thedailyecho--2020-10-11--Giant Pumpkin Festival in Lymington goes virtual this weekend

A GIANT pumpkin festival has gone virtual and will be available to watch online this weekend .
The XPG Giant Pumpkin Festival is taking place in Lymington on Saturday , October 10 and has taken an online approach following the cancellation of its pumpkin festival at Royal Victoria Country Park earlier this year .
Organiser Ian Paton , who works at Pinetops Nurseries , said : `` When the festival at Royal Victoria Country Park was cancelled , my brothers and I decided to hold a virtual festival at Pinetops Nurseries .
`` The festival will be like a 'drive-thru @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their pumpkins ( or other items ) and we will then unload the pumpkin from their vehicle and weigh and measure it .
The contestants will then have to leave immediately .
`` It was decided to hold the virtual festival at the nursery so people ’ s pumpkins are weighed and exhibited correctly . ''
Pumpkins will be weighed and the circumference taken , along with other measurements to determine how big the pumpkin is in inches .
The nursery - which has a Pumpkin Research and Development unit - already boasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and potentially the largest pumpkin in the world .
Ian said : `` We have two large pumpkins already , and one could be the largest in the world .
Even for us , this is incredible .
`` The festival should be a good , fun day that puts a smile on people 's faces . ''
The festival is taking place from 11am on Saturday , and can be watched via a livestream on XPG Giant Pumpkin Festival 2020 on Facebook .
If you would like to enter the pumpkin festival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //www.bigpumpkins.com/

The XPG Giant Pumpkin Festival is taking place in Lymington on Saturday, October 10 and has taken an online approach following the cancellation of its pumpkin festival at Royal Victoria Country Park earlier this year.
Organiser Ian Paton, who works at Pinetops Nurseries, said: "When the festival at Royal Victoria Country Park was cancelled, my brothers and I decided to hold a virtual festival at Pinetops Nurseries.
"The festival will be like a 'drive-thru' where people will drive in with their pumpkins (or other items) and we will then unload the pumpkin from their vehicle and weigh and measure it. The contestants will then have to leave immediately.
"It was decided to hold the virtual festival at the nursery so people’s pumpkins are weighed and exhibited correctly."
Pumpkins will be weighed and the circumference taken, along with other measurements to determine how big the pumpkin is in inches.
The nursery - which has a Pumpkin Research and Development unit - already boasts the eighth largest pumpkin in the world and potentially the largest pumpkin in the world.
Ian said: "We have two large pumpkins already, and one could be the largest in the world. Even for us, this is incredible.
"The festival should be a good, fun day that puts a smile on people's faces."
The festival is taking place from 11am on Saturday, and can be watched via a livestream on XPG Giant Pumpkin Festival 2020 on Facebook.
If you would like to enter the pumpkin festival, you can pre-register here: http://www.bigpumpkins.com/


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--'Hello Southampton': New helpline launched to help city's vulnerable

A SOUTHAMPTON charity aiming to eradicate loneliness and isolation has launched a new telephone service to help support the city ’ s vulnerable .
Communicare has officially unveiled its new ‘ Hello Southampton ’ telephone support service , which offers regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week to isolated or vulnerable people with Social Care in Action ( SCiA ) and Southampton University .
Communicare has recently officially unveiled its new ‘ Hello Southampton ’ telephone support service , which offers regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week to isolated or vulnerable people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clewlow said : “ Back in May , we piloted our Hello Southampton project , which provides a new form of telephone support .
`` The way it works is that vulnerable members of the community , for instance people living alone who would benefit from a regular check-in , can opt for a daily , or less frequent , phone call to see that all is well .
`` The idea is to try to step in at a stage when there are minor difficulties , which , if left to progress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Annie added : “ We ’ re now looking for kind-hearted people to volunteer for Hello Southampton .
`` We ’ re looking for people who could regularly give us one hour a week , between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday .
`` With the recent new COVID-19 restrictions coming into force , and as we go into the winter , we know lots of people who may be early retirees or active pensioners will now be at home more .
This means they may have time on their hands and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In the time they give , they could help up to five people feel less lonely and reassure them that someone is looking out for them .
`` The feedback we ’ ve had from clients so far has been fantastic and shows the real difference a regular phone call can make to someone .
Volunteers will need access to a phone and internet.
” Communicare ’ s new Hello Southampton telephone support service offers regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week , Monday-Friday , to isolated or vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inviting people from all walks of life and of all ages who have time available , to get in touch .
To find out more about Communicare , please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk .

Communicare has officially unveiled its new ‘Hello Southampton’ telephone support service, which offers regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week to isolated or vulnerable people with Social Care in Action (SCiA) and Southampton University.
Communicare has recently officially unveiled its new ‘Hello Southampton’ telephone support service, which offers regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week to isolated or vulnerable people.
The charity’s Manager, Annie Clewlow said: “Back in May, we piloted our Hello Southampton project, which provides a new form of telephone support.
"The way it works is that vulnerable members of the community, for instance people living alone who would benefit from a regular check-in, can opt for a daily, or less frequent, phone call to see that all is well.
"The idea is to try to step in at a stage when there are minor difficulties, which, if left to progress, could become a major crisis.”
Annie added: “We’re now looking for kind-hearted people to volunteer for Hello Southampton.
"We’re looking for people who could regularly give us one hour a week, between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday.
"With the recent new COVID-19 restrictions coming into force, and as we go into the winter, we know lots of people who may be early retirees or active pensioners will now be at home more. This means they may have time on their hands and could help us by making these calls.
“In the time they give, they could help up to five people feel less lonely and reassure them that someone is looking out for them.
"The feedback we’ve had from clients so far has been fantastic and shows the real difference a regular phone call can make to someone. Volunteers will need access to a phone and internet.”
Communicare’s new Hello Southampton telephone support service offers regular scheduled phone calls up to five times a week, Monday-Friday, to isolated or vulnerable people in Southampton.
The charity is inviting people from all walks of life and of all ages who have time available, to get in touch. To find out more about Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--Martin Lewis: New £5,000 grants to improve your homes energy efficiency

The government ’ s new Green Homes Grant scheme is one every English homeowner should check out .
It may provide serious free cash for insulation , double glazing , and a host of other things that will improve the energy efficiency of your home and your home ’ s value .
That ’ s the good news , the bad , is the scheme has some systemic design flaws that many will find deeply frustrating .
Let me take you through it .
Launched just before the start of the month , the Green Homes Grant is… - Available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homes ) and residential landlords apart from unoccupied new builds .
- It gives grants ( ie non repayable ) of up to £5,000 per household to cover two thirds of the cost of labour , materials , and VAT of installing certain energy efficient measures .
So , if the installation costs £7,500 , you ’ ll get a £5,000 voucher from the Government and you pay the remaining £2,500 .
- Those on certain benefits ( e.g .
housing benefit , universal credit and pension ‘ guaranteed ’ credit ) can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire cost , you pay nothing .
- You only have until 31 March 2021 , to get the installation completed , that may not be easy for everyone .
That ’ s the qualifications , but this scheme isn ’ t simply a case of you get what you want .
There are two categories of home improvements which interrelate .
You can only access the scheme if you need what the Government calls a 'primary ' improvement .
These must be new or a top up .
It can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are : • Insulation : including solid wall , cavity wall , underfloor , loft or roof .
Insulation for a park home is also included .
• Low-carbon heating : including air-source , ground-source and hybrid heat pumps , solar thermal systems and biomass boilers , which provide renewable ways of heating your home .
You can install more than one improvement ( and they can be via different tradespeople ) but the total voucher you ’ ll receive is maximum £5,000 .
If you get a primary instalment you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improvements Once you ’ ve installed the primary improvement , you ’ ll then be able to get a voucher up to the same amount for a secondary improvement ( ie get £1,000 primary voucher , you can get an up to £1,000 secondary voucher ) .
These include… How to apply for the vouchers It ’ s an online system .
I asked the Department for BEIS how those who don ’ t have access to the internet can use it , it said to get them to ask friends or family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
1 ) First use the www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk eligibility checker , to see what may be available to you .
It ’ ll show registered local tradespeople ( who must be Trustmark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme registered ) .
2 ) Then get quotes from tradespeople - the Government recommends at least three .
Try avoid any firms that ask you to pay for quotes .
And do check prices compared to doing it outside the scheme .
Plus , worth noting installers can ’ t ask for a deposit larger than your contribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply via www.gov.uk/apply-green-homes-grant .
If successful you ’ ll then be emailed a voucher .
And ensure you only start the work once you ’ ve received the voucher , as the Govt says you can ’ t claim for any work that ’ s started before the voucher is issued .
The scheme isn ’ t flawless and I ’ m hearing of many issues Whilst the Green Home Grants scheme may provide serious free cash , there are three major issues I keep hearing about .
The most obvious , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many people want 'secondary improvements ' without getting 'primary ones ' .
Well , while that may not feel fair , it 's not a flaw , it 's a deliberate design .
Grants are primarily targeted at encouraging people to improve insulation and low-carbon heating measures , so you have to get one of those or you ca n't do owt else .
The other two issues are closely related and more concerning .
1 ) A decent number are struggling to find approved local installers .
One person in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say their nearest installer shown on the Government system was 250 miles away in Blackpool ( feels a bit like getting a Covid test ) .
2 ) Some of those who do find an installer are then being told they wo n't be able to complete the work within the six-month deadline , rendering the scheme useless .
These are both symptoms of the fact there are n't enough registered installers on stream at launch .
According to the Government , 900 firms are signed up to the scheme , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they are constantly working to add more .
And that makes sense – ultimately the primary stated purpose of offering the Green Homes Grant was to create jobs .
Many may think : 'No problem , I 'll just wait until more installers are on board , it 'll be fine ' .
Except there is only £2 billion of funding available , and while that sounds a lot , it could go very quickly – so there is an urgency to doing this , but not enough installers .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government will spread the roll out and extend the installation time so more people can access this , any updates will go in www.moneysavingexpert.com/GreenGrants .
What about those in other parts of the UK ?
There ’ s no direct equivalent to this scheme .
Most of those available are restricted to those with low incomes or on benefits .
These include - Scotland : The energysavingtrust.org.uk administers the warmer homes scheme that offers financial help towards installing measures such as wall and loft insulation and draught-proofing .
- Wales : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as insulation and new boilers , for those who either receive a means-tested benefit or have a low income and a chronic respiratory , circulatory or mental health condition .
Northern Ireland : Those with income under £40,000 may be able to get grants towards replacing inefficient boilers over 15 years old via www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/grant-to-replace-your-boiler and also check out the Affordable Warmth Scheme .
Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com .
To join the 13 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email , go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

It may provide serious free cash for insulation, double glazing, and a host of other things that will improve the energy efficiency of your home and your home’s value.
That’s the good news, the bad, is the scheme has some systemic design flaws that many will find deeply frustrating. Let me take you through it.
Launched just before the start of the month, the Green Homes Grant is… - Available to all English homeowners (including park homes) and residential landlords apart from unoccupied new builds.
- It gives grants (ie non repayable) of up to £5,000 per household to cover two thirds of the cost of labour, materials, and VAT of installing certain energy efficient measures. So, if the installation costs £7,500, you’ll get a £5,000 voucher from the Government and you pay the remaining £2,500.
- Those on certain benefits (e.g. housing benefit, universal credit and pension ‘guaranteed’ credit) can claim up to £10,000, which covers the entire cost, you pay nothing.
- You only have until 31 March 2021, to get the installation completed, that may not be easy for everyone.
That’s the qualifications, but this scheme isn’t simply a case of you get what you want. There are two categories of home improvements which interrelate.
You must install a PRIMARY improvement
You can only access the scheme if you need what the Government calls a 'primary' improvement. These must be new or a top up. It can’t replace what you have already. These are:
• Insulation: including solid wall, cavity wall, underfloor, loft or roof. Insulation for a park home is also included.
• Low-carbon heating: including air-source, ground-source and hybrid heat pumps, solar thermal systems and biomass boilers, which provide renewable ways of heating your home.
You can install more than one improvement (and they can be via different tradespeople) but the total voucher you’ll receive is maximum £5,000.
If you get a primary instalment you can get up to same amount for SECONDARY improvements
Once you’ve installed the primary improvement, you’ll then be able to get a voucher up to the same amount for a secondary improvement (ie get £1,000 primary voucher, you can get an up to £1,000 secondary voucher). These include…
• Windows & doors… draught proofing, double/triple/secondary glazing (only if replacing single), energy efficient replacement doors.
• Heating controls & insulation… hot water tank thermostat & insulation, smart heating controls, thermostatic radiator valves etc.
How to apply for the vouchers
It’s an online system. I asked the Department for BEIS how those who don’t have access to the internet can use it, it said to get them to ask friends or family to help (but not installers).
1) First use the www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk eligibility checker, to see what may be available to you. It’ll show registered local tradespeople (who must be Trustmark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme registered).
2) Then get quotes from tradespeople - the Government recommends at least three. Try avoid any firms that ask you to pay for quotes. And do check prices compared to doing it outside the scheme. Plus, worth noting installers can’t ask for a deposit larger than your contribution.
3) Only then can you apply via www.gov.uk/apply-green-homes-grant. If successful you’ll then be emailed a voucher. And ensure you only start the work once you’ve received the voucher, as the Govt says you can’t claim for any work that’s started before the voucher is issued.
The scheme isn’t flawless and I’m hearing of many issues
Whilst the Green Home Grants scheme may provide serious free cash, there are three major issues I keep hearing about.
The most obvious, and in some ways least worrying, is that many people want 'secondary improvements' without getting 'primary ones'. Well, while that may not feel fair, it's not a flaw, it's a deliberate design. Grants are primarily targeted at encouraging people to improve insulation and low-carbon heating measures, so you have to get one of those or you can't do owt else.
The other two issues are closely related and more concerning.
1) A decent number are struggling to find approved local installers. One person in the south-east of England emailed my TV show to say their nearest installer shown on the Government system was 250 miles away in Blackpool (feels a bit like getting a Covid test).
2) Some of those who do find an installer are then being told they won't be able to complete the work within the six-month deadline, rendering the scheme useless.
These are both symptoms of the fact there aren't enough registered installers on stream at launch. According to the Government, 900 firms are signed up to the scheme, many with national reach. It tells me that they are constantly working to add more. And that makes sense – ultimately the primary stated purpose of offering the Green Homes Grant was to create jobs.
Many may think: 'No problem, I'll just wait until more installers are on board, it'll be fine'. Except there is only £2 billion of funding available, and while that sounds a lot, it could go very quickly – so there is an urgency to doing this, but not enough installers. It's a vicious circle.
My hope is the government will spread the roll out and extend the installation time so more people can access this, any updates will go in www.moneysavingexpert.com/GreenGrants.
What about those in other parts of the UK?
There’s no direct equivalent to this scheme. Most of those available are restricted to those with low incomes or on benefits. These include -
Scotland: The energysavingtrust.org.uk administers the warmer homes scheme that offers financial help towards installing measures such as wall and loft insulation and draught-proofing. - Wales: The nest.gov.wales/en scheme offers free energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation and new boilers, for those who either receive a means-tested benefit or have a low income and a chronic respiratory, circulatory or mental health condition.
Northern Ireland: Those with income under £40,000 may be able to get grants towards replacing inefficient boilers over 15 years old via www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/grant-to-replace-your-boiler and also check out the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com.
To join the 13 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--M&S launches Harry Potter range (with chocolate frogs and an edible sorting hat)

M & S have launched a 'special edition collection ' of Harry Potter goodies which the retailer hopes to cast @ @ @ @ @ Christmas .
Here 's everything you need to know about the limited range .
What @ @ @ @ @ in stores ?
The special edition collection includes everything from a delicious Milk Chocolate Elder @ @ @ @ @ ’ s favourite - the trusty Sherbet Lemon , a blink-and-it ’ s-gone Milk Chocolate @ @ @ @ @ Toy with Chocolate Wand and everybody ’ s favourite – the Milk Chocolate Frog For @ @ @ @ @ t decide , have a word with the Milk Chocolate Sorting Hat to see if @ @ @ @ @ recommendation for you .
Here 's a look at the Harry Potter items on sale @

Here's everything you need to know about the limited range.
What are M&S selling in stores?
The special edition collection includes everything from a delicious Milk Chocolate Elder Wand complete with Professor Dumbledore’s favourite - the trusty Sherbet Lemon, a blink-and-it’s-gone Milk Chocolate Golden Snitch, Harry Potter Toy with Chocolate Wand and everybody’s favourite – the Milk Chocolate Frog
For those who really can’t decide, have a word with the Milk Chocolate Sorting Hat to see if it can riddle out a recommendation for you.
Here's a look at the Harry Potter items on sale.
Harry Potter Chocolate Frog (65p)
Harry Potter House Crests Tins (£2)
Harry Potter Golden Snitch (£3)
Harry Potter Dumbledore's Elder Wand & Sherbet Lemons (£5)
Harry Potter Toy with Chocolate Wand (£14)
Harry Potter Sorting Hat (£10)


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--Aldi pledge to donate thousands of meals at Christmas (and are looking for charities to help)

Aldi have pledged to donate thousands of surplus meals this Christmas - and have called on charities , community groups and food banks to register now to receive the donations on Christmas Eve .
Here 's everything you need to know .
Last Christmas , Aldi donated nearly 450,000 meals to good causes throughout the UK , and expects to increase this number for Christmas 2020 .
The meals will support those in need at a time when more households are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity as a result of the pandemic .
Thanks to Aldi ’ s successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform that links businesses to food banks and charities , all of Aldi ’ s 894 UK stores now donate surplus food seven days a week , all year round .
Christmas provides an opportunity for even more charities to benefit from the initiative , and any charities and community groups with the resource to help can get in touch to register for a festive food donation from Britain ’ s fifth largest supermarket .
Charities will be paired with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food products that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – including fruit , vegetables , fresh meat , fish and bread – ahead of stores closing on Christmas Eve .
What have Aldi said ?
Luke Peech , Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK , said : “ Our Christmas food donations scheme plays a big role in supporting those in need during the festive period and is something we are very passionate about .
This is our fourth year running the initiative and we look forward to working with local charities once again .
“ Last year we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , and this year we ’ re hoping to extend this even further in what has been a challenging year for so many.
” Steve Butterworth from Neighbourly , added : “ Sadly , charities and local causes are expecting record demand for their services this Christmas because of the pandemic and its impact on communities up and down the country .
“ We ’ re sure there are lots more groups out there that could put the food to good use , so we ’ d encourage them to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in touch to apply ?
Organisations do not need to be a registered charity to apply but must : • Have a level two hygiene certificate gained in the last two years .
• Be able to transport and store chilled food products after collecting them on Christmas Eve at 5pm .
When is the deadline to get in touch ?
Those interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact Neighbourly at aldichristmas @ neighbourly.com before December 7 , 2020 .

Here's everything you need to know.
Last Christmas, Aldi donated nearly 450,000 meals to good causes throughout the UK, and expects to increase this number for Christmas 2020.
The meals will support those in need at a time when more households are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.
Thanks to Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to food banks and charities, all of Aldi’s 894 UK stores now donate surplus food seven days a week, all year round.
Christmas provides an opportunity for even more charities to benefit from the initiative, and any charities and community groups with the resource to help can get in touch to register for a festive food donation from Britain’s fifth largest supermarket.
Charities will be paired with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food products that are near the end of their shelf life – including fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, fish and bread – ahead of stores closing on Christmas Eve.
What have Aldi said?
Luke Peech, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Our Christmas food donations scheme plays a big role in supporting those in need during the festive period and is something we are very passionate about. This is our fourth year running the initiative and we look forward to working with local charities once again.
“Last year we were able to help thousands of people across the UK, and this year we’re hoping to extend this even further in what has been a challenging year for so many.”
Steve Butterworth from Neighbourly, added: “Sadly, charities and local causes are expecting record demand for their services this Christmas because of the pandemic and its impact on communities up and down the country.
“We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could put the food to good use, so we’d encourage them to get in touch.”
How can organisations get in touch to apply?
Organisations do not need to be a registered charity to apply but must:
Have a level two hygiene certificate gained in the last two years.
Be able to transport and store chilled food products after collecting them on Christmas Eve at 5pm.
When is the deadline to get in touch?
Those interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact Neighbourly at aldichristmas@neighbourly.com before December 7, 2020.


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--LETTERS - Travellers must be checked for disease

I MUST OFFER comment on the article published in The Southern Daily Echo October 8 2020 concerning the rise of @ @ @ @ @ been born in the Southampton area in 1936 , I well recall the intense nation-wide @ @ @ @ @ of the population that started after the fledgling National Health Service began in 1948 .
@ @ @ @ @ NHS were proud to announce the complete eradication of this debilitating and fatal disease sometime @ @ @ @ @ s and early 1950 ’ s .
It was an incredible achievement .
Then came @ @ @ @ @ overseas countries where this disease was and is still endemic .
From the figures and @ @ @ @ @ of tuberculosis to these islands has wiped out the hard work done all those years @ @ @ @ @ and undermines the salk vaccine programme that cured poliomyelitis in children at that time .
@ @ @ @ @ are returning and visiting travellers not checked for diseases such as these , and given @ @ @ @ @ virus I would have thought it imperative .

Having been born in the Southampton area in 1936, I well recall the intense nation-wide programme of mass chest x-rays of the population that started after the fledgling National Health Service began in 1948.
The then government and the NHS were proud to announce the complete eradication of this debilitating and fatal disease sometime during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.
It was an incredible achievement.
Then came overseas travel to and from overseas countries where this disease was and is still endemic.
From the figures and data published, this re-introduction of tuberculosis to these islands has wiped out the hard work done all those years ago.
This also includes and undermines the salk vaccine programme that cured poliomyelitis in children at that time.
This is disturbing enough but are returning and visiting travellers not checked for diseases such as these, and given the much highlighted Covid 19 virus I would have thought it imperative.
Michael Clements
Totton


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--LETTER - I won't be going to Salisbury on market day again

TRAVELLING to Salisbury today , despite the pandemic , we got caught in the most traffic we have ever met .
Knowing the area we expected to be held on the dual carriageway , but we didn ’ t expect to be static for an hour .
No room for an ambulance to get pass .
Having got into the approach road by the School , we noticed the road had been yellow lined , even the last 100 yards usually kept for the residents .
On the offside a area for cycles was marked off with poles , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus blocking the road for passing traffic .
A loss of 20 plus parking spots .
Although it was market day it was remarkable empty of shoppers .
Even the coach parking was removed , this in a town that relies on foreign visitors !
Marks and Spencer ’ s was virtually empty .
Many stores now closed including Debenhams .
A sad reminder of what Covid-19 is doing .
At five pm we got into the worse traffic we have seen , now I know what gridlocked means .
It was impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton so like many others we changed lanes and went north to the Andover road and got home via Stockbridge , it took over one and a half hours .
I shall not be venturing into Salisbury again on market day .
I noticed an increase of static traffic in Southampton , you have been warned !

Knowing the area we expected to be held on the dual carriageway, but we didn’t expect to be static for an hour.
No room for an ambulance to get pass. Having got into the approach road by the School, we noticed the road had been yellow lined,even the last 100 yards usually kept for the residents.
On the offside a area for cycles was marked off with poles, no sign of a cycle, making a bus blocking the road for passing traffic.
A loss of 20 plus parking spots. Although it was market day it was remarkable empty of shoppers.
I wonder why.
Even the coach parking was removed, this in a town that relies on foreign visitors! Marks and Spencer’s was virtually empty. Many stores now closed including Debenhams.
A sad reminder of what Covid-19 is doing.
At five pm we got into the worse traffic we have seen, now I know what gridlocked means. It was impossible to get back on the A30 to Southampton so like many others we changed lanes and went north to the Andover road and got home via Stockbridge, it took over one and a half hours.
I shall not be venturing into Salisbury again on market day.
I noticed an increase of static traffic in Southampton, you have been warned!
Alan Blandford
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--have the potential to cause severe disability, changing the victims life forever

I have listened to many arguments for and against put forward by push bike users and the lack of understanding on both sides from lorry drivers to those on bikes .
Due to all the problems and lack of safety on our roads I think all sides should come together .
First if you use roads everyone should have insurance and tests .
When you purchase a car it is registered and insurance is automatic and abusers can be traced .
Lorry drivers are always complaining bikes and indeed many forms of transport are ignorant of their blind spots and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is if you have a vehicle on the road you have to have lessons and in this I would include a short films showing blind spots in vehicles and consequences of that ignorance .
I as a driver have had several incidents with bike users who come out from pavement to the road with no warning weaving in and out of traffic and by the `` Grace of God '' I have managed to avoid accidents but when you point out errors to the offenders the sign language and aggression is mind blowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect but the conclusion from my experience is there are some I have come across who think they are .
The trouble is all road users from the smallest vehicle to the largest have the potential to have or cause a fatality on the roads , not only causing devastation in their lives but also to the people who love them .
We now have an even bigger problem of the silent motorised scooter .
It was bad enough with the disability scooters but now you have the scooter weavers who are oblivious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the potential devastation they can cause you have no warning of their silent approach , but as always near misses do not count fatalities do .
The scooters have the potential to cause severe disability , changing the victims life forever .
The rules for all road users must have a total revamp for the safety of us all .

Due to all the problems and lack of safety on our roads I think all sides should come together. First if you use roads everyone should have insurance and tests.
When you purchase a car it is registered and insurance is automatic and abusers can be traced.
Lorry drivers are always complaining bikes and indeed many forms of transport are ignorant of their blind spots and cannot be seen.
My belief is if you have a vehicle on the road you have to have lessons and in this I would include a short films showing blind spots in vehicles and consequences of that ignorance.
I as a driver have had several incidents with bike users who come out from pavement to the road with no warning weaving in and out of traffic and by the " Grace of God" I have managed to avoid accidents but when you point out errors to the offenders the sign language and aggression is mind blowing.
No one on the roads is perfect but the conclusion from my experience is there are some I have come across who think they are.
The trouble is all road users from the smallest vehicle to the largest have the potential to have or cause a fatality on the roads, not only causing devastation in their lives but also to the people who love them.
We now have an even bigger problem of the silent motorised scooter.
It was bad enough with the disability scooters but now you have the scooter weavers who are oblivious to pedestrians.
They have no awareness of the potential devastation they can cause you have no warning of their silent approach, but as always near misses do not count fatalities do.
The scooters have the potential to cause severe disability, changing the victims life forever.
The rules for all road users must have a total revamp for the safety of us all.
Christine Cassell
Southampton


thedailyecho--2020-10-11--Coronavirus: Second national lockdown ‘a possibility’

A second national lockdown is a possibility and stringent measures are needed to avoid it at all costs , a leading expert has warned .
Professor Peter Horby , of the University of Oxford , told the BBC ’ s The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the country was in a “ precarious position ” with rising coronavirus case numbers , hospital admissions and deaths .
Prof Horby , who is also chairman of the Government advisory group for new and emerging respiratory virus threats advisory group ( Nervtag ) , said that hospitals in parts of northern England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said that stringent measures were needed to halt the spread of the virus and added : “ We are already seeing in some parts of the North that some hospitals are starting to see the pressure .
“ We have a doubling time of about eight to 15 days so it is not long before those ICU ( intensive care unit ) beds could be full and we could be in a really difficult situation .
“ So I am afraid we are going to have to make some very difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked if the country faced a second national lockdown , he said : “ I think that ’ s a possibility and we have to do what we can to avoid that at all costs.
” His comments come as the Prime Minister is set to detail a new three-tier system of restrictions with measures expected to force pubs and restaurants to shut across the North of England and see millions of people banned from mixing indoors and outdoors When asked why case numbers were much higher in the North , Prof Horby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the rest of the country and people were having more contact with others .
“ One is that in the North the numbers never really got down as low as they did in the rest of the country .
“ Those parts of the country were at a higher starting point .
“ Second , we saw that over the summer that the surveys were showing that the number of contacts that people were having with each other were not as low in those parts of the country as elsewhere .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are complex and may well be related to different labour markets , housing density , deprivation , et cetera.
” But Prof Horby said that the risk of death for Covid-19 patients in hospitals was falling and treatments were improving .
He added : “ It appears the risk of death in hospitalised patients is coming down .
“ It was pretty high at about 25 % to 30 % in the last wave .
“ It looks like it ’ s coming down to below 20 % .
“ We have learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that anti-inflammatories work .
“ We now know antiviral drugs can work .
“ So we now have got two ways of attacking this disease .
”

Professor Peter Horby, of the University of Oxford, told the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the country was in a “precarious position” with rising coronavirus case numbers, hospital admissions and deaths.
Prof Horby, who is also chairman of the Government advisory group for new and emerging respiratory virus threats advisory group (Nervtag), said that hospitals in parts of northern England were already starting to come under pressure.
He said that stringent measures were needed to halt the spread of the virus and added: “We are already seeing in some parts of the North that some hospitals are starting to see the pressure.
“We have a doubling time of about eight to 15 days so it is not long before those ICU (intensive care unit) beds could be full and we could be in a really difficult situation.
“So I am afraid we are going to have to make some very difficult choices and act very quickly.”
When asked if the country faced a second national lockdown, he said: “I think that’s a possibility and we have to do what we can to avoid that at all costs.”
His comments come as the Prime Minister is set to detail a new three-tier system of restrictions with measures expected to force pubs and restaurants to shut across the North of England and see millions of people banned from mixing indoors and outdoors When asked why case numbers were much higher in the North, Prof Horby said they had not been as low as the rest of the country and people were having more contact with others.
He added: “There’s two primary reasons.
“One is that in the North the numbers never really got down as low as they did in the rest of the country.
“Those parts of the country were at a higher starting point.
“Second, we saw that over the summer that the surveys were showing that the number of contacts that people were having with each other were not as low in those parts of the country as elsewhere.
“The underlying reasons for those two things are complex and may well be related to different labour markets, housing density, deprivation, et cetera.”
But Prof Horby said that the risk of death for Covid-19 patients in hospitals was falling and treatments were improving.
He added: “It appears the risk of death in hospitalised patients is coming down.
“It was pretty high at about 25% to 30% in the last wave.
“It looks like it’s coming down to below 20%.
“We have learned a lot of things, one is that anti-inflammatories work.
“We now know antiviral drugs can work.
“So we now have got two ways of attacking this disease.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Coronavirus case at Crestwood Community School in Eastleigh

A year 8 student has tested positive for Coronavirus at a secondary school .
The Crestwood Community School in Eastleigh have confirmed in a letter to parents that the Year 8 student on the Cherbourg Campus has returned a positive test .
The student is reportedly displaying no symptoms and and is 'well in themselves ' with the school , which has over 1100 pupils , working with Public Health England on the matter .
• Positive coronavirus case among students in three Hampshire schools Students have been informed individually if they have been in contact with the student and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a letter to parents , headteacher Krist Dawkins said : `` The school is not closed and only those students who have been contacted by Mr Nash , and other members of SLT , will need to self isolate for 14 days .
Online learning will be provided for them during this time .
`` There is no need for other students to stay at home unless they develop any symptoms .
`` In that case , parents should inform the school and their child should stay at home and isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received a negative result .
`` Please remember students should wear a clean mask daily , wash their hands regularly and use the hand sanitisers available in school and socially distance when not in the classroom . ''

The Crestwood Community School in Eastleigh have confirmed in a letter to parents that the Year 8 student on the Cherbourg Campus has returned a positive test.
The student is reportedly displaying no symptoms and and is 'well in themselves' with the school, which has over 1100 pupils, working with Public Health England on the matter.
Crestwood Community School, Cherbourg Campus
Students have been informed individually if they have been in contact with the student and told to self isolate for 14 days.
In a letter to parents, headteacher Krist Dawkins said: "The school is not closed and only those students who have been contacted by Mr Nash, and other members of SLT, will need to self isolate for 14 days. Online learning will be provided for them during this time.
"There is no need for other students to stay at home unless they develop any symptoms.
"In that case, parents should inform the school and their child should stay at home and isolate until they have taken a test and received a negative result.
"Please remember students should wear a clean mask daily, wash their hands regularly and use the hand sanitisers available in school and socially distance when not in the classroom."


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Police officers spat at 115 times during Covid pandemic

POLICE officers in Hampshire have been spat at more than 100 times during the pandemic , it has been revealed .
Between March and September this year Hampshire Constabulary recorded 115 cases of officers being spat at .
The incidents have been described as “ vile , disgusting and awful ” .
Officers are now being given the opportunity to self-isolate in hotel rooms .
The government has pledged to tighten the law as the number of officers spat at is on the rise .
Hampshire Constabulary figures revealed that this year the highest number of incidents was recorded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
It was followed by August with 23 incidents , February with 19 and January and May with 18 .
Chief constable Olivia Pinkney told the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel : “ It is horrible anyway .
My staff say they ’ d rather being punched in the face than being spat at but when Covid is with us , that makes it even more dangerous.
” Police officers in Hampshire were spat at 152 times between January and September this year .
Over the same period last year the force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened between March and September .
Zoe Wakefield , chair of Hampshire Police Federation , said it is “ concerning ” that figures are on the rise .
She added : “ In any situation , spitting is vile behaviour , but it really is not an acceptable part of a police officer ’ s job to turn up to a crime , to help members of the public , and have coronavirus weaponised against them.The courts need to play their part and implement the maximum sentences they can if a person is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have the power to implement custodial sentences , then they should be doing that.
” • Amazon delivery driver targeted in 'carjacking ' after being 'jumped' It has not been revealed where in Hampshire the incidents happened .
But Hampshire Constabulary said to date , no officers or staff who had been spat or coughed at are reported to have contracted the virus , and no offer of hotel accommodation has been taken up .
But the hotel provision will remain in place and has incurred no costs so far .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was so that we could ensure officer ’ s loved ones were protected and to give peace of mind to officers whose partners or family members were clinically vulnerable or shielding .
“ Attacking a police officer , either verbally or physically , when we are trying to do our duty is appalling behaviour and will not be tolerated .
People who deliberately assault , spit or cough on police officers , and other emergency workers , will always be dealt with swiftly and rigorously.
” Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the behaviour of animals .
It is bad enough any time but it is even worse during this time .
These are just awful awful people and I hope that we prosecute people that do that.
” Cllr Dave Shields , cabinet member for stronger communities at Southampton City Council , described the increase in the number of incidents as “ worrying ” .
“ There ’ s no excuse for this , ” he said .
Kit Malthouse MP for North West Hampshire and Minister of State for Policing , Crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently announced plans to double the maximum sentence for assaulting front line workers from one to two years .
He added : “ The message is clear , if you attack our police or any other emergency worker , you will face the full force of the law .
I have no idea what goes through the twisted mind of someone who assaults a police officer or indeed even spits at them .
It is a truly disgusting thing to do to someone whom you will making your first call to when you @ @ @ @ @ @

Between March and September this year Hampshire Constabulary recorded 115 cases of officers being spat at.
The incidents have been described as “vile, disgusting and awful”.
Officers are now being given the opportunity to self-isolate in hotel rooms.
The government has pledged to tighten the law as the number of officers spat at is on the rise.
Hampshire Constabulary figures revealed that this year the highest number of incidents was recorded in March when officers were spat at 26 times.
It was followed by August with 23 incidents, February with 19 and January and May with 18.
Chief constable Olivia Pinkney told the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel: “It is horrible anyway. My staff say they’d rather being punched in the face than being spat at but when Covid is with us, that makes it even more dangerous.”
Olivia Pinkney
Police officers in Hampshire were spat at 152 times between January and September this year.
Over the same period last year the force recorded 120 incidents, 100 of which happened between March and September.
Zoe Wakefield, chair of Hampshire Police Federation, said it is “concerning” that figures are on the rise.
She added: “In any situation, spitting is vile behaviour, but it really is not an acceptable part of a police officer’s job to turn up to a crime, to help members of the public, and have coronavirus weaponised against them.The courts need to play their part and implement the maximum sentences they can if a person is assaulting a police officer. And if they have the power to implement custodial sentences, then they should be doing that.”
It has not been revealed where in Hampshire the incidents happened.
But Hampshire Constabulary said to date, no officers or staff who had been spat or coughed at are reported to have contracted the virus, and no offer of hotel accommodation has been taken up.
But the hotel provision will remain in place and has incurred no costs so far.
In a statement the force added: “This was so that we could ensure officer’s loved ones were protected and to give peace of mind to officers whose partners or family members were clinically vulnerable or shielding.
“Attacking a police officer, either verbally or physically, when we are trying to do our duty is appalling behaviour and will not be tolerated. People who deliberately assault, spit or cough on police officers, and other emergency workers, will always be dealt with swiftly and rigorously.”
Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said: “ It is disgusting, it is the behaviour of animals. It is bad enough any time but it is even worse during this time. These are just awful awful people and I hope that we prosecute people that do that.”
Cllr Dave Shields, cabinet member for stronger communities at Southampton City Council, described the increase in the number of incidents as “worrying”.
“There’s no excuse for this,” he said.
Kit Malthouse MP for North West Hampshire and Minister of State for Policing, Crime and Justice, said the government has recently announced plans to double the maximum sentence for assaulting front line workers from one to two years.
He added: “The message is clear, if you attack our police or any other emergency worker, you will face the full force of the law. I have no idea what goes through the twisted mind of someone who assaults a police officer or indeed even spits at them. It is a truly disgusting thing to do to someone whom you will making your first call to when you are in personal danger.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Claire Parry murder trial: Timothy Brehmer appears at Salisbury Crown Court

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thedailyecho--2020-10-12--LIVE: Updates as Boris Johnson set to announce new Covid rules


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Hampshire convenience store owes £345k in unpaid tax

A CONVENIENCE store manager has been found to owe nearly £350,000 in unpaid taxes .
Pratikkumar Dineshbhai Patel , 32 , of Knowle is disqualified from acting as a business director for six years , unless given permission of the court .
His company R K Patel and Sons was found to have tax liabilities totalling £345,000 .
It was incorporated in May 2015 and took over the business of an existing convenience store located on Knowle 's South Square .
Between October 2015 and January 2019 the sole director , Mr Patel , caused the company to suppress sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax authorities .
R K Patel and Sons Limited entered into creditors voluntary liquidation in August 2019 .
Lawrence Zussman , deputy head of insolvent investigations for the Insolvency Service , said : `` Pratikkumar Patel showed a total disregard to their responsibilities as a company director .
`` Much of the public service is funded by the correct amount of taxes being paid and their deceit has ultimately had impact on the public who rely on companies paying their correct taxes .
`` This is a considerable ban , severely restricting Pratikkumar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the corporate arena , and should serve as a warning to other directors who think they can do as they please . ''

Pratikkumar Dineshbhai Patel, 32, of Knowle is disqualified from acting as a business director for six years, unless given permission of the court.
His company R K Patel and Sons was found to have tax liabilities totalling £345,000.
It was incorporated in May 2015 and took over the business of an existing convenience store located on Knowle's South Square.
Between October 2015 and January 2019 the sole director, Mr Patel, caused the company to suppress sales income and submit inaccurate returns to the tax authorities.
R K Patel and Sons Limited entered into creditors voluntary liquidation in August 2019.
Lawrence Zussman, deputy head of insolvent investigations for the Insolvency Service, said: "Pratikkumar Patel showed a total disregard to their responsibilities as a company director.
"Much of the public service is funded by the correct amount of taxes being paid and their deceit has ultimately had impact on the public who rely on companies paying their correct taxes.
"This is a considerable ban, severely restricting Pratikkumar Patel’s ability to act in the corporate arena, and should serve as a warning to other directors who think they can do as they please."


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Southampton doorman attacked by knifeman in tougher sentence plea

A BOUNCER who was attacked by a man with a carving knife is calling for security staff to be protected by law .
Colin Edwards was “ simply doing his job ” at One O Four when knifeman Arvin Ramchurn slashed at him during a “ horrific attack ” on August 3 last year .
Ramchurn , 42 , hurled abuse at him and chased him into the premises in Above Bar Street , Southampton He was arrested the same night and found in possession of a meat cleaver , carving knife and another blade .
• 'You 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man ran into bar and attacked doorman • Give me the money and do n't call security ' : Lidl robber jailed Colin who was left “ shaken ” by what happened has slammed those who carry knives as stupid and wants to see harsher punishments for people who assault security staff .
The 43-year-old father of four is urging people to sign a petition for security staff to be added to the Assaults on Emergency Workers ’ Act 2018 .
Ramchurn was charged with threatening another person with a bladed article and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a public place and had previously pleaded guilty before appearing at Southampton Crown Court last week .
During sentencing , Miss Recorder Alexia Power cited Ramchurn ’ s mental health issues and jailed him for two years , suspended for 18 months .
He was ordered to pay Colin £250 in compensation , to complete 15 days of rehabilitation , six-months of alcohol treatment and 40 hours of unpaid work .
To sign the petition visit the Government and Parliament website .

Colin Edwards was “simply doing his job”at One O Four when knifeman Arvin Ramchurn slashed at him during a “horrific attack” on August 3 last year.
Ramchurn, 42, hurled abuse at him and chased him into the premises in Above Bar Street, Southampton
He was arrested the same night and found in possession of a meat cleaver, carving knife and another blade.
Colin who was left “shaken” by what happened has slammed those who carry knives as stupid and wants to see harsher punishments for people who assault security staff.
The 43-year-old father of four is urging people to sign a petition for security staff to be added to the Assaults on Emergency Workers’ Act 2018.
Ramchurn was charged with threatening another person with a bladed article and two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place and had previously pleaded guilty before appearing at Southampton Crown Court last week.
During sentencing, Miss Recorder Alexia Power cited Ramchurn’s mental health issues and jailed him for two years, suspended for 18 months.
He was ordered to pay Colin £250 in compensation, to complete 15 days of rehabilitation, six-months of alcohol treatment and 40 hours of unpaid work.
To sign the petition visit the Government and Parliament website.


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--P&O unveils Iona, the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market

A CRUISE firm has added a new ship to its fleet - a move it says is a `` positive signal for the future '' .
P & O cruises has now taken ownership of Iona , the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market .
The vessel weighs 185,000 tonnes , is 345m in length , has 17 guest decks , and is the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquified gas .
P & O Cruises president Paul Ludlow , who was at an official handover ceremony in Papenburg , Germany , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very positive signal for the future of cruising .
`` She is now officially part of the P & O Cruises fleet and we are focused on readying her to welcome guests during her new maiden season to Northern Europe , Spain , Portugal and the Canary Islands from our home port of Southampton .
“ Already eagerly anticipated by our guests , crew and the communities we visit , events this year have increased the sense of anticipation even more .
“ Whilst our operations are currently paused until early 2021 Iona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we look forward to our guests experiencing this game-changing ship as we will continue to offer unparalleled holidays at sea whilst also upholding the latest approved travel protocols.
” The ship also includes eight specialty resrautants , 13 entertainment venues , four swimming pools , and 16 whirlpools .

P&O cruises has now taken ownership of Iona, the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market.
The vessel weighs 185,000 tonnes, is 345m in length, has 17 guest decks, and is the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquified gas.
P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow, who was at an official handover ceremony in Papenburg, Germany, said: "Iona’s delivery is a very positive signal for the future of cruising.
"She is now officially part of the P&O Cruises fleet and we are focused on readying her to welcome guests during her new maiden season to Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands from our home port of Southampton.
“Already eagerly anticipated by our guests, crew and the communities we visit, events this year have increased the sense of anticipation even more.
“Whilst our operations are currently paused until early 2021 Iona will not be sailing for the moment but we look forward to our guests experiencing this game-changing ship as we will continue to offer unparalleled holidays at sea whilst also upholding the latest approved travel protocols.”
The ship also includes eight specialty resrautants, 13 entertainment venues, four swimming pools, and 16 whirlpools.


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Amazon Prime Day 2020: Everything you need to know and the best early deals

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Let the countdown begin !
Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner and soon , we 'll be privy to the massive savings event and we ’ re practically chomping at the bit to get in on all of the amazing discounts .
While the sales bonanza won ’ t officially kick off until midnight tonight you don ’ t have to wait to start saving .
In addition to all the great everyday deals we regularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has dropped several early deals exclusively for its Prime Members .
What 's more , members who elect to support small businesses by shopping their stores through Amazon ahead of the big day will also earn a £10 credit to use for Prime Day 2020 .
What is Prime Day ?
Prime Day is an annual savings event hosted by Amazon exclusively for its members ( sign up here for a free 30-day trial ; then pay £7.99 per month ) with some of the very best discounts you ’ ll see on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long .
Last year Amazon sold over 175 million items during the Prime Day sale and with so many of us relying on online shopping due to the Covid-19 pandemic that record is likely to be broken this year .
When is Amazon Prime Day 2020 ?
While Prime Day is usually held during peak summer months ( last year ’ s event fell on July 15 ) , this year ’ s savings event was delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The massive sale will now unofficially kick off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The event will start at 12:01 AM on Tuesday 13 October and end at 11:59 PM on Wednesday 14 October .
How does Amazon Prime Day work ?
In order to shop the best Prime Day deals , you ’ ll have to sign up to become an Amazon Prime member .
These discounts include everything from price drops on popular items to savings on Amazon 's coveted subscription services , such as Audible Premium Plus , Amazon Music and more .
While most markdowns will come on the aforementioned dates , early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faves below ) , so keep checking back on our deals page for all the latest savings .
Along with the usual batch of deals , Amazon is putting special emphasis on supporting small businesses this year .
Anyone who spends £10 on products from selected small businesses in the weeks before Prime Day will be eligible to claim £10 credit to spend on October 13 or 14 .
Details about the Amazon small business promotion can be found on the Amazon Storefronts page .
The best early Amazon Prime Day 2020 deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Months of Amazon Kids+ for £0.99 ( Save £23 ) : Through Monday , October 12 , Prime Day members can save on their Amazon Kids+ subscription , which will give you access to all the kid-friendly books , movies , TV shows .
Learning apps and games you can handle .
Get 3 Months of Amazon Kindle Unlimited for Free ( Save £23.97 ) : Through Thursday , October 14 , Prime Day members can get access to 1 million of Kindle e-books for free .
The service will cost £7.99 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get 3-4 Months of Amazon Music for £0.99 ( Save up to £30.97 ) : New Prime subscribers to Amazon Music can currently get four months of the service for just £0.99 per month , with rates rising to £7.99 per month thereafter .
Non-Prime members £0.99 for three months and £9.99 per month thereafter .
Get 3 months of Prime Video Channels for £2.97 : Prime members can sign up for two months of Starzplay , Acorn TV , Discovery Channel , History Play , Crime and Investigation and BFI player video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get the Amazon Echo Dot for £29.99 ( Save £20 ) : This is a great price on what consider to be the perfect entry-level smart speaker .
Get the Amazon Echo Show 5 for £45 ( Save £35 ) : Prime members can save big on a smart display we hailed as the perfect desk accessory right now .
Get the Amazon Echo Show 8 for £65 ( Save £55 ) : The Show 8 boasts a large screen and a few exciting features .
Security has never been more affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mini indoor security camera for £25 ( Save £10 ) : This affordable security camera has more than 2,000 glowing reviews on Amazon—and it 's on sale .
Get the Oral-B SmartSeries 6000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush for £68.99 ( Save £161 ) : This incredibly popular electric toothbrush has over 11,000 rave reviews .
Get the Philips Series 5000 Trim-n-Flow PRO Technology Hair Clipper for £34.99 ( £20.01 ) : Amazon has slashed the price of this highly-rated hair-trimmer set .
Get the Amazon Eero Mesh Wi-Fi system 3-pack for £149.40 ( Save @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our pick for the best value mesh Wi-Fi system .
This price makes it hard to beat .
Get the Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee Machine for £87.99 ( Save £112 ) : Similar to our favourite single-brew coffee maker in every way but the design ( this one 's slightly less rounded ) , you can get this high-quality machine for £112 off .
Get the Ninja Foodi Max Multi-Cooker for £189 ( Save £40.99 ) : This behemoth of a multicooker combines pressure cooking , steaming , slow cooking , and air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s basically a mini kitchen .
Get it for 18 % off right now .
These earbuds are the best ones we 've ever tested .
Credit : Apple / Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar Get the Apple AirPods Pro for £218.94 ( Save £30.06 ) : The ultimate Apple wireless earbuds are 12 % off right now .
Get the Apple Airpods with Wireless Charging Case for £158 ( Save £48 ) : The regular Apple Airpods are also on sale .
Get them for 21 % off right now .
Get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £50.96 ) : Select colours of these stylish cans are up to 28 % off right now .
Get the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live for £135 ( Save £39.55 ) : The Buds Live are perhaps the most unique and intriguing true wireless earbuds from any major brand and they are 22 % off right now .
Get the Ecovacs Deebot N79S for £169.98 ( Save £50 ) : This machine 's predecessor , the Ecovacs Deebot N79 offered amazing value for the money , sucking up an impressive average of 11 grams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale model is equipped with a “ max suction ” mode that reportedly increases pickup power by 50 % .
Our favourite portable speaker is on sale .
Credit : Reviewed Get the JBL Flip 5 for £99 ( Save £20.99 ) : JBL 's Flip 5 is the best portable speaker we 've ever tested and you can get it at a discount ahead of Prime Day right now .
Get the LG 43UN71006LB 43-inch 4K TV for £379 ( Save £100 ) : Get £100 of this top-rated TV with built-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for £149 ( Save £50.95 ) : This handsome portable speaker from Bose delivers very crisp , pleasing audio .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , product reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Let the countdown begin! Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner and soon, we'll be privy to the massive savings event and we’re practically chomping at the bit to get in on all of the amazing discounts. While the sales bonanza won’t officially kick off until midnight tonight you don’t have to wait to start saving.
In addition to all the great everyday deals we regularly see on the site, the mega-retailer has dropped several early deals exclusively for its Prime Members. What's more, members who elect to support small businesses by shopping their stores through Amazon ahead of the big day will also earn a £10 credit to use for Prime Day 2020.
What is Prime Day?
Prime Day is an annual savings event hosted by Amazon exclusively for its members (sign up here for a free 30-day trial; then pay £7.99 per month) with some of the very best discounts you’ll see on top-rated items across the site all year long.
Last year Amazon sold over 175 million items during the Prime Day sale and with so many of us relying on online shopping due to the Covid-19 pandemic that record is likely to be broken this year.
When is Amazon Prime Day 2020?
While Prime Day is usually held during peak summer months (last year’s event fell on July 15), this year’s savings event was delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The massive sale will now unofficially kick off the holiday shopping season for shoppers. The event will start at 12:01 AM on Tuesday 13 October and end at 11:59 PM on Wednesday 14 October.
How does Amazon Prime Day work?
In order to shop the best Prime Day deals, you’ll have to sign up to become an Amazon Prime member. These discounts include everything from price drops on popular items to savings on Amazon's coveted subscription services, such as Audible Premium Plus, Amazon Music and more.
While most markdowns will come on the aforementioned dates, early deals are already dropping (shop our faves below), so keep checking back on our deals page for all the latest savings.
What’s different this year?
Along with the usual batch of deals, Amazon is putting special emphasis on supporting small businesses this year.
Anyone who spends £10 on products from selected small businesses in the weeks before Prime Day will be eligible to claim £10 credit to spend on October 13 or 14.
Details about the Amazon small business promotion can be found on the Amazon Storefronts page.
The best early Amazon Prime Day 2020 deals you can get right now
Amazon Prime Day 2020 is Oct. 13-14. Credit: Amazon
Get 3 Months of Amazon Kids+ for £0.99 (Save £23): Through Monday, October 12, Prime Day members can save on their Amazon Kids+ subscription, which will give you access to all the kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows. Learning apps and games you can handle.
Get 3 Months of Amazon Kindle Unlimited for Free (Save £23.97): Through Thursday, October 14, Prime Day members can get access to 1 million of Kindle e-books for free. The service will cost £7.99 per month after the first three months.
Get 3-4 Months of Amazon Music for £0.99 (Save up to £30.97): New Prime subscribers to Amazon Music can currently get four months of the service for just £0.99 per month, with rates rising to £7.99 per month thereafter. Non-Prime members £0.99 for three months and £9.99 per month thereafter.
Get 3 months of Prime Video Channels for £2.97: Prime members can sign up for two months of Starzplay, Acorn TV, Discovery Channel, History Play, Crime and Investigation and BFI player video channels at £0.99 per month right now.
Get the Amazon Echo Dot for £29.99 (Save £20): This is a great price on what consider to be the perfect entry-level smart speaker.
Get the Amazon Echo Show 5 for £45 (Save £35): Prime members can save big on a smart display we hailed as the perfect desk accessory right now.
Get the Amazon Echo Show 8 for £65 (Save £55): The Show 8 boasts a large screen and a few exciting features.
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thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Police investigation after Southampton child hit by brick

A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy sparked a police investigation when he told his mum he had been `` hit by a rock '' .
Shannon Smith “ heard a thud ” followed by her three-year-old son Oscar screaming outside Copenhagen Tower in International Way , Weston .
The youngster was treated by a paramedic at the scene on Thursday before being taken to hospital where doctors “ cleaned his wound and glued his head ” .
At first Shannon , 24 , thought someone had thrown a brick at her son so called the police .
An investigation was launched to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any witnesses or for anyone with any information to contact the police .
However , on Sunday , the mum-of-two learned that “ Oscar threw the brick up into the air ” himself , before it hit him .
“ I did throw it , mummy , I don ’ t want to go to jail , '' he told his mum .
“ After explaining that if he was telling porky pies the policeman will probably find out and he will be in trouble ” .
Despite his injuries Oscar is now @ @ @ @ @

Shannon Smith “heard a thud” followed by her three-year-old son Oscar screaming outside Copenhagen Tower in International Way, Weston.
The youngster was treated by a paramedic at the scene on Thursday before being taken to hospital where doctors “cleaned his wound and glued his head”.
At first Shannon, 24, thought someone had thrown a brick at her son so called the police.
An investigation was launched to find those responsible, and Shannon called on any witnesses or for anyone with any information to contact the police.
Weston Towers
However, on Sunday, the mum-of-two learned that “Oscar threw the brick up into the air” himself, before it hit him.
“I did throw it, mummy, I don’t want to go to jail," he told his mum.
Shannon added: “I was shocked but relieved.
“After explaining that if he was telling porky pies the policeman will probably find out and he will be in trouble”.
Despite his injuries Oscar is now “doing well”.


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Amazon driver targeted in Southampton 'carjacking'

AN AMAZON delivery driver has been targeted in a reported carjacking .
A 29-year-old man was making a delivery in @ @ @ @ @ he was `` jumped '' .
His blue Ford Mondeo was stolen with the `` @ @ @ @ @ at around 7pm .
According to police , it is likely they went towards Sainsbury @ @ @ @ @ • `` It is the behaviour of animals '' : Yobs have spat at police @ @ @ @ @ pandemic A police spokesperson said : `` We were called at 7.11pm yesterday evening ( @ @ @ @ @ of a vehicle being stolen on Rownhams Lane , Southampton .
`` The victim , @ @ @ @ @ completing a delivery when his blue Ford Mondeo was stolen .
`` A full area @ @ @ @ @ , however the offenders had made off . ''
Anyone with information is urged to @ @ @ @ @ the reference 44200393881 .

A 29-year-old man was making a delivery in Rownhams Lane, Southampton when he was "jumped".
His blue Ford Mondeo was stolen with the "offenders" fleeing the scene at around 7pm.
According to police, it is likely they went towards Sainsbury's in Lords Hill.
A police spokesperson said: "We were called at 7.11pm yesterday evening (October 10) to reports of a vehicle being stolen on Rownhams Lane, Southampton.
"The victim, a 29-year-old man, was completing a delivery when his blue Ford Mondeo was stolen.
"A full area search was conducted by officers, however the offenders had made off."
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 with the reference 44200393881.


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Nieuw Bos Cycling Club pay tribute to Totton man Martin Turner

CYCLISTS came together this weekend to pay their respects to a man who was the heart and soul of their community .
Around 60 cyclists took to the New Forest roads to pay tribute to Totton man Martin Turner , after his body was found by police .
The event was organised by his former club Nieuw Bos Cycling Club – which means New Forest in Flemish .
They embarked on a “ suggested ” 70-mile route looping around the national park with some meeting at The Gamekeeper in Woodlands and others at Café Velo in Ringwood .
• Tribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he went missing on a ride Taking place on both Saturday and Sunday their aim was to raise as much money as possible for Pedall , which aims to promote and provide cycling as an inclusive activity .
Nieuw Bos chairman , AJ Williams , 46 , said : “ We ’ ve organised a ride this weekend in memory of our ex-chairman Martin Turner who sadly passed away in August.
” The workshop controller from Totton jokingly described his friend as Northern and smiling .
AJ added : “ He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most encouraging person that I ’ ve met in terms of cycling and just life in general.
” Ross Mendenhall had travelled all the way from Northampton to take part .
He said : “ I think it was important to pay respect to a great guy who was part of the cycling scene in this area .
“ It was well worth the trip .
We used to ride together for many years.
” With members of Nieuw Bos , Sotonia Cycling Club and Hargroves Cycles Cycling Club taking part , riders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus rules and respect social distancing .
Riders set off in groups of six and at four-minute intervals .
As previously reported , Martin went missing after leaving his home to go for a ride .
• Hunt for burglars after £4,500 bike stolen in Southampton spree An extensive police search was launched for the 54-year-old , with fellow cyclists joining the hunt to find him .
However , his body was found by police near Dorset ’ s Old Harry Rocks on Sunday , August 16 .
To donate in his memory @ @ @ @ @

Around 60 cyclists took to the New Forest roads to pay tribute to Totton man Martin Turner, after his body was found by police.
The event was organised by his former club Nieuw Bos Cycling Club – which means New Forest in Flemish.
They embarked on a “suggested” 70-mile route looping around the national park with some meeting at The Gamekeeper in Woodlands and others at Café Velo in Ringwood.
Taking place on both Saturday and Sunday their aim was to raise as much money as possible for Pedall, which aims to promote and provide cycling as an inclusive activity.
Nieuw Bos chairman, AJ Williams, 46, said: “We’ve organised a ride this weekend in memory of our ex-chairman Martin Turner who sadly passed away in August.”
The workshop controller from Totton jokingly described his friend as Northern and smiling.
AJ added: “He’s been an inspiration to me. The most encouraging person that I’ve met in terms of cycling and just life in general.”
Ross Mendenhall had travelled all the way from Northampton to take part.
He said: “I think it was important to pay respect to a great guy who was part of the cycling scene in this area.
“It was well worth the trip. We used to ride together for many years.”
With members of Nieuw Bos, Sotonia Cycling Club and Hargroves Cycles Cycling Club taking part, riders were urged to be responsible, observe coronavirus rules and respect social distancing.
Riders set off in groups of six and at four-minute intervals.
As previously reported, Martin went missing after leaving his home to go for a ride.
An extensive police search was launched for the 54-year-old, with fellow cyclists joining the hunt to find him.
However, his body was found by police near Dorset’s Old Harry Rocks on Sunday, August 16.
To donate in his memory visit the Pedall website.


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--People who have appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court

Among the cases heard at Southampton Magistrates Court were : THOMAS EDWARD HUGHES , 33. of Woodlands Road , Totton .
Pleaded guilty to stealing chocolates worth £90 from Tesco Express in Calmore , and stealing alcohol worth £96 from ASDA .
Discharged conditionally for one year .
Must pay £96 compensation .
Ordered to pay £21 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
SHWAN KADER KHOURSHID , 35 , of Bedford Place , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to assault .
Fined £200 .
Ordered to pay £200 compensation , £32 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
CRAIG ALAN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to assault and two counts of using threatening , abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour thereby causing harassment , alarm or distress .
Committed to prison for ten weeks , suspended for 12 months .
Restraining order made against his two victims until September 2023 .
Rehabilitation requirement of 15 days .
Ordered to pay £100 compensation and £95 victim surcharge .
JENNIE KIM VINCENT , 28 , Canford Avenue , Bournemouth .
Pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance or a licence .
Community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an electronically monitored curfew between 9.30pm and 6.30am each day until January 2021 .
Rehabilitation activity requirement of 20 days .
Disqualified from driving for three years .
Fined £150 .
Ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
CHRISTOPHER IAN WILLIAM DAW , 30 , of Suffolk Road .
Pleaded guilty to drink driving .
Disqualified from driving for two years .
Fined £300 .
Ordered to pay £34 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
SIMON CHRISTOPHER BELL , 39 , of Riverdale Close , Fordingbridge .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ without insurance or licence and failing to give information relating to the identification of a driver .
Disqualified from driving for 24 months .
Community order made to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work .
Must pay £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
THOMAS HURLEY , 40 , of St Johns Drive , Marchwood .
Pleaded guilty to drink driving .
Community order made until October 2022 .
Must participate in an accredited programme for 15 days .
Unpaid work requirement for 100 days .
Disqualified from driving fore 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay £85 court costs .
GEOFFREY LEE KING , 39 , of Priestlands , Romsey .
Pleaded guilty to criminal damage .
Discharged conditionally for 12 months .
Ordered to pay £21 victim surcharge and £64 court costs .
MARTYN JOHN HEMMING , 33 , of Heath Gardens , Netley Abbey .
Pleaded guilty to causing harassment , alarm or distress by using threatening , abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour .
Fined £500 .
Ordered to pay £50 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
TAMAS BAZSO , 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pleaded guilty to speeding .
Fined £60 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge .
Driving record endorsed with three points .
ALEXANDER MCINTOSH , 49 , of Steuart Road , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to speeding .
Fined £40 .
Ordered to pay £30 victim surcharge .
Driving record endorsed with three points .

THOMAS EDWARD HUGHES, 33. of Woodlands Road, Totton. Pleaded guilty to stealing chocolates worth £90 from Tesco Express in Calmore, and stealing alcohol worth £96 from ASDA. Discharged conditionally for one year. Must pay £96 compensation. Ordered to pay £21 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
SHWAN KADER KHOURSHID, 35, of Bedford Place, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to assault. Fined £200. Ordered to pay £200 compensation, £32 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
CRAIG ALAN MCWILLIAMS, 48, of International Way, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to assault and two counts of using threatening, abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour thereby causing harassment, alarm or distress. Committed to prison for ten weeks, suspended for 12 months. Restraining order made against his two victims until September 2023. Rehabilitation requirement of 15 days. Ordered to pay £100 compensation and £95 victim surcharge.
JENNIE KIM VINCENT, 28, Canford Avenue, Bournemouth. Pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance or a licence. Community order made until October 2021. Subject to an electronically monitored curfew between 9.30pm and 6.30am each day until January 2021. Rehabilitation activity requirement of 20 days. Disqualified from driving for three years. Fined £150. Ordered to pay £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
CHRISTOPHER IAN WILLIAM DAW, 30, of Suffolk Road. Pleaded guilty to drink driving. Disqualified from driving for two years. Fined £300. Ordered to pay £34 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
SIMON CHRISTOPHER BELL, 39, of Riverdale Close, Fordingbridge. Pleaded guilty to drink driving, driving without insurance or licence and failing to give information relating to the identification of a driver. Disqualified from driving for 24 months. Community order made to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. Must pay £95 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
THOMAS HURLEY, 40, of St Johns Drive, Marchwood. Pleaded guilty to drink driving. Community order made until October 2022. Must participate in an accredited programme for 15 days. Unpaid work requirement for 100 days. Disqualified from driving fore 24 months. Fined £90 and ordered to pay £85 court costs.
GEOFFREY LEE KING, 39, of Priestlands, Romsey. Pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay £21 victim surcharge and £64 court costs.
MARTYN JOHN HEMMING, 33, of Heath Gardens, Netley Abbey. Pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm or distress by using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour. Fined £500. Ordered to pay £50 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
STEVEN SHANE WOODCOCK, 25, of Bluebell Gardens, Hythe. Admitted breaching a post-sentence supervision order. Fined £20.
TAMAS BAZSO, 44, of Furzedale Gardens, Hythe. Pleaded guilty to speeding. Fined £60 and ordered to pay £32 victim surcharge. Driving record endorsed with three points.
ALEXANDER MCINTOSH, 49, of Steuart Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to speeding. Fined £40. Ordered to pay £30 victim surcharge. Driving record endorsed with three points.


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--CooperVision redundancies: calls to support workers

CALLS have been made to support local workers and businesses after a Hampshire employer announced plans to axe around 200 jobs .
Contact lens manufacturer CooperVision revealed job cuts are due to advances in manufacturing and not the coronavirus pandemic .
The US-based business said it would “ phase out ” some production processes at sites in Hamble and Chandlers Ford .
Tory MP for Eastleigh Paul Holmes - Tory MP for Eastleigh previously offered to “ help those individuals impacted ” .
However , the Eastleigh Labour party is now calling on him to do more .
• 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employer Spokesperson , Josh Constable said : “ Meetings between staff and Coopervision management should be an urgent priority for him [ Mr Holmes ] .
This is especially urgent because of the current jobs crisis .
“ The government ’ s economic policy is causing avoidable job losses when what the economy needs is clear direction and people need greater support .
Josh added : “ Labour has consistently called for more training schemes , better investment priorities and the scrapping of universal credit to support people facing redundancy .
A thriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but ensure its benefits are shared by all .
The government must do more to support workers so that when jobs are lost , workers can be supported in transitioning to secure jobs for the future.
” • 2,000 jobs at risk as airport ‘ can ’ t carry on with quarantines ’ As reported Mr Holmes said : “ While the company is attributing these redundancies to business changes and new technologies rather than coronavirus , this announcement will have a profound effect on CooperVision employees .
However , despite the cuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said “ It ’ s progress , one job will be replaced by others .
Who do you think will develop and manufacture the “ robots ” , service and repair them etc .
For example look at how the car manufacturing business has changed over the years .
yes , unfortunately due to progress sadly people may loose their jobs but people can retrain ( that ’ s if they want to ) to either stay in that particular industry or move on to something else .
I appreciate that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of the UK workforce struggling to keep or find jobs and this is unfortunate timing but sounds like it was inevitable so would have happened regardless of the pandemic .
”

Contact lens manufacturer CooperVision revealed job cuts are due to advances in manufacturing and not the coronavirus pandemic.
The US-based business said it would “phase out” some production processes at sites in Hamble and Chandlers Ford.
Tory MP for Eastleigh Paul Holmes - Tory MP for Eastleigh previously offered to “help those individuals impacted”.
However, the Eastleigh Labour party is now calling on him to do more.
Spokesperson, Josh Constable said: “Meetings between staff and Coopervision management should be an urgent priority for him [Mr Holmes]. This is especially urgent because of the current jobs crisis.
“The government’s economic policy is causing avoidable job losses when what the economy needs is clear direction and people need greater support.
Josh added: “Labour has consistently called for more training schemes, better investment priorities and the scrapping of universal credit to support people facing redundancy. A thriving economy needs to not only encourage innovation but ensure its benefits are shared by all. The government must do more to support workers so that when jobs are lost, workers can be supported in transitioning to secure jobs for the future.”
As reported Mr Holmes said: “While the company is attributing these redundancies to business changes and new technologies rather than coronavirus, this announcement will have a profound effect on CooperVision employees.
However, despite the cuts one reader, commenting at dailyecho.co.uk, said “It’s progress, one job will be replaced by others. Who do you think will develop and manufacture the “robots”, service and repair them etc.
For example look at how the car manufacturing business has changed over the years. yes, unfortunately due to progress sadly people may loose their jobs but people can retrain (that’s if they want to) to either stay in that particular industry or move on to something else. I appreciate that this is unprecedented times and there are a large number of the UK workforce struggling to keep or find jobs and this is unfortunate timing but sounds like it was inevitable so would have happened regardless of the pandemic.”


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Former teacher at Sholing Girls School Diana Smith dies

SHE inspired generations of Southampton schoolgirls through her passion for books .
Diana Smith , the former Head of English at Sholing Girls School and a teacher there for 30 years , has passed away aged 88 .
Born Diana Francis in Westbury in Wiltshire in 1932 , she was educated at Trowbridge Girls High and worked at County Hall in Trowbridge before deciding to retrain as a teacher in Bristol and taking up her first teaching post in Whitchurch .
She met Peter at a dance at Andover Drill Hall and they were happily married from 1956 until his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settled in Southampton , via a brief detour to Tunbridge Wells , and were blessed with two children , Lisa and Adam , and a granddaughter , Elinor .
Diana turned her passion for English literature , in particular the novel Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee and Shakespeare texts , into a career .
She was an English teacher for over 40 years , retiring after many happy years at Sholing Girls School in 1992 as Head of English .
She would often bump into former pupils in the street and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasion and loved to hear updates on their lives after school .
Diana , who spent many years living in Sholing and the last two decades in Whiteley , was an avid theatre-goer , adored the cinema and loved to socialise with a wide circle of friends .
She was a voracious reader and was well travelled , once enjoying a first class trip on QEII to New York .
Diana 's private funeral is due to take place in mid October .

Diana Smith, the former Head of English at Sholing Girls School and a teacher there for 30 years, has passed away aged 88.
Born Diana Francis in Westbury in Wiltshire in 1932, she was educated at Trowbridge Girls High and worked at County Hall in Trowbridge before deciding to retrain as a teacher in Bristol and taking up her first teaching post in Whitchurch.
She met Peter at a dance at Andover Drill Hall and they were happily married from 1956 until his death five years ago.
The couple settled in Southampton, via a brief detour to Tunbridge Wells, and were blessed with two children, Lisa and Adam, and a granddaughter, Elinor.
Diana turned her passion for English literature, in particular the novel Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee and Shakespeare texts, into a career. She was an English teacher for over 40 years, retiring after many happy years at Sholing Girls School in 1992 as Head of English.
She would often bump into former pupils in the street and even in an airport in Majorca on one occasion and loved to hear updates on their lives after school.
Diana, who spent many years living in Sholing and the last two decades in Whiteley, was an avid theatre-goer, adored the cinema and loved to socialise with a wide circle of friends.
She was a voracious reader and was well travelled, once enjoying a first class trip on QEII to New York.
Diana’s private funeral on October 19 will be webcast via obitus.com


thedailyecho--2020-10-12--Tesco introducing new social distancing measures

Tesco has revealed new social distancing measures set to be introduced in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus .
The supermarket giant has updated its website to inform customers of fresh changes coming into place at its shops .
A message on Tesco 's website says : `` To make sure we ’ re doing everything possible to reduce the risk of infection for our customers and colleagues , we ’ ll be introducing new social distancing measures in our stores soon . ''
It follows last week 's announcement that Tesco was set to introduce a traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put staff back on its entrances to control customer numbers .
At this stage , it is not clear when the new changes will be in force .
These are the changes that are being introduced : • Staff at the entrances of larger stores to remind customers about the safety measures in place , including the legal requirement to wear a face covering .
• Where necessary , Tesco will limit the flow of people coming into stores to make sure they don ’ t get too busy .
• Hand sanitisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and colleagues to use , as well as extra cleaning products to wipe down your trolley or basket .
• In some stores , Tesco will introduce directional floor markings and new signs to create a safe flow of movement around the store .
• New floor markings will help you to keep a safe distance from others while waiting to pay .
• Tesco is installing protective screens at its checkouts .
• Where possible , it will create separate entrances and exits to its stores , so it ’ s easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoppers .
• Tesco is encouraging customers to shop on their own to help reduce the number of people in-store at any one time .
• If possible , use card or contactless payments .
• Please avoid shopping during Tesco 's dedicated times for vulnerable and elderly people .
Meanwhile , Morrisons announced last week it is introducing `` quieter hours '' on Sundays , where all stores in the UK will have no music , checkout beeps or PA announcements for the first hour of shopping .
Quiet hours will operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10-4pm on a Sunday .
Quieter hours already operate every Saturday between 9am – 10am in all Morrisons stores .
Morrisons says the initiative was first introduced in 2018 after listening to families affected by autism who shared their difficulties in shopping in noisy and busy environments .
Many customers have appreciated the initiative and , as a result , it will now be extended to the first hour of store opening every Sunday to provide more opportunities to shop peacefully .
• Turn checkout beeps and other electrical noises down • Place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Quieter Hour David Potts , Morrisons Chief Executive , said : `` The introduction of the quieter hours has been appreciated by many customers who prefer to shop in a calmer environment .
`` Extending them to include Sundays will offer more opportunities to shop more peacefully . ''

The supermarket giant has updated its website to inform customers of fresh changes coming into place at its shops.
A message on Tesco's website says: "To make sure we’re doing everything possible to reduce the risk of infection for our customers and colleagues, we’ll be introducing new social distancing measures in our stores soon."
It follows last week's announcement that Tesco was set to introduce a traffic light system to its larger stores and put staff back on its entrances to control customer numbers.
At this stage, it is not clear when the new changes will be in force.
These are the changes that are being introduced:
Staff at the entrances of larger stores to remind customers about the safety measures in place, including the legal requirement to wear a face covering.
Where necessary, Tesco will limit the flow of people coming into stores to make sure they don’t get too busy.
Hand sanitisers are being placed around stores for customers and colleagues to use, as well as extra cleaning products to wipe down your trolley or basket.
In some stores, Tesco will introduce directional floor markings and new signs to create a safe flow of movement around the store.
New floor markings will help you to keep a safe distance from others while waiting to pay.
Tesco is installing protective screens at its checkouts.
Where possible, it will create separate entrances and exits to its stores, so it’s easier to keep a safe distance from other shoppers.
Tesco is encouraging customers to shop on their own to help reduce the number of people in-store at any one time.
If possible, use card or contactless payments.
Please avoid shopping during Tesco's dedicated times for vulnerable and elderly people.
Meanwhile, Morrisons announced last week it is introducing "quieter hours" on Sundays, where all stores in the UK will have no music, checkout beeps or PA announcements for the first hour of shopping.
Quiet hours will operate from 10am-11am for stores that open from 10-4pm on a Sunday.
Quieter hours already operate every Saturday between 9am – 10am in all Morrisons stores.
Morrisons says the initiative was first introduced in 2018 after listening to families affected by autism who shared their difficulties in shopping in noisy and busy environments.
Many customers have appreciated the initiative and, as a result, it will now be extended to the first hour of store opening every Sunday to provide more opportunities to shop peacefully.
Dim the lights
Turn music and radio off
Avoid making tannoy announcements
Reduce movement of trolleys and baskets
Turn checkout beeps and other electrical noises down
Place a poster outside to tell customers it's Quieter Hour
David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive, said: "The introduction of the quieter hours has been appreciated by many customers who prefer to shop in a calmer environment.
"Extending them to include Sundays will offer more opportunities to shop more peacefully."