thedailyecho--2020-11-24--England's tier system: What you can do in tiers 1, 2 and 3 from December 2

Boris Johnson has announced that England will face tiered coronavirus restrictions until the end of March 2021 .
The news comes despite the latest successful vaccine trials and rapid tests presenting a “ route out of the pandemic ” .
As the lockdown ends on December 2 , more parts of England are expected to be placed into higher tiers than they were before the national restrictions were imposed .
The PM also said that the new tiers would be tougher than their predecessors , after Government scientific advisers said the previous regime did not do enough to tackle the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures came as the Oxford-AstraZeneca team announced its vaccine had proved 70 per cent effective .
So what can you do in each of the tiers after December 2 , 2020 ?
Here 's what you need to know .
What can you do in Tier 1 ( Medium Alert ) ?
Those in Tier 1 will have to follow these rules : • Meeting friends and family : Maximum of six indoors or outdoors , apart from with members of a single household or support bubble .
• Bars , pubs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only .
They must stop taking orders by 10pm and must close by 11pm .
• Work and business : Everyone who can work from home should do so .
• Education : Early years settings , schools , colleges and universities will be open .
Childcare , other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted .
• Overnight stays : Permitted with household , support bubble , or up to six people .
• Weddings and funerals : 15 guests for weddings , civil partnerships , wedding receptions and wakes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship : Open , but can not interact with more than six people .
• Travelling : Walk or cycle if possible , plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport .
Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble .
Avoid travelling into a Tier 3 area , other than where necessary such as for work or education .
Further exemptions apply .
• Exercise : Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors , but must follow the rule of six indoors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and disabled people can continue .
• Residential care : Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens , visiting pods and window visits .
Outdoor/airtight visits only ( rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact ) .
• Large events : Sport , live performances and business meetings limited to 50 per cent capacity of 4,000 people outdoors ( whichever is lower ) and 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people indoors ( whichever is lower ) .
What can you do in Tier 2 ( High alert ) ?
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these rules : • Meeting friends and family : No mixing of households indoors , apart from support bubbles .
Maximum of six outdoors .
• Bars , pubs and restaurants : Pubs and bars must close , unless operating as restaurants .
Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals .
Venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and must close by 11pm .
• Work and business : Everyone who can work from home should do so .
• Education : Early years settings , schools , colleges and universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted .
• Weddings and funerals : 15 guests for weddings , civil partnerships , wedding receptions and wakes , 30 for funerals .
• Places of worship : Open , but can not interact with anyone outside household or support bubble .
• Travelling : Reduce the number of journeys you make and walk or cycle if possible .
Avoid busy times and routes on public transport .
Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble .
Avoid travelling into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary such as for work or education .
Further exemptions apply .
• Exercise : Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors , but can not take place indoors if there is any interaction between people from different households .
Organised activities for elite athletes , under-18s and disabled people can continue .
• Residential care : Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens , visiting pods and window visits .
Outdoor/airtight visits only ( rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact ) .
• Large events : Sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 50 per cent capacity of 2,000 people outdoors ( whichever is lower ) and 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people indoors ( whichever is lower ) .
What can you do in Tier 3 ( Very high alert ) ?
Those in Tier 3 will have to follow these rules : • Meeting friends and family : No mixing of households indoors , apart from support bubbles .
Maximum of six outdoors .
• Bars , pubs and restaurants : Hospitality is closed , with the exception of sales by takeaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and business : Everyone who can work from home should do so .
• Education : Early years settings , schools , colleges and universities will be open .
Childcare , other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted .
• Indoor leisure : Group activities and classes should not take place .
• Overnight stays : Government advise against overnight stays other than with household or support bubble .
• Weddings and funerals : 15 guests for weddings , civil partnerships and wakes .
Wedding receptions not permitted .
• Places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not interact with anyone outside household or support bubble .
• Travelling : Avoid travelling outside your area , other than where necessary such as for work or education .
Further exemptions apply .
Reduce the number of journeys where possible .
Plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport .
Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble .
• Exercise : Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors , but some people should avoid higher-risk contact activity .
Group exercise activities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless with your household or bubble .
Organised activities for elite athletes , under-18s and disabled people can continue .
• Residential care : Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens , visiting pods and window visits .
Outdoor/airtight visits only ( rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact ) .
• Large events : Events should not take place .
Drive-in events permitted .

The news comes despite the latest successful vaccine trials and rapid tests presenting a “route out of the pandemic”.
As the lockdown ends on December 2, more parts of England are expected to be placed into higher tiers than they were before the national restrictions were imposed.
The PM also said that the new tiers would be tougher than their predecessors, after Government scientific advisers said the previous regime did not do enough to tackle the virus.
The announcement of the new measures came as the Oxford-AstraZeneca team announced its vaccine had proved 70 per cent effective.
So what can you do in each of the tiers after December 2, 2020? Here's what you need to know.
What can you do in Tier 1 (Medium Alert)?
Those in Tier 1 will have to follow these rules:
Meeting friends and family: Maximum of six indoors or outdoors, apart from with members of a single household or support bubble.
Maximum of six indoors or outdoors, apart from with members of a single household or support bubble. Bars, pubs and restaurants: Venues must be table service only. They must stop taking orders by 10pm and must close by 11pm.
Venues must be table service only. They must stop taking orders by 10pm and must close by 11pm. Retail: Open.
Open. Work and business: Everyone who can work from home should do so.
Everyone who can work from home should do so. Education: Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted.
Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted. Indoor leisure: Open.
Open. Accommodation: Open.
Open. Personal care: Open.
Open. Overnight stays: Permitted with household, support bubble, or up to six people.
Permitted with household, support bubble, or up to six people. Weddings and funerals: 15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes, 30 for funerals.
15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes, 30 for funerals. Entertainment: Open.
Open. Places of worship: Open, but cannot interact with more than six people.
Open, but cannot interact with more than six people. Travelling: Walk or cycle if possible, plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Avoid travelling into a Tier 3 area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply.
Walk or cycle if possible, plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Avoid travelling into a Tier 3 area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply. Exercise: Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but must follow the rule of six indoors. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.
Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but must follow the rule of six indoors. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue. Residential care: Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact).
Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact). Large events: Sport, live performances and business meetings limited to 50 per cent capacity of 4,000 people outdoors (whichever is lower) and 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people indoors (whichever is lower).
What can you do in Tier 2 (High alert)?
Those in Tier 2 will have to follow these rules:
Meeting friends and family: No mixing of households indoors, apart from support bubbles. Maximum of six outdoors.
No mixing of households indoors, apart from support bubbles. Maximum of six outdoors. Bars, pubs and restaurants: Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and must close by 11pm.
Pubs and bars must close, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with substantial meals. Venues must stop taking orders at 10pm and must close by 11pm. Retail: Open.
Open. Work and business: Everyone who can work from home should do so.
Everyone who can work from home should do so. Education: Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted.
Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted. Indoor leisure: Open.
Open. Accommodation: Open.
Open. Personal care: Open.
Open. Overnight stays: Permitted with household or support bubble.
Permitted with household or support bubble. Weddings and funerals: 15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes, 30 for funerals.
15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships, wedding receptions and wakes, 30 for funerals. Entertainment: Open.
Open. Places of worship: Open, but cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble.
Open, but cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble. Travelling: Reduce the number of journeys you make and walk or cycle if possible. Avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Avoid travelling into a Tier 3 area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply.
Reduce the number of journeys you make and walk or cycle if possible. Avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Avoid travelling into a Tier 3 area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply. Exercise: Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but cannot take place indoors if there is any interaction between people from different households. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.
Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but cannot take place indoors if there is any interaction between people from different households. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue. Residential care: Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact).
Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact). Large events: Sport, live performances and business meetings limited to 50 per cent capacity of 2,000 people outdoors (whichever is lower) and 50 per cent capacity or 1,000 people indoors (whichever is lower).
What can you do in Tier 3 (Very high alert)?
Those in Tier 3 will have to follow these rules:
Meeting friends and family: No mixing of households indoors, apart from support bubbles. Maximum of six outdoors.
No mixing of households indoors, apart from support bubbles. Maximum of six outdoors. Bars, pubs and restaurants: Hospitality is closed, with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery.
Hospitality is closed, with the exception of sales by takeaway, drive-through or delivery. Retail: Open.
Open. Work and business: Everyone who can work from home should do so.
Everyone who can work from home should do so. Education: Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted.
Early years settings, schools, colleges and universities will be open. Childcare, other supervised activities for children and childcare bubbles permitted. Indoor leisure: Group activities and classes should not take place.
Group activities and classes should not take place. Accommodation: Closed (with limited exceptions).
Closed (with limited exceptions). Personal care: Open.
Open. Overnight stays: Government advise against overnight stays other than with household or support bubble.
Government advise against overnight stays other than with household or support bubble. Weddings and funerals: 15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships and wakes. Wedding receptions not permitted.
15 guests for weddings, civil partnerships and wakes. Wedding receptions not permitted. Entertainment: Indoor venues closed.
Indoor venues closed. Places of worship: Open, but cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble.
Open, but cannot interact with anyone outside household or support bubble. Travelling: Avoid travelling outside your area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply. Reduce the number of journeys where possible. Plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble.
Avoid travelling outside your area, other than where necessary such as for work or education. Further exemptions apply. Reduce the number of journeys where possible. Plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Avoid car sharing with those outside of your household or support bubble. Exercise: Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but some people should avoid higher-risk contact activity. Group exercise activities and sports indoors should not take place, unless with your household or bubble. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue.
Classes and organised adult sport can take place outdoors, but some people should avoid higher-risk contact activity. Group exercise activities and sports indoors should not take place, unless with your household or bubble. Organised activities for elite athletes, under-18s and disabled people can continue. Residential care: Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact).
Covid-secure arrangements such as substantial screens, visiting pods and window visits. Outdoor/airtight visits only (rollout of rapid testing will enable indoor visits including contact). Large events: Events should not take place. Drive-in events permitted.
For more information, visit gov.uk/coronavirus.


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Tributes for 'beloved' man who died in M271 crash

THE HEARTBROKEN family of a `` beloved '' man who died in a crash on a Hampshire motorway have today @ @ @ @ @ Police were called to a collision involving four vehicles - a heavy goods vehicle , @ @ @ @ @ van and Citroen Relay van - on the M271 just after 8.30am on November 17 @ @ @ @ @ Citroen Relay , David Stephen Joseph Sullivan , 64 , of Eastern Road , West @ @ @ @ @ following the collision .
Paying tribute to him today , his family said : `` @ @ @ @ @ Wendy , Father to Kathryn and Tom , Stepfather to Laura , Adam and Craig @ @ @ @ @ Sophie , Jack , Ivy , Isaac and Lucy .
• M271 in Southampton closed @ @ @ @ @ crash `` He will be very sorely and sadly missed by everyone who knew and @ @ @ @ @ are continuing to make enquiries into the exact circumstances of the collision .
Anyone who @ @ @ @ @ information that may assist should call 101 , quoting the reference 44200444863 .

Police were called to a collision involving four vehicles - a heavy goods vehicle, Nissan Navara, Mercedes Vito van and Citroen Relay van - on the M271 just after 8.30am on November 17.
The driver of the Citroen Relay, David Stephen Joseph Sullivan, 64, of Eastern Road, West Sussex, was pronounced dead following the collision.
Paying tribute to him today, his family said: "Dave, beloved husband to Wendy, Father to Kathryn and Tom, Stepfather to Laura, Adam and Craig, Grandfather to Ross, Sophie, Jack, Ivy, Isaac and Lucy.
M271 in Southampton closed in both directions after serious crash
"He will be very sorely and sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him."
Police are continuing to make enquiries into the exact circumstances of the collision.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information that may assist should call 101, quoting the reference 44200444863.


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Hampshire County Council marks annual white ribbon day

RESIDENTS have been reminded that domestic abuse help services are open at all times for those who need help .
@ @ @ @ @ the message in the run up to White Ribbon Day , an annual event on @ @ @ @ @ aims to raise awareness about violence towards women .
This Wednesday and over the following @ @ @ @ @ domestic abuse , the County Council says it will be using social media to reach @ @ @ @ @ be at risk , across Hampshire .
Executive Member for Public Health , Councillor Judith @ @ @ @ @ abuse is never okay , and if anyone is experiencing this and needs a safe @ @ @ @ @ struggling to manage their emotions or behaviour , I would urge them to please get @ @ @ @ @ support is available for all members of the family . ''

Hampshire County Council put out the message in the run up to White Ribbon Day, an annual event on November 25.
The event aims to raise awareness about violence towards women.
This Wednesday and over the following 16 days of action against domestic abuse, the County Council says it will be using social media to reach out to anyone who could be at risk, across Hampshire.
Executive Member for Public Health, Councillor Judith Grajewski said: “Domestic abuse is never okay, and if anyone is experiencing this and needs a safe place to stay or is struggling to manage their emotions or behaviour, I would urge them to please get in touch because help and support is available for all members of the family."


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Southampton University Neuroscience PHD wins national award

A NEUROSCIENCE PHD has been crowned a ‘ Champion of Champions ’ in an annual award .
Twenty-seven year old , Devon Lewis , from the University of Southampton won the title in the Engineers in Business Competition ( EIBC ) .
The competition pits teams of university engineering and bio engineering student innovators against each other to win seed funding to progress their business idea .
As the winner , Devon wins a trophy as well as £1,500 for his brainchild , Inpulse which is smart clothing that increases strength and corrects muscle imbalances Inpulse allows wearers , be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or patients suffering from neurological disorders , the best possible control of their muscles .
Devon explained what spurred him on to develop smart clothing to improve muscle control : “ I ’ m fascinated by the idea that we can directly activate our muscles non-invasively with small electrical currents .
“ Winning the Engineers in Business prize is absolutely amazing .
“ The entries were incredibly strong this year , so it was an honour to even get a chance to present in the finals .
“ £1,500 is actually the exact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the production costs for our pilot so I can ’ t wait to start getting Inpulse clothing out to people and seeing the progress everyone makes with it.
” The EIBC prize fund is provided by Engineers in Business Fellowship .
EIBF ’ s President , David Falzani MBE , said : “ What is exceptional about the young engineers and technologists who are engaging with business ingenuity is that they are developing concepts while in education and many go on to develop real businesses that tackle problems in society .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look forward to seeing how Inpulse develops in the coming months .
”

Twenty-seven year old, Devon Lewis, from the University of Southampton won the title in the Engineers in Business Competition (EIBC).
The competition pits teams of university engineering and bio engineering student innovators against each other to win seed funding to progress their business idea.
As the winner, Devon wins a trophy as well as £1,500 for his brainchild, Inpulse which is smart clothing that increases strength and corrects muscle imbalances
Inpulse allows wearers, be they world-class athletes, keep fit fans or patients suffering from neurological disorders, the best possible control of their muscles.
Devon explained what spurred him on to develop smart clothing to improve muscle control: “I’m fascinated by the idea that we can directly activate our muscles non-invasively with small electrical currents.
“Winning the Engineers in Business prize is absolutely amazing.
“The entries were incredibly strong this year, so it was an honour to even get a chance to present in the finals.
“£1,500 is actually the exact amount I need to cover the rest of the production costs for our pilot so I can’t wait to start getting Inpulse clothing out to people and seeing the progress everyone makes with it.”
The EIBC prize fund is provided by Engineers in Business Fellowship.
EIBF’s President, David Falzani MBE, said: “What is exceptional about the young engineers and technologists who are engaging with business ingenuity is that they are developing concepts while in education and many go on to develop real businesses that tackle problems in society.
“We are absolutely delighted for Devon and look forward to seeing how Inpulse develops in the coming months.”


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Album celebrating the sounds of Southampton enjoying chart success

AN album compilation supporting emerging talent in Southampton is riding high in the charts .
Sounds of Southampton is currently second in the Hip Hop iTunes charts and 30th and climbing in the overall charts .
SoCo Music Project teamed up with SO Movement to release the album last week .
It provides a platform for 24 young artists to release their music and collaborate on a compilation that showcases some of the best new grime , drill , trap and R & B that the city has to offer .
Supported by funding from Arts Council England and PRS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , masterclasses and industry support for these exciting new artists to progress to the next level .
Artists featuring on Sounds of Southampton vol.1 are Tyrone x Warbz , Cam Keddy , Charmz14 , Melina Greene , Maria Cathalina , AK , Shannon B , Reece Brown , Young Chiidz , Lookie x S.4.G.E , Jean , Edward McMann , Amy Da Silva , Becky Wakely , JD , Lou-E , Young Harri , Nath Smith , LJ , Lash , RB , EMthe1st with a mix by DJ Tee .
The album @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyrone & Warbz who have had support from BBC Radio 1xtra , have featured on the UK ’ s biggest YouTube music platform GRM Daily and are involved in Southampton ’ s bid for City of Culture 2025 .
Tyrone is also part of top 10 official dance album charters FooR who earlier this year had their track Fresh used in the Coors light TV advert and signed to major record label Warner Music .
Tyrone told the Daily Echo : `` We are one place behind Megan thee Stallion and ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all global rap artists who released their album the same day as us .
This shows the strength a city can have when working together !
I 'm already looking forward to putting the next project together and hope to hear from more talented Southampton artists to apply to be on the next album ! ''

Sounds of Southampton is currently second in the Hip Hop iTunes charts and 30th and climbing in the overall charts.
SoCo Music Project teamed up with SO Movement to release the album last week.
It provides a platform for 24 young artists to release their music and collaborate on a compilation that showcases some of the best new grime, drill, trap and R&B that the city has to offer.
Supported by funding from Arts Council England and PRS Foundation , the programme has provided mentoring, masterclasses and industry support for these exciting new artists to progress to the next level.
Artists featuring on Sounds of Southampton vol.1 are Tyrone x Warbz, Cam Keddy, Charmz14, Melina Greene, Maria Cathalina, AK, Shannon B, Reece Brown, Young Chiidz, Lookie x S.4.G.E, Jean, Edward McMann, Amy Da Silva, Becky Wakely, JD, Lou-E, Young Harri, Nath Smith, LJ, Lash, RB, EMthe1st with a mix by DJ Tee.
The album is fronted by multi-million streaming rap duo Tyrone & Warbz who have had support from BBC Radio 1xtra, have featured on the UK’s biggest YouTube music platform GRM Daily and are involved in Southampton’s bid for City of Culture 2025. Tyrone is also part of top 10 official dance album charters FooR who earlier this year had their track Fresh used in the Coors light TV advert and signed to major record label Warner Music.
Tyrone told the Daily Echo: "We are one place behind Megan thee Stallion and ahead of Loski, SAINt JHN and more, all global rap artists who released their album the same day as us. This shows the strength a city can have when working together! I'm already looking forward to putting the next project together and hope to hear from more talented Southampton artists to apply to be on the next album!"


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Champagne expert Cécile makes the ultimate wine tutor

A CELEBRATED wine expert who has trained staff at prestigious London hotels including Claridge 's and The Dorchester and a Champagne connoisseur who has dedicated her life to wines , Cécile Bergart is the sort of character who can hold a room - be it real or virtual .
Born in the Champagne region of France and given her first taste of the good stuff aged just four hours , she 's the ideal candidate to teach everyone all about the world of wines as the proprietor of Hampshire Wine School. ''
Don ’ t call social services , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unusual in my family .
It 's in my blood , I was just born into it . ''
On Sundays , young and old gathered around the Bergart dinner table to taste and talk about good food and good wine .
• Barbara the vintage horse trailer is home to a new mobile gin bar Following in family footsteps into the wine industry , she came to the UK at the age of 18 to learn the language and broaden her wine horizons and has never looked back .
`` In France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't any variety whatsoever and I did n't want to specialise in French wines .
I wanted to try anything and everything .
You are very lucky over here that wines from every single wine producing nation are available . ''
Having gained qualifications at the highest level , trained luxury hotel staff and sold her import firm championing small champagne growers ’ wines , Cécile launched Hampshire Wine School in 2012 .
Cécile , who lives in Eastleigh with her two children , runs fun , informative classes and tasting evenings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an introduction to Champagne .
Her enthusiasm is infectious and there 's not a touch of stuffiness in sight .
Longer wine tasting courses are available as well as beer , port , gin , rum and whisky tastings at her Hampshire venues , hotels and upmarket pubs in Southampton and Winchester .
Many of Cécile 's classes , including the Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tasting tonight , have moved online this year .
`` I like running around the room , talking to people , touching them on the shoulder , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face to face , bring you together and have a laugh .
`` If I 've managed to make one person feel happy during lockdown , my job is done . ''
Gift vouchers , valid for three years and redeemable at wine schools across the UK , are available to purchase for Christmas .
To feature as our trader of the week , click here

Born in the Champagne region of France and given her first taste of the good stuff aged just four hours, she's the ideal candidate to teach everyone all about the world of wines as the proprietor of Hampshire Wine School.
" Don’t call social services," Cécile laughs. "This was not unusual in my family. It's in my blood, I was just born into it."
On Sundays, young and old gathered around the Bergart dinner table to taste and talk about good food and good wine.
Following in family footsteps into the wine industry, she came to the UK at the age of 18 to learn the language and broaden her wine horizons and has never looked back.
"In France, especially at the time, there wasn't any variety whatsoever and I didn't want to specialise in French wines. I wanted to try anything and everything. You are very lucky over here that wines from every single wine producing nation are available."
Having gained qualifications at the highest level, trained luxury hotel staff and sold her import firm championing small champagne growers’ wines, Cécile launched Hampshire Wine School in 2012.
Cécile, who lives in Eastleigh with her two children, runs fun, informative classes and tasting evenings on everything from food and wine pairing to an introduction to Champagne. Her enthusiasm is infectious and there's not a touch of stuffiness in sight.
Longer wine tasting courses are available as well as beer, port, gin, rum and whisky tastings at her Hampshire venues, hotels and upmarket pubs in Southampton and Winchester.
Many of Cécile's classes, including the Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tasting tonight, have moved online this year.
"I like running around the room, talking to people, touching them on the shoulder, but this way I can still see you face to face, bring you together and have a laugh.
"If I've managed to make one person feel happy during lockdown, my job is done."
Gift vouchers, valid for three years and redeemable at wine schools across the UK, are available to purchase for Christmas.
To feature as our trader of the week, click here


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Alan Sugar is searching for his latest Apprentice

The search has begun for Lord Alan Sugar ’ s next business partner as The Apprentice returns to the BBC in 2021 .
Lord Sugar who has already invested £2,250,000 into business start-ups via the hit BBC show will once again be offering a £250,000 investment to the winning candidate .
The show sees rival candidates go head to head in team tasks aimed to test the business acumen of potential business partners .
2021 will see the 16th series aired on BBC One after the 2020 series was cancelled amid the Coronavirus pandemic .
A BBC spokesperson said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to postpone The Apprentice for 2020 .
Production safety and the wellbeing of everyone involved in the show is our number one priority.
” And now Lord Sugar will return alongside Karren Brady and Cladue Littner eager to hear from people who think they have what it takes to win the show .
How can you apply ?
“ The Apprentice is back , ” Lord Sugar announced via a video on Twitter , “ bigger and better than ever before , and I ’ m looking for my next business partner.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Right now !
” When is the closing date for applications ?
The closing date for applications for the 2021 series of The Apprentice is 23:59 on Monday 25th January 2021 .
If you are successful in progressing to the next stage of the selection process , you will be contacted via email by 5th February 2021 to either attend a face-to-face meeting or participate in an online video call on a date between 6th and 20th February 2021 .
If you are successful at this round of the selection process , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round , which will take place either by a face-to-face meeting in London or an online video call on a date between 24th February and 3rd March 2021 .
You will need to be available for half a day and will have very little notice so you are urged to plan for that in advance if you think you have what it takes to be successful .

Lord Sugar who has already invested £2,250,000 into business start-ups via the hit BBC show will once again be offering a £250,000 investment to the winning candidate.
The show sees rival candidates go head to head in team tasks aimed to test the business acumen of potential business partners.
2021 will see the 16th series aired on BBC One after the 2020 series was cancelled amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
A BBC spokesperson said in June: “Sadly we have decided to postpone The Apprentice for 2020. Production safety and the wellbeing of everyone involved in the show is our number one priority.”
And now Lord Sugar will return alongside Karren Brady and Cladue Littner eager to hear from people who think they have what it takes to win the show.
How can you apply?
“The Apprentice is back,” Lord Sugar announced via a video on Twitter, “bigger and better than ever before, and I’m looking for my next business partner.”
“So apply now to bbc.co.uk/apprentice, Right now!”
I’m on the lookout for my next business partner. Applications are open for @bbcapprentice 2021. If you have a great business plan and reckon you can handle the heat in the Boardroom, apply here ➡https://t.co/EEal8LUtLW #TheApprentice pic.twitter.com/ZqfhVPe4I2 — Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) November 23, 2020
When is the closing date for applications?
The closing date for applications for the 2021 series of The Apprentice is 23:59 on Monday 25th January 2021.
If you are successful in progressing to the next stage of the selection process, you will be contacted via email by 5th February 2021 to either attend a face-to-face meeting or participate in an online video call on a date between 6th and 20th February 2021.
If you are successful at this round of the selection process, you will be called back for a further round, which will take place either by a face-to-face meeting in London or an online video call on a date between 24th February and 3rd March 2021.
You will need to be available for half a day and will have very little notice so you are urged to plan for that in advance if you think you have what it takes to be successful.


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Fareham Christmas lights switched on

Fareham Christmas lights switched on

FAREHAM is now lit up for Christmas .
The Mayor of Fareham Cllr Mrs Pamela Bryant , has turned on the town 's Christmas lights .
Due to the pandemic , the usual celebrations can not take place this year .
However , Cllr Bryant has started the magic of Christmas in a special video from her home .
She performed the honours alongside the Mayoress , Cllr Mrs Louise Clubley .
As the mother and daughter team live together , they can continue to work together in a ‘ mayoral bubble ’ .
Cllr Bryant said : “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to switch on Fareham ’ s Christmas lights .
Like so many things the switch-on is different this year .
We hope that by lighting up the town , we can bring some festive cheer , in what has been such a difficult time for everyone .
We ’ d like to wish all our residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
” The annual Christmas lights switch-on is usually a great opportunity for local traders , with a busy festive market in the town centre .
As that won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , the Council is promoting local traders on its website with an online market .
You can find photos and links to their products , and watch the Christmas lights video , here : www.fareham.gov.uk/christmaslights

The Mayor of Fareham Cllr Mrs Pamela Bryant, has turned on the town's Christmas lights.
Due to the pandemic, the usual celebrations cannot take place this year. However, Cllr Bryant has started the magic of Christmas in a special video from her home.
She performed the honours alongside the Mayoress, Cllr Mrs Louise Clubley. As the mother and daughter team live together, they can continue to work together in a ‘mayoral bubble’.
Cllr Bryant said: “The Mayoress and I are delighted to be able to switch on Fareham’s Christmas lights. Like so many things the switch-on is different this year. We hope that by lighting up the town, we can bring some festive cheer, in what has been such a difficult time for everyone. We’d like to wish all our residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
The annual Christmas lights switch-on is usually a great opportunity for local traders, with a busy festive market in the town centre. As that won’t be able to take place this year, the Council is promoting local traders on its website with an online market. You can find photos and links to their products, and watch the Christmas lights video, here: www.fareham.gov.uk/christmaslights


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--A year after the first record of Covid, hope for an end to the pandemic is in sight

JUST over a year after the first recorded case of Coronavirus-19 , a disease which has claimed over 1.3 million lives so far , hope may be in sight , in the form of not one but four , or even more vaccines , which if successful , may allow us to return to life as we knew it before the pandemic , or at least some semblance of it .
The development of a vaccine or vaccines is a vital breakthrough because at the present time there is insufficient data to prove that having had the virus makes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guarantee that you won ’ t pass it on to others .
The front runners are as follows , the Oxford vaccine , manufactured by AstraZeneca and codenamed Talent , that from Pfizer/BioNTech , dubbed Courageous , a vaccine from the US based company Moderna , as well as Sputnik V , developed at the National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology , Moscow .
I ’ d like to concentrate on the first three , with the UK government having procured orders for 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine and a further 5 million units of that produced by Moderna .
The Oxford vaccine is made from a version of the common cold virus in chimpanzees , weakened so it can not grow in humans .
A portion of genetic material from coronavirus -19 is inserted into this , so that when injected into humans it stimulates an immune response against COVID-19 .
Results so far have been very promising , with over 99 % of participants developing antibodies to COVID-19 within 2 weeks of the second dose .
T-cell responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune system responds , were also very robust .
Most pleasingly , not only was the vaccine well tolerated by older aged volunteers , ( in fact they reported fewer side effects ) but their immune response was equivalent to that of their younger counterparts .
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine , with a claimed efficacy of over 90 % , again involves two shots , given three weeks apart .
It uses experimental technology , whereby a portion of the virus ’ s genetic code , known as RNA , is injected directly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes the formation of a portion of the virus , against which the body ’ s immune system reacts .
Again , the team behind this breakthrough advise that it is equally efficacious in the over 65 age group , as well as in all ethnicities .
The Moderna vaccine uses the same technology as the Pfizer product , with a promised effectiveness of 95 % .
It also relies on two jabs , given four weeks apart .
However , unlike the Pfizer vaccine , which has to be stored at minus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moderna vaccine will survive at a much more modest minus 20 degrees C. It can be kept in a standard fridge for a month , while that from Pfizer will only last in these conditions for five days .
The quoted figures above regarding success rates are preliminary data , with phase 3 trials still ongoing .
Phase 1 trials test if a drug is safe and tolerated ( usually on a small number of healthy volunteers ) , phase two is to demonstrate how well the drug works ( its efficacy ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurdle before product is approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities , after which it can be released onto the market .
Although there isn ’ t a definite date for vaccination to commence , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , Deputy Chief Medical Officer has advised “ As UK citizens , we are incredibly lucky we will be one of the very first nations to get a vaccine ” .
At this very moment , the NHS is recruiting a virtual army of healthcare providers , from all disciplines , including those recently retired , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the moment the green light is given .
Age is the biggest risk factor for succumbing to COVID , and the UK vaccination programme will address the most vulnerable members of society first , with those involved in providing care next in line .
For herd immunity , that being needed to protect those who can not receive the vaccine for whatever reason , it is estimated that at least 60-70 % of the globe needs to be vaccinated .
Unfortunately , and it goes without saying , many nations will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a successful vaccination programme will certainly require a large amount of charitable donations .
With the festive season almost upon us , I would gently urge everyone not to give into temptation to break the rules as they stand , and remember the motto “ Hands , Face , Space ” .
Hopefully next year will be a much better year .

The development of a vaccine or vaccines is a vital breakthrough because at the present time there is insufficient data to prove that having had the virus makes you immune to it. Nor is it a guarantee that you won’t pass it on to others.
The front runners are as follows, the Oxford vaccine, manufactured by AstraZeneca and codenamed Talent, that from Pfizer/BioNTech, dubbed Courageous, a vaccine from the US based company Moderna, as well as Sputnik V, developed at the National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow.
I’d like to concentrate on the first three, with the UK government having procured orders for 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine, another 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and a further 5 million units of that produced by Moderna.
The Oxford vaccine is made from a version of the common cold virus in chimpanzees, weakened so it cannot grow in humans. A portion of genetic material from coronavirus -19 is inserted into this, so that when injected into humans it stimulates an immune response against COVID-19.
Results so far have been very promising, with over 99% of participants developing antibodies to COVID-19 within 2 weeks of the second dose. T-cell responses, another marker of how well the immune system responds, were also very robust. Most pleasingly, not only was the vaccine well tolerated by older aged volunteers, (in fact they reported fewer side effects) but their immune response was equivalent to that of their younger counterparts.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, with a claimed efficacy of over 90%, again involves two shots, given three weeks apart. It uses experimental technology, whereby a portion of the virus’s genetic code, known as RNA, is injected directly. Once inside the body, this code causes the formation of a portion of the virus, against which the body’s immune system reacts. Again, the team behind this breakthrough advise that it is equally efficacious in the over 65 age group, as well as in all ethnicities.
The Moderna vaccine uses the same technology as the Pfizer product, with a promised effectiveness of 95%. It also relies on two jabs, given four weeks apart. However, unlike the Pfizer vaccine, which has to be stored at minus 70 to 75 degrees Celsius, the Moderna vaccine will survive at a much more modest minus 20 degrees C. It can be kept in a standard fridge for a month, while that from Pfizer will only last in these conditions for five days.
The quoted figures above regarding success rates are preliminary data, with phase 3 trials still ongoing. Phase 1 trials test if a drug is safe and tolerated (usually on a small number of healthy volunteers), phase two is to demonstrate how well the drug works (its efficacy), with phase 3 being the final hurdle before product is approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities, after which it can be released onto the market.
Although there isn’t a definite date for vaccination to commence, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer has advised “As UK citizens, we are incredibly lucky we will be one of the very first nations to get a vaccine”.
At this very moment, the NHS is recruiting a virtual army of healthcare providers, from all disciplines, including those recently retired, to assist in a mass vaccination programme, the moment the green light is given.
Age is the biggest risk factor for succumbing to COVID, and the UK vaccination programme will address the most vulnerable members of society first, with those involved in providing care next in line.
For herd immunity, that being needed to protect those who cannot receive the vaccine for whatever reason, it is estimated that at least 60-70% of the globe needs to be vaccinated.
Unfortunately, and it goes without saying, many nations will not have the resources for this, so a successful vaccination programme will certainly require a large amount of charitable donations.
With the festive season almost upon us, I would gently urge everyone not to give into temptation to break the rules as they stand, and remember the motto “Hands, Face, Space”.
Hopefully next year will be a much better year.


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--AGONY ADVICE FROM OUR COLUMNIST FIONA CAINE

[ STANDFIRST ] Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine reassures a lonely grandfather , and a woman struggling with having her partner 's daughter around .
I MISS MY GRANDCHILDREN SO MUCH AND FEEL SO DOWN AND LONELY Until 20 months ago , I was one of the fittest 72-year-old men around .
I used to have my four grandchildren over to my house every weekend .
I used to take them out and play football with them and I was really enjoying life .
Then the doctor told me I had high blood pressure and decided I needed medication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of blood pressure tablets at different times and they completely changed me .
I was exhausted the whole time and had no energy to see and play with my grandchildren anymore .
I felt like an old man , and if I tried to explain to the doctor how I felt , he said I 'd just have to get used to them and stop moaning !
So , I decided to stop taking them and lose weight .
I soon started to feel better - but then came the coronavirus and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live on my own and see no one anymore , because my daughter thinks I 'm at risk and wo n't bring the children near me .
How I would love to play with my grandchildren again , but as long as this goes on , there is no chance .
I feel this virus , plus the problems I 've had , have destroyed my life and that there 's no point in going on any more .
It 's a great shame that your health problems and the coronavirus are preventing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously cares about you and is worried that the children - who are , presumably going to school and interacting with others - will infect you .
As tough as it is , she is trying to keep you safe because she loves you .
This is all still extremely hard though .
You appear to have taken yourself off the medication - and it does sound as if your GP was less than sympathetic about the side-effects you were experiencing .
I would really encourage you , though , to go back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you 've lost weight and changed your diet , then hopefully you may have brought your blood pressure down - but it 's important that it 's properly monitored by a health professional .
If you 've become less active this year , as so many have , there is a chance it may have gone up even more , so do get it checked .
I can quite understand how you will feel depressed and lonely .
So many people are feeling the same way .
Loneliness and depression are two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are only now beginning to be counted , and with everything that is happening in the world , it is all too easy to feel hopeless .
Researchers have found in some studies that almost half the people polled have felt the pandemic has harmed their mental health .
When you 're suffering from depression - and from your email , I believe you possibly are - life can feel overwhelmingly bleak .
As bleak as it feels though , please do remember that things can , and will , get better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you speak to your doctor about your blood pressure and coming off your medication , I would encourage you to talk to them about how hard you 're finding things too , because depression can equally be an illness - and one that can be treated .
That may or may not involve medication , but there are certainly many things that can help - including self-help measures .
We are social creatures and these months of social distancing and sheltering at home have clearly left you feeling isolated and lonely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of our families is hideous and we need to find new ways of interacting with them .
You may not be able to play with your grandchildren or even be with them physically , but could you set up video calling with them ?
Could you even find ways of playing online games with them ?
Seeing people - even if through a computer screen - is so much better than just hearing their voices , so please try and explore some of these options .
There are services out there that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local council to see what befriending options are available , for example .
If nothing appeals to you there , contact Age UK ( their advice line : 0800 678 1602 ) as could match you up with a befriending volunteer .
And please remember , if you ever feel very low and need somebody to talk to , judgement-free , you can call Samaritans for free at any time of day or night ( 116 123 ) .
Eventually , this pandemic will pass and life will pick up again .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I really hope that when you do , you are still as fit , active and healthy as possible so you can enjoy their company .
MY PARTNER 'S TEENAGE DAUGHTER IS ALWAYS HANGING AROUND My partner has a 14-year-old daughter and over the past year , she has had to live with us because her mum has health problems and has had to isolate .
I have found it increasingly difficult to cope because the girl never goes out and is hanging around us all the time .
It 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , but my partner and I can never be alone together , without her finding some thin excuse to interrupt or stay around .
I know she must have found it difficult at first to adjust to her father having a new partner , but surely after a year she should have come to terms with it .
I 've tried to explain to my partner how uncomfortable this is making me , but he seems unable or unwilling to tackle it .
Last weekend , he arranged a nice meal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a year , but then spoiled it by inviting his daughter to join us .
Why ca n't he see how important this is to me ?
FIONA SAYS : HIS DAUGHTER IS PART OF THE PACKAGE Frankly , I am amazed that you ca n't see that his daughter is important too !
This poor girl must be desperately anxious about her sick mother .
On top of that , she 's been uprooted from her home to live with her father and a woman she does n't know .
Whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or had to start at a new one , she 's probably had to cope with feelings of loneliness and isolation because of all the restrictions .
What do you expect your partner to do with her at times when you do n't want her around ?
Lock her in her room ?
I 'm sorry if I sound harsh , but I think you are the one being a bit unreasonable here .
You ca n't simply dismiss a child whenever you think he or she has become inconvenient .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy together , then perhaps it might be a good idea for your partner to have a chat with his daughter .
She is certainly old enough to understand that couples need some privacy , but beyond that , she has as much right to be around her father as you - perhaps even more so at this present time .
You are , potentially , her stepmother , or you could be in the future , even if you are n't get married .
If you fall for a man who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that on board , or you rethink your relationship , because that child is a part of who he is and comes with the package .
I wonder if your partner is concerned about your lack of empathy and understanding for his daughter at such a difficult time in her life .
Instead of trying to find ways to exclude her , could you not find ways to get closer ?
For a start , you both love and care for the same man , so look for other areas of shared interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his daughter is becoming a young woman and in a few more years she will , potentially , be moving out and making her own life .
Perhaps you could consider helping to equip her with some of the skills she 'll need , especially as her mother is n't able to do so right now .
Get her involved with meal preparation and cooking ; get her doing a share of general household tasks ; help her to learn about budgeting and finance .
I 'm not suggesting you try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aunt or older sister - you never know , you might even start to care about her .
If you ca n't adjust to these realities of family life though , perhaps you need to consider whether this is the right relationship for you .
UPSET THAT MY HUSBAND IS USING GAMBLING SITES I have discovered something about my husband that has upset and embarrassed me , and I do n't know what to say to him .
He left the computer open recently and I saw he had been in an online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have always condemned in my family - we do n't even do the lottery - and I thought my husband understood this .
I am so worried that he has a problem and that he has secret debts .
I know he realises something is wrong because we have n't spoken properly for almost two weeks .
Up to now , our marriage has been very happy and open , so why has n't he talked to me about this ?
FIONA SAYS : TALK TO HIM If your husband knows you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gambling , then I suspect he has n't said anything because he is worried about your reaction .
Clearly , your upbringing has made you think this is something very terrible , but an occasional flutter does n't necessarily make him a problem gambler or gambling addict .
You are worried about secret debts , but do you have any reason to think this ?
Are there any unexplained holes in your finances ?
If not , you may well be worrying without good cause - but , as it bothers you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
Explain that you saw he had been on a gambling site and that it 's been worrying you ever since .
I understand your concern but please try to keep things in proportion until you know more .
I hope he will be able to reassure you , but if there is a problem , then clearly it ca n't be ignored as gambling addictions can be a huge problem .
If this is the case , if your marriage is strong and your husband is fully willing to work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something you 'll be able to tackle together .
If there is a problem then GamCare ( gamcare.org.uk ) or Gam Anon ( gamanon.org.uk ) might be good sources to turn to .
I 'VE NEVER BEEN VERY TALKTATIVE AND FIND VIDEO CALLS HARD I have always found it hard to talk to people ; I never know what to say .
I 've been working from home and we have regular meetings most days .
Most of the time we 're talking about work stuff , but there 's always chat time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
I am sure they must think that I 'm very boring , but I just ca n't seem to be like everyone else .
FIONA SAYS : TRY SOME LITTLE CHALLENGES While some people are good talkers , they would get nowhere if others were n't good listeners too .
Video conferencing meetings can be intimidating for anyone unless they 're particularly assertive - and the assertive ones are generally the ones you 'll hear talking .
It may surprise you that some of them will actually be very nervous and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover up their nerves .
People who talk a lot often do so because they are insecure or need an audience , and that can be the same in real life as it is in these calls .
If you want to take a more active part in these calls , perhaps you could learn a few easy techniques for keeping a conversation going .
The most obvious of these is to never answer a question with a simple 'yes ' or 'no ' .
Instead , try to respond with a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on which to base the next exchange .
I 'd also encourage you to ask questions yourself , as this will keep the conversation flowing and may even lead to debate or flowing chat .
'Why is always a good one !
There are several books that explore other techniques you might find interesting to read - How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends by Don Gabor is a good one , but there are plenty more .
If you have a problem you need help with , email Fiona by writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All letters are treated in complete confidence and , to protect this privacy , Fiona is unable to pass on your messages to other readers .
Fiona regrets that she can not enter into personal correspondence .

I MISS MY GRANDCHILDREN SO MUCH AND FEEL SO DOWN AND LONELY
Until 20 months ago, I was one of the fittest 72-year-old men around. I used to have my four grandchildren over to my house every weekend. I used to take them out and play football with them and I was really enjoying life.
Then the doctor told me I had high blood pressure and decided I needed medication. I have tried five different types of blood pressure tablets at different times and they completely changed me. I was exhausted the whole time and had no energy to see and play with my grandchildren anymore. I felt like an old man, and if I tried to explain to the doctor how I felt, he said I'd just have to get used to them and stop moaning!
So, I decided to stop taking them and lose weight. I soon started to feel better - but then came the coronavirus and I feel I've lost everything. I live on my own and see no one anymore, because my daughter thinks I'm at risk and won't bring the children near me. How I would love to play with my grandchildren again, but as long as this goes on, there is no chance.
I feel this virus, plus the problems I've had, have destroyed my life and that there's no point in going on any more.
H. W.
FIONA SAYS: PLEASE DON'T LOSE HOPE
It's a great shame that your health problems and the coronavirus are preventing from seeing your grandchildren. Your daughter obviously cares about you and is worried that the children - who are, presumably going to school and interacting with others - will infect you. As tough as it is, she is trying to keep you safe because she loves you.
This is all still extremely hard though. You appear to have taken yourself off the medication - and it does sound as if your GP was less than sympathetic about the side-effects you were experiencing. I would really encourage you, though, to go back and perhaps see a different doctor.
If you've lost weight and changed your diet, then hopefully you may have brought your blood pressure down - but it's important that it's properly monitored by a health professional. If you've become less active this year, as so many have, there is a chance it may have gone up even more, so do get it checked.
I can quite understand how you will feel depressed and lonely. So many people are feeling the same way. Loneliness and depression are two of the horrible side-effects of this pandemic that are only now beginning to be counted, and with everything that is happening in the world, it is all too easy to feel hopeless.
Researchers have found in some studies that almost half the people polled have felt the pandemic has harmed their mental health. When you're suffering from depression - and from your email, I believe you possibly are - life can feel overwhelmingly bleak. As bleak as it feels though, please do remember that things can, and will, get better - and you are not alone.
When you speak to your doctor about your blood pressure and coming off your medication, I would encourage you to talk to them about how hard you're finding things too, because depression can equally be an illness - and one that can be treated. That may or may not involve medication, but there are certainly many things that can help - including self-help measures.
We are social creatures and these months of social distancing and sheltering at home have clearly left you feeling isolated and lonely. Being cut off from the love and support of our families is hideous and we need to find new ways of interacting with them. You may not be able to play with your grandchildren or even be with them physically, but could you set up video calling with them?
Could you even find ways of playing online games with them? Seeing people - even if through a computer screen - is so much better than just hearing their voices, so please try and explore some of these options.
There are services out there that can help you too - contact your local council to see what befriending options are available, for example. If nothing appeals to you there, contact Age UK (their advice line: 0800 678 1602) as could match you up with a befriending volunteer. And please remember, if you ever feel very low and need somebody to talk to, judgement-free, you can call Samaritans for free at any time of day or night (116 123).
Eventually, this pandemic will pass and life will pick up again. You will be seeing your grandchildren again, so I really hope that when you do, you are still as fit, active and healthy as possible so you can enjoy their company.
MY PARTNER'S TEENAGE DAUGHTER IS ALWAYS HANGING AROUND
My partner has a 14-year-old daughter and over the past year, she has had to live with us because her mum has health problems and has had to isolate. I have found it increasingly difficult to cope because the girl never goes out and is hanging around us all the time.
It's a bit better now she's back at school, but my partner and I can never be alone together, without her finding some thin excuse to interrupt or stay around. I know she must have found it difficult at first to adjust to her father having a new partner, but surely after a year she should have come to terms with it. I've tried to explain to my partner how uncomfortable this is making me, but he seems unable or unwilling to tackle it.
Last weekend, he arranged a nice meal to celebrate the fact we've been together for a year, but then spoiled it by inviting his daughter to join us. Why can't he see how important this is to me?
J. K.
FIONA SAYS: HIS DAUGHTER IS PART OF THE PACKAGE
Frankly, I am amazed that you can't see that his daughter is important too! This poor girl must be desperately anxious about her sick mother. On top of that, she's been uprooted from her home to live with her father and a woman she doesn't know. Whether she's continued at the same school or had to start at a new one, she's probably had to cope with feelings of loneliness and isolation because of all the restrictions.
What do you expect your partner to do with her at times when you don't want her around? Lock her in her room?
I'm sorry if I sound harsh, but I think you are the one being a bit unreasonable here. You can't simply dismiss a child whenever you think he or she has become inconvenient.
If you are finding it hard to have ANY privacy together, then perhaps it might be a good idea for your partner to have a chat with his daughter. She is certainly old enough to understand that couples need some privacy, but beyond that, she has as much right to be around her father as you - perhaps even more so at this present time.
You are, potentially, her stepmother, or you could be in the future, even if you aren't get married. If you fall for a man who has a child - then either you take that on board, or you rethink your relationship, because that child is a part of who he is and comes with the package.
I wonder if your partner is concerned about your lack of empathy and understanding for his daughter at such a difficult time in her life. Instead of trying to find ways to exclude her, could you not find ways to get closer? For a start, you both love and care for the same man, so look for other areas of shared interest and other common grounds.
At 14, his daughter is becoming a young woman and in a few more years she will, potentially, be moving out and making her own life. Perhaps you could consider helping to equip her with some of the skills she'll need, especially as her mother isn't able to do so right now. Get her involved with meal preparation and cooking; get her doing a share of general household tasks; help her to learn about budgeting and finance.
I'm not suggesting you try to replace her mother but more like an aunt or older sister - you never know, you might even start to care about her. If you can't adjust to these realities of family life though, perhaps you need to consider whether this is the right relationship for you.
UPSET THAT MY HUSBAND IS USING GAMBLING SITES
I have discovered something about my husband that has upset and embarrassed me, and I don't know what to say to him. He left the computer open recently and I saw he had been in an online gambling site.
Betting is something we have always condemned in my family - we don't even do the lottery - and I thought my husband understood this. I am so worried that he has a problem and that he has secret debts.
I know he realises something is wrong because we haven't spoken properly for almost two weeks. Up to now, our marriage has been very happy and open, so why hasn't he talked to me about this?
W. J.
FIONA SAYS: TALK TO HIM
If your husband knows you and your family have a deep opposition to gambling, then I suspect he hasn't said anything because he is worried about your reaction. Clearly, your upbringing has made you think this is something very terrible, but an occasional flutter doesn't necessarily make him a problem gambler or gambling addict.
You are worried about secret debts, but do you have any reason to think this? Are there any unexplained holes in your finances? If not, you may well be worrying without good cause - but, as it bothers you, I think you need to talk to him. Explain that you saw he had been on a gambling site and that it's been worrying you ever since.
I understand your concern but please try to keep things in proportion until you know more. I hope he will be able to reassure you, but if there is a problem, then clearly it can't be ignored as gambling addictions can be a huge problem. If this is the case, if your marriage is strong and your husband is fully willing to work on the issue, I hope it's something you'll be able to tackle together. If there is a problem then GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) or Gam Anon (gamanon.org.uk) might be good sources to turn to.
I'VE NEVER BEEN VERY TALKTATIVE AND FIND VIDEO CALLS HARD
I have always found it hard to talk to people; I never know what to say. I've been working from home and we have regular meetings most days. Most of the time we're talking about work stuff, but there's always chat time too, and I feel very left out. I am sure they must think that I'm very boring, but I just can't seem to be like everyone else.
F. C.
FIONA SAYS: TRY SOME LITTLE CHALLENGES
While some people are good talkers, they would get nowhere if others weren't good listeners too. Video conferencing meetings can be intimidating for anyone unless they're particularly assertive - and the assertive ones are generally the ones you'll hear talking.
It may surprise you that some of them will actually be very nervous and insecure too, and are talking to cover up their nerves. People who talk a lot often do so because they are insecure or need an audience, and that can be the same in real life as it is in these calls.
If you want to take a more active part in these calls, perhaps you could learn a few easy techniques for keeping a conversation going. The most obvious of these is to never answer a question with a simple 'yes' or 'no'.
Instead, try to respond with a full answer that gives the other person material on which to base the next exchange.
I'd also encourage you to ask questions yourself, as this will keep the conversation flowing and may even lead to debate or flowing chat. 'Why is always a good one!
There are several books that explore other techniques you might find interesting to read - How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends by Don Gabor is a good one, but there are plenty more.
If you have a problem you need help with, email Fiona by writing to help@askfiona.net for advice. All letters are treated in complete confidence and, to protect this privacy, Fiona is unable to pass on your messages to other readers. Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence.


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--LETTER - Southampton will shrink as people go elsewhere

YOU have to have sympathy for Southampton 's retailers , restaurateurs and hoteliers .
The retail sector has been facing competition from online shopping for some years now .
Coupled with high business rates imposed by a spendthrift inefficient city council which relies on income from parking fees so much that they are even imposed into nightime , we are now seeing many big and small names disappearing from the city centre .
The hospitality sector is struggling against fierce competition from fast food delivery businesses .
These seem to have increased in number since parking charges were extended so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals have been cut short or desert foregone in order to avoid a parking fine .
Then , as if times were not difficult enough , along comes Covid 19 to deal a body blow to high street businesses .
Cllr Hammond and his colleagues then kick the retail and hospitality industries while they 're down by refusing to temporarily scrap parking fees .
Cllr Hammond gives one reason as `` People want a hopeful future for the city '' .
If this administration continues it fanatical plans to save the planet by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city centre it will continue to shrink as people go elsewhere to shop and eat out where they are welcomed .
Cllr Steve Leggett is quoted as saying he is against temporarily scrapping parking fees `` because that would encourage people to drive '' .
This climate change zealot does n't want anyone in the city centre unless they 've come by bus or cycled .
You can almost hear a collective groan from the city 's retail and hospitality businesses .

The retail sector has been facing competition from online shopping for some years now.
Coupled with high business rates imposed by a spendthrift inefficient city council which relies on income from parking fees so much that they are even imposed into nightime, we are now seeing many big and small names disappearing from the city centre.
The hospitality sector is struggling against fierce competition from fast food delivery businesses.
These seem to have increased in number since parking charges were extended so far into the evening.
Doubtless many meals have been cut short or desert foregone in order to avoid a parking fine.
Then, as if times were not difficult enough, along comes Covid 19 to deal a body blow to high street businesses.
Cllr Hammond and his colleagues then kick the retail and hospitality industries while they're down by refusing to temporarily scrap parking fees.
Cllr Hammond gives one reason as "People want a hopeful future for the city".
If this administration continues it fanatical plans to save the planet by excluding as many cars as possible from the city centre it will continue to shrink as people go elsewhere to shop and eat out where they are welcomed.
Cllr Steve Leggett is quoted as saying he is against temporarily scrapping parking fees "because that would encourage people to drive".
This climate change zealot doesn't want anyone in the city centre unless they've come by bus or cycled.
You can almost hear a collective groan from the city's retail and hospitality businesses.
Hopeful future for the city?
I don't think so.
Ian Cole.
West End


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--LETTER - Loss of Southampton post box will add to  problems

I HAVE been a resident of the Peartree area of Southampton for over 60 years and for all of these years , I have posted our letters in Post Box that was positioned a the junction of Peartree Ave / Gainsford Road ( Outside of Jonathan Terry , Funeral Directors Premises ) .
This morning Friday November 20 , I found much to my surprise that the post box had been removed and not relocated somewhere nearby ; The BT phone box which was positioned next to the post box is still there .
I fully appreciate that we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did it not occur to some person from Royal Mail , to have the sense to put a notice on the box to fore warn its users that the was to be removed , this is not good customer service .
I am nearly 80 years of age and a person with reduced mobility and the loss of this posting box will add to my problems .
In fact it means a bus journey either to Woolston or Bitterne .
I am sure there must be a location nearby where it could @ @ @ @

This morning Friday November 20, I found much to my surprise that the post box had been removed and not relocated somewhere nearby; The BT phone box which was positioned next to the post box is still there.
I fully appreciate that we are living in very difficult time, however, did it not occur to some person from Royal Mail, to have the sense to put a notice on the box to fore warn its users that the was to be removed, this is not good customer service.
I am nearly 80 years of age and a person with reduced mobility and the loss of this posting box will add to my problems.
In fact it means a bus journey either to Woolston or Bitterne.
I am sure there must be a location nearby where it could have been relocated.
G. D. W
Via Email


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Car sales boosted by online orders

Car sales boosted by online orders

A CHAIN of car dealerships achieved record sales of used vehicles as the Covid crisis drove people to a “ click and collect ” platform .
Southampton-headquartered Snows said the service received a boost when the government said sales could be completed at the dealership as long as the customers did not enter a showroom .
The company , which has 50 dealerships in the south , introduced £99 online deposits in August 2019 and enjoyed “ reasonable ” take-up until March this year when they escalated during lockdown .
The company launched Click & Co on May 22 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June to 35 in October .
It said the second lockdown was seeing 15-20 Click & Co orders a day .
Chairman Stephen Snow said : “ When clarification was given by the Department for Business , Energy & Industrial Strategy that retailers could complete sales on dealership premises on the condition that customers did not enter the showroom environment , we hit the ground running .
“ We already had the £99 deposit scheme in place , but we knew Click & Go would be key to our business .
“ Alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our sales teams , we swiftly developed a Click & Go system which was as simple as possible to navigate , with as few clicks as possible.
” Snows Click & Go offers customers a raft of online services from reserving a vehicle for £99 , to a full end-to-end purchase .
Finance and trade-in are also available , with an across the board option to return the vehicle within 14 days .
Mr Snow added : “ Our teams are on hand throughout the process to deliver highly effective and comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as support on the phone , via Live Chat , and through our online enquiry form.
” The UK ’ s used car market increased by 4.4 per cent in the third quarter of this year , after two consecutive quarters of decline , according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders .
Some 2.16million transactions took place between July and September , 92,217 more than the same period in 2019 , with September recording the largest growth , up 6.3 per cent .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Snows saw revenues of £429million in 2019 .

Southampton-headquartered Snows said the service received a boost when the government said sales could be completed at the dealership as long as the customers did not enter a showroom.
The company, which has 50 dealerships in the south, introduced £99 online deposits in August 2019 and enjoyed “reasonable” take-up until March this year when they escalated during lockdown.
The company launched Click & Co on May 22 and saw end-to-end sales go from 26 in June to 35 in October.
It said the second lockdown was seeing 15-20 Click & Co orders a day.
Chairman Stephen Snow said: “When clarification was given by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy that retailers could complete sales on dealership premises on the condition that customers did not enter the showroom environment, we hit the ground running.
“We already had the £99 deposit scheme in place, but we knew Click & Go would be key to our business.
“Alongside a CitNOW best practice video training course for our sales teams, we swiftly developed a Click & Go system which was as simple as possible to navigate, with as few clicks as possible.”
Snows Click & Go offers customers a raft of online services from reserving a vehicle for £99, to a full end-to-end purchase. Finance and trade-in are also available, with an across the board option to return the vehicle within 14 days.
Mr Snow added: “Our teams are on hand throughout the process to deliver highly effective and comprehensive video calls and walkarounds, as well as support on the phone, via Live Chat, and through our online enquiry form.”
The UK’s used car market increased by 4.4 per cent in the third quarter of this year, after two consecutive quarters of decline, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Some 2.16million transactions took place between July and September, 92,217 more than the same period in 2019, with September recording the largest growth, up 6.3 per cent. It was the busiest quarter since the end of 2016.
Snows saw revenues of £429million in 2019.


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--LETTER - Parking vote in Southampton extremely unwarranted

SO SOUTHAMPTON Labour administration decided not to offer free parking in the city to try and boost the economy pre @ @ @ @ @ 'm sure local traders will be well impressed with that decision .
Facing unprecedented losses @ @ @ @ @ , I would have thought they would have welcomed the idea put forward by the @ @ @ @ @ to the city .
Perhaps offering free parking until spring was going a little too @ @ @ @ @ that the real reason was that the thought of not having parking fees to pop @ @ @ @ @ the Green Transport Recovery Plan used as a smokescreen .
We are all facing difficult @ @ @ @ @ Christmas time is the most important period for businesses , to carry them through the @ @ @ @ @ New Year , and for a city that professes to support commerce and has built @ @ @ @ @ it , this council decision seems extremely unwarranted .

I'm sure local traders will be well impressed with that decision.
Facing unprecedented losses owing to Covid 19 restrictions, I would have thought they would have welcomed the idea put forward by the Conservatives to bring more people to the city.
Perhaps offering free parking until spring was going a little too far however.
I suspect that the real reason was that the thought of not having parking fees to pop into the treasury coffers with the Green Transport Recovery Plan used as a smokescreen.
We are all facing difficult times at the moment but Christmas time is the most important period for businesses, to carry them through the lean months early in the New Year, and for a city that professes to support commerce and has built it`s reputation around it, this council decision seems extremely unwarranted.
Richard A Jacob
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--LETTER - We should hold Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer to account

WE SHOULD certainly now be putting a lot of energy into calling to account our current parliamentary leaders .
Boris @ @ @ @ @ , Keir Starmer .
Think Boris , think Cummings and today , Priti Patel .
@ @ @ @ @ this poem , `` The Perfect Reactionary '' by Hugh Mearns , more famous for @ @ @ @ @ little man who was n't there '' .
To my mind it , forgive the @ @ @ @ @ when applied to both Johnson and Starmer .
`` As I was sitting in my @ @ @ @ @ back but I just sat Ignoring little things like that ``

Think Boris, think Cummings and today, Priti Patel.
Think Starmer, think Jeremy Corbyn.
I offer as a thought this poem, "The Perfect Reactionary" by Hugh Mearns, more famous for the 1899 poem "The little man who wasn't there".
To my mind it, forgive the pun, sits equally well when applied to both Johnson and Starmer.
"As I was sitting in my chair
I knew the bottom wasn't there
Nor legs, nor back but I just sat
Ignoring little things like that "
David Smith
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--LETTER - We look forward to Government promise to build more social housing

HOW interesting that two Conservative MPs , one of whom is local MP Paul Holmes , on addressing a meeting on housing , hosted by Lloyds Bank ( Echo 16th November ) , should call for a large-scale council house building programme .
Ever since Margaret Thatcher ’ s bribe to tenants under the Right to Buy Scheme , the Tories , when in Government , have implemented this policy with great zeal .
This , together with abysmally low rates of new council house building , has resulted in a huge reduction of social housing .
Furthermore , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Right to Buy Scheme are now rented out by multi property-owning landlords at rents far above those charged by councils .
Ben Everitt , the other MP at the event , declared “ the housing market was broken at every stage , ” conveniently forgetting the major contribution of his Party towards this state of affairs .
In a bid to counter Labour ’ s proposals at the 2019 General election , the Tory manifesto gave a commitment to provide £10 billion a year for new building of social rent housing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment , we look forward to all Conservative MPs pressing the Government to make good this promise .

Ever since Margaret Thatcher’s bribe to tenants under the Right to Buy Scheme, the Tories, when in Government, have implemented this policy with great zeal.
This, together with abysmally low rates of new council house building, has resulted in a huge reduction of social housing.
Furthermore, many of the houses and flats sold under the Right to Buy Scheme are now rented out by multi property-owning landlords at rents far above those charged by councils.
Ben Everitt, the other MP at the event, declared “the housing market was broken at every stage,” conveniently forgetting the major contribution of his Party towards this state of affairs.
In a bid to counter Labour’s proposals at the 2019 General election, the Tory manifesto gave a commitment to provide £10 billion a year for new building of social rent housing.
Given their recent enthusiasm for such an investment, we look forward to all Conservative MPs pressing the Government to make good this promise.
Glyn Tudor
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Paul Holmes MP: A clarification

Paul Holmes MP: A clarification

In an article published on the Daily Echo website on Sunday regarding MPs ’ allowances we wrongly stated that Paul @ @ @ @ @ for Eastleigh , had received donations from three donors totalling £2,000 .
It was also @ @ @ @ @ had received a payment of £980.31 from Luton Borough Council and that he has a @ @ @ @ @ £100,000 and/or a rental income of over £10,000 a year from a house in Luton @ @ @ @ @ partner 's business .
We are happy to clarify that this is not the case @ @ @ @ @ error .

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thedailyecho--2020-11-24--Winchester City Council now using RingGo in car parks

YOU will soon be able to pay for parking across the Winchester district without leaving your car .
The city council is set to use RingGo as its telephone parking operator from November 23 .
Motorists will be able to pay through the RingGo app , which is easy to use and there are no additional charges .
Cllr Martin Tod , cabinet member for service quality and innovation , said : “ We ’ re extremely pleased to be moving to this cashless solution for car parking and recommend motorists use the RingGo app as the quickest and safest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our priority is to provide residents and visitors alike with safe , simple options as they travel and park within the district and enable people to visit our local centres easily when restrictions ease.
” Motorists who have not yet registered need to provide a few details to use the service .
This can be done either by downloading the free app from the App Store or Google Play Store .
Alternatively , they can visit the company 's website and register , or call 01962 650600 at the time they wish to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managing director at RingGo , said : “ RingGo has been offered in Winchester ’ s park and ride sites since 2013 , and by many neighbouring councils for several years , so we are delighted to be extending that reach to car parks across the district .
`` Usage of RingGo has increased tremendously over recent months as people have sought an alternative to touching shared buttons on machines .
Winchester City Council ’ s action today , in removing the differential between cash and cashless payments , will only help this @ @ @ @

The city council is set to use RingGo as its telephone parking operator from November 23.
Motorists will be able to pay through the RingGo app, which is easy to use and there are no additional charges.
Cllr Martin Tod, cabinet member for service quality and innovation, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be moving to this cashless solution for car parking and recommend motorists use the RingGo app as the quickest and safest way to pay for parking.
“Our priority is to provide residents and visitors alike with safe, simple options as they travel and park within the district and enable people to visit our local centres easily when restrictions ease.”
Motorists who have not yet registered need to provide a few details to use the service.
This can be done either by downloading the free app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Alternatively, they can visit the company's website and register, or call 01962 650600 at the time they wish to park.
Peter O’Driscoll, managing director at RingGo, said: “RingGo has been offered in Winchester’s park and ride sites since 2013, and by many neighbouring councils for several years, so we are delighted to be extending that reach to car parks across the district.
"Usage of RingGo has increased tremendously over recent months as people have sought an alternative to touching shared buttons on machines. Winchester City Council’s action today, in removing the differential between cash and cashless payments, will only help this process further."


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Hampshire father and former Eton teacher found guilty of sexually abusing pupils

A HAMPSHIRE father and former teacher at Eton College has been found guilty of sexually touching students during night-time visits to their bedrooms at the prestigious boarding school .
Matthew Mowbray , of Locks Heath , entered boys ’ rooms late at night on the pretext of discussing schoolwork before touching them for his own “ sexual gratification ” , Reading Crown Court heard .
The 49-year-old father admitted downloading hundreds of indecent images of children , as well as superimposing pupils ’ faces on to the naked bodies of unknown children on his computer .
But he denied nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against four boys and one girl over a period of several years .
On Wednesday a jury of six men and six women found Mowbray guilty on eight of the charges and not guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child against a girl .
Mowbray , who wore a dark suit , white shirt and dark red tie , clutched a facemask in his hands and remained expressionless as the verdicts were read out .
The jury reached their verdicts after deliberating for six hours and 34 minutes .
Presiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ inevitable ” that he would receive a prison sentence , adding : “ You should prepare yourself for that ” .
During the trial , jurors heard that one of the victims told police Mowbray “ put his head on my arm , basically laid down on me without putting his legs up ” .
After a boy made a complaint about Mowbray touching him , prosecutor John Price QC said the teacher sent an email to the deputy headmaster in which he wrote : “ A big part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that , regardless of whether it ’ s true or not , it would be impossible to stop the rumours that will inevitably spread among the boys and around the school .
“ It leaves me with a feeling I will never go back to normal unless this is managed very carefully.
” Mr Price told jurors : “ When he spoke of ( the victim ’ s ) complaint being managed very carefully so that he can get back to normal , did he mean prevent it coming out to minimise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another victim told the court Mowbray made physical contact with him during late-night visits to his bedroom on “ five to six occasions ” .
In a statement read out in court , the victim said Mowbray came into the room “ in the dark ” and sat on his bed while chatting to him .
He said : “ While he was doing so he would gently put his hand down on my thigh and knee and rub his hand up and down my thigh over and over .
“ I felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had previously pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children and one count of voyeurism in relation to a series of covertly filmed images showing a boy getting dressed at the school near Windsor in Berkshire .
On the charges the former geography teacher denied , defence counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins QC said : “ There ’ s no covert , surreptitious behaviour , no overt sexual touching , no words to accompany the touching such that it was to convert it into something sexual.
” She said Mowbray was “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had sat and chatted with the boys and occasionally put his hand on them “ as a gesture of comfort ” .
Mowbray did not give evidence during the trial .
He is due to be sentenced at Reading Crown Court on a date yet to be set .
Mowbray was granted bail on the condition that he does not contact parents or staff from Eton College , must not enter Eton or the surrounding area , and must not have unsupervised contact with children who are under the age of 16 .

Matthew Mowbray, of Locks Heath, entered boys’ rooms late at night on the pretext of discussing schoolwork before touching them for his own “sexual gratification”, Reading Crown Court heard.
The 49-year-old father admitted downloading hundreds of indecent images of children, as well as superimposing pupils’ faces on to the naked bodies of unknown children on his computer.
But he denied nine counts of sexual activity with a child against four boys and one girl over a period of several years.
On Wednesday a jury of six men and six women found Mowbray guilty on eight of the charges and not guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child against a girl.
Mowbray, who wore a dark suit, white shirt and dark red tie, clutched a facemask in his hands and remained expressionless as the verdicts were read out.
The jury reached their verdicts after deliberating for six hours and 34 minutes.
Presiding judge Heather Norton QC told Mowbray it was “inevitable” that he would receive a prison sentence, adding: “You should prepare yourself for that”.
During the trial, jurors heard that one of the victims told police Mowbray “put his head on my arm, basically laid down on me without putting his legs up”.
After a boy made a complaint about Mowbray touching him, prosecutor John Price QC said the teacher sent an email to the deputy headmaster in which he wrote: “A big part of the awful feeling I have of the situation is that, regardless of whether it’s true or not, it would be impossible to stop the rumours that will inevitably spread among the boys and around the school.
“It leaves me with a feeling I will never go back to normal unless this is managed very carefully.”
Mr Price told jurors: “When he spoke of (the victim’s) complaint being managed very carefully so that he can get back to normal, did he mean prevent it coming out to minimise risk of others coming forward?”
Another victim told the court Mowbray made physical contact with him during late-night visits to his bedroom on “five to six occasions”.
In a statement read out in court, the victim said Mowbray came into the room “in the dark” and sat on his bed while chatting to him.
He said: “While he was doing so he would gently put his hand down on my thigh and knee and rub his hand up and down my thigh over and over.
“I felt really uncomfortable and just froze.”
Mowbray had previously pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children and one count of voyeurism in relation to a series of covertly filmed images showing a boy getting dressed at the school near Windsor in Berkshire.
On the charges the former geography teacher denied, defence counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins QC said: “There’s no covert, surreptitious behaviour, no overt sexual touching, no words to accompany the touching such that it was to convert it into something sexual.”
She said Mowbray was “well-respected” by students and that he had sat and chatted with the boys and occasionally put his hand on them “as a gesture of comfort”.
Mowbray did not give evidence during the trial.
He is due to be sentenced at Reading Crown Court on a date yet to be set.
Mowbray was granted bail on the condition that he does not contact parents or staff from Eton College, must not enter Eton or the surrounding area, and must not have unsupervised contact with children who are under the age of 16.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Three women arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and drugs supply

THREE woman have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a section 5 firearm and being concerned in the supply @ @ @ @ @ Police carried out a warrant at an address in Golden Grove last night where they @ @ @ @ @ Southampton , a 32-year-old woman from Southampton and a 48-year-old woman from Southampton .
The @ @ @ @ @ suspicion of possession of a section 5 firearm and being concerned in the supply of @ @ @ @ @ Teenage flytipper who dumped broken tiles and a bath is slapped with £1k fine The @ @ @ @ @ of a suspected Taser and a quantity of suspected class A drugs inside the address @ @ @ @ @ in police custody at this time .

Police carried out a warrant at an address in Golden Grove last night where they arrested a 21-year-old woman from Southampton, a 32-year-old woman from Southampton and a 48-year-old woman from Southampton.
The trio were all arrested on suspicion of possession of a section 5 firearm and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
The warrant came following the recovery of a suspected Taser and a quantity of suspected class A drugs inside the address.
All three women remain in police custody at this time.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Latest Covid figures for Hampshire and Southampton: November 25

A FURTHER 214 positive coronavirus cases have been recorded in Hampshire .
Public Health England figures - as recorded on @ @ @ @ @ 5.37pm today ( November 25 ) - show that 214 more people have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ 24 hour period .
The figures come as testing increases across the country .
The @ @ @ @ @ Pillar 2 tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside Pillar 1 tests @ @ @ @ @ NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government 's @ @ @ @ @ are the confirmed cases by local authority in the 24 hours : • Basingstoke and @ @ @ @ @ cases since the start of pandemic )

Public Health England figures - as recorded on the Government website as of 5.37pm today (November 25) - show that 214 more people have tested positive for the virus in a 24 hour period.
The figures come as testing increases across the country.
The health body is now including Pillar 2 tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside Pillar 1 tests, which are analysed in NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government's mass testing programme.
Below are the confirmed cases by local authority in the 24 hours: