kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-14--First people in Worcestershire receive Covid-19 vaccinations

THE first people in Worcestershire visited their local doctor 's surgery for a Covid-19 vaccination today ( Monday ) as the roll-out gets under way across the county .
Covid vaccination services run by family doctors and their teams are starting across Worcestershire and Herefordshire this week as the roll out of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history gains momentum .
Some GP practices in Worcestershire have now received delivery of the coronavirus vaccine and have started their clinics , with the rest following over the coming days and weeks when more vaccines arrive .
Wyre Forest Health Partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre and Kidderminster Medical Centre had been approved as vaccine sites .
It posted on Facebook today : `` We have now started ringing our patients in the priority order defined by the government , to book their Covid vaccination .
`` Our first clinics start this week out of Stourport Health Centre ( even if you are registered at a different surgery ) .
`` Please only come if you have pre booked appointment .
We have limited space , please do not arrive early as because of social distancing you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear a mask .
You will need to wait for 15 minutes after vaccination before leaving .
`` Please bear with us during this first week , it is a new service which we are pleased to have set up quickly in order to start protecting people as quickly as possible . ''
Aylmer Lodge Cookley Partnership has also announced it has been approved to deliver Covid-19 vaccines from its Hume Street site .
The latest phase of the vaccine roll-out is being co-ordinated by GP-led primary care networks ( PCN ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more closely together .
This means that patients may be invited to receive the vaccine from a location that is different to their registered practice but one that will still be nearby to where they live .
The last few weeks has seen practice teams working rapidly to redesign their sites and put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination .
Dr Gemma Moore , practising GP and lead for Droitwich and Ombersley PCN , said : “ This is the greatest vaccination programme ever undertaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinate people safely we will be delivering it in convenient and familiar settings .
`` As a GP I ’ m proud to be part of this huge national effort to protect our patients against the virus and I would urge the public to come forward when they are called up for the vaccine.
” Simon Trickett , chief executive of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG added : “ Delivering the covid vaccination programme in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is a huge challenge .
However , our local general practice has an excellent track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m confident that we can use this experience to help protect people from Covid-19 and start getting life back to normal again.
” Patients are reminded that the NHS will contact people in priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine and to not contact their GP practice or local hospital directly asking for an appointment .

Covid vaccination services run by family doctors and their teams are starting across Worcestershire and Herefordshire this week as the roll out of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history gains momentum.
Some GP practices in Worcestershire have now received delivery of the coronavirus vaccine and have started their clinics, with the rest following over the coming days and weeks when more vaccines arrive.
Wyre Forest Health Partnership previously announced its sites at Stourport Health Centre and Kidderminster Medical Centre had been approved as vaccine sites.
It posted on Facebook today: "We have now started ringing our patients in the priority order defined by the government, to book their Covid vaccination.
"Our first clinics start this week out of Stourport Health Centre (even if you are registered at a different surgery).
Dr Gemma Moore giving local resident Michael Shuck a Covid-19 vaccination
"Please only come if you have pre booked appointment. We have limited space, please do not arrive early as because of social distancing you will have to wait outside.
"Please wear a mask. You will need to wait for 15 minutes after vaccination before leaving.
"Please bear with us during this first week, it is a new service which we are pleased to have set up quickly in order to start protecting people as quickly as possible."
Aylmer Lodge Cookley Partnership has also announced it has been approved to deliver Covid-19 vaccines from its Hume Street site.
The latest phase of the vaccine roll-out is being co-ordinated by GP-led primary care networks (PCN), which are groups of general practices working more closely together.
This means that patients may be invited to receive the vaccine from a location that is different to their registered practice but one that will still be nearby to where they live.
The last few weeks has seen practice teams working rapidly to redesign their sites and put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination.
Dr Gemma Moore, practising GP and lead for Droitwich and Ombersley PCN, said: “This is the greatest vaccination programme ever undertaken by the NHS and, to help vaccinate people safely we will be delivering it in convenient and familiar settings.
"As a GP I’m proud to be part of this huge national effort to protect our patients against the virus and I would urge the public to come forward when they are called up for the vaccine.”
Simon Trickett, chief executive of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG added: “Delivering the covid vaccination programme in Herefordshire and Worcestershire is a huge challenge. However, our local general practice has an excellent track record of delivering mass vaccination programmes, and I’m confident that we can use this experience to help protect people from Covid-19 and start getting life back to normal again.”
Patients are reminded that the NHS will contact people in priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine and to not contact their GP practice or local hospital directly asking for an appointment.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-14--Bookings open for West Midland Safari Park's new luxury lodges

THE highly-anticipated new luxury lodges overlooking the elephant and cheetah enclosures at West Midland Safari Park will officially open in February .
Bookings are now open for the new Safari Lodges , which are due to welcome their first guests on February 13 , 2021 .
The eight exclusive lodges are integrated into the newly-updated animal habitats on the park ’ s reserves , overlooking cheetahs and African elephants , and are designed to give guests an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife experience .
The lodges will be very similar to those at Planète Sauvage ( pictured ) , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer the only overnight accommodation experience with elephants in the UK .
Two more lodges will offer incredible views of the park ’ s cheetahs , also the only experience of its kind in the country .
The brand-new development began work back in February 2020 , with the hope of opening in July .
However , the first Covid-19 nationwide lockdown brought construction to a halt , delaying the opening date by seven months .
The double-storey elephant lodges accommodate up to five people .
They have large , open-plan living spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchenette .
The spacious balcony with outdoor seating offers spectacular views to watch elephants Latabe , Five and Sutton approach the pool in front of the lodges .
The two single-storey , detached cheetah lodges sleep up to six guests .
Prices will start from £171 per adult per night and £147 per night for a child The living space will have a large window , spanning one side of the building , offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat .
A floor-to-ceiling window offers similar , incredible views in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bappe .
Prices will start from £171 per adult per night and £147 per night for a child .
Safari Lodges short breaks will include dinner and breakfast in the on-site restaurant , exclusive views of the animals and admission to the safari park and its attractions .
Wristbands for the Adventure Theme Park will also be included for those staying during the park ’ s summer season .
It 's the first overnight experience with cheetahs and elephants in the UK Each lodge will offer free Wi-Fi , TV , coffee machine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce .
Chris Kelly , managing director at West Midland Safari Park , said : “ It ’ s been a long wait but we are delighted to finally be at this stage .
`` I ’ m incredibly proud of what we have achieved , in delivering beautiful accommodation to offer guests the opportunity to stay onsite for the first time , but also in upgrading stimulating and enriching environments for the wonderful animals we have in our care.
” “ Our lodges are going to offer a special and unforgettable safari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Booking is now open for the new luxury Safari Lodges at West Midland Safari Park '' Guests will be able to get closer than ever before to our wildlife and make friends with their animal neighbours .
`` Being located on our reserves , guests will also have the chance to spot some of our other species and experience all the great attractions we have to offer , making it the perfect retreat for all the family.
” For more information on the Safari Lodges and details on how to book , visit @ @

Bookings are now open for the new Safari Lodges, which are due to welcome their first guests on February 13, 2021.
The eight exclusive lodges are integrated into the newly-updated animal habitats on the park’s reserves, overlooking cheetahs and African elephants, and are designed to give guests an immersive and unforgettable overnight wildlife experience.
The lodges will be very similar to those at Planète Sauvage (pictured), also part of the Looping Group
Six lodges offer the only overnight accommodation experience with elephants in the UK. Two more lodges will offer incredible views of the park’s cheetahs, also the only experience of its kind in the country.
The brand-new development began work back in February 2020, with the hope of opening in July. However, the first Covid-19 nationwide lockdown brought construction to a halt, delaying the opening date by seven months.
The double-storey elephant lodges accommodate up to five people. They have large, open-plan living spaces, with lounge, dining area and kitchenette.
The spacious balcony with outdoor seating offers spectacular views to watch elephants Latabe, Five and Sutton approach the pool in front of the lodges.
The two single-storey, detached cheetah lodges sleep up to six guests.
Prices will start from £171 per adult per night and £147 per night for a child
The living space will have a large window, spanning one side of the building, offering panoramic views of the cheetahs in their new habitat.
A floor-to-ceiling window offers similar, incredible views in the bedroom to see cheetahs Asrael and Bappe.
Prices will start from £171 per adult per night and £147 per night for a child.
Safari Lodges short breaks will include dinner and breakfast in the on-site restaurant, exclusive views of the animals and admission to the safari park and its attractions.
Wristbands for the Adventure Theme Park will also be included for those staying during the park’s summer season.
It's the first overnight experience with cheetahs and elephants in the UK
Each lodge will offer free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee machine and mini bar, filled with local produce.
Chris Kelly, managing director at West Midland Safari Park, said: “It’s been a long wait but we are delighted to finally be at this stage.
"I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved, in delivering beautiful accommodation to offer guests the opportunity to stay onsite for the first time, but also in upgrading stimulating and enriching environments for the wonderful animals we have in our care.”
“Our lodges are going to offer a special and unforgettable safari stay right here in the Midlands.
Booking is now open for the new luxury Safari Lodges at West Midland Safari Park
"Guests will be able to get closer than ever before to our wildlife and make friends with their animal neighbours.
"Being located on our reserves, guests will also have the chance to spot some of our other species and experience all the great attractions we have to offer, making it the perfect retreat for all the family.”
For more information on the Safari Lodges and details on how to book, visit safari-lodges.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-14--Changes to bin collections in Wyre Forest over Christmas

THERE will be some changes to bin collections in Wyre Forest over the Christmas period .
The majority of residents will have their rubbish collected as usual over the festive period , apart from neighbours who usually have their bins emptied on a Friday .
Householders whose bins would have been due for collection on Friday , December 25 are being asked to put it out by 6am on Monday , December 21 .
And for those residents whose black bins would have been due to be emptied on Friday , January 1 , this will now take place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bin collections will take place as usual .
Wyre Forest District Council is also warning people not to dump rubbish outside the gates of the district 's recycling centres while they are closed for three days over Christmas - or risk a fine .
Last year , one flytipper was fined £600 after making two trips to dump rubbish outside the locked gates of the Kidderminster tip on Boxing Day .
Councillor Helen Dyke , cabinet member for culture , leisure and community protection , said : “ We understand you may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
If you want to a visit a tip , please check they are open and remember to book an appointment in advance for Hoobrook household recycling centre .
“ Last Christmas , 11 acts of flytipping took place outside the closed gates of tips in the district .
`` Our enforcement team worked swiftly to make sure the flytippers were identified and issued with fines.. '' As part of our work to combat flytipping , we are running a SCRAP flytipping campaign .
Help us keep the district a safe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents of littering or dumping rubbish to us straight away by visiting our website at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/flytipping.
” Tips in Kidderminster , Stourport and across the county will be closed on Christmas Day , Boxing Day and New Year 's Day .
People with extra Christmas rubbish are being urged to avoid attempting to dispose of waste on these dates .
Information on tip opening times and restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic can be found on the county council ’ s website at worcestershire.gov.uk/letswastelessandrecycle .

The majority of residents will have their rubbish collected as usual over the festive period, apart from neighbours who usually have their bins emptied on a Friday.
Householders whose bins would have been due for collection on Friday, December 25 are being asked to put it out by 6am on Monday, December 21.
And for those residents whose black bins would have been due to be emptied on Friday, January 1, this will now take place on Monday, December 28.
All other bin collections will take place as usual.
Wyre Forest District Council is also warning people not to dump rubbish outside the gates of the district's recycling centres while they are closed for three days over Christmas - or risk a fine.
Last year, one flytipper was fined £600 after making two trips to dump rubbish outside the locked gates of the Kidderminster tip on Boxing Day.
Councillor Helen Dyke, cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, said: “We understand you may have more rubbish than normal during the festive period. If you want to a visit a tip, please check they are open and remember to book an appointment in advance for Hoobrook household recycling centre.
“Last Christmas, 11 acts of flytipping took place outside the closed gates of tips in the district.
"Our enforcement team worked swiftly to make sure the flytippers were identified and issued with fines..
"As part of our work to combat flytipping, we are running a SCRAP flytipping campaign. Help us keep the district a safe, clean and green living environment by reporting incidents of littering or dumping rubbish to us straight away by visiting our website at wyreforestdc.gov.uk/flytipping.”
Tips in Kidderminster, Stourport and across the county will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
People with extra Christmas rubbish are being urged to avoid attempting to dispose of waste on these dates.
Information on tip opening times and restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic can be found on the county council’s website at worcestershire.gov.uk/letswastelessandrecycle.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-14--Avian flu outbreak confirmed at Wychbold rescue centre

SCORES of birds at a Worcestershire swan rescue centre were being culled today after tests confirmed an outbreak of bird flu .
It comes on the day that the government brought in a new national poultry ‘ lockdown ’ because of the number of confirmed outbreaks .
Last week we told how the Wychbold Swan Rescue centre was closed down because of a suspected outbreak after nine swans and a number of chickens died .
Those fears were confirmed yesterday and this morning officials from the DEFRA ( Department of Food , Environment and Rural Affairs ) arrived on scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They include chickens , ducks and geese along with the swans the centre is known for .
The virus has been detected in swans in Worcester and Evesham , and the working theory is that the disease was brought into the centre by swans rescued from Evesham .
Jan Harrigan from the rescue centre said : ‘ All the birds are being culled .
This is a very sad day .
Heaven help anyone who has got the same.
” Their rescue operations are now on hold .
Jan said she did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but thought at least a month .
“ All we can do is follow the rules.
” The Swan outbreak is the latest of nine that DEFRA are pinpointing as evidence of the need for the new nationwide lockdown of poultry to keep captive birds away from wild ones .
As of today , December 14 , DEFRA say : “ All bird keepers must keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease .
“ Public health advice is that the risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers , and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs .
”

It comes on the day that the government brought in a new national poultry ‘lockdown’ because of the number of confirmed outbreaks.
Last week we told how the Wychbold Swan Rescue centre was closed down because of a suspected outbreak after nine swans and a number of chickens died.
Those fears were confirmed yesterday and this morning officials from the DEFRA (Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs) arrived on scene to cull between 40 and 50 birds.
They include chickens, ducks and geese along with the swans the centre is known for.
The virus has been detected in swans in Worcester and Evesham, and the working theory is that the disease was brought into the centre by swans rescued from Evesham.
Jan Harrigan from the rescue centre said: ‘All the birds are being culled. This is a very sad day. Heaven help anyone who has got the same.”
Their rescue operations are now on hold. Jan said she did not know how long that would be, but thought at least a month.
“All we can do is follow the rules.”
The Swan outbreak is the latest of nine that DEFRA are pinpointing as evidence of the need for the new nationwide lockdown of poultry to keep captive birds away from wild ones.
As of today, December 14, DEFRA say: “All bird keepers must keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
“Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-14--Google suffers global meltdown as Gmail and YouTube crash

Google applications have gone down for users across the globe including in the UK .
The California tech company is experiencing issues with a number of its platforms with users complaining that applications including YouTube , Gmail and Google Meet are down .
According to Down Detector , reports of issues started at around 12pm on Monday afternoon , the reason for the problems is still unknown and Newsquest has contacted Google for comment .
A message on YouTube says : “ Something went wrong.
” With more people working from home amid the coronavirus pandemic the global outage is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Users have flocked to Twitter to express their concern .
`` Gmail , meet , drive and youtube are all down : ( ( `` said one Twitter user , `` glad to see I 'm not the only one whose youtube is n't working '' a second person said .
Others saw the funny side as users were quick to point out the irony as so many users took to Google to find out what was wrong .
One user tweeted : “ When you Google on Google why is Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other countries too , including India where one user tweeted : `` Is anyone else ’ s # gmail down ?
Kind of freaking out @ gmail .
”

The California tech company is experiencing issues with a number of its platforms with users complaining that applications including YouTube, Gmail and Google Meet are down.
According to Down Detector, reports of issues started at around 12pm on Monday afternoon, the reason for the problems is still unknown and Newsquest has contacted Google for comment.
A message on YouTube says: “Something went wrong.”
With more people working from home amid the coronavirus pandemic the global outage is causing havoc for workers across the globe.
Users have flocked to Twitter to express their concern.
"Gmail, meet, drive and youtube are all down :((" said one Twitter user, "glad to see I'm not the only one whose youtube isn't working" a second person said.
Others saw the funny side as users were quick to point out the irony as so many users took to Google to find out what was wrong.
One user tweeted: “When you Google on Google why is Google down.
There have been issues reported in other countries too, including India where one user tweeted: "Is anyone else’s #gmail down? Kind of freaking out @gmail.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--Kidderminster's Megan Smith flies to LA for cancer treatment

A KIDDERMINSTER woman is flying to America today ( Tuesday ) after generous local people helped raise nearly £60,000 for a brand new type of cancer treatment in America .
But Megan Smith now needs to reach her £150,000 target by February to pay for the full course of treatment , which is being used in clinical trials in Los Angeles .
The former nurse is due to start treatment next week and , before she left , Megan got a morale-boosting visit from Santa and carol singers .
“ It was amazing , ” said sister Terri Smith .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They even delivered her a gift.
” Megan Smith 's family is hoping to raise £150,000 to get her the treatment she needs Megan , 26 , has advanced rectal cancer and while surgery removed a tumour last year , doctors told her last month the chemotherapy was no longer having an effect , and her family started to look for alternative treatments abroad .
Having found a potential lifeline in the US , the family set about raising the money needed to pay for the three to six months worth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members , friends and local residents and businesses have organised their own fundraisers in support of the appeal , and Megan herself raffled off her car to raise vital funds .
A Go Fund Me page has collected nearly £37,000 and the family plans to continue raising money while Megan is in America .
To make a donation online , go to gofundme.com/f/please-help-save-my-26-year-old-sisters-life .

But Megan Smith now needs to reach her £150,000 target by February to pay for the full course of treatment, which is being used in clinical trials in Los Angeles.
The former nurse is due to start treatment next week and, before she left, Megan got a morale-boosting visit from Santa and carol singers.
“It was amazing,” said sister Terri Smith. “It definitely cheered us all up. They even delivered her a gift.”
Megan Smith's family is hoping to raise £150,000 to get her the treatment she needs
Megan, 26, has advanced rectal cancer and while surgery removed a tumour last year, doctors told her last month the chemotherapy was no longer having an effect, and her family started to look for alternative treatments abroad.
Having found a potential lifeline in the US, the family set about raising the money needed to pay for the three to six months worth of treatment Megan will likely need.
Family members, friends and local residents and businesses have organised their own fundraisers in support of the appeal, and Megan herself raffled off her car to raise vital funds.
A Go Fund Me page has collected nearly £37,000 and the family plans to continue raising money while Megan is in America.
To make a donation online, go to gofundme.com/f/please-help-save-my-26-year-old-sisters-life.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--Police confirm violence before truck hit three men in Stourport

POLICE have said a `` violent incident '' took place BEFORE a truck going the wrong way down a main road hit three men near Stourport .
The injured men , who all suffered leg injuries , were taken to hospital after the incident on the A449 in Crossway Green at 10.45pm on Friday night ( December 11 ) .
Police have now clarified there was a violent incident before the truck struck the men and took off , before being abandoned nearby .
A police spokesman said the specifics of the violent incident were being examined as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The spokesman said : `` No arrests have been made regarding the incident in Crossway Green , the investigation is still ongoing and we are still appealing for witnesses . ''
The spokesman provided no update today on the condition of the men , but they all remained in hospital on Monday .
Police had previously said the three men were with a woman and had arrived in the area in a blue Ford .
An unknown silver vehicle was also involved in the incident .
On Saturday , there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers cordoned off a section of the southbound carriageway , before the turn off for the Travelodge .
Forensic officers could be seen loading items onto a white van , while there were a number of police vehicles , and the road was reduced to one lane to passing traffic .
Police at the scene of the hit and run on the A449 on Saturday There was also police activity on the other side of the carriageway , where a vehicle was spotted being loaded onto a trailer .
Neighbours we spoke with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hit and run , while the nearby Travelodge and Royal Spice Indian restaurant were closed .
A spokesman for West Mercia Police previously said : “ We believe a passing motorist stopped to help at the incident and we are keen to speak to them and any other witnesses . ''
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 , quoting 701i or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 .

The injured men, who all suffered leg injuries, were taken to hospital after the incident on the A449 in Crossway Green at 10.45pm on Friday night (December 11).
Police have now clarified there was a violent incident before the truck struck the men and took off, before being abandoned nearby.
A police spokesman said the specifics of the violent incident were being examined as part of a wider investigation into the truck incident.
The spokesman said: "No arrests have been made regarding the incident in Crossway Green, the investigation is still ongoing and we are still appealing for witnesses."
The spokesman provided no update today on the condition of the men, but they all remained in hospital on Monday.
Police had previously said the three men were with a woman and had arrived in the area in a blue Ford.
An unknown silver vehicle was also involved in the incident.
On Saturday, there was a heavy police presence at the scene and officers cordoned off a section of the southbound carriageway, before the turn off for the Travelodge.
Forensic officers could be seen loading items onto a white van, while there were a number of police vehicles, and the road was reduced to one lane to passing traffic.
Police at the scene of the hit and run on the A449 on Saturday
There was also police activity on the other side of the carriageway, where a vehicle was spotted being loaded onto a trailer.
Neighbours we spoke with were not at home at the time of the hit and run, while the nearby Travelodge and Royal Spice Indian restaurant were closed.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police previously said: “We believe a passing motorist stopped to help at the incident and we are keen to speak to them and any other witnesses."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting 701i or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--Kidderminster man fined over Facebook suicide threats

A MAN from Kidderminster was fined after he harassed a woman by sending her Facebook messages threatening to kill himself .
Stephen Bateman , 60 , of Avon Road , pleaded guilty to harassment at Kidderminster Magistrates ' Court on Thursday , December 10 .
The court heard how , between December 15 and December 19 last year , Bateman sent the victim Facebook messages , saying he was going to kill himself and that it was her fault .
Magistrates fined him £60 and ordered him to pay a £32 victim surcharge plus £135 in court costs .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Kidderminster man was given a suspended sentence after he entered Savers in Kidderminster with the intent to steal .
Jason Baker , of Larkhill , Kidderminster , pleaded guilty to entering the shop as a trespasser on April 12 this year , when he intended to commit theft .
The 48-year-old was sentenced to eight weeks in prison , suspended for 14 months .
Magistrates said the offence was made more serious by his previous record of offending .
Baker was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation .
At Worcester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Cookley man admitted threatening to disclose private images of a woman 's partner in Kidderminster .
Melvyn Share , 69 , of Bridge Road , pleaded guilty to harassing the woman on September 12 this year by meeting with her in a pub , leaving her a large number of voicemail messages and delivering letters at her house , threatening to disclose private images of her new partner .
Magistrates issued a community order , requiring Share to undergo rehabilitation activity .
He was also ordered to carry out 80 hours of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surcharge and £135 in court costs .
A restraining order was made prohibiting him from contacting the victim .

Stephen Bateman, 60, of Avon Road, pleaded guilty to harassment at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, December 10.
The court heard how, between December 15 and December 19 last year, Bateman sent the victim Facebook messages, saying he was going to kill himself and that it was her fault.
Magistrates fined him £60 and ordered him to pay a £32 victim surcharge plus £135 in court costs.
In a case on Wednesday, December 9, a Kidderminster man was given a suspended sentence after he entered Savers in Kidderminster with the intent to steal.
Jason Baker, of Larkhill, Kidderminster, pleaded guilty to entering the shop as a trespasser on April 12 this year, when he intended to commit theft.
The 48-year-old was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 14 months.
Magistrates said the offence was made more serious by his previous record of offending.
Baker was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation.
At Worcester Magistrates' Court on December 8, a Cookley man admitted threatening to disclose private images of a woman's partner in Kidderminster.
Melvyn Share, 69, of Bridge Road, pleaded guilty to harassing the woman on September 12 this year by meeting with her in a pub, leaving her a large number of voicemail messages and delivering letters at her house, threatening to disclose private images of her new partner.
Magistrates issued a community order, requiring Share to undergo rehabilitation activity. He was also ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work, pay a £95 victim surcharge and £135 in court costs.
A restraining order was made prohibiting him from contacting the victim.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--Former Worcestershire cricketer sets up mental health support charity

A FORMER county cricketer is making a difference in the field of mental health , preparing young athletes for their future careers .
Callum Lea , who was in the youth system with Worcestershire until he left the game after being unable to win a full-time deal at New Road , has become the founder of Sporting Minds UK .
The organisation helps young athletes tackle mental health issues and find support in dealing with the pressures of sporting life .
Speaking to the Press Association , he said : “ A lot of youngsters place footballers and other sportsmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine with them , but there are huge pressures .
“ When it ’ s your childhood ambition you can get sucked in , you get this romanticised relationship with sport , that you ’ re destined to go pro , but when you ’ re 16 , 17 , 18 you slowly realise how rough it is .
“ Cricket was essentially the biggest part of my character growing up , but looking back I didn ’ t put enough thought into how realistic it was to be a professional player , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who make it .
“ When my cricket went badly I started to think my life was going badly and I feel now I ’ d have been better able to go through my mental health issues if my identity wasn ’ t solely built around cricket.
” Lea was involved in the Worcestershire set-up from the age of 10 , earning a cricket scholarship at Malvern College .
Despite this , he was released by the county in 2019 amidst his own battle with an unrelated mental health issue .
READ MORE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displayed at Worcester Cathedral He is combining his work with Sporting Minds UK with his work studying for a degree in philosophy and politics at Oxford Brookes University .
Sporting Minds UK was chosen by the family of Jeremy Wisten , the Manchester City youth player who died aged just 18 last month , as their chosen charity for donations in his name .
The ongoing effects of coronavirus are likely to present the next challenge , with many younger sportsmen and women missing out on opportunities for progression due to diminished playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information or to access one-to-one support , go to www.sportingmindsuk.org

Callum Lea, who was in the youth system with Worcestershire until he left the game after being unable to win a full-time deal at New Road, has become the founder of Sporting Minds UK.
The organisation helps young athletes tackle mental health issues and find support in dealing with the pressures of sporting life.
Speaking to the Press Association, he said: “A lot of youngsters place footballers and other sportsmen on a pedestal or assume everything is fine with them, but there are huge pressures.
“When it’s your childhood ambition you can get sucked in, you get this romanticised relationship with sport, that you’re destined to go pro, but when you’re 16, 17, 18 you slowly realise how rough it is.
“Cricket was essentially the biggest part of my character growing up, but looking back I didn’t put enough thought into how realistic it was to be a professional player, how low the percentage is of those who make it.
“When my cricket went badly I started to think my life was going badly and I feel now I’d have been better able to go through my mental health issues if my identity wasn’t solely built around cricket.”
Lea was involved in the Worcestershire set-up from the age of 10, earning a cricket scholarship at Malvern College.
Despite this, he was released by the county in 2019 amidst his own battle with an unrelated mental health issue.
READ MORE: Christmas messages of hope to be displayed at Worcester Cathedral
He is combining his work with Sporting Minds UK with his work studying for a degree in philosophy and politics at Oxford Brookes University.
Sporting Minds UK was chosen by the family of Jeremy Wisten, the Manchester City youth player who died aged just 18 last month, as their chosen charity for donations in his name.
The ongoing effects of coronavirus are likely to present the next challenge, with many younger sportsmen and women missing out on opportunities for progression due to diminished playing time and decreasing budgets.
For more information or to access one-to-one support, go to www.sportingmindsuk.org


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--DVLA issues urgent scam warning to drivers

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency ( DVLA ) has released images of the latest online scams targeting motorists .
The DVLA has urged drivers to be more vigilant than ever as motorists are regularly targeted by criminals trying to steal money or personal details from them by posing as government agencies such as the DVLA .
The latest images show a variety of text and email-based messages concerning vehicle tax and driving licences , often claiming that a car tax payment has failed or a driver ’ s licence information is out of date .
In every instance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into sharing bank details or other sensitive personal details with the fraudsters .
They are being shared as new figures show a six-fold increase in the number of scams reported to the DVLA .
Data from the agency shows a 603 per cent increase in reported fraudulent calls , texts and emails in the three months to September 2020 compared with the previous year .
Phil Morgan , head of fraud policy investigation at DVLA , said : “ These new figures demonstrate that scammers are becoming more persistent in their efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scams may at first seem legitimate , however they are designed to trick motorists into providing their personal details .
We never ask for bank or credit card details via text message or email , so if you receive something like this , it ’ s a scam.
” Anyone who has received a suspicious email is being urged to report to the National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) via their suspicious email service : report @ phishing.gov.uk .
Suspicious texts can also be forwarded free of charge to your network provider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to Action Fraud or police if you think you have fallen victim to such a scam .
As well as forwarding any suspicious emails and texts , DVLA has five top tips for motorists to stay safe online : • Only use GOV.UK when looking for DVLA contact details • Immediately report it to the police via Action Fraud if you think you have been the victim of a scam Sarah Lyons , NCSC 's deputy director for economy and society , said : “ It ’ s important to stay vigilant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminals often imitate legitimate organisations like the DVLA to make their scam seem more convincing .
“ Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you ’ ve received an untrustworthy email or text message , but our latest guidance gives advice on how to spot the signs of a scam .
“ I ’ d also urge the public to continue to forward anything they think doesn ’ t look right to our Suspicious Email Reporting Service , report @ phishing.gov.uk , so we can take action to remove online scams .
@

The DVLA has urged drivers to be more vigilant than ever as motorists are regularly targeted by criminals trying to steal money or personal details from them by posing as government agencies such as the DVLA.
The latest images show a variety of text and email-based messages concerning vehicle tax and driving licences, often claiming that a car tax payment has failed or a driver’s licence information is out of date.
In every instance, they are designed to trick unwary drivers into sharing bank details or other sensitive personal details with the fraudsters.
They are being shared as new figures show a six-fold increase in the number of scams reported to the DVLA. Data from the agency shows a 603 per cent increase in reported fraudulent calls, texts and emails in the three months to September 2020 compared with the previous year.
Phil Morgan, head of fraud policy investigation at DVLA, said: “These new figures demonstrate that scammers are becoming more persistent in their efforts to target motorists.
“These more recent scams may at first seem legitimate, however they are designed to trick motorists into providing their personal details. We never ask for bank or credit card details via text message or email, so if you receive something like this, it’s a scam.”
Anyone who has received a suspicious email is being urged to report to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) via their suspicious email service: report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious texts can also be forwarded free of charge to your network provider on 7726. You can also report it to Action Fraud or police if you think you have fallen victim to such a scam.
As well as forwarding any suspicious emails and texts, DVLA has five top tips for motorists to stay safe online:
Never share driving licence images and vehicle documents online
Never share bank details or personal data online
Avoid websites offering to connect to DVLA’s contact centre
Only use GOV.UK when looking for DVLA contact details
Immediately report it to the police via Action Fraud if you think you have been the victim of a scam
Sarah Lyons, NCSC's deputy director for economy and society, said: “It’s important to stay vigilant to suspicious messages as we know that criminals often imitate legitimate organisations like the DVLA to make their scam seem more convincing.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you’ve received an untrustworthy email or text message, but our latest guidance gives advice on how to spot the signs of a scam.
“I’d also urge the public to continue to forward anything they think doesn’t look right to our Suspicious Email Reporting Service, report@phishing.gov.uk, so we can take action to remove online scams.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--Will the vaccine work against the new variant of Covid-19?

A “ new variant ” of coronavirus has been identified by experts in England and could be the cause of a faster spread in the South East , according to Matt Hancock .
Speaking to the House of Commons the Health Secretary revealed more than 1,000 cases had been found , “ predominantly in the South East of England '' as Hancock confirmed Greater London will be moving into Tier 3 restrictions on Wednesday .
The news comes as vaccinations started being administered last week with people over the age of 80 , care home workers and frontline NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The UK has ordered enough doses to vaccinate 20 million people and there are 800,000 doses being made available initially , meaning 400,000 people will be vaccinated .
While research remains in its early stages , Matt Hancock said that there is no evidence to suggest the Covid-19 vaccines currently being rolled out across the country will not work against the new variant of coronavirus .
He told the Commons : “ I must stress at this point that there is currently nothing to suggest that this variant is more likely to cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that it ’ s highly unlikely that this mutation would fail to respond to a vaccine , but it shows we ’ ve got to be vigilant and follow the rules and everyone needs to take personal responsibility not to spread this virus .
“ I need to tell the House that over the last week , we ’ ve seen very sharp , exponential rises in the virus across London , Kent , parts of Essex and Hertfordshire .
“ We do not know the extent to which this is because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out .
”

Speaking to the House of Commons the Health Secretary revealed more than 1,000 cases had been found, “predominantly in the South East of England" as Hancock confirmed Greater London will be moving into Tier 3 restrictions on Wednesday.
The news comes as vaccinations started being administered last week with people over the age of 80, care home workers and frontline NHS staff at higher risk first in line.
The UK has ordered enough doses to vaccinate 20 million people and there are 800,000 doses being made available initially, meaning 400,000 people will be vaccinated.
While research remains in its early stages, Matt Hancock said that there is no evidence to suggest the Covid-19 vaccines currently being rolled out across the country will not work against the new variant of coronavirus.
He told the Commons: “I must stress at this point that there is currently nothing to suggest that this variant is more likely to cause serious disease and the latest clinical advice is that it’s highly unlikely that this mutation would fail to respond to a vaccine, but it shows we’ve got to be vigilant and follow the rules and everyone needs to take personal responsibility not to spread this virus.
“I need to tell the House that over the last week, we’ve seen very sharp, exponential rises in the virus across London, Kent, parts of Essex and Hertfordshire.
“We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--Jesy Nelson quits Little Mix after nine years

Jesy Nelson has confirmed that she has quit Little Mix in and emotional Instagram post explaining how being part of the band had “ took a toll on her mental health '' .
Jesy announced the news today after taking an extended break from the band she has been part of for the past nine years .
She said : “ The truth is recently being in a band has really taken a toll on my mental health .
I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focusing on making other people happy , and I feel like now is the time to begin that process.
” She continued : “ I want to say thank you to everyone involved in our journey .
All the hard work and dedication that went into making our success .
“ To ever single fan who came to see us in concert , who listened to our songs and sung their hearts out , sent me messages and supported me along the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you all so much and I could never have done this without you and appreciate it endlessly .
“ Most of all I want to say thank you to Jade , Perrie and Leigh-Anne for creating some of the most amazing memories I ’ ll never forget .
I hope that you ’ ll continue to fulfil all of your dreams and keep on making music that people love.
” In a string of tweets , the girl band , who found fame on The X Factor , said : “ We love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so important that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being .
We are still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey and the 3 of us are not ready for it to be over .
“ We know that Jesy leaving the group is going to be really upsetting news for our fans .
We love you guys so much and are so grateful for your loyalty and continued support of all of us .
“ We ’ re looking forward to seeing so many of you on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perrie and Leigh-Anne xxx.
” Little Mix formed on The X Factor in 2011 and have become one of the country ’ s biggest-selling girl bands .
They left Syco Music for the RCA label in November 2018 .
Cowell later launched another version of The X Factor , called The Band , to rival the girl group ’ s The Search .
Nelson has spoken openly about her battle with anxiety and previously revealed in a BBC documentary called Odd One Out that abuse on social media got so bad she attempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme won her the award for best factual entertainment at the 2020 National Television Awards .

Jesy announced the news today after taking an extended break from the band she has been part of for the past nine years.
She said: “The truth is recently being in a band has really taken a toll on my mental health. I find the constant pressure of being in a girl group and living up to expectations very hard.
“There comes a time in life where we have to reinvest in taking care of ourselves rather than focusing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is the time to begin that process.”
She continued: “I want to say thank you to everyone involved in our journey. All the hard work and dedication that went into making our success.
“To ever single fan who came to see us in concert, who listened to our songs and sung their hearts out, sent me messages and supported me along the way I want you to know I love you all so much and I could never have done this without you and appreciate it endlessly.
“Most of all I want to say thank you to Jade, Perrie and Leigh-Anne for creating some of the most amazing memories I’ll never forget. I hope that you’ll continue to fulfil all of your dreams and keep on making music that people love.”
In a string of tweets, the girl band, who found fame on The X Factor, said: “We love her very much and agree that it is so important that she does what is right for her mental health and well-being. We are still very much enjoying our Little Mix journey and the 3 of us are not ready for it to be over.
“We know that Jesy leaving the group is going to be really upsetting news for our fans. We love you guys so much and are so grateful for your loyalty and continued support of all of us.
“We’re looking forward to seeing so many of you on tour. Love always, Jade, Perrie and Leigh-Anne xxx.”
Little Mix formed on The X Factor in 2011 and have become one of the country’s biggest-selling girl bands.
They left Syco Music for the RCA label in November 2018.
Cowell later launched another version of The X Factor, called The Band, to rival the girl group’s The Search.
Nelson has spoken openly about her battle with anxiety and previously revealed in a BBC documentary called Odd One Out that abuse on social media got so bad she attempted to take her own life.
The programme won her the award for best factual entertainment at the 2020 National Television Awards.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--15 best cheap Christmas gifts 2020—Gifts that look expensive but aren’t

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
You do n't have to spend a ton of money to gift someone something luxurious .
There are lots of expensive-looking products that cost much less than the higher-end versions—and perform just as well .
Here at Reviewed , we 've spent the entire year testing all sorts of products at a variety of price points , so we know when a dupe works just as well as a more expensive item .
Below , you 'll find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than their pricey counterparts .
From cult-favourite blankets to wireless earbuds that sound just as good as Apple AirPods , these gifts sure look expensive—but are n't .
1 .
For the one who needs to relax : InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser Best affordable gifts that look expensive : InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser Credit : Amazon These days we 're all looking for new ways to relax and unwind , which is why an aromatherapy diffuser is a great gift for 2020 .
The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever tested because not only is it stunning to look at , but we also found it to be easy to operate and clean .
Get the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon for £15.99 2 .
For the one with the perfect playlist : Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker Best affordable gifts that look expensive : Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker Credit : Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser If your special someone loves to bring the jams beach or poolside , then what they need is a waterproof , high-quality Bluetooth speaker .
When we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our roundups , we found the Anker Soundcore was offered great sound and playtime for a reasonable price .
It also has a sleek look that makes it feel more expensive than it is .
Get the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon for £22.99 Best affordable gifts that look expensive : Lodge Cast Iron Skillet Credit : Lodge Anyone who 's gotten into cooking lately will appreciate a cast-iron skillet .
Why ?
Well , they 're the cookware that can do it all .
You can use them on the stovetop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grill—you can even use it to cook over a campfire .
Plus , you do n't need to spend an arm and a leg on an expensive one .
Lodge makes our favourite affordable cast iron skillet .
It 's only £30 but will last for years to come .
Get the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 22.86 cm .
Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon for £28.04 4 .
For the one who loves coffee : Hario V60 Coffee Dripper Best affordable gifts that look expensive : Hario V60 Coffee Dripper Credit : Reviewed / Lindsay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a coffee maker or French press , using a pour-over coffee maker for your morning cup of joe makes the process a bit fancier .
This ceramic one from Hario looks expensive but costs under £25 and is the best pour-over coffee maker we 've ever tested .
We loved that it was easy to use and produced a super flavourful and robust brew .
Get the Hario V60 Coffee Dripper at Amazon for £25 5 .
For the one who needs pampering : HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager Best affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foot Spa and Massager Credit : Amazon Is there anything that feels more luxurious than an at-home foot spa ?
You can give your recipient the gift of pampering with the HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager .
It 's the perfect pick-me-up after a long day .
Get the HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager at Amazon for £24.99 6 .
For the beauty-obsessed one : Alaskan Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase Best affordable gifts that look expensive : Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase Credit : Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar Silk pillowcases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their ability to reduce frizz in hair and not irritate the skin .
While the popular Slip pillowcases cost nearly £100 , we found that the inexpensive Alaskan Bear silk pillowcase felt just as soft and offered identical results .
It 's a great choice for anyone who 's been wanting to try one out for themselves and have a softer sleep .
Get the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase on Amazon for £22.99 7 .
For the one who loves to snuggle : YnM Weighted Blanket Best affordable gifts that look expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ / Camryn Rabideau Weighted blankets are one of the hottest products this year , but you do n't have to shell out a ton for a quality one .
The YnM Weighted Blanket is our favourite affordable one because it feels luxurious and offers a nice distribution of weight at a reasonable price point .
It comes in a ton of colour options , unlike most weighted blankets on the market .
Get the YnM Weighted Blanket at Amazon for £49.90 8 .
For the one who loves a good candle : Capri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive : Capri Blue Candle Credit : Capri Blue One of the best candles on the market is the Capri Blue Candle from Anthropologie .
It 's just a fact .
Iconic and intoxicating , the incredible Volcano scent will instantly make any room in your giftee ’ s home smell really good .
It smells super luxurious but is much cheaper than high-end candle brands .
Get the Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle at Anthropologie for £32 Best affordable gifts that look expensive : Mario Badescu Facial Spray Credit : Amazon With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you 'd expect all its products to cost a pretty penny .
But you can get one of the brand 's most popular items for less than £15 : the Mario Badescu Facial Spray .
This rosewater spray is refreshing and will leave your recipient 's dry skin feeling renewed—something we all need during the colder months .
Get the Mario Badescu Facial Spray at Amazon for £11.75 10 .
For the one who Instagrams pictures of food : A cheese board Best affordable gifts that look expensive : Cheese board Credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a cheese board is a must .
This rustic wooden one is particularly great for serving because it works like a Lazy Susan—a.k.a .
no more reaching over to try all the meats and cheeses .
It looks just as pretty as a marble board , but costs ( and weighs ) much less .
Get the Artesà Rustic Wooden Tree Trunk Cheese Board at Amazon for £14.97 11 .
For the one with cold hands : Harrms Touchscreen Gloves Leather gloves look and feel expensive , but you can still get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These from Harrms happen to be the best touchscreen gloves we tested at Reviewed , meaning they 're fully functional with a smartphone .
Not only are they super warm , but all 10 fingers are touchscreen compatible and we had no issues using our phones with them .
Get the Harrms Touchscreen Leather Knitted Cuff Gloves at Amazon for £24.99 12 .
For the one on their feet all day : InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine Best affordable gifts that look expensive : InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine Credit : Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long day of work , but most of us ca n't find someone who will actually do it .
Give your giftee a personal foot masseuse with the popular Therapeutic Foot Massager .
Get the InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine at Amazon for £79.97 13 .
For the one who brings the shade : Quay sunglasses Best affordable gifts that look expensive : Quay sunglasses Quay Quay sunglasses have become popular for a reason : the brand offers stylish lenses at a reasonable price .
They 're so cool , they 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her own shades .
Sunglasses start at just £40 , making them more affordable than brands like Ray-Ban , and you can find a range of styles for both men and women .
14 .
For the one who loves jewellery : & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings Best affordable gifts that look expensive : & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings Credit : Asos Sometimes the simplest jewellery makes the biggest statement .
That 's why your giftee will love these & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings from Asos .
Available in gold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and go with pretty much every look .
They 're also super high-quality for their low price of £23 .
Get the & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings at Asos for £23 15 .
For the one who needs wireless 'buds : JLab Audio Go Air True Wireless Earbuds Best affordable gifts that look expensive : JLab Audio Go Air True Wireless Earbuds Credit : Reviewed / Geoffrey Morrison When it comes to cheaper headphones , you often worry about two things : the sound and how long they 'll last .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air True Wireless Earbuds , we found that their sound was comparable to Apple AirPods and that they connected to our smartphones easily .
That 's why we named them our favourite affordable true wireless earbuds .
These 'buds are a great choice if you ca n't spring for AirPods but still want to give the gift of cordless earbuds .
Get the JLab Audio Go Air True Wireless Earbuds at Amazon for £29.99 The product experts at Reviewed have all your holiday shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

You don't have to spend a ton of money to gift someone something luxurious. There are lots of expensive-looking products that cost much less than the higher-end versions—and perform just as well. Here at Reviewed, we've spent the entire year testing all sorts of products at a variety of price points, so we know when a dupe works just as well as a more expensive item.
Below, you'll find 15 luxurious Christmas gift ideas that cost less than their pricey counterparts. From cult-favourite blankets to wireless earbuds that sound just as good as Apple AirPods, these gifts sure look expensive—but aren't.
1. For the one who needs to relax: InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser Credit: Amazon
These days we're all looking for new ways to relax and unwind, which is why an aromatherapy diffuser is a great gift for 2020. The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser is one of the best essential oil diffusers we’ve ever tested because not only is it stunning to look at, but we also found it to be easy to operate and clean.
Get the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon for £15.99
2. For the one with the perfect playlist: Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
If your special someone loves to bring the jams beach or poolside, then what they need is a waterproof, high-quality Bluetooth speaker. When we tested the best affordable portable speakers for our roundups, we found the Anker Soundcore was offered great sound and playtime for a reasonable price. It also has a sleek look that makes it feel more expensive than it is.
Get the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker at Amazon for £22.99
3. For the home chef: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet Credit: Lodge
Anyone who's gotten into cooking lately will appreciate a cast-iron skillet. Why? Well, they're the cookware that can do it all. You can use them on the stovetop, in the oven, on the grill—you can even use it to cook over a campfire. Plus, you don't need to spend an arm and a leg on an expensive one. Lodge makes our favourite affordable cast iron skillet. It's only £30 but will last for years to come.
Get the Lodge Pre-Seasoned 22.86 cm. Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon for £28.04
4. For the one who loves coffee: Hario V60 Coffee Dripper
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Hario V60 Coffee Dripper Credit: Reviewed / Lindsay D. Mattison
While coffee can taste great from a coffee maker or French press, using a pour-over coffee maker for your morning cup of joe makes the process a bit fancier. This ceramic one from Hario looks expensive but costs under £25 and is the best pour-over coffee maker we've ever tested. We loved that it was easy to use and produced a super flavourful and robust brew.
Get the Hario V60 Coffee Dripper at Amazon for £25
5. For the one who needs pampering: HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager Credit: Amazon
Is there anything that feels more luxurious than an at-home foot spa? You can give your recipient the gift of pampering with the HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager. It's the perfect pick-me-up after a long day.
Get the HoMedics Bubblemate Foot Spa and Massager at Amazon for £24.99
6. For the beauty-obsessed one: Alaskan Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase Credit: Reviewed / Jackson Ruckar
Silk pillowcases have gotten a lot of hype recently for their ability to reduce frizz in hair and not irritate the skin. While the popular Slip pillowcases cost nearly £100, we found that the inexpensive Alaskan Bear silk pillowcase felt just as soft and offered identical results. It's a great choice for anyone who's been wanting to try one out for themselves and have a softer sleep.
Get the Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase on Amazon for £22.99
7. For the one who loves to snuggle: YnM Weighted Blanket
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: YnM Weighted Blanket Credit: Reviewed / Camryn Rabideau
Weighted blankets are one of the hottest products this year, but you don't have to shell out a ton for a quality one. The YnM Weighted Blanket is our favourite affordable one because it feels luxurious and offers a nice distribution of weight at a reasonable price point. It comes in a ton of colour options, unlike most weighted blankets on the market.
Get the YnM Weighted Blanket at Amazon for £49.90
8. For the one who loves a good candle: Capri Volcano Candle
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Capri Blue Candle Credit: Capri Blue
One of the best candles on the market is the Capri Blue Candle from Anthropologie. It's just a fact. Iconic and intoxicating, the incredible Volcano scent will instantly make any room in your giftee’s home smell really good. It smells super luxurious but is much cheaper than high-end candle brands.
Get the Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle at Anthropologie for £32
9. For the skincare obsessed: Mario Badescu Facial Spray
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Mario Badescu Facial Spray Credit: Amazon
With a big beauty name like Mario Badescu, you'd expect all its products to cost a pretty penny. But you can get one of the brand's most popular items for less than £15: the Mario Badescu Facial Spray. This rosewater spray is refreshing and will leave your recipient's dry skin feeling renewed—something we all need during the colder months.
Get the Mario Badescu Facial Spray at Amazon for £11.75
10. For the one who Instagrams pictures of food: A cheese board
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Cheese board Credit: Amazon
For anyone who loves entertaining, a cheese board is a must. This rustic wooden one is particularly great for serving because it works like a Lazy Susan—a.k.a. no more reaching over to try all the meats and cheeses. It looks just as pretty as a marble board, but costs (and weighs) much less.
Get the Artesà Rustic Wooden Tree Trunk Cheese Board at Amazon for £14.97
11. For the one with cold hands: Harrms Touchscreen Gloves
Best gifts under £25: Harrms Touchscreen Gloves Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser
Leather gloves look and feel expensive, but you can still get a quality pair for less than £25. These from Harrms happen to be the best touchscreen gloves we tested at Reviewed, meaning they're fully functional with a smartphone. Not only are they super warm, but all 10 fingers are touchscreen compatible and we had no issues using our phones with them.
Get the Harrms Touchscreen Leather Knitted Cuff Gloves at Amazon for £24.99
12. For the one on their feet all day: InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine Credit: Amazon
Most people want a foot rub after a long day of work, but most of us can't find someone who will actually do it. Give your giftee a personal foot masseuse with the popular Therapeutic Foot Massager.
Get the InvoSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine at Amazon for £79.97
13. For the one who brings the shade: Quay sunglasses
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: Quay sunglasses Quay
Quay sunglasses have become popular for a reason: the brand offers stylish lenses at a reasonable price. They're so cool, they've even partnered with Lizzo, who created her own shades. Sunglasses start at just £40, making them more affordable than brands like Ray-Ban, and you can find a range of styles for both men and women.
Shop Quay sunglasses starting at £40
14. For the one who loves jewellery: & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings Credit: Asos
Sometimes the simplest jewellery makes the biggest statement. That's why your giftee will love these & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings from Asos. Available in gold, these hoops are a perfect size and go with pretty much every look. They're also super high-quality for their low price of £23.
Get the & Other Stories Chunky Hoop Earrings at Asos for £23
15. For the one who needs wireless 'buds: JLab Audio Go Air True Wireless Earbuds
Best affordable gifts that look expensive: JLab Audio Go Air True Wireless Earbuds Credit: Reviewed / Geoffrey Morrison
When it comes to cheaper headphones, you often worry about two things: the sound and how long they'll last. But when we tested the JLab Audio Go Air True Wireless Earbuds, we found that their sound was comparable to Apple AirPods and that they connected to our smartphones easily. That's why we named them our favourite affordable true wireless earbuds. These 'buds are a great choice if you can't spring for AirPods but still want to give the gift of cordless earbuds.
Get the JLab Audio Go Air True Wireless Earbuds at Amazon for £29.99
The product experts at Reviewed have all your holiday shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--MP Mark Garnier: 'Brexit will be done'

MP Mark Garnier: 'Brexit will be done'

ANOTHER deadline comes and goes , and still no deal is done .
Sunday ’ s deadline to call off the EU trade negotiations came and went .
Both sides decided to have a last crack , go the extra mile , keep plugging away .
So the next couple of weeks will be busy as we come up to the final deadline of December 31 .
The cynic in me concludes that neither side was prepared to call it a day .
The French keep sticking to their line about fishing quotas , but no deal means no fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than they are hoping for .
Meanwhile , our side keeps saying that it will hurt the EU more than it will hurt us .
There ’ s a lot of rhetoric .
But the truth is , whilst we certainly buy more from the EU than we sell to them , our exports to the EU are 6 per cent of our economy , whilst EU exports are just 2 per cent of theirs .
We will be three times worse off than our nearest neighbours under World Trade Organisation rules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ style trading relationship with the EU .
That ’ s WTO terms , but Australian trade patterns are that they trade with their near neighbours the most .
It is proximity and culture that drives trading relationships .
As for fishing , whilst I completely understand the symbolism of our territorial waters , we are holding out for something worth less than one tenth of one percent of our economy , not least because our fishermen sold half their quotas to our EU neighbours .
Having said all that , I do agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU with regard the so called ratchet clause .
This asks us to sign up to agreeing to follow their rules ( and vice-versa ) with regard laws that affect the cost of doing business , such as standards , employees ’ rights and environmental laws .
Even as a Remainer , I completely understand why this is a big deal for those who voted to break free of exactly this type of governance by fax – something the Norwegians suffer under their deal .
Brexit will be done and we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will of two thirds of local residents here in Wyre Forest , and making sure we deliver a healthy trading relationship with our nearest neighbours and largest trading partners .
We ’ ll get there , but it ’ s certainly nail-biting stuff !

Both sides decided to have a last crack, go the extra mile, keep plugging away. So the next couple of weeks will be busy as we come up to the final deadline of December 31.
The cynic in me concludes that neither side was prepared to call it a day. The French keep sticking to their line about fishing quotas, but no deal means no fishing at all – a far worse outcome than they are hoping for. Meanwhile, our side keeps saying that it will hurt the EU more than it will hurt us.
There’s a lot of rhetoric. But the truth is, whilst we certainly buy more from the EU than we sell to them, our exports to the EU are 6 per cent of our economy, whilst EU exports are just 2 per cent of theirs.
We will be three times worse off than our nearest neighbours under World Trade Organisation rules. Similarly, we talk of an Australian style trading relationship with the EU.
That’s WTO terms, but Australian trade patterns are that they trade with their near neighbours the most. It is proximity and culture that drives trading relationships.
As for fishing, whilst I completely understand the symbolism of our territorial waters, we are holding out for something worth less than one tenth of one percent of our economy, not least because our fishermen sold half their quotas to our EU neighbours.
Having said all that, I do agree that there are big asks by the EU with regard the so called ratchet clause.
This asks us to sign up to agreeing to follow their rules (and vice-versa) with regard laws that affect the cost of doing business, such as standards, employees’ rights and environmental laws.
Even as a Remainer, I completely understand why this is a big deal for those who voted to break free of exactly this type of governance by fax – something the Norwegians suffer under their deal.
Brexit will be done and we need to strike the right compromise between delivering the will of two thirds of local residents here in Wyre Forest, and making sure we deliver a healthy trading relationship with our nearest neighbours and largest trading partners.
We’ll get there, but it’s certainly nail-biting stuff!


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-15--Volunteers save Stourport Christmas lights display

A GROUP of dedicated volunteers have 'saved ' the Stourport Christmas lights display .
Thanks to a committed team , the lights are decorating the town this year , despite having to cancel the usual Three Kings Parade due to Covid-19 restrictions .
Normally 2,000 people turn out for the lights switch on .
That can not happen this year , but volunteers were insistent the lights still had to go up to bring a bit of cheer to the town .
And the weather didn ’ t make their job any easier , with lashing rain and winds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ I ’ ve been involved with the Christmas Lights for over 30 years .
In recent years we have worked with the Town Council and former Town Centre Forum , ( now amalgamated with Stourport Forward ) to fund the purchase and maintenance of the lights .
“ Our team normally works to set up the lights in town over several days and we wanted our town to be lit up as usual .
“ We managed to get the lights into Villeneuve Gardens just before Lockdown , but had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights up in town .
People probably don ’ t realise that all this is done by local people – without this dedicated group , the town would be in darkness .
’ Chief Spark Mark Gallett of Alarm 2000 said ‘ The weather conditions have been against us .
But the team have done a great job and we managed to put all the lights up on York Street , Bridge Street , New Street , High Street and Lombard Street .
More photographs are posted on Facebook and are being added @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Thanks to a committed team, the lights are decorating the town this year, despite having to cancel the usual Three Kings Parade due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Normally 2,000 people turn out for the lights switch on. That cannot happen this year, but volunteers were insistent the lights still had to go up to bring a bit of cheer to the town.
And the weather didn’t make their job any easier, with lashing rain and winds.
Rotary Club member, Pete Roberts said: ‘I’ve been involved with the Christmas Lights for over 30 years. In recent years we have worked with the Town Council and former Town Centre Forum, (now amalgamated with Stourport Forward) to fund the purchase and maintenance of the lights.
“Our team normally works to set up the lights in town over several days and we wanted our town to be lit up as usual.
“We managed to get the lights into Villeneuve Gardens just before Lockdown, but had to wait until now to put all the lights up in town. People probably don’t realise that all this is done by local people – without this dedicated group, the town would be in darkness. ’
Chief Spark Mark Gallett of Alarm 2000 said ‘The weather conditions have been against us. But the team have done a great job and we managed to put all the lights up on York Street, Bridge Street, New Street, High Street and Lombard Street.
More photographs are posted on Facebook and are being added to on the Stourport Town website www.stourporttown.org.uk


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-16--Four arrested for attempted murder after Stourport hit and run

FOUR people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a truck driving the wrong way hit three men in Stourport .
Three men suffered leg injuries and were taken to hospital after a HGV hit them on the A449 in Crossway Green at around 10.45pm on Friday night ( December 11 ) .
Police at the scene on the A449 at Crossway Green The three men were said to have arrived in the area with a woman earlier that night in a blue Ford car .
Police previously said there was a violent incident before the hit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being abandoned nearby as the driver fled the scene .
Officers have now arrested four people on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident .
Three men , aged 48 , 18 and 21 , and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on Monday ( December 14 ) and have since been bailed .
Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forwards .
A West Mercia Police spokesman said : `` We are still appealing for witnesses to the incident and are keen to speak to a motorist who we believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information is urged to contact 101 quoting reference 701i or 11 December or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 .
`` Alternatively you can report information online anonymously through our Tell us about section . ''

Three men suffered leg injuries and were taken to hospital after a HGV hit them on the A449 in Crossway Green at around 10.45pm on Friday night (December 11).
Police at the scene on the A449 at Crossway Green
The three men were said to have arrived in the area with a woman earlier that night in a blue Ford car.
Police previously said there was a violent incident before the hit and run, which ended in the truck being abandoned nearby as the driver fled the scene.
Officers have now arrested four people on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.
Three men, aged 48, 18 and 21, and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on Monday (December 14) and have since been bailed.
Police are still appealing for witnesses to come forwards.
A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "We are still appealing for witnesses to the incident and are keen to speak to a motorist who we believe stopped to help.
"Anyone with information is urged to contact 101 quoting reference 701i or 11 December or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
"Alternatively you can report information online anonymously through our Tell us about section."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-16--Kidderminster-born poet publishes 'dark' first book

A Kidderminster-born poet perhaps best known for an anthology written in Black Country dialect has branched out with her first novel .
And in stark contrast Lottie Caldwell has dipped into a dark and gritty world on an urban estate .
Her psychological thriller Jim Bowie – the Bowie refers to the famous hunting knife which plays a key element in the story – is being launched in a live stream online at 7.30pm on Thursday ( December 17 ) .
She has drawn on her long career in social care as inspiration for many of the themes in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always loved writing but considered it just a hobby until she met her partner Matthew Caldwell , himself a poet and musician , in 2013 .
He encouraged her to publish her writings and four poetry books later she is well established .
Her ‘ dialect ’ anthology ‘ Carpet threads and pains of glass ’ which draws heavily on her memories of her Kidderminster childhood and subsequent adult life in Stourbridge , is her best known work .
Apart from Matthew , Lottie says what has helped her greatly has been the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katie Fitzgeralds pub in Enville Road who encouraged her writing and her performance poetry .
But she had always wanted to write a novel , and now it ’ s here and available on Amazon .
And it won ’ t be the last .
The mother of three is already working on a new one – about a character in a novel who does not know they are a character in a novel .
Work that one out !
The online book launch can be seen here : https : //www.facebook.com/events/153352613199976

And in stark contrast Lottie Caldwell has dipped into a dark and gritty world on an urban estate.
Her psychological thriller Jim Bowie – the Bowie refers to the famous hunting knife which plays a key element in the story – is being launched in a live stream online at 7.30pm on Thursday (December 17).
She has drawn on her long career in social care as inspiration for many of the themes in the book.
Lottie, 56, has always loved writing but considered it just a hobby until she met her partner Matthew Caldwell, himself a poet and musician, in 2013.
He encouraged her to publish her writings and four poetry books later she is well established.
Her ‘dialect’ anthology ‘Carpet threads and pains of glass’ which draws heavily on her memories of her Kidderminster childhood and subsequent adult life in Stourbridge, is her best known work.
Apart from Matthew, Lottie says what has helped her greatly has been the support of the creative people at the Katie Fitzgeralds pub in Enville Road who encouraged her writing and her performance poetry.
But she had always wanted to write a novel, and now it’s here and available on Amazon.
And it won’t be the last. The mother of three is already working on a new one – about a character in a novel who does not know they are a character in a novel.
Work that one out!
The online book launch can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/events/153352613199976


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-16--Duo's record helps Kidderminster's Megan Smith fight cancer

A SONG is being released this week in aid of a local woman 's fight against is said to capture the `` inspiring '' spirit of Kidderminster .
Walk on Water ( Meg ’ s Song ) has come about thanks to the huge community fundraising effort to help Kidderminster 's Megan Smith , who needs pioneering cancer treatment in America .
The 26-year-old flew out to the States on Tuesday ( December 15 ) after the town came together to raise nearly £60,000 to pay for the life-saving treatment .
Megan Smith 's family needs to raise £150,000 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while there was joy in the family that treatment could begin , the campaign needs to reach £100,000 by February and a total of £150,000 for the entire six-month course .
And that ’ s where Walk on Water comes in .
Written and performed by local duo The String of Roses , the record is due for release on Friday ( December 18 ) , with all the proceeds going to Megan ’ s fund .
The duo is made up of Bewdley professional cellist Rebecca Rose and Kidderminster singer and guitar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It may be our names on the record , but it is the product of the whole town .
“ The whole town has got behind Megan and that has truly inspired us .
Lots of people have given their time freely to this ” The record is being produced by Trevor Gibson , of Iron Maiden fame , free of charge at his Birmingham studio , and is available to stream from all the normal music platforms like Spotify or Amazon .
The duo is made up of Bewdley professional cellist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player Charlie Davies Charlie and Rebecca met because of a Facebook page created by Charlie – Isolation Open Mic – aimed at providing musicians with a platform during lockdown .
When Charlie read about Megan ’ s fundraising campaign in The Shuttle , they decided to ask people to post a link to it every time they uploaded a track .
With 5,500 followers across the world , it was a sure way to spread awareness and help raise cash .
The song is written by Charlie and he says it 's perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hopeful .
To help Megan , just go to the music platform you normally use and download Walk on Water ( Meg ’ s Song ) by The String of Roses .

Walk on Water (Meg’s Song) has come about thanks to the huge community fundraising effort to help Kidderminster's Megan Smith, who needs pioneering cancer treatment in America.
The 26-year-old flew out to the States on Tuesday (December 15) after the town came together to raise nearly £60,000 to pay for the life-saving treatment.
Megan Smith's family needs to raise £150,000 by February to pay for the treatment
But while there was joy in the family that treatment could begin, the campaign needs to reach £100,000 by February and a total of £150,000 for the entire six-month course.
And that’s where Walk on Water comes in. Written and performed by local duo The String of Roses, the record is due for release on Friday (December 18), with all the proceeds going to Megan’s fund.
The duo is made up of Bewdley professional cellist Rebecca Rose and Kidderminster singer and guitar player Charlie Davies.
Charlie said: “It may be our names on the record, but it is the product of the whole town.
“The whole town has got behind Megan and that has truly inspired us. Lots of people have given their time freely to this”
The record is being produced by Trevor Gibson, of Iron Maiden fame, free of charge at his Birmingham studio, and is available to stream from all the normal music platforms like Spotify or Amazon.
The duo is made up of Bewdley professional cellist Rebecca Rose and Kidderminster singer and guitar player Charlie Davies
Charlie and Rebecca met because of a Facebook page created by Charlie – Isolation Open Mic – aimed at providing musicians with a platform during lockdown.
When Charlie read about Megan’s fundraising campaign in The Shuttle, they decided to ask people to post a link to it every time they uploaded a track.
With 5,500 followers across the world, it was a sure way to spread awareness and help raise cash.
The song is written by Charlie and he says it's perfect for Megan because its lyrics are aspirational and hopeful.
To help Megan, just go to the music platform you normally use and download Walk on Water (Meg’s Song) by The String of Roses.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-16--Coronavirus: Latest Covid all settings data shows 636 people had died

THERE have been 28 deaths of Worcestershire residents who died with Covid-19 mentioned on the death certificate in the latest week of data made available .
The new coronavirus deaths were recorded across all settings in the county the data shows .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) figures , for the week ending December 4 , show the deaths included two Worcester resident who both died in hospital .
Five Wychavon residents died ; four in hospital and one in a care home .
In total 10 Wyre Forest residents died ; eight in hospital , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospice .
A total of seven Redditch residents died ; three in hospital and four in a care home .
And four Bromsgrove residents died all in hospital .
No Malvern residents died during that week .
This latest ONS data means that in total 636 people in Worcestershire classed as having Covid-19 , had died up to December 4 .
A total of 78 Worcester residents have died including 38 in hospital , 31 in a care home , four at home , three in a communal establishment and two in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bromsgrove residents have died including 82 in hospital , 55 in a care home , four elsewhere , one at home and one in a communal establishment .
A total of 146 people in Wyre Forest have died including 88 in hospital , 44 in a care home , 10 at home , two in a communal establishment , one in a hospice and one elsewhere .
In Wychavon 135 people have died including 66 in hospital , 52 in a care home , seven at home , five in a communal establishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere .
A total of 81 people from Redditch have died including 64 in hospital , 14 in a care home , two at home , and one in a communal establishment .
And 53 people from Malvern have died including 29 in hospital , 21 in a care home , two at home and one in a communal establishment .

The new coronavirus deaths were recorded across all settings in the county the data shows.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, for the week ending December 4, show the deaths included two Worcester resident who both died in hospital.
Five Wychavon residents died; four in hospital and one in a care home. In total 10 Wyre Forest residents died; eight in hospital, one in a care home and one in a hospice. A total of seven Redditch residents died; three in hospital and four in a care home.
And four Bromsgrove residents died all in hospital. No Malvern residents died during that week.
This latest ONS data means that in total 636 people in Worcestershire classed as having Covid-19, had died up to December 4.
A total of 78 Worcester residents have died including 38 in hospital, 31 in a care home, four at home, three in a communal establishment and two in a hospice.
A total of 143 Bromsgrove residents have died including 82 in hospital, 55 in a care home, four elsewhere, one at home and one in a communal establishment.
A total of 146 people in Wyre Forest have died including 88 in hospital, 44 in a care home, 10 at home, two in a communal establishment, one in a hospice and one elsewhere.
In Wychavon 135 people have died including 66 in hospital, 52 in a care home, seven at home, five in a communal establishment, four in a hospice and one elsewhere.
A total of 81 people from Redditch have died including 64 in hospital, 14 in a care home, two at home, and one in a communal establishment.
And 53 people from Malvern have died including 29 in hospital, 21 in a care home, two at home and one in a communal establishment.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-16--Aldi shares guidance after own brand candle ‘exploded’

Aldi has shared guidance after a candle purchased from the budget supermarket `` exploded '' while burning .
Cathy Lewis-Clugston was left angry after the candle shattered on the evening of 13 December , leaving behind hot wax and shards of glass in her living room .
The candle is currently still on sale in Aldi stores for £3.99 , offering candle lovers a “ whopping 170 hours burn time.
” The supermarket has called on shoppers to follow safety instructions provided when using the scented candle range .
An Aldi spokesperson said : “ We are sorry to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Candles should always be used in accordance with the safety instructions provided , including ensuring the correct distance between multiple candles.
” Ms Lewis-Clugston said she had several candles burning , when all of sudden she heard a loud bang , prompting her cat to run upstairs .
“ I noticed the candle had gone out , ” she said .
But , on closer inspection , Ms Lewis-Clugston realised that the flame hadn ’ t just burned out - the glass jar encasing the candle had shattered .
“ I went over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scattered about on the coffee table , ” she said .
“ I had the candle on a wicker mat , and there was wax all over the place .
I thought , ‘ It ’ s exploded.
’ “ I am somebody who likes to burn scented candles , and I 've burned them for years and years , quite often Yankee ones , but other ones as well .
Never once has this happened .
This is the only time.
” Luckily , Ms Lewis-Clugston wasn ’ t harmed , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though the animal was left a little startled by the incident .
‘ House fires are caused by much less ’ Apart from Lizzie the cat , Ms Lewis-Clugston was alone in the house when the explosion happened .
“ It was just lucky I wasn ’ t sitting next to it , or there weren ’ t kids or anyone else around , ” she said .
“ I am a retired police officer .
I can say I ’ ve been to house fires in my job that have been caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ After I realised what it was , I was really quite angry .
It clearly isn ’ t fit for purpose if it can ’ t withstand the heat from the flame , and it should n't be sold.
” After the incident , Ms Lewis-Clugston took to social media to see if other people had experienced similar issues with Aldi candles .
In October this year , Emily Redfearn posted images on Twitter of her Aldi Coconut Noir Candle in pieces after it went up in flames and shattered .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hey @ AldiUK , we ’ ve just had one of your candles set fire and explode in our bedroom .
We lit the candle around 4 hours before this .
Thankfully we both noticed it , but how has this passed safety tests ?
The outcome could have been a lot worse than the burn marks on our furniture.
” In December 2019 , a mother said that her son was “ nearly blinded ” when the supermarket candle exploded glass across the room .
Emm Landers told the Liverpool Echo that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the bottom of their fireplace before it became “ like a bomb.
” In July this year , Maisie Sutton shared a similar experience with the Aldi Summer Sands candle , warning fellow Twitter users not to buy the candle after it had exploded after being lit for only 10 minutes .

Cathy Lewis-Clugston was left angry after the candle shattered on the evening of 13 December, leaving behind hot wax and shards of glass in her living room.
The candle is currently still on sale in Aldi stores for £3.99, offering candle lovers a “whopping 170 hours burn time.”
The supermarket has called on shoppers to follow safety instructions provided when using the scented candle range.
An Aldi spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear about Ms Lewis-Clugston’s experience. Candles should always be used in accordance with the safety instructions provided, including ensuring the correct distance between multiple candles.”
‘Large chunks of glass’
Ms Lewis-Clugston said she had several candles burning, when all of sudden she heard a loud bang, prompting her cat to run upstairs.
“I noticed the candle had gone out,” she said. But, on closer inspection, Ms Lewis-Clugston realised that the flame hadn’t just burned out - the glass jar encasing the candle had shattered.
“I went over and there were large chunks of glass scattered about on the coffee table,” she said.
“I had the candle on a wicker mat, and there was wax all over the place. I thought, ‘It’s exploded.’
“I am somebody who likes to burn scented candles, and I've burned them for years and years, quite often Yankee ones, but other ones as well. Never once has this happened. This is the only time.”
Luckily, Ms Lewis-Clugston wasn’t harmed, and neither was her cat, Lizzie, though the animal was left a little startled by the incident.
‘House fires are caused by much less’
Apart from Lizzie the cat, Ms Lewis-Clugston was alone in the house when the explosion happened.
“It was just lucky I wasn’t sitting next to it, or there weren’t kids or anyone else around,” she said.
“I am a retired police officer. I can say I’ve been to house fires in my job that have been caused by far less than things like that.
“After I realised what it was, I was really quite angry. It clearly isn’t fit for purpose if it can’t withstand the heat from the flame, and it shouldn't be sold.”
A spate of similar incidents
After the incident, Ms Lewis-Clugston took to social media to see if other people had experienced similar issues with Aldi candles.
In October this year, Emily Redfearn posted images on Twitter of her Aldi Coconut Noir Candle in pieces after it went up in flames and shattered.
Hey @AldiUK , we’ve just had one of your candles set fire and explode in our bedroom. We lit the candle around 4 hours before this. Thankfully we both noticed it, but how has this passed safety tests? The outcome could have been a lot worse than the burn marks on our furniture. pic.twitter.com/Nf4F5fZlUu — Emily Redfearn (@emilyisred) October 11, 2020
In the tweet she wrote, “Hey @AldiUK , we’ve just had one of your candles set fire and explode in our bedroom. We lit the candle around 4 hours before this. Thankfully we both noticed it, but how has this passed safety tests? The outcome could have been a lot worse than the burn marks on our furniture.”
In December 2019, a mother said that her son was “nearly blinded” when the supermarket candle exploded glass across the room.
Emm Landers told the Liverpool Echo that the Aldi Number 3 candle was placed on the bottom of their fireplace before it became “like a bomb.”
In July this year, Maisie Sutton shared a similar experience with the Aldi Summer Sands candle, warning fellow Twitter users not to buy the candle after it had exploded after being lit for only 10 minutes.