thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Police hunting for pair after teen assaulted at New Forest station

POLICE are hunting for a man and a woman after a teenager was assaulted at a New Forest train station @ @ @ @ @ train station occurred following a confrontation between a 16-year-old boy and a man at a @ @ @ @ @ teen and his friends were then followed to the train station by the unknown man @ @ @ @ @ began to become verbally aggressive and pushed the boy .
He was then assaulted by @ @ @ @ @ minor injuries to his face .
Hampshire Constabulary says the incident happened at around 12.10am @ @ @ @ @ police spokesperson said : `` Do you recognise either of these people ?
Were you @ @ @ @ @ time ?
`` Anyone with information is asked to call 101 , quoting 44200423346 .
@ @ @ @ @ contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 . ''

The incident at Sway train station occurred following a confrontation between a 16-year-old boy and a man at a nearby garage forecourt.
The teen and his friends were then followed to the train station by the unknown man and a woman – who began to become verbally aggressive and pushed the boy. He was then assaulted by the unknown man, causing minor injuries to his face.
Hampshire Constabulary says the incident happened at around 12.10am on November 1.
A police spokesperson said: "Do you recognise either of these people? Were you in the area at the time?
"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 44200423346.
"Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Vehicles stopped in Hedge End motoring crime crackdown

OVER 100 vehicles have been stopped in a police crackdown on motoring offences .
Officers from the Hedge End North Neighbourhood Policing Team have uncovered a range of motoring offences as part of Hampshire Constabulary ’ s drink and drug driving campaign , `` Operation Holly '' .
These are said to have ranged from excess speed in local areas to stop and searches for illegal drugs .
A total of 125 vehicles were stopped on two separate occasions between December 7 to December 9 and December 17 through to December 20 .
These included locations in Barnfield Way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hedge End , Winchester Road in Botley and West End High Street .
Over two thirds of the vehicles that officers encountered were said to have been dealt with in some way , whether that was a verbal warning , tickets for offences or community resolutions .
• Two stop searches of a vehicle under the misuse of drugs act • One community resolution issued for possession of a quantity of a Class B drug A police spokesperson said : `` Throughout December , officers from our Roads Policing Unit will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drivers as part of Operation Holly .
`` Driving while impaired can have tragic consequences and our message is simple ; it 's not worth the risk . ''

Officers from the Hedge End North Neighbourhood Policing Team have uncovered a range of motoring offences as part of Hampshire Constabulary’s drink and drug driving campaign, "Operation Holly".
These are said to have ranged from excess speed in local areas to stop and searches for illegal drugs.
A total of 125 vehicles were stopped on two separate occasions between December 7 to December 9 and December 17 through to December 20.
These included locations in Barnfield Way, Upper Northam Road and Lower Northam Road in Hedge End, Winchester Road in Botley and West End High Street.
Over two thirds of the vehicles that officers encountered were said to have been dealt with in some way, whether that was a verbal warning, tickets for offences or community resolutions.
Action taken against motorists included:
• 59 verbal warnings issued for lower excess speed
• 21 Fixed Penalty Notices issued for excess speed
• Two stop searches of a vehicle under the misuse of drugs act
• One community resolution issued for possession of a quantity of a Class B drug
• One negative drugs swipe
A police spokesperson said: "Throughout December, officers from our Roads Policing Unit will be carrying out checks for drink and drug drivers as part of Operation Holly.
"Driving while impaired can have tragic consequences and our message is simple; it's not worth the risk."


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Weekend weather warning for wind with gusts of up to 80mph

A WEATHER warning for wind has been issued for Southampton , as well as the whole of Hampshire , this weekend with gusts potential reaching 80mph The Met Office has published a yellow warning , which is set to run from 3pm on Boxing Day until 12pm on Sunday , December 27 .
The national weather service said : `` Very windy weather is expected for parts of England , Wales and the far south of Scotland , leading to disruption to transport and utilities . ''
Along with the high winds , there is potential for a period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which together could make travelling conditions hazardous .
Providing more detail on the forecast a Met Office spokesperson said : `` An area of strong south-westerly winds will develop across parts of northern England and the far south of Scotland on Saturday afternoon , before transferring south-eastwards across the rest of England and Wales into Sunday morning , clearing by early Sunday afternoon .
`` Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are likely , with the potential for 60-70 mph in some locations .
Hills and coasts exposed to the southwesterly winds could see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to the strong winds , a period of heavy , squally rain will affect western and southern areas .
Combined with strong winds , the rain will lead to some hazardous travelling conditions . ''
A yellow warning for rain is in force from 6am today until 2am tomorrow , however , Dorset appears to have avoided the majority of the downpours .

The Met Office has published a yellow warning, which is set to run from 3pm on Boxing Day until 12pm on Sunday, December 27.
The national weather service said: "Very windy weather is expected for parts of England, Wales and the far south of Scotland, leading to disruption to transport and utilities."
Along with the high winds, there is potential for a period of "heavy, squally rain", which together could make travelling conditions hazardous.
Providing more detail on the forecast a Met Office spokesperson said: "An area of strong south-westerly winds will develop across parts of northern England and the far south of Scotland on Saturday afternoon, before transferring south-eastwards across the rest of England and Wales into Sunday morning, clearing by early Sunday afternoon.
"Inland gusts of 50-60 mph are likely, with the potential for 60-70 mph in some locations. Hills and coasts exposed to the southwesterly winds could see gusts of 70-80 mph.
"In addition to the strong winds, a period of heavy, squally rain will affect western and southern areas. Combined with strong winds, the rain will lead to some hazardous travelling conditions."
A yellow warning for rain is in force from 6am today until 2am tomorrow, however, Dorset appears to have avoided the majority of the downpours.


thedailyecho--2020-12-22--Coronavirus: More than 700 new cases confirmed in Hampshire

MORE than 700 new coronavirus cases have been recorded across Hampshire in the last 24 hours .
Public Health England @ @ @ @ @ the Government website at 4.25pm today ( December 22 ) - show that 739 more @ @ @ @ @ the virus in a 24 hour period .
Yesterday , there were 770 new cases @ @ @ @ @ is now including Pillar 2 tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside @ @ @ @ @ are analysed in NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of @ @ @ @ @ programme .
Below are the confirmed cases by local authority in the 24 hours to @ @ @ @ @ • Basingstoke and Deane : 70 ( 3,134 in total since start of pandemic )

Public Health England figures - as recorded on the Government website at 4.25pm today (December 22) - show that 739 more people have tested positive for the virus in a 24 hour period.
Yesterday, there were 770 new cases reported.
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 to 4.25pm on December 22:


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Southampton City Council investment into CitizEn Energy made no net profit

MORE than £190,000 worth of public money has been invested into an energy company which made no net profit and left a Hampshire council with a £86,000 budget black hole .
Southampton City Council invested a total of £192,000 into its own energy company CitizEn Energy , it has been revealed .
But according to a Freedom of Information the company never made any net profit , leaving the council face a net deficit budget of £86,500 .
The authority said the deficit is offset by a saving of tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere and £76,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
But the authority has been accused of `` gambling and losing '' taxpayers ' money .
The news comes as Robin Hood Energy - which supplied CitizEn Energy - collapsed in September this year .
The amount of money the council has lost due to the collapse of Robin Hood Energy is yet to be confirmed as the authority said it is expecting a final settlement .
When launching CitizEn in 2018 , the city council said any profit would be ploughed into energy saving initiatives in the city .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the council earnt £38,000 in commission , there was no net profit .
The company also failed to reach its targets and lost customers each year .
The city council said CitizEn Energy was halfway through its five-year contract and `` despite not reaching its ambitious targets '' it was `` on track to make a profit to fund good causes by the end of the contract '' .
But Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said the council `` gambled taxpayers ' money and lost it '' .
He added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They should concentrate on what they are supposed to be doing and keep out of commercial operations they know nothing about . ''
Opposition councillor Steve Galton added : `` Labour repeatedly brushed off any concerns or questioning around their policy of moving Council properties on to their own expensive energy company , rather than the cheapest available energy . ''
Of the £192,000 the council invested in CitizEn Energy , £67,600 came from Partnership for South Hampshire .
Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead said the idea behind the company was `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a work in process cut short by events outside of the city council 's control because of what happened to Robin Hood Energy .
Because of this it perhaps failed to meet its full potential , '' he added .
It comes as Robin Hood Energy - which was set up by Nottingham City Council - is set to be sold to British Gas .
John O'Connell , chief executive at Taxpayers ' Alliance , said councils are `` not capable of running energy companies '' and `` failed '' when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Southampton is no exception .
The council must stick to delivering their statutory duties , '' he added .
Don Peebles , Head of UK Policy and Technical at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy ( CIPFA ) , said : `` There is always a level of risk which accompanies commercial investments , which if used , should be one part of a comprehensive and diverse approach to managing public money .
Even well risk-assessed commercial investments could put public money at undue risk.
” The city council said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in city properties , saving £1,500 off energy bills and five tonnes of CO2 per year .
It stressed the company aimed to combat fuel poverty and shake up the market `` by providing an ethical alternative to the big six '' .
Cllr Steve Leggett , cabinet member for green city , added : `` In a highly competitive market with new tariffs being introduced almost every day , we were always very clear that CitizEn Energy might not always have the cheapest tariff on the market but was a local ethical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to alleviate fuel poverty in the city .
As council properties became vacant , rather than leaving the more expensive tariffs in place , they were switched to CitizEn Energy when the new tenants moved in .
Those tenants were then able to switch to a provider of their choice at any time with no penalties .
It is obviously disappointing to us that the parent company was sold by Nottingham City Council to British Gas , therefore we were unable to recoup our investment .
However this was completely out of our @ @ @

Southampton City Council invested a total of £192,000 into its own energy company CitizEn Energy, it has been revealed.
But according to a Freedom of Information the company never made any net profit, leaving the council face a net deficit budget of £86,500.
The authority said the deficit is offset by a saving of tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere and £76,000 worth of savings off energy bills within the city.
But the authority has been accused of "gambling and losing" taxpayers' money.
The news comes as Robin Hood Energy - which supplied CitizEn Energy - collapsed in September this year.
The amount of money the council has lost due to the collapse of Robin Hood Energy is yet to be confirmed as the authority said it is expecting a final settlement.
When launching CitizEn in 2018, the city council said any profit would be ploughed into energy saving initiatives in the city.
But a Freedom of Information revealed that while the council earnt £38,000 in commission, there was no net profit.
The company also failed to reach its targets and lost customers each year.
The city council said CitizEn Energy was halfway through its five-year contract and "despite not reaching its ambitious targets" it was "on track to make a profit to fund good causes by the end of the contract".
But Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said the council "gambled taxpayers' money and lost it".
He added: "They should be ashamed of themselves. They should concentrate on what they are supposed to be doing and keep out of commercial operations they know nothing about."
Opposition councillor Steve Galton added: "Labour repeatedly brushed off any concerns or questioning around their policy of moving Council properties on to their own expensive energy company, rather than the cheapest available energy."
Of the £192,000 the council invested in CitizEn Energy, £67,600 came from Partnership for South Hampshire.
Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead said the idea behind the company was "a good one".
"However, it was a work in process cut short by events outside of the city council's control because of what happened to Robin Hood Energy. Because of this it perhaps failed to meet its full potential," he added.
It comes as Robin Hood Energy - which was set up by Nottingham City Council - is set to be sold to British Gas.
John O'Connell, chief executive at Taxpayers' Alliance, said councils are "not capable of running energy companies" and "failed" when trying to do so.
"Unsurprisingly, Southampton is no exception. The council must stick to delivering their statutory duties,"he added.
Don Peebles, Head of UK Policy and Technical at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), said: "There is always a level of risk which accompanies commercial investments, which if used, should be one part of a comprehensive and diverse approach to managing public money. Even well risk-assessed commercial investments could put public money at undue risk.”
The city council said CitizEn Energy installed over 260 LED lamps in city properties,saving £1,500 off energy bills and five tonnes of CO2 per year.
It stressed the company aimed to combat fuel poverty and shake up the market "by providing an ethical alternative to the big six".
Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city, added: "In a highly competitive market with new tariffs being introduced almost every day, we were always very clear that CitizEn Energy might not always have the cheapest tariff on the market but was a local ethical choice, providing green electricity and reinvesting to alleviate fuel poverty in the city. As council properties became vacant, rather than leaving the more expensive tariffs in place, they were switched to CitizEn Energy when the new tenants moved in. Those tenants were then able to switch to a provider of their choice at any time with no penalties. It is obviously disappointing to us that the parent company was sold by Nottingham City Council to British Gas, therefore we were unable to recoup our investment. However this was completely out of our hands.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Paedophile planned to rape girl at Hampshire services jailed

A MAN who planned to rape an eight-year-old girl travelled across the country with sex toys .
Lance Baynes was caught with restraints , sex toys , and lubricant at a Hampshire service station .
The 48-year-old had arranged to meet another man at Sutton Scotney Services and then rape an eight-year-old girl .
However , he was arrested during a police sting on August 21 this year .
When police seized Baynes ' electronic devices they found 1,430 indecent or extreme images .
Officers also discovered he had been the admin of an online account which had been sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baynes formerly of Cedar Close in Walsall had also been communicating sexually with a 13-year-old girl , a Winchester Crown Court heard .
He pleaded guilty to the following ten charges : • Arranging/facilitating the rape of a child under 13-years-old • Three counts of making indecent images of children • One count of possession of extreme indecent images • Three counts of distributing indecent images of children • Intentionally encouraging an offender to commit an indictable offence .
He was today , sentenced to eight years in prison and will be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
DC Steve Hill , of Hampshire Constabulary 's ICAT said : “ Prior to his arrest Lance Baynes had been planning to commit an atrocious offence against what he believed was an 8-year-old girl .
He is a dangerous offender , and I hope his sentencing reassures the public .
“ This was a complex and difficult investigation , and I would like to thank our colleagues at SEROCU for their assistance in bringing this case to justice .
“ We take all reports of sexual offending very seriously , and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those responsible to justice and to protect vulnerable people from such predators.
” Anyone who has been a victim of child abuse , or has any information about this type of abuse , is encouraged to contact police on 101 .
Alternatively , contact Child Line on 0800 11 11 , or if you are an adult who has been affected , you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 .

Lance Baynes was caught with restraints, sex toys, and lubricant at a Hampshire service station.
The 48-year-old had arranged to meet another man at Sutton Scotney Services and then rape an eight-year-old girl.
However, he was arrested during a police sting on August 21 this year.
When police seized Baynes' electronic devices they found 1,430 indecent or extreme images.
Officers also discovered he had been the admin of an online account which had been sharing images of children with other paedophiles.
Baynes formerly of Cedar Close in Walsall had also been communicating sexually with a 13-year-old girl, a Winchester Crown Court heard.
He pleaded guilty to the following ten charges:
• Arranging/facilitating the rape of a child under 13-years-old
• Three counts of making indecent images of children
• One count of possession of extreme indecent images
• Three counts of distributing indecent images of children
• Intentionally encouraging an offender to commit an indictable offence.
He was today, sentenced to eight years in prison and will be on license for four years after his release.
DC Steve Hill, of Hampshire Constabulary's ICAT said: “Prior to his arrest Lance Baynes had been planning to commit an atrocious offence against what he believed was an 8-year-old girl. He is a dangerous offender, and I hope his sentencing reassures the public.
“This was a complex and difficult investigation, and I would like to thank our colleagues at SEROCU for their assistance in bringing this case to justice.
“We take all reports of sexual offending very seriously, and will do anything in our power to bring those responsible to justice and to protect vulnerable people from such predators.”
Anyone who has been a victim of child abuse, or has any information about this type of abuse, is encouraged to contact police on 101.
Alternatively, contact Child Line on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has been affected, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Monolith that appeared on Isle of Wight sells for £810

A monolith that appeared on the Isle of Wight has sold in an online auction for £810 .
Bids on the mirrored pillar appear to have reached in excess of £50,000 but were later removed by the seller who stated that the proceeds of the sale would go to charity .
Designer Tom Dunford , from Fishbourne , created the sculpture which he installed on Compton Beach prompting media interest from around the world .
The eBay seller later found it in a state of disrepair and placed it on sale .
The listing on the online auction site , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seller found the monolith in a “ sorry state ” and offered to purchase it from National Trust staff at the site and gave them a cash donation .
The listing states : “ The monolith is in a very sorry state there are cracks and chips to the glass and the timber plinth that the item sat on is missing but could easily be rebuilt.
” It continues : “ Please remember this is a charity auction if you have bid and are not serious please remove your bid don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m working with Tom Dunford to turn this into something positive and raise money for five charities that me and Tom will choose.
” The National Trust has said it intended to return the donation and a spokesman said : “ Our intention was to keep the beach and car park clear of debris .
We do not claim ownership of the monolith and do not want a donation to confuse that.
” The Isle of Wight monolith was one of several that have appeared around the world in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found in Utah in the United States .
Others have been found in the UK including Throwleigh , Devon , and Glastonbury , Somerset .
The eBay seller has been approached for comment by the PA news agency .

Bids on the mirrored pillar appear to have reached in excess of £50,000 but were later removed by the seller who stated that the proceeds of the sale would go to charity.
Designer Tom Dunford, from Fishbourne, created the sculpture which he installed on Compton Beach prompting media interest from around the world.
The monolith is now in a ‘sorry state’ (eBay/PA)
The eBay seller later found it in a state of disrepair and placed it on sale.
The listing on the online auction site, which attracted 53 bids, states that the seller found the monolith in a “sorry state” and offered to purchase it from National Trust staff at the site and gave them a cash donation.
The listing states: “The monolith is in a very sorry state there are cracks and chips to the glass and the timber plinth that the item sat on is missing but could easily be rebuilt.”
It continues: “Please remember this is a charity auction if you have bid and are not serious please remove your bid don’t be the one that spoils it.
“I’m working with Tom Dunford to turn this into something positive and raise money for five charities that me and Tom will choose.”
The monolith garnered plenty of attention (Alexia Fishwick/PA)
The National Trust has said it intended to return the donation and a spokesman said: “Our intention was to keep the beach and car park clear of debris. We do not claim ownership of the monolith and do not want a donation to confuse that.”
The Isle of Wight monolith was one of several that have appeared around the world in recent weeks following the first, which was found in Utah in the United States.
Others have been found in the UK including Throwleigh, Devon, and Glastonbury, Somerset.
The eBay seller has been approached for comment by the PA news agency.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Crash in Fareham Town Centre

Crash in Fareham Town Centre

EMERGENCY services rushed to a Hampshire town centre last night following a crash .
Police and ambulance crews arrived on @ @ @ @ @ Centre , last night .
Two vehicles had been involved in a crash , and @ @ @ @ @ .
The incident is now under investigation .
Fareham Police said on Twitter : `` @ @ @ @ @ assisted our Roads Policing Unit with a Road Traffic Collision on West Street ( Fareham @ @ @ @ @ Thankfully , it appears there are no serious injuries .
`` The road is now @ @ @ @ @ now under investigation . ''

Police and ambulance crews arrived on West Street, Fareham Town Centre, last night.
Two vehicles had been involved in a crash, and no serious injuries were reported.
The incident is now under investigation.
Fareham Police said on Twitter: "PCSO Hillier and PC Crockford assisted our Roads Policing Unit with a Road Traffic Collision on West Street (Fareham Town Centre).
"Thankfully, it appears there are no serious injuries.
"The road is now open and the incident is now under investigation."


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Online trial aims to help cancer patients cope with pandemic

A NEW service has been launched in Southampton to support cancer patients struggling to cope with the impact of the pandemic .
Southampton University Hospital has joined forces with the Royal College of Anaesthetists ( RCoA ) and Macmillan Cancer Support to launch SafeFit , an online trial that is free to join .
Safefit aims to help patients exercise , support their mental wellbeing and provide them with nutritional advice .
Pioneering studies have show that prehabilitation - getting into the best possible shape before and during cancer treatment – has significant benefits for patients .
After an initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer can benefit from one-to-one telephone or video consultations , plus emotional support , video exercise sessions and advice on healthy eating .
The launch of Safefit follows a £99,903 grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund , distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund .
SafeFit has been developed by internationally-renowned cancer research , exercise , and wellbeing specialists .
Those who have already benefitted include Yvonne Mackerlich Maule , who said : “ The instructor I was paired up with was a great match , very knowledgeable and each week pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone there to support my needs was at this time worth its weight in gold.
” The launch of SafeFit follows the decision to suspend the earlier WesFit trial .
Professor Sandy Jack , Professor of Prehabilitation Medicine at University Southampton NHS Foundation Trust , said : “ Back in March my team had to call nine cancer patients in one day to explain we were pausing WesFit - all were completely devastated .
“ I was clear we had to find a way to support these people and others like them through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancer patients suffer from problems such as anxiety , tiredness and depression .
An RCoA spokesperson said : “ Being physically active has been shown to slow disease progression , improve survival and reduce the chance of recurrence .
“ Leading a physically active lifestyle is linked to improvements in many of the adverse effects of cancer and its treatments .
”

Southampton University Hospital has joined forces with the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) and Macmillan Cancer Support to launch SafeFit, an online trial that is free to join.
Safefit aims to help patients exercise, support their mental wellbeing and provide them with nutritional advice.
Southampton General Hospital.
Pioneering studies have show that prehabilitation - getting into the best possible shape before and during cancer treatment – has significant benefits for patients.
After an initial assessment, those with diagnosed or suspected cancer can benefit from one-to-one telephone or video consultations, plus emotional support, video exercise sessions and advice on healthy eating.
The launch of Safefit follows a £99,903 grant from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by the National Lottery Community Fund.
SafeFit has been developed by internationally-renowned cancer research, exercise, and wellbeing specialists.
Those who have already benefitted include Yvonne Mackerlich Maule, who said: “The instructor I was paired up with was a great match, very knowledgeable and each week pushed me that little bit further. Having someone there to support my needs was at this time worth its weight in gold.”
The launch of SafeFit follows the decision to suspend the earlier WesFit trial.
Professor Sandy Jack, Professor of Prehabilitation Medicine at University Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Back in March my team had to call nine cancer patients in one day to explain we were pausing WesFit - all were completely devastated.
“I was clear we had to find a way to support these people and others like them through the pandemic.”
About 53% of cancer patients suffer from problems such as anxiety, tiredness and depression.
An RCoA spokesperson said: “Being physically active has been shown to slow disease progression, improve survival and reduce the chance of recurrence.
“Leading a physically active lifestyle is linked to improvements in many of the adverse effects of cancer and its treatments.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--When to see Santa in the sky this Christmas

Santa Claus will soon be coming to town and we know how you can spot him .
It 's become a tradition in many family homes to look out for the International Space Station ( ISS ) and tell young children it 's Father Christmas on his sleigh .
And this year you can look out for him on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as he flies to and from home delivering presents around the world .
The International Space Station is the largest space station laboratory ever built and orbits the earth .
As it reflects light from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( or indeed , Santa 's sleigh ) cruising past .
When do I need to look ?
If your little ones are up early with all the excitement on Christmas Eve , you 've got two chances to spot him .
• The first one is at 4.42am but the space station will be visible for less than a minute .
• There 's a second chance at 6.15am when you will have three minutes to spot him in the sky - and he will be higher above the horizon .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him flying home for his breakfast at 5.30am for a minute and 7.03am for six minutes .
What am I looking for ?
Basically you 're looking for a bright , white moving light in the sky .
The space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky , except it doesn ’ t have flashing lights or change direction .
It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane ( airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour ; the space station flies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 'll need clear skies to spot it so keep your fingers crossed for a favourable forecast .
Go to spotthestation.nasa.gov for more details on where to look and how to track .

It's become a tradition in many family homes to look out for the International Space Station (ISS) and tell young children it's Father Christmas on his sleigh.
And this year you can look out for him on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as he flies to and from home delivering presents around the world.
The International Space Station is the largest space station laboratory ever built and orbits the earth.
As it reflects light from the Sun it looks like a bright light (or indeed, Santa's sleigh) cruising past.
When do I need to look?
If your little ones are up early with all the excitement on Christmas Eve, you've got two chances to spot him.
The first one is at 4.42am but the space station will be visible for less than a minute.
There's a second chance at 6.15am when you will have three minutes to spot him in the sky - and he will be higher above the horizon.
On Christmas Day itself, you can see him flying home for his breakfast at 5.30am for a minute and 7.03am for six minutes.
What am I looking for?
Basically you're looking for a bright, white moving light in the sky. The space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesn’t have flashing lights or change direction.
It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles per hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour).
We'll need clear skies to spot it so keep your fingers crossed for a favourable forecast.
Go to spotthestation.nasa.gov for more details on where to look and how to track.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--FROM THE DOCKS: Latest cases from Southampton's court

THE following cases were heard at Southampton Magistrates ' Court : ANDREW MARK HARRINGTON , 35 , of International Way , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to the use of threatening and abusive language with intent to cause alarm and distress .
Fined £346 and £100 in compensation .
Ordered to pay court costs of £85 .
STEPHEN RICHARD ALAN BOND , 37 , of Whyteways , Eastleigh .
Pleaded guilty to causing unlawful damage to a garden fence .
Discharged conditionally for 12 months .
Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £22 and court costs of £85 .
JAMES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary ’ s Close , Christchurch .
Pleaded guilty to drink driving in Lymington .
Disqualified from driving for 16 months and fined £80 .
Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £34 and court costs of £200 .
CHRISTOPHER JAMES EXTON , 44 , of Pound Road , Bursledon .
Pleaded guilty to failing to notifying the police of a change in his Facebook username within the terms of section 80 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 .
Fined £100 .
Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 58 , of Nursery Road , Alresford .
Pleaded guilty to speeding .
Fined £88 and driving licence endorsed their three points .
Also ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge .
SEAN MCWHINNIE , 40 , of Jackie Wigg Gardens , Totton .
Pleaded guilty to criminal damage , possession of cannabis , committing an offence while subject to a conditional discharge order and using threatening , abusive or insulting words or behaviour causing another person harassment , alarm or distress .
Community order made until April 2021 .
Subject to 18 week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £568 compensation ANN MACMILLAN SMART , 61 , of Itchen View , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to assault by beating .
Community order made until December 2021 .
Rehabilitation activity requirement of 20 days .
Fined £110 .
Ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge and £300 court costs .
SIMON PATRICK FLOOD , 30 , of Millbrook Road West , Southampton .
Admitted breaching a community order previously made for shoplifting offences by failing to keep in contact .
Community order revoked .
STEPHEN RAVENALL , 45 , of Argyle Road , Southampton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent , obscene or menacing character by means of a public communications network .
Discharged conditionally for 12 months .
Ordered to pay £100 compensation , £21 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
ANNABEL LEAH BOOKER , 28 , of Lower Ashley Road , New Milton .
Found guilty of failing to provide a specimen .
Disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £300 .
Ordered to pay £620 court costs and £34 victim surcharge .

ANDREW MARK HARRINGTON, 35, of International Way, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to the use of threatening and abusive language with intent to cause alarm and distress. Fined £346 and £100 in compensation. Ordered to pay court costs of £85.
STEPHEN RICHARD ALAN BOND, 37, of Whyteways, Eastleigh. Pleaded guilty to causing unlawful damage to a garden fence. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £22 and court costs of £85.
JAMES ANDREW ROYLE, 47, of St Mary’s Close, Christchurch. Pleaded guilty to drink driving in Lymington. Disqualified from driving for 16 months and fined £80. Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £34 and court costs of £200.
CHRISTOPHER JAMES EXTON, 44, of Pound Road, Bursledon. Pleaded guilty to failing to notifying the police of a change in his Facebook username within the terms of section 80 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Fined £100. Also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £34 and court costs of £85.
PATRICK STOTT, 58, of Nursery Road, Alresford. Pleaded guilty to speeding. Fined £88 and driving licence endorsed their three points. Also ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge.
SEAN MCWHINNIE, 40, of Jackie Wigg Gardens, Totton. Pleaded guilty to criminal damage, possession of cannabis, committing an offence while subject to a conditional discharge order and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour causing another person harassment, alarm or distress. Community order made until April 2021. Subject to 18 week electronically monitored curfew. Ordered to pay £568 compensation
ANN MACMILLAN SMART, 61, of Itchen View, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to assault by beating. Community order made until December 2021. Rehabilitation activity requirement of 20 days. Fined £110. Ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge and £300 court costs.
SIMON PATRICK FLOOD, 30, of Millbrook Road West, Southampton. Admitted breaching a community order previously made for shoplifting offences by failing to keep in contact. Community order revoked.
STEPHEN RAVENALL, 45, of Argyle Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to three counts of sending a message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character by means of a public communications network. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay £100 compensation, £21 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
ANNABEL LEAH BOOKER, 28, of Lower Ashley Road, New Milton. Found guilty of failing to provide a specimen. Disqualified from driving for 18 months and fined £300. Ordered to pay £620 court costs and £34 victim surcharge.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Crash on A27 Fareham

Crash on A27 Fareham

UPDATE : This has now been cleared One lane of the A27 Fareham has been blocked due to a crash @ @ @ @ @ northbound on Eastern Way towards junction 11 .
Heavy delays are building in the area @

A CRASH has blocked a busy road causing delays.
One lane of the A27 Fareham has been blocked due to a crash.
The lane is blocked northbound on Eastern Way towards junction 11.
Heavy delays are building in the area.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Boozy food and driving: Everything you need to know

From brandy butter to cherry liqueurs , red wine gravy and Christmas pudding - there are lots of delicious dishes to enjoy over the festive season .
But will they send you over the drink drive limit ?
With Christmas celebrations being reduced to just one day many of us will be travelling on the big day and will need to be carefuly about any alcohol consumption .
The drink driving limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath , in Scotland this limit is reduced to 22 micrograms - so just one drink could get you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard and fast rule on how much alcohol you can consume and legally drive - the best rule of thumb is to not drink at all if you are going to drive .
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could land you six months in prison , an unlimited fine and a driving ban .
However , alcohol can be found in a lot of boozy food , from brandy butter to liquer chocolates and the gravy you pour all over your Christmas dinner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boozy treats this Christmas ?
Here are the rules : There are lots of foods out there that contain alcohol , usually it is only a small amount and often it gets cooked so a lot of the alcoholic content burns away .
If they were to get you over the limit you would have to really over-indulge ...
But after all , it is Christmas so this is a possibility .
Research by All Car Leasing has found that the following foods contain approximately 3.5 units of alcohol but you 'll really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as long as you are n't drinking too : For a Christmas cake soaked in brandy , just one and a half 'standard servings ' would be equal to one unit of alcohol .
A single pint of beer and one and a half servings of Christmas cake could be enough to set you over the limit .
Whilst one serving of a cherry trifle has more than half a unit of alcohol .
The legal drink drive limit can not be safely converted into units of alcohol as the way your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person to person .
However , the important thing to notice is - if you are consuming food which contains alcohol and you are planning to drive , then you should not have any alcoholic drinks alongside it .
What 's your favourite Christmas treat ?
Let us know in the comments .

With Christmas celebrations being reduced to just one day many of us will be travelling on the big day and will need to be carefuly about any alcohol consumption.
The drink driving limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, in Scotland this limit is reduced to 22 micrograms - so just one drink could get you over the limit.
There is no hard and fast rule on how much alcohol you can consume and legally drive - the best rule of thumb is to not drink at all if you are going to drive.
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could land you six months in prison, an unlimited fine and a driving ban.
However, alcohol can be found in a lot of boozy food, from brandy butter to liquer chocolates and the gravy you pour all over your Christmas dinner.
So, can you drive after eating boozy treats this Christmas? Here are the rules:
There are lots of foods out there that contain alcohol, usually it is only a small amount and often it gets cooked so a lot of the alcoholic content burns away.
If they were to get you over the limit you would have to really over-indulge ... But after all, it is Christmas so this is a possibility.
Research by All Car Leasing has found that the following foods contain approximately 3.5 units of alcohol but you'll really need to splurge to hit that unit, as long as you aren't drinking too:
2 tiramisus
5.5 servings of Christmas cake
1 cherry trifle
4 servings of peppercorn sauce
9 portions of chicken marsala
58 packets of olives
850 alcohol-filled chocolates
For a Christmas cake soaked in brandy, just one and a half 'standard servings' would be equal to one unit of alcohol.
A single pint of beer and one and a half servings of Christmas cake could be enough to set you over the limit.
Whilst one serving of a cherry trifle has more than half a unit of alcohol.
The legal drink drive limit cannot be safely converted into units of alcohol as the way your body absorbs it can be different from person to person.
However, the important thing to notice is - if you are consuming food which contains alcohol and you are planning to drive, then you should not have any alcoholic drinks alongside it.
What's your favourite Christmas treat? Let us know in the comments.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Toby Carvery is offering takeaway Christmas dinner for £25

With Christmas celebrations set to be a little quieter this year , some people will be wondering whether cooking a big Christmas dinner is worth the hassle .
Even though it will be a quiet one , you can still enjoy some of the best bits about Christmas , like the food .
If you haven ’ t already picked up your Christmas shop , or your plans to spend the day elsewhere have gone awry , Toby Carvery is serving takeaway Christmas dinners with all of the trimminings for £25 .
The pub chain is serving up a two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the choice of a main dish and a dessert .
The menu includes a selection of freshly carved meats - including roast turkey , beef , gammon , pork and lamb - plus all of the trimmings , ranging from pigs in blankets to roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings .
For dessert , you ’ ll get a traditional Christmas pudding , served with brandy sauce or custard , with a vegan option also available .
Vegetarian diners are also well catered for with a spinach , smoked cheddar and mushroom pithivier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The takeaway dinner costs less than half the price of Toby Carvery ’ s dine-in three course Christmas meal , which starts from £57.99 .
However , this does include a starter unlike the takeaway option , which only comes with a main and a dessert .
Where is it available ?
The takeaway Christmas dinner is available in Toby Carvery restaurants in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas in England , as well as all open branches in Wales and Scotland .
Unfortunately it is not available in Tier 3 areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open for takeaway service only .
Customers are being advised to place an order in person or over the phone , as there is currently no option to order online .
The meals are pre-set , so you ca n't pick what you want like you would if you were visiting a carvery .
However , you can let Toby Carvery know if you 've got any dietary requirements or special requests .
Orders can be made now up until 23 December and will be ready for collection on Christmas Day .
Customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect their food .
The takeaway Christmas dinner is also available for pre-order at sister restaurant chain Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery , where it is priced at £19.99 just for the main , with the option to add dessert for £4.99 .

Even though it will be a quiet one, you can still enjoy some of the best bits about Christmas, like the food.
If you haven’t already picked up your Christmas shop, or your plans to spend the day elsewhere have gone awry, Toby Carvery is serving takeaway Christmas dinners with all of the trimminings for £25.
Two course menu
The pub chain is serving up a two course takeaway Christmas dinner, giving customers the choice of a main dish and a dessert.
The menu includes a selection of freshly carved meats - including roast turkey, beef, gammon, pork and lamb - plus all of the trimmings, ranging from pigs in blankets to roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings.
For dessert, you’ll get a traditional Christmas pudding, served with brandy sauce or custard, with a vegan option also available.
Vegetarian diners are also well catered for with a spinach, smoked cheddar and mushroom pithivier, served with veggies and roast potatoes.
The takeaway dinner costs less than half the price of Toby Carvery’s dine-in three course Christmas meal, which starts from £57.99.
However, this does include a starter unlike the takeaway option, which only comes with a main and a dessert.
Where is it available?
The takeaway Christmas dinner is available in Toby Carvery restaurants in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas in England, as well as all open branches in Wales and Scotland.
Unfortunately it is not available in Tier 3 areas, even though restaurants are allowed to remain open for takeaway service only.
Customers are being advised to place an order in person or over the phone, as there is currently no option to order online.
The meals are pre-set, so you can't pick what you want like you would if you were visiting a carvery. However, you can let Toby Carvery know if you've got any dietary requirements or special requests.
Orders can be made now up until 23 December and will be ready for collection on Christmas Day. Customers can choose what time they wish to collect their food.
The takeaway Christmas dinner is also available for pre-order at sister restaurant chain Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery, where it is priced at £19.99 just for the main, with the option to add dessert for £4.99.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Where was this picture of Christmas shoppers taken?

Can you guess where this picture was taken ?
The image , captured in the 1980s shows a view that @ @ @ @ @ some .
So where was it taken exactly ?
It 's in Southampton 's former @ @ @ @ @ Well done if you guessed correctly .

The image, captured in the 1980s shows a view that will be instantly familiar to some.
So where was it taken exactly?
It's in Southampton's former East Street shopping centre! Well done if you guessed correctly.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--King Richard I spent Christmas in Southampton Castle

WHILE Her Majesty and Prince Philip prepare to spend Christmas day with their bubble in Windsor , we look back at when a king spent the big day in Southampton Castle .
Most people are familiar with Richard the Lionheart or Richard I through the story of Robin Hood when his return to England , from the Crusades , was expected to restore peace and order after the scheming of his brother John during his absence .
Richard was the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and spent most of his life enforcing his father ’ s rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father ’ s death he was crowned King in September 1189 .
Richard immediately set off on a crusade to the Holy Land with an army of around 8,000 men .
Richard planned to campaign alongside Philip II of France and others but they abandoned him to face Saladin ’ s forces alone .
He eventually reached a truce with Saladin and set sail for home .
Following a shipwreck , he was forced to travel overland and was captured by Duke Leopold V of Austria who handed him over to the German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his release .
The ransom was raised with the help of Gervaise de Hampton , a very wealthy Southampton man .
Richard was released on February 4 , 1194 , and returned to England landing in Southampton where he spent time in the castle .
Richard then returned to France where he spent the next five years fighting to hold on to his lands .
Richard ’ s reign lasted until April 1199 , when he died from a gangrenous wound and was buried in France .
During his 10-year reign he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just one Christmas , which was spent in Southampton Castle in 1194 .
The celebration of Christmas for Richard would have been an important religious affair but a large part would also have been the feasting which would last several days .
Southampton ’ s leaders would have been expected to provide the food and entertainment and with their reputation with the King at stake they would have wanted this to have been a great success .
Goose and , with the king ’ s permission , swan would have been eaten and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birds with butter and saffron which gave them a golden colour when served .
A boar 's head was a central part of the feast .
This wasn ’ t just roasted but prepared and served as the elaborate exterior of a more familiar pork pie .
Venison would have been eaten with the best cuts kept for the king and his guests while the offal , then known as the “ umbles ” , given to the poor and made into a pie from which the term “ humble pie ” originates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Christmas feast in 1213 , and records show that he ordered large amounts of food including 24 hogshead of wine , 200 head of pork , 1,000 hens , 50 lbs of pepper , 2 lbs of saffron and 100 lbs of almonds .
In Medieval England a large mince pie was baked filled with various shredded meats along with spices and fruit .
A spicy , wheat-based medieval dessert known as frumenty would have been served which has evolved into the Christmas pudding we enjoy today .
Drink was important and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us : Prince of liquors , old or new .
A hot mixture of ale , honey , and spices would be put in a large bowl , and the host would lift it and greet his companions with `` waes hael '' meaning `` good health ” .
The reply was `` drinc hael , '' which meant `` drink and be well . ''
Till he drowns his care in sleep .
The Castle Hall would have been decorated with holly , and mistletoe .
It was believed that the holly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned red by Christ 's blood when he was made to wear the crown of thorns .
The real joy of Christmas was sharing food , feasting and drinking with friends kept warm by an oak Yule log stripped of its bark which burned for 12 days .

Most people are familiar with Richard the Lionheart or Richard I through the story of Robin Hood when his return to England, from the Crusades, was expected to restore peace and order after the scheming of his brother John during his absence.
Richard was the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and spent most of his life enforcing his father’s rule in his French lands.
Following his father’s death he was crowned King in September 1189.
Richard immediately set off on a crusade to the Holy Land with an army of around 8,000 men.
Richard planned to campaign alongside Philip II of France and others but they abandoned him to face Saladin’s forces alone.
He eventually reached a truce with Saladin and set sail for home.
Following a shipwreck, he was forced to travel overland and was captured by Duke Leopold V of Austria who handed him over to the German emperor Henry VI who demanded a ransom for his release.
The ransom was raised with the help of Gervaise de Hampton, a very wealthy Southampton man.
Richard was released on February 4, 1194, and returned to England landing in Southampton where he spent time in the castle.
Richard then returned to France where he spent the next five years fighting to hold on to his lands.
Richard’s reign lasted until April 1199, when he died from a gangrenous wound and was buried in France.
During his 10-year reign he spent only six months in England and just one Christmas, which was spent in Southampton Castle in 1194.
The celebration of Christmas for Richard would have been an important religious affair but a large part would also have been the feasting which would last several days.
Southampton’s leaders would have been expected to provide the food and entertainment and with their reputation with the King at stake they would have wanted this to have been a great success.
Goose and, with the king’s permission, swan would have been eaten and also woodcock. Medieval cooks covered the birds with butter and saffron which gave them a golden colour when served.
A boar's head was a central part of the feast. This wasn’t just roasted but prepared and served as the elaborate exterior of a more familiar pork pie.
Venison would have been eaten with the best cuts kept for the king and his guests while the offal, then known as the “umbles”, given to the poor and made into a pie from which the term “humble pie” originates.
Richard’s brother John held a Christmas feast in 1213, and records show that he ordered large amounts of food including 24 hogshead of wine, 200 head of pork, 1,000 hens, 50 lbs of pepper, 2 lbs of saffron and 100 lbs of almonds.
In Medieval England a large mince pie was baked filled with various shredded meats along with spices and fruit.
A spicy, wheat-based medieval dessert known as frumenty would have been served which has evolved into the Christmas pudding we enjoy today.
Drink was important and an Anglo-Norman carol of the time tells us:
Christmas loves good drinking.
Wines of Gascoigne, France, Anjou,
English ale that drives out thinking,
Prince of liquors, old or new.
A hot mixture of ale, honey, and spices would be put in a large bowl, and the host would lift it and greet his companions with "waes hael" meaning "good health”. The reply was "drinc hael," which meant "drink and be well."
Every neighbour shares the bowl,
Drinks of the spicy liquor deep,
Drinks his fill without control,
Till he drowns his care in sleep.
The Castle Hall would have been decorated with holly, and mistletoe. It was believed that the holly berries had been white before they were turned red by Christ's blood when he was made to wear the crown of thorns.
The real joy of Christmas was sharing food, feasting and drinking with friends kept warm by an oak Yule log stripped of its bark which burned for 12 days.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Driver fined for speeding on edge of New Forest

A DRIVER has been fined for speeding on the edge of the New Forest .
Peter Stephen Royston Sargent , @ @ @ @ @ a 06-reg Ford Focus at 55mph in a 40-zone on the A35 at Hinton on @ @ @ @ @ against him was proved under the single justice procedure at Basingstoke Magistrates Court .
Sargent @ @ @ @ @ Ashley , New Milton , was fined £166 with a £32 victim surcharge , £90 @ @ @ @ @ were added to his licence .
An offence of failing to help police identify a @ @ @ @ @ an offence was reopened .
The conviction and sentence were set aside .

Peter Stephen Royston Sargent, 40, was caught driving a 06-reg Ford Focus at 55mph in a 40-zone on the A35 at Hinton on March 11.
The case against him was proved under the single justice procedure at Basingstoke Magistrates Court.
Sargent, of Andrew Lane, Ashley, New Milton, was fined £166 with a £32 victim surcharge, £90 costs and three penalty points were added to his licence.
An offence of failing to help police identify a driver believed to have committed an offence was reopened. The conviction and sentence were set aside.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Chandler's Ford scouts create Christmas boxes for families

A SCOUT group is working to provide food and gifts for disadvantaged families this Christmas .
Scouts of all ages from the 1st Chandler 's Ford Scout Group have been busy this week donating items , decorating food parcels , and packing food and presents as part of the groups newest project .
On Tuesday , as part of the 'Christmas Box ' initiative , volunteers packed the boxes into their vehicles and delivered them to the doors of families in need across Chandler 's Ford and Eastleigh .
Around 80 children and 30 families are said to have benefited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinner ingredients , treats , and gifts , just in time for Christmas .
Group Scout Leader , Paul Carcone said : “ In short , our plan is to make sure that all children we help , spend Christmas Day with a full tummy , lots of goodies , a teddy to cuddle , and a book to read , or have read to them .
`` In our Group , Scouting is far more than just collecting badges and the activities of our Young People do not end at the Boundary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much see our role as creating fine young adults who are aware of and are prepared to tackle global issues as well as those on our doorstep ” .
The project was funded by previous donations , made when the scout group ran an initiative to help feed children during the October half term .
Having had money left over , donated from members of the public , those funds were then used to purchase items for the Christmas boxes .
Paul said that any food left over from this project will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank in order to each the people who need it .
Cub member , 9-year-old , Matthew , said : “ We should keep doing kind things even when times are difficult , because it makes you feel good about yourself and makes others feel good too .
”

Scouts of all ages from the 1st Chandler's Ford Scout Group have been busy this week donating items, decorating food parcels, and packing food and presents as part of the groups newest project.
On Tuesday, as part of the 'Christmas Box' initiative, volunteers packed the boxes into their vehicles and delivered them to the doors of families in need across Chandler's Ford and Eastleigh.
Around 80 children and 30 families are said to have benefited from the project, receiving boxes Christmas dinner ingredients, treats, and gifts, just in time for Christmas.
Group Scout Leader, Paul Carcone said: “In short, our plan is to make sure that all children we help, spend Christmas Day with a full tummy, lots of goodies, a teddy to cuddle, and a book to read, or have read to them.
"In our Group, Scouting is far more than just collecting badges and the activities of our Young People do not end at the Boundary of our Hut.
"We very much see our role as creating fine young adults who are aware of and are prepared to tackle global issues as well as those on our doorstep”.
The project was funded by previous donations, made when the scout group ran an initiative to help feed children during the October half term.
Having had money left over, donated from members of the public, those funds were then used to purchase items for the Christmas boxes.
Paul said that any food left over from this project will be donated to the scout groups local food bank in order to each the people who need it.
Cub member, 9-year-old, Matthew, said: “We should keep doing kind things even when times are difficult, because it makes you feel good about yourself and makes others feel good too.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Community leaders react to Romsey Abbey burglary

These are the words of one community leader after Romsey Abbey , Church Lane , was burgled this week - which has been broken into for the second time in two months .
At 3.38am on Monday [ December 14 ] , a person gained entry to the place of worship through a broken stained glass window .
According to Hampshire police , collection tins were stolen from the abbey , containing cash .
Now , security around the abbey is being beefed up and CCTV footage is being reviewed in a bid to catch the culprit .
Cllr Nik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Test Valley Borough Council ( TVBC ) , slammed the criminal for targetting the iconic building .
He said : `` It is a despicable act by someone who has no morals to target a place of worship and steal collection tins .
`` At Christmas time there is an increase in the number of burglaries , so we all need to remain vigilant to protect our town .
`` If people are walking down the street or driving down the road and they spot anything they think is odd they should report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Cllr Mark Cooper , who represents Romsey Tadburn on TVBC , added he is surprised someone had the `` impertinence to break into the abbey '' .
Cllr Dorothy Baverstock , who represents the Romsey Cupernham ward , believes it will cost `` an arm and a leg '' to replace the stained glass window in the abbey .
She said : `` It is not like calling up someone and asking them to replace a normal window , this will take much longer and will be far more expensive to repair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a gang targetting Romsey after `` around 12 vehicles by Romsey Abbey '' were damaged by vandals between Friday , December 11 and Saturday , December 12 , according to Hampshire police .
She said : `` For the last three years , Romsey Town Council has been paying for protection officers during the daytime , because there are always pick-pockets and shoplifters around especially during December .
`` As we are already doing that , maybe the police could be more active in the evening ? ''
A spokesperson from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the burglary should call 101 , quoting 44200481190 Romsey Abbey has been contacted for comment .

These are the words of one community leader after Romsey Abbey, Church Lane, was burgled this week - which has been broken into for the second time in two months.
At 3.38am on Monday [December 14], a person gained entry to the place of worship through a broken stained glass window.
According to Hampshire police, collection tins were stolen from the abbey, containing cash.
Now, security around the abbey is being beefed up and CCTV footage is being reviewed in a bid to catch the culprit.
Cllr Nik Daas, who represents Romsey Abbey on Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), slammed the criminal for targetting the iconic building.
He said: "It is a despicable act by someone who has no morals to target a place of worship and steal collection tins.
"At Christmas time there is an increase in the number of burglaries, so we all need to remain vigilant to protect our town.
"If people are walking down the street or driving down the road and they spot anything they think is odd they should report it to the police on 101."
Cllr Mark Cooper, who represents Romsey Tadburn on TVBC, added he is surprised someone had the "impertinence to break into the abbey".
Cllr Dorothy Baverstock, who represents the Romsey Cupernham ward, believes it will cost "an arm and a leg" to replace the stained glass window in the abbey.
She said: "It is not like calling up someone and asking them to replace a normal window, this will take much longer and will be far more expensive to repair."
Ms Baverstock added she believes there is a gang targetting Romsey after "around 12 vehicles by Romsey Abbey" were damaged by vandals between Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12, according to Hampshire police.
She said: "For the last three years, Romsey Town Council has been paying for protection officers during the daytime, because there are always pick-pockets and shoplifters around especially during December.
"As we are already doing that, maybe the police could be more active in the evening?"
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said anyone with information about the burglary should call 101, quoting 44200481190
Romsey Abbey has been contacted for comment.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Feline festive: Today's selection of your pets in Christmas gear

HERE 'S today 's selection of festive pets as they prepare for the big day .
Our readers are sending @ @ @ @ @ posing under the Christmas tree and wearing Santa hats and we 're publishing as many @ @ @ @ @ us all feel festive .
Puss E.J is captured with his Elf in a scene @ @ @ @ @ house rabbit Guzzler is testing out rabbits for the reindeer as we gear up for @ @ @ @ @ bull terriers Frazer and Beau are doubling as Santa 's little helpers in their reindeer @ @

Our readers are sending in pictures of their pets posing under the Christmas tree and wearing Santa hats and we're publishing as many as we can to make us all feel festive.
Puss E.J is captured with his Elf in a scene from The Nutcracker, while house rabbit Guzzler is testing out rabbits for the reindeer as we gear up for Santa's arrival.
Staffordshire bull terriers Frazer and Beau are doubling as Santa's little helpers in their reindeer antlers.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--The best last-minute Christmas gifts that don’t require shipping

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Maybe your loved one lives across the country or maybe you wo n't be able to see some of your friends and family in person this holiday due to the pandemic .
Fear not—you can still get something for everyone on your list with just the click of a button .
The best part ?
There 's no shipping required .
At Reviewed , we 're pros at finding the best gifts at the best prices—even ones that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever leaving your house .
Below are the 8 best gifts to buy ASAP that do n't require shipping .
Forget Netflix—2020 has been the year of Disney+ .
The just-released streaming service makes a great gift for anyone who loves Disney or for anyone who 's watched ( and rewatched ) all of their favourite shows on Netflix and are ready for something new .
It has a vast library of entirely family-friendly entertainment , including animated Walt Disney classics , Pixar films , Star Wars , and Marvel movies .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Disney+ gift subscription , so it 's easier than ever to gift one .
2 .
For the person who wants to try something new : MasterClass MasterClass is a great gift for people of all interests and all ages .
Whether someone wants to learn cooking skills from Gordon Ramsey , photography from Annie Leibowitz , or basketball from Steph Curry , they can take as many classes as they want with the All-Access Pass .
Our editor-in-chief tried it for himself and liked how inspiring the courses were .
3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a workout : ClassPass Spin , yoga , pilates , oh my !
No matter what workout your giftee is into , they 'll likely be able to find it on ClassPass .
The app allows them to take classes at all different studios ( including Orange Theory , SoulCycle , and Pure Barre ) at a discounted rate using credits , so they can mix up their workouts each week .
And if they do n't want to go to public classes yet , there are plenty of pro-trainer-led classes they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get a gift card from ClassPass starting at £15 We all have that friend who 's constantly sending us new music to listen to and is rarely ever not wearing headphones .
The best gift to give them this year ?
A premium subscription to Spotify .
They 'll have access to millions of songs ( completely ad-free ! )
that they can listen to on any device , anywhere .
5 .
For the one who 's trying to meditate more : Headspace Best last-minute gifts 2020 : Headspace Self-care is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
And one way to help your friends and family relax is with a meditation app like Headspace , which has over 630,000 rave reviews .
It has hundreds of calming guided meditations to choose from ( some as short as two minutes ! )
along with a new `` Move Mode '' to help your giftee exercise more mindfully , too .
Give a subscription to Headspace Plus for £9.99/month 6 .
For the person who 's impossible to shop for : Amazon gift cards A gift card is a safe—and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be able to go to the store right now , they can either save it for later or use it now to shop online .
7 .
For the gamer : PlayStation Store , Xbox Store or Nintendo eShop gift card For some people , more time at home = more time playing video games .
And for that , they 'll need some new games to keep themselves entertained .
Whether they have an Xbox , a Nintendo Switch , or a PlayStation , most gaming companies have online stores with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than choose a game for them , send them a gift card so they can download their favourite digital games that they 'll be able to access them from anywhere .
8 .
For the person trying to learn a new language : Rosetta Stone Best last-minute gifts 2020 : Rosetta Stone Credit : Rosetta Stone Bonjour !
Hola !
Guten Tag !
No matter which language they want to add to your arsenal , Rosetta Stone can help .
One of our writers tried the popular language-learning service for herself and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month .
Compared to other similar apps , Rosetta Stone is much more thorough and even offers live or group sessions so your giftee can practice their new language skills .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Maybe your loved one lives across the country or maybe you won't be able to see some of your friends and family in person this holiday due to the pandemic. Fear not—you can still get something for everyone on your list with just the click of a button. The best part? There's no shipping required.
At Reviewed, we're pros at finding the best gifts at the best prices—even ones that you can have delivered or sent without ever leaving your house. Below are the 8 best gifts to buy ASAP that don't require shipping.
1. For the Disney fan: Disney+
Best last-minute gifts 2020: Disney Credit: Disney
Forget Netflix—2020 has been the year of Disney+. The just-released streaming service makes a great gift for anyone who loves Disney or for anyone who's watched (and rewatched) all of their favourite shows on Netflix and are ready for something new. It has a vast library of entirely family-friendly entertainment, including animated Walt Disney classics, Pixar films, Star Wars, and Marvel movies. And you can actually get your loved one a Disney+ gift subscription, so it's easier than ever to gift one.
Give a yearly subscription to Disney+ for £59.99
2. For the person who wants to try something new: MasterClass
Best last-minute gifts 2020: MasterClass Credit: MasterClass
MasterClass is a great gift for people of all interests and all ages. Whether someone wants to learn cooking skills from Gordon Ramsey, photography from Annie Leibowitz, or basketball from Steph Curry, they can take as many classes as they want with the All-Access Pass. Our editor-in-chief tried it for himself and liked how inspiring the courses were.
Get a MasterClass subscription for £14.17/month
3. For the person who never misses a workout: ClassPass
Best last-minute gifts 2020: ClassPass Credit: ClassPass
Spin, yoga, pilates, oh my! No matter what workout your giftee is into, they'll likely be able to find it on ClassPass. The app allows them to take classes at all different studios (including Orange Theory, SoulCycle, and Pure Barre) at a discounted rate using credits, so they can mix up their workouts each week. And if they don't want to go to public classes yet, there are plenty of pro-trainer-led classes they can livestream from home using the app.
Get a gift card from ClassPass starting at £15
4. For the music buff: Spotify Premium
Best last-minute gifts 2020: Spotify Credit: Spotify
We all have that friend who's constantly sending us new music to listen to and is rarely ever not wearing headphones. The best gift to give them this year? A premium subscription to Spotify. They'll have access to millions of songs (completely ad-free!) that they can listen to on any device, anywhere.
Give a Spotify gift card from Amazon starting at £30
5. For the one who's trying to meditate more: Headspace
Best last-minute gifts 2020: Headspace
Self-care is important every day—but it's especially important right now. And one way to help your friends and family relax is with a meditation app like Headspace, which has over 630,000 rave reviews. It has hundreds of calming guided meditations to choose from (some as short as two minutes!) along with a new "Move Mode" to help your giftee exercise more mindfully, too.
Give a subscription to Headspace Plus for £9.99/month
6. For the person who's impossible to shop for: Amazon gift cards
Best last-minute gifts 2020: Gift cards Credit: Amazon
A gift card is a safe—and always popular—gift. And while they may not be able to go to the store right now, they can either save it for later or use it now to shop online.
Shop gift cards at Amazon
7. For the gamer: PlayStation Store, Xbox Store or Nintendo eShop gift card
Best last-minute gifts 2020: Nintendo, Xbox, or PlayStation gift card Credit: Nintendo
For some people, more time at home = more time playing video games. And for that, they'll need some new games to keep themselves entertained. Whether they have an Xbox, a Nintendo Switch, or a PlayStation, most gaming companies have online stores with tons of games to browse. Rather than choose a game for them, send them a gift card so they can download their favourite digital games that they'll be able to access them from anywhere.
Get a video game gift card from Amazon
8. For the person trying to learn a new language: Rosetta Stone
Best last-minute gifts 2020: Rosetta Stone Credit: Rosetta Stone
Bonjour! Hola! Guten Tag! No matter which language they want to add to your arsenal, Rosetta Stone can help. One of our writers tried the popular language-learning service for herself and was very impressed with the results after just a month. Compared to other similar apps, Rosetta Stone is much more thorough and even offers live or group sessions so your giftee can practice their new language skills.
Give a subscription to Rosetta Stone
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Can you give these pets a forever home?

Can you give these pets a forever home?

CAN you give these pets a forever home ?
These pets are currently residents at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in West End near Southampton .
Lady is a 12-year-old cat who is looking for a new home to call her own .
Lady loves attention and will be a very devoted companion to her new owners .
She loves company and wants to be wherever you are .
She likes to greet people with a “ meow ” , even visitors to the home , as she just wants to be fussed over .
She will rub into your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content .
She loves a comfy lap to sit on , this is where she can currently be found every evening in her foster home .
She will be the perfect companion for curling up with on these cold evenings to watch some television with .
Bean is a nine-month-old Rex rabbit .
He ’ s a very handsome , confident boy who is guaranteed to provide his news owners with some entertainment !
He loves climbing on top of things and running through tunnels so he is looking to find a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with lots of fun things to investigate .
In his foster home , he has been set up in a shed with access to a large secure outside area during the day , so it would be great if his new home had a similar set up .

These pets are currently residents at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in West End near Southampton.
Lady is a 12-year-old cat who is looking for a new home to call her own. Lady loves attention and will be a very devoted companion to her new owners. She loves company and wants to be wherever you are. She likes to greet people with a “meow”, even visitors to the home, as she just wants to be fussed over. She will rub into your hand and purr away to her hearts content. She loves a comfy lap to sit on, this is where she can currently be found every evening in her foster home. She will be the perfect companion for curling up with on these cold evenings to watch some television with.
Bean is a nine-month-old Rex rabbit. He’s a very handsome, confident boy who is guaranteed to provide his news owners with some entertainment! He loves climbing on top of things and running through tunnels so he is looking to find a new home with plenty of space for him with lots of fun things to investigate. In his foster home, he has been set up in a shed with access to a large secure outside area during the day, so it would be great if his new home had a similar set up.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Barton Peveril students told of life before Berlin Wall fell

COLLEGE students have been given an insight into life behind the Iron Curtain .
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College , in Eastleigh , recently welcomed lieutenant colonel Markus Albrecht , who delivered a talk to students studying the German A Level .
Albrecht , who grew up in East Germany and currently works for the British Army , spoke to students about his experience of life in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall .
Barton Peveril students who are completing the German A Level are currently studying the film `` Good Bye , Lenin !
`` , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fall of the Berlin Wall .
This lecture , and the study of the film , is said to help students immerse themselves in the historical background of the language they are studying .
The Lieutenant Colonel shared his insight into growing up in Germany during the Cold War and his experience living in a Communist country as well as delivering a short lecture on the historical and political background of the Cold War and fall of the Berlin Wall .
He said : `` It was interesting to see what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time !
`` Especially my explanation – including my feelings and thoughts - regarding the last month from the Monday demonstrations via the Wall break down till the reunification was very emotional and I was very delighted that I found a real interested auditorium !
`` It was a great day for me to have the chance to talk about the reality in the GDR and I would do it again , every time !
” Each year , Barton Peveril welcomes a wide range of guest speakers who help to broaden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s students .
Barton Peveril Subject Leader for German , Jacqueline Cheetham , said : “ This was a thoroughly informative talk , detailing some of the complexities of life behind the Iron Curtain . ''

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, in Eastleigh, recently welcomed lieutenant colonel Markus Albrecht, who delivered a talk to students studying the German A Level.
Albrecht, who grew up in East Germany and currently works for the British Army, spoke to students about his experience of life in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Barton Peveril students who are completing the German A Level are currently studying the film "Good Bye, Lenin!", which is set in Berlin shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
This lecture, and the study of the film, is said to help students immerse themselves in the historical background of the language they are studying.
The Lieutenant Colonel shared his insight into growing up in Germany during the Cold War and his experience living in a Communist country as well as delivering a short lecture on the historical and political background of the Cold War and fall of the Berlin Wall.
He said: "It was interesting to see what the knowledge here in the UK is about this time!
"Especially my explanation – including my feelings and thoughts - regarding the last month from the Monday demonstrations via the Wall break down till the reunification was very emotional and I was very delighted that I found a real interested auditorium!
"It was a great day for me to have the chance to talk about the reality in the GDR and I would do it again, every time!”
Each year, Barton Peveril welcomes a wide range of guest speakers who help to broaden the learning of the Hampshire-based College’s students.
Barton Peveril Subject Leader for German, Jacqueline Cheetham, said: “This was a thoroughly informative talk, detailing some of the complexities of life behind the Iron Curtain."


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Chandler's Ford volunteer wins short story competition

A CHARITY volunteer has won a national competition for two short stories she wrote .
Ruth Taylor , from Chandler 's Ford is a retired nurse who currently volunteers as a Rescue Grants Officer at Hampshire Search and Rescue .
Having seen an email from England Illegal Money Lending Team about its National Stop Loan Sharks Short Story Competition , Ruth decided to enter with her two short stories , “ A Misunderstanding ?
” and “ If Only…….. ” .
The stories were among seven winning entries for which Ruth received £100 worth of prize money , which she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue charity .
The stories have been released as part of the Stop Loan Sharks Week campaign , # SharkFreeSurfing , urging people to avoid online loan sharks and get advice and support if they have fallen victim to illegal money lending .
Ruth , aged 69 , said : “ In my nursing role I worked with vulnerable people who had often got in worrying situations by not having access to advice and guidance in their lives , so I wanted to highlight how easily people can be targeted by criminals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ something because when you retire you do n't get so many pats on the backs .
`` It 's just nice to be recognised and a productive person , even if I 'm getting on a bit . ''
Tony Quigley , Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team said : “ We would like to congratulate Ruth Taylor for her winning entries for the Stop Loan Sharks Short Story Competition .
“ Ruth wrote two stories , one a very timely piece set during lockdown telling a pensioner ’ s story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking to someone if you have debt issues . ''
A loan shark is someone who lends money without the correct authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority .

Ruth Taylor, from Chandler's Ford is a retired nurse who currently volunteers as a Rescue Grants Officer at Hampshire Search and Rescue.
Having seen an email from England Illegal Money Lending Team about its National Stop Loan Sharks Short Story Competition, Ruth decided to enter with her two short stories, “A Misunderstanding?” and “If Only……..”.
The stories were among seven winning entries for which Ruth received £100 worth of prize money, which she has said she will donate to the rescue charity.
The stories have been released as part of the Stop Loan Sharks Week campaign, #SharkFreeSurfing, urging people to avoid online loan sharks and get advice and support if they have fallen victim to illegal money lending.
Ruth, aged 69, said: “In my nursing role I worked with vulnerable people who had often got in worrying situations by not having access to advice and guidance in their lives, so I wanted to highlight how easily people can be targeted by criminals.
"It's just nice to achieve something because when you retire you don't get so many pats on the backs.
"It's just nice to be recognised and a productive person, even if I'm getting on a bit."
Tony Quigley, Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team said: “We would like to congratulate Ruth Taylor for her winning entries for the Stop Loan Sharks Short Story Competition.
“Ruth wrote two stories, one a very timely piece set during lockdown telling a pensioner’s story and the other highlighting the importance of talking to someone if you have debt issues."
A loan shark is someone who lends money without the correct authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Handmade Christmas gifts delivered to Forest care home residents

CARE home residents have expressed heartfelt thanks to members of a New Forest church for bringing them handmade gifts and sending messages of seasonal cheer .
Dozens of knitted squares and written greetings were personally delivered to Colten Care ’ s Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst by Revd Canon Diane Webster .
The items , adorned with crosses , were made by the Mothers ’ Union membership charity at nearby Brockenhurst Parish Church .
Canon Webster , a regular visitor to Woodpeckers before lockdown for communion services and individual meetings , said in a note to the home : “ As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members knitted the squares as tokens of our love and prayers for those in our local nursing and residential homes .
“ We know how difficult the year has been for all your residents and the staff and wanted to show our concern and support for you all.
” Woodpeckers residents were keen to thank the Mothers ’ Union and Canon Webster .
Patricia Cowen described the gifts as “ a lovely gesture ” while Joyce Alexander said : “ It ’ s so kind of them to think about us , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampton said : “ I ’ m touched by this and will keep the square in my handbag.
” Iris and Fred Woodford , who both live at Woodpeckers and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary there , said they took “ great comfort ” from the church .
Fred added : “ We can ’ t get over the kindness of people who do not know us.
” The home ’ s Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker , who accepted the gifts in a Covid-safe handover , said : “ We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make each of our residents a gift . ''

Dozens of knitted squares and written greetings were personally delivered to Colten Care’s Woodpeckers home in Brockenhurst by Revd Canon Diane Webster.
The items, adorned with crosses, were made by the Mothers’ Union membership charity at nearby Brockenhurst Parish Church.
Canon Webster, a regular visitor to Woodpeckers before lockdown for communion services and individual meetings, said in a note to the home: “As we have been unable to visit, members knitted the squares as tokens of our love and prayers for those in our local nursing and residential homes.
“We know how difficult the year has been for all your residents and the staff and wanted to show our concern and support for you all.”
Woodpeckers residents were keen to thank the Mothers’ Union and Canon Webster.
Patricia Cowen described the gifts as “a lovely gesture” while Joyce Alexander said: “It’s so kind of them to think about us, when everyone has such busy lives.”
Betty Hampton said: “I’m touched by this and will keep the square in my handbag.”
Iris and Fred Woodford, who both live at Woodpeckers and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary there, said they took “great comfort” from the church. Fred added: “We can’t get over the kindness of people who do not know us.”
The home’s Companionship Team Leader Jane Bunker, who accepted the gifts in a Covid-safe handover, said: “We're thrilled the Mothers’ Union took time to make each of our residents a gift."


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Pictures of Christmas lights in Southampton

IN PREVIOUS years , this was always the time when hundreds of excited families and friends would gather to watch @ @ @ @ @ stars switch on Southampton 's twinkling Christmas lights .
The city 's air would fill @ @ @ @ @ were treated to entertainment , festive stalls and bars for the special night .
To @ @ @ @ @ entertained , musicians would play , actors perform and presenters would provide a warm welcome @ @ @ @ @ often chill nights .
The pictures in the gallery above shows groups of people having @ @ @ @ @ in the city before social distancing was a thing .

The city's air would fill with festive cheer as crowds were treated to entertainment, festive stalls and bars for the special night.
To keep the flocks of families entertained, musicians would play, actors perform and presenters would provide a warm welcome - much needed on the often chill nights.
The pictures in the gallery above shows groups of people having fun at Christmas light switch-ons in the city before social distancing was a thing.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Tips for making the cooking of Christmas dinner easier and less stressful

While Christmas Day is meant to be full of joy and laughter , many of us can find happy memories overshadowed by the stress of putting together Christmas dinner .
Here are some tips and tricks to take the stress out of cooking for the big day .
Make a plan - and stick to it The easiest way to reduce Christmas cooking stress is to be organised .
In the run up to Christmas Day , make sure you ’ ve done all your food and drink shopping in order to avoid the Christmas Eve mad dash to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once you know what ’ s on the menu , calculate how long it will take for each component of the meal to cook , and figure out your timings .
Write everything down so you don ’ t have to remember it off the top of your head .
Stick to this schedule on the day , and you won ’ t be stuck in the kitchen trying to figure it out on the fly .
Before you embark on the big Christmas food shop , direct your focus to your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty condiments , leftovers that have been in there for too long and anything else taking up unnecessary space .
You ’ re going to need plenty of space in your fridge to accommodate all your Christmas goodies , and you don ’ t want to find yourself trying to play tetris with pigs in blankets and parsnips .
Get as much done in advance as possible Save yourself time on the big day by having as much as possible already prepared and ready to go .
You can have things like vegetables @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepped veg in water in the fridge to keep it fresh longer .
Other Christmas day favourites will freeze and reheat excellently , such as mashed potatoes and Christmas biscuits .
Don ’ t be afraid to ask for help The task of cooking Christmas dinner for the whole family shouldn ’ t land on the shoulders of just one person .
If you don ’ t feel like you can give up the reins to some of the bigger components of the meal , like the meat , you can always assign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chopping vegetables , making sauces and gravies and setting the table .
Christmas is meant to be an enjoyable time for everyone - you should remember being happy with your family , not tearing your hair out because you ’ re so stressed .
Not everything that makes it to the dinner table needs to be homemade from scratch .
Where possible , give yourself permission to cut corners and use premade and store bought items .
Opting for supermarket desserts , premade gravies and frozen vegetables can ease the workload .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that elaborate recipe you ’ ve been dying to give a go .
Stick to recipes you know how to make and that taste good .
Limit yourself to a reasonable number of menu items , like a main , a few sides and dessert .
You don ’ t need to stretch yourself thin trying to trot out a 12 course tasting menu .
Make sure you have all the equipment you need There ’ s nothing worse than when the big day comes around and you find out that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all the vegetables in the oven at the same time because there ’ s not enough space .
Or , if you ’ ve got three pans on the go with mashed potatoes , bread sauce and gravy - but you don ’ t have a fourth pan for the brussels sprouts .
Make sure that you have everything you need in advance and plan accordingly , whether that means investing in some more pots and baking trays , or reworking your cooking schedule , figure out what works for you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ let dishes pile up .
There ’ s nothing you want to deal with less after a big meal than having to tackle a mountain of dishes .
If you have a dishwasher , load it up as you cook .
Keep your counters clear and have hot soapy water for anything needing hand washed .
This could also be a job that you could assign to someone else , because the chef makes the rules .

Here are some tips and tricks to take the stress out of cooking for the big day.
Make a plan - and stick to it
The easiest way to reduce Christmas cooking stress is to be organised.
In the run up to Christmas Day, make sure you’ve done all your food and drink shopping in order to avoid the Christmas Eve mad dash to the supermarket, only to find empty shelves.
Once you know what’s on the menu, calculate how long it will take for each component of the meal to cook, and figure out your timings. Write everything down so you don’t have to remember it off the top of your head. Stick to this schedule on the day, and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen trying to figure it out on the fly.
Clear out the fridge
Before you embark on the big Christmas food shop, direct your focus to your fridge.
Get rid of any nearly empty condiments, leftovers that have been in there for too long and anything else taking up unnecessary space.
You’re going to need plenty of space in your fridge to accommodate all your Christmas goodies, and you don’t want to find yourself trying to play tetris with pigs in blankets and parsnips.
Get as much done in advance as possible
Save yourself time on the big day by having as much as possible already prepared and ready to go.
You can have things like vegetables already pre-peeled and chopped. Store your prepped veg in water in the fridge to keep it fresh longer. Other Christmas day favourites will freeze and reheat excellently, such as mashed potatoes and Christmas biscuits.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
The task of cooking Christmas dinner for the whole family shouldn’t land on the shoulders of just one person.
If you don’t feel like you can give up the reins to some of the bigger components of the meal, like the meat, you can always assign smaller tasks to others, like peeling and chopping vegetables, making sauces and gravies and setting the table.
Cut corners
Christmas is meant to be an enjoyable time for everyone - you should remember being happy with your family, not tearing your hair out because you’re so stressed.
Not everything that makes it to the dinner table needs to be homemade from scratch. Where possible, give yourself permission to cut corners and use premade and store bought items.
Opting for supermarket desserts, premade gravies and frozen vegetables can ease the workload.
Keep it simple
Christmas is not the time to try out that elaborate recipe you’ve been dying to give a go. Stick to recipes you know how to make and that taste good.
Limit yourself to a reasonable number of menu items, like a main, a few sides and dessert. You don’t need to stretch yourself thin trying to trot out a 12 course tasting menu.
Make sure you have all the equipment you need
There’s nothing worse than when the big day comes around and you find out that you can’t fit the Christmas turkey and all the vegetables in the oven at the same time because there’s not enough space. Or, if you’ve got three pans on the go with mashed potatoes, bread sauce and gravy - but you don’t have a fourth pan for the brussels sprouts.
Make sure that you have everything you need in advance and plan accordingly, whether that means investing in some more pots and baking trays, or reworking your cooking schedule, figure out what works for you.
Clean as you go
Don’t let dishes pile up. There’s nothing you want to deal with less after a big meal than having to tackle a mountain of dishes.
If you have a dishwasher, load it up as you cook. Keep your counters clear and have hot soapy water for anything needing hand washed.
This could also be a job that you could assign to someone else, because the chef makes the rules.


thedailyecho--2020-12-23--Southampton PR director elected chair of Chartered Institute

A DIRECTOR of a Southampton PR company has been elected chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations ( CIPR @ @ @ @ @ the founder and director of Amplify PR will now lead the regional group and represent @ @ @ @ @ of England .
Amplify , which is based on Eddystone Road , Totton , provides @ @ @ @ @ and medium-sized businesses .
The company works to raise the profile of their clients brands @ @ @ @ @ gain more customers .
Lisa said : “ It ’ s a great honour to @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m looking forward to supporting CIPR members across Hampshire , Dorset and @ @ @ @ @ ”

Lisa Preston, the founder and director of Amplify PR will now lead the regional group and represent the CIPR in the South of England.
Amplify, which is based on Eddystone Road, Totton, provides a PR service to small and medium-sized businesses.
The company works to raise the profile of their clients brands in order to help them gain more customers.
Lisa said: “It’s a great honour to be trusted with this role and I’m looking forward to supporting CIPR members across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.”