birminghammail--2020-04-19--The real reason government cannot end social distancing in UK

The UK risks a second wave of coronavirus deaths if social distancing warnings are not heeded , England 's deputy chief medical officer has warned .
Dr Jenny Harries said the relatively low increase in hospital deaths - up 596 from 15,464 as of 5pm on Saturday - is `` positive news '' .
But she cautioned against reading too much into the figures , saying they reflected the usual drop in cases confirmed at weekends .
Asked during the daily Downing Street press briefing whether the UK is `` past the peak '' of coronavirus , Dr Harries said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorts of positive conclusions about that but we should n't .
`` I do think it is fair to say that we do know from the hospital data that we are starting to plateau across . ''
She added : `` If we do n't keep doing the social distancing , we will create a second peak and we definitely wo n't be past it so this is no reason to consider that we have managed this .
`` But I do think things look to be heading in the right direction .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Williamson ruled out opening schools over the summer to help plug gaps in learning caused by weeks of lockdown .
Mr Williamson also batted off criticism the Prime Minister missed five Cobra meetings as coronavirus began to tighten its grip on China and much of continental Europe .
He said : `` The Prime Minister from the moment that it became clear that there were challenges in terms of coronavirus developing in China has absolutely been leading our nation 's effort to combat the coronavirus , making sure that resources or money is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially the health service . ''
The country will enter its fifth week in lockdown on Monday , with continued clamour for a relaxation of measures that have shut schools and businesses , scaled back transport and closed parks and public spaces as Britons are advised to pay heed to social distancing guidelines .
Dr Harries defended the country 's approach to managing the spread of the virus .
She said : `` We had and we still have a very clear plan - we had a containment phase and it was very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine regimes from high-risk areas , we followed up individual cases and families wherever that was possible .
`` But once you end up with seeding and cases across the community , our focus has to be on managing the clinical conditions of those individuals . ''
She cautioned against comparing UK figures with Germany , adding : `` We are at different phases of the pandemic . ''
Dr Harries said there needs to be `` a more adult '' conversation regarding lingering questions over the availability of PPE for front-line workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was `` a huge pull on services '' .
She said : `` I think we perhaps need to , rather than lumping all of the PPE together , which is not a homogeneous mix at all , we just need to think carefully through what has been achieved and the challenges which are acknowledged ahead . ''
Mr Williamson said the Government will be responding to manufacturers about producing new PPE within the next 24 hours .
He also used the press conference to outline a package of measures designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also apologised to children for the disruption to their lives .
In a direct address to the nation 's youngsters , he said : `` I know how hard it must be and I 'd like to thank you for making the adjustments that you 've had to make .
`` I know you will be missing your friends , your teachers , your lessons .
`` I want you to know that you are such an important part of this fight , too , and I can not thank you enough for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
The UK risks a second wave of coronavirus deaths if social distancing warnings are not heeded, England's deputy chief medical officer has warned.
Dr Jenny Harries said the relatively low increase in hospital deaths - up 596 from 15,464 as of 5pm on Saturday - is "positive news".
But she cautioned against reading too much into the figures, saying they reflected the usual drop in cases confirmed at weekends.
Asked during the daily Downing Street press briefing whether the UK is "past the peak" of coronavirus, Dr Harries said: "We could jump to all sorts of positive conclusions about that but we shouldn't.
"I do think it is fair to say that we do know from the hospital data that we are starting to plateau across."
She added: "If we don't keep doing the social distancing, we will create a second peak and we definitely won't be past it so this is no reason to consider that we have managed this.
"But I do think things look to be heading in the right direction."
It comes after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson ruled out opening schools over the summer to help plug gaps in learning caused by weeks of lockdown.
(Image: PA)
Mr Williamson also batted off criticism the Prime Minister missed five Cobra meetings as coronavirus began to tighten its grip on China and much of continental Europe.
He said: "The Prime Minister from the moment that it became clear that there were challenges in terms of coronavirus developing in China has absolutely been leading our nation's effort to combat the coronavirus, making sure that resources or money is not a concern for any department, especially the health service."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The country will enter its fifth week in lockdown on Monday, with continued clamour for a relaxation of measures that have shut schools and businesses, scaled back transport and closed parks and public spaces as Britons are advised to pay heed to social distancing guidelines.
Dr Harries defended the country's approach to managing the spread of the virus.
She said: "We had and we still have a very clear plan - we had a containment phase and it was very successful.
"We had very strict quarantine regimes from high-risk areas, we followed up individual cases and families wherever that was possible.
"But once you end up with seeding and cases across the community, our focus has to be on managing the clinical conditions of those individuals."
She cautioned against comparing UK figures with Germany, adding: "We are at different phases of the pandemic."
Dr Harries said there needs to be "a more adult" conversation regarding lingering questions over the availability of PPE for front-line workers in hospitals and care homes, saying there was "a huge pull on services".
She said: "I think we perhaps need to, rather than lumping all of the PPE together, which is not a homogeneous mix at all, we just need to think carefully through what has been achieved and the challenges which are acknowledged ahead."
Mr Williamson said the Government will be responding to manufacturers about producing new PPE within the next 24 hours.
He also used the press conference to outline a package of measures designed to help children being home-schooled.
Mr Williamson also apologised to children for the disruption to their lives.
In a direct address to the nation's youngsters, he said: "I know how hard it must be and I'd like to thank you for making the adjustments that you've had to make.
"I know you will be missing your friends, your teachers, your lessons.
"I want you to know that you are such an important part of this fight, too, and I cannot thank you enough for all that you are doing."


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Brit dad stranded in Bangladesh 'may not make flight back to UK'

A British man whose ill father has been stranded in Bangladesh because of the pandemic has said he fears he will not make the repatriation flight because of the local lockdown .
Afzal Rahman , from Romford , Essex , said his father Shafiqur , who suffers from diabetes , high blood pressure and epilepsy , is running “ dangerously low ” on medication .
Mr Rahman said his father , aged 66 , travelled to Sylhet , in the country ’ s north-east , in February , to visit family , before his return flight was cancelled earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the four new Government-chartered flights from Bangladesh after the family strained their finances to pay the £600 fee after their restaurant business closed down because of coronavirus .
But Mr Rahman , 30 , said his father will only get 24 hours ’ notice of what flight he is on and is concerned the lockdown will make it difficult to get to the airport in time to board the rescue flight .
Mr Rahman told the PA news agency : “ He has been staying with his brothers in Bangladesh but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children are at here at home in the UK .
“ We have been worried sick .
He is running dangerously low on medication and we need him back in the UK so he can get his prescriptions .
“ We still don ’ t know what date he will leave as they let you know 24 hours before .
On the booking form they did not take details of his medical needs although they did ask if he needs special assistance – which he doesn ’ t .
“ We are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to arrange transport to the airport under the lockdown .
“ The flight cost £600 , which is another burden for us as our restaurant business has had to close because of coronavirus .
It ’ s a very difficult financial situation .
“ Finally , the flights are now sold out and I have other relatives who are still stranded .
It ’ s really important they put more on as soon as possible.
” Mr Rahman said his father moved to the UK in the 1960s and worked in Indian restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government has said hundreds of Britons stuck in Bangladesh will be repatriated after it chartered four flights as part of a new push to rescue more than 7,000 passengers from south Asia .
Those deemed most at risk from coronavirus , such as people with existing health conditions and the elderly , will be given priority , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) said .
The Bangladesh operation comes after the Government announced 17 chartered flights from India and 10 from Pakistan , expected to bring home around 4,000 and 2,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has so far brought back more than 7,300 people on 35 flights from 13 countries .
However , tens of thousands of Britons remain unable to get home from countries around the world after the pandemic severed commercial routes , including some still stuck in Peru after being stopped from accessing the UK ’ s final rescue flight from the country .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A British man whose ill father has been stranded in Bangladesh because of the pandemic has said he fears he will not make the repatriation flight because of the local lockdown.
Afzal Rahman, from Romford, Essex, said his father Shafiqur, who suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure and epilepsy, is running “dangerously low” on medication.
Mr Rahman said his father, aged 66, travelled to Sylhet, in the country’s north-east, in February, to visit family, before his return flight was cancelled earlier this month.
He has a spot on one of the four new Government-chartered flights from Bangladesh after the family strained their finances to pay the £600 fee after their restaurant business closed down because of coronavirus.
But Mr Rahman, 30, said his father will only get 24 hours’ notice of what flight he is on and is concerned the lockdown will make it difficult to get to the airport in time to board the rescue flight.
Mr Rahman told the PA news agency: “He has been staying with his brothers in Bangladesh but his wife – my mum – and children are at here at home in the UK.
“We have been worried sick. He is running dangerously low on medication and we need him back in the UK so he can get his prescriptions.
“We still don’t know what date he will leave as they let you know 24 hours before. On the booking form they did not take details of his medical needs although they did ask if he needs special assistance – which he doesn’t.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“We are very worried about whether we will be able to arrange transport to the airport under the lockdown.
“The flight cost £600, which is another burden for us as our restaurant business has had to close because of coronavirus. It’s a very difficult financial situation.
“Finally, the flights are now sold out and I have other relatives who are still stranded. It’s really important they put more on as soon as possible.”
Mr Rahman said his father moved to the UK in the 1960s and worked in Indian restaurants before setting up his own.
The Government has said hundreds of Britons stuck in Bangladesh will be repatriated after it chartered four flights as part of a new push to rescue more than 7,000 passengers from south Asia.
Those deemed most at risk from coronavirus, such as people with existing health conditions and the elderly, will be given priority, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said.
The Bangladesh operation comes after the Government announced 17 chartered flights from India and 10 from Pakistan, expected to bring home around 4,000 and 2,500 passengers respectively.
The FCO said it has so far brought back more than 7,300 people on 35 flights from 13 countries.
However, tens of thousands of Britons remain unable to get home from countries around the world after the pandemic severed commercial routes, including some still stuck in Peru after being stopped from accessing the UK’s final rescue flight from the country.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Stan Collymore sends damning takeover message to Newcastle United

Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has branded Newcastle United 's impending takeover as `` immoral '' - and asked why more fans are n't concerned .
Mike Ashley is believed to have agreed a £300m deal to sell the club after 13 years in charge at St James ' Park .
The bid from Amanda Staveley 's PCP Capital Partners , backed by Saudi Arabia 's Public Investment Fund and the Reuben Brothers , is being examined by the Premier League .
But the development at Villa 's top-flight rival is not a welcome one for Collymore , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give a scathing verdict .
He wrote : `` Many supporters just don ’ t care where the money comes from as long as there ’ s enough of it to buy a shiny new £60million striker – and that ’ s desperately worrying .
`` I ’ m not only bagging Newcastle fans here , because they are just the latest in a long line of clubs to take the money without looking to see where it ’ s from .
`` But they are in the spotlight , with Mike Ashley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consortium led by financier Amanda Staveley that will see Saudi Arabia ’ s Public Investment Fund , of which ( Crown Prince , Mohammed ) Bin Salman is the chairman , take an 80 per cent controlling stake .
`` What dismays me is how many of them are just happy to wave Bin Salman in without asking many , if any , questions .
`` This , after all , is a bloke who was globally reviled less than two years ago after the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t given any satisfactory answers on .
`` But when a respected colleague stuck his head above the parapet on Twitter last week and told Newcastle fans that , just like their Manchester City counterparts , they can expect some tough questions in the years to come , no Toon supporters seemed remotely bothered . ''
He added : `` The only way this could get worse was if Donald Trump announced tomorrow that he was buying Aston Villa , and the sons of Colonel Gaddafi and Pol Pot said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest respectively . ''
Collymore is frustrated more fans are n't taking issue with the takeover .
He wrote : `` It ’ s incredible too that this takeover is happening at a time when the government is telling the Premier League to get its house in order .
`` Evidently , the Premier League sees ‘ getting its house in order ’ as watching one of its biggest constituent clubs be sold to a man in the global spotlight for all the wrong reasons . ''
`` That doesn ’ t reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it doesn ’ t reflect well on us fans who should always be the guardians of our game . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore has branded Newcastle United's impending takeover as "immoral" - and asked why more fans aren't concerned.
Mike Ashley is believed to have agreed a £300m deal to sell the club after 13 years in charge at St James' Park.
The bid from Amanda Staveley's PCP Capital Partners, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the Reuben Brothers, is being examined by the Premier League.
But the development at Villa's top-flight rival is not a welcome one for Collymore, who used his column in the Mirror to give a scathing verdict.
(Image: AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
He wrote: "Many supporters just don’t care where the money comes from as long as there’s enough of it to buy a shiny new £60million striker – and that’s desperately worrying.
"I’m not only bagging Newcastle fans here, because they are just the latest in a long line of clubs to take the money without looking to see where it’s from.
"But they are in the spotlight, with Mike Ashley close to selling the Toon to a consortium led by financier Amanda Staveley that will see Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, of which (Crown Prince, Mohammed) Bin Salman is the chairman, take an 80 per cent controlling stake.
"What dismays me is how many of them are just happy to wave Bin Salman in without asking many, if any, questions.
"This, after all, is a bloke who was globally reviled less than two years ago after the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi – a crime the Crown Prince still hasn’t given any satisfactory answers on.
"But when a respected colleague stuck his head above the parapet on Twitter last week and told Newcastle fans that, just like their Manchester City counterparts, they can expect some tough questions in the years to come, no Toon supporters seemed remotely bothered."
He added: "The only way this could get worse was if Donald Trump announced tomorrow that he was buying Aston Villa, and the sons of Colonel Gaddafi and Pol Pot said they were splashing out on Derby County and Nottingham Forest respectively."
Collymore is frustrated more fans aren't taking issue with the takeover.
He wrote: "It’s incredible too that this takeover is happening at a time when the government is telling the Premier League to get its house in order.
"Evidently, the Premier League sees ‘getting its house in order’ as watching one of its biggest constituent clubs be sold to a man in the global spotlight for all the wrong reasons."
"That doesn’t reflect well on our top flight. And it doesn’t reflect well on us fans who should always be the guardians of our game."


birminghammail--2020-04-19--NHS nurse 'can’t reassure daughter over coronavirus without lying'

An NHS nurse has criticised Matt Hancock after her daughter begged her not to continue working in A & E during the coronavirus pandemic .
Kate , who did not want her surname published , has worked in the NHS for 25 years and in February returned to a more hands-on role .
However , since coronavirus hit the UK , the 44-year-old has campaigned against Public Health England ’ s guidance during the crisis , and her daughter is concerned for her mother ’ s safety .
Kate tweeted at Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday that her eight-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and begging me not to work in A & E ” , adding : “ her words broke me , ’ Mummy I ’ m only 8 and I need you – I don ’ t want you to die ” .
And while Kate has been reassuring her daughter , who she said is “ a beautiful little happy child , normally ” , she said the reality is a different story .
“ I was so angry .
How dare he ( Matt Hancock ) put us in this position .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ her without lying that I ’ ve got enough equipment to keep me safe at work .
Actually the reality is I ’ ve been going to work for weeks in a crap plastic pinny and a basic surgical mask .
“ I can ’ t even reassure her effectively without lying that we ’ ve got everything that we need.
” A British Medical Association ( BMA ) survey of more than 6,000 doctors across the country said a significant amount of them remain without the protection they need to guard against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Royal College of Nursing ( RCN ) found half of nurses have felt pressure to work without appropriate protective equipment during the crisis .
“ I ’ m very careful to not expose my children to anything , ” Kate told the PA news agency .
“ However , they listen to the radio , news is out there , they see the 5pm briefing , they understand .
They know they ’ re all off school because of the massive risks of corona , so it ’ s weighing heavily on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve stopped sharing a bed with my daughter , I considered moving out , I thought ‘ is that the best thing ?
’ “ I ’ ve moved downstairs into the spare room , and then when I put her to bed last night she ’ s sobbing her little heart out .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
An NHS nurse has criticised Matt Hancock after her daughter begged her not to continue working in A&E during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kate, who did not want her surname published, has worked in the NHS for 25 years and in February returned to a more hands-on role.
However, since coronavirus hit the UK, the 44-year-old has campaigned against Public Health England’s guidance during the crisis, and her daughter is concerned for her mother’s safety.
Kate tweeted at Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday that her eight-year-old daughter had gone to bed “sobbing and begging me not to work in A&E”, adding: “her words broke me,’Mummy I’m only 8 and I need you – I don’t want you to die”.
And while Kate has been reassuring her daughter, who she said is “a beautiful little happy child, normally”, she said the reality is a different story.
“I was so angry. How dare he (Matt Hancock) put us in this position.
“I can’t even reassure her without lying that I’ve got enough equipment to keep me safe at work. Actually the reality is I’ve been going to work for weeks in a crap plastic pinny and a basic surgical mask.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“I can’t even reassure her effectively without lying that we’ve got everything that we need.”
A British Medical Association (BMA) survey of more than 6,000 doctors across the country said a significant amount of them remain without the protection they need to guard against Covid-19.
Meanwhile, another survey by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) found half of nurses have felt pressure to work without appropriate protective equipment during the crisis.
“I’m very careful to not expose my children to anything,” Kate told the PA news agency.
“However, they listen to the radio, news is out there, they see the 5pm briefing, they understand. They know they’re all off school because of the massive risks of corona, so it’s weighing heavily on their minds anyway.
“I’ve stopped sharing a bed with my daughter, I considered moving out, I thought ‘is that the best thing?’
“I’ve moved downstairs into the spare room, and then when I put her to bed last night she’s sobbing her little heart out.”


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Ian Hislop brutally takes down Eamonn Holmes over 5G row

Have I Got News For You star Ian Hislop took aim at TV presenter Eamonn Holmes over his comments on 5G technology and coronavirus .
Holmes was widely criticised for appearing to suggest the public should not completely dismiss a debunked theory that 5G may be linked to the pandemic .
The scientific community was among the critics while media regulator Ofcom is investigating Holmes ’ s comments , which were made on This Morning .
He has since sought to clarify the comments and accepted the theory was untrue .
The controversy was discussed on Friday ’ s Have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team captain Hislop saying Holmes should “ stop believing complete rubbish ” .
“ Might this be true , the 5G thing ?
” host Victoria Coren Mitchell asked the teams .
“ And one of the giveaways is that Eamonn Holmes said it might be .
“ It ’ s always worth having those key indicators flashing and Eamonn Holmes is certainly one of them .
The other thing was , when he was questioned about it , he immediately said that this wasn ’ t being challenged by ‘ state media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as someone talks about the British press as ‘ state media ’ , you know they ’ ve been on the internet too long .
It really is time for them to go out in the garden , have a bit of sunshine , and stop believing complete rubbish .
“ And the idea that a 5G network can give you a virus is not merely an opinion , or an interesting conspiracy , it ’ s just bollocks.
” Hislop was joined by regular team captain Paul Merton and guest panellists comedian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star Deborah Meaden .
The show was once again filmed remotely , with Coren Mitchell joining the others inside a virtual studio .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Have I Got News For You star Ian Hislop took aim at TV presenter Eamonn Holmes over his comments on 5G technology and coronavirus.
Holmes was widely criticised for appearing to suggest the public should not completely dismiss a debunked theory that 5G may be linked to the pandemic.
The scientific community was among the critics while media regulator Ofcom is investigating Holmes’s comments, which were made on This Morning.
He has since sought to clarify the comments and accepted the theory was untrue. The controversy was discussed on Friday’s Have I Got News For You, with team captain Hislop saying Holmes should “stop believing complete rubbish”.
“Might this be true, the 5G thing?” host Victoria Coren Mitchell asked the teams.
“No, no,” Hislop responded.
“And one of the giveaways is that Eamonn Holmes said it might be.
“It’s always worth having those key indicators flashing and Eamonn Holmes is certainly one of them. The other thing was, when he was questioned about it, he immediately said that this wasn’t being challenged by ‘state media’.
“Now, as soon as someone talks about the British press as ‘state media’, you know they’ve been on the internet too long. It really is time for them to go out in the garden, have a bit of sunshine, and stop believing complete rubbish.
“And the idea that a 5G network can give you a virus is not merely an opinion, or an interesting conspiracy, it’s just bollocks.”
Hislop was joined by regular team captain Paul Merton and guest panellists comedian Phil Wang and the Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden.
The show was once again filmed remotely, with Coren Mitchell joining the others inside a virtual studio.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Yardley neighbours celebrate People's Postcode Lottery win

Residents in a city street are celebrating after winning a fair sum of cash on the lottery .
Four neighbours in Copnor Grove , Yardley are now £1,000 richer today ( Sunday , April 19 ) thanks to their lucky postcode , it has been revealed .
The lucky winners netted the windfall when B26 1HP was announced as the Daily Prize winner with the People 's Postcode Lottery .
People ’ s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt sent her well-wishes to the winners in the small cul-de-sac .
She said : “ What amazing news to get on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The positive news comes amid the coronavirus crisis , which has seen many across the city struggling financially as people lose jobs and are furloughed .
The Postcode Lottery says this draw was promoted by the Wildlife Trusts , with £12.6 million donated to the cause from this round 's players .
How does the People 's Postcode Lottery work ?
· People play with their chosen postcodes for a chance to win cash prizes .
A minimum of 32 % from each subscription is said to go directly to charities and good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It costs £10 a month to play and winning postcodes are announced every day .
The maximum amount a single ticket can win is 10 % of the draw proceeds .
· New players can sign up to pay using direct debit .
New players who sign up online at www.postcodelottery.co.uk can pay using direct debit , debit card or PayPal .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Residents in a city street are celebrating after winning a fair sum of cash on the lottery.
Four neighbours in Copnor Grove, Yardley are now £1,000 richer today (Sunday, April 19) thanks to their lucky postcode, it has been revealed.
The lucky winners netted the windfall when B26 1HP was announced as the Daily Prize winner with the People's Postcode Lottery.
People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt sent her well-wishes to the winners in the small cul-de-sac.
She said: “What amazing news to get on the weekend! Congratulations to our winners.”
The positive news comes amid the coronavirus crisis, which has seen many across the city struggling financially as people lose jobs and are furloughed.
The Postcode Lottery says this draw was promoted by the Wildlife Trusts, with £12.6 million donated to the cause from this round's players.
How does the People's Postcode Lottery work?
· People play with their chosen postcodes for a chance to win cash prizes. A minimum of 32% from each subscription is said to go directly to charities and good causes across Great Britain and internationally
· It costs £10 a month to play and winning postcodes are announced every day. The maximum amount a single ticket can win is 10% of the draw proceeds.
· New players can sign up to pay using direct debit. New players who sign up online at www.postcodelottery.co.uk can pay using direct debit, debit card or PayPal.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Inside dream farmhouse as it's raffled off for £2 a ticket

It is the farmhouse of dreams complete with an outdoor hot tub , three acres of luscious green land and even its own gym .
The grade II listed Grafton Farm , less than an hour from Birmingham , boasts six spacious bedrooms and is being raffled off for just £2 per ticket .
The lucky winner of the prize draw could be handed the keys to the Shropshire home - which comes fully furnished , is surrounded by outstanding schools and is said to offer idyllic country living .
Charity fundraisers Nigel and Jane Chaloner entered the property for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopes of raising up to £100,000 for Severn Hospice , should they sell enough tickets .
Should the target amount not be met through ticket sales the couple will still hold the prize draw and the winner will receive a cash prize of 90 % of ticket sales .
Having raised their own family and 22 foster children at the farm over the last 18 years and with retirement beckoning , the couple had started marketing their home to sell .
But as the Covid-19 outbreak struck , and both were infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their home in the draw , allowing for ten per cent of the proceeds to go to the hospice .
The beautiful home , which has gym equipment and a sit on lawn mower , could be up for grabs in the live draw on June 3 .
Tickets are said to be 'limited ' and the competition went live on Friday , April 10 .
It is set to close on May 3 with the winner revealed a month later .
To enter the £2 raffle for a chance to win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , click here .
Jane said : “ We have raised money for charities before , and I know what it is like to fight for your life and how much support charities provide .
`` In recent years Severn Hospice have been there for our friends and family at the worst moments in their lives .
`` Both Nigel and I have been hit with Corona Virus and our daughter and son are key workers so we know how much Severn Hospice take pressure off the NHS .
`` In this dire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need some hope , and being able to make a difference on this scale makes all the sense in the world !
`` £2 does n't buy you much these days but it could buy you the most idyllic home that we have cherished for years and Severn Hospice get the help that will allow them to continue the essential care they so willingly give.
” Tickets cost £2 for one , £10 for 5 or £20 for 11 .
Norma Ross , director of income generation at Severn Hospice added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jane for their incredibly generous offer .
Support such as theirs enables us to care for people with incurable illness in Shropshire , Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales .
`` In the current climate of COVID-19 crisis , this kind of support is really valuable to us as we have lost some of our most vital income streams .
`` People can support us from their sofas by taking part in the draw while , at the same time , be in with the chance to win a fully furnished , beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best of luck with the competition .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
It is the farmhouse of dreams complete with an outdoor hot tub, three acres of luscious green land and even its own gym.
The grade II listed Grafton Farm, less than an hour from Birmingham, boasts six spacious bedrooms and is being raffled off for just £2 per ticket.
The lucky winner of the prize draw could be handed the keys to the Shropshire home - which comes fully furnished, is surrounded by outstanding schools and is said to offer idyllic country living.
Charity fundraisers Nigel and Jane Chaloner entered the property for Win My Dream Home, with the hopes of raising up to £100,000 for Severn Hospice, should they sell enough tickets.
Should the target amount not be met through ticket sales the couple will still hold the prize draw and the winner will receive a cash prize of 90% of ticket sales.
Having raised their own family and 22 foster children at the farm over the last 18 years and with retirement beckoning, the couple had started marketing their home to sell.
But as the Covid-19 outbreak struck, and both were infected with the virus, they decided to enter their home in the draw, allowing for ten per cent of the proceeds to go to the hospice.
How the prize draw works The couple said their property has had three independent valuations putting it at between £630,000-£650,000. They want to raise £100,000 above its value so they can give 10% of all ticket sales to the hospice. Should the target amount not be met through ticket sales the couple will hold the prize draw and the winner will receive a cash prize of 90% of ticket sales. The hospice will receive the remaining 10%. Mr Chalenor said the charity suggested selling a minimum amount of 385,555 tickets to cover the break-even costs.
The beautiful home, which has gym equipment and a sit on lawn mower, could be up for grabs in the live draw on June 3.
Tickets are said to be 'limited' and the competition went live on Friday, April 10. It is set to close on May 3 with the winner revealed a month later.
Jane said: “We have raised money for charities before, and I know what it is like to fight for your life and how much support charities provide.
"In recent years Severn Hospice have been there for our friends and family at the worst moments in their lives.
"Both Nigel and I have been hit with Corona Virus and our daughter and son are key workers so we know how much Severn Hospice take pressure off the NHS.
"In this dire time, we felt that we all need some hope, and being able to make a difference on this scale makes all the sense in the world!
"£2 doesn't buy you much these days but it could buy you the most idyllic home that we have cherished for years and Severn Hospice get the help that will allow them to continue the essential care they so willingly give.”
Tickets cost £2 for one, £10 for 5 or £20 for 11.
Norma Ross, director of income generation at Severn Hospice added: “Thanks so much to Nigel and Sarah Jane for their incredibly generous offer. Support such as theirs enables us to care for people with incurable illness in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales.
"In the current climate of COVID-19 crisis, this kind of support is really valuable to us as we have lost some of our most vital income streams.
"People can support us from their sofas by taking part in the draw while, at the same time, be in with the chance to win a fully furnished, beautiful country home. We wish everyone the best of luck with the competition.”


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Alex Jones leaves Gethin Jones squirming over dating revelation

Alex Jones left her The One Show co-host Gethin Jones red-faced after revealing one of his dating secrets .
The Welsh presenting pair were interviewing Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm about her new music and life in quarantine when the subject of virtual dating came up .
After a clip was played on screen , Alex pointed to Gethin and asked : “ Did you click ?
Because you did a little virtual date didn ’ t you , with cooking ?
” A shocked Gethin laughed and said : “ You said you wouldn ’ t mention this !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mouth while loud laughter could be heard in the studio .
An embarrassed Gethin tried to move the conversation on and asked Chisholm a question while Alex , in her distinctive Welsh accent , apologised and said : “ Sorry , Geth.
” But Chisholm was in no rush to spare Gethin ’ s blushes and ignored his question , replying : “ I ’ m interested in the cooking , what happened ?
” Giving in to the pressure , Gethin explained : “ I did a cooking date , virtually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on for hours.
” Alex then asked him if he was still single , but Gethin refused to go into detail , moving the conversation on .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Alex Jones left her The One Show co-host Gethin Jones red-faced after revealing one of his dating secrets.
The Welsh presenting pair were interviewing Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm about her new music and life in quarantine when the subject of virtual dating came up.
After a clip was played on screen, Alex pointed to Gethin and asked: “Did you click? Because you did a little virtual date didn’t you, with cooking?”
A shocked Gethin laughed and said: “You said you wouldn’t mention this!”
Alex quickly realised her mistake and covered her mouth while loud laughter could be heard in the studio.
An embarrassed Gethin tried to move the conversation on and asked Chisholm a question while Alex, in her distinctive Welsh accent, apologised and said: “Sorry, Geth.”
But Chisholm was in no rush to spare Gethin’s blushes and ignored his question, replying: “I’m interested in the cooking, what happened?”
Giving in to the pressure, Gethin explained: “I did a cooking date, virtually, and it lasted ages, it went on for hours.”
Alex then asked him if he was still single, but Gethin refused to go into detail, moving the conversation on.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Dwayne Johnson speaks out over coronavirus lockdown affecting marriage

Dwayne Johnson has said quarantining with his wife Lauren Hashian has had a positive effect on their marriage .
The Jumanji star said he was “ really wobbly ” at times at the start of the pandemic , and admitted that the couple are occasionally “ snippy ” with each other – but said it has encouraged them to communicate more .
In a lengthy video on Instagram , the wrestler answered questions from fans and offered advice .
Asked how the lockdown has affected his relationship with his wife , who he married in a secret ceremony in August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laurenhashianofficial and I are doing our best during these stressful times .
“ We realised kinda quickly how critical it was for us to be ultra considerate , caring and empathetic of one another .
Be even better listeners .
Even better communicators .
“ Recognise that during these times , we ’ re not operating at full brain & emotional EQ capacity as we usually are .
“ You ’ re gon na get snippy , short tempered and you guys may erupt at each other over some silly shit like we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grab your partner by the shoulders , like I grabbed Lauren .
Look them directly in the eyes and say with full conviction , ‘ baby , you ’ re not wrong… .
you ’ re just not used to being right ’ and then count the seconds it takes for you both to belly laugh your assess off .
“ Then sip some @ teremana later that night and make some more babies .
You ’ re welcome .
Stay healthy , my friends.
” The couple are parents to daughters Jasmine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two , while Johnson is also a father to daughter Simone Garcia , from his marriage to Dany Garcia .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Dwayne Johnson has said quarantining with his wife Lauren Hashian has had a positive effect on their marriage.
The Jumanji star said he was “really wobbly” at times at the start of the pandemic, and admitted that the couple are occasionally “snippy” with each other – but said it has encouraged them to communicate more.
In a lengthy video on Instagram, the wrestler answered questions from fans and offered advice.
Asked how the lockdown has affected his relationship with his wife, who he married in a secret ceremony in August 2019, he said: “@laurenhashianofficial and I are doing our best during these stressful times.
“We realised kinda quickly how critical it was for us to be ultra considerate, caring and empathetic of one another. Be even better listeners. Even better communicators.
“Recognise that during these times, we’re not operating at full brain & emotional EQ capacity as we usually are.
“You’re gonna get snippy, short tempered and you guys may erupt at each other over some silly shit like we did.
“When that happens, grab your partner by the shoulders, like I grabbed Lauren. Look them directly in the eyes and say with full conviction, ‘baby, you’re not wrong…. you’re just not used to being right’ and then count the seconds it takes for you both to belly laugh your assess off.
“Then sip some @teremana later that night and make some more babies. You’re welcome. Stay healthy, my friends.”
The couple are parents to daughters Jasmine Lia, four, and Tiana Gia, two, while Johnson is also a father to daughter Simone Garcia, from his marriage to Dany Garcia.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Albion shouldn't suffer for doing the right thing, says chief

Some clubs in the Championship are demanding that their counterparts who are deferring payments to their players during the lockdown should be punished with transfer bans once the normality resumes .
West Brom are one club who already announced that they haven ’ t yet had to furlough any of their non-playing staff , after chief executive Mark Jenkins confirmed that he was taking a 100 % pay cut for the duration of the lockdown .
Boss Slaven Bilic has already explained recently , too , of how the players have showed concern regarding the salaries of the club ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their intentions to help out if required to do so .
Clubs around the division , though , are not in as strong a position .
The Sun claim that clubs who are meeting payments to players on time will suffer in the transfer windows to come , because their rivals are being permitted to hold back on funding wages for weeks and months at a time .
And so those same clubs are demanding that action is taken by the EFL because of the uneven playing field ahead .
“ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These clubs should be in for a transfer embargo , ” one club chief told the Sun .
“ Why should those who balance the books and pay their players in full be punished ?
We won ’ t sit back and watch these teams make signings.
” If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very latest throughout the week and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Preston North End , Stoke City and Middlesbrough are identified as clubs , alongside Albion , who have continued to support their staff fully during these difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both of whom are fighting against the threat of relegation this term , are named as clubs who have already deferred payments to their squad .
Swansea City , Albion ’ s last opponents , could suffer when it comes to the futures of their loanees ; Rhian Brewster of Liverpool and Chelsea ’ s Conor Gallagher are currently both at the Liberty Stadium .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Some clubs in the Championship are demanding that their counterparts who are deferring payments to their players during the lockdown should be punished with transfer bans once the normality resumes.
West Brom are one club who already announced that they haven’t yet had to furlough any of their non-playing staff, after chief executive Mark Jenkins confirmed that he was taking a 100% pay cut for the duration of the lockdown.
Boss Slaven Bilic has already explained recently, too, of how the players have showed concern regarding the salaries of the club’s staff during this time, and their intentions to help out if required to do so.
Clubs around the division, though, are not in as strong a position.
The Sun claim that clubs who are meeting payments to players on time will suffer in the transfer windows to come, because their rivals are being permitted to hold back on funding wages for weeks and months at a time.
And so those same clubs are demanding that action is taken by the EFL because of the uneven playing field ahead.
“It is just kicking the can down the road. These clubs should be in for a transfer embargo,” one club chief told the Sun.
“Why should those who balance the books and pay their players in full be punished? We won’t sit back and watch these teams make signings.”
Preston North End, Stoke City and Middlesbrough are identified as clubs, alongside Albion, who have continued to support their staff fully during these difficult times.
Wigan Athletic and Luton Town, both of whom are fighting against the threat of relegation this term, are named as clubs who have already deferred payments to their squad.
Swansea City, Albion’s last opponents, could suffer when it comes to the futures of their loanees; Rhian Brewster of Liverpool and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher are currently both at the Liberty Stadium.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Championship chief demands Birmingham City are given transfer ban

Championship clubs want Birmingham City and other sides who have deferred player wages given transfer bans , according to reports .
Blues became the first club to agree a wage cut with players in March to help ease the financial cost of the coronavirus crisis .
Senior squad members earning over £6,000-a-week were asked to take a cut of 50 % for the next four months with the difference then paid back in stages .
Captain Harlee Dean said : `` Some people can help and some people ca n't help , it 's just the nature of the beast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can and I feel like we should .
`` If someone at the club was laid off for the sake of me not doing it ( taking the pay cut ) , that does n't really sit well with me .
`` It 's to give the club a bit of stability over the months while we are in these uncertain times with the coronavirus and missing games .
It 's a bit tough for clubs to carry on considering the payments they have got to make . ''
The likes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Athletic and Luton Town have followed suit , but the Sun reports sides who are continuing to pay their players in full are unhappy with the situation and are calling for transfer bans .
One aggrieved club chief told the newspaper : “ It is just kicking the can down the road .
These clubs should be in for a transfer embargo .
“ Why should those who balance the books and pay their players in full be punished ?
We won ’ t sit back and watch these teams make signings.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open on June 10 as things stand and will run through until August , though there are growing calls for the rules and dates to be changed .
Portsmouth chief executive Mark Catlin has already proposed that the transfer window remains open until the end of January and says he has already lobbied his fellow EFL members to support the scheme and believes League chairman Rick Parry is in favour .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Championship clubs want Birmingham City and other sides who have deferred player wages given transfer bans, according to reports.
Blues became the first club to agree a wage cut with players in March to help ease the financial cost of the coronavirus crisis.
Senior squad members earning over £6,000-a-week were asked to take a cut of 50% for the next four months with the difference then paid back in stages.
Captain Harlee Dean said: "Some people can help and some people can't help, it's just the nature of the beast. I am going to help because I can and I feel like we should.
"If someone at the club was laid off for the sake of me not doing it (taking the pay cut), that doesn't really sit well with me.
"It's to give the club a bit of stability over the months while we are in these uncertain times with the coronavirus and missing games. It's a bit tough for clubs to carry on considering the payments they have got to make."
The likes of Leeds United, Swansea City, Wigan Athletic and Luton Town have followed suit, but the Sun reports sides who are continuing to pay their players in full are unhappy with the situation and are calling for transfer bans.
One aggrieved club chief told the newspaper: “It is just kicking the can down the road. These clubs should be in for a transfer embargo.
“Why should those who balance the books and pay their players in full be punished? We won’t sit back and watch these teams make signings.”
The summer transfer window is set to open on June 10 as things stand and will run through until August, though there are growing calls for the rules and dates to be changed.
Portsmouth chief executive Mark Catlin has already proposed that the transfer window remains open until the end of January and says he has already lobbied his fellow EFL members to support the scheme and believes League chairman Rick Parry is in favour.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--The Vicar of Dibley returning to BBC One for coronavirus lockdown special

The Vicar Of Dibley is poised to return to TV screens as part of the BBC ’ s Big Night In .
Dawn French will reprise her role as Geraldine during the live charity BBC One programme , which aims to provide an evening of entertainment during the coronavirus lockdown .
French shared a close-up photograph of the dog collar and crucifix she wore on the hit sitcom and wrote on Twitter : “ Hmmm .
Somethin interestin this way comes… .
Thurs  @ BBCOne 7-10pm # BigNightIn.
” French last played the role in 2015 , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event will also see Little Britain return to TV screens for the first time in more than 10 years as David Walliams and Matt Lucas perform in a new sketch during the show , which is a collaboration between BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief .
Meanwhile , Catherine Tate will reprise her errant schoolgirl role – now struggling with home education – with David Tennant as her teacher .
Tate , 51 , played “ Am I bovvered ?
” Lauren alongside a host of other colourful characters in The Catherine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Big Night In aims to “ celebrate and reward those going the extra mile to support their communities in these troubled times ” .
The show will be presented by hosts including Matt Baker , Zoe Ball , Sir Lenny Henry , Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness .
The show will be broadcast on BBC One on Thursday April 23 between 7pm and 10pm .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
The Vicar Of Dibley is poised to return to TV screens as part of the BBC’s Big Night In.
Dawn French will reprise her role as Geraldine during the live charity BBC One programme, which aims to provide an evening of entertainment during the coronavirus lockdown.
French shared a close-up photograph of the dog collar and crucifix she wore on the hit sitcom and wrote on Twitter: “Hmmm. Somethin interestin this way comes…. Thurs @BBCOne 7-10pm #BigNightIn.”
French last played the role in 2015, in a charity short for Comic Relief.
The event will also see Little Britain return to TV screens for the first time in more than 10 years as David Walliams and Matt Lucas perform in a new sketch during the show, which is a collaboration between BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief.
Meanwhile, Catherine Tate will reprise her errant schoolgirl role – now struggling with home education – with David Tennant as her teacher.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Tate, 51, played “Am I bovvered?” Lauren alongside a host of other colourful characters in The Catherine Tate Show.
The BBC has said The Big Night In aims to “celebrate and reward those going the extra mile to support their communities in these troubled times”.
The show will be presented by hosts including Matt Baker, Zoe Ball, Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall and Paddy McGuinness.
Guests will include Peter Kay and Gary Barlow.
The show will be broadcast on BBC One on Thursday April 23 between 7pm and 10pm.


birminghammail--2020-04-19--Entire Gogglebox family diagnosed with coronavirus

Gogglebox star Jonathan Tapper is “ at the end of his recovery ” after he and the rest of his @ @ @ @ @ The reality TV family , including wife Nikki and son Josh and daughter Amy , @ @ @ @ @ Channel 4 show .
Jonathan and Amy recently lost three stone each after a lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ the Tapper family told the PA news agency : “ I can confirm that the @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We are really pleased to say the family are better – and Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ of his recovery and is now taking it easy.
” Earlier this month , Amy @ @ @ @ @ the whole family dancing together and wrote : “ About time we got off the @ @ @ @ @ and dad xx ”

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss any TV and showbiz news - sign up to free alerts
Gogglebox star Jonathan Tapper is “at the end of his recovery” after he and the rest of his family contracted the coronavirus.
The reality TV family, including wife Nikki and son Josh and daughter Amy, all found fame on the Channel 4 show.
Jonathan and Amy recently lost three stone each after a lifestyle overhaul.
A spokesman for the Tapper family told the PA news agency: “I can confirm that the Tapper family all contracted Covid-19.
“We are really pleased to say the family are better – and Jonathan is at the very end of his recovery and is now taking it easy.”
Earlier this month, Amy shared a TikTok video of the whole family dancing together and wrote: “About time we got off the couch…. nice try mum and dad xx”


birminghammail--2020-04-19--The tests which could increase your risk of contracting coronavirus

Unverified antibody tests are putting people at risk of contracting coronavirus , the UK 's national testing co-ordinator has warned .
Antibody kits are designed to detect if people have had the virus and thus may be immune .
No country in the world has found a reliable test yet but reports have emerged of organisations and individuals looking to purchase unapproved tests to check their status .
Professor John Newton , national co-ordinator of the UK coronavirus testing programme , said these tests provide `` misleading '' results and could actually increase the risk of becoming ill or spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Government , supported by world-leading experts and regulators , is continuing to work hard to rapidly deliver a reliable and accurate back-to-work antibody testing kit , to counter the spread of the virus and enable people to return to work safely .
`` We are breaking new ground with this work every day and I am confident this major research effort will make a breakthrough .
`` Until then , please do n't buy or take any unproven tests .
They may not be reliable for your intended use ; they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , your family or others at risk . ''
The Government is working with several companies that offer these tests and evaluating their effectiveness .
But none of them have proven accurate enough to roll out for public use .
Prof Newton added : `` As soon as we have found a test that works for this purpose , we will be in a position to roll them out across the country as a back-to-work test .
`` In the meantime , I advise organisations , both in the public and private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests that have not been verified in a laboratory setting : and none have .
`` The results of an inaccurate test are potentially misleading and can put people at risk of contracting the disease and transmitting it to others . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Unverified antibody tests are putting people at risk of contracting coronavirus, the UK's national testing co-ordinator has warned.
Antibody kits are designed to detect if people have had the virus and thus may be immune.
No country in the world has found a reliable test yet but reports have emerged of organisations and individuals looking to purchase unapproved tests to check their status.
Professor John Newton, national co-ordinator of the UK coronavirus testing programme, said these tests provide "misleading" results and could actually increase the risk of becoming ill or spreading the disease.
Prof Newton said: "The Government, supported by world-leading experts and regulators, is continuing to work hard to rapidly deliver a reliable and accurate back-to-work antibody testing kit, to counter the spread of the virus and enable people to return to work safely.
"We are breaking new ground with this work every day and I am confident this major research effort will make a breakthrough.
"Until then, please don't buy or take any unproven tests. They may not be reliable for your intended use; they may give a false reading and put you, your family or others at risk."
(Image: Getty Images)
The Government is working with several companies that offer these tests and evaluating their effectiveness.
But none of them have proven accurate enough to roll out for public use.
Prof Newton added: "As soon as we have found a test that works for this purpose, we will be in a position to roll them out across the country as a back-to-work test.
"In the meantime, I advise organisations, both in the public and private sector, against the use of antibody tests that have not been verified in a laboratory setting: and none have.
"The results of an inaccurate test are potentially misleading and can put people at risk of contracting the disease and transmitting it to others."


birminghammail--2020-04-20--These four good causes in Lichfield will share cash grant

Central England Co-op has shared out £7,500 between four good causes in Lichfield to ensure they can continue their vital community work during the coronavirus outbreak .
Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC , Whittington Community Computer Group , St Giles Hospice and The Fuse Festival were delighted to receive the funding boost during these uncertain times , with a total of £50,000 handed out to 27 groups across 16 counties from the retailer ’ s Community Dividend Fund .
The money will now be spent by charities and organisations to ensure that events , activities and support that otherwise might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go ahead and provide a vital boost to the local community .
A total of £2,800 has been handed to Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC , in Lichfield , to support vital refurbishment work to ensure it can still provide fruit and vegetables for the community during lockdown .
The Fuse Festival has been given £2,200 to support the music and community arts event for when it returns following the Coronavirus pandemic .
Whittington Community Computer Group will use £1,000 to help fight elderly members of the community fight loneliness and isolation while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been awarded £1,500 to ensure it can continue its vital work as fund-raising becomes more difficult following the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic .
Debbie Robinson , Central England Co-op Chief Executive , said : “ Now more than ever being a co-operative business that sits at the heart of our communities is so important .
“ We are delighted that these great projects and good causes have been handed a grant that will allow them to continue their fantastic work in the community at this uncertain time .
“ Community Dividend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being a member and shopping at your local Central England Co-op store allows us as a Society to continue to invest and fund vital projects in the area.
” Grants of between £100 and £5,000 are handed out every three months to a wide range of applicants .
The fund guarantees that at least one per cent of the Society ’ s trading profit is reinvested in local communities in a bid to help projects to thrive across its trading area of 16 counties from the Midlands to the east coast .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //communities.centralengland.coop/ Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits , access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Central England Co-op has shared out £7,500 between four good causes in Lichfield to ensure they can continue their vital community work during the coronavirus outbreak.
Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC, Whittington Community Computer Group, St Giles Hospice and The Fuse Festival were delighted to receive the funding boost during these uncertain times, with a total of £50,000 handed out to 27 groups across 16 counties from the retailer’s Community Dividend Fund.
The money will now be spent by charities and organisations to ensure that events, activities and support that otherwise might have been postponed or cancelled can still go ahead and provide a vital boost to the local community.
A total of £2,800 has been handed to Woodhouse Farm and Garden CIC, in Lichfield, to support vital refurbishment work to ensure it can still provide fruit and vegetables for the community during lockdown.
The Fuse Festival has been given £2,200 to support the music and community arts event for when it returns following the Coronavirus pandemic.
Whittington Community Computer Group will use £1,000 to help fight elderly members of the community fight loneliness and isolation while they are self-isolating.
St Giles Hospice has been awarded £1,500 to ensure it can continue its vital work as fund-raising becomes more difficult following the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: “Now more than ever being a co-operative business that sits at the heart of our communities is so important.
“We are delighted that these great projects and good causes have been handed a grant that will allow them to continue their fantastic work in the community at this uncertain time.
“Community Dividend Fund grants like this showcase how by being a member and shopping at your local Central England Co-op store allows us as a Society to continue to invest and fund vital projects in the area.”
Grants of between £100 and £5,000 are handed out every three months to a wide range of applicants.
The fund guarantees that at least one per cent of the Society’s trading profit is reinvested in local communities in a bid to help projects to thrive across its trading area of 16 counties from the Midlands to the east coast.
People can apply for funding by visiting https://communities.centralengland.coop/
Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund.


birminghammail--2020-04-20--New C-19 crisis directory to support wider Sutton Coldfield area

Sutton businesses and organisations are being urged to take part in a new coronavirus listings website to keep locals up to date on essential amenities during the C-19 crisis .
Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID has joined forces with Adventure Graphics to create Support Sutton Coldfield , a free resource hub , providing business support and showcasing services of local organisations , establishments and charitable schemes across the whole of the Sutton Coldfield area .
The directory , initially set up to share updates from town centre-based businesses is now being rolled out to cover all of Sutton Coldfield during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can add their information by visiting https : //www.supportsuttoncoldfield.co.uk The website will be continually updated with useful links and important business updates throughout the Covid 19 crisis to ensure the community is kept abreast of the latest news and support available .
It aims to enable locals to : • Know what key businesses are open in the wider Sutton Coldfield area and/or order online • Share information about a business or organisation in the wider Sutton Coldfield area • Check Sutton Card ’ s regular updates from businesses/organisations specific to the town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre BID Manager , said : “ It ’ s important to support local businesses at this time and share useful contacts that we know about .
We are all in this together .
This website aims to help Sutton Coldfield residents and businesses find the information and contacts needed during the coronavirus pandemic.
” Among the information provided , residents can find details of key businesses that are open , designated shopping hours for vulnerable shoppers and key workers , and where it 's possible to place online orders .
Helping to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hub also includes details of Sutton Coldfield Town Hall ’ s foodbank scheme .
Town centre specific links are also featured : business advice and resources from the BID and town centre information via Sutton Card .
Introduced by Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID , the Sutton Card initiative was originally launched to increase awareness of the town ’ s offering and encourage local residents to discover something new .
The bespoke loyalty scheme has now evolved and been modified to provide Sutton Coldfield people with a one stop-shop for information and updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid 19 crisis .
Mike continued : “ Of course , many businesses and organisations right across Sutton Coldfield have been forced to alter their services over the past few weeks , but there are still many fantastic services to help us while staying at home or making essential trips out .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top MySuttonColdfield stories sent straight to your e-mail
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our free email alerts for the top MySuttonColdfield stories sent straight to your e-mail
Sutton businesses and organisations are being urged to take part in a new coronavirus listings website to keep locals up to date on essential amenities during the C-19 crisis.
Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID has joined forces with Adventure Graphics to create Support Sutton Coldfield, a free resource hub, providing business support and showcasing services of local organisations, establishments and charitable schemes across the whole of the Sutton Coldfield area.
The directory, initially set up to share updates from town centre-based businesses is now being rolled out to cover all of Sutton Coldfield during this difficult time. Businesses and organisations can add their information by visiting https://www.supportsuttoncoldfield.co.uk
The website will be continually updated with useful links and important business updates throughout the Covid 19 crisis to ensure the community is kept abreast of the latest news and support available. It aims to enable locals to:
Know what key businesses are open in the wider Sutton Coldfield area and/or order online
Share information about a business or organisation in the wider Sutton Coldfield area
Find Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID’s C-19 business advice and resources
Check Sutton Card’s regular updates from businesses/organisations specific to the town centre
Mike Bushell, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID Manager, said: “It’s important to support local businesses at this time and share useful contacts that we know about. We are all in this together. This website aims to help Sutton Coldfield residents and businesses find the information and contacts needed during the coronavirus pandemic.”
Among the information provided, residents can find details of key businesses that are open, designated shopping hours for vulnerable shoppers and key workers, and where it's possible to place online orders.
Helping to feed the local community, the online hub also includes details of Sutton Coldfield Town Hall’s foodbank scheme. Town centre specific links are also featured: business advice and resources from the BID and town centre information via Sutton Card.
Introduced by Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID, the Sutton Card initiative was originally launched to increase awareness of the town’s offering and encourage local residents to discover something new.
The bespoke loyalty scheme has now evolved and been modified to provide Sutton Coldfield people with a one stop-shop for information and updates, to support the community throughout the Covid 19 crisis.
Mike continued: “Of course, many businesses and organisations right across Sutton Coldfield have been forced to alter their services over the past few weeks, but there are still many fantastic services to help us while staying at home or making essential trips out.”
Visit https://www.supportsuttoncoldfield.co.uk


birminghammail--2020-04-20--Villa midfielder McGinn set to cross swords with a familiar foe

The line-up and draw for the inaugural ePremier League Invitational has been confirmed today , as the Premier League launch a groundbreaking new FIFA 20 esports tournament that will take place this week .
Aston Villa have been drawn against Brighton and Hove Albion in the first game , with John McGinn selected to represent the Lions in the FIFA 20 tournament .
It ’ ll be Neal Maupay who takes the controller for the Seagulls , which makes for an interesting latest meeting with McGinn .
Maupay ’ s spiky relationship with Villa goes back a couple of years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his antics at Villa Park during his time as a Brentford player , he was retrospectively banned for stamping on midfielder McGinn during the 1-1 draw back in August 2018 .
The Frenchman was then a transfer target for Dean Smith last summer , a man who he knows well from his time in charge at Griffin Park .
The needle between Villa and Maupay continued into this term when he had a spat with former Bees teammate Ezri Konsa after the final whistle during the stalemate at the AMEX Stadium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of individuals from each side .
The latest meeting , however , will be a virtual one , as the two clubs face off on FIFA 20 during the coronavirus pandemic .
The Premier League first launched the ePremier League competition for the 2018/19 seasons as some of the best FIFA esports players around the UK competed to represent their favourite club , and then battled it out in a live ePremier League final at the Gfinity Arena .
But , with the ePremier League suspended in the 2019/20 season due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League have decided to launch the ePremier League invitational , with professional footballers representing their teams on FIFA 20 instead .
Premier League stars will battle it out in a knockout tournament from the comfort of their own homes to find out who competes in the final , which will feature in a live show on Sky Sports on Saturday 25 April .
The prize fund will be donated to the # PlayersTogether initiative , which was created by Premier League players as a collective way of generating funds for the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are needed most .
The tournament will also continue to urge everyone to follow official advice by staying home and saving lives .
The opening rounds feature four matches per day between midday and 4pm from Tuesday 21 April to Friday 24 April .
The semi-finals and final will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League at 3pm on Saturday 25 April .
Fans can watch all the action throughout the week on the Premier League website , app , YouTube , Facebook and Twitter channels ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well on the Football Daily YouTube channel .
ePL Invitational players will compete on PlayStation 4 only , with each representative playing as their club and all ratings on the game levelled out to ensure an even playing field .
The ePL Invitational tournament is operated by esports tournament organisers Gfinity , who have worked on the first two seasons of ePremier League .
The opening rounds will feature four matches per day between midday and 4pm from Tuesday , April 21 to Friday , April 24 .
The semi-finals and final will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , April 25 .
John McGinn ( Aston Villa ) or Neal Maupay ( Brighton ) vs Phillip Billing ( Bournemouth ) or Angus Gunn ( Southampton ) Josh Franceschi ( Arsenal ) or Nathaniel Chalobah ( Watford ) vs Dwight McNeil ( Burnley ) or Ryan Fredericks ( West Ham ) Friday April 24 - Four ePL matches played between 12pm and 4pm Fans can watch all the action throughout the week on the Premier League website , app , YouTube , Facebook and Twitter channels ; Sky Sports YouTube and Twitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTube channel .
Sky ’ s coverage will be hosted by Saturday Social ’ s Adam Smith and Joe Thomlinson who will be joined by influencer Harry Pinero .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
The line-up and draw for the inaugural ePremier League Invitational has been confirmed today, as the Premier League launch a groundbreaking new FIFA 20 esports tournament that will take place this week.
Aston Villa have been drawn against Brighton and Hove Albion in the first game, with John McGinn selected to represent the Lions in the FIFA 20 tournament.
It’ll be Neal Maupay who takes the controller for the Seagulls, which makes for an interesting latest meeting with McGinn.
Maupay’s spiky relationship with Villa goes back a couple of years; remembered by claret and blue supporters for his antics at Villa Park during his time as a Brentford player, he was retrospectively banned for stamping on midfielder McGinn during the 1-1 draw back in August 2018.
The Frenchman was then a transfer target for Dean Smith last summer, a man who he knows well from his time in charge at Griffin Park.
The needle between Villa and Maupay continued into this term when he had a spat with former Bees teammate Ezri Konsa after the final whistle during the stalemate at the AMEX Stadium, a clash which sparked a melee involving a number of individuals from each side.
The latest meeting, however, will be a virtual one, as the two clubs face off on FIFA 20 during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Premier League first launched the ePremier League competition for the 2018/19 seasons as some of the best FIFA esports players around the UK competed to represent their favourite club, and then battled it out in a live ePremier League final at the Gfinity Arena.
But, with the ePremier League suspended in the 2019/20 season due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Premier League have decided to launch the ePremier League invitational, with professional footballers representing their teams on FIFA 20 instead.
Premier League stars will battle it out in a knockout tournament from the comfort of their own homes to find out who competes in the final, which will feature in a live show on Sky Sports on Saturday 25 April.
The prize fund will be donated to the #PlayersTogether initiative, which was created by Premier League players as a collective way of generating funds for the National Health Service and distributing them where they are needed most.
The tournament will also continue to urge everyone to follow official advice by staying home and saving lives.
The opening rounds feature four matches per day between midday and 4pm from Tuesday 21 April to Friday 24 April. The semi-finals and final will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League at 3pm on Saturday 25 April.
Fans can watch all the action throughout the week on the Premier League website, app, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels; Sky Sports YouTube and Twitch channels as well on the Football Daily YouTube channel.
ePL Invitational players will compete on PlayStation 4 only, with each representative playing as their club and all ratings on the game levelled out to ensure an even playing field.
The ePL Invitational tournament is operated by esports tournament organisers Gfinity, who have worked on the first two seasons of ePremier League.
The opening rounds will feature four matches per day between midday and 4pm from Tuesday, April 21 to Friday, April 24. The semi-finals and final will then be played from 3pm on Saturday, April 25.
Claret & Blue podcast Have you tried our Claret & Blue podcast out? Claret & Blue is our expanded look at everything Aston Villa - and you can find it on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube, as well as your podcast service of choice. Our writers will bring you the latest from Villa Park in their own unique style, taking a deeper look at the Villans while having a lot of fun along the way. What can you expect? Well,analysis, news, interviews and debate along with, yes, a fair amount of nonsense! That's not all though, you can find the podcast on Twitter here, and as a newsletter which you can subscribe to here. In our newsletter you'll get original articles like this and exclusive interviews before anyone else has access. What are you waiting for?
Full Schedule and draw
Monday April 20 - Full line-up confirmed and tournament draw (9am)
Tuesday April 21
John McGinn (Aston Villa) vs Neal Maupay (Brighton)
Phillip Billing (Bournemouth) vs Angus Gunn (Southampton)
Dwight McNeil (Burnley) vs Ryan Fredericks (West Ham)
Josh Franceschi (Arsenal - celebrity player) vs Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford)
Wednesday April 22
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) vs Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Moussa Sissoko (Tottenham) vs Christian Atsu (Newcastle)
Reece James (Chelsea) vs Andre Gomes (Everton)
Tom Grennan (Manchester United - celebrity player) vs Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Thursday April 23
Diogo Jota (Wolves) vs James Justin (Leicester)
Todd Cantwell (Norwich) vs Lys Mousset (Sheffield United)
John McGinn (Aston Villa) or Neal Maupay (Brighton) vs Phillip Billing (Bournemouth) or Angus Gunn (Southampton)
Josh Franceschi (Arsenal) or Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford) vs Dwight McNeil (Burnley) or Ryan Fredericks (West Ham)
Friday April 24 - Four ePL matches played between 12pm and 4pm
Saturday April 25 - Semi-final and final from 3pm
Fans can watch all the action throughout the week on the Premier League website, app, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter channels; Sky Sports YouTube and Twitch channels as well on the Football Daily YouTube channel.
Sky’s coverage will be hosted by Saturday Social’s Adam Smith and Joe Thomlinson who will be joined by influencer Harry Pinero.


birminghammail--2020-04-20--Morrisons is selling £35 Ramadan food boxes - here's what's included

Morrisons has launched a Ramadan food box for anybody marking the religious festival .
The supermarket giant operates multiple stores @ @ @ @ @ massive branch in Hagley Road .
As Birmingham stays in coronavirus lockdown , Morrisons is @ @ @ @ @ packed full of food .
The boxes , which will set shoppers back £35 , @ @ @ @ @ delivery .
The supermarket chain has packed the boxes with halal chicken breast fillets , @ @ @ @ @ chaat masala mix potatoes .
You can also get a halal Peri Peri chicken platter @ @ @ @ @ World Foods Senior Buying Manager , said : “ This box contains many of the @ @ @ @ @ through Ramadan .
`` Our food boxes are a lifeline for many customers at this @ @ @ @ @ providing essential food to people that either can not leave their home or struggle to @ @ @ @ @ new Ramadan food boxes are available to order online now .
They contain everything from @ @ @ @ @ , yogurt , pitta breads and pastes .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to our email newsletter for daily updates on what's happening in and around Birmingham
Morrisons has launched a Ramadan food box for anybody marking the religious festival.
The supermarket giant operates multiple stores across Birmingham - including the massive branch in Hagley Road.
As Birmingham stays in coronavirus lockdown, Morrisons is now offering a huge box packed full of food.
The boxes, which will set shoppers back £35, are available for next day delivery.
The supermarket chain has packed the boxes with halal chicken breast fillets, dried fruits, juices and chaat masala mix potatoes.
You can also get a halal Peri Peri chicken platter.
Noor Ali, Morrisons World Foods Senior Buying Manager, said: “This box contains many of the products that will see Muslims through Ramadan.
"Our food boxes are a lifeline for many customers at this very difficult time and are providing essential food to people that either cannot leave their home or struggle to reach the supermarket.”
The new Ramadan food boxes are available to order online now.
They contain everything from almonds and dates to onions, yogurt, pitta breads and pastes.
A typical box may include:


birminghammail--2020-04-20--Twycross Zoo's newest arrival has been given this name in honour of NHS workers

A baby antelope , born at Twycross Zoo , has been given his name in honour of a local NHS hospital .
The zoo ran a poll to name the new baby Kirk ’ s Dik Dik with the options of George , Samuel or Robert .
The choices were based on surrounding NHS Hospitals – George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust , in Nuneaton , Samuel Johnson Community Hospital , Lichfield , and Tamworth 's Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital .
The zoo wanted to honour the NHS ’ s hard work on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was selected .
Baby George was born over the Bank Holiday Weekend during the lockdown and is the third baby for mum , Pogo Jr , who was born at the zoo in 2018 and dad , Charlie , who has been a resident since 2017 .
Dik-Diks are a species of small antelope from East Africa .
Their name comes from the call they make when startled .
They jump up from their hiding place and use zig-zag leaps while making their call to confuse predators .
The males grow horns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Infants reach full size by the time they are seven months old , at which point they leave the adults and go off to make their own territories .
Dik-Diks form monogamous male-female pairs who maintain a territory in the wild , and they have one offspring twice a year coinciding with the start and finish of the rainy season .
They mostly eat leaves but as they have a high metabolic rate , they have to eat a lot of vegetation relative to their size .
Twycross Zoo has launched a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future , being closed to visitors because of the Covid-19 lockdown .
Sharon Redrobe , chief executive of the zoo , said : “ As a charity we are experiencing uncertain times and we have never needed our visitors , supporters and our wider zoo community to come together more than we do today . ''
“ For over 500 animals and over half of our staff , our normal routine continues , despite the gates being closed to visitors .
“ Whether the visitors come or not the excellent work and care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In times of crisis like this our charity work to protect and provide care to many critically endangered animals is as critical now as ever .
“ With visitors gone for the foreseeable future so has the primary source of income for our zoo , but the cost of running the zoo remains .
“ It still costs us over £650,000 a month , so we are putting a call out for all to support us through fundraising or donations .
You can make a donation on the Twycross Zoo website @

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nick Dawson, Matt Panter)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest news from Tamworth straight to your inbox
A baby antelope, born at Twycross Zoo, has been given his name in honour of a local NHS hospital.
The zoo ran a poll to name the new baby Kirk’s Dik Dik with the options of George, Samuel or Robert.
The choices were based on surrounding NHS Hospitals – George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, in Nuneaton, Samuel Johnson Community Hospital, Lichfield, and Tamworth's Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital.
The zoo wanted to honour the NHS’s hard work on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus and, in the end, George was selected.
(Image: Twycross Zoo)
Baby George was born over the Bank Holiday Weekend during the lockdown and is the third baby for mum, Pogo Jr, who was born at the zoo in 2018 and dad, Charlie, who has been a resident since 2017.
Dik-Diks are a species of small antelope from East Africa. Their name comes from the call they make when startled.
They jump up from their hiding place and use zig-zag leaps while making their call to confuse predators.
The males grow horns that are often hidden by tufts of fur.
Infants reach full size by the time they are seven months old, at which point they leave the adults and go off to make their own territories.
Dik-Diks form monogamous male-female pairs who maintain a territory in the wild, and they have one offspring twice a year coinciding with the start and finish of the rainy season.
They mostly eat leaves but as they have a high metabolic rate, they have to eat a lot of vegetation relative to their size.
Twycross Zoo has launched a fundraising appeal as it faces an uncertain future, being closed to visitors because of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Sharon Redrobe, chief executive of the zoo, said: “As a charity we are experiencing uncertain times and we have never needed our visitors, supporters and our wider zoo community to come together more than we do today."
“For over 500 animals and over half of our staff, our normal routine continues, despite the gates being closed to visitors.
“Whether the visitors come or not the excellent work and care provided by our keepers and vets continues.
“In times of crisis like this our charity work to protect and provide care to many critically endangered animals is as critical now as ever.
“With visitors gone for the foreseeable future so has the primary source of income for our zoo, but the cost of running the zoo remains.
“It still costs us over £650,000 a month, so we are putting a call out for all to support us through fundraising or donations.
“Every penny makes a difference.”
You can make a donation on the Twycross Zoo website.


birminghammail--2020-04-20--Albion man has retirement plan - and it includes a classy touch

Former West Brom striker Lee Hughes has revealed that he is organising a retirement match in August which will involve all proceeds raised will go towards the NHS cause .
Ex Albion forward Hughes , who had two spells at The Hawthorns seven years in which he scored just shy of 100 goals , has still been playing non-league football as recently as this season , and he ’ s been involved at Halesowen Town in a caretaker manager capacity .
His CV lists spells at Port Vale , Oldham , Notts County and Kidderminster Harriers since his last Albion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bag goals for Worcester City .
Now 43 , he ’ s organised a match which he has indicated will signal the end of his playing days .
Many of his former Albion teammates are expected to feature in the friendly match , which will take place at the Yeltz ’ s Grove Stadium .
All monies raised through ticket sales will go the NHS , too , who have been under significant pressure because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Indeed this match is subject to the subsiding of Covid-19 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media .
“ WBA All Stars v All Stars match will be played at Halesowen Town on Sunday 2nd of August at 1pm .
“ We will let everyone know how they can buy tickets in due course .
Subject to this horrible virus blowing over .
“ All proceeds are going to the NHS .
I would like to thank Keith McKenna and Halesowen Town for letting us have their pitch free of charge.
” Halesowen themselves added : “ We are extremely proud to be hosting this game for Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extremely worthy cause .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Albion manager latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Former West Brom striker Lee Hughes has revealed that he is organising a retirement match in August which will involve all proceeds raised will go towards the NHS cause.
Ex Albion forward Hughes, who had two spells at The Hawthorns seven years in which he scored just shy of 100 goals, has still been playing non-league football as recently as this season, and he’s been involved at Halesowen Town in a caretaker manager capacity.
His CV lists spells at Port Vale, Oldham, Notts County and Kidderminster Harriers since his last Albion run-out, while Hughes also continued to bag goals for Worcester City.
Now 43, he’s organised a match which he has indicated will signal the end of his playing days.
Many of his former Albion teammates are expected to feature in the friendly match, which will take place at the Yeltz’s Grove Stadium.
All monies raised through ticket sales will go the NHS, too, who have been under significant pressure because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Indeed this match is subject to the subsiding of Covid-19.
“Retirement game,” Hughes shared on social media. “WBA All Stars v All Stars match will be played at Halesowen Town on Sunday 2nd of August at 1pm.
“We will let everyone know how they can buy tickets in due course. Subject to this horrible virus blowing over.
“All proceeds are going to the NHS. I would like to thank Keith McKenna and Halesowen Town for letting us have their pitch free of charge.”
Halesowen themselves added: “We are extremely proud to be hosting this game for Lee Hughes, with all proceeds going to an extremely worthy cause.”