thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Southampton's Itchen Bridge set to get card readers for contactless payment

CONTACTLESS payment will now be accepted on the Itchen Bridge .
Southampton City Council says that the payment method can be used , along with SmartCities Cards and cash .
Card readers are being installed on the toll booths this week , and using a SmartCities Card remains the only way to claim resident discount .
Drivers are being urged to have their card ready as they approach the booth .
Councillor Jacqui Rayment , Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer Organisation , comments : “ I ’ m pleased that we ’ ve been able to introduce contactless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridge .
`` We ’ ve been committed to this for some time as a convenient option for people making the crossing .
`` We ’ ve now managed to overcome the challenges with introducing it in this location for the benefit of everyone using the crossing.
” The bridge costs 80p at peak times for cars and small vans , and 70p in off-peak hours .
Southampton City Council says the toll serves the purpose of managing congestion on the bridge by encouraging drivers to take other routes .
The money is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repair , and running costs of the bridge .

Southampton City Council says that the payment method can be used, along with SmartCities Cards and cash.
Card readers are being installed on the toll booths this week, and using a SmartCities Card remains the only way to claim resident discount.
Drivers are being urged to have their card ready as they approach the booth.
Councillor Jacqui Rayment, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer Organisation, comments: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to introduce contactless payment as an option on the Itchen Bridge.
"We’ve been committed to this for some time as a convenient option for people making the crossing.
"We’ve now managed to overcome the challenges with introducing it in this location for the benefit of everyone using the crossing.”
The bridge costs 80p at peak times for cars and small vans, and 70p in off-peak hours.
Southampton City Council says the toll serves the purpose of managing congestion on the bridge by encouraging drivers to take other routes.
The money is also used to cover ongoing maintenance, repair, and running costs of the bridge.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--New cruise terminal at the Port of Southampton will open next year

A LONG -AWAITED cruise terminal set to bring millions of pounds into the Southampton economy will open next year .
A fifth cruise terminal at the Port of Southampton is going to open for the 2021 cruise season , it has been revealed .
The £55m investment will also see shore power connectivity installed at the site .
This will provide shore-side electrical power to cruise ships .
The new cruise terminal will also benefit from roof-mounted solar power .
The move is expected to bring millions of pounds into the city but exact figures are yet to be revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said thanks to a partnership with cruise giants MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd , the port ’ s newest terminal will welcome the next generation of ships “ in terms of size , capacity and technology ” .
An exact opening date is yet to be confirmed .
Port bosses said the investment will strengthen the Port of Southampton ’ s position `` as Europe ’ s leading cruise turn-around port and the UK ’ s number one departure port '' .
Alastair Welch , director of ABP Southampton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleased to announce this major advance in our cruise infrastructure at the port , delivering further access to Southampton for the industry , whilst supporting our commitment to accelerate improvements in local air quality .
`` This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the future of cruise in Southampton and we ’ re excited to be at the forefront of a growing industry.
” The project has received support from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership ( LEP ) through the Government ’ s Getting Building Fund with an £8m grant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council and Solent LEP director , said : “ We are committed to ensuring we can emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic with the strongest foundations for future growth .
`` I ’ m pleased that this investment joins a growing list of public and private commitments to making our city greener , fairer and healthier , whilst providing much needed jobs in our economic renewal.
” The number of jobs set to be created is yet to be revealed .
The announcement comes as wider plans to transform the so-called Mayflower Quarter - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Mayflower Park - are currently being drawn up .
City leaders said the new cruise terminal will mark “ a major milestone ” in the recovery of both the city and the cruise industry post Covid-19 .
Robert Courts MP , Minister for Maritime , Department for Transport , said : “ A new terminal will create even more jobs and boost the area ’ s economy .
`` As we continue to support the cruise sector in its restart and recovery , it ’ s great to see Government funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for passengers .
`` This next-generation facility also showcases to ports around the world how we ’ re pioneering the use of green technology right here in the UK.
” A number of cruise companies have also welcomed the plan .
• READ : Cruise ships could plug into shore power at docks > > > Gianni Onorato , MSC Cruises ’ CEO , said : “ We are in a unique position that not only will we be committing to having an MSC Cruises ’ ship home port from Southampton every year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be visiting Southampton as a destination as part of our wider cruise programme.
” Steve Moeller , senior vice president of commercial development at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd , added : “ This agreement marks the continuation of the strong partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Port of Southampton and demonstrates our commitment to the region.
” Giles Semper , chief executive at Go !
Southampton , said : “ While ABP estimates the value to the city of each cruise visit to be £2.7m , the challenge for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by persuading passengers and crew to spend more time and money in Southampton .
`` We would also like to see the masterplanners for the Mayflower Quarter engaging seriously with ABP to integrate the cruise offer into the layout of the city centre.
” Meanwhile , work to demolish the Solent Flour Mills along the docks is under way .
`` It comes as earlier this year ABP said demand for port land is “ significant ” and the demolition of the empty building would optimise the amount of ground level storage within @ @ @ @

A fifth cruise terminal at the Port of Southampton is going to open for the 2021 cruise season, it has been revealed.
The £55m investment will also see shore power connectivity installed at the site.
This will provide shore-side electrical power to cruise ships.
The new cruise terminal will also benefit from roof-mounted solar power.
The move is expected to bring millions of pounds into the city but exact figures are yet to be revealed.
Associated British Ports (ABP) said thanks to a partnership with cruise giants MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, the port’s newest terminal will welcome the next generation of ships “in terms of size, capacity and technology”.
An exact opening date is yet to be confirmed.
Port bosses said the investment will strengthen the Port of Southampton’s position "as Europe’s leading cruise turn-around port and the UK’s number one departure port".
Alastair Welch, director of ABP Southampton, said: “We’re very pleased to announce this major advance in our cruise infrastructure at the port, delivering further access to Southampton for the industry, whilst supporting our commitment to accelerate improvements in local air quality.
"This investment is a huge vote of confidence in the future of cruise in Southampton and we’re excited to be at the forefront of a growing industry.”
The project has received support from the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Government’s Getting Building Fund with an £8m grant.
Christopher Hammond, leader of Southampton City Council and Solent LEP director, said: “We are committed to ensuring we can emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic with the strongest foundations for future growth.
"I’m pleased that this investment joins a growing list of public and private commitments to making our city greener, fairer and healthier, whilst providing much needed jobs in our economic renewal.”
The number of jobs set to be created is yet to be revealed.
The announcement comes as wider plans to transform the so-called Mayflower Quarter - the area between Southampton Central Railway Station and the Mayflower Park - are currently being drawn up.
City leaders said the new cruise terminal will mark “a major milestone” in the recovery of both the city and the cruise industry post Covid-19.
Robert Courts MP, Minister for Maritime, Department for Transport, said: “A new terminal will create even more jobs and boost the area’s economy.
"As we continue to support the cruise sector in its restart and recovery, it’s great to see Government funding being used to help deliver better services for passengers.
"This next-generation facility also showcases to ports around the world how we’re pioneering the use of green technology right here in the UK.”
A number of cruise companies have also welcomed the plan.
Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, said: “We are in a unique position that not only will we be committing to having an MSC Cruises’ ship home port from Southampton every year, but several of our ships will be visiting Southampton as a destination as part of our wider cruise programme.”
Steve Moeller, senior vice president of commercial development at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, added: “This agreement marks the continuation of the strong partnership between Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Port of Southampton and demonstrates our commitment to the region.”
Giles Semper, chief executive at Go!Southampton, said: “While ABP estimates the value to the city of each cruise visit to be £2.7m, the challenge for all of us is to raise this figure by persuading passengers and crew to spend more time and money in Southampton.
"We would also like to see the masterplanners for the Mayflower Quarter engaging seriously with ABP to integrate the cruise offer into the layout of the city centre.”
Meanwhile, work to demolish the Solent Flour Mills along the docks is under way.
"It comes as earlier this year ABP said demand for port land is “significant” and the demolition of the empty building would optimise the amount of ground level storage within the Western Docks.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Coronavirus: Five more deaths recorded across Hampshire

FIVE further coronavirus deaths have been recorded across Hampshire in the last 24 hours .
Data released by NHS England @ @ @ @ @ 25 ) shows that five more people with coronavirus have died in county hospitals .
@ @ @ @ @ has been a total of 726 deaths since the start of the pandemic .
Southern @ @ @ @ @ recorded three coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours raising the Trust 's total up @ @ @ @ @ One death was recorded at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - bringing the death toll @ @ @ @ @ death was recorded at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , bringing the Trust 's death @ @ @ @ @ No other deaths were recorded across the county 's other Trusts .
University Hospital Southampton @ @ @ @ @ 227 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic .
There have been at total @ @ @ @ @ NHS Trust

Data released by NHS England at 2pm today (November 25) shows that five more people with coronavirus have died in county hospitals.
Across the county, there has been a total of 726 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust have recorded three coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours raising the Trust's total up to 21 from 18.
One death was recorded at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - bringing the death toll up to 202.
Another death was recorded at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, bringing the Trust's death toll up to 273.
No other deaths were recorded across the county's other Trusts.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has recorded 227 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic.
There have been at total of three deaths at Solent NHS Trust


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Killer former PC Timothy Brehmer applies to appeal sentence

A FORMER police officer from the New Forest who was jailed for killing his long-term lover in a pub car park has filed an application to appeal the length of his sentence .
Timothy Brehmer , 41 and of Hordle , believes the prison sentence of 10 years and six months for causing the death of Claire Parry should be shortened .
Meanwhile , the Attorney General ’ s Office ( AGO ) confirmed that Solicitor Genera Michael Ellis QC MP had also referred the case to the Court of Appeal due to a belief that Brehmer ’ s term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be extended .
A Court of Appeal spokesman confirmed to the Daily Echo that both applications for permission to make the appeals had been received before the 28-day deadline .
At present , no court listing date to determine these applications has been set .
• Read more : Review over killer former police officer 's prison sentence A spokesperson for the Attorney General ’ s Office said : “ The Solicitor General expresses his deepest sympathies to the family of Claire Parry .
“ After careful consideration he has decided to refer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court of Appeal as he believes the sentence is unduly lenient.
” As reported , Brehmer , was jailed for the manslaughter of nurse Mrs Parry , whom he had been having an affair with for 11 years .
This came after the former Dorset police constable had been acquitted of her murder following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court last month .
• Read more : Timothy Brehmer sentenced for `` losing control '' and `` deliberately taking victim by the neck '' In passing sentence on Brehmer on October 28 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ sure ” Brehmer intended to take Mrs Parry by the neck after she sent a text to his wife revealing the affair .
Judge Jacobs sentenced Brehmer on the basis that he lost control after the message was sent rather than on the basis he unintentionally killed her .
• Read more : How Judge Jacobs reached a decision on manslaughter sentence for Timothy Brehmer The judge said : “ No words of mine can convey the tragedy for Claire ’ s family of the events of that Saturday afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a highly qualified nurse , who loved her job and looking after people .
“ Your actions have not only cut short her life at a young age , and robbed the community of a nurse , but you have deprived her family of a daughter , wife and mother ; as well as a sister and niece.
” Following the trial , Dorset Police confirmed a misconduct hearing had taken place , with Brehmer being dismissed from the force and placed on the national barred list .

Timothy Brehmer, 41 and of Hordle, believes the prison sentence of 10 years and six months for causing the death of Claire Parry should be shortened.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) confirmed that Solicitor Genera Michael Ellis QC MP had also referred the case to the Court of Appeal due to a belief that Brehmer’s term of imprisonment was unduly lenient and should be extended.
Timothy Brehmer
A Court of Appeal spokesman confirmed to the Daily Echo that both applications for permission to make the appeals had been received before the 28-day deadline. At present, no court listing date to determine these applications has been set.
A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office said: “The Solicitor General expresses his deepest sympathies to the family of Claire Parry.
“After careful consideration he has decided to refer the sentence of Timothy Brehmer to the Court of Appeal as he believes the sentence is unduly lenient.”
As reported, Brehmer, was jailed for the manslaughter of nurse Mrs Parry, whom he had been having an affair with for 11 years.
This came after the former Dorset police constable had been acquitted of her murder following a trial at Salisbury Crown Court last month.
In passing sentence on Brehmer on October 28, Judge Mr Justice Richard Jacobs said he was “sure” Brehmer intended to take Mrs Parry by the neck after she sent a text to his wife revealing the affair.
Judge Jacobs sentenced Brehmer on the basis that he lost control after the message was sent rather than on the basis he unintentionally killed her.
The judge said: “No words of mine can convey the tragedy for Claire’s family of the events of that Saturday afternoon. Your actions have robbed the wider community of a highly qualified nurse, who loved her job and looking after people.
“Your actions have not only cut short her life at a young age, and robbed the community of a nurse, but you have deprived her family of a daughter, wife and mother; as well as a sister and niece.”
Following the trial, Dorset Police confirmed a misconduct hearing had taken place, with Brehmer being dismissed from the force and placed on the national barred list.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Road users advised as parts of M27 are set to close for work

Road users are being advised to plan ahead as slip roads on the M27 are set to close for work @ @ @ @ @ 9 for Park Gate on the westbound carriageway , both the entry and exit slip @ @ @ @ @ will then be a series of overnight closures of the exit slip road only from @ @ @ @ @ from November 30 until December 4 .
At Junction 5 for Stoneham , westbound , @ @ @ @ @ are due to close as well as one lane of the carriageway .
The closure @ @ @ @ @ 10pm on Friday until 6am on Monday .
All diversions will be fully signed and @ @ @ @ @ using this stretch of road to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys @

At Junction 9 for Park Gate on the westbound carriageway, both the entry and exit slip roads will be closed
There will then be a series of overnight closures of the exit slip road only from 10pm to 6am every night from November 30 until December 4.
At Junction 5 for Stoneham, westbound, the entry and exit slips are due to close as well as one lane of the carriageway.
The closure will be in place from 10pm on Friday until 6am on Monday.
All diversions will be fully signed and Highways England had advised drivers using this stretch of road to plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Bursledon Road Aldi to open in Southampton tomorrow

A GERMAN supermarket giant is to open a new store in Southampton tomorrow .
The new Aldi store on Bursledon Road will be swinging its doors open to customers at 8am tomorrow ( November 26 ) .
The budget store , run by Store Manager Nick Simpkins along with a team of 40 colleagues from the local community , will officially open for business at 8am .
• New Aldi set to open later this month in Southampton Aldi will bring 25 new job opportunities to the area and will be open all week .
The store will be open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturdays , and from 10am and 4pm on Sundays .
Aldi Store Manager Nick Simpkins said : “ We ’ re really looking forward to opening the new store here in Southampton .
It ’ s set to be a great day and it ’ ll be lovely to welcome our new customers into the store and provide them with access to affordable , high-quality food.
” • Plans for new Aldi to be built in Southampton replacing B & M store Local charities and food banks are also being encouraged by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a community engagement platform that links businesses to charitable organisations in the local community .
Local charities that register will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products - fruit , vegetables and baked goods - up to five days a week .
Any charities in the area that would like to partner up with the new Aldi store should email aldi @ neighbourly.com .
As previously reported , Aldi have made a bid to transform a Southampton B & M store .
Plans to build a new Aldi , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ M store , have been submitted to Southampton City Council .
The plans have been unveiled by the German supermarket giant , which plans to take over the B & M store on Auckland Road in Millbrook .
The plans have been met with support from members of the surrounding area , with residents stating the store would be a `` major plus '' .
However , concerns have been raised regarding the extra traffic that could be brought into the area , adding to the already existing air pollution .

The new Aldi store on Bursledon Road will be swinging its doors open to customers at 8am tomorrow (November 26).
The budget store, run by Store Manager Nick Simpkins along with a team of 40 colleagues from the local community, will officially open for business at 8am.
Aldi will bring 25 new job opportunities to the area and will be open all week.
The store will be open from 8am to 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from 10am and 4pm on Sundays.
Aldi Store Manager Nick Simpkins said: “We’re really looking forward to opening the new store here in Southampton. It’s set to be a great day and it’ll be lovely to welcome our new customers into the store and provide them with access to affordable, high-quality food.”
Local charities and food banks are also being encouraged by the new store to to register with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to charitable organisations in the local community.
Local charities that register will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products - fruit, vegetables and baked goods - up to five days a week. Any charities in the area that would like to partner up with the new Aldi store should email aldi@neighbourly.com.
As previously reported, Aldi have made a bid to transform a Southampton B&M store.
Plans to build a new Aldi, which could be replacing a Southampton B&M store, have been submitted to Southampton City Council.
The plans have been unveiled by the German supermarket giant, which plans to take over the B&M store on Auckland Road in Millbrook.
The plans have been met with support from members of the surrounding area, with residents stating the store would be a "major plus".
However, concerns have been raised regarding the extra traffic that could be brought into the area, adding to the already existing air pollution.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Scientists warn of third Covid wave risk over Christmas plan

EASING coronavirus restrictions over Christmas could lead to a third wave of the pandemic and another lockdown , scientists have warned .
Boris Johnson has told families they must make a “ personal judgment ” about the risks of coronavirus to vulnerable loved ones when forming a Christmas bubble .
The Prime Minister urged the public to “ think carefully ” over the festive period after it was confirmed that three households will be able to mix from December 23 to 27 .
The UK Government and devolved administrations have agreed a joint plan to relax social distancing rules over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family to hug for the first time in months .
But a member of the Government ’ s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) warned that the planned easing of measures could lead to a third wave of the pandemic .
Another said that the risks people take at Christmas time could lead to more hospital admissions in January and potentially another lockdown .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the decision to agree a relaxing of restrictions over Christmas was to avoid a “ free for all ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ add up to a “ normal Christmas ” and urged people to exercise caution , particularly when meeting with the elderly or the vulnerable .
“ We can ’ t afford to throw caution to the wind .
The virus doesn ’ t know it ’ s Christmas and we must all be careful , ” he said in a video message posted on Twitter .
“ I know this doesn ’ t equate to a normal Christmas and it won ’ t work for everyone .
And it is up to each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we use this time-limited special dispensation .
“ The virus has not gone away and families will need to make a personal judgment about the risk of forming a bubble with or visiting elderly relatives and the vulnerable.
” A joint statement issued by the four UK governments said they had been working closely together to find a way for family and friends to see each other , recognising it must be “ limited and cautious ” .
Each Christmas bubble can meet at home , at a place of worship or an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more restrictive rules on hospitality and other venues will be maintained throughout the period .
Professor Graham Medley , an expert in infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , said the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions at Christmas could lead to more people being admitted to hospital and further lockdown measures in the new year .
The Sage attendee told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme : “ I think we ’ re in a process now whereby the population ’ s risk of filling up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us as individuals .
“ For other diseases like flu or hepatitis B , the Government doesn ’ t get involved in helping or determining what our risk is and it is really , I think , for this Christmas up to us as individuals and families to think about what our risks are and how we are going to mitigate them .
“ I think it is inevitable that if a lot of people do take that risk , even if it is a small risk , then we will end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and potentially having to take measures in January to lock down again.
” Prof Medley advised people to isolate before visiting relatives , to consider the amount of time they plan to spend with them , to remain “ completely faithful ” to any social bubble arrangements and to weigh up the risk of spreading Covid to those who are vulnerable .
But he said , even with mitigations in place , social interactions come with risks that “ could play out very badly for some people ” .
Andrew Hayward , professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , and a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( Nervtag ) , warned easing measures would lead to increased transmission and a possible “ third wave ” of infection .
“ Effectively what this will be doing is throwing fuel on the Covid fire , ” the professor , who is also a Sage member , told BBC2 ’ s Newsnight on Tuesday .
He added : “ With the vaccine on the way , if we are not very careful over Christmas we are really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jaws of victory on this one.
” It comes as the British Medical Association in England also warned easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas will “ almost certainly ” lead to a rise in the infection rate .

Boris Johnson has told families they must make a “personal judgment” about the risks of coronavirus to vulnerable loved ones when forming a Christmas bubble.
The Prime Minister urged the public to “think carefully” over the festive period after it was confirmed that three households will be able to mix from December 23 to 27.
The UK Government and devolved administrations have agreed a joint plan to relax social distancing rules over the festive period, allowing friends and family to hug for the first time in months.
But a member of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) warned that the planned easing of measures could lead to a third wave of the pandemic.
Another said that the risks people take at Christmas time could lead to more hospital admissions in January and potentially another lockdown.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the decision to agree a relaxing of restrictions over Christmas was to avoid a “free for all”.
Mr Johnson acknowledged the measures would not add up to a “normal Christmas” and urged people to exercise caution, particularly when meeting with the elderly or the vulnerable.
“We can’t afford to throw caution to the wind. The virus doesn’t know it’s Christmas and we must all be careful,” he said in a video message posted on Twitter.
“I know this doesn’t equate to a normal Christmas and it won’t work for everyone. And it is up to each of us to think carefully about how we use this time-limited special dispensation.
“The virus has not gone away and families will need to make a personal judgment about the risk of forming a bubble with or visiting elderly relatives and the vulnerable.”
A joint statement issued by the four UK governments said they had been working closely together to find a way for family and friends to see each other, recognising it must be “limited and cautious”.
(PA Graphics)
Each Christmas bubble can meet at home, at a place of worship or an outdoor public location, but existing, more restrictive rules on hospitality and other venues will be maintained throughout the period.
Professor Graham Medley, an expert in infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions at Christmas could lead to more people being admitted to hospital and further lockdown measures in the new year.
The Sage attendee told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I think we’re in a process now whereby the population’s risk of filling up the NHS is really being passed down to us as individuals.
“For other diseases like flu or hepatitis B, the Government doesn’t get involved in helping or determining what our risk is and it is really, I think, for this Christmas up to us as individuals and families to think about what our risks are and how we are going to mitigate them.
“I think it is inevitable that if a lot of people do take that risk, even if it is a small risk, then we will end up with a lot of people in hospital and potentially having to take measures in January to lock down again.”
Prof Medley advised people to isolate before visiting relatives, to consider the amount of time they plan to spend with them, to remain “completely faithful” to any social bubble arrangements and to weigh up the risk of spreading Covid to those who are vulnerable.
But he said, even with mitigations in place, social interactions come with risks that “could play out very badly for some people”.
Andrew Hayward, professor of infectious diseases epidemiology at University College London, and a member of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), warned easing measures would lead to increased transmission and a possible “third wave” of infection.
“Effectively what this will be doing is throwing fuel on the Covid fire,” the professor, who is also a Sage member, told BBC2’s Newsnight on Tuesday.
He added: “With the vaccine on the way, if we are not very careful over Christmas we are really in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory on this one.”
It comes as the British Medical Association in England also warned easing of coronavirus restrictions over Christmas will “almost certainly” lead to a rise in the infection rate.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Person hit by train between Basingstoke and Eastleigh

A PERSON has been hit by a train in Hampshire .
South Western Railway says that the incident happened between Basingstoke and Eastleigh just after 8am this morning .
The person was struck by a freight train just outside Winchester Railway Station .
The victim sustained minor injuries and was taken to Royal Hampshire County Hospital by ambulance for treatment .
A spokesperson from South Central Ambulance Service said : `` We were contacted by Hampshire Fire Control Room at 08:02 this morning who informed us that a freight train driver had reported they had hit a person just outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two rapid response vehicles , an ambulance , our Hazardous Area Response Team and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Critical Care Car to the incident .
`` Once the patient was located , they had fortunately only sustained minor injuries and have been taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital for further treatment . ''
All lines between the two stations are blocked and services will face disruption .
AN SWR statement says : `` We have received reports that a person has been struck by a train between Basingstoke and Eastleigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the emergency services to assist with the incident .
`` In order to allow emergency services access to the railway all power to the track will need to be switched off in the affected area .
`` We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey . ''
Tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on the following services : - Great Western Railway services between Exeter St David 's to London Paddington and Basingstoke to Reading .
Replacement buses have been requested to run between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Fareham .
Buses are due to arrive from 09:00-09:30 but are not running to a specific timetable .

South Western Railway says that the incident happened between Basingstoke and Eastleigh just after 8am this morning.
The person was struck by a freight train just outside Winchester Railway Station.
The victim sustained minor injuries and was taken to Royal Hampshire County Hospital by ambulance for treatment.
A spokesperson from South Central Ambulance Service said: "We were contacted by Hampshire Fire Control Room at 08:02 this morning who informed us that a freight train driver had reported they had hit a person just outside Winchester Railway Station.
"We sent two rapid response vehicles, an ambulance, our Hazardous Area Response Team and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Critical Care Car to the incident.
"Once the patient was located, they had fortunately only sustained minor injuries and have been taken to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital for further treatment."
All lines between the two stations are blocked and services will face disruption.
AN SWR statement says: "We have received reports that a person has been struck by a train between Basingstoke and Eastleigh.
"Our response teams are working with the emergency services to assist with the incident.
"In order to allow emergency services access to the railway all power to the track will need to be switched off in the affected area.
"We are very sorry for any delay that this may cause to your journey."
For people travelling:
Tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on the following services:
- Great Western Railway services between Exeter St David's to London Paddington and Basingstoke to Reading.
- CrossCountry services between Basingstoke and Bournemouth.
Replacement buses have been requested to run between Basingstoke and Southampton Airport Parkway and Eastleigh to Fareham.
Buses are due to arrive from 09:00-09:30 but are not running to a specific timetable.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Lord Montagu reveals impact of pandemic on Beaulieu Estate

THEY are two of the most popular attractions in the south .
The former shipbuilding village of Buckler ’ s Hard and the National Motor Museum in nearby Beaulieu normally attract hundreds of thousands of visitors a year .
But the 7,000-acre Beaulieu Estate has seen its finances battered by two national lockdowns and the need to enforce strict social distancing rules .
Now it has emerged that around ten jobs have been lost since the start of the pandemic .
Coronavirus and its impact on the estate is one of the subjects covered by Lord Montagu in his latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The impact of the pandemic has been severe for people all over the country and our visitor businesses at Beaulieu and Buckler ’ s Hard are no exception .
“ The ( first ) lockdown meant our attractions were completely closed between late March and mid-June .
All our major events had to be cancelled , including the International Autojumble in September and , most recently , the fireworks fair .
“ This has resulted in a significant drop in income and , like many businesses , we ’ ve had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our staff were put on the government ’ s furlough scheme and many are again .
We have also made savings by freezing much of our project expenditure , reducing staff hours and making a number of posts redundant .
• Sarah Parish and Dan Snow attend opening of Little Beaulieu • Buckler 's Hard nominated for Marina of the Year award “ Re-opening of the gardens and yacht harbour in mid-June was followed by the full offering at Beaulieu and Buckler ’ s Hard from 4th July .
“ Before welcoming our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met the requirements of Visit Britain ’ s ‘ good to go ’ scheme and strongly encouraged people to pre-book to spread their arrival times .
“ We also introduced one-way systems in the motor museum and Palace House to help to manage visitor flow and social distancing .
“ Visitors were happy to go along with this and the initial trickle of admissions slowly increased to the point that , on some days , we were matching last year ’ s numbers.
” Lord Montagu also referred to the current lockdown .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Buckler ’ s Hard attractions are closed , most of the shops in the village remain open in some form.
” This time a year ago , we had just commissioned a new adventure play area called Little Beaulieu .
This was a significant investment aimed at making Beaulieu more attractive to families with young children .
Capco , the company who designed and built it , are well known for their innovative designs , and created something unique to Beaulieu , set amongst mature trees .
But the virus , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving fast and just a few days after we opened Little Beaulieu in March , the first lockdown commenced .
This period coincided with some wonderful spring weather and , with most of my meetings cancelled , I took the opportunity to shoot a few videos in the garden for our Youtube channel , one about the tree carvings and another about the Ice House .
The impact of the pandemic has been severe for people all over the country , and our visitor businesses at Beaulieu and Buckler ’ s Hard are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our attractions were completely closed between late March and mid-June and all our major events had to be cancelled , including the International Autojumble in September and , most recently , the fireworks fair .
This has resulted in a significant drop in income and , like many businesses , we ’ ve had to adapt quickly .
The majority of our staff were put on the government ’ s furlough scheme and many are now again .
We have also made savings by freezing much of our project expenditure , reducing staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redundant .
Those who remained on duty during the lockdown put their time to good use , not least Museum Manager Doug Hill who posted a series of videos about cars and motorcycles in the museum .
These included the 1903 Napier Gordon Bennet , 1904 De Dion Bouton and the 1924 Sunbeam Motorcycle .
Re-opening of the gardens and yacht harbour in mid-June was followed by the full offering at Beaulieu and Buckler ’ s Hard from 4th July .
Before welcoming our first visitors , we ensured that the attractions met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ good to go ’ scheme and strongly encouraged people to pre-book to spread their arrival times .
We also introduced one way systems in the motor museum and Palace House to help to manage visitor flow and social distancing .
It was encouraging to find that visitors were happy to go along with this and the initial trickle of admissions slowly increased to the point that , on some days , we were matching last year ’ s numbers .
In the National Motor Museum , we unveiled Motoring in Miniature , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model cars from the 1920s to the 1990s .
It does n't matter what age you are , you can see the toys from your childhood whether they be wooden , tin plate , die-cast or plastic .
In Palace House , I put together a display of my own Matchbox toy car collection dating mainly from the 1960s , plus some of those collected by my father .
I have also enlarged the exhibition of my mother ’ s embroidery and artwork to include a selection of the wonderful costumes she wore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to re-start our ‘ Simply ’ drive-ins at which participants are able to park at a safe distance from each other .
In adapting to these circumstances , great credit goes to the staff who responded to these changes so positively .
Their ‘ can do ’ attitude has been much appreciated by our visitors who posted very favourable reviews on social media .
The adventure playground has also gone down very well and is giving much pleasure to both our young visitors and their parents who can watch from the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in welcoming visitors post-lockdown may explain why Beaulieu was given a Travellers ’ Choice award by Tripadvisor .
Another award came from the New Forest National Park Authority for the Art Russe gallery at the Clock House .
The gallery space we created as an extension to the Clock House has been given the Building Design Award for 2020 in the Best Non-Residential category .
Congratulations to architect Richard Bullen of Plum Architects .
The National Motor Museum Trust has recently welcomed a number of new members to its board .
This includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education , the motor industry , finance and fund raising .
The injection of experience , skills and enthusiasm they have brought has been most welcome .
I would particularly like to thank the trust ’ s chairman , Christopher Macgowan , for his wise counsel and support as we plan for the future .
The age of the internal combustion engine may be drawing to a close , but not the story of motoring .
In the years ahead , we will be turning our attention to the technologies which will power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showcasing new developments to keep our visitors informed .
On the river , completion of phase 1 of our marina redevelopment was delayed by the spring lockdown .
Once the contractors were able to re-start , there was a great rush to finish the works , ensuring that our mooring holders had the benefit of the improvements and were able to use their boats again .
I was encouraged to learn that the Buckler ’ s Hard Yacht Harbour is in the running for ‘ Marina of the Year ’ at The British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of only six marinas to be nominated in our category , so fingers crossed .
The Countryside Education Trust has inevitably suffered badly from coronavirus restrictions and has not received any residential groups at Home Farm since March .
We are chasing every funding opportunity we can whilst a skeleton staff are keeping the farm going .
In the summer , the trust hosted a series of open-air , socially-distanced performances of A Midsummer Night ’ s Dream and Romeo and Juliet .
These took place in Hartford Wood and were produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is now working on plans for an open-air production of A Christmas Carol , which we hope will take place around the abbey ruins if restrictions permit .
In October , two of the trust ’ s pigs were put out to pannage ; sadly , one was fatally injured by a hit and run driver outside Brockenhurst .
More encouragingly , the trust has now started to receive a few day groups , but a mere fraction of the normal numbers .
In the village , the spring lockdown was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of tenants the chance to complete relocations which had been planned for some time .
New Forest Activities moved to a converted barn at Hazelcopse ; their old premises , The Old Forge in Beaulieu High Street , was taken on by Alisha Openshaw for Beaulieu Hair and Beauty .
Her former premises were , in turn , rapidly fitted out as the take-away part of Steff ’ s Kitchen , under the name Steff ’ s to go .
Then , at the end of last month , Ian Thompson retired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now be operated by Dominic Ide .
Dominic deserves a special mention for operating a food order and delivery service during lockdown , assisted by local resident Vanessa Cook who set up a Beaulieu village Whatsapp group to keep people in touch .
Sadly , the Abbey Stores and Post Office , owned by the Montagu Arms Hotel , only re-opened briefly for a closing down sale , so the village no longer has a post office .
In the middle of lockdown on 29th May , my brother Jonathan , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when his wife Nathalie gave birth to a baby girl , Akina .
Unfortunately , travel restrictions have prevented me from meeting my new niece , but I hope to do so before too much longer .
We nevertheless marked the arrival of a new girl in the family in the customary way by raising a pink flag over Palace House .
On the wider estate , some project work has continued .
For example , a good deal of roadside fencing has been replaced , and to a very high standard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , part-funded by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme .
And at Buckler ’ s Hard , the Duke ’ s Bath House was refurbished under the supervision of my wife and has now become the third of the estate ’ s holidays cottages .
With such an attractive interior and setting , it was quickly booked-up for the summer and feedback has been very positive .
There were no significant changes on the farms , although Sandy Booth ’ s New Forest Fruit Company at Pennerly encountered great difficulties getting pickers here on time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , some of those workers were subsequently deployed in the Beaulieu Vineyard as Sandy has taken the lease of vineyard and started a programme of replanting the old vines .
It is my earnest hope that his expertise in fruit production will enable him to make a success of the vineyard which was a loss-maker for many years when we ran it in-house .
Nearby , the stream which feeds a number of ponds in Hartford Wood has been the subject of a study by the Living Waters Project .
The ponds are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species such as the Great Crested Newt , Common Toad and European Eel .
It is pleasing to report that , ecologically , Hartford Stream is in excellent condition and notably free from nutrient pollution .
The researchers were delighted to find young eels using the newly installed bristle-brush passes .
European Eels have a remarkable life , spending up to 20 years in streams and ponds before migrating thousands of miles to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean , where they breed .
The young eels – known as elvers – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into freshwater to feed and grow .
Worryingly , the number of elvers have declined dramatically in the last 25 years and the European Eel is now critically endangered .
Climate change , overfishing , parasites and pollution are all contributory factors .
Whilst this demands international solutions , it is nice to know that Hartford Stream is playing its part with the recently installed ‘ eelevators ’ helping the eels to reach their feeding ground .
The same researchers have also been looking at the Beaulieu River where nitrate and phosphate levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below the limits set by the Environment Agency , we have supported a number of initiatives with tenants to ensure that water running off the land is filtered and cleaned before it reaches the river .
Unfortunately , we have no such control over the sewage treatment plants at Lyndhurst and Beaulieu where the operator , quite legally , makes storm water discharges into the Beaulieu River .
The effects are regularly noted by the fishermen and we fear this may also be the cause of disease in our oyster population .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution will be additional investment which may only be forthcoming if the law demands it .
I am not expecting quick results , but awareness of the need to manage nitrate and phosphate levels is steadily building .
The whole of the New Forest , and many other parts of the countryside , endured extraordinary pressures during the early summer when people , tired of the lock down , were understandably desperate to get out .
I suspect many were those who usually spend their free time at urban recreation facilities but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the countryside .
Whilst this is entirely understandable , there seemed to be an element who believed that because everything was officially closed , there would be no-one there to enforce the rules .
The consequences of this on Gull Island at the mouth of the Beaulieu River were particularly unfortunate .
This spit forms part of the North Solent Nature Reserve where the vulnerability of ground-nesting birds is such that it is out of bounds at all times .
In mid-June , during an inspection to monitor breeding success , some disposable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nearby were the bodies of two very rare chicks which had recently perished , almost certainly because the parents , having been disturbed by the trespassers , were unable to tend to their young .
There is strong evidence that the perpetrators came by paddle board , possibly the blow-up type which many people were using for the first time this summer .
The riverside walk which adjoins the main Beaulieu to Buckler ’ s Hard footpath was closed last winter to give the ground a chance to recover from years of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by walkers and unauthorised cyclists .
A recent survey has revealed that while there are some signs of improvement , the condition of this area remains far from satisfactory .
I therefore decided to extend the closure until such time as the wood , which is a Special Area of Conservation , has properly recovered .
Unfortunately , some people are set on ignoring the signs and continue to walk in this wood ; their actions simply compounding the damage already done .
I therefore appeal to everyone to respect this fragile environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main footpath .
The estate office also received numerous reports this summer concerning the misuse of the riverside and coastline by people who were either ignorant of the rules or were deliberately flouting them .
This included fishing without a permit , the launching of paddle craft from unauthorised locations and vandalism .
We have sought to respond with positive measures to better inform the public and I am pleased to say that at Park Shore , volunteers from ‘ Solent bird aware ’ will be present whenever they can to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As demand for recreation in the countryside increases , so does the need for people to understand the vulnerabilities of the places they visit .
It only takes the actions of a few ill-informed or irresponsible people to do huge damage to sensitive sites and endangered species .
Moreover , as overall numbers of people walking , cycling and driving in the countryside increase , so the health of the ecosystem will be eroded .
This is a point I would particularly like the access wing of Natural England to take notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastal path are put into effect , our ability to manage sensitive sites close to the river will be so curtailed that the land may never return to favourable condition .
Turning to the present lockdown , whilst the Beaulieu and Buckler ’ s Hard attractions are closed , most of the shops in the village remain open in some form , many with a click and collect service .
This includes the Queensmeade shop now run by Finola Shaw who is stocking a variety of locally-produced food lines and aiming to establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All the traders depend on local residents for support so please make use of the services they provide .
This includes the Farm Shop at Hazelcopse and the Countryside Education Trust which has a monthly pop-up shop , giving people the opportunity to order some of their produce including the newly pressed apple and pear juices .
Construction activity has not been curtailed by the present lockdown so work on the second and final phase of the marina reconfiguration started as planned in November .
We are now taking reservations for 35 newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next April .
This video was taken last week just as work commenced .
Two long serving staff members will be retiring in the spring ; Commercial Director Stephen Munn and Events Manager Judith Maddox ( pictured centre left and right ) .
They have been at Beaulieu for 25 and 18 years respectively and I would like to express my gratitude to them both for the contribution they have given to the business through the years .
Steve has steered us through some major projects such as Bond in Motion and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseen the development of our events with many significant additions , not least the Simply drive-ins .
So what of the year ahead ?
We have been fortunate that the New Forest has only suffered low levels of Covid and remains a popular visitor destination .
Experience from this summer suggests that the demand for days out in the countryside , at well managed attractions , has not diminished , and so we look forward to welcoming visitors back when the time is right .
Some of our events will be more difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we are still making plans to do so .
In Beaulieu village , a new private car park is to be constructed in part of Hayward ’ s Field for the cars of residents and traders , freeing up on-street spaces for people who , we hope , will make more use of the shops .
My gratitude to the Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation for funding the capital costs of this .
The Countryside Education Trust hopes to go ahead with the construction of the Fort Climate Centre at Home Farm ( pictured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is the brainchild of local philanthropist Ted Fort , will be dedicated to informing people about climate change .
The charity is also planning to start rural courses in January and an after-school club Beaulieu School children starting , we hope , in the summer term .
Whilst Coronavirus has not stopped us making plans for the future , the pandemic continues to cast a shadow of great uncertainty over all our lives and businesses .
The estate , its staff and tenants have endured difficult times before .
I am doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm and come through it fit to face the future .

The former shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard and the National Motor Museum in nearby Beaulieu normally attract hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
But the 7,000-acre Beaulieu Estate has seen its finances battered by two national lockdowns and the need to enforce strict social distancing rules.
Now it has emerged that around ten jobs have been lost since the start of the pandemic.
Coronavirus and its impact on the estate is one of the subjects covered by Lord Montagu in his latest annual speech.
The peer said: “The impact of the pandemic has been severe for people all over the country and our visitor businesses at Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard are no exception.
“The (first) lockdown meant our attractions were completely closed between late March and mid-June. All our major events had to be cancelled, including the International Autojumble in September and, most recently, the fireworks fair.
“This has resulted in a significant drop in income and, like many businesses, we’ve had to adapt quickly.
“The majority of our staff were put on the government’s furlough scheme and many are again. We have also made savings by freezing much of our project expenditure, reducing staff hours and making a number of posts redundant.
“Re-opening of the gardens and yacht harbour in mid-June was followed by the full offering at Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard from 4th July.
“Before welcoming our first visitors we ensured that the attractions met the requirements of Visit Britain’s ‘good to go’ scheme and strongly encouraged people to pre-book to spread their arrival times.
“We also introduced one-way systems in the motor museum and Palace House to help to manage visitor flow and social distancing.
“Visitors were happy to go along with this and the initial trickle of admissions slowly increased to the point that, on some days, we were matching last year’s numbers.”
Lord Montagu also referred to the current lockdown.
He said: “Whilst the Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard attractions are closed, most of the shops in the village remain open in some form.”
Lord Montagu's speech in full:
Little Beaulieu
This time a year ago, we had just commissioned a new adventure play area called Little Beaulieu. This was a significant investment aimed at making Beaulieu more attractive to families with young children. Capco, the company who designed and built it, are well known for their innovative designs, and created something unique to Beaulieu, set amongst mature trees. But the virus, which once seemed so far away, was moving fast and just a few days after we opened Little Beaulieu in March, the first lockdown commenced. This period coincided with some wonderful spring weather and, with most of my meetings cancelled, I took the opportunity to shoot a few videos in the garden for our Youtube channel, one about the tree carvings and another about the Ice House.
Coronavirus closures
The impact of the pandemic has been severe for people all over the country, and our visitor businesses at Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard are no exception. The lockdown meant that our attractions were completely closed between late March and mid-June and all our major events had to be cancelled, including the International Autojumble in September and, most recently, the fireworks fair. This has resulted in a significant drop in income and, like many businesses, we’ve had to adapt quickly. The majority of our staff were put on the government’s furlough scheme and many are now again. We have also made savings by freezing much of our project expenditure, reducing staff hours and making a number of posts redundant. Those who remained on duty during the lockdown put their time to good use, not least Museum Manager Doug Hill who posted a series of videos about cars and motorcycles in the museum. These included the 1903 Napier Gordon Bennet, 1904 De Dion Bouton and the 1924 Sunbeam Motorcycle.
Reopening
Re-opening of the gardens and yacht harbour in mid-June was followed by the full offering at Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard from 4th July. Before welcoming our first visitors, we ensured that the attractions met the requirements of Visit Britain’s ‘good to go’ scheme and strongly encouraged people to pre-book to spread their arrival times. We also introduced one way systems in the motor museum and Palace House to help to manage visitor flow and social distancing. It was encouraging to find that visitors were happy to go along with this and the initial trickle of admissions slowly increased to the point that, on some days, we were matching last year’s numbers.
Motoring in Miniature
In the National Motor Museum, we unveiled Motoring in Miniature, an exhibition of over 800 toy and model cars from the 1920s to the 1990s. It doesn't matter what age you are, you can see the toys from your childhood whether they be wooden, tin plate, die-cast or plastic.
Matchbox toy cars
In Palace House, I put together a display of my own Matchbox toy car collection dating mainly from the 1960s, plus some of those collected by my father. I have also enlarged the exhibition of my mother’s embroidery and artwork to include a selection of the wonderful costumes she wore through the years.
Simply drive-ins carry on
We were also able to re-start our ‘Simply’ drive-ins at which participants are able to park at a safe distance from each other. In adapting to these circumstances, great credit goes to the staff who responded to these changes so positively. Their ‘can do’ attitude has been much appreciated by our visitors who posted very favourable reviews on social media. The adventure playground has also gone down very well and is giving much pleasure to both our young visitors and their parents who can watch from the side whilst enjoying a coffee.
Awards
Our success in welcoming visitors post-lockdown may explain why Beaulieu was given a Travellers’ Choice award by Tripadvisor. Another award came from the New Forest National Park Authority for the Art Russe gallery at the Clock House. The gallery space we created as an extension to the Clock House has been given the Building Design Award for 2020 in the Best Non-Residential category. Congratulations to architect Richard Bullen of Plum Architects.
New trustees
The National Motor Museum Trust has recently welcomed a number of new members to its board. This includes people from the fields of museums, education, the motor industry, finance and fund raising. The injection of experience, skills and enthusiasm they have brought has been most welcome. I would particularly like to thank the trust’s chairman, Christopher Macgowan, for his wise counsel and support as we plan for the future. The age of the internal combustion engine may be drawing to a close, but not the story of motoring. In the years ahead, we will be turning our attention to the technologies which will power personal transportation in the future, and showcasing new developments to keep our visitors informed.
Marina
On the river, completion of phase 1 of our marina redevelopment was delayed by the spring lockdown. Once the contractors were able to re-start, there was a great rush to finish the works, ensuring that our mooring holders had the benefit of the improvements and were able to use their boats again. I was encouraged to learn that the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is in the running for ‘Marina of the Year’ at The British Yachting Awards for 2020. We are one of only six marinas to be nominated in our category, so fingers crossed.
Countryside Education Trust
The Countryside Education Trust has inevitably suffered badly from coronavirus restrictions and has not received any residential groups at Home Farm since March. We are chasing every funding opportunity we can whilst a skeleton staff are keeping the farm going.
In the summer, the trust hosted a series of open-air, socially-distanced performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. These took place in Hartford Wood and were produced by local theatre director Abbey Wright, who is now working on plans for an open-air production of A Christmas Carol, which we hope will take place around the abbey ruins if restrictions permit.
In October, two of the trust’s pigs were put out to pannage; sadly, one was fatally injured by a hit and run driver outside Brockenhurst. More encouragingly, the trust has now started to receive a few day groups, but a mere fraction of the normal numbers.
Beaulieu village
In the village, the spring lockdown was a big blow for traders but gave a number of tenants the chance to complete relocations which had been planned for some time. New Forest Activities moved to a converted barn at Hazelcopse; their old premises, The Old Forge in Beaulieu High Street, was taken on by Alisha Openshaw for Beaulieu Hair and Beauty. Her former premises were, in turn, rapidly fitted out as the take-away part of Steff’s Kitchen, under the name Steff’s to go. Then, at the end of last month, Ian Thompson retired from the Old Bakehouse tearooms, which will now be operated by Dominic Ide. Dominic deserves a special mention for operating a food order and delivery service during lockdown, assisted by local resident Vanessa Cook who set up a Beaulieu village Whatsapp group to keep people in touch. Sadly, the Abbey Stores and Post Office, owned by the Montagu Arms Hotel, only re-opened briefly for a closing down sale, so the village no longer has a post office.
A new arrival
In the middle of lockdown on 29th May, my brother Jonathan, who lives in Berlin, became a father when his wife Nathalie gave birth to a baby girl, Akina. Unfortunately, travel restrictions have prevented me from meeting my new niece, but I hope to do so before too much longer. We nevertheless marked the arrival of a new girl in the family in the customary way by raising a pink flag over Palace House.
Works on the estate
On the wider estate, some project work has continued. For example, a good deal of roadside fencing has been replaced, and to a very high standard, by Graham Pothecary and his son Julian, part-funded by the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
And at Buckler’s Hard, the Duke’s Bath House was refurbished under the supervision of my wife and has now become the third of the estate’s holidays cottages. With such an attractive interior and setting, it was quickly booked-up for the summer and feedback has been very positive.
There were no significant changes on the farms, although Sandy Booth’s New Forest Fruit Company at Pennerly encountered great difficulties getting pickers here on time due to covid regulations. In fact, some of those workers were subsequently deployed in the Beaulieu Vineyard as Sandy has taken the lease of vineyard and started a programme of replanting the old vines. It is my earnest hope that his expertise in fruit production will enable him to make a success of the vineyard which was a loss-maker for many years when we ran it in-house.
Living waters
Nearby, the stream which feeds a number of ponds in Hartford Wood has been the subject of a study by the Living Waters Project. The ponds are important wetland habitats and home to protected species such as the Great Crested Newt, Common Toad and European Eel. It is pleasing to report that, ecologically, Hartford Stream is in excellent condition and notably free from nutrient pollution.
The researchers were delighted to find young eels using the newly installed bristle-brush passes. European Eels have a remarkable life, spending up to 20 years in streams and ponds before migrating thousands of miles to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, where they breed. The young eels – known as elvers – then return to European coasts before migrating into freshwater to feed and grow. Worryingly, the number of elvers have declined dramatically in the last 25 years and the European Eel is now critically endangered. Climate change, overfishing, parasites and pollution are all contributory factors. Whilst this demands international solutions, it is nice to know that Hartford Stream is playing its part with the recently installed ‘eelevators’ helping the eels to reach their feeding ground.
Nitrates
The same researchers have also been looking at the Beaulieu River where nitrate and phosphate levels are noticeably higher. While these are below the limits set by the Environment Agency, we have supported a number of initiatives with tenants to ensure that water running off the land is filtered and cleaned before it reaches the river. Unfortunately, we have no such control over the sewage treatment plants at Lyndhurst and Beaulieu where the operator, quite legally, makes storm water discharges into the Beaulieu River. The effects are regularly noted by the fishermen and we fear this may also be the cause of disease in our oyster population. The problem is a national one and the solution will be additional investment which may only be forthcoming if the law demands it. I am not expecting quick results, but awareness of the need to manage nitrate and phosphate levels is steadily building.
The pressures of recreation
The whole of the New Forest, and many other parts of the countryside, endured extraordinary pressures during the early summer when people, tired of the lock down, were understandably desperate to get out. I suspect many were those who usually spend their free time at urban recreation facilities but, with these being closed, turned to the countryside. Whilst this is entirely understandable, there seemed to be an element who believed that because everything was officially closed, there would be no-one there to enforce the rules.
The consequences of this on Gull Island at the mouth of the Beaulieu River were particularly unfortunate. This spit forms part of the North Solent Nature Reserve where the vulnerability of ground-nesting birds is such that it is out of bounds at all times. In mid-June, during an inspection to monitor breeding success, some disposable barbeques were found discarded on the shingle. Nearby were the bodies of two very rare chicks which had recently perished, almost certainly because the parents, having been disturbed by the trespassers, were unable to tend to their young. There is strong evidence that the perpetrators came by paddle board, possibly the blow-up type which many people were using for the first time this summer.
Protecting sensitive sites
The riverside walk which adjoins the main Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard footpath was closed last winter to give the ground a chance to recover from years of soil compaction and the trampling of vegetation by walkers and unauthorised cyclists. A recent survey has revealed that while there are some signs of improvement, the condition of this area remains far from satisfactory. I therefore decided to extend the closure until such time as the wood, which is a Special Area of Conservation, has properly recovered. Unfortunately, some people are set on ignoring the signs and continue to walk in this wood; their actions simply compounding the damage already done. I therefore appeal to everyone to respect this fragile environment and help its recovery by staying on the main footpath.
The estate office also received numerous reports this summer concerning the misuse of the riverside and coastline by people who were either ignorant of the rules or were deliberately flouting them. This included fishing without a permit, the launching of paddle craft from unauthorised locations and vandalism. We have sought to respond with positive measures to better inform the public and I am pleased to say that at Park Shore, volunteers from ‘Solent bird aware’ will be present whenever they can to help educate and inform visitors to the beach.
Coastal path
As demand for recreation in the countryside increases, so does the need for people to understand the vulnerabilities of the places they visit. It only takes the actions of a few ill-informed or irresponsible people to do huge damage to sensitive sites and endangered species. Moreover, as overall numbers of people walking, cycling and driving in the countryside increase, so the health of the ecosystem will be eroded. This is a point I would particularly like the access wing of Natural England to take notice of. If their proposals for the coastal path are put into effect, our ability to manage sensitive sites close to the river will be so curtailed that the land may never return to favourable condition.
The present lockdown
Turning to the present lockdown, whilst the Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard attractions are closed, most of the shops in the village remain open in some form, many with a click and collect service. This includes the Queensmeade shop now run by Finola Shaw who is stocking a variety of locally-produced food lines and aiming to establish this as the village grocery store. All the traders depend on local residents for support so please make use of the services they provide. This includes the Farm Shop at Hazelcopse and the Countryside Education Trust which has a monthly pop-up shop, giving people the opportunity to order some of their produce including the newly pressed apple and pear juices.
Marina works continue
Construction activity has not been curtailed by the present lockdown so work on the second and final phase of the marina reconfiguration started as planned in November. We are now taking reservations for 35 newly dredged berths which should be available by next April. This video was taken last week just as work commenced.
Farewell Stephen and Judith
Two long serving staff members will be retiring in the spring; Commercial Director Stephen Munn and Events Manager Judith Maddox (pictured centre left and right). They have been at Beaulieu for 25 and 18 years respectively and I would like to express my gratitude to them both for the contribution they have given to the business through the years. Steve has steered us through some major projects such as Bond in Motion and the World of Top Gear whilst Judith has overseen the development of our events with many significant additions, not least the Simply drive-ins.
Looking ahead
So what of the year ahead? We have been fortunate that the New Forest has only suffered low levels of Covid and remains a popular visitor destination. Experience from this summer suggests that the demand for days out in the countryside, at well managed attractions, has not diminished, and so we look forward to welcoming visitors back when the time is right. Some of our events will be more difficult to organise whilst social distancing is required but we are still making plans to do so.
Parking
In Beaulieu village, a new private car park is to be constructed in part of Hayward’s Field for the cars of residents and traders, freeing up on-street spaces for people who, we hope, will make more use of the shops. My gratitude to the Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation for funding the capital costs of this.
The Fort Climate Centre
The Countryside Education Trust hopes to go ahead with the construction of the Fort Climate Centre at Home Farm (pictured below). This new facility, which is the brainchild of local philanthropist Ted Fort, will be dedicated to informing people about climate change. The charity is also planning to start rural courses in January and an after-school club Beaulieu School children starting, we hope, in the summer term.
Whilst Coronavirus has not stopped us making plans for the future, the pandemic continues to cast a shadow of great uncertainty over all our lives and businesses. The estate, its staff and tenants have endured difficult times before. I am doing my best to ensure we survive this storm and come through it fit to face the future.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Man jailed for slashing Southampton police car tyre

A MAN has been jailed for more than 100 days after slashing the tyre of a police car .
Martin @ @ @ @ @ after he damaged the tyre of a police vehicle on Cranbury Avenue in Southampton on @ @ @ @ @ flytipper who dumped broken tiles and a bath is slapped with £1k fine The 32-year-old @ @ @ @ @ carrying a knife .
Appearing at Southampton Magistrates ' Court , he pleaded guilty to @ @ @ @ @ tyre of a police vehicle intending to cause damage , and one count of carrying @ @ @ @ @ public place .
Alder of Coltsfoot Square , Oxford , was jailed for 180 days @ @ @ @ @ victim surcharge of £128 .
The knife was seized by the police .

Martin Gary Alder appeared before court after he damaged the tyre of a police vehicle on Cranbury Avenue in Southampton on November 19.
The 32-year-old was also found to be carrying a knife.
Appearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court, he pleaded guilty to one count of damaging the tyre of a police vehicle intending to cause damage, and one count of carrying a bladed article in a public place.
Alder of Coltsfoot Square, Oxford, was jailed for 180 days and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £128.
The knife was seized by the police.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Diego Maradona dies, aged 60

Diego Maradona dies, aged 60

Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona is said to have died , according to reports in his native Argentina .
Famous @ @ @ @ @ God ’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup before Argentina went on to @ @ @ @ @ is considered by many to be the best player to ever grace the game .
@ @ @ @ @ that the former Barcelona and Napoli star passed away at home in Tigre after suffering @ @ @ @ @ football legend Diego Maradona has died aged 60 For more on this and other news @ @ @ @ @ Sky News Breaking ( @ SkyNewsBreak ) November 25 , 2020 Maradona , who turned @ @ @ @ @ undergone surgery to was in recovery after successful surgery to treat a subdural haematoma , @ @ @ @ @ brain .

Famous for his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup before Argentina went on to win the tournament, he is considered by many to be the best player to ever grace the game.
It is reported in Argentina that the former Barcelona and Napoli star passed away at home in Tigre after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has died aged 60
For more on this and other news visit https://t.co/8OWd2TvLrt — Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) November 25, 2020
Maradona, who turned 60 last month had recently undergone surgery to was in recovery after successful surgery to treat a subdural haematoma, a blood clot on the brain.


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Hampshire Hospitals chief exec reveals second wave has hit Basingstoke hospital

RESIDENTS have been urged to follow the rules as health bosses said the second wave of the pandemic has now hit Hampshire hospitals .
A total of 108 Covid patients are currently being treated at hospitals in Winchester and Basingstoke .
This is the highest number of Covid patients the two hospitals have recorded since September , according to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust .
Alex Whitfield , the trust ’ s chief executive , has urged residents to comply with the coronavirus rules as she said the second wave has now hit the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said at the moment 54 Covid patients are being treated at each of the two hospitals run by the trust .
It comes as Ms Whitfield confirmed that during the first wave of the pandemic the highest number of Covid patients recorded in one day at both hospital was 155 .
She said both hospitals are expected to be busier than last winter but much will depend on people ’ s behaviour .
However , she said that the number of Covid hospital admission has started to go down with 65 admissions recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past seven days .
But measures to face a second wave of the pandemic are being rolled out .
Hospital staff are set to be tested twice a week as part of a national scheme while patients at both hospitals are currently being tested on day one , three and five of their hospital stay .
Ms Whitfield also said that they are looking at using the saliva test currently trialled in Southampton but it is yet to be confirmed .
It comes as last week it was announced that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolled out on a wider area across the South .
Elective surgeries , which were put on hold during the first wave , are expected to continue during the second wave thanks to the use of private facilities such as the BMI Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester and The Hampshire Clinic in Basingstoke .
But the cost of the private provision has not been revealed .
It comes as the first wave has caused a backlog of elective surgeries but the number of people currently on a waiting list is yet to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not possible to exclude that elective surgeries will have to be put on hold again over the coming months .
But she stressed that urgent care and cancer treatment will continue to be available .
Additional air scrubbers are being used across hospitals and more digital services are now available for patients .
Ms Whitfield said the trust is also providing support to hospital staff .
She confirmed that the trust is being supported by agency staff but the cost is yet to be revealed .
However , Ms Whitfield said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased because of the pandemic .
She praised the work done by hospital staff over the past months and thanked residents for the sacrifices they are making .
But she added : “ The key message for me is wash your hands , wear a face mask and keep your distance .
They seem basic but they make a massive difference .
”

A total of 108 Covid patients are currently being treated at hospitals in Winchester and Basingstoke.
This is the highest number of Covid patients the two hospitals have recorded since September, according to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Alex Whitfield, the trust’s chief executive, has urged residents to comply with the coronavirus rules as she said the second wave has now hit the Royal Hampshire County Hospital and the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital.
She said at the moment 54 Covid patients are being treated at each of the two hospitals run by the trust.
It comes as Ms Whitfield confirmed that during the first wave of the pandemic the highest number of Covid patients recorded in one day at both hospital was 155.
She said both hospitals are expected to be busier than last winter but much will depend on people’s behaviour.
However, she said that the number of Covid hospital admission has started to go down with 65 admissions recorded two weeks ago and 52 admissions recorded over the past seven days.
But measures to face a second wave of the pandemic are being rolled out.
Hospital staff are set to be tested twice a week as part of a national scheme while patients at both hospitals are currently being tested on day one, three and five of their hospital stay.
Ms Whitfield also said that they are looking at using the saliva test currently trialled in Southampton but it is yet to be confirmed.
It comes as last week it was announced that the saliva testing programme is going to be rolled out on a wider area across the South.
Elective surgeries, which were put on hold during the first wave, are expected to continue during the second wave thanks to the use of private facilities such as the BMI Sarum Road Hospital in Winchester and The Hampshire Clinic in Basingstoke.
But the cost of the private provision has not been revealed.
It comes as the first wave has caused a backlog of elective surgeries but the number of people currently on a waiting list is yet to be revealed.
However, Ms Whitfield said it is not possible to exclude that elective surgeries will have to be put on hold again over the coming months.
But she stressed that urgent care and cancer treatment will continue to be available.
Additional air scrubbers are being used across hospitals and more digital services are now available for patients.
Ms Whitfield said the trust is also providing support to hospital staff.
She confirmed that the trust is being supported by agency staff but the cost is yet to be revealed.
However, Ms Whitfield said the use of agency staff has not increased because of the pandemic.
She praised the work done by hospital staff over the past months and thanked residents for the sacrifices they are making.
But she added: “The key message for me is wash your hands, wear a face mask and keep your distance. They seem basic but they make a massive difference.”


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Christmas bubble rules on unnecessary contact

While everyone starts to think about their Christmas arrangements following this week 's announcements , there 's details you 'll still have to be aware of .
Whether you are planning the logistics of a three-household bubble or perhaps maintaining plans to stay away from people , there 's some details of the Christmas arrangements you may not be aware of .
The Prime Minister urged the public to “ think carefully ” over the festive period after it was confirmed that three households will be able to mix from December 23 to 27 .
If I 'm planning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know ?
Well , this is the main thing you will need to be aware of - especially if you are meeting anyone vulnerable .
You should reduce unnecessary contact with people you do not live with as much as possible in the two weeks before you form your Christmas bubble .
However , children should continue to go to school .
You should work from home if you can , but you should avoid unnecessary social interaction .
Any increase in contact with other people increases the risk you will catch or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Christmas bubble ?
Between December 23 and 27 you must not meet friends and family in your home UNLESS they are in your bubble .
• Visit the homes of your Christmas bubble • Go to a place of worship together You ca n't meet in a : This will be dependent on your tier .
What if we have relatives in a care home ?
Residents and their families are being asked to consider `` very carefully '' whether visits out of care homes is the right thing to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes should very carefully consider whether this is the right thing to do , or whether visiting at the care home would provide meaningful contact in a safer way '' , the government advice says .
`` Some residents may be able to leave their care home , in agreement with the home and subject to individual risk assessments .
A care home resident may form a bubble with one other household , and should not form a three-household Christmas bubble at any point . ''
All members of the bubble should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposure to coronavirus by limiting the number of people they meet for two weeks prior to allowing a care home resident into their household • talk to the care home about getting tested prior to meeting the care home resident outside the care home .
In order to safely return to the care home , the resident will need to be tested and isolated .

Whether you are planning the logistics of a three-household bubble or perhaps maintaining plans to stay away from people, there's some details of the Christmas arrangements you may not be aware of.
The Prime Minister urged the public to “think carefully” over the festive period after it was confirmed that three households will be able to mix from December 23 to 27.
If I'm planning a Christmas bubble what do I need to know?
Well, this is the main thing you will need to be aware of - especially if you are meeting anyone vulnerable.
You should reduce unnecessary contact with people you do not live with as much as possible in the two weeks before you form your Christmas bubble.
However, children should continue to go to school.
You should work from home if you can, but you should avoid unnecessary social interaction. Any increase in contact with other people increases the risk you will catch or spread coronavirus.
What can you do in a Christmas bubble?
Between December 23 and 27 you must not meet friends and family in your home UNLESS they are in your bubble.
You can:
Visit the homes of your Christmas bubble
Stay in private rented accomodation
Go to a place of worship together
Meet in public outdoors
You can't meet in a:
Pub
Theatre
Hotel
Shop
Restaurant
This will be dependent on your tier.
What if we have relatives in a care home?
Residents and their families are being asked to consider "very carefully" whether visits out of care homes is the right thing to do.
"Residents, their families and care homes should very carefully consider whether this is the right thing to do, or whether visiting at the care home would provide meaningful contact in a safer way", the government advice says.
"Some residents may be able to leave their care home, in agreement with the home and subject to individual risk assessments. A care home resident may form a bubble with one other household, and should not form a three-household Christmas bubble at any point."
All members of the bubble should:


thedailyecho--2020-11-25--Martin Lewis: Couples could claim £1,200 before Christmas

Martin Lewis has revealed how couples in the UK can receive a welcome boost of £1200 in the lead-up to Christmas .
You have to have been born after April 6 1935 to claim , but Martin has warned hundreds and thousands of people who are eligible are missing out .
The cash-saving guru was speaking on the Lorraine show earlier this week and revealed married couples can claim Marriage Tax Allowance and be paid in time for Christmas .
The government ’ s Marriage Tax Allowance can be backdated over four years meaning couples could claim up to £1,188 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your marriage , one of you is a non-tax payer and one of you is a basic , 20 % rate tax payer , the non-tax payer can apply to shift 10 % of their personal allowance to the tax payer , ” Martin explained .
`` Your personal allowance is money you can earn without paying tax on it .
`` So , this year , 10 % of that is £1,250 , so think of it , we take £1,250 from somebody who does n't pay tax , we give it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay 20 % on that , and that 's a saving of £250 . ''
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com added : `` As it can be backdated for four years , if you are eligible , in total , there are people out there getting cheques for up to £1,188 .
`` This could come really quickly , many people will get this money before Christmas , if they apply now !
`` The non-tax payer has to apply , it 's on gov.uk , it 's a little question set to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of thousands of eligible people missing out . ''

You have to have been born after April 6 1935 to claim, but Martin has warned hundreds and thousands of people who are eligible are missing out.
The cash-saving guru was speaking on the Lorraine show earlier this week and revealed married couples can claim Marriage Tax Allowance and be paid in time for Christmas.
The government’s Marriage Tax Allowance can be backdated over four years meaning couples could claim up to £1,188 in some cases.
"If in your marriage, one of you is a non-tax payer and one of you is a basic, 20% rate tax payer, the non-tax payer can apply to shift 10% of their personal allowance to the tax payer,” Martin explained.
"Your personal allowance is money you can earn without paying tax on it.
"So, this year, 10% of that is £1,250, so think of it, we take £1,250 from somebody who doesn't pay tax, we give it to the tax payer who would usually pay 20% on that, and that's a saving of £250."
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com added: "As it can be backdated for four years, if you are eligible, in total, there are people out there getting cheques for up to £1,188.
"This could come really quickly, many people will get this money before Christmas, if they apply now!
"The non-tax payer has to apply, it's on gov.uk, it's a little question set to see if you're eligible, there are hundreds of thousands of eligible people missing out."