possible evacuations.
In the past four months Australian bushfires have killed 33 people and destroyed thousands of homes. More than 11 million hectares of land have been scorched and a billion animals are estimated to have died.
The team of current and retired firefighters will be camping in Adelong and working closely with Fire and Rescue New South Wales (NSW).
Whilst the team won’t be doing any actual firefighting, they will be assisting with re-establishing boarders and restoring farms and homes. Steve will help rebuild the farming communities by constructing fences, buildings and animal shelters.
They will also be working with BlazeAid, RSPCA Australia and WIRES (Australia’s largest wildlife rehabilitation charity) to rescue, recover and provide welfare to injured koalas and kangaroos.
The group intend to spend time with and embed themselves into the Aboriginal and indigenous communities to share learning, knowledge and practices about the land and bushfires. This will encompass a vital part of the deployment for coordinating relief efforts and applying the learning internationally.
The 51-year-old said, “I’m doing this because it’ll be an amazing development opportunity that is close to home for me. I have family living in Australia and I’ve seen the devastation and how hard communities have been hit.
“This is a chance for me to give something back and help people in need. I’m sure this will be an experience that will stay with me forever.
“Every little bit helps, and I’ve always believed that if you can help, you should. The more people that join and come together as a team, the sooner these communities can get back to their normal lives.”
Steve has been a part of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for nearly 25-years, serving as a firefighter at Eastleigh, Andover and now Winchester.
He has honed his skills with Hampshire’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, assisting with the collaboration and planning of deployment to the earthquakes in Haiti and Christchurch, New Zealand, and Japan after the tsunami hit in 2011.
Group Manager Jerry Leonard, who had a fundamental role in developing the Hampshire USAR team, said “HFRS is pleased to be supporting the ongoing situation in Australia.
“Steve has diverse skills to offer, not only his specialised knowledge from being with the service and USAR, but also his practical ability.
“Our firefighters can bring a wealth of experience and capabilities in many areas to cope with the worst type of incidents, and Steve has the full support of the Service behind him.”
The Tunnel2Towers group plan to fly to Canberra later this week. They will be the first group, with a further 20 additional members joining every two weeks.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Storm Ciara to bring gale force winds and rain to Hampshire this weekend

A WEATHER system set to bring winds of up to 80mph to Hampshire this weekend has been named Storm Ciara .
The Met Office officially named the weather storm which is currently developing in the North Atlantic .
Storm Ciara will bring strong winds and heavy rain across the whole of the UK through the end of the weekend and into the start of next week .
Wind gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected across many inland areas , while the strongest gusts in exposed areas could reach 80mph .
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6pm on Saturday until around midnight on Sunday .
Neil Armstrong , a chief forecaster with the Met Office , said : “ An extremely strong jet stream flowing from North America will be steering a succession of low-pressure systems towards the UK at least into the middle of next week .
The relative predictability of this pattern has provided an early warning and has given us the certainty to be able to name this storm four days ahead.
” Mr Armstrong said that the next few days will see largely fine conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become unsettled by Friday .
Saturday will be relatively dry for much of the UK , before strengthening winds and rain arrive from the west in the evening ahead of Storm Ciara .
Storm Ciara is the third named storm of the season which started in September .

The Met Office officially named the weather storm which is currently developing in the North Atlantic.
Storm Ciara will bring strong winds and heavy rain across the whole of the UK through the end of the weekend and into the start of next week.
#StormCiara has been named and will bring very unsettled weather across the UK through Saturday night and Sunday.
Continue to check our latest warnings 👉 https://t.co/Bf2zfPgzXr #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/eY6ufXmgc7 — Met Office (@metoffice) February 5, 2020
Wind gusts of 50 to 60mph are expected across many inland areas, while the strongest gusts in exposed areas could reach 80mph.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the whole country which is valid from 6pm on Saturday until around midnight on Sunday.
Neil Armstrong, a chief forecaster with the Met Office, said: “An extremely strong jet stream flowing from North America will be steering a succession of low-pressure systems towards the UK at least into the middle of next week. The relative predictability of this pattern has provided an early warning and has given us the certainty to be able to name this storm four days ahead.”
Mr Armstrong said that the next few days will see largely fine conditions for most of the UK before things become unsettled by Friday.
Saturday will be relatively dry for much of the UK, before strengthening winds and rain arrive from the west in the evening ahead of Storm Ciara.
Storm Ciara is the third named storm of the season which started in September.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Consultant hits out at "unqualified advice" from sports retailers on sports wear

A SOUTHAMPTON knee surgeon has warned runners of injury risks due to `` unqualified advice '' from shop assistance about trainers and running shoes .
Amir Qureshi , a consultant knee and limb reconstruction surgeon at University Hospital Southampton , said sports retailers may unwittingly be putting customers at risk of injury by claiming to provide detailed assessments about limb movement – known as gait analysis – via short videos .
The information is then used routinely to advise people about the best footwear for the way they stand , walk or run and whether or not they require standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or support straps .
Mr Qureshi said : `` An accurate gait assessment involves attaching markers to various points of the body and asking the patient to walk in a lab with special cameras tracking every movement of each part of the limbs , pelvis , hips , knees , ankles and feet .
`` A key part is the use of a specialised plate on the floor which assesses the force going through the body and all of this information is collated and scrutinised by highly-trained people with different skills including doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many shoe shops and sports stores offer investigations which are increasingly labelled as gait analysis that would not be a correct description of the information gathered .
“ The methods used , such as video recordings , are not validated and no report generated for the customer to take to their GP or healthcare professional such as a podiatrist or physiotherapist . ''
Professional gait analysis can take up to four hours and is performed at specialist centres such as The Orthotic Research and Locomotor Assessment Unit in Oswestry .
Mr Qureshi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a custom insole , this should be under the direct guidance of a professional such as a podiatrist .
He called for retailers to label the services they provide correctly and , if they wished to market assessments as “ gait analysis ” , they should advise customers to seek a professional opinion before adopting an orthotic .
“ If a retailer feels there is a different gait pattern in an individual then a recommendation to consult a professionally-qualified person should be made , ” he said .
“ In the meantime , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the potential problems the current situation can cause , urge them to ask questions and seek professional advice if existing symptoms worsen or new ones develop .
“ For those who already have insoles or other orthotics which feel uncomfortable or if a new pain occurs in any joint , they should stop using it or risk further damage .
”

Amir Qureshi, a consultant knee and limb reconstruction surgeon at University Hospital Southampton, said sports retailers may unwittingly be putting customers at risk of injury by claiming to provide detailed assessments about limb movement – known as gait analysis – via short videos.
The information is then used routinely to advise people about the best footwear for the way they stand, walk or run and whether or not they require standard or custom-moulded foot orthotics such as insoles or support straps.
Mr Qureshi said: "An accurate gait assessment involves attaching markers to various points of the body and asking the patient to walk in a lab with special cameras tracking every movement of each part of the limbs, pelvis, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
"A key part is the use of a specialised plate on the floor which assesses the force going through the body and all of this information is collated and scrutinised by highly-trained people with different skills including doctors, podiatrists and physiotherapists.
“However, many shoe shops and sports stores offer investigations which are increasingly labelled as gait analysis that would not be a correct description of the information gathered.
“The methods used, such as video recordings, are not validated and no report generated for the customer to take to their GP or healthcare professional such as a podiatrist or physiotherapist."
Professional gait analysis can take up to four hours and is performed at specialist centres such as The Orthotic Research and Locomotor Assessment Unit in Oswestry.
Mr Qureshi said while there was a role for a custom insole, this should be under the direct guidance of a professional such as a podiatrist.
He called for retailers to label the services they provide correctly and, if they wished to market assessments as “gait analysis”, they should advise customers to seek a professional opinion before adopting an orthotic.
“If a retailer feels there is a different gait pattern in an individual then a recommendation to consult a professionally-qualified person should be made,” he said.
“In the meantime, I hope raising awareness will alert people to the potential problems the current situation can cause, urge them to ask questions and seek professional advice if existing symptoms worsen or new ones develop.
“For those who already have insoles or other orthotics which feel uncomfortable or if a new pain occurs in any joint, they should stop using it or risk further damage.”


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Winchester nurse to take part in drag queen beauty pageant

A WINCHESTER nurse is among finalists in an international drag beauty pageant .
Poppy Aphrodite , 25 , is going to be competing in Miss Drag UK , one of the first of its kind across the country .
Poppy , who works at Basingstoke Hospital , will compete against a number of different contestants who come from all over the world .
There are three drag titles up for grabs ; Miss Drag Charity where the Queen who raised the most funds for charity wins , Miss Drag Publicity where the Queen who made the most appearances in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night miss Drag UK will be crowned .
The event will take place on Sunday , March 29 in the Grand Burstin Hotel , Kent .
Poppy , who has been a drag for three years and started in University , said : `` Part of the pageant is raising money for charity - I will be raising money for MIND LGBTQ+ and Abigail ’ s Footsteps .
`` I did a charity sky dive which was amazing , I jumped out of a plane in full drag .
`` I felt really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as scared as I thought I would be . ''
Mind are a mental health charity which also help with the LGBTQ+ community and ensure visitors go away with better mental health and feelings about themselves .
Abigail 's Footsteps is a baby loss charity providing support and counselling for bereaved parents and families as well as specialist bereavement training for midwives and healthcare professionals .
Poppy said she is excited for the event .
She has made appearances across the region with stints including Eastleigh Pride and theatre performances in Eastleigh - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poppy is hoping to raise more money in the future , she plans on doing an all day treadmill run .
Last year , one of the judges of Miss Drag UK is BBC Glow Up winner , Ellis Atlantis .

Poppy Aphrodite, 25, is going to be competing in Miss Drag UK, one of the first of its kind across the country.
Poppy, who works at Basingstoke Hospital, will compete against a number of different contestants who come from all over the world.
There are three drag titles up for grabs; Miss Drag Charity where the Queen who raised the most funds for charity wins, Miss Drag Publicity where the Queen who made the most appearances in their sash and then in the final pageant night miss Drag UK will be crowned.
The event will take place on Sunday, March 29 in the Grand Burstin Hotel, Kent.
Poppy, who has been a drag for three years and started in University, said: "Part of the pageant is raising money for charity - I will be raising money for MIND LGBTQ+ and Abigail’s Footsteps.
"I did a charity sky dive which was amazing, I jumped out of a plane in full drag.
"I felt really safe while doing it and wasn't as scared as I thought I would be."
Mind are a mental health charity which also help with the LGBTQ+ community and ensure visitors go away with better mental health and feelings about themselves.
Abigail's Footsteps is a baby loss charity providing support and counselling for bereaved parents and families as well as specialist bereavement training for midwives and healthcare professionals.
Poppy said she is excited for the event.
She has made appearances across the region with stints including Eastleigh Pride and theatre performances in Eastleigh - though this is her first pageant.
Poppy is hoping to raise more money in the future, she plans on doing an all day treadmill run.
Last year, one of the judges of Miss Drag UK is BBC Glow Up winner, Ellis Atlantis.


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Parents' group raises thousands of pounds towards school's new IT suite

A REJUVENATED parent ’ s fundraising group has already raised thousands for its children ’ s school .
In just six months , the newly formed Parent Staff Association ( PSA ) has raised £6,500 of its £10,000 target to refurbish and equip a new IT suite for The Arnewood School in New Milton .
The latest local company to support the parents ’ efforts is Pennyfarthing Homes , which has donated £500 to fund a new computer .
PSA Committee member , Jo Ankers , said : “ We are incredibly grateful to Pennyfarthing for this incredibly generous donation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local community has been quite overwhelming since we decided to reform the association last summer .
“ We set out to raise £10,000 and it ’ s quite staggering to think we have raised more than half of that already .
“ It ’ s been well publicised that schools across the country are facing a funding crisis and as parents we wanted to do our bit to support the school .
“ We are urging other businesses and organisations to make similar donations – effectively sponsoring a new computer for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PSA ’ s fundraising efforts is to continue raising enough funds so the school can buy some desperately needed new ICT equipment .
It has been estimated that £10,000 would fund the refurbishment and replacement of computers for one ICT room .
Construction Director of Pennyfarthing Homes , Steve Tyrell , said : “ We were delighted to support the PSA ’ s fundraising campaign and make a positive contribution to the school and its students .
“ As a local company we feel it is very important to give something back by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nigel Pressnell , said : “ We are very grateful for the tremendous work the PSA is doing on our behalf and for companies like Pennyfarthing Homes supporting them .
“ Investing in IT resources will make such a positive contribution to our students ’ education.
” If any local business is interested in supporting the Arnewood PSA in their fundraising efforts by sponsoring a new PC for the School IT department please contact PSA @ arnewood.hants , sch.uk

In just six months, the newly formed Parent Staff Association (PSA) has raised £6,500 of its £10,000 target to refurbish and equip a new IT suite for The Arnewood School in New Milton.
The latest local company to support the parents’ efforts is Pennyfarthing Homes, which has donated £500 to fund a new computer.
PSA Committee member, Jo Ankers, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Pennyfarthing for this incredibly generous donation.
“The generosity of the school and local community has been quite overwhelming since we decided to reform the association last summer.
“We set out to raise £10,000 and it’s quite staggering to think we have raised more than half of that already.
“It’s been well publicised that schools across the country are facing a funding crisis and as parents we wanted to do our bit to support the school.
“We are urging other businesses and organisations to make similar donations – effectively sponsoring a new computer for the school.”
The main focus of the PSA’s fundraising efforts is to continue raising enough funds so the school can buy some desperately needed new ICT equipment.
It has been estimated that £10,000 would fund the refurbishment and replacement of computers for one ICT room.
Construction Director of Pennyfarthing Homes, Steve Tyrell, said: “We were delighted to support the PSA’s fundraising campaign and make a positive contribution to the school and its students.
“As a local company we feel it is very important to give something back by supporting our community.”
Head teacher, Nigel Pressnell, said: “We are very grateful for the tremendous work the PSA is doing on our behalf and for companies like Pennyfarthing Homes supporting them.
“Investing in IT resources will make such a positive contribution to our students’ education.”
If any local business is interested in supporting the Arnewood PSA in their fundraising efforts by sponsoring a new PC for the School IT department please contact PSA@arnewood.hants,sch.uk


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Maritime minister meets with Southampton's apprentices

APPRENTICES of the maritime industry welcomed the Maritime Minister to the Port of Southampton to discuss their roles as part of National Apprenticeship Week .
During the visit on February 3 , Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP met with the apprentices working in different strands of the maritime industry , who shared their experiences and also their prospects for the future .
In return , the Minister discussed the government ‘ s ambitious strategy to encourage more young people to seek out rewarding careers in the sector .
Nusrat Ghani MP , said : `` It ‘ s fantastic to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apprenticeships and the many opportunities for recruits to learn new skills and help shape the future of our industry .
`` Encouraging more people to join the maritime sector through apprenticeships is a priority for government .
It ‘ s great that ABP is making such progress in supporting new talent and growing the maritime workforce . ''
ABP is one of the UK 's port operators , who now have more than 70 apprentices on their books and every year , the company hosts an apprentice awards ceremony to highlight their achievements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer , said : `` We are lucky to have an incredible cohort of apprentices join us every year who are driven , passionate , and full of the entrepreneurial spirit needed to develop our leaders of the future .
`` I look forward to seeing them learn , develop and grow as , through their apprenticeships , they bring forward ideas that will help to transform the maritime sector.
“

During the visit on February 3, Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP met with the apprentices working in different strands of the maritime industry, who shared their experiences and also their prospects for the future.
In return, the Minister discussed the government‘s ambitious strategy to encourage more young people to seek out rewarding careers in the sector.
Nusrat Ghani MP, said: "It‘s fantastic to see ABP’s continued support of apprenticeships and the many opportunities for recruits to learn new skills and help shape the future of our industry.
"Encouraging more people to join the maritime sector through apprenticeships is a priority for government. It‘s great that ABP is making such progress in supporting new talent and growing the maritime workforce."
ABP is one of the UK's port operators, who now have more than 70 apprentices on their books and every year, the company hosts an apprentice awards ceremony to highlight their achievements.
Alison Rumsey, ABP Chief HR Officer, said: "We are lucky to have an incredible cohort of apprentices join us every year who are driven, passionate, and full of the entrepreneurial spirit needed to develop our leaders of the future.
"I look forward to seeing them learn, develop and grow as, through their apprenticeships, they bring forward ideas that will help to transform the maritime sector.“
“


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--ARCHIVE PIC OF THE DAY: Prince received right royal welcome at Parkers Hotel

IT WAS July 24 , 1924 , the day of the royal visit to Southampton and the former Parkers Hotel @ @ @ @ @ in Southampton had the flags out for the occasion .
The Prince of Wales was @ @ @ @ @ , now called the Flying Dutchman , on his way to officially open the old @ @ @ @ @ port , and the landlord was determined the royal party would see the display .
@ @ @ @ @ of Wales feathers all decorated the front of the building , while a group , @ @ @ @ @ , waited outside to see the Prince of Wales .
Although the pub still stands @ @ @ @ @ times have changed – Bridge Street is now Bernard Street .
If you have any @ @ @ @ @ to share about this picture , why not leave a comment ?

The Prince of Wales was due to pass the pub, now called the Flying Dutchman, on his way to officially open the old floating dry dock in the port, and the landlord was determined the royal party would see the display.
Garlands, bunting and Prince of Wales feathers all decorated the front of the building, while a group, including a party of sailors, waited outside to see the Prince of Wales.
Although the pub still stands on the same site, times have changed – Bridge Street is now Bernard Street.
If you have any more information you would like to share about this picture, why not leave a comment?


thedailyecho--2020-02-06--Readers' letter: We need more public toilets in Southampton

I WOULD like to add to letter in reference to toilet facilities in Woolston .
After hearing of removable plan @ @ @ @ @ bridge link – I don ’ t think many people used that anyway as there @ @ @ @ @ not to trust techno gadgets – I believe that Woolston , alongside many areas in @ @ @ @ @ lack of public toilets .
There is a definite need for people of all ages @ @ @ @ @ to address this .
I ’ ve lived in Southampton all my life and can @ @ @ @ @ t need to go far between toilet access .
I know there is upkeep and @ @ @ @ @ even how it used to be – paying a penny – is better than nowt @ @ @ @ @ or confidently able to go and ask in a cafe .

After hearing of removable plan for a toilet at the bridge link – I don’t think many people used that anyway as there are many reasons for people not to trust techno gadgets – I believe that Woolston, alongside many areas in Southampton, has a definite lack of public toilets.
There is a definite need for people of all ages.
Southampton City Council needs to address this.
I’ve lived in Southampton all my life and can remember when one didn’t need to go far between toilet access.
I know there is upkeep and costs for such, but even how it used to be – paying a penny – is better than nowt.
Not everyone is willing or confidently able to go and ask in a cafe.
Name and address supplied