thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Aldi, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Asda, Lidl - extended Christmas opening times confirmed

A growing number of supermarket chains have confirmed they will be extending their opening hours as Christmas fast approaches .
Tesco , ASDA , Aldi and Lidl are among the supermarkets to reveal they will be increasing trading hours to allow customers more time to shop and better enable social distancing practices ahead of Christmas day when families will be able to mix with up to three households .
Online delivery slots and click and collect bookings are already in high demand as customers organise their festive food shopping in a bid to avoid any last minute rushes .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ queues in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak , many grocers have looked at extending their opening hours to safely satisfy demand .
So fear not if you ’ re in need of an emergency trip to the shops !
More than 300 Tesco stores are set to open their doors for 24 hours a day in the run up to Christmas , according to The Sun newspaper .
The report says those Tesco stores will open around the clock from 14 December to Christmas Eve , with the rest of the chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11pm in the same period .
With more than 4,000 stores , customers are encouraged to view what stores will be open and when using the supermarket ’ s online store locator HERE .
All of Tesco ’ s shops closed on Christmas Day last year and reopened on Boxing Day morning .
Tesco is yet to confirm its festive opening hours this year .
Aldi will extend its opening hours to 11pm for three days leading up to Christmas Eve , from 21 December to 23 December .
It will operate a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10am to 4pm before the change to opening hours from 7am-11pm on Monday 21 December .
There could be variations from branch to branch so it ’ s best to check the online store locator for the opening times of your local Aldi .
Aldi stores will shut at 6pm on 24 December , close on Christmas Day and remain closed on Boxing Day .
Sainsbury ’ s has also extended its opening hours from 21 December to 23 December in a decision which will see 90 % of its stores open from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also encouraging customers to shop alone and early this year - offering 10 times the Nectar points on long-life food products between 4-13 December .
Its stores will open from 6am-7pm on 24 December but remain closed on Christmas Day .
Around 400 M & S food halls will stay open until midnight over the 21-23 December period , which is around two-thirds of the chain 's stores .
Its other stores will stay open until 10pm - check out which stores will remain open for longer in the run up to Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Eve , with a 6pm closure , and the shops will remain closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day .
In the run up to Christmas Day , local Waitrose stores will also extend their opening hours until 11pm .
Check the opening times of your local store HERE .
Lidl has just released its opening hours with its stores across England staying open until 11pm and in Scotland staying open until 10pm on the days leading up to Christmas Eve , excluding Sunday 20 December .
Its shops will close at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Christmas Day and open 11am-5pm on Boxing Day before normal opening hours resume .
Check in with your local store HERE .
Morrisons is yet to reveal its Christmas opening hours for 2020 .
Last year the supermarket extended opening hours to midnight on two of the three days leading up to Christmas Eve ( the other was a Sunday ) .
Its stores were open until 6pm on 24 and 26 December but closed Christmas Day .
Likewise , Asda hasn ’ t revealed its festive opening hours and isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas .
Most of its stores were open from 6/7am to 6/7pm on Christmas Eve last year , remained closed on Christmas Day and were again opened between 9am and 6pm on Boxing Day .

Tesco, ASDA, Aldi and Lidl are among the supermarkets to reveal they will be increasing trading hours to allow customers more time to shop and better enable social distancing practices ahead of Christmas day when families will be able to mix with up to three households.
Online delivery slots and click and collect bookings are already in high demand as customers organise their festive food shopping in a bid to avoid any last minute rushes.
Yet, in an effort to combat lengthy queues in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, many grocers have looked at extending their opening hours to safely satisfy demand.
So fear not if you’re in need of an emergency trip to the shops!
Tesco
More than 300 Tesco stores are set to open their doors for 24 hours a day in the run up to Christmas, according to The Sun newspaper.
The report says those Tesco stores will open around the clock from 14 December to Christmas Eve, with the rest of the chain’s stores operating from 5am to 11pm in the same period.
With more than 4,000 stores, customers are encouraged to view what stores will be open and when using the supermarket’s online store locator HERE.
All of Tesco’s shops closed on Christmas Day last year and reopened on Boxing Day morning. Tesco is yet to confirm its festive opening hours this year.
Aldi
Aldi will extend its opening hours to 11pm for three days leading up to Christmas Eve, from 21 December to 23 December.
It will operate a normal Sunday service on 20 December from 10am to 4pm before the change to opening hours from 7am-11pm on Monday 21 December.
There could be variations from branch to branch so it’s best to check the online store locator for the opening times of your local Aldi.
Aldi stores will shut at 6pm on 24 December, close on Christmas Day and remain closed on Boxing Day.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has also extended its opening hours from 21 December to 23 December in a decision which will see 90% of its stores open from 6am to midnight.
The retailer is also encouraging customers to shop alone and early this year - offering 10 times the Nectar points on long-life food products between 4-13 December.
Check your local Sainsbury’s store HERE.
Its stores will open from 6am-7pm on 24 December but remain closed on Christmas Day.
Marks and Spencer
Around 400 M&S food halls will stay open until midnight over the 21-23 December period, which is around two-thirds of the chain's stores.
Its other stores will stay open until 10pm - check out which stores will remain open for longer in the run up to Christmas HERE.
Opening times will change on Christmas Eve, with a 6pm closure, and the shops will remain closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Waitrose
In the run up to Christmas Day, local Waitrose stores will also extend their opening hours until 11pm. Check the opening times of your local store HERE.
Lidl
Lidl has just released its opening hours with its stores across England staying open until 11pm and in Scotland staying open until 10pm on the days leading up to Christmas Eve, excluding Sunday 20 December.
Its shops will close at 6pm on 24 December, remain closed on Christmas Day and open 11am-5pm on Boxing Day before normal opening hours resume.
Check in with your local store HERE.
Morrisons
Morrisons is yet to reveal its Christmas opening hours for 2020. Last year the supermarket extended opening hours to midnight on two of the three days leading up to Christmas Eve (the other was a Sunday). Its stores were open until 6pm on 24 and 26 December but closed Christmas Day.
Asda
Likewise, Asda hasn’t revealed its festive opening hours and isn’t expected to until two weeks before Christmas. Most of its stores were open from 6/7am to 6/7pm on Christmas Eve last year, remained closed on Christmas Day and were again opened between 9am and 6pm on Boxing Day.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Carl Calvert - crucial in building of Channel Tunnel

IT WAS 30 years ago to the day when one of the greatest feats of engineering history reached its most crucial point .
It took five years and 13,000 workers to build - but none of it would have happened without the untiring effort of one Hampshire based man .
During the construction of the Channel Tunnel , all eyes were on Carl Calvert who had the high-pressure job of ensuring the English and French sides met somewhere in the middle .
It could easily have been every engineer and surveyors worst nightmare ; the French tunnelling their way towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the English head towards France , both parties oblivious they ’ ve passed one another .
To prevent that scenario ever happening Calvert worked tirelessly in his Ordnance Survey office , Southampton , liaising with experts in France on a daily basis .
The Ordnance Survey and their French equivalent were tasked with working out the exact line for the tunnel .
Because they worked on the project when it was first proposed in 1974 , the existing knowledge granted them a headstart .
However , things weren ’ t as simple as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grid systems and different sea levels .
Carl and his team had to develop a unique Channel Grid System which covered the tunnel and some of the railway line at both ends .
A mixture of calculations were used , combining the surveying on the ground with satellite system technology .
Calvert remarked at the time ; “ It is a bit of a paradox that we have had to look to the skies to work out how we can work underground .
“ If you simply dug straight down five metres on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would miss .
One would go over the top of the other.
” During the construction process , Calvert would find himself springing from his bed at 3am to work out calculations and to formulate mathematical equations .
All the work paid off when on December 1 , 1990 , Britain and France drilled through the final section of rock to join the two halves of tunnel .
Briton worker Graham Fagg and Frenchman Philippe Cozette shook hands through the gap and swapped their nations flags .
After the successful joining , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get their passports stamped , while a group of French drove to Folkestone , Kent to do the same .
The tunnel was officially opened on May 6 , 1994 , and has since transported more than 400 million passengers , 80 million vehicles and over 380 million tonnes of freight good - all of that possible because of Calvert .

During the construction of the Channel Tunnel, all eyes were on Carl Calvert who had the high-pressure job of ensuring the English and French sides met somewhere in the middle.
It could easily have been every engineer and surveyors worst nightmare; the French tunnelling their way towards the White Cliffs of Dover, whilst the English head towards France, both parties oblivious they’ve passed one another.
To prevent that scenario ever happening Calvert worked tirelessly in his Ordnance Survey office, Southampton, liaising with experts in France on a daily basis.
The Ordnance Survey and their French equivalent were tasked with working out the exact line for the tunnel. Because they worked on the project when it was first proposed in 1974, the existing knowledge granted them a headstart.
However, things weren’t as simple as first hoped - France worked on different grid systems and different sea levels.
Carl and his team had to develop a unique Channel Grid System which covered the tunnel and some of the railway line at both ends.
A mixture of calculations were used, combining the surveying on the ground with satellite system technology.
Calvert remarked at the time; “It is a bit of a paradox that we have had to look to the skies to work out how we can work underground.
“If you simply dug straight down five metres on each side and went across, then it would miss. One would go over the top of the other.”
During the construction process, Calvert would find himself springing from his bed at 3am to work out calculations and to formulate mathematical equations.
All the work paid off when on December 1, 1990, Britain and France drilled through the final section of rock to join the two halves of tunnel.
Briton worker Graham Fagg and Frenchman Philippe Cozette shook hands through the gap and swapped their nations flags.
After the successful joining, a British party walked to Calais to get their passports stamped, while a group of French drove to Folkestone, Kent to do the same.
The tunnel was officially opened on May 6, 1994, and has since transported more than 400 million passengers, 80 million vehicles and over 380 million tonnes of freight good - all of that possible because of Calvert.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Southampton Airport plans to come under scrutiny

CITY bosses are set to voice their views on controversial plans to expand the runway at Southampton Airport .
Civic chiefs at Southampton City Council are going to decide whether the authority will continue to object to the plans to expand the airport runway by 164 metres .
As reported , the final decision on the proposals will be made by Eastleigh Borough Council on December 17 .
But local councils in Hampshire are asked to express their views .
In January this year Southampton City Council raised concerns over the environmental impact of the runway extension and decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans have since been amended and civic chiefs are asked to scrutinise them again and decide whether to support them or not .
According to the revised plans , the airport is now proposing to cap the growth up to three million passengers per annum by 2033 .
Further planning approval would be required to vary the cap .
The financial compensation for acoustic insulation to households would also go up from £3,000 as originally offered to £5,000 .
The runway expansion would allow the use of planes such as the Airbus 320 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday destinations in southern Europe .
The move is expected to create 2,902 new jobs .
In the report that councillors will consider tonight , city council officers said the runway extension ” will lead to a significant noise impact ” and to “ a massive increase in carbon dioxide ” .
But they said they do not consider there are grounds to object to the proposal in relation to highways , ecology , air quality and tree matters .
In the report officers said : “ The determining factors in relation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic and social benefits of the airport expansion versus the noise impacts on residents of Southampton .
The principal issues for further consideration are , therefore , whether or not the environmental disbenefits are outweighed for the purpose of a planning decision , by the economic and social benefits to Southampton accrued from the airport itself.
” As previously reported , campaigners raised several concerns over the impact of the plans on noise and pollution .
But airport bosses warned that future of the airport will be hanging in the balance should the @ @ @ @

Civic chiefs at Southampton City Council are going to decide whether the authority will continue to object to the plans to expand the airport runway by 164 metres.
As reported, the final decision on the proposals will be made by Eastleigh Borough Council on December 17.
But local councils in Hampshire are asked to express their views.
In January this year Southampton City Council raised concerns over the environmental impact of the runway extension and decided to object to the proposals.
But the plans have since been amended and civic chiefs are asked to scrutinise them again and decide whether to support them or not.
According to the revised plans, the airport is now proposing to cap the growth up to three million passengers per annum by 2033.
Further planning approval would be required to vary the cap.
The financial compensation for acoustic insulation to households would also go up from £3,000 as originally offered to £5,000.
The runway expansion would allow the use of planes such as the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 – needed to reach holiday destinations in southern Europe.
The move is expected to create 2,902 new jobs.
In the report that councillors will consider tonight, city council officers said the runway extension”will lead to a significant noise impact” and to “a massive increase in carbon dioxide”.
But they said they do not consider there are grounds to object to the proposal in relation to highways, ecology, air quality and tree matters.
In the report officers said: “The determining factors in relation to this application are considered to be the economic and social benefits of the airport expansion versus the noise impacts on residents of Southampton. The principal issues for further consideration are, therefore, whether or not the environmental disbenefits are outweighed for the purpose of a planning decision, by the economic and social benefits to Southampton accrued from the airport itself.”
As previously reported, campaigners raised several concerns over the impact of the plans on noise and pollution.
But airport bosses warned that future of the airport will be hanging in the balance should the plans be rejected.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Illustrator’s personalised Christmas creations are going down a storm

A HAMPSHIRE illustrator is helping families stay connected this Christmas with her personalised creations .
Emily Powell , of Thomkat Illustrations , has seen her new business grow in 2020 as customers enjoy her personal approach to gift giving .
Emily works for the NHS but has always had a talent for drawing , a skill that has developed into her dream of working as an illustrator from her home near Eastleigh .
After years of creating artwork for family and friends , she has turned her passion into a business .
Emily said : “ I ’ ve seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling because of the pandemic , and we all want to stay connected to each other and provide emotional support .
“ There ’ s no doubt that Christmas is going to be different this year , so I wanted to create a way that we can still share special moments with our friends and loved ones .
“ Customers are coming to me to help create something that helps them stay in touch with people during some incredibly challenging times , and it ’ s wonderful to be a part of that.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ family portrait that can be sent to family and friends with glad Christmas tidings , as a way to say how much people are loved and missed at a time when they might ordinarily be able to get together .
Emily is helping to create family memories in a beautiful hand drawn image to be treasured forever .
She added : “ With all the turmoil of 2020 and now another lockdown , people have been apart from their families and loved ones for long periods of time , and we are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I wanted to do something special for Christmas that reaches through restrictions , a way of showing how much we care and that in some small way , we can still be together in spirit .
I ’ m helping people do that by creating illustrated family Christmas cards and Christmas video messages .
You can tell the people in your life how important they are , even if you can ’ t actually see them in person this year for festive celebrations as you ’ d want to .
“ Drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s the joy and connection that my work brings to my customers that gives me a sense of purpose and excitement.
” You can see more of Emily ’ s work and order your special Christmas creation at thomkatillustrations.co.uk/ To be our trader of the week , visit dailyecho.co.uk/trader

Emily Powell, of Thomkat Illustrations, has seen her new business grow in 2020 as customers enjoy her personal approach to gift giving.
Emily works for the NHS but has always had a talent for drawing, a skill that has developed into her dream of working as an illustrator from her home near Eastleigh.
After years of creating artwork for family and friends, she has turned her passion into a business.
Emily said: “I’ve seen and heard so many stories of people struggling because of the pandemic, and we all want to stay connected to each other and provide emotional support.
“There’s no doubt that Christmas is going to be different this year, so I wanted to create a way that we can still share special moments with our friends and loved ones.
“Customers are coming to me to help create something that helps them stay in touch with people during some incredibly challenging times, and it’s wonderful to be a part of that.”
Her latest offering is a personalised family portrait that can be sent to family and friends with glad Christmas tidings, as a way to say how much people are loved and missed at a time when they might ordinarily be able to get together.
Emily is helping to create family memories in a beautiful hand drawn image to be treasured forever.
She added: “With all the turmoil of 2020 and now another lockdown, people have been apart from their families and loved ones for long periods of time, and we are all trying to find ways to stay connected. I wanted to do something special for Christmas that reaches through restrictions, a way of showing how much we care and that in some small way, we can still be together in spirit. I’m helping people do that by creating illustrated family Christmas cards and Christmas video messages. You can tell the people in your life how important they are, even if you can’t actually see them in person this year for festive celebrations as you’d want to.
“Drawing makes my heart and soul sing. It’s the joy and connection that my work brings to my customers that gives me a sense of purpose and excitement.”
You can see more of Emily’s work and order your special Christmas creation at thomkatillustrations.co.uk/
To be our trader of the week, visit dailyecho.co.uk/trader


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Royal Mint release 50p coin selling for over £1000

The Royal Mint have released a commemorative 50p coin for Christmas and it 's already selling for over £1000 .
The coin will feature The Snowman , one of Britain 's most famous festive characters but it wo n't be released into general circulation , so collectors will have to be quick .
The design was created by animator Robert Shaw , who was also the art director on The Snowman And The Snowdog , the sequel to the original Oscar-nominated film .
First published in 1978 and adapted for television in 1982 , Raymond Briggs ’ heartwarming story has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and continues to delight young and old alike .
The 2020 Snowman coin , which comes in a range of finishes including silver proof , gold proof and colour , shows the character James and The Snowman hugging .
It is the third commemorative Snowman coin released by the Royal Mint , with previous coins released in 2018 and 2019 .
Mr Shaw said : “ In a year where many of us have been separated , The Snowman helps remind us of the importance of a hug and our love for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design I wanted to capture this unique bond between The Snowman and James in recognition of Raymond Briggs ’ timeless tale which unites us each Christmas.
” To celebrate the new coin , the Royal Mint has worked with Mr Shaw to create a “ sketch-a-long ” for fans on its website , which will provide hints and tips to help budding animators create their own Snowman drawings to share online with the hashtag # SnowmanSketchalong .
“ I ’ m looking forward to seeing all the fantastic drawings created through our special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ As a child I was inspired by Raymond Briggs ’ 1978 book and the 1982 television adaptation , so I ’ m excited to see what this generation of budding illustrators and animators comes up with.
” Clare Maclennan , divisional director of the commemorative coin division at the Royal Mint , said : “ Raymond Briggs ’ classic characters are a tradition of the festive season for many families across the country , and we ’ re delighted to continue The Snowman and James ’ s adventures on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coins celebrating The Snowman prove incredibly popular with adults and children alike , and we hope this year ’ s design depicting a hug will be a poignant addition to the collection.
” Prices range from £10 to £1,125 on the Royal Mint website .

The coin will feature The Snowman, one of Britain's most famous festive characters but it won't be released into general circulation, so collectors will have to be quick.
The design was created by animator Robert Shaw, who was also the art director on The Snowman And The Snowdog, the sequel to the original Oscar-nominated film.
First published in 1978 and adapted for television in 1982, Raymond Briggs’ heartwarming story has become a Christmas tradition for many families and continues to delight young and old alike.
The 2020 Snowman coin, which comes in a range of finishes including silver proof, gold proof and colour, shows the character James and The Snowman hugging.
It is the third commemorative Snowman coin released by the Royal Mint, with previous coins released in 2018 and 2019.
Mr Shaw said: “In a year where many of us have been separated, The Snowman helps remind us of the importance of a hug and our love for one another.
“In creating the 2020 design I wanted to capture this unique bond between The Snowman and James in recognition of Raymond Briggs’ timeless tale which unites us each Christmas.”
To celebrate the new coin, the Royal Mint has worked with Mr Shaw to create a “sketch-a-long” for fans on its website, which will provide hints and tips to help budding animators create their own Snowman drawings to share online with the hashtag #SnowmanSketchalong.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all the fantastic drawings created through our special The Snowman sketch-a-long,” Mr Shaw said.
“As a child I was inspired by Raymond Briggs’ 1978 book and the 1982 television adaptation, so I’m excited to see what this generation of budding illustrators and animators comes up with.”
Picture: PA Wire
Clare Maclennan, divisional director of the commemorative coin division at the Royal Mint, said: “Raymond Briggs’ classic characters are a tradition of the festive season for many families across the country, and we’re delighted to continue The Snowman and James’s adventures on a 50 pence.
“Each year our coins celebrating The Snowman prove incredibly popular with adults and children alike, and we hope this year’s design depicting a hug will be a poignant addition to the collection.”
Prices range from £10 to £1,125 on the Royal Mint website.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Plans to build 160 homes in New Forest set to be released

RESIDENTS are finally set to see details on plans to build more than 160 homes on green belt land on the edge of the New Forest .
Developer Pennyfarthing Homes initially announced its proposals for land off Brockhills Lane in New Milton before the pandemic .
A public exhibition as duty to be held at the town 's community centre in March , however , this was postponed due to the coronavirus .
At the time the company said it was looking to deliver up to 173 homes .
Now ahead of a virtual public consultation event on Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft plans are for up to 165 new homes .
A spokesperson for Pennyfarthing Homes said : “ Over the last few months we have been working hard to further improve our plans for land off Brockhills Lane .
`` We believe we can bring forward an attractive , high quality development in this location that will provide much needed housing for local people .
`` We look forward to sharing our plans with the local community and are keen to hear what people think.
” The firm said the consultation event will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say and give feedback on the draft proposals .
The project team will be on hand to present the plans and answer questions during a questions during the meeting .
Concerns were raised by several residents following the announcement of the initial plans .
New Milton-based housebuilders Pennyfarthing Homes said the plans for the site , which is an adopted strategic housing location in New Forest District Council 's Local Plan , include a mix of house sizes and tenures , with 'affordable housing ' , as well as public open space and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cleary said : `` I am looking forward to seeing what the changes are , if they have taken onboard anything in the recommendations that New Forest District Council have made and let 's see what the consultation brings in .
`` It is still in its very early stages .
I have n't got opinions for or against at the moment until I can actually see what the scheme is . ''
She added : `` The more affordable homes we have got , the more home we have got , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need green space and we need good design so let 's see what this brings up . ''
Members of the public will be able to attend the consultation on December 10 , by visiting brockhillslane.co.uk , with the event set to run from 5.30pm to 7pm through online platform Zoom .

Developer Pennyfarthing Homes initially announced its proposals for land off Brockhills Lane in New Milton before the pandemic.
A public exhibition as duty to be held at the town's community centre in March, however, this was postponed due to the coronavirus.
At the time the company said it was looking to deliver up to 173 homes.
Now ahead of a virtual public consultation event on Thursday, December 10, Pennyfarthing Homes said their draft plans are for up to 165 new homes.
A spokesperson for Pennyfarthing Homes said: “Over the last few months we have been working hard to further improve our plans for land off Brockhills Lane.
"We believe we can bring forward an attractive, high quality development in this location that will provide much needed housing for local people.
"We look forward to sharing our plans with the local community and are keen to hear what people think.”
The firm said the consultation event will give residents the chance to have their say and give feedback on the draft proposals. The project team will be on hand to present the plans and answer questions during a questions during the meeting.
Concerns were raised by several residents following the announcement of the initial plans.
New Milton-based housebuilders Pennyfarthing Homes said the plans for the site, which is an adopted strategic housing location in New Forest District Council's Local Plan, include a mix of house sizes and tenures, with 'affordable housing', as well as public open space and biodiversity enhancement.
Fernhill ward councillor Jill Cleary said: "I am looking forward to seeing what the changes are, if they have taken onboard anything in the recommendations that New Forest District Council have made and let's see what the consultation brings in.
"It is still in its very early stages. I haven't got opinions for or against at the moment until I can actually see what the scheme is."
She added: "The more affordable homes we have got, the more home we have got, it is better for everyone but I appreciate we need green space and we need good design so let's see what this brings up."
Members of the public will be able to attend the consultation on December 10, by visiting brockhillslane.co.uk, with the event set to run from 5.30pm to 7pm through online platform Zoom.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Thousands of domestic abuse arrests made

MORE than 3,000 arrests were made for domestic abuse-related crimes in Hampshire during the first coronavirus lockdown , new figures reveal .
With a fifth of all crime nationally during lockdown involving domestic abuse , Refuge said the problem is the “ biggest social issue ” facing women and girls today .
Figures from Her Majesty ’ s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services show Hampshire Constabulary made 3,316 arrests for domestic abuse-related crimes between April and June , when the toughest national Covid-19 restrictions were imposed .
There were also 201 voluntary attendances at police stations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a station as an alternative to being arrested .
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest domestic abuse crimes were already rising in Hampshire before the pandemic struck .
In the year to March , 15 % of all crimes in the area were linked to domestic abuse ( 24,203 ) – an increase on the 14 % the year before .
Refuge said there was a general increase in demand for domestic abuse services at this time , and it continues to see peaks in demand three weeks into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of communications and external relations at the charity , said : “ It is important to remember that behind all of these statistics are real woman and their experiences .
“ These numbers refer to instances of physical violence , rape , sexual assault , emotional and psychological abuse , coercive control , FGM , forced marriage and other forms of gender-based violence .
“ Domestic abuse is biggest social issue facing women and girls today , and these statistics show it simply isn ’ t going away.
” There were 56,945 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 896 in Hampshire .
Barnardo ’ s said families were facing new financial and emotional pressures during the pandemic so while “ deeply sad ” , the figures are not a shock .
Chief Executive Javed Khan said : “ Children are the hidden victims of domestic abuse , not just bystanders .
Lockdowns have left too many children trapped in unsafe homes , and missing out on vital support.
” Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said the Government ’ s Domestic Abuse Bill , currently awaiting its second reading in the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims and also ensure perpetrators feel the full force of the law .
She added : “ We are acutely aware that for some people home is not a safe place and that the pandemic put those people in greater danger .
”

With a fifth of all crime nationally during lockdown involving domestic abuse, Refuge said the problem is the “biggest social issue” facing women and girls today.
Figures from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services show Hampshire Constabulary made 3,316 arrests for domestic abuse-related crimes between April and June, when the toughest national Covid-19 restrictions were imposed.
There were also 201 voluntary attendances at police stations, where a suspect agrees to meet officers at a station as an alternative to being arrested.
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest domestic abuse crimes were already rising in Hampshire before the pandemic struck.
In the year to March, 15% of all crimes in the area were linked to domestic abuse (24,203) – an increase on the 14% the year before.
Refuge said there was a general increase in demand for domestic abuse services at this time, and it continues to see peaks in demand three weeks into the second lockdown.
Lisa King, director of communications and external relations at the charity, said: “It is important to remember that behind all of these statistics are real woman and their experiences.
“These numbers refer to instances of physical violence, rape, sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control, FGM, forced marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.
“Domestic abuse is biggest social issue facing women and girls today, and these statistics show it simply isn’t going away.”
There were 56,945 child protection referrals over this time – with 896 in Hampshire.
Barnardo’s said families were facing new financial and emotional pressures during the pandemic so while “deeply sad”, the figures are not a shock.
Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Children are the hidden victims of domestic abuse, not just bystanders. Lockdowns have left too many children trapped in unsafe homes, and missing out on vital support.”
Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said the Government’s Domestic Abuse Bill, currently awaiting its second reading in the House of Lords, will strengthen protections for victims and also ensure perpetrators feel the full force of the law.
She added: “We are acutely aware that for some people home is not a safe place and that the pandemic put those people in greater danger.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--10-year-old ends up top of podium in Eastleigh karting final

A 10-YEAR-OLD is hoping to win the British Indoor Karting Championships ( BIKC ) after success in his local final .
Run by Team Sport Indoor Karting , this is the first time the championship has taken place .
One hopeful , Louis Williams-Lee , ended up taking the top spot on the podium as he won his local final in Eastleigh .
Louis started racing when he was just 8 , inspired by his dad who works in Motorsport and Lewis Hamilton .
Louis said : “ I am so grateful for this opportunity .
Lewis Hamilton is shining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for diversity in our sport , as a boy who is mixed race myself I feel this championship gives me the opportunity to show diversity within grassroots sport .
`` I want to inspire others to stand proud within our sport & empower them to feel confident in being true to themselves . ''
He is next due to race in the BIKC regional finals in Farnborough in early December .
TeamSport CEO Dominic Gaynor said : “ BIKC is one of the most sought after championships in the racing calendar , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with both a coveted British Champion title and amazing money-can ’ t- buy prizes that take grass roots drivers to the next level .
As Lewis Hamilton himself said recently , “ racing has become too expensive and is not diverse enough ” , it is fantastic seeing talented kids such as Louis getting the opportunity to race competitively .
`` To have a chance to win a fully funded season of outdoor competitive racing is something most kids can only dream of and we are so excited to make this dream a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Run by Team Sport Indoor Karting, this is the first time the championship has taken place.
One hopeful, Louis Williams-Lee, ended up taking the top spot on the podium as he won his local final in Eastleigh.
Louis started racing when he was just 8, inspired by his dad who works in Motorsport and Lewis Hamilton.
Louis said: “I am so grateful for this opportunity. Lewis Hamilton is shining a light and clearly leading the way for diversity in our sport, as a boy who is mixed race myself I feel this championship gives me the opportunity to show diversity within grassroots sport.
"I want to inspire others to stand proud within our sport & empower them to feel confident in being true to themselves."
He is next due to race in the BIKC regional finals in Farnborough in early December.
TeamSport CEO Dominic Gaynor said: “BIKC is one of the most sought after championships in the racing calendar, it is affordable, accessible and provides winners with both a coveted British Champion title and amazing money-can’t- buy prizes that take grass roots drivers to the next level.
As Lewis Hamilton himself said recently, “racing has become too expensive and is not diverse enough”, it is fantastic seeing talented kids such as Louis getting the opportunity to race competitively.
"To have a chance to win a fully funded season of outdoor competitive racing is something most kids can only dream of and we are so excited to make this dream a reality for the BIKC winners.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Meghan Markle's miscarriage revelation has shown how much we struggle to talk about them

DESPITE one in four recognised pregnancies resulting in miscarriage , with the obvious implication that the actual number is much higher , recent media coverage of Meghan Markle ’ s miscarriage strongly argues that we struggle to talk about this very common issue .
Perhaps it is because during the first three months of pregnancy , during which over 80 per cent of miscarriages occur , many women feel unable to share their joy due to such great uncertainty , which unfortunately makes announcing their loss seem even harder .
The most common cause of miscarriage is a genetic abnormality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be incompatible with the pregnancy proceeding to term , or life after birth .
Not all bleeding in pregnancy is a miscarriage .
An implantation bleed , at the time of your first missed pregnancy , signifies the fertilised egg attaching itself to the lining of the uterus ( womb ) , and is an entirely harmless event .
Sometimes miscarriage occurs without any physical unwell , and the first time it is picked up is on a routine scan , when the baby ’ s heart beat can not be detected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the typical symptoms of early pregnancy including morning sickness and breast tenderness .
This is known as a missed miscarriage .
Without wishing to scare , any bleeding in pregnancy should not be ignored .
Some expectant mothers suffer bleeding during pregnancy , termed a threatened miscarriage , but go on to complete a successful pregnancy .
Other times a threatened miscarriage sadly ends with the event itself .
Any presentation suggestive of a miscarriage will be assessed in a dedicated Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit ( EPAU ) .
Fifty percent of definite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention , with bleeding subsiding within a few days , although it may take up to two weeks .
If bleeding doesn ’ t settle , becomes heavier or you are unwell , you may require medical management or surgical treatment .
If ignored , these have the potential to cause infection and for you to become seriously ill. Miscarriages can be extremely distressing .
Your GP will always want to know how you are doing .
Dedicated organisations are there round the clock to listen .
The good news is that even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance of a successful pregnancy .

The most common cause of miscarriage is a genetic abnormality in the developing baby, which would be incompatible with the pregnancy proceeding to term, or life after birth.
Not all bleeding in pregnancy is a miscarriage. An implantation bleed, at the time of your first missed pregnancy, signifies the fertilised egg attaching itself to the lining of the uterus (womb), and is an entirely harmless event.
Sometimes miscarriage occurs without any physical unwell, and the first time it is picked up is on a routine scan, when the baby’s heart beat cannot be detected. Some women report that they stopped feeling the typical symptoms of early pregnancy including morning sickness and breast tenderness. This is known as a missed miscarriage.
Without wishing to scare, any bleeding in pregnancy should not be ignored. Some expectant mothers suffer bleeding during pregnancy, termed a threatened miscarriage, but go on to complete a successful pregnancy. Other times a threatened miscarriage sadly ends with the event itself.
Any presentation suggestive of a miscarriage will be assessed in a dedicated Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU).
Fifty percent of definite miscarriages don’t require any medical intervention, with bleeding subsiding within a few days, although it may take up to two weeks. If bleeding doesn’t settle, becomes heavier or you are unwell, you may require medical management or surgical treatment. If ignored, these have the potential to cause infection and for you to become seriously ill.
Miscarriages can be extremely distressing. Your GP will always want to know how you are doing. Dedicated organisations are there round the clock to listen.
The good news is that even two early miscarriages do not reduce your chance of a successful pregnancy.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Saints training in snow on Southampton Common in 1979

TEMPERATURES are set to plunge this week and experts say that we 're likely to see hail , sleet and @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
In light of this , we remember when Saints trained on a brilliant @ @ @ @ @ local children may have had the day off school and some adult may even have @ @ @ @ @ snow day – but that certainly wasn ’ t the case for Saints FC .
@ @ @ @ @ took to Southampton Common in the snow to take part in rigorous training on January @ @ @ @ @ slipped and slid on the white stuff as they honed their skills amid the chill @ @ @ @ @ you recognise ?

In light of this, we remember when Saints trained on a brilliant blanket of white.
Manny local children may have had the day off school and some adult may even have enjoyed the privilege of a snow day – but that certainly wasn’t the case for Saints FC.
Lawrie McMenemy’s squad took to Southampton Common in the snow to take part in rigorous training on January 3, 1979.
They slipped and slid on the white stuff as they honed their skills amid the chill.
How many players do you recognise?


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--The 20 best tech gifts 2020 - Cool gift ideas from Apple, Samsung, and more

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
I do n't know about you , but I 've never gotten a techy or tech-adjacent gift I was n't excited about—it 's true .
Opening up a gift and getting a new pair of headphones or a fun gadget I was n't expecting is almost always fun , even if it is n't something I thought I wanted .
The one caveat to this rule : getting a techy gift that does n't ... uh ... work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy a fun new tech gift for a giftee : How do you single out the small margin of great products from the ocean of sub-par stuff ?
Easy—you check out our picks below .
Reviewed tests tech all year long and this list is chock full of our favourite gadgets .
1 .
For the binge-watcher : Roku Streaming Stick+ Best tech gifts 2020 : Roku Streaming Stick Credit : Reviewed / TJ Donegan Roku 's media streaming device has been our favourite for a while now , and for good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UI is extremely friendly and intuitive , making it easy to settle in for a night of Netflix ( or Amazon Prime , or Disney+ , or YouTube , or Twitch , or anything else ) without a hitch .
Get the Roku Streaming Stick+ from Amazon for £59.99 2 .
For the techy type : Amazon Echo Dot ( 3rd Gen. ) Best tech gifts 2020 : Echo Dot ( 3rd Gen. ) Credit : Amazon If you 're shopping for a tech generalist or somebody who just really loves asking Alexa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the Echo Dot ?
This tiny smart speaker integrates with your Amazon account , meaning you can ask it for shopping recommendations , what the weather 's going to be , to play music , or to integrate with your existing smart home fixtures ( like turning lights on and off ) .
This is n't the ideal music-lovers smart speaker ( it 's a bit too small for great sound ) , but as an all-around device , it 's a great addition for any technophile you 're shopping for .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gen. ) from Amazon for £39.99 Amazon 's latest Kindle Paperwhite , technically the 10th generation model , is the best one yet .
Not only does it continue to do what Kindles do best—hold hundreds , perhaps thousands of novels , short stories , poems , comics , and PDFs—it 's also waterproof , and features multiple colours and storage options with a battery that lasts weeks .
It 's no wonder the Paperwhite is # 1 in our Best Kindles roundup .
Get the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite from Amazon for £119.99 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick of wires : Samsung Galaxy Buds+ If your giftee has been pining for the pure wireless freedom of true wireless earbuds , Samsung 's Galaxy Buds+ make a great gift .
These are some of our favourite headphones that we reviewed in 2020 , and they deliver high-quality sound , excellent features , and a comfortable fit for a price that notably undercuts the competition .
In fact , they 're altogether a better choice than Apple AirPods , and they 're cheaper , too .
Get the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loves to game : Nintendo Switch If you 're shopping for a gamer and they do n't have a Nintendo Switch yet , now 's the time .
Nintendo 's latest home console delivers fun for kids of all ages , and doubles as both an on-the-TV device and a handheld device , giving it an unsurpassed amount of flexibility where gaming goes .
With award-winning titles like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey at hand , the surprisingly hard-to-track-down Nintendo Switch is a winning gift for any gamer in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for £279.99 6 .
For the music lover : Sonos One SL Best tech gifts 2020 : Sonos One SL Credit : Amazon / Sonos Sonos has been a leading name in home audio solutions for years , and the Sonos One SL is a testament to that legacy .
We loved the One for its clean audio presentation , including crispy trebles and booming bass , as well as how easy it is to set up and interface with existing Sonos speakers in the home .
While it 's not a take-it-to-the-park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered better audio than anything we tested , and will impress any music lover you might be shopping for .
Get the Sonos One SL from Sonos for £139.99 While they 've been on the market for a couple of years , Apple 's AirPods Pro are still some of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy—especially for iPhone users .
While we 've had some qualms about the comfort and audio quality of the original AirPods , the Pro variant is a major upgrade : much more comfortable , with better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Apple AirPods Pro from Amazon for £198 8 .
For the music lover on the go : JBL Flip 5 JBL 's `` Flip '' line of portable , waterproof Bluetooth speakers continue to top our list of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy .
These rounded , meticulously designed speakers produce warm audio with plenty of bass and midrange , and with their rubber-capped ends and water-sealed inputs can be toted along on hikes , beach trips , or just out to the backyard without fear of damage .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wherever they go , a Bluetooth speaker may be the perfect gift .
Get the JBL Flip 5 from Amazon for £79.00 9 .
For the serious cinephile : 55-inch LG CX 4K OLED TV If you want the best of the best in TVs , it is n't cheap , but for dedicated , movie-loving , AV-club-attending , home-theatre-having cinephiles , the price might be no object .
LG has been the uncontested leader in OLED TV production for many years now , and the company 's 2020 CX series OLEDs continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best TVs you can buy .
OLEDs use emissive display technology that allows each pixel to produce its own light , making for purer colours and truly black shadows .
That 's not to mention the CX OLED is kitted out with a fetching design , snappy smart features , and all of the HDR/Dolby Vision/HDMI tech you can shake a stick at .
Get the 55-inch LG CX OLED TV from Amazon for £1299.99 10 .
For the PC gamer who wants to be comfy : HyperX Cloud Alpha S HyperX 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to warrant praise amongst console and PC gamers , and the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is one of our favourite gaming headsets currently .
It may not be wireless , but if you 've got a PC tower or laptop setup to stick by , these comfortable cans deliver excellent audio and microphone support and feature very effective virtual 7.1 surround sound .
They 're also compatible with Sony 's PS4 if you 're more into gaming on the couch .
Get the HyperX Cloud Alpha S from Amazon for £115 11 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sound : Sonos Arc There are some great affordable soundbars out there , but if you want cinematic , room-filling sound that competes with the bone-rattling audio you 'd get at a movie theatre , check out the Sonos Arc .
This is Sonos ' first-ever Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar , meaning it 's capable not just of great stereo sound presentation , but of implementing Dolby 's proprietary object-oriented and height-channel based audio solution , placing sound all around you in a room—yep , even overhead .
Naturally , a soundbar this awesome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your giftee never misses movie night , this gift will blow them away .
Get the Sonos Arc from Sonos for £799.99 Sony 's new WH-1000XM4 are simply amazing headphones—in fact , we think they 're the best you can buy right now .
Not only do these sound awesome , but they ’ re also packed with the most useful headphone features you can get : awesome noise cancelling ( that automatically listens and adapts to your environment ) , wireless/Bluetooth connectivity , and a lightweight , comfortable design that you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is serious about listening to music ( and nothing else ) , these pricy cans will make their day .
Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 from Amazon for £349 13 .
For the one who needs to upgrade their TV : 43-inch TCL 4 Series Best tech gifts 2020 : TCL 4 Series Credit : Reviewed To be honest , you do n't need to spend £1,500—or even £500—to upgrade your giftee 's TV situation , especially if they have n't made the jump to 4K yet .
The TCL 4 Series is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : you can get a solid mid-size 4K HDR TV from this series at a price that feels like a steal ( because , honestly , it is ) .
Get the 43-inch TCL 4 Series from Amazon for £299 14 .
For the serious mobile gamer : SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless If your giftee likes playing games wherever they go—on a smartphone , tablet , Nintendo Switch Lite , or whatever—SteelSeries ' Arctis 1 Wireless gaming headset is an awesome choice .
It 's compatible with PC , PS4 , Nintendo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a very reasonable price , and delivers solid sound , good microphone clarity and plenty of comfort .
Get the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless from Amazon for £99.99 15 .
For the one whose big house needs better WiFi : Google Nest Mesh System Maybe you 've never heard of mesh WiFi systems—but we have , and we 've tested lots of 'em .
A mesh WiFi system is an excellent solution for essentially blanketing your entire home or apartment with high-speed WiFi .
If you 've got a giftee whose place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a mesh system might be just what they need .
The Google Nest system is one of the best we tested , so it does n't come cheap , but it 's an excellent solution for anyone who just ca n't seem to stay connected .
Get the Google Nest Mesh WiFi System from Amazon for £310 Whether your giftee is earning an online degree or simply forced to distance learn due to the global pandemic , a good laptop is a must .
Even if you are attending school in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Envy x360 is a solid choice .
It 's flexible , powerful , and—for the specs , you 're getting in the 15.6-inch version—priced very fairly .
If you 've got a giftee who needs to gear up for school , this laptop is a solid pick .
Get the HP Envy x360 15.6-inch laptop from Amazon , starting at £799 17 .
For those seeking luxurious streaming : Apple TV 4K Best tech gifts 2020 : Apple TV 4K Credit : Reviewed There 's a lot of ways to stream content .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spectrum is watching hyper-compressed Netflix on your tiny phone during a 12-hour bus ride , the `` yay '' end of the spectrum is Apple TV 4K .
This marvellously zippy , perfectly polished streaming box is for that giftee who loves binging and wants to do it in style .
Get the Apple TV 4K from Amazon for £179 If you 've got a giftee who loves travelling and taking photos , needs something more robust than a smartphone , but does n't want a huge , clunky camera , say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DMC-LX15 is one of our very favourite travel cameras .
It 's not cheap , but it 's a sight more affordable than many high-end DSLRs , powerful enough to take excellent photos , and compact enough to slide into a pants pocket .
Get the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 digital camera from Amazon for £399 It 's a big debate about whether analogue vinyl recordings sound `` better '' or `` warmer '' than digitally formatted audio files , but one thing 's for sure : the ritual of laying a well-loved record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as the musicians and producer intended will always be a special experience .
If you 've got a giftee who might be eager to collect records but needs a viable turntable , this Audio-Technica is one of our top picks .
Get the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable from Amazon for £219 20 .
For the one with too many remotes : Logitech Harmony Companion We all know that one giftee whose living room feels like a defunct Radio Shack .
A remote for the TV , the soundbar , the Blu-ray or DVD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the room .
Enough 's enough—gift that friend a Logitech Harmony Companion , one of the best universal remotes we 've tested .
Sure , they might have to do a bit of programming and tinkering to bring all their disparate devices into the Harmony hive-mind , but we promise they 'll thank you for being so thoughtful .
Get the Logitech Harmony Companion from Amazon for £118.95 The product experts at Reviewed have all your holiday shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

I don't know about you, but I've never gotten a techy or tech-adjacent gift I wasn't excited about—it's true. Opening up a gift and getting a new pair of headphones or a fun gadget I wasn't expecting is almost always fun, even if it isn't something I thought I wanted.
The one caveat to this rule: getting a techy gift that doesn't... uh... work. That's the problem with trying to buy a fun new tech gift for a giftee: How do you single out the small margin of great products from the ocean of sub-par stuff? Easy—you check out our picks below. Reviewed tests tech all year long and this list is chock full of our favourite gadgets.
1. For the binge-watcher: Roku Streaming Stick+
Best tech gifts 2020: Roku Streaming Stick Credit: Reviewed / TJ Donegan
Roku's media streaming device has been our favourite for a while now, and for good reason. Processing is snappy and the UI is extremely friendly and intuitive, making it easy to settle in for a night of Netflix (or Amazon Prime, or Disney+, or YouTube, or Twitch, or anything else) without a hitch.
Get the Roku Streaming Stick+ from Amazon for £59.99
2. For the techy type: Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen.)
Best tech gifts 2020: Echo Dot (3rd Gen.) Credit: Amazon
If you're shopping for a tech generalist or somebody who just really loves asking Alexa to tell jokes, why not pick up the Echo Dot? This tiny smart speaker integrates with your Amazon account, meaning you can ask it for shopping recommendations, what the weather's going to be, to play music, or to integrate with your existing smart home fixtures (like turning lights on and off). This isn't the ideal music-lovers smart speaker (it's a bit too small for great sound), but as an all-around device, it's a great addition for any technophile you're shopping for.
Get the Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen.) from Amazon for £39.99
3. For the book lover: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Best tech gifts 2020: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Credit: Reviewed / Michael Roorda
Amazon's latest Kindle Paperwhite, technically the 10th generation model, is the best one yet. Not only does it continue to do what Kindles do best—hold hundreds, perhaps thousands of novels, short stories, poems, comics, and PDFs—it's also waterproof, and features multiple colours and storage options with a battery that lasts weeks. It's no wonder the Paperwhite is #1 in our Best Kindles roundup.
Get the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite from Amazon for £119.99
4. For the one who's sick of wires: Samsung Galaxy Buds+
Best tech gifts 2020: Samsung Galaxy Buds Credit: Reviewed
If your giftee has been pining for the pure wireless freedom of true wireless earbuds, Samsung's Galaxy Buds+ make a great gift. These are some of our favourite headphones that we reviewed in 2020, and they deliver high-quality sound, excellent features, and a comfortable fit for a price that notably undercuts the competition. In fact, they're altogether a better choice than Apple AirPods, and they're cheaper, too.
Get the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ for £159.99
5. For the one who loves to game: Nintendo Switch
Best tech gifts 2020: Nintendo Switch Credit: Amazon / Nintendo
If you're shopping for a gamer and they don't have a Nintendo Switch yet, now's the time. Nintendo's latest home console delivers fun for kids of all ages, and doubles as both an on-the-TV device and a handheld device, giving it an unsurpassed amount of flexibility where gaming goes. With award-winning titles like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey at hand, the surprisingly hard-to-track-down Nintendo Switch is a winning gift for any gamer in 2020.
Get the Nintendo Switch from Amazon for £279.99
6. For the music lover: Sonos One SL
Best tech gifts 2020: Sonos One SL Credit: Amazon / Sonos
Sonos has been a leading name in home audio solutions for years, and the Sonos One SL is a testament to that legacy. We loved the One for its clean audio presentation, including crispy trebles and booming bass, as well as how easy it is to set up and interface with existing Sonos speakers in the home. While it's not a take-it-to-the-park speaker, as a home solution it offered better audio than anything we tested, and will impress any music lover you might be shopping for.
Get the Sonos One SL from Sonos for £139.99
7. For the podcast addict: Apple AirPods Pro
Best tech gifts 2020: Apple AirPods Pro Credit: Reviewed
While they've been on the market for a couple of years, Apple's AirPods Pro are still some of the best true wireless earbuds you can buy—especially for iPhone users. While we've had some qualms about the comfort and audio quality of the original AirPods, the Pro variant is a major upgrade: much more comfortable, with better audio and great noise cancelling.
Get the Apple AirPods Pro from Amazon for £198
8. For the music lover on the go: JBL Flip 5
Best tech gifts 2020: JBL Flip 5 Credit: Reviewed
JBL's "Flip" line of portable, waterproof Bluetooth speakers continue to top our list of the best Bluetooth speakers you can buy. These rounded, meticulously designed speakers produce warm audio with plenty of bass and midrange, and with their rubber-capped ends and water-sealed inputs can be toted along on hikes, beach trips, or just out to the backyard without fear of damage. If your giftee likes to bring the jam wherever they go, a Bluetooth speaker may be the perfect gift.
Get the JBL Flip 5 from Amazon for £79.00
9. For the serious cinephile: 55-inch LG CX 4K OLED TV
Best tech gifts 2020: 55-inch LG CX OLED TV Credit: Reviewed
If you want the best of the best in TVs, it isn't cheap, but for dedicated, movie-loving, AV-club-attending, home-theatre-having cinephiles, the price might be no object. LG has been the uncontested leader in OLED TV production for many years now, and the company's 2020 CX series OLEDs continue the tradition of being one of the best TVs you can buy. OLEDs use emissive display technology that allows each pixel to produce its own light, making for purer colours and truly black shadows. That's not to mention the CX OLED is kitted out with a fetching design, snappy smart features, and all of the HDR/Dolby Vision/HDMI tech you can shake a stick at.
Get the 55-inch LG CX OLED TV from Amazon for £1299.99
10. For the PC gamer who wants to be comfy: HyperX Cloud Alpha S
Best tech gifts 2020: HyperX Cloud Alpha S Credit: HyperX
HyperX's comfy, gaming-facing line of headsets continue to warrant praise amongst console and PC gamers, and the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is one of our favourite gaming headsets currently. It may not be wireless, but if you've got a PC tower or laptop setup to stick by, these comfortable cans deliver excellent audio and microphone support and feature very effective virtual 7.1 surround sound. They're also compatible with Sony's PS4 if you're more into gaming on the couch.
Get the HyperX Cloud Alpha S from Amazon for £115
11. For the one who wants movie theatre sound: Sonos Arc
Best tech gifts 2020: Sonos Arc Credit: Reviewed
There are some great affordable soundbars out there, but if you want cinematic, room-filling sound that competes with the bone-rattling audio you'd get at a movie theatre, check out the Sonos Arc. This is Sonos' first-ever Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar, meaning it's capable not just of great stereo sound presentation, but of implementing Dolby's proprietary object-oriented and height-channel based audio solution, placing sound all around you in a room—yep, even overhead. Naturally, a soundbar this awesome doesn't come cheap, but if your giftee never misses movie night, this gift will blow them away.
Get the Sonos Arc from Sonos for £799.99
12. For the dedicated listener: Sony WH-1000XM4
Best tech gifts 2020: Sony WH-1000XM4 Credit: Reviewed
Sony's new WH-1000XM4 are simply amazing headphones—in fact, we think they're the best you can buy right now. Not only do these sound awesome, but they’re also packed with the most useful headphone features you can get: awesome noise cancelling (that automatically listens and adapts to your environment), wireless/Bluetooth connectivity, and a lightweight, comfortable design that you can wear for hours. If your giftee is serious about listening to music (and nothing else), these pricy cans will make their day.
Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 from Amazon for £349
13. For the one who needs to upgrade their TV: 43-inch TCL 4 Series
Best tech gifts 2020: TCL 4 Series Credit: Reviewed
To be honest, you don't need to spend £1,500—or even £500—to upgrade your giftee's TV situation, especially if they haven't made the jump to 4K yet. The TCL 4 Series is one of our favourite options in this regard: you can get a solid mid-size 4K HDR TV from this series at a price that feels like a steal (because, honestly, it is).
Get the 43-inch TCL 4 Series from Amazon for £299
14. For the serious mobile gamer: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
Best tech gifts 2020: SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless Credit: Amazon
If your giftee likes playing games wherever they go—on a smartphone, tablet, Nintendo Switch Lite, or whatever—SteelSeries' Arctis 1 Wireless gaming headset is an awesome choice. It's compatible with PC, PS4, Nintendo, Xbox, and basically all mobile devices for a very reasonable price, and delivers solid sound, good microphone clarity and plenty of comfort.
Get the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless from Amazon for £99.99
15. For the one whose big house needs better WiFi: Google Nest Mesh System
Best tech gifts 2020: Google Mesh WiFi Credit: Amazon
Maybe you've never heard of mesh WiFi systems—but we have, and we've tested lots of 'em. A mesh WiFi system is an excellent solution for essentially blanketing your entire home or apartment with high-speed WiFi. If you've got a giftee whose place is full of WiFi "dead zones," a mesh system might be just what they need. The Google Nest system is one of the best we tested, so it doesn't come cheap, but it's an excellent solution for anyone who just can't seem to stay connected.
Get the Google Nest Mesh WiFi System from Amazon for £310
16. For the committed distance learner: HP Envy x360 15.6-inch laptop
Best tech gifts 2020: HP Envy x360 laptop Credit: Reviewed
Whether your giftee is earning an online degree or simply forced to distance learn due to the global pandemic, a good laptop is a must. Even if you are attending school in person or on campus, HP's Envy x360 is a solid choice. It's flexible, powerful, and—for the specs, you're getting in the 15.6-inch version—priced very fairly. If you've got a giftee who needs to gear up for school, this laptop is a solid pick.
Get the HP Envy x360 15.6-inch laptop from Amazon, starting at £799
17. For those seeking luxurious streaming: Apple TV 4K
Best tech gifts 2020: Apple TV 4K Credit: Reviewed
There's a lot of ways to stream content. If the "blech" end of the spectrum is watching hyper-compressed Netflix on your tiny phone during a 12-hour bus ride, the "yay" end of the spectrum is Apple TV 4K. This marvellously zippy, perfectly polished streaming box is for that giftee who loves binging and wants to do it in style.
Get the Apple TV 4K from Amazon for £179
18. For the shutterbug traveller: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15
Best tech gifts 2020: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 Credit: Reviewed
If you've got a giftee who loves travelling and taking photos, needs something more robust than a smartphone, but doesn't want a huge, clunky camera, say no more. The longstanding Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 is one of our very favourite travel cameras. It's not cheap, but it's a sight more affordable than many high-end DSLRs, powerful enough to take excellent photos, and compact enough to slide into a pants pocket.
Get the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15 digital camera from Amazon for £399
19. For the aspiring vinyl record collector: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable
Best tech gifts 2020: Credit: Amazon / Audio-Technica
It's a big debate about whether analogue vinyl recordings sound "better" or "warmer" than digitally formatted audio files, but one thing's for sure: the ritual of laying a well-loved record on a vinyl player and listening to it as the musicians and producer intended will always be a special experience. If you've got a giftee who might be eager to collect records but needs a viable turntable, this Audio-Technica is one of our top picks.
Get the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB turntable from Amazon for £219
20. For the one with too many remotes: Logitech Harmony Companion
Best tech gifts 2020: Logitech Harmony Companion Credit: Reviewed
We all know that one giftee whose living room feels like a defunct Radio Shack. A remote for the TV, the soundbar, the Blu-ray or DVD player, etc., scattered haphazardly about the room. Enough's enough—gift that friend a Logitech Harmony Companion, one of the best universal remotes we've tested. Sure, they might have to do a bit of programming and tinkering to bring all their disparate devices into the Harmony hive-mind, but we promise they'll thank you for being so thoughtful.
Get the Logitech Harmony Companion from Amazon for £118.95
The product experts at Reviewed have all your holiday 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--2020-12-01--Ask Fiona: I feel like I'm doing nothing with my life

I FEEL LIKE I 'M DOING NOTHING WITH MY LIFE I 'm finding this pandemic so depressing , and feel life is passing me by .
I have n't achieved very much at all with my life and have found it really hard to be in lockdown .
I 'm sure I 'm not alone , but other people seem to be coping much better than I am , as I just do n't know what to do to fill my time .
I been with my partner since I was 19 - that 's nine years now .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I find it hard to believe he 's not going to leave me .
I was working in a shop when we met and I 've been doing that ever since , and although I was furloughed to begin with , the business has now closed for good .
Whenever my husband mentions one of the women he works with , I find myself getting frightened and suspicious .
If he mentions having lunch or coffee or something with any of them , I convince myself he is having an affair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , and I know I sound paranoid , but I just ca n't help it .
FIONA SAYS : COULD THIS BE TIME TO BUILD ON YOUR CONFIDENCE ?
You are certainly not alone in feeling depressed and anxious at the moment - many people are struggling - but I think your struggle is more about your own lack of confidence than just the pandemic .
I think this could be what is driving your anxiety .
Other than that you have a partner , that he works , and that until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the last nine years , I know very little about you .
You do n't refer to children , interests , or what you do with your time at all , but you do say you feel it is passing you by .
What do you do all day when your partner is at work ?
Could this time be an opportunity for you to change things ?
You say you 'barely passed your GCSEs ' - could it be that , with time on your hands now , you could start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It might be something academic that you could take further and help you towards further qualifications .
It could be something vocational that leads you to a new and different kind of job , or it could be something you do purely for enjoyment .
If you could find something you enjoy and are good at - something where you really feel you are succeeding - then I think your self-belief would improve .
At the moment , you are comparing yourself to the academics your partner is working with - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Have you considered that he chose to be with you because you give him something that those women he 's surrounded by do n't have ?
He chose you for a reason ; try and remember that .
If you were only to feel your life is worthwhile again , I am sure your confidence will grow and you 'll start to feel more positive about yourself and your relationship again .

I'm finding this pandemic so depressing, and feel life is passing me by.
I haven't achieved very much at all with my life and have found it really hard to be in lockdown.
I'm sure I'm not alone, but other people seem to be coping much better than I am, as I just don't know what to do to fill my time.
I been with my partner since I was 19 - that's nine years now.
Although he's a good, kind man, I find it hard to believe he's not going to leave me.
I was working in a shop when we met and I've been doing that ever since, and although I was furloughed to begin with, the business has now closed for good.
Whenever my husband mentions one of the women he works with, I find myself getting frightened and suspicious.
If he mentions having lunch or coffee or something with any of them, I convince myself he is having an affair and get upset.
He is always reassuring me, and I know I sound paranoid, but I just can't help it.
FIONA SAYS: COULD THIS BE TIME TO BUILD ON YOUR CONFIDENCE?
You are certainly not alone in feeling depressed and anxious at the moment - many people are struggling - but I think your struggle is more about your own lack of confidence than just the pandemic.
I think this could be what is driving your anxiety.
Other than that you have a partner, that he works, and that until recently you worked in the same place for the last nine years, I know very little about you.
You don't refer to children, interests, or what you do with your time at all, but you do say you feel it is passing you by.
What do you do all day when your partner is at work?
Could this time be an opportunity for you to change things?
You say you 'barely passed your GCSEs' - could it be that, with time on your hands now, you could start studying something that really does interest you?
It might be something academic that you could take further and help you towards further qualifications.
It could be something vocational that leads you to a new and different kind of job, or it could be something you do purely for enjoyment.
If you could find something you enjoy and are good at - something where you really feel you are succeeding - then I think your self-belief would improve.
At the moment, you are comparing yourself to the academics your partner is working with - and you feel you're lacking something.
Have you considered that he chose to be with you because you give him something that those women he's surrounded by don't have?
He chose you for a reason; try and remember that.
If you were only to feel your life is worthwhile again, I am sure your confidence will grow and you'll start to feel more positive about yourself and your relationship again.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Eastleigh Borough Council plants tree for every employee

A COUNCIL is aiming to plant a tree for every one of its employees as part of National Tree Week .
Eastleigh Borough Council are aiming to reach 160,000 more trees in the Borough by 2030 .
As part of this aim , over 500 trees will be planted at various locations from November 28 to December 6 .
A mix of trees including silver birch , cherry blossom and field maple have been selected for their 'benefit to native wildlife and visual interest ' , with different species blossoming at different times of the year .
Council leader , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s wonderful that we are taking this first step on our ambitious tree planting journey .
`` When the pandemic allows , we want to involve everyone in this exciting initiative , from local community groups to businesses , but for now , we are starting by planting one tree for every Eastleigh Borough Council employee.
`` Around 160 trees will be planted at Itchen Valley Country park , with other locations including Lakeside Country Park , the Old Golf Course at Fleming Park and the Hamble and Hiltingbury areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale up the number of trees in the Borough as part of its commitment to tackling the climate and environmental emergency .
A new council-run tree nursery has also been set up in Horton Heath , providing young people with employment opportunities , with three new apprentices employed to help operate the site .
Cabinet Lead for Environment , Councillor Rupert Kyrle , said : “ During the pandemic , many people have discovered the benefits of being out in nature to improve their mood and mental health .
`` By planting more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only help to tackle the climate crisis and support local wildlife , but also create the legacy of a greener , leafier borough for our residents , their families and future generations .
”

Eastleigh Borough Council are aiming to reach 160,000 more trees in the Borough by 2030.
As part of this aim, over 500 trees will be planted at various locations from November 28 to December 6.
A mix of trees including silver birch, cherry blossom and field maple have been selected for their 'benefit to native wildlife and visual interest', with different species blossoming at different times of the year.
Council leader, Councillor Keith House, said: “It’s wonderful that we are taking this first step on our ambitious tree planting journey.
"When the pandemic allows, we want to involve everyone in this exciting initiative, from local community groups to businesses, but for now, we are starting by planting one tree for every Eastleigh Borough Council employee. "
Around 160 trees will be planted at Itchen Valley Country park, with other locations including Lakeside Country Park, the Old Golf Course at Fleming Park and the Hamble and Hiltingbury areas.
The council says it wants to dramatically scale up the number of trees in the Borough as part of its commitment to tackling the climate and environmental emergency.
A new council-run tree nursery has also been set up in Horton Heath, providing young people with employment opportunities, with three new apprentices employed to help operate the site.
Cabinet Lead for Environment, Councillor Rupert Kyrle, said: “During the pandemic, many people have discovered the benefits of being out in nature to improve their mood and mental health.
"By planting more trees in the borough, we can not only help to tackle the climate crisis and support local wildlife, but also create the legacy of a greener, leafier borough for our residents, their families and future generations.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Space and satellite sector wins government grant

A GOVERNMENT grant is to boost Hampshire businesses which are venturing into space .
The Enterprise M3 area has been picked as one of seven “ space hubs ” , where business and local government will come together to take advantage of the commercial space race .
The UK ’ s Space Agency has awarded £70,000 to grow the space and satellite cluster in the area .
The money will go to the Enterprise M3 ( EM3 ) Local Economic Partnership area , which covers most of Hampshire outside Southampton and Portsmouth , as well as neighbouring Surrey .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is currently valued at £9 billion and has more than 180 companies engaged in high-tech work , employing more than 3,000 local people .
Over the next six months the LEP , local government , industry experts and business leaders will come together to look at how the area can take advantage of the opportunities of commercial space programmes .
Science minister Amanda Solloway said : “ The UK ’ s space sector has shown incredible resilience to the coronavirus pandemic and will continue to play a key role in our recovery – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique ways to support our NHS .
“ This funding will arm local leaders up and down the UK with the tools they need to put their local areas at the front of the commercial space race , while refuelling the tank of the UK economy and helping Britain realise it ’ s ambitions as a global space superpower.
” Rob Dunford , EM3 ’ s director of business delivery , said : “ This support for EM3 ’ s Space Cluster from the UK Space Agency is a great opportunity to highlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a global reach .
“ The EM3 space ecosystem is the focal point for a very strong sector in the wider area and underpins other major priority sectors , like 5G , immersive technology , clean growth and life science and will play an ever-increasing role in bringing new jobs and re-skilling opportunities for people in our area.
” Dr Colin Baldwin , head of local growth strategy at the UK Space Agency , said : “ Space has gone from a nice-to-have sector to a heavyweight industry in the UK over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now employing over 42,000 people .
“ We know that space will help put fuel back in the tank of the economy as it recovers from the pandemic and are determined this growth will be felt in all corners of the country.
” EM3 is business-led and brings together the private , public and not-for-profit sectors in a joint endeavour to drive prosperity .
It bids for money from government and uses it to generate private sector investment .

The Enterprise M3 area has been picked as one of seven “space hubs”, where business and local government will come together to take advantage of the commercial space race.
The UK’s Space Agency has awarded £70,000 to grow the space and satellite cluster in the area.
The money will go to the Enterprise M3 (EM3) Local Economic Partnership area, which covers most of Hampshire outside Southampton and Portsmouth, as well as neighbouring Surrey.
The EM3 network of space and satellite businesses is currently valued at £9 billion and has more than 180 companies engaged in high-tech work, employing more than 3,000 local people.
Over the next six months the LEP, local government, industry experts and business leaders will come together to look at how the area can take advantage of the opportunities of commercial space programmes.
Science minister Amanda Solloway said: “The UK’s space sector has shown incredible resilience to the coronavirus pandemic and will continue to play a key role in our recovery – from creating high quality jobs to finding unique ways to support our NHS.
“This funding will arm local leaders up and down the UK with the tools they need to put their local areas at the front of the commercial space race, while refuelling the tank of the UK economy and helping Britain realise it’s ambitions as a global space superpower.”
Rob Dunford, EM3’s director of business delivery, said: “This support for EM3’s Space Cluster from the UK Space Agency is a great opportunity to highlight a real hidden gem of our region with a global reach.
“The EM3 space ecosystem is the focal point for a very strong sector in the wider area and underpins other major priority sectors, like 5G, immersive technology, clean growth and life science and will play an ever-increasing role in bringing new jobs and re-skilling opportunities for people in our area.”
Dr Colin Baldwin, head of local growth strategy at the UK Space Agency, said: “Space has gone from a nice-to-have sector to a heavyweight industry in the UK over the past decade – trebling in size and now employing over 42,000 people.
“We know that space will help put fuel back in the tank of the economy as it recovers from the pandemic and are determined this growth will be felt in all corners of the country.”
EM3 is business-led and brings together the private, public and not-for-profit sectors in a joint endeavour to drive prosperity. It bids for money from government and uses it to generate private sector investment.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Which areas of England could see Covid tiers change before Christmas?

England will be coming out of a second national lockdown on December 2 and falling back into a revised tier syetem ahead of the government 's 'winter plan . '
The tiers decided for each are of England are going to revised every 14 days and Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that 99 per cent of England is initially slated to be in Tier 2 or Tier 3 .
But this could change prior to Christmas , according to a graph released by Public Health England , showing which areas are nearest the thresholds which would allow them to either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are five main factors which determine the restrictions in place in each area .
These are : • the rate cases are rising or falling • percentage of tests taken which are positive Going by the above criteria , the following areas are most likely to change tiers before Christmas , according to the latest data : The Isle of Wight is currently in Tier 1 , and is the closest area in that tier to the threshold for Tier 2 restrictions .
In Tier 2 , Suffolk is the lowest , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 1 before Christmas .
Norfolk , Rutland , Buckinghamshire , Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire are also close to the Tier 2 threshold , as well as Dorset , Devon and Wiltshire .
Going the other way , there are a handful of areas currently in Tier 2 which are at risk of moving into Tier 3 .
These are Cheshire , North Yorkshire and Shropshire .
Of the areas currently in Tier 3 , those with the greatest chance of dropping down into Tier 2 are Nottinghamshire , Warwickshire and Kent , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire and Derbyshire .
The first review of the revised tier system will take place on 16 December .
Are tier changes realistic before Christmas ?
Speaking to Radio 4 ’ s Today programme , Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said that areas could well change tiers before Christmas .
He said , “ There will be a review point every 14 days - so on the 16 or 17 December there will be an opportunity for those parts of the country where the judgment was finely balanced to potentially de-escalate from Tier 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Tier 1.
” Also speaking to Today , Prof John Edmunds , a member of the SAGE advisory committee , said he thinks it is unlikely that any areas will change Tier before Christmas .
He commented , “ I think that is quite an early time to be able to see what the effect has been .
For me I think that is quite an early review stage .
I can ’ t imagine there will be huge changes at that point just simply because I don ’ t think we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The tiers decided for each are of England are going to revised every 14 days and Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that 99 per cent of England is initially slated to be in Tier 2 or Tier 3.
But this could change prior to Christmas, according to a graph released by Public Health England, showing which areas are nearest the thresholds which would allow them to either move up or down a tier.
There are five main factors which determine the restrictions in place in each area. These are:
case detection rate for all ages
case detection rate for over 60s
the rate cases are rising or falling
percentage of tests taken which are positive
pressure on the NHS, primarily occupancy
Which areas could change tier?
Going by the above criteria, the following areas are most likely to change tiers before Christmas, according to the latest data:
The Isle of Wight is currently in Tier 1, and is the closest area in that tier to the threshold for Tier 2 restrictions.
In Tier 2, Suffolk is the lowest, and so mostly likely to drop into Tier 1 before Christmas. Norfolk, Rutland, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire are also close to the Tier 2 threshold, as well as Dorset, Devon and Wiltshire.
Going the other way, there are a handful of areas currently in Tier 2 which are at risk of moving into Tier 3. These are Cheshire, North Yorkshire and Shropshire.
Of the areas currently in Tier 3, those with the greatest chance of dropping down into Tier 2 are Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire and Kent, though the next lowest are Lancashire, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
The first review of the revised tier system will take place on 16 December.
Are tier changes realistic before Christmas?
Speaking to Radio 4’s Today programme, Communities secretary Robert Jenrick said that areas could well change tiers before Christmas.
He said, “There will be a review point every 14 days - so on the 16 or 17 December there will be an opportunity for those parts of the country where the judgment was finely balanced to potentially de-escalate from Tier 3 to Tier 2, and Tier 2 to Tier 1.”
Also speaking to Today, Prof John Edmunds, a member of the SAGE advisory committee, said he thinks it is unlikely that any areas will change Tier before Christmas.
He commented, “I think that is quite an early time to be able to see what the effect has been. For me I think that is quite an early review stage. I can’t imagine there will be huge changes at that point just simply because I don’t think we will have accumulated much data by then.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--The Joiner Southampton announces reopening date

The Joiners , on St Mary 's Street , has revealed it will be officially reopening on December 11 following almost nine months of closure during the coronavirus pandemic .
Friends and fans of The Joiners , which played host to Oasis , Coldplay and Green Day as they rose to fame , raised thousands of pounds to help save the venue during the first national lockdown .
• Fundraisers help keep The Joiners afloat amid coronavirus cancellations The venue will be hosting live music gigs , which will be limited to 33 people and will be seated .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three and four and have said they will be open for three nights a week for live music but also plan to open as a bar .
In a Facebook post , organisers said : `` We can finally announce that The Joiners will reopen ON Friday 11th December for the first time since March this year .
`` We ca n't wait to welcome you all back through our doors , everything is going to be different from the system we used to run of course with the ongoing situation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place seated with 33 people only allowed in the audience , tables will be available in groups of two , three and four .
`` We will only be open for gigs three nights a week but we will also be open as solely a bar , more updates on that later .
`` We ca n't wait to welcome you back to our Church of Live Music , see you there . ''
The opening night will see musicians Calum Lintott , Owen Hackett and The Stowaways play live .
The next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sale at www.joinerslive.co.uk and www.seetickets.com .

The Joiners, on St Mary's Street, has revealed it will be officially reopening on December 11 following almost nine months of closure during the coronavirus pandemic.
Friends and fans of The Joiners, which played host to Oasis, Coldplay and Green Day as they rose to fame, raised thousands of pounds to help save the venue during the first national lockdown.
The venue will be hosting live music gigs, which will be limited to 33 people and will be seated.
The venue will offer tables of two, three and four and have said they will be open for three nights a week for live music but also plan to open as a bar.
In a Facebook post, organisers said: "We can finally announce that The Joiners will reopen ON Friday 11th December for the first time since March this year.
"We can't wait to welcome you all back through our doors, everything is going to be different from the system we used to run of course with the ongoing situation.
"Gigs for the time being will take place seated with 33 people only allowed in the audience, tables will be available in groups of two, three and four.
"We will only be open for gigs three nights a week but we will also be open as solely a bar, more updates on that later.
"We can't wait to welcome you back to our Church of Live Music, see you there."
The opening night will see musicians Calum Lintott, Owen Hackett and The Stowaways play live.
The next gigs lined up are:
December 12 - MYSTIC PEACH (sold out)
December 18 - MYRIAD and Wave Chase
December 19 - Jimmy Herrity and guests
December 20 - MYSTIC PEACH
Tickets are on sale at www.joinerslive.co.uk and www.seetickets.com.


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Incident on the A31 near Stoney Cross causes delays

One lane of the A31 westbound in the New Forest was blocked between Stoney Cross and Picket Post .
The @ @ @ @ @ an incident and delays are building on approach .
It is understood that delays in @ @ @ @ @ long .
The road has since been cleared and delays are easing .
The Daily @ @ @ @ @ for a comment .

One lane of the A31 westbound in the New Forest was blocked between Stoney Cross and Picket Post.
The lane was blocked due to an incident and delays are building on approach.
It is understood that delays in the area were a mile long.
The road has since been cleared and delays are easing.
The Daily Echo has contacted Hampshire Police for a comment.
More to follow...


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Coronavirus: More than 200 positive cases across Hampshire in 24 hours

MORE than 200 new positive cases have been recorded in Hampshire .
Public Health England figures - as recorded on @ @ @ @ @ today ( December 1 ) - show that 246 more people have tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ hour period .
It comes as testing increases across the country .
The health body @ @ @ @ @ tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside Pillar 1 tests , which @ @ @ @ @ PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government 's mass testing @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases by local authority in the 24 hours to 4.10pm on December 1 : @ @ @ @ @ 23 ( 2,447 in total since start of pandemic )

Public Health England figures - as recorded on the Government website at 4.10pm today (December 1) - show that 246 more people have tested positive for the virus in a 24 hour period.
It comes as testing increases across the country.
The health body is now including Pillar 2 tests – those carried out by commercial partners – alongside Pillar 1 tests, which are analysed in NHS or PHE laboratories and which made up the first stage of the Government's mass testing programme.
Below are the confirmed cases by local authority in the 24 hours to 4.10pm on December 1:


thedailyecho--2020-12-01--Saints fan sentenced following Clapham Junction brawl

A SAINTS fan who hurled abuse at rival fans , before headbutting one and smashing a glass bottle over the head of another , has appeared in court .
Jack Jameson shouted abuse at the group of Bournemouth supporters at Clapham Junction Station .
A few of the fans attempted to speak with Jameson , but the 25-year-old , of English Road , Southampton , lashed out at them , headbutting one of them in the face .
Two Cherries fans - Harry Grant and Keiran Stephens - then retaliated and a fight erupted .
Jameson is said to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glass bottle he had been holding .
The two Bournemouth fans then repeatedly punched Jameson .
All three pleaded guilty to affray following the incident on March 31 , 2018 .
They had been passing through Clapham having been to separate football matches in London that day : West Ham v Southampton and Watford v Bournemouth .
They were sentenced at Inner London Crown Court .
Jameson was sentenced to ten months imprisonment suspended for 18 months .
He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work , pay a victim surcharge of £140 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also issued with a five-year football banning order .
Grant , 22 , and of Warwick Road , Bournemouth , was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for 12 months .
He must complete 120 hours of community work and pay a £140 victim surcharge and £85 in costs .
Meanwhile , Stephens , of Derryvode , Ireland , was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for 12 months .
He was handed a prohibited activity requirement restricting him from entering the UK for more than seven consecutive days on a rolling four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is also required to pay a £750 fine , £140 victim surcharge and £85 in costs .
Police Constable , Roisin Harris , said : “ The actions of these three men show utter disregard for the rest of the travelling public , particularly families with children , as they incited violence within an extremely busy railway station .
“ Football-related violence will not be tolerated anywhere across the network and I would like to thank the courts for convicting the three men .
I hope it makes them think twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future .
“ If anyone ever experiences behaviour of this nature while travelling they can us text us discretely on 61016 , or call 999 in an emergency .
”

Jack Jameson shouted abuse at the group of Bournemouth supporters at Clapham Junction Station.
A few of the fans attempted to speak with Jameson, but the 25-year-old, of English Road, Southampton, lashed out at them, headbutting one of them in the face.
Two Cherries fans - Harry Grant and Keiran Stephens - then retaliated and a fight erupted.
Jameson is said to have hit Stephens, 24, with a glass bottle he had been holding.
The two Bournemouth fans then repeatedly punched Jameson.
All three pleaded guilty to affray following the incident on March 31, 2018.
They had been passing through Clapham having been to separate football matches in London that day: West Ham v Southampton and Watford v Bournemouth.
They were sentenced at Inner London Crown Court.
Jameson was sentenced to ten months imprisonment suspended for 18 months.
He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work, pay a victim surcharge of £140 and £85 in costs. He was also issued with a five-year football banning order.
Grant, 22, and of Warwick Road, Bournemouth, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for 12 months.
He must complete 120 hours of community work and pay a £140 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
Meanwhile, Stephens, of Derryvode, Ireland, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for 12 months.
He was handed a prohibited activity requirement restricting him from entering the UK for more than seven consecutive days on a rolling four weekly period in the next 12 months.
He is also required to pay a £750 fine, £140 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
Police Constable, Roisin Harris, said: “The actions of these three men show utter disregard for the rest of the travelling public, particularly families with children, as they incited violence within an extremely busy railway station.
“Football-related violence will not be tolerated anywhere across the network and I would like to thank the courts for convicting the three men. I hope it makes them think twice about engaging in violent behaviour in the future.
“If anyone ever experiences behaviour of this nature while travelling they can us text us discretely on 61016, or call 999 in an emergency.”