birminghammail--2020-04-23--Neil Warnock: 'It beggars belief' Albion couldn't win promotion

Neil Warnock admits the idea that West Brom and Leeds United might not finish off their respective promotion pushes ‘ beggars belief ’ .
The experienced coach , who has been out of work since leaving Cardiff City earlier in the season , has managed Leeds previously ; he ’ s got history with Albion , too .
Yet he believes both clubs must still be permitted the opportunity to get their season ’ s ambitions over the line , having enjoyed so much success already .
Albion and Leeds have dominated the Championship standings this season , largely left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still enjoy a cushion to Fulham and the other members of the chasing pack prior to the suspension of the season .
Having seen the non-league wiped out because of coronavirus , there remains uncertainty in how the Premier League and EFL may approach the situation in the coming weeks and months .
Warnock , though , believes they should finish the season , once it is safe to do so - regardless of how long that takes .
“ I hope not , ” Warnock told talkSPORT , when the prospect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I think even the National League , they should finish when this is all over .
I can ’ t see why they can ’ t finish as and when the country can let it happen .
“ I don ’ t agree with the cancelling thing .
It ’ s the easy option .
They should leave it until it ’ s impossible to play on .
“ I think it ’ s fairer to finish the season .
The likes of Leeds and West Brom ... it beggars belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even if it means finishing it in September .
”

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Neil Warnock admits the idea that West Brom and Leeds United might not finish off their respective promotion pushes ‘beggars belief’.
The experienced coach, who has been out of work since leaving Cardiff City earlier in the season, has managed Leeds previously; he’s got history with Albion, too.
Yet he believes both clubs must still be permitted the opportunity to get their season’s ambitions over the line, having enjoyed so much success already.
Albion and Leeds have dominated the Championship standings this season, largely left undisturbed in the automatic promotion places and still enjoy a cushion to Fulham and the other members of the chasing pack prior to the suspension of the season.
Having seen the non-league wiped out because of coronavirus, there remains uncertainty in how the Premier League and EFL may approach the situation in the coming weeks and months.
Warnock, though, believes they should finish the season, once it is safe to do so - regardless of how long that takes.
“I hope not,” Warnock told talkSPORT, when the prospect of cancelling the season was put to him. “I think even the National League, they should finish when this is all over. I can’t see why they can’t finish as and when the country can let it happen.
“I don’t agree with the cancelling thing. It’s the easy option. They should leave it until it’s impossible to play on.
“I think it’s fairer to finish the season. The likes of Leeds and West Brom...it beggars belief that their season might not finish. Even if it means finishing it in September.”


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Thousands queue outside B&Q as 61 UK stores re-opened

Thousands of shoppers have flocked to B & Q stores across the country on Thursday after branches were re-opened following a coronavirus lockdown .
The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a nationwide shutdown , with non-essential stores shut up across Birmingham , the Midlands and entire UK .
As the unprecedented health crisis continues , claiming the lives of hundreds of Brits every day , some DIY retailers have been deemed essential .
The stores have re-opened as a result , operating with strict social distancing measures in place , and offering Click & Collect and delivery services .
B & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country having initially opened 14 in the midst of the pandemic .
Following revised guidance from police chiefs , more than 70 B & Q stores in the UK have re-opened to customers .
New guidance set out by police chiefs has resulted in many DIY stores across the country opening during the coronavirus lockdown .
Pictures show scores of shoppers taking to stores from the Midlands - in Nottinghamshire - to Paisley and Thurrock .
If you 're planning on heading to B & Q , make sure it is only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and be sure to follow the social distancing guidelines .
The retailer is strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time , and so you may find you need to queue if you visit the store .
To help remind everyone to respect each other ’ s personal space , there are two metre floor markers throughout the store and also perspex screens at checkouts .
At these re-opened stores , customers can purchase products that are available for takeaway in store on the day .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , paint mixing , timber cutting and key cutting are not available for the time being .
B & Q is accepting card , gift card and contact-less payments only .
A spokesperson for B & Q outlined why the stores had opened again , saying : `` As an essential retailer , we ’ ve watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores and are now in a position to follow best practice and reopen a small number of our stores as a trial , while keeping our colleagues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time , and so customers may need to queue before entering the store .
`` To help remind everyone to respect each other ’ s personal space , we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts .
`` We ’ re urging all customers to follow the government ’ s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary . ''

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Thousands of shoppers have flocked to B&Q stores across the country on Thursday after branches were re-opened following a coronavirus lockdown.
The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a nationwide shutdown, with non-essential stores shut up across Birmingham, the Midlands and entire UK.
As the unprecedented health crisis continues, claiming the lives of hundreds of Brits every day, some DIY retailers have been deemed essential.
The stores have re-opened as a result, operating with strict social distancing measures in place, and offering Click & Collect and delivery services.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
B&Q re-opened a further 61 stores across the country having initially opened 14 in the midst of the pandemic.
Following revised guidance from police chiefs, more than 70 B&Q stores in the UK have re-opened to customers.
New guidance set out by police chiefs has resulted in many DIY stores across the country opening during the coronavirus lockdown.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
Pictures show scores of shoppers taking to stores from the Midlands - in Nottinghamshire - to Paisley and Thurrock.
If you're planning on heading to B&Q, make sure it is only done as part of an essential shop, and be sure to follow the social distancing guidelines.
The retailer is strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so you may find you need to queue if you visit the store.
To help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, there are two metre floor markers throughout the store and also perspex screens at checkouts.
At these re-opened stores, customers can purchase products that are available for takeaway in store on the day.
However, services such as kitchen and bathroom design, paint mixing, timber cutting and key cutting are not available for the time being. B&Q is accepting card, gift card and contact-less payments only.
A spokesperson for B&Q outlined why the stores had opened again, saying: "As an essential retailer, we’ve watched other essential retailers support social distancing in their stores and are now in a position to follow best practice and reopen a small number of our stores as a trial, while keeping our colleagues and customers safe.
(Image: Tom Maddick / SWNS)
"We’re strictly limiting the number of customers in store at any one time, and so customers may need to queue before entering the store.
"To help remind everyone to respect each other’s personal space, we have two metre floor markers throughout these stores and also perspex screens at the checkouts.
"We’re urging all customers to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines and to shop responsibly only for what is necessary."


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Huge number of residents judged at highest risk from Covid-19

More than 5,000 Solihull residents are deemed to be at the highest level of risk from coronavirus , the latest data reveals .
Earlier this month it was indicated that 3,000 within the borough were on the so-called `` shielding list '' , although in fact the figure has now risen to 5,108 .
This is more than the entire population of some of Solihull 's smaller villages , including Berkswell , Cheswick Green and Hampton-in-Arden or around a third of a capacity crowd at the NEC 's arena .
Work to protect those at greatest risk has placed huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team , which has been heavily depleted by sickness absence and cases of employees being forced into self-isolation themselves .
A report this month warned that councils may have to prioritise care and support services in the face of increased demand and briefed councillors on the fact requirements were being relaxed at national level .
`` There is significant additional work associated with shielding and protecting those who are deemed as extremely vulnerable to the impact of Covid-19 on medical grounds , which relates to those who are advised to rigorously follow shielding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this week , of the 492 members-of-staff who make-up the adult care and support workforce , almost a fifth ( 83 people ) are absent from work .
And care homes and home care providers , who sit outside the council 's own team , are also said to be experiencing `` significant '' staffing issues .
While absence is less than it was a few weeks ago , the workload has in fact increased because of the extra work being generated supporting those being shielded and the difficulties facing the borough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out how the council was responding to the current crisis was presented to Cllr Karen Grinsell , cabinet member for adult social care and health , earlier this month .
Cllr Rosemary Sexton ( Green , Shirley West ) said she understood the need to ensure those with the most urgent need received support , but did fear the impact reduced services elsewhere could have .
`` I know that the intention is to reduce services as little as possible for as short a time as possible , and I am pleased to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely and reviewed regularly while these emergency measures are in place . ''
The shielding list for each area comprises the patients who are considered at the highest clinical risk from Covid-19 Initially individuals were identified through NHS data held nationally , but further work was done by GPs and hospital clinicians to pinpoint others who met the criteria .
This is why the number of Solihull residents deemed to be at the highest risk has increased since the start of the month .
Those with organ transplants , certain cancer patients and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those classed as particularly vulnerable .
The government has advised this group to `` shield '' - effectively stopping at home at all times - until the end of June .

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More than 5,000 Solihull residents are deemed to be at the highest level of risk from coronavirus, the latest data reveals.
Earlier this month it was indicated that 3,000 within the borough were on the so-called "shielding list", although in fact the figure has now risen to 5,108.
This is more than the entire population of some of Solihull's smaller villages, including Berkswell, Cheswick Green and Hampton-in-Arden or around a third of a capacity crowd at the NEC's arena.
Work to protect those at greatest risk has placed huge pressures on the council's social care team, which has been heavily depleted by sickness absence and cases of employees being forced into self-isolation themselves.
A report this month warned that councils may have to prioritise care and support services in the face of increased demand and briefed councillors on the fact requirements were being relaxed at national level.
"There is significant additional work associated with shielding and protecting those who are deemed as extremely vulnerable to the impact of Covid-19 on medical grounds, which relates to those who are advised to rigorously follow shielding measures," it said.
As of this week, of the 492 members-of-staff who make-up the adult care and support workforce, almost a fifth (83 people) are absent from work.
(Image: Solihull Council)
And care homes and home care providers, who sit outside the council's own team, are also said to be experiencing "significant" staffing issues.
While absence is less than it was a few weeks ago, the workload has in fact increased because of the extra work being generated supporting those being shielded and the difficulties facing the borough's care providers.
A report setting out how the council was responding to the current crisis was presented to Cllr Karen Grinsell, cabinet member for adult social care and health, earlier this month.
Cllr Rosemary Sexton (Green, Shirley West) said she understood the need to ensure those with the most urgent need received support, but did fear the impact reduced services elsewhere could have.
"I know that the intention is to reduce services as little as possible for as short a time as possible, and I am pleased to hear that this situation will be monitored closely and reviewed regularly while these emergency measures are in place."
The shielding list for each area comprises the patients who are considered at the highest clinical risk from Covid-19
Initially individuals were identified through NHS data held nationally, but further work was done by GPs and hospital clinicians to pinpoint others who met the criteria.
This is why the number of Solihull residents deemed to be at the highest risk has increased since the start of the month.
Those with organ transplants, certain cancer patients and people with severe respiratory conditions were among those classed as particularly vulnerable.
The government has advised this group to "shield" - effectively stopping at home at all times - until the end of June.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Church bells in Walsall WILL ring out in support of key workers

Churches in Walsall have answered a call to ring a bell and demonstrate their support for all key workers in the borough .
The symbolic gesture will take place at 8pm on Thursday night ( April 23 ) when the now weekly 'Clap for Carers ' - which sees residents out on their door steps applauding NHS workers - takes place .
Councillor Garry Perry , Walsall Council 's portfolio holder for community , leisure and culture , had issued the call last week saying it would be a great way to recognise all the good work being done during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches such as St Gabriel 's Church in Walstead Road had already been ringing a bell every week .
But now , Councillor Perry said the Diocese of Lichfield and Walsall Deanery have responded positively to the request .
Where it is safe and possible , a single bell will be allowed to be rung to coincide with building checks .
The 'Clap for Carers - Ring for All ' initiative has also been backed by Walsall Council leader Mike Bird , who said local authority staff , refuse collectors , shop staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as NHS staff deserved to be recognised .
Pelsall Ward councillor Perry said : `` Thank you to the Diocese of Lichfield and Walsall Deanery for responding to the request for churches to be allowed - where possible - to ring a single bell in solidarity with their communities .
`` I have received acknowledgement that this permission has been granted for those who wish to participate to coincide with building checks .
`` St Michaels in Pelsall will be ringing their bell a symbolic but welcome gesture at this critical @ @ @ @ @ @

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Churches in Walsall have answered a call to ring a bell and demonstrate their support for all key workers in the borough.
The symbolic gesture will take place at 8pm on Thursday night (April 23) when the now weekly 'Clap for Carers' - which sees residents out on their door steps applauding NHS workers - takes place.
(Image: Google Street)
Councillor Garry Perry, Walsall Council's portfolio holder for community, leisure and culture, had issued the call last week saying it would be a great way to recognise all the good work being done during the coronavirus lock-down.
One or two churches such as St Gabriel's Church in Walstead Road had already been ringing a bell every week.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
But now, Councillor Perry said the Diocese of Lichfield and Walsall Deanery have responded positively to the request. Where it is safe and possible, a single bell will be allowed to be rung to coincide with building checks.
The 'Clap for Carers - Ring for All' initiative has also been backed by Walsall Council leader Mike Bird, who said local authority staff, refuse collectors, shop staff, bus and train drivers, journalists as well as NHS staff deserved to be recognised.
Pelsall Ward councillor Perry said: "Thank you to the Diocese of Lichfield and Walsall Deanery for responding to the request for churches to be allowed - where possible - to ring a single bell in solidarity with their communities.
"I have received acknowledgement that this permission has been granted for those who wish to participate to coincide with building checks.
"St Michaels in Pelsall will be ringing their bell a symbolic but welcome gesture at this critical time for our communities."


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Celebrities back Sutton Coldfield school's amazing music video

A host of celebrities have thrown their support behind a series of music videos produced by a Sutton Coldfield primary school .
Pupils and parents performed their own version of I Will Survive and then the teachers responded with theirs .
It has had such a good reaction it has even attracted compliments from singer , pianist , and model Myleene Klass , actor Oliver Phelps , who plays one of the Weasley twins in Harry Potter and is also a former pupil , TV presenter Jules Hudson and Amy Dickson , Grammy nominated saxophonist .
Myleene says : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils , parents and staff at Little Sutton Primary School .
It is wonderful to see you carrying on your music lessons and creating such a positive video . ''
Oliver said : `` A big shout out to say well done for the fantastic music videos .
I really hope you guys are staying safe and keep up the reading while you are at home Amy added : `` Well done on a brilliant video .
Try to keep on learning and enjoying music while you are not at school . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy head teacher Nicola Arkinstall said : “ Our pupils and parents re wrote the words to ‘ I will survive ’ and are trying to encourage other families to take part and use the hashtag # Musiclessonchallenge .
“ Each family filmed a section of the song from their own home and then they were edited together .
The words reflect the current situation they are in during lock down .
“ The staff of the school then replied with their own version of the song and staff members filmed a section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
“ At the end of the video there are four celebrity messages to the staff and pupils from Oliver Phelps , Myleene Klass , Jules Hudson and Amy Dickson .
”

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A host of celebrities have thrown their support behind a series of music videos produced by a Sutton Coldfield primary school.
Pupils and parents performed their own version of I Will Survive and then the teachers responded with theirs.
It has had such a good reaction it has even attracted compliments from singer, pianist, and model Myleene Klass, actor Oliver Phelps, who plays one of the Weasley twins in Harry Potter and is also a former pupil, TV presenter Jules Hudson and Amy Dickson, Grammy nominated saxophonist.
Myleene says: "A big hello to all of the pupils, parents and staff at Little Sutton Primary School. It is wonderful to see you carrying on your music lessons and creating such a positive video."
Oliver said: "A big shout out to say well done for the fantastic music videos. I really hope you guys are staying safe and keep up the reading while you are at home
Amy added: "Well done on a brilliant video. Try to keep on learning and enjoying music while you are not at school."
Explaining how it all came about, deputy head teacher Nicola Arkinstall said: “Our pupils and parents re wrote the words to ‘I will survive’ and are trying to encourage other families to take part and use the hashtag #Musiclessonchallenge.
“Each family filmed a section of the song from their own home and then they were edited together. The words reflect the current situation they are in during lock down.
“The staff of the school then replied with their own version of the song and staff members filmed a section at home and then it was edited together.
“At the end of the video there are four celebrity messages to the staff and pupils from Oliver Phelps, Myleene Klass, Jules Hudson and Amy Dickson.”


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Sutton Coldfield snapper to tackle marathon - in his own back garden!

A freelance photographer is hoping to be picture perfect as he completes a marathon - in his own back garden !
Richard Harris , from Boldmere , is a regular runner and leader with the Boldmere Bullets and as he is not able to participate in the London Marathon this weekend due to coronavirus he is doing the next best thing , approximately 2,600 lengths of his 10 meter lawn !
Rich regularly works for the Sutton Observer as well as with local charities and organisations including Acorns , St Giles Hospice , the Community Games and Sutton Town Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been home schooling his two children , Jacob and Libby , and working as a NHS volunteer for a local pharmacy .
He explained : “ On Sunday I was due to run the London Marathon so I am going to run the 26.2 miles in my garden for charity .
“ I will be running for Activity Alliance who bring organisations and disabled people together to make active lives possible .
Collectively , they continue to challenge perceptions and change the reality about disability , inclusion and sport .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appeal to save the UK ’ s charities was launched as the Covid-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic effect leading to an estimated loss of £4 billion for the sector .
Charities depend on income from fundraising events and thousands have been cancelled or postponed .
“ For many charities , including our own , April 26 would have been the biggest fundraising day of the year thanks to the London Marathon , the world ’ s biggest one day fundraising event which raised £66.4 million for charities in 2019 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass participation sports event industry has come together to create ‘ The 2.6 Challenge ’ , a nationwide fundraising campaign to save the UK ’ s charities including the Activity Alliance .
“ They are inviting the public to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to their chosen charity to help save the UK ’ s charities.
” To sponsor him go to https : //www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-harris-01

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A freelance photographer is hoping to be picture perfect as he completes a marathon - in his own back garden!
Richard Harris, from Boldmere, is a regular runner and leader with the Boldmere Bullets and as he is not able to participate in the London Marathon this weekend due to coronavirus he is doing the next best thing, approximately 2,600 lengths of his 10 meter lawn!
Rich regularly works for the Sutton Observer as well as with local charities and organisations including Acorns, St Giles Hospice, the Community Games and Sutton Town Council.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown he has been home schooling his two children, Jacob and Libby, and working as a NHS volunteer for a local pharmacy.
He explained: “On Sunday I was due to run the London Marathon so I am going to run the 26.2 miles in my garden for charity.
“I will be running for Activity Alliance who bring organisations and disabled people together to make active lives possible. Collectively, they continue to challenge perceptions and change the reality about disability, inclusion and sport.
“I decided to take on this challenge after an appeal to save the UK’s charities was launched as the Covid-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic effect leading to an estimated loss of £4 billion for the sector. Charities depend on income from fundraising events and thousands have been cancelled or postponed.
“For many charities, including our own, April 26 would have been the biggest fundraising day of the year thanks to the London Marathon, the world’s biggest one day fundraising event which raised £66.4 million for charities in 2019.
“In response, the UK’s mass participation sports event industry has come together to create ‘The 2.6 Challenge’, a nationwide fundraising campaign to save the UK’s charities including the Activity Alliance.
“They are inviting the public to dream up an activity based around the numbers 2.6 or 26 and fundraise or donate to their chosen charity to help save the UK’s charities.”
To sponsor him go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-harris-01


birminghammail--2020-04-23--The Belfry announces this kind gesture to charities

The Belfry will donate its entire green fee income from the first day of reopening to a number of UK charities .
The Belfry Hotel and Resort was set to host more than 30 charity golf days in 2020 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic , donations and many fund raising activities have been cancelled or postponed .
As a result , donations from the resort ’ s green fees will support a variety of causes , from cancer , heart , kidney and Parkinson ’ s treatment , children ’ s hospitals and hospices , to charity trusts supporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominated Belfry charities for 2020 , Matt Hampson Foundation and LoveBrum .
Katie Niland , Sales Director , said : “ We want to share some positivity and support during what is an exceptionally challenging time for many charities who rely on donations to survive and show our support for the amazing work they do .
`` At The Belfry , we have the pleasure to host many charity golf days a year , so we want to take this opportunity to give something back so they can continue to help those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore really want the first day we open the courses to count .
`` The Brabazon , PGA National and The Derby will all be available to play and there will be some fun opportunities out on the courses to donate further , so whether you are a beginner , amateur or pro golfer , it ’ s sure to be a great day for some truly fantastic causes ” .
The Belfry hotel ’ s three golf courses , including The Brabazon and The PGA National , are recognised as world-class , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times – more than any other venue in the world – and two European Tour events , producing some of the most dramatic moments in the history of golf .

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The Belfry will donate its entire green fee income from the first day of reopening to a number of UK charities.
The Belfry Hotel and Resort was set to host more than 30 charity golf days in 2020 but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, donations and many fund raising activities have been cancelled or postponed.
As a result, donations from the resort’s green fees will support a variety of causes, from cancer, heart, kidney and Parkinson’s treatment, children’s hospitals and hospices, to charity trusts supporting ex-sportsmen.
It also includes the two nominated Belfry charities for 2020, Matt Hampson Foundation and LoveBrum.
Katie Niland, Sales Director, said: “We want to share some positivity and support during what is an exceptionally challenging time for many charities who rely on donations to survive and show our support for the amazing work they do.
"At The Belfry, we have the pleasure to host many charity golf days a year, so we want to take this opportunity to give something back so they can continue to help those who need it most."
“We therefore really want the first day we open the courses to count.
"The Brabazon, PGA National and The Derby will all be available to play and there will be some fun opportunities out on the courses to donate further, so whether you are a beginner, amateur or pro golfer, it’s sure to be a great day for some truly fantastic causes”.
The Belfry hotel’s three golf courses, including The Brabazon and The PGA National, are recognised as world-class, having previously hosted The Ryder Cup four times – more than any other venue in the world – and two European Tour events, producing some of the most dramatic moments in the history of golf.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Piers Morgan erupts in anger at Tory MP changing coronavirus testing target

Piers Morgan was left raging at Brandon Lewis , who he claimed was trying to move the goalposts on coronavirus testing .
During an explosive row on Thursday 's show , presenter Piers was left furious with the Tory MP , who was invited onto the daytime ITV1 favourite .
Mr Lewis appeared on the show to be quizzed by Piers and co-presenter Susanna Reid during the controversial presenter 's final show of the week .
But he left Piers utterly raging - with claims he was trying to shift the Covid-19 testing target .
Mr Lewis , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` This was a new virus and there were no tests , we quickly got to 2,000 , that 's not enough and that 's why Matt Hancock is determined we will get to that 100,000 capacity by the end of the month . ''
Piers interjected : `` Hang on Mr Lewis , you said 'capacity ' , no one pledged 'capacity ' .
`` The Health Secretary was crystal clear from April 2nd that we would be doing 100,000 tests a day .
Mr Lewis replied that the target was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that was being upscaled , reports the Mirror .
Branding Mr Lewis `` vague , '' Piers asked him to `` clarify unequivocally '' that the pledge was 100,000 tests a day by the end of April .
Mr Lewis said it was , and that they needed to increase capacity to do so , building more test stations and making them available to be sent to people 's homes .
Piers asked Mr Lewis how many people were tested by the government yesterday , and he replied 22,000 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the government had not actually tested 22,000 people , but had undertaken 22,000 tests on 13,000 people , as some need repeated tests .
`` How can you not know that ? ''
demanded Piers , informing him that the number was `` dramatically different '' at just 13,000 .
He called testing a `` shambles '' and said the lack of correct figures were `` worrying '' , and raged about the fact that just one in four carers who thought they had the virus had been tested , calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewis agreed it was `` dreadful '' and said the government were determined to increase testing .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Verity Sulway, James Rodger)

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Piers Morgan was left raging at Brandon Lewis, who he claimed was trying to move the goalposts on coronavirus testing.
During an explosive row on Thursday's show, presenter Piers was left furious with the Tory MP, who was invited onto the daytime ITV1 favourite.
Mr Lewis appeared on the show to be quizzed by Piers and co-presenter Susanna Reid during the controversial presenter's final show of the week.
But he left Piers utterly raging - with claims he was trying to shift the Covid-19 testing target.
Mr Lewis, who is the Secretary for Northern Ireland, said: "This was a new virus and there were no tests, we quickly got to 2,000, that's not enough and that's why Matt Hancock is determined we will get to that 100,000 capacity by the end of the month."
Piers interjected: "Hang on Mr Lewis, you said 'capacity', no one pledged 'capacity'.
"The Health Secretary was crystal clear from April 2nd that we would be doing 100,000 tests a day.
"He didn't mention the word 'capacity'."
Mr Lewis replied that the target was 100,000 a day, and the capacity to do that was being upscaled, reports the Mirror.
Branding Mr Lewis "vague," Piers asked him to "clarify unequivocally" that the pledge was 100,000 tests a day by the end of April.
Mr Lewis said it was, and that they needed to increase capacity to do so, building more test stations and making them available to be sent to people's homes.
Piers asked Mr Lewis how many people were tested by the government yesterday, and he replied 22,000, but "with the capacity of 40,000".
But the government had not actually tested 22,000 people, but had undertaken 22,000 tests on 13,000 people, as some need repeated tests.
"How can you not know that?" demanded Piers, informing him that the number was "dramatically different" at just 13,000.
He called testing a "shambles" and said the lack of correct figures were "worrying", and raged about the fact that just one in four carers who thought they had the virus had been tested, calling that a "disgrace".
Mr Lewis agreed it was "dreadful" and said the government were determined to increase testing.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Alan Pardew: 'I still carry no bitterness toward anybody'

Alan Pardew reflects on his time at West Brom as just being another chapter of his managerial career .
Pardew was in charge at The Hawthorns for a brief spell between November 2017 and April 2018 , in which time he oversaw a single Premier League victory .
On the back of a miserable beginning to the season under Tony Pulis , it was a series of results that led to the Baggies dropping into the Championship , where they find themselves two years on .
Pardew , the current manager of Dutch side ADO Den Haag who he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suspension of football because of the coronavirus pandemic , has found that every dismissal in his managerial career has been different .
Previously boss of Southampton , Charlton , Crystal Palace , West Ham and Newcastle , among others , he indicated that no two exits had been the same and hinted that in certain jobs he was let go at the right time .
“ There is no departure that is exactly the same , I found , ” Pardew told ESPN .
“ But certainly , I still carry no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions that were made .
They ’ re made , and you have to get on with it .
“ I think that ’ s where some managers fall down .
They carry it , and you can ’ t do that .
It ’ s a bit like a bad defeat : You have to bury it pretty quickly and move on to the next game .
“ Sometimes the board were hasty and should have been more patient , and other times it was the right decision for all involved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after leaving a job you need a break .
We are constantly under pressure .
It ’ s difficult to have a nice time , you know , if results are bad or you ’ re feeling the heat .
So yeah , that ’ s the first phase after a job .
“ The first sort of five weeks [ after being sacked ] , you really take very little interest in football .
The second phase is you start analysing what you did that either went well or went wrong and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you want to call it that .
“ The third phase is OK , rebuild .
Let ’ s start thinking about how we ’ re going to go back in and , you know , what we ’ d change , staff and ideas and stuff like that .
And then you get your motivation .
You get approached , and you think , you know what ?
Let ’ s have a go at this.
” You can read the full ESPN interview with Pardew , Tony Pulis and @ @ @ @

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Alan Pardew reflects on his time at West Brom as just being another chapter of his managerial career.
Pardew was in charge at The Hawthorns for a brief spell between November 2017 and April 2018, in which time he oversaw a single Premier League victory.
On the back of a miserable beginning to the season under Tony Pulis, it was a series of results that led to the Baggies dropping into the Championship, where they find themselves two years on.
Pardew, the current manager of Dutch side ADO Den Haag who he was attempting to lead to survival prior to the suspension of football because of the coronavirus pandemic, has found that every dismissal in his managerial career has been different.
Previously boss of Southampton, Charlton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Newcastle, among others, he indicated that no two exits had been the same and hinted that in certain jobs he was let go at the right time.
“There is no departure that is exactly the same, I found,” Pardew told ESPN. “But certainly, I still carry no bitterness toward anybody in terms of the decisions that were made. They’re made, and you have to get on with it.
“I think that’s where some managers fall down. They carry it, and you can’t do that. It’s a bit like a bad defeat: You have to bury it pretty quickly and move on to the next game.
“Sometimes the board were hasty and should have been more patient, and other times it was the right decision for all involved.
How Albion have made a difference in lockdown Albion have been leading the way in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, by supporting their fanbase and local community. Here are the variety of efforts they've made during this difficult period without football. CEO Mark Jenkins revealed he took a 100% pay cut - and other board members agreed to salary reductions - READ
Albion organised food parcels for local NHS staff who hadn't time to shop - READ
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“Nine times out of 10, after leaving a job you need a break. We are constantly under pressure. It’s difficult to have a nice time, you know, if results are bad or you’re feeling the heat. So yeah, that’s the first phase after a job.
“The first sort of five weeks [after being sacked], you really take very little interest in football. The second phase is you start analysing what you did that either went well or went wrong and trying to make sense of what happened, if you want to call it that.
“The third phase is OK, rebuild. Let’s start thinking about how we’re going to go back in and, you know, what we’d change, staff and ideas and stuff like that. And then you get your motivation. You get approached, and you think, you know what? Let’s have a go at this.”
You can read the full ESPN interview with Pardew, Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce here.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Gary Neville makes huge prediction involving Aston Villa

Gary Neville has revealed he now thinks it 's unlikely the Premier League season will be completed .
Fixtures across England and Europe were suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and talks over potential solutions for resuming the campaign are ongoing .
Aston Villa still have 10 league matches left to play in their battle against relegation , having a game in hand on their rivals at the bottom of the table .
But Neville , who has been involved in discussions as co-owner of Salford City , is now convinced remaining fixtures will be written off altogether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ universe , '' the former Manchester United full-back told Sky Sports .
`` I have meetings with our two hotels , where we ’ re being told that people won ’ t be able to sit within two metres at restaurants , capacity will be down to 50 per cent .
“ Then you go into a meeting an hour later on football where they ’ re talking about players playing football , jumping for headers against each other , and you think well , hang on a second , I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re told you can ’ t even have people sitting at a table without being two metres apart .
`` It just doesn ’ t work .
I thought a month or two ago that football could continue , that we could get behind closed doors , but now I ’ m very , very doubtful the more I hear , the more I listen .
One thing is , an employer can not put an employee at risk based on health and safety grounds , there will be a liability issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City owner , I ’ ve got players who have potentially got diabetes , asthma , am I going to put them on the field and risk their safety for a game of football ?
The answer is quite simply no .
I ’ m not sure how Premier League clubs will get around it .
“ The testing thing is nonsense , there is no way the Premier League can sell to the public that they ’ re going to have access to tens of thousands of tests while the front line @ @ @ @ @

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Gary Neville has revealed he now thinks it's unlikely the Premier League season will be completed.
Fixtures across England and Europe were suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and talks over potential solutions for resuming the campaign are ongoing.
Aston Villa still have 10 league matches left to play in their battle against relegation, having a game in hand on their rivals at the bottom of the table.
But Neville, who has been involved in discussions as co-owner of Salford City, is now convinced remaining fixtures will be written off altogether.
“It feels like a parallel universe," the former Manchester United full-back told Sky Sports. "I have meetings with our two hotels, where we’re being told that people won’t be able to sit within two metres at restaurants, capacity will be down to 50 per cent.
“Then you go into a meeting an hour later on football where they’re talking about players playing football, jumping for headers against each other, and you think well, hang on a second, I’ve just been in a meeting where we’re told you can’t even have people sitting at a table without being two metres apart.
"It just doesn’t work. I thought a month or two ago that football could continue, that we could get behind closed doors, but now I’m very, very doubtful the more I hear, the more I listen. One thing is, an employer cannot put an employee at risk based on health and safety grounds, there will be a liability issue for employers.
“As a Salford City owner, I’ve got players who have potentially got diabetes, asthma, am I going to put them on the field and risk their safety for a game of football? The answer is quite simply no. I’m not sure how Premier League clubs will get around it.
“The testing thing is nonsense, there is no way the Premier League can sell to the public that they’re going to have access to tens of thousands of tests while the front line workers are forgotten.”


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Piers Morgan breaks silence over backlash after GMB ignores St George's Day

Piers Morgan has addressed criticism over Good Morning Britain failing to acknowledge St George 's Day on Thursday .
On April 23 , Piers and co-presenter Susanna Reid hosted GMB as they welcomed a string of guests onto the ITV1 daytime favourite .
Among those appearing on the show to be interviewed by the GMB presenting duo were Captain Tom Moore .
But not everybody was happy with how the show played out today , with some claiming Piers and Susanna were ignoring St George 's Day .
One fan had tweeted : `` Are n't these a*******s even gon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day ?
?
# GMB Happy St George 's day everyone ! ''
Another said : `` To those who care as # GMB seem to have forgotten Happy St George ’ s Day . ''
A third added : `` This programme gets more ridiculous every day .
I ’ ve never seen so much drivel in my life .
# gutterjournalism # GMB Oh btw it St George ’ s day you Britain hating lefties . ''
Piers and Susanna hit back , with Piers commenting : `` First of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is St. George 's Day today , April 23rd .
`` We 've had a few people tweeting , 'why have n't you said it ? '
I just said it .
Happy St. George 's Day . ''
He added : `` You just forget about all this other stuff , we would have probably been doing something on it but anyway , there you go . ''

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Piers Morgan has addressed criticism over Good Morning Britain failing to acknowledge St George's Day on Thursday.
On April 23, Piers and co-presenter Susanna Reid hosted GMB as they welcomed a string of guests onto the ITV1 daytime favourite.
Among those appearing on the show to be interviewed by the GMB presenting duo were Captain Tom Moore.
But not everybody was happy with how the show played out today, with some claiming Piers and Susanna were ignoring St George's Day.
One fan had tweeted: "Aren't these a*******s even gonna mention it is St George's day? ? #GMB Happy St George's day everyone!"
Another said: "To those who care as #GMB seem to have forgotten Happy St George’s Day."
A third added: "This programme gets more ridiculous every day. I’ve never seen so much drivel in my life. #gutterjournalism #GMB Oh btw it St George’s day you Britain hating lefties."
Piers and Susanna hit back, with Piers commenting: "First of all, happy St. George's Day. It is St. George's Day today, April 23rd.
"We've had a few people tweeting, 'why haven't you said it?' I just said it. Happy St. George's Day."
He added: "You just forget about all this other stuff, we would have probably been doing something on it but anyway, there you go."


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Meet the non-league goalkeeper with 900 games to his name

Ruud Gullit once declared that “ a goalkeeper is a goalkeeper because he can ’ t play football.
” The legendary Dutch international and former AC Milan star might have been talking from personal experience .
But try telling that to Coleshill Town keeper Paul Hathaway .
Anyone who has seen the Tamworth stopper confidently stick away a penalty will testify to his finishing prowess at the other end of the pitch .
And although , over the years , he ’ s become well respected as a keeper for Coleshill , Bolehall Swifts , Atherstone , Sutton Coldfield Town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t always the case .
“ I started as an outfield player , ” he recalls .
“ I was playing at six for Dosthill Colts .
“ When I first started , I was a left midfielder and then went more central as a midfielder and striker .
I gradually started slowly going backwards !
“ I loved those days as a kid .
You didn ’ t have a care in the world .
You just enjoyed yourself , playing with mates and against other kids from your school and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always destined to play football .
From an early age the game was ‘ in his blood ’ .
“ My dad , Bob , was at the Blues and played for Tamworth and Atherstone , ” he remembers .
“ His brothers played as well at a decent level , non-league wise , so it was in my blood straight away .
“ As soon as I could walk and there was a ball in front of me and I could start doing something with it , I did.
” Paul soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most talented young players , featuring alongside the likes of Welsh international Ashley Williams at school and in county teams .
“ When I was at Belgrave High School , Kingsbury were the top side .
“ They had people like Daz Nickells and Neil Barnes , who were at Aston Villa at the time .
“ But we had lads like myself , ( Welsh international ) Ashley Williams , Adam Goodby who were in district teams and I started to look at it and think we have a good side .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about football then .
I really enjoyed playing in centre midfield but never kicked on in that position.
” Hathaway went on to represent Mile Oak Rovers , playing for their youth side and enjoying a memorable first-team debut .
“ I was a youth team lad under Pete Wilson , ” he said .
“ I actually played for Mile Oak ’ s Saturday side at 16 when they had the likes of Neil Pitkin in their side .
I came off the bench on debut and I remember scoring in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break from Saturday football while at college , playing on a Sunday , before joining Bolehall Swifts under Ron Tranter .
“ He was brilliant , ” Paul reflects .
“ He had all the time for you .
`` He ’ d tell you if you weren ’ t doing something right but would do it in a way to encourage you .
He had good people around him as well like Pete Gunn .
“ It was a very good club and I enjoyed my time there .
I played more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I went as a goalkeeper but they had Martin Taylor and Paul Barnes there already .
We were struggling for a team one game and so I played centre half .
“ I ended up staying there , playing alongside Simon Russell and , in centre midfield with Adam Goodby .
We had Rob Masefield at right back and Ryan Allmark up front .
“ When you talk about players I have played with over the years , non-league wise , there have been some unbelievable players , some real legends around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against someone like , say , Ryan Allmark in training and you ’ d see some of the things he ’ d do and think ‘ how ’ s he done that ?
’ ” Paul moved on to Dosthill Colts , working with Paul Billing , who later became chairman of Coleshill .
“ I went there at 21 and played centre half for the first six months , ” Paul adds .
“ Our keeper got injured so I went in goal and I enjoyed it .
“ I was still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a runaround but I thought ‘ you know what , I ’ m going to stick to being in goal on a Saturday ’ .
“ I just really enjoyed it and probably should have done it a couple of years earlier than I did .
I had people come to watch me but it didn ’ t go any further .
“ I don ’ t think I ’ d have ever been a Football League player but I think the Conference or Conference North/South were levels I could have played at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might have regrets I didn ’ t play higher .
I wanted to play for Tamworth , for example .
`` As a Tamworth lad , I watched them a lot as a kid .
I have great memories of FA Cup games like Scarborough and Bury away .
“ If I ’ d played for them , I ’ d look back and say ‘ I ’ ve achieved something to be proud of as a local lad ’ .
I was close to joining them a couple of times , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can ’ t change the way your life went .
`` If I had done it I might not have the life I have now with my wife and two kids.
” Time at Dosthill brought success , with Paul remembering : “ We finished runners-up in the league , got promoted to the Midland Combination Premier and finished fourth at a time when there were very good teams there .
“ We had an FA Vase run as well , beating a few teams as the lowest ranked team , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But we didn ’ t have our ground and nearly had to fold .
We ended up going to Coleshill Town as our landlords.
” That was when Paul ’ s affiliation with the Colemen began in the Midland Alliance for the 2011-12 campaign .
“ We became a feeder team for Coleshill and merged for that season , ” he said .
“ I was gutted it happened in a way but it seemed right to be playing at Packmeadow as Coleshill rather than Dosthill .
I worked under Carl Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Dosthill lads to stay .
Myself , Simon Rowley , Jamie Lake plus Leon and Ryan Haddock .
Only Simon and I stayed in the end.
” Paul has sinced played more than 350 times for Coleshill , despite a few stints away .
“ We did well at the club with the resources that Carl Adams had but I left after a disagreement .
`` Carl actually tried to sign me later so he must have liked something in me .
There were no hard feelings .
I was probably a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul moved on to the Adders for a stint and enjoyed his time at ‘ a great club ’ .
“ The fans were brilliant , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a shame we got relegated from the Midland Alliance that season .
We were unlucky .
We had some good young players but not enough experience .
`` We took it down to the last game , away at Westfields , but we lost 2-1 .
It was gutting but I loved it there.
” A stint at Sutton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he rejoined Coleshill under Jason Lanns , who he describes as ‘ a great bloke.
’ When Lanns resigned , Andy Reece took over for three games before taking a full-time scouting job at Northampton Town .
Youth team manager Paul Casey was handed the reins and brought the club success .
“ Paul ( Casey ) got the best out of players and I have respect for what he did and respect him as a bloke .
I just didn ’ t respect some of the decisions he made at times though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-season .
“ I had no intentions of leaving but he decided he wanted Chris Jay as his keeper and I left and went to Bolehall under Dave Haywood .
“ It was good to play there again with people like Joe Obi , Adam Goodby , Scott Goodby – it was like being back to playing with mates and that what I saw it as .
We had a good team .
The lads all got on with each other and enjoyed their football.
” He returned to Coleshill after a season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hatchet .
“ Good times started to kick on there .
Paul brought success and was headhunted by Hednesford .
Simon Lyons and Adam Wilkes then came in .
I ’ d played against Simon on a Sunday .
I was up front and he was at the back so we had that rivalry .
“ We always got on well and when he took over , I had massive respect for what he ’ d done , so it was an easy transition.
” The team finished runners-up in the Midland Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the FA Vase , just missing out on Wembley after a two-legged defeat to South Shields .
“ We were the better team in the first leg of that , ” he adds .
“ They made a couple of changes which turned the game in their favour .
“ Even at their place I felt we were the better side for the first half an hour and Julio Arca scored a worldie which took the wind out of our sails .
“ They scored two late goals when we chasing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after seeing people coming out in their numbers to watch us but it wasn ’ t to be.
” Lyons and Wilkes departed at that point and Paul says he ’ s delighted both have proved a point with success at Heather , winning the Midland One title , and now with Romulus and Coton Green .
But Coleshill have also continued to have success under Cameron Stuart , promoted into the Bet Victor Southern League , where they have since established themselves .
“ Cam has taken us to another level , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of promotion but the players that have come in and kicked us on .
He ’ s got knowledge and a lot of respect through non-league football for what he ’ s achieved as a player and that ’ s helped him.
” As for Paul , he may be a veteran of 900 games but , with this season ending so prematurely and everyone now in lockdown , he ’ s no intention of finishing yet .
Indeed , he ’ s itching to start again .
“ You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot more , ” he says .
“ I can ’ t wait to be packing my gloves , my bag and boots and going back to football .
“ I want to enjoy whatever comes my way in the remainder of my time playing .
I keep saying , I ’ m not going to argue with refs , I want to just smile and enjoy playing .
“ A lot of people will see it as something we have had taken away from us and we want to enjoy what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

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Ruud Gullit once declared that “a goalkeeper is a goalkeeper because he can’t play football.”
The legendary Dutch international and former AC Milan star might have been talking from personal experience.
But try telling that to Coleshill Town keeper Paul Hathaway. Anyone who has seen the Tamworth stopper confidently stick away a penalty will testify to his finishing prowess at the other end of the pitch.
And although, over the years, he’s become well respected as a keeper for Coleshill, Bolehall Swifts, Atherstone, Sutton Coldfield Town and Dosthill Colts, that wasn’t always the case.
“I started as an outfield player,” he recalls. “I was playing at six for Dosthill Colts.
“When I first started, I was a left midfielder and then went more central as a midfielder and striker. I gradually started slowly going backwards!
“I loved those days as a kid. You didn’t have a care in the world. You just enjoyed yourself, playing with mates and against other kids from your school and people you grew up with.”
Paul was always destined to play football. From an early age the game was ‘in his blood’.
“My dad, Bob, was at the Blues and played for Tamworth and Atherstone,” he remembers. “His brothers played as well at a decent level, non-league wise, so it was in my blood straight away.
“As soon as I could walk and there was a ball in front of me and I could start doing something with it, I did.”
Paul soon became one of the town’s most talented young players, featuring alongside the likes of Welsh international Ashley Williams at school and in county teams.
“When I was at Belgrave High School, Kingsbury were the top side.
“They had people like Daz Nickells and Neil Barnes, who were at Aston Villa at the time.
“But we had lads like myself, (Welsh international) Ashley Williams, Adam Goodby who were in district teams and I started to look at it and think we have a good side.
"I started to get more serious about football then. I really enjoyed playing in centre midfield but never kicked on in that position.”
Hathaway went on to represent Mile Oak Rovers, playing for their youth side and enjoying a memorable first-team debut.
“I was a youth team lad under Pete Wilson,” he said. “I actually played for Mile Oak’s Saturday side at 16 when they had the likes of Neil Pitkin in their side. I came off the bench on debut and I remember scoring in a win over Burntwood.”
Paul took a break from Saturday football while at college, playing on a Sunday, before joining Bolehall Swifts under Ron Tranter.
“He was brilliant,” Paul reflects. “He had all the time for you.
"He’d tell you if you weren’t doing something right but would do it in a way to encourage you. He had good people around him as well like Pete Gunn.
“It was a very good club and I enjoyed my time there. I played more than 150 times for them.
(Image: Paul Barber.)
“I went as a goalkeeper but they had Martin Taylor and Paul Barnes there already. We were struggling for a team one game and so I played centre half.
“I ended up staying there, playing alongside Simon Russell and, in centre midfield with Adam Goodby. We had Rob Masefield at right back and Ryan Allmark up front.
“When you talk about players I have played with over the years, non-league wise, there have been some unbelievable players, some real legends around the Tamworth area.
“You came up against someone like, say, Ryan Allmark in training and you’d see some of the things he’d do and think ‘how’s he done that?’”
Paul moved on to Dosthill Colts, working with Paul Billing, who later became chairman of Coleshill.
“I went there at 21 and played centre half for the first six months,” Paul adds. “Our keeper got injured so I went in goal and I enjoyed it.
“I was still playing outfield on a Sunday to get a runaround but I thought ‘you know what, I’m going to stick to being in goal on a Saturday’.
“I just really enjoyed it and probably should have done it a couple of years earlier than I did. I had people come to watch me but it didn’t go any further.
“I don’t think I’d have ever been a Football League player but I think the Conference or Conference North/South were levels I could have played at with the right coaching.
“I might have regrets I didn’t play higher. I wanted to play for Tamworth, for example.
"As a Tamworth lad, I watched them a lot as a kid. I have great memories of FA Cup games like Scarborough and Bury away.
“If I’d played for them, I’d look back and say ‘I’ve achieved something to be proud of as a local lad’. I was close to joining them a couple of times, including when Dale Belford was there, but you can’t change the way your life went.
"If I had done it I might not have the life I have now with my wife and two kids.”
Time at Dosthill brought success, with Paul remembering: “We finished runners-up in the league, got promoted to the Midland Combination Premier and finished fourth at a time when there were very good teams there.
“We had an FA Vase run as well, beating a few teams as the lowest ranked team, and we were on BBC Midlands news.
“But we didn’t have our ground and nearly had to fold. We ended up going to Coleshill Town as our landlords.”
That was when Paul’s affiliation with the Colemen began in the Midland Alliance for the 2011-12 campaign.
(Image: Paul Barber)
“We became a feeder team for Coleshill and merged for that season,” he said. “I was gutted it happened in a way but it seemed right to be playing at Packmeadow as Coleshill rather than Dosthill. I worked under Carl Adams then.
"He wanted five of the Dosthill lads to stay. Myself, Simon Rowley, Jamie Lake plus Leon and Ryan Haddock. Only Simon and I stayed in the end.”
Paul has sinced played more than 350 times for Coleshill, despite a few stints away.
“We did well at the club with the resources that Carl Adams had but I left after a disagreement.
"Carl actually tried to sign me later so he must have liked something in me. There were no hard feelings. I was probably a bit to open at the time.”
Paul moved on to the Adders for a stint and enjoyed his time at ‘a great club’.
“The fans were brilliant,” he said. “It’s a shame we got relegated from the Midland Alliance that season. We were unlucky. We had some good young players but not enough experience.
"We took it down to the last game, away at Westfields, but we lost 2-1. It was gutting but I loved it there.”
A stint at Sutton Coldfield Town under Chris Keogh followed before he rejoined Coleshill under Jason Lanns, who he describes as ‘a great bloke.’
When Lanns resigned, Andy Reece took over for three games before taking a full-time scouting job at Northampton Town.
Youth team manager Paul Casey was handed the reins and brought the club success.
“We had a Jekyll and Hyde relationship,” Paul adds.
“Paul (Casey) got the best out of players and I have respect for what he did and respect him as a bloke. I just didn’t respect some of the decisions he made at times though and we had a disagreement during a pre-season.
“I had no intentions of leaving but he decided he wanted Chris Jay as his keeper and I left and went to Bolehall under Dave Haywood.
“It was good to play there again with people like Joe Obi, Adam Goodby, Scott Goodby – it was like being back to playing with mates and that what I saw it as. We had a good team. The lads all got on with each other and enjoyed their football.”
He returned to Coleshill after a season, working under Casey having buried the hatchet.
“Good times started to kick on there. Paul brought success and was headhunted by Hednesford. Simon Lyons and Adam Wilkes then came in. I’d played against Simon on a Sunday. I was up front and he was at the back so we had that rivalry.
“We always got on well and when he took over, I had massive respect for what he’d done, so it was an easy transition.”
The team finished runners-up in the Midland Premier and, incredibly, reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase, just missing out on Wembley after a two-legged defeat to South Shields.
“We were the better team in the first leg of that,” he adds. “They made a couple of changes which turned the game in their favour.
“Even at their place I felt we were the better side for the first half an hour and Julio Arca scored a worldie which took the wind out of our sails.
“They scored two late goals when we chasing the game. It was tough to take after seeing people coming out in their numbers to watch us but it wasn’t to be.”
Lyons and Wilkes departed at that point and Paul says he’s delighted both have proved a point with success at Heather, winning the Midland One title, and now with Romulus and Coton Green.
(Image: Stephen Cave)
But Coleshill have also continued to have success under Cameron Stuart, promoted into the Bet Victor Southern League, where they have since established themselves.
“Cam has taken us to another level,” Paul says. “Not just in terms of promotion but the players that have come in and kicked us on. He’s got knowledge and a lot of respect through non-league football for what he’s achieved as a player and that’s helped him.”
As for Paul, he may be a veteran of 900 games but, with this season ending so prematurely and everyone now in lockdown, he’s no intention of finishing yet. Indeed, he’s itching to start again.
“You are going to appreciate things a hell of a lot more,” he says.
“I can’t wait to be packing my gloves, my bag and boots and going back to football.
“I want to enjoy whatever comes my way in the remainder of my time playing. I keep saying, I’m not going to argue with refs, I want to just smile and enjoy playing.
“A lot of people will see it as something we have had taken away from us and we want to enjoy what’s been given to us.”


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Massive bill for Covid-19 crisis faced by Sandwell

Local authority bosses have said Covid-19 is piling pressure on budgets as Sandwell Council faces spending an extra £14 million coping with the effects of coronavirus .
The cost to the borough was revealed as the borough ’ s Emergency Committee met yesterday ( Wednesday 22 ) to discuss the impact of the virus .
It comes after Cllr Luke Giles , chair of Sandwell ’ s budget and corporate scrutiny management board , said last week : “ If the Government dosen ’ t start doshing out money quick – not just now but in the future – then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial blow is expected to fall heaviest on services for vulnerable adults with over £12 million being used to support care homes , staff and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
A report on the cost of Covid-19 over the next the next five months estimates an extra £1 million will be spent on services dealing with deaths .
In a chilling note , council officers warn this could increase , saying : “ The Temporary Mortuary costs reflect a capacity of only 3,335 bodies compared to the initial requirement of 6,900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of ‘ known unknowns ’ and the estimated costs of this provision are changing almost daily .
It is therefore possible that the actual costs are significantly higher than the current estimate.
” Police have stressed these numbers relate to the West Midlands and Warwickshire region as a whole adding the total number deaths can ’ t be predicted .
The report also also warns of a £9.1 million fall in income , saying : “ The estimated loss of income ( excluding Business Rates and Council Tax ) for the period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is as a result of both services closing and decisions being made to cease charging for some facilities to ease the burden on residents and businesses.
” Answering the call by town halls for more money , the government has announced an extra £1.6 billion taking the total has given to councils to help their communities through the crisis to over £3.2 billion , Since March , Sandwell has suspended legal action for late council tax payments .
In 2019 , Sandwell announced it had £27 million in reserves but because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been set this year .

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Local authority bosses have said Covid-19 is piling pressure on budgets as Sandwell Council faces spending an extra £14 million coping with the effects of coronavirus.
The cost to the borough was revealed as the borough’s Emergency Committee met yesterday (Wednesday 22) to discuss the impact of the virus.
It comes after Cllr Luke Giles, chair of Sandwell’s budget and corporate scrutiny management board, said last week: “If the Government dosen’t start doshing out money quick – not just now but in the future – then residents will see services disappearing.”
The financial blow is expected to fall heaviest on services for vulnerable adults with over £12 million being used to support care homes, staff and personal protective equipment (PPE).
A report on the cost of Covid-19 over the next the next five months estimates an extra £1 million will be spent on services dealing with deaths.
In a chilling note, council officers warn this could increase, saying: “The Temporary Mortuary costs reflect a capacity of only 3,335 bodies compared to the initial requirement of 6,900.
“There are also a considerable number of ‘known unknowns’ and the estimated costs of this provision are changing almost daily. It is therefore possible that the actual costs are significantly higher than the current estimate.”
Police have stressed these numbers relate to the West Midlands and Warwickshire region as a whole adding the total number deaths can’t be predicted.
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The report also also warns of a £9.1 million fall in income, saying: “The estimated loss of income (excluding Business Rates and Council Tax) for the period April to August 2020 is £9.124m. This is as a result of both services closing and decisions being made to cease charging for some facilities to ease the burden on residents and businesses.”
Answering the call by town halls for more money, the government has announced an extra £1.6 billion taking the total has given to councils to help their communities through the crisis to over £3.2 billion,
Since March, Sandwell has suspended legal action for late council tax payments.
In 2019, Sandwell announced it had £27 million in reserves but because of the coronavirus outbreak no formal budget has been set this year.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--UK economy is collapsing as coronavirus lockdown continues

The economy has ground to a halt during the coranvirus lockdown , with both manufacturers and service industries reporting a collapse in business this month .
The grim figures cast doubt on whether the economy can bounce back once the crisis is over , particularly as Government scientists have warned that social distancing measures may need to continue for at least another 12 months .
A key index measuring business activity , called the Purchasing Managers ' Index or PMI , confirmed that the UK is heading for a major recession worse than the one that followed the 2008 banking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chambers of Commerce , which represents employers across the West Midlands , urged the Government to reveal how it will end Covid-19 restrictions , so that businesses can prepare for life after lockdown .
Chamber CEO Paul Faulkner said : `` We are now exactly a month on since the Prime Minister introduced lockdown measures on 23 March .
`` We have now reached the point at which businesses need to know what happens next , once key milestones on new infections are met .
We know how challenging this is , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not go on indefinitely . ''
He highlighted the `` unprecedented '' support that the government is offering employers , such as grants , loans and tax breaks , but called on the government to focus on `` shortening the timeframe '' between announcing support and actually providing the money .
The PMI index showed manufacturing and services activity sank at a rate which exceeded the downturn seen at the height of the global financial crisis “ by a wide margin ” , the survey said .
It revealed that 81 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the fortnight from April 7 to April 21 , while 75 % of manufacturing firms saw a decline .
The UK is not alone and there were similar findings across the EU .
A separate survey by the Office for National Statistics found four in ten UK firms that continue to trade have laid off staff .
This is on top of businesses that have simply ceased trading .
And one in five staff who are still employed by businesses that are still trading have been furloughed .
This means that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages are being subsidised by the government .
In the `` accomodation and food service '' industries , such as hotels and restaurants , the figure is almost half .
Figures earlier this week highlighted the impact the lockdown is having on individuals , as the UK received more than 1.5 million new claims for Universal Credit welfare = since March 16 , when people were first urged to stay at home to fight the spread of the coronavirus .
Claims can be made by people who have lost their jobs or seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are around 55,000 applications a week .
The Treasury has taken a series of measures to try to keep the economy going , such as the furlough scheme , and is set to borrow £180bn over the next three months alone to pay for it all .
Some MPs are growing anxious about the damage to the economy , and the prospect of a long recession and high levels of unemployment .
MPs at a meeting of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers reportedly expressed fears that the UK may no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is eased within weeks , Newsnight reported .
At the same time , the Government 's scientific advisers have warned that lifting the lockdown too quickly could lead to deaths from the covid-19 coronavirus rising again .
Tracey Stephenson , co-founder and joint managing director of serviced apartment operator Staying Cool at Rotunda , said : “ Birmingham ’ s tourism economy is dependent on domestic and international visitors coming into the city for cultural pursuits , events and corporate travel .
“ We are very concerned that , given that these activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go as we went into lockdown , they could be the last things to come back online .
“ We need greater clarity from government on what a phased return to ‘ normal ’ looks like so that we can plan ahead .
A prolonged lockdown or some form of half-way house where we are open but empty due to a fear of travelling would also require further government support . ''

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The economy has ground to a halt during the coranvirus lockdown, with both manufacturers and service industries reporting a collapse in business this month.
The grim figures cast doubt on whether the economy can bounce back once the crisis is over, particularly as Government scientists have warned that social distancing measures may need to continue for at least another 12 months.
A key index measuring business activity, called the Purchasing Managers' Index or PMI, confirmed that the UK is heading for a major recession worse than the one that followed the 2008 banking crisis.
It comes as Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, which represents employers across the West Midlands, urged the Government to reveal how it will end Covid-19 restrictions, so that businesses can prepare for life after lockdown.
Chamber CEO Paul Faulkner said: "We are now exactly a month on since the Prime Minister introduced lockdown measures on 23 March.
"We have now reached the point at which businesses need to know what happens next, once key milestones on new infections are met. We know how challenging this is, but we also all know that this cannot go on indefinitely."
He highlighted the "unprecedented" support that the government is offering employers, such as grants, loans and tax breaks, but called on the government to focus on "shortening the timeframe" between announcing support and actually providing the money.
The PMI index showed manufacturing and services activity sank at a rate which exceeded the downturn seen at the height of the global financial crisis “by a wide margin”, the survey said.
It revealed that 81% of services companies reported a fall in business during the fortnight from April 7 to April 21, while 75% of manufacturing firms saw a decline.
The UK is not alone and there were similar findings across the EU.
A separate survey by the Office for National Statistics found four in ten UK firms that continue to trade have laid off staff. This is on top of businesses that have simply ceased trading.
And one in five staff who are still employed by businesses that are still trading have been furloughed. This means that they are not currently working, and their wages are being subsidised by the government.
In the "accomodation and food service" industries, such as hotels and restaurants, the figure is almost half.
Figures earlier this week highlighted the impact the lockdown is having on individuals, as the UK received more than 1.5 million new claims for Universal Credit welfare = since March 16, when people were first urged to stay at home to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Claims can be made by people who have lost their jobs or seen their incomes reducted. In normal times there are around 55,000 applications a week.
The Treasury has taken a series of measures to try to keep the economy going, such as the furlough scheme, and is set to borrow £180bn over the next three months alone to pay for it all.
Some MPs are growing anxious about the damage to the economy, and the prospect of a long recession and high levels of unemployment.
MPs at a meeting of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers reportedly expressed fears that the UK may no longer have a functioning economy unless the lockdown is eased within weeks, Newsnight reported.
At the same time, the Government's scientific advisers have warned that lifting the lockdown too quickly could lead to deaths from the covid-19 coronavirus rising again.
Tracey Stephenson, co-founder and joint managing director of serviced apartment operator Staying Cool at Rotunda, said: “Birmingham’s tourism economy is dependent on domestic and international visitors coming into the city for cultural pursuits, events and corporate travel.
“We are very concerned that, given that these activities were some of the first things to go as we went into lockdown, they could be the last things to come back online.
“We need greater clarity from government on what a phased return to ‘normal’ looks like so that we can plan ahead. A prolonged lockdown or some form of half-way house where we are open but empty due to a fear of travelling would also require further government support."


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Green bin collections to return to Dudley - this is when

Green bin collections in Dudley are to begin again after contingency planning and increased staffing allowed the council to lift a month long suspension .
Garden waste collections will restart from April 27 after environment bosses had prioritised household waste and recycling to ensure health and hygiene .
Cllr Karen Shakespeare , cabinet member for environmental , highways and street services , announcing the lifting of the suspension said : “ It was a really difficult decision to suspend the green waste service , and I know it didn ’ t go down well with everyone , but our focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our crews and maintaining the household waste and recycling collections for the people of the borough .
“ I ’ m really glad that we are now looking forward to reinstating the green waste collection as I know many of our residents have been busy in the garden whilst being at home .
“ People have generally been really understanding and shown their appreciation of our waste and recycling crews , with waves , smiles , cards and drawings and some lovely posts on social media .
“ On behalf of the crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for this support and understanding .
I hope that everyone will continue to bear with us as we get back into the swing of things and understand if we have to adapt as the COVID-19 situation changes.
” The council is still encouraging to keep composting whenever possible and warned that side waste – extra waste left by the side of bins – can not be collected by crews .
Residents can find out when their next scheduled collection will take place by visiting http : //mapping.dudley.gov.uk/ and entering their postcode .

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Green bin collections in Dudley are to begin again after contingency planning and increased staffing allowed the council to lift a month long suspension.
Garden waste collections will restart from April 27 after environment bosses had prioritised household waste and recycling to ensure health and hygiene.
Cllr Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, announcing the lifting of the suspension said: “It was a really difficult decision to suspend the green waste service, and I know it didn’t go down well with everyone, but our focus had to be on the wellbeing of our crews and maintaining the household waste and recycling collections for the people of the borough.
“I’m really glad that we are now looking forward to reinstating the green waste collection as I know many of our residents have been busy in the garden whilst being at home.
“People have generally been really understanding and shown their appreciation of our waste and recycling crews, with waves, smiles, cards and drawings and some lovely posts on social media.
“On behalf of the crews I’d like to say thank you for this support and understanding. I hope that everyone will continue to bear with us as we get back into the swing of things and understand if we have to adapt as the COVID-19 situation changes.”
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The council is still encouraging to keep composting whenever possible and warned that side waste – extra waste left by the side of bins – cannot be collected by crews.
Residents can find out when their next scheduled collection will take place by visiting http://mapping.dudley.gov.uk/ and entering their postcode.


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Staff sleeping in tents in care home garden to stop coronavirus risk

Selfless staff at a care home have moved in with the residents - and are sleeping in TENTS in the garden .
Staff at Victoria House are camping to meet the care home ’ s ‘ no one in , no one out ’ policy - so far there have been no signs of the virus .
Of the 31 staff at the home on the Isle of Wight , nine volunteered to move in on April 15th - three deciding to camp out under the stars .
Registered manager Claire Leggett , 31 , didn ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began showing symptoms of Covid-19 to lockdown .
The manager of two years said : “ I ’ m the first one to do it on the Isle of Wight .
`` It was a mere thought in the plan probably a week before .
It was part of a contingency plan - it was the very end of my contingency plan .
“ I was hoping that I would never have to get to that stage but I was very much keeping myself up to date with the news and the figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates from the government .
“ I thought to myself , ‘ this is not going to be going away anytime soon , it is very serious ’ , so I thought about just being proactive .
“ I thought , ‘ I ’ m not going to wait for my residents to show signs or symptoms and for it to come into the home and then decide to lockdown .
“ I wanted to shut down the home before it came in . ''
Claire admitted that it had been a challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly difficult because we don ’ t have staff facilities .
“ It is an old victorian house and we ’ ve got twenty rooms - we ’ re full so we don ’ t have any spare rooms .
“ They actually made the suggestion of tents - I initially thought that we would just have to fit in the home.
” Claire is currently sleeping in the boiler room , while her deputy manager Trudi Chamberlain is on a mattress in the office .
The other seven members of staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds in the quiet lounge , usually open to residents who may need time alone .
But with residents up to the age of 103 , Claire wasn ’ t willing to take any risks .
She added : “ If it was to come into the care home , it would just spread like wildfire .
“ They are just like an adopted larger family really and it ’ s just like having your nan and your grandad - we treat them like they are our own .
“ I would just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s sad anyway when one of them passes away .
“ Should something happen because of the coronavirus , I would feel - I know you can ’ t - but I would feel responsible .
“ With 31 staff coming and going , they ’ ve still been in contact with their friends , families - they ’ re still going to the supermarkets because we don ’ t get priority .
“ They ’ re still mixing with people and my worry was it wasn ’ t a case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of when it would come into the care home.
” Claire made a shortlist of her 31 staff of those she thought would be willing to move in - those without large families , children and elderly parents living with them .
One of the youngest is Joel Checkley-Hill , 19 , who is the only male carer living at the home .
PPE supplies are short and are being supplemented by Amazon orders , Claire paying £15 for a box of gloves .
Food supplies are only restocked when they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine staff members now living in with the residents are trying to continue as normal - even making mocktails for their elderly housemates .
Claire said : “ I am trying to make things as fun as I can for staff because obviously they have given up quite a hell of a lot to come into the home .
”

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Selfless staff at a care home have moved in with the residents - and are sleeping in TENTS in the garden.
Staff at Victoria House are camping to meet the care home’s ‘no one in, no one out’ policy - so far there have been no signs of the virus.
Of the 31 staff at the home on the Isle of Wight, nine volunteered to move in on April 15th - three deciding to camp out under the stars.
Registered manager Claire Leggett, 31, didn’t want to wait until one of the 20 residents began showing symptoms of Covid-19 to lockdown.
The manager of two years said: “I’m the first one to do it on the Isle of Wight.
"It was a mere thought in the plan probably a week before. It was part of a contingency plan - it was the very end of my contingency plan.
(Image: Claire Leggett / SWNS.COM)
“I was hoping that I would never have to get to that stage but I was very much keeping myself up to date with the news and the figures and the facts and watching the daily updates from the government.
“I thought to myself, ‘this is not going to be going away anytime soon, it is very serious’, so I thought about just being proactive.
“I thought, ‘I’m not going to wait for my residents to show signs or symptoms and for it to come into the home and then decide to lockdown.
“I wanted to shut down the home before it came in."
(Image: Claire Leggett / SWNS.COM)
Claire admitted that it had been a challenge.
She said: “It is incredibly difficult because we don’t have staff facilities.
“It is an old victorian house and we’ve got twenty rooms - we’re full so we don’t have any spare rooms.
“They actually made the suggestion of tents - I initially thought that we would just have to fit in the home.”
Claire is currently sleeping in the boiler room, while her deputy manager Trudi Chamberlain is on a mattress in the office.
The other seven members of staff are split between tents in the garden and beds in the quiet lounge, usually open to residents who may need time alone.
But with residents up to the age of 103, Claire wasn’t willing to take any risks.
(Image: Claire Leggett / SWNS.COM)
She added: “If it was to come into the care home, it would just spread like wildfire.
“They are just like an adopted larger family really and it’s just like having your nan and your grandad - we treat them like they are our own.
“I would just be absolutely mortified if anything happens - it’s sad anyway when one of them passes away.
“Should something happen because of the coronavirus, I would feel - I know you can’t - but I would feel responsible.
“With 31 staff coming and going, they’ve still been in contact with their friends, families - they’re still going to the supermarkets because we don’t get priority.
“They’re still mixing with people and my worry was it wasn’t a case of if, it would be a case of when it would come into the care home.”
Claire made a shortlist of her 31 staff of those she thought would be willing to move in - those without large families, children and elderly parents living with them.
One of the youngest is Joel Checkley-Hill, 19, who is the only male carer living at the home.
PPE supplies are short and are being supplemented by Amazon orders, Claire paying £15 for a box of gloves.
Food supplies are only restocked when they can get supermarket delivery slots online.
The nine staff members now living in with the residents are trying to continue as normal - even making mocktails for their elderly housemates.
Claire said: “I am trying to make things as fun as I can for staff because obviously they have given up quite a hell of a lot to come into the home.”


birminghammail--2020-04-23--Shuttington residents rally round to spread cheer

Homemade puddings , pies , curries and cakes are among the many ways that villagers in Shuttington are helping each other out during the coronavirus pandemic .
Residents have come together to offer a helping hand – and to spread some cheer – across the village .
Their latest plan is to start the ‘ Shutty Supper Club ’ where volunteers will prepare homemade food for people on their own or isolating , or struggling financially .
Penny Scambler is among those who have been going the extra mile to ensure that no-one is left feeling alone .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early on , before lockdown was announced .
“ I put a post on a local Facebook page and 30 people in the village volunteered.
” A group of six people then went door to door , posting notes offering help .
A few days later they went back round the village , knocking on doors and introducing themselves .
Penny said : “ People are pretty well supported round here – there are four or five people whose families live far away and we have been helping by collecting prescriptions and doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new Co-op on Ashby Road , which the staff pack and Penny then pays for at the till and delivers to the customers – only accepting payment once the goods and receipts are handed over .
She has also arranged for people to have Morrison ’ s food boxes .
Villagers in Shuttington are also among those receiving some of the 150 free Tamworth Heralds we donate each week for volunteers to hand out to the vulnerable .
She said : “ It ’ s just about letting people know what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lonely now , so I deliver Heralds and will stand and have a chat , just to make sure they are OK. ” There is also plenty to keep children occupied – from a visit from the Easter bunny last week to the arrival of the fairytale princess who appears on Thursday evenings when the villagers take part in clapping for the NHS .
The villagers are now preparing to celebrate VE day as best they can within the current restrictions .
They plan to decorate their homes with red , white and @ @ @ @ @ @

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Homemade puddings, pies, curries and cakes are among the many ways that villagers in Shuttington are helping each other out during the coronavirus pandemic.
Residents have come together to offer a helping hand – and to spread some cheer – across the village. Their latest plan is to start the ‘Shutty Supper Club’ where volunteers will prepare homemade food for people on their own or isolating, or struggling financially.
Penny Scambler is among those who have been going the extra mile to ensure that no-one is left feeling alone.
She said: “We created a support group early on, before lockdown was announced.
“I put a post on a local Facebook page and 30 people in the village volunteered.”
A group of six people then went door to door, posting notes offering help.
A few days later they went back round the village, knocking on doors and introducing themselves.
Penny said: “People are pretty well supported round here – there are four or five people whose families live far away and we have been helping by collecting prescriptions and doing shopping.”
Penny emails shopping orders to the new Co-op on Ashby Road, which the staff pack and Penny then pays for at the till and delivers to the customers – only accepting payment once the goods and receipts are handed over. She has also arranged for people to have Morrison’s food boxes.
Villagers in Shuttington are also among those receiving some of the 150 free Tamworth Heralds we donate each week for volunteers to hand out to the vulnerable.
She said: “It’s just about letting people know what is available. People are starting to get lonely now, so I deliver Heralds and will stand and have a chat, just to make sure they are OK. ”
There is also plenty to keep children occupied – from a visit from the Easter bunny last week to the arrival of the fairytale princess who appears on Thursday evenings when the villagers take part in clapping for the NHS.
The villagers are now preparing to celebrate VE day as best they can within the current restrictions.
They plan to decorate their homes with red, white and blue bunting for the occasion.