kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-07--How travelling from Tier 3 to Tier 2 areas could result in a fine

Police have warned you could be fined if you 're caught breaking Tier 3 restrictions in a Tier 2 area as England moved out of a national lockdown and reintroduced the three-tier system last week .
Tier three is the highest level of lockdown restrictions in the country and will remain in place until December 23 when measures are eased slightly so that families can enjoy Christmas together .
Over Christmas , up to three households will be able to mix in private settings until December 27 when the tier system will come back into effect amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas are offered more lenient restrictions those living in tier 3 areas have been told they should avoid travelling to other areas of the UK unless it is essential .
Official Government guidance states : “ Avoid travelling to other parts of the UK , including for overnight stays other than where necessary , such as for work , education , youth services , to receive medical treatment , or because of caring responsibilities .
“ You can travel through other areas as part of a longer journey.
” Following a second national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue fines of up to £200 for a first offence and fines will double for repeat offenders , up to a limit of £6,400 .
With the vast majority of the country in people have been told not to visit Tier 3 areas or stay overnight unless for reasons such as work , medical treatment or caring responsibilities .
Police told BirminghamLive : “ `` Tier 3 restrictions apply to people living in Tier 3 areas when participating in gatherings in Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas .
`` Anyone that lives in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking Tier 3 restrictions in a Tier 2 area risks a fine . ''
The first review of England ’ s tier system will take place on December 16 and health secretary Matt Hancock has said there will be weekly reviews after that .


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-08--'Inspirational' former Kidderminster headmistress has died

A HEADTEACHER who dedicated more than 40 years of her life to a former special needs school in Kidderminster has died .
Former headmistress of the old Blakebrook Special School in Bewdley Road , Joyce Coley passed away on November 25 at the age of 88 .
Joyce began her career working with adults with severe learning difficulties in a small church room in Stourport and then moved to Kidderminster , where she took over the reigns at Blakebrook , which later merged with the old Stourminster site to form Wyre Forest School .
Her commitment to improving the life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second to none and she sought every opportunity to involve her students in the local community .
Under Joyce 's direction , Blakebrook School was a hive of activity .
Joyce was a good listener and welcomed parents and friends into school to offer support .
Joyce was also an inspirational fundraiser , and with the help of dedicated staff and friends , raised money for a new school therapy pool , a seaside bungalow and a 70-foot narrow boat for the use of pupils .
It is fitting that Joyce now has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Close - on the site of the old school .
In later years , although wheelchair bound , Joyce attended meetings of the Odell Trust , a charity she helped to set up for the benefit of adults with special needs .
She served as chairman of the trust , was made honorary president , and later served the charity as patron .
A garden was named after her .
The Kate Wellings Trust was also set up for disadvantaged children and adults in the local area and Joyce was chairman and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of the Kate Wellings Trust : `` We will never forget her energy and determination , her commitment to Blakebrook Special School , the Odell Centre and the Kate Wellings Trust . ''

Former headmistress of the old Blakebrook Special School in Bewdley Road, Joyce Coley passed away on November 25 at the age of 88.
Joyce began her career working with adults with severe learning difficulties in a small church room in Stourport and then moved to Kidderminster, where she took over the reigns at Blakebrook, which later merged with the old Stourminster site to form Wyre Forest School.
Her commitment to improving the life outcomes of people with learning difficulties was second to none and she sought every opportunity to involve her students in the local community.
Under Joyce's direction, Blakebrook School was a hive of activity. Joyce was a good listener and welcomed parents and friends into school to offer support.
Joyce was also an inspirational fundraiser, and with the help of dedicated staff and friends, raised money for a new school therapy pool, a seaside bungalow and a 70-foot narrow boat for the use of pupils.
It is fitting that Joyce now has a road named after her - Coley Close - on the site of the old school.
In later years, although wheelchair bound, Joyce attended meetings of the Odell Trust, a charity she helped to set up for the benefit of adults with special needs.
She served as chairman of the trust, was made honorary president, and later served the charity as patron. A garden was named after her.
The Kate Wellings Trust was also set up for disadvantaged children and adults in the local area and Joyce was chairman and a long-standing trustee.
Marie Holland said on behalf of the Kate Wellings Trust: "We will never forget her energy and determination, her commitment to Blakebrook Special School, the Odell Centre and the Kate Wellings Trust."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-08--Covid-19 vaccines to be available in Worcestershire 'imminently'

CORONAVIRUS vaccines will be available to people in Worcestershire `` imminently '' , according to Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier .
A UK grandmother became the first person in the world to be given the Pfizer Covid-19 jab today ( Tuesday ) as part of a mass vaccination programme .
Margaret Keenan , who turns 91 next week , said it was the `` best early birthday present '' .
She was given the injection at 6.31am - the first of 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that are due to be dispensed in coming weeks .
Up to four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the month .
The Shuttle understands that vaccines have not yet arrived in Worcestershire , however Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said they are expected to be delivered `` imminently '' .
A spokesperson for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group , which heads 83 GP practices in the area , said : `` This is a rolling programme and more hospital sites will be named in the coming days , as well as local vaccine services delivered by primary care networks and pharmacies , and vaccination centres . ''
Hubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-80s and some health and care staff .
On Saturday , Wyre Forest Health Partnership announced that Kidderminster Medical Centre and Stourport Health Centre had been approved to deliver the vaccines once they arrive in the district .
A spokesman said : `` Because of the nature of the vaccine and the logistics of getting it delivered , initially not all GP surgeries will deliver it from their buildings .
`` We are pleased to say that two of our surgeries have been approved to deliver the vaccination from their buildings , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) patients .
`` We will be working with the other WFHP practices to give the vaccinations from Stourport Health Centre and Kidderminster Medical Centre . ''
The surgery group has said that when the vaccine is received , patients will be contacted in the priority order set by the government .
Separate arrangements will be made for housebound patients and residents in care homes to receive their vaccination .
Documents leaked last month stated Monday , December 14 as a potential start date for the vaccination programme .
Bromsgrove 's Artrix theatre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the theatre was forced into insolvency , and St Peter 's Church in Worcester were earmarked in the documents as potential mass coronavirus vaccination centres , however the CCG said it was unable to confirm the plans .

A UK grandmother became the first person in the world to be given the Pfizer Covid-19 jab today (Tuesday) as part of a mass vaccination programme.
Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week, said it was the "best early birthday present".
She was given the injection at 6.31am - the first of 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that are due to be dispensed in coming weeks. Up to four million more are expected by the end of the month.
The Shuttle understands that vaccines have not yet arrived in Worcestershire, however Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said they are expected to be delivered "imminently".
A spokesperson for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which heads 83 GP practices in the area, said: "This is a rolling programme and more hospital sites will be named in the coming days, as well as local vaccine services delivered by primary care networks and pharmacies, and vaccination centres."
Hubs across the UK will prioritise vaccinations for over-80s and some health and care staff.
On Saturday, Wyre Forest Health Partnership announced that Kidderminster Medical Centre and Stourport Health Centre had been approved to deliver the vaccines once they arrive in the district.
A spokesman said: "Because of the nature of the vaccine and the logistics of getting it delivered, initially not all GP surgeries will deliver it from their buildings.
"We are pleased to say that two of our surgeries have been approved to deliver the vaccination from their buildings, for our Wyre Forest Health Partnership (WFHP) patients.
"We will be working with the other WFHP practices to give the vaccinations from Stourport Health Centre and Kidderminster Medical Centre."
The surgery group has said that when the vaccine is received, patients will be contacted in the priority order set by the government.
Separate arrangements will be made for housebound patients and residents in care homes to receive their vaccination.
Documents leaked last month stated Monday, December 14 as a potential start date for the vaccination programme.
Bromsgrove's Artrix theatre, which has been empty since April when the theatre was forced into insolvency, and St Peter's Church in Worcester were earmarked in the documents as potential mass coronavirus vaccination centres, however the CCG said it was unable to confirm the plans.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-08--Robins pay daily visits to pupils at school near Stourport

CHILDREN at a village primary school near Stourport have two new additions to lessons - a pair of robins which fly into their classroom every day .
The feathered visitors perch on the windowsill during lessons at Astley Church of England Primary School .
They first came in September when staff started leaving windows ajar to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus .
One of the visiting robins .
Photo by SWNS The robins have also been joined by the occasional blue tit which also flies through the open windows of the 99-pupil school .
Now the adorable duo come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff room every day while the pupils have their lessons .
Headteacher Alison Reakes-Williams said : `` The children were really surprised at first , but they 've really appreciated seeing these beautiful little birds up close .
A robin inside one of the classrooms .
Photo by SWNS '' It is lovely and has grabbed the heartstrings at the school .
It is something positive at such a tough time .
`` Because we are a rural school and we wanted to keep our children safe we opened the windows to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location of the school we have robins nearby and they started making their way in through the windows .
`` As well as the robins we have a blue tit this morning and we have a picture of a teacher holding a blue tit .
That was a real treat .
The robins ' visits have become a daily occurrence .
Photo by SWNS '' It appears the same two robins keep coming .
They 've been coming into the classrooms , halls , corridors and the staff room .
They 've been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They bring a smile to their faces , but they 're also sensible with them .
`` They are so respectful , quiet and careful with them .
`` Robins are symbols for so many grown-ups .
But for the children they just love seeing these beautiful birds coming into the school .
The robins fly into the classroom through an open window .
Photo by SWNS '' The robins started coming in September once we were back from lockdown at the end of the school when the teachers were marking books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school 's values .
These robins flying into the school gives us hope and courage and advances the children 's learning .
`` They have been finding out more about these birds and drawing them in outdoor classes .
`` Now the robins have plucked up the courage to come in during class time and sit on the windowsills .
`` We talk about mental health and wellbeing .
It is about appreciating small moments like these that bring joy .
It is just lovely .
`` They say robins are braver and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which seem more scared and frightened , and that might be why the robins let the teachers pick them up . ''

The feathered visitors perch on the windowsill during lessons at Astley Church of England Primary School.
They first came in September when staff started leaving windows ajar to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
One of the visiting robins. Photo by SWNS
The robins have also been joined by the occasional blue tit which also flies through the open windows of the 99-pupil school.
Now the adorable duo come into the school hall, corridor and staff room every day while the pupils have their lessons.
Headteacher Alison Reakes-Williams said: "The children were really surprised at first, but they've really appreciated seeing these beautiful little birds up close.
A robin inside one of the classrooms. Photo by SWNS
"It is lovely and has grabbed the heartstrings at the school. It is something positive at such a tough time.
"Because we are a rural school and we wanted to keep our children safe we opened the windows to ensure ventilation.
"Because of the rural location of the school we have robins nearby and they started making their way in through the windows.
"As well as the robins we have a blue tit this morning and we have a picture of a teacher holding a blue tit. That was a real treat.
The robins' visits have become a daily occurrence. Photo by SWNS
"It appears the same two robins keep coming. They've been coming into the classrooms, halls, corridors and the staff room. They've been everywhere.
"The children love it. They bring a smile to their faces, but they're also sensible with them.
"They are so respectful, quiet and careful with them.
"Robins are symbols for so many grown-ups. But for the children they just love seeing these beautiful birds coming into the school.
The robins fly into the classroom through an open window. Photo by SWNS
"The robins started coming in September once we were back from lockdown at the end of the school when the teachers were marking books.
"Courage is one of the school's values. These robins flying into the school gives us hope and courage and advances the children's learning.
"They have been finding out more about these birds and drawing them in outdoor classes.
"Now the robins have plucked up the courage to come in during class time and sit on the windowsills.
A blue tit also paid a visit. Photo by SWNS
"We talk about mental health and wellbeing. It is about appreciating small moments like these that bring joy. It is just lovely.
"They say robins are braver and much more friendly than blue tits, which seem more scared and frightened, and that might be why the robins let the teachers pick them up."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-08--MP: Being first country to deliver Covid vaccines a great achievement

THIS week sees the roll-out of the vaccine against coronavirus .
This is a remarkable achievement .
The UK is the first country in the world to deliver an approved vaccine and it demonstrates our ability to think quickly and react properly .
There has been much criticism about crony-ism during this pandemic .
This is certainly something to be considered and controlled , but when faced with the choice of getting on and delivering a vaccine , or spending six months going through a public procurement process which is better ?
Like the political choice all along has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is protection versus process .
There will be an enquiry into all this in due course , but I suspect that our ability to be the very first country in the world to deliver not just one , but multiple drugs to combat Covid-19 , will be seen as a great achievement .
Similarly , too , will be our financial response to all this .
Again , the UK ’ s financial support has not just been ‘ quite good ’ or ‘ above average ' , it has been the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most ambitious financial rescue package in the world .
This includes support for the NHS , a health service that is , again , seen as the best free health service on the planet .
When the history books are written on this period , there will be many criticisms .
Dominic Cummings ’ extraordinary Barnard Castle eyesight test will , I am sure , mark a turning point in the public ’ s attitude to coping with lockdown .
He is now gone , but his removal from Downing Street is long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lockdown in the first place , and we may have been wiser , with the benefit of hindsight , to have introduced Lockdown II : The Sequel a couple of weeks earlier .
But the experience in Wales , who had an earlier circuit breaker , shows that this did not work – especially in the context of their NHS being in crisis .
Any crisis will be seen as a series of small tactics – of one action after another .
But it is only when the whole issue is finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the grand strategy was the right one and if those delivering it had the ability to change their plans when necessary .
Meanwhile , we have Brexit and who knows if we shall get a deal .
But that is for next week .

This is a remarkable achievement. The UK is the first country in the world to deliver an approved vaccine and it demonstrates our ability to think quickly and react properly.
There has been much criticism about crony-ism during this pandemic. This is certainly something to be considered and controlled, but when faced with the choice of getting on and delivering a vaccine, or spending six months going through a public procurement process which is better?
Like the political choice all along has been lives versus livelihoods, the delivery process is protection versus process.
There will be an enquiry into all this in due course, but I suspect that our ability to be the very first country in the world to deliver not just one, but multiple drugs to combat Covid-19, will be seen as a great achievement.
Similarly, too, will be our financial response to all this. Again, the UK’s financial support has not just been ‘quite good’ or ‘above average', it has been the best, the most forward thinking, the most ambitious financial rescue package in the world.
This includes support for the NHS, a health service that is, again, seen as the best free health service on the planet.
When the history books are written on this period, there will be many criticisms.
Dominic Cummings’ extraordinary Barnard Castle eyesight test will, I am sure, mark a turning point in the public’s attitude to coping with lockdown. He is now gone, but his removal from Downing Street is long overdue.
Similarly, we were slow to lockdown in the first place, and we may have been wiser, with the benefit of hindsight, to have introduced Lockdown II: The Sequel a couple of weeks earlier.
But the experience in Wales, who had an earlier circuit breaker, shows that this did not work – especially in the context of their NHS being in crisis.
Any crisis will be seen as a series of small tactics – of one action after another. But it is only when the whole issue is finished, will it be possible to see if the grand strategy was the right one and if those delivering it had the ability to change their plans when necessary.
Meanwhile, we have Brexit and who knows if we shall get a deal. But that is for next week.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-08--Former Harriers striker swaps touchline for frontline and joins police

A FORMER Kidderminster Harriers and England footballer is now tackling crime instead of the opposition after hanging up his boots to become a police officer .
Ex-striker Tommy Wright is swapping the touchline for the line of duty after signing up as student officer with Leicestershire Police .
The 35-year-old will be treading the beat in his hometown where he remains a cult hero for scoring Leicester 's winner against arch rivals Nottingham Forest in 2003 .
Tommy also represented England at under-19 and 20 level and was capped 15 times by his country at the European Championships and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right ) in action playing for Barnsley v Leeds Utd in November 2006 .
Photo by SWNS The striker helped Leicester City to the Premier League in 2002-2003 season before going on to play for Barnsley , Brentford , Blackpool , Aberdeen , and joined Kidderminster Harriers in 2011 .
As a youth player , Tommy was described as `` one to watch '' by BBC Sport 's Phil McNulty before he went on to play over 250 professional games during an 11 year career .
Tommy also enjoyed a spell as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Corby Town during the 2014-15 season .
He also took the reigns at Nuneaton Town as player/coach before moving to Darlington , Stratford Town and later Mansfield Town .
It was during his time managing the education programme for Mansfield that he spotted a job advert to become a trainee police officer this summer .
Leicestershire Police said Tommy 's life skills and experience were `` favourable qualities '' which helped land him the job with the force .
Tommy , of Kirby Muxloe in Leicester , said : `` I worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of it was a dream come true .
`` I feel very fortunate to have been involved in it as a player , a coach and a manager which was something I had always wanted to achieve .
`` I have always worked as part of a team , and that along with communication skills and people management , have set me on the right path to become a police officer .
`` I was coaching at Mansfield Town when my wife came across the police officer recruitment advert , it caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved being involved in football , I instantly knew this was what I wanted to do next .
`` I felt like I had achieved everything I set out to do within football and once the process started to become an officer and I progressed through each stage I grew more and more excited about the prospect of joining the police .
`` I had wanted to try something new for a while but I needed something that was rewarding , that would challenge me and provide me with a role that my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I was lucky enough to represent my hometown by playing for Leicester City and to now be given the opportunity to represent Leicestershire Police is something that I am immensely proud of .
Former Harriers and England footballer Tommy Wright is now tackling crime instead of the opposition after hanging up his boots to become a student police officer .
Photo by SWNS '' In one way it 's like starting again , I 've got a lot of experience to gain but also a lot to share . ''
Tommy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League in 2002 aged 17 - just six months after leaving school , in a match against Leeds United .
The following season he scored the winning goal against Nottingham Forest in a 1-0 victory in the East Midlands Derby on April 8 , 2003 .
He also played for Walsall , Grimsby , Kidderminster , Luton Town and Darlington where he won the FA Trophy final at Wembley in 2011 in front of 60,000 fans .
He scored 61 goals in a career which spanned all four of England 's @ @ @ @

Ex-striker Tommy Wright is swapping the touchline for the line of duty after signing up as student officer with Leicestershire Police.
The 35-year-old will be treading the beat in his hometown where he remains a cult hero for scoring Leicester's winner against arch rivals Nottingham Forest in 2003.
Tommy also represented England at under-19 and 20 level and was capped 15 times by his country at the European Championships and the FIFA World Championships.
Tommy Wright (right) in action playing for Barnsley v Leeds Utd in November 2006. Photo by SWNS
The striker helped Leicester City to the Premier League in 2002-2003 season before going on to play for Barnsley, Brentford, Blackpool, Aberdeen, and joined Kidderminster Harriers in 2011.
As a youth player, Tommy was described as ''one to watch" by BBC Sport's Phil McNulty before he went on to play over 250 professional games during an 11 year career.
Tommy also enjoyed a spell as a manager and coach winning the Southern Premier with Corby Town during the 2014-15 season.
He also took the reigns at Nuneaton Town as player/coach before moving to Darlington, Stratford Town and later Mansfield Town.
It was during his time managing the education programme for Mansfield that he spotted a job advert to become a trainee police officer this summer.
Leicestershire Police said Tommy's life skills and experience were "favourable qualities" which helped land him the job with the force.
Tommy, of Kirby Muxloe in Leicester, said: "I worked in football for 20 years and every part of it was a dream come true.
"I feel very fortunate to have been involved in it as a player, a coach and a manager which was something I had always wanted to achieve.
"I have always worked as part of a team, and that along with communication skills and people management, have set me on the right path to become a police officer.
"I was coaching at Mansfield Town when my wife came across the police officer recruitment advert, it caught my eye because, even though I loved being involved in football, I instantly knew this was what I wanted to do next.
"I felt like I had achieved everything I set out to do within football and once the process started to become an officer and I progressed through each stage I grew more and more excited about the prospect of joining the police.
"I had wanted to try something new for a while but I needed something that was rewarding, that would challenge me and provide me with a role that my friends and family would be proud of.
"I was lucky enough to represent my hometown by playing for Leicester City and to now be given the opportunity to represent Leicestershire Police is something that I am immensely proud of.
Former Harriers and England footballer Tommy Wright is now tackling crime instead of the opposition after hanging up his boots to become a student police officer. Photo by SWNS
"In one way it's like starting again, I've got a lot of experience to gain but also a lot to share."
Tommy made his debut for Leicester City in the Premier League in 2002 aged 17 - just six months after leaving school, in a match against Leeds United.
The following season he scored the winning goal against Nottingham Forest in a 1-0 victory in the East Midlands Derby on April 8, 2003.
He also played for Walsall, Grimsby, Kidderminster, Luton Town and Darlington where he won the FA Trophy final at Wembley in 2011 in front of 60,000 fans.
He scored 61 goals in a career which spanned all four of England's top flight divisions.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-08--The best and worst supermarket mince pies this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner many of us have already been throwing the mince pies into our trolley on our weekly supermarket shop .
But with so many on offer , how can you know which one is best ?
If you 're feeling a bit bogged down by how many varieties the supermarket shelves have to offer , here are our reviews of some of the best and worst mince pies on sale at supermarkets for Christmas 2020 .
Deep filled with vine fruits , cranberries , clementine and Cognac , the pies should have a wonderful zesty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost thanks to the alcohol .
The shortcrust pastry is wonderfully light and crumbly , but Cognac is the predominant flavour here , which can make the taste a little overwhelming .
2/5 The mincemeat of these pies is incredibly sweet and despite being laced with spices , brand and cider , these flavours struggle to cut through .
As for the shortcrust pastry , while crumbly , it is quite thick which makes the pies taste quite heavy and dense .
2/5 Ideal if you ’ re keen to try something a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the classic mince pie comprises morello cherry mincemeat and a cherry and Kirsch filling , encased in a chocolate pastry case topped with a chocolate chip glittery crumble .
The pies are wonderfully sweet and the chocolate pastry perfectly compliments the strong fruity flavour - perfect if you have a sweet tooth .
4.5/5 These mince pies taste as buttery and crumbly as they look .
The mincemeat is deliciously sweet , comprises notes of apple , orange and lemon peel , and is not overpowered by the Cognac , making it a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t a fan of overly boozy pies .
The generous filling is encased in a delightfully light pastry and topped with a sweet dusting , and is incredibly moreish .
5/5 Napoleon glace cherries , festive spices and citrus peel make up the mincemeat filling , which is infused with a subtle splash of Cognac , French brandy and port , and the pastry is both light and crumbly .
The alcohol isn ’ t too dominant , allowing the zesty flavours to come through , although the overall taste is quite sweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little crisp on these pies , while the heavy dusting on the top makes the flavour extremely sweet - almost too sweet .
The filling is pleasant enough , with notes of orange and spices coming through , but the brandy and port does slightly overpower some of the ingredients .
2/5 The pasty of these pies is so light that it almost melts in the mouth and has a wonderfully creamy taste , which is perfectly complemented by the rich mincemeat filling .
Made with apricots , glace cherries , almonds and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too dense and the citrus fruits manage to cut through the alcohol nicely .
4/5 While these mince pies look deliciously tempting , the all butter pastry isn ’ t quite as melt in the mouth as it looks and has a rather crunchier texture than expected .
However , the flavour of the filling is fruity and rich and despite being brandy-infused , the alcohol flavouring isn ’ t too overpowering , allowing the citrus and spices to come through .
3/5 Sharp citrus flavours burst from this mince pie as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lemon zest , orange peel and Yuzu juice among the ingredients .
The strong fruity notes are perfectly paired with the buttery , yet light shortcrust pastry , and the infusion of brandy , port and cider lends it a rich taste , without being too dominant .
This pie certainly stands out about the rest in terms of flavour .
5/5 A version of this article first appeared on our sister site , The Scotsman

But with so many on offer, how can you know which one is best?
If you're feeling a bit bogged down by how many varieties the supermarket shelves have to offer, here are our reviews of some of the best and worst mince pies on sale at supermarkets for Christmas 2020.
M&S Collection Mince Pies - £2.50
Deep filled with vine fruits, cranberries, clementine and Cognac, the pies should have a wonderful zesty flavour, but the flavours are somewhat lost thanks to the alcohol.
The shortcrust pastry is wonderfully light and crumbly, but Cognac is the predominant flavour here, which can make the taste a little overwhelming. 2/5
Morrisons All Butter Deep Filled Mince Pies - £2
The mincemeat of these pies is incredibly sweet and despite being laced with spices, brand and cider, these flavours struggle to cut through.
As for the shortcrust pastry, while crumbly, it is quite thick which makes the pies taste quite heavy and dense. 2/5
Morrisons Black Forest Mince Pies - £2
Ideal if you’re keen to try something a bit different, this unique take on the classic mince pie comprises morello cherry mincemeat and a cherry and Kirsch filling, encased in a chocolate pastry case topped with a chocolate chip glittery crumble.
The pies are wonderfully sweet and the chocolate pastry perfectly compliments the strong fruity flavour - perfect if you have a sweet tooth. 4.5/5
Lidl Deluxe All Butter Mince Pies - £1.49
These mince pies taste as buttery and crumbly as they look. The mincemeat is deliciously sweet, comprises notes of apple, orange and lemon peel, and is not overpowered by the Cognac, making it a good option for those who aren’t a fan of overly boozy pies.
The generous filling is encased in a delightfully light pastry and topped with a sweet dusting, and is incredibly moreish. 5/5
Tesco Finest All Butter Pastry Mince Pies - £1.75
Napoleon glace cherries, festive spices and citrus peel make up the mincemeat filling, which is infused with a subtle splash of Cognac, French brandy and port, and the pastry is both light and crumbly.
The alcohol isn’t too dominant, allowing the zesty flavours to come through, although the overall taste is quite sweet. 3.5/5
Asda Extra Special Luxury Mince Pies - £1.75
The shortcrust pastry is a little crisp on these pies, while the heavy dusting on the top makes the flavour extremely sweet - almost too sweet.
The filling is pleasant enough, with notes of orange and spices coming through, but the brandy and port does slightly overpower some of the ingredients. 2/5
Waitrose All Butter Mince Pies - £2.50
The pasty of these pies is so light that it almost melts in the mouth and has a wonderfully creamy taste, which is perfectly complemented by the rich mincemeat filling.
Made with apricots, glace cherries, almonds and brandy, the filling isn’t too dense and the citrus fruits manage to cut through the alcohol nicely. 4/5
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mince Pies - £1.50
While these mince pies look deliciously tempting, the all butter pastry isn’t quite as melt in the mouth as it looks and has a rather crunchier texture than expected.
However, the flavour of the filling is fruity and rich and despite being brandy-infused, the alcohol flavouring isn’t too overpowering, allowing the citrus and spices to come through. 3/5
Iceland All Butter Mince Pies - £1.89
Sharp citrus flavours burst from this mince pie as soon as you bite into it, with lemon zest, orange peel and Yuzu juice among the ingredients.
The strong fruity notes are perfectly paired with the buttery, yet light shortcrust pastry, and the infusion of brandy, port and cider lends it a rich taste, without being too dominant.
This pie certainly stands out about the rest in terms of flavour. 5/5
These are best and worst supermarket Christmas cakes available now
A version of this article first appeared on our sister site, The Scotsman


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--Plan for eyesore phone mast near Stourport refused

NEIGHBOURS on the edge of Stourport are celebrating after plans to erect a 20-metre-high phone mast in their street were refused .
Residents in Dunley Road began gearing up last month for yet another battle against a planning application to erect a phone mast in their street , having successfully fought plans for a 15-metre mast in the same spot in 2012 .
The latest proposal referred to an EE mast in the centre of a grass verge metres away from the entrance to Stourport , prompting complaints from villagers that the beautiful countryside surrounding the gateway would be blocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were lodged against the plans , most of which argued the mast would have a detrimental effect on the landscape , while some suggested it could be damaging to neighbouring residents ' health .
MBNL , which works on the infrastructure for EE , said the mast would deliver high-quality and reliable mobile connectivity to the community , but in a notice of refusal on December 4 , Wyre Forest District Council 's development manager said the mast would `` detract from the open character of the area '' and cause a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attractiveness of this gateway into the town of Stourport '' .
They also said insufficient information had been submitted for alternative sites .
Dunley Road resident Robert Hughes said : `` We do n't consider we have won a battle , but are pleased Wyre Forest planning committee have agreed the mast would not be acceptable in the area . ''

Residents in Dunley Road began gearing up last month for yet another battle against a planning application to erect a phone mast in their street, having successfully fought plans for a 15-metre mast in the same spot in 2012.
The latest proposal referred to an EE mast in the centre of a grass verge metres away from the entrance to Stourport, prompting complaints from villagers that the beautiful countryside surrounding the gateway would be blocked from view.
More than 150 objections were lodged against the plans, most of which argued the mast would have a detrimental effect on the landscape, while some suggested it could be damaging to neighbouring residents' health.
MBNL, which works on the infrastructure for EE, said the mast would deliver high-quality and reliable mobile connectivity to the community, but in a notice of refusal on December 4, Wyre Forest District Council's development manager said the mast would "detract from the open character of the area" and cause a "detrimental impact on visual amenity and diminish the attractiveness of this gateway into the town of Stourport".
They also said insufficient information had been submitted for alternative sites.
Dunley Road resident Robert Hughes said: "We don't consider we have won a battle, but are pleased Wyre Forest planning committee have agreed the mast would not be acceptable in the area."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--Traumatised black cat found dumped in Kidderminster

RSPCA workers have been left `` shocked by how cruel the human race can be '' after a black cat was found dumped inside a carrier case in Kidderminster .
The male cat was found inside an open cage by a dog walker in a remote area on Saturday ( December 5 ) and was taken in to the RSPCA in Stourbridge .
Posting a photograph of the scared feline on Facebook , the RSPCA branch said : `` This poor little terrified soul was found in a carrier which had been dumped in a relatively remote spot in Kidderminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we guess with the intention so the cat could just run off , but no , it was so terrified it didn ’ t move from the only thing that was familiar to it .
`` It was purely by chance it was found by some good Samaritans out walking their dogs and they were kind enough to bring it home and contact a rescue for help .
`` It is so traumatised we are unable to tell yet whether male or female or scan for a microchip but we will do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have had chance to settle and realise their ordeal is over and they are now safe .
`` We never cease to be shocked by how cruel the human race can be to release a domesticated cat in an area it doesn ’ t know , with no houses in close proximity , in this freezing wet weather - we hope karma catches up with you ! ''
The branch later posted an update to say it was working to establish if the cat was owned or lost prior to it being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further information .
Animal rescuers looking after the feline say he remains very anxious and nervous around people but is now receiving the care he needs .
An RSPCA spokesman told The Shuttle : `` The poor cat is now getting the care he needs with a foster carer from the Stourbridge RSPCA branch while they try and find out where he has come from .
`` Sadly he is very anxious and nervous around people but he is fine and they hope he ’ ll settle in and relax a little more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a male cat , and that he was found on December 5 in an opened cat carrier and taken to the team by a kind member of the public .
`` They are not looking for a home for him as yet . ''

The male cat was found inside an open cage by a dog walker in a remote area on Saturday (December 5) and was taken in to the RSPCA in Stourbridge.
Posting a photograph of the scared feline on Facebook, the RSPCA branch said: "This poor little terrified soul was found in a carrier which had been dumped in a relatively remote spot in Kidderminster.
"The door had been opened, we guess with the intention so the cat could just run off, but no, it was so terrified it didn’t move from the only thing that was familiar to it.
"It was purely by chance it was found by some good Samaritans out walking their dogs and they were kind enough to bring it home and contact a rescue for help.
"It is so traumatised we are unable to tell yet whether male or female or scan for a microchip but we will do all the checks in due course once they have had chance to settle and realise their ordeal is over and they are now safe.
"We never cease to be shocked by how cruel the human race can be to release a domesticated cat in an area it doesn’t know, with no houses in close proximity, in this freezing wet weather - we hope karma catches up with you!"
The branch later posted an update to say it was working to establish if the cat was owned or lost prior to it being dumped, but could not reveal any further information.
Animal rescuers looking after the feline say he remains very anxious and nervous around people but is now receiving the care he needs.
An RSPCA spokesman told The Shuttle: "The poor cat is now getting the care he needs with a foster carer from the Stourbridge RSPCA branch while they try and find out where he has come from.
"Sadly he is very anxious and nervous around people but he is fine and they hope he’ll settle in and relax a little more soon.
"I understand that he’s a male cat, and that he was found on December 5 in an opened cat carrier and taken to the team by a kind member of the public.
"They are not looking for a home for him as yet."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--Final push for our Christmas Gift Appeal as deadline approaches

THERE are just a few days left for Shuttle readers to donate a toy to give a disadvantaged child in Wyre Forest a present to open on Christmas day .
With less than a week left to go until the deadline , more than 1,000 gifts have been donated already to the 16th Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal , run in partnership with charity Home-Start Wyre Forest .
Last year was our biggest appeal yet with a staggering 1,285 presents donated , and after a difficult year due to the coronavirus pandemic we 're hoping this year 's will be another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` This year ’ s appeal is more important than ever .
For lots of families in Wyre Forest , the pandemic has meant them losing their jobs or being put on furlough and having to live on a lower income .
`` It 's been a really hard year for everyone , but when you ’ ve already got mental health problems or you ’ re on very low income already or you ’ re struggling with other issues , it ’ s even harder to deal with this on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be so nice for them all to know their children will have something to open on Christmas day . ''
Home-Start Wyre Forest currently provides support to 99 families including 162 children .
Since the coronavirus outbreak , the length of time families are needing support from Home-Start has increased from nine months to 12 as the charity is tasked with dealing with more complex needs .
Among those to show support for this year 's appeal are Kidderminster charity The Odell Centre , whose staff decided to donate a gift to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secret Santa , and Stourport ’ s Wendy Squires , who donated 35 hand-knitted scarves .
Belinda said : `` We have been further overwhelmed by donations this week - well over 1,000 gifts have been accepted so far and almost a week left to go !
Some of the hundreds of gifts donated to this year 's appeal '' All our families will have a large bag of presents and we have arranged to pass significant amounts to the designated safeguarding leads of local primary schools who can pass them to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be donated until Monday , December 14 at Midcounties Co-op stores in Stourport and Franche Road , Kidderminster , the Swan Centre management suite , Franche Community Church , St Ambrose Church , St George 's Church , Tesco branches in Stourport and Kidderminster , and the Home-Start office in New Road .
Home-Start staff and volunteers will then wrap and pack the gifts and store them in a Covid-secure storage room for 72 hours before delivering them to families .
Presents can be of any value but must be new and unwrapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Shuttle Gift Appeal , visit homestartwyreforest.org.uk or call 01562 825896 .

With less than a week left to go until the deadline, more than 1,000 gifts have been donated already to the 16th Shuttle Christmas Gift Appeal, run in partnership with charity Home-Start Wyre Forest.
Last year was our biggest appeal yet with a staggering 1,285 presents donated, and after a difficult year due to the coronavirus pandemic we're hoping this year's will be another record-breaker.
Home-Start branch manager Belinda Darby said: "This year’s appeal is more important than ever. For lots of families in Wyre Forest, the pandemic has meant them losing their jobs or being put on furlough and having to live on a lower income.
Home-Start co-ordinator Kelly Hurst, volunteer co-ordinator Joanne Shinton and Sue Spicer from charity partner Midcounties Co-operative
"It's been a really hard year for everyone, but when you’ve already got mental health problems or you’re on very low income already or you’re struggling with other issues, it’s even harder to deal with this on top of everything else.
"It would be so nice for them all to know their children will have something to open on Christmas day."
Home-Start Wyre Forest currently provides support to 99 families including 162 children. Since the coronavirus outbreak, the length of time families are needing support from Home-Start has increased from nine months to 12 as the charity is tasked with dealing with more complex needs.
Among those to show support for this year's appeal are Kidderminster charity The Odell Centre, whose staff decided to donate a gift to a local child instead of their usual Secret Santa, and Stourport’s Wendy Squires, who donated 35 hand-knitted scarves.
Belinda said: "We have been further overwhelmed by donations this week - well over 1,000 gifts have been accepted so far and almost a week left to go!
Some of the hundreds of gifts donated to this year's appeal
"All our families will have a large bag of presents and we have arranged to pass significant amounts to the designated safeguarding leads of local primary schools who can pass them to other vulnerable local children."
Gifts can be donated until Monday, December 14 at Midcounties Co-op stores in Stourport and Franche Road, Kidderminster, the Swan Centre management suite, Franche Community Church, St Ambrose Church, St George's Church, Tesco branches in Stourport and Kidderminster, and the Home-Start office in New Road.
Home-Start staff and volunteers will then wrap and pack the gifts and store them in a Covid-secure storage room for 72 hours before delivering them to families.
Presents can be of any value but must be new and unwrapped.
For more information about Home-Start and the Shuttle Gift Appeal, visit homestartwyreforest.org.uk or call 01562 825896.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--NHS recruiting Covid-19 'vaccinators' for Worcestershire

STAFF are being recruited to administer coronavirus vaccines at sites in Bromsgrove and Worcester .
The NHS is recruiting experienced `` vaccinators '' such as school nurses , midwives , dentists and GPs to help with the mass delivery of vaccinations in Bromsgrove and Worcester .
The vaccinators will be needed as soon as December 14 according to a job posting on the NHS website .
The advert says the pandemic immunisers will work as part of `` a dynamic team in delivering a safe and effective service for the mass delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine '' in two locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be running from 8am to 5pm , seven days a week , but will be closed on Christmas Day , Boxing Day and New Year ’ s Day The vaccinators will be responsible for administering the vaccine to people within a team of staff working in a pod structure .
The job advert says the NHS is looking for any experienced vaccinators including practice nurses , school nurses , donor nurses , midwives , occupational health providers , community pharmacists , dentists , GP returners , paramedics and nursing associates .
Documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , December 14 as a potential start date for the vaccination programme .
Bromsgrove 's Artrix theatre , which has been empty since April when the theatre was forced into insolvency , and St Peter 's Church in Worcester were earmarked in the documents as potential mass coronavirus vaccination centres , however the CCG said it was unable to confirm the plans .

The NHS is recruiting experienced "vaccinators" such as school nurses, midwives, dentists and GPs to help with the mass delivery of vaccinations in Bromsgrove and Worcester.
The vaccinators will be needed as soon as December 14 according to a job posting on the NHS website.
The advert says the pandemic immunisers will work as part of "a dynamic team in delivering a safe and effective service for the mass delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine" in two locations - Bromsgrove or Worcester.
The operation will be running from 8am to 5pm, seven days a week, but will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
The vaccinators will be responsible for administering the vaccine to people within a team of staff working in a pod structure.
The job advert says the NHS is looking for any experienced vaccinators including practice nurses, school nurses, donor nurses, midwives, occupational health providers, community pharmacists, dentists, GP returners, paramedics and nursing associates.
Documents seen by this paper last month stated Monday, December 14 as a potential start date for the vaccination programme.
Bromsgrove's Artrix theatre, which has been empty since April when the theatre was forced into insolvency, and St Peter's Church in Worcester were earmarked in the documents as potential mass coronavirus vaccination centres, however the CCG said it was unable to confirm the plans.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--When will Worcestershire see Covid vaccine? Distribution hubs chosen

THE county 's hospital trust has been selected as a “ hub ” during the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine .
The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is on a list of vaccine distribution hubs , though the trust is not among the 50 hospital trusts to be taking part in the initial vaccinations .
It is not known yet where the Worcestershire distribution hub will be , though Malvern ’ s Three Counties Showground is among the possible options .
A spokesman for the Malvern showground said : “ We are in discussions with the NHS regarding a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been confirmed yet.
” READ MORE : Worcestershire firm to create 1,000 jobs with expansion Vaccinations will be rolled out first at hospitals , with overall co-ordination of deliveries of jabs handled by 53 NHS trust vaccine hubs , set out in a letter from NHS England to providers last month .
Jabs will then be delivered from mass vaccination hubs in places like conference halls and sports arenas , with GPs surgeries and health centres likely to follow .
The Government is also seeking about 1,250 local sites ; mainly GP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community centres , from which to administer any vaccine , regional and local government sources said .
St John 's Ambulance is also training more than 30,000 volunteers between now and spring 2021 , to support the NHS in delivering the national vaccination programme .
In a statement on the vaccination roll-out , NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said : “ This is an important next step in our response to the coronavirus pandemic and hospitals will shortly kick off the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two men arrested in Worcester with massive cannabis grow seized by police “ The NHS has a proven track record of delivering large scale vaccinations from the winter flu jab to BCG and , once the final hurdles are cleared and the vaccine arrives in England ’ s hospitals , health service staff will begin offering people this groundbreaking jab in a programme that will expand to cover the whole country in the coming months.
” Care homes and the elderly are at the top of the list to receive the vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in getting the jab to residents .
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) has not yet given approval to split the vaccine boxes containing 975 doses , meaning some would be wasted if sent to individual residential homes .

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is on a list of vaccine distribution hubs, though the trust is not among the 50 hospital trusts to be taking part in the initial vaccinations.
It is not known yet where the Worcestershire distribution hub will be, though Malvern’s Three Counties Showground is among the possible options.
A spokesman for the Malvern showground said: “We are in discussions with the NHS regarding a vaccine centre on site in 2021 but nothing has been confirmed yet.”
READ MORE: Worcestershire firm to create 1,000 jobs with expansion
Vaccinations will be rolled out first at hospitals, with overall co-ordination of deliveries of jabs handled by 53 NHS trust vaccine hubs, set out in a letter from NHS England to providers last month.
Jabs will then be delivered from mass vaccination hubs in places like conference halls and sports arenas, with GPs surgeries and health centres likely to follow.
The Government is also seeking about 1,250 local sites; mainly GP surgeries and health centres, alongside some community centres, from which to administer any vaccine, regional and local government sources said.
St John's Ambulance is also training more than 30,000 volunteers between now and spring 2021, to support the NHS in delivering the national vaccination programme.
In a statement on the vaccination roll-out, NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said: “This is an important next step in our response to the coronavirus pandemic and hospitals will shortly kick off the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history.
READ MORE: Two men arrested in Worcester with massive cannabis grow seized by police
“The NHS has a proven track record of delivering large scale vaccinations from the winter flu jab to BCG and, once the final hurdles are cleared and the vaccine arrives in England’s hospitals, health service staff will begin offering people this groundbreaking jab in a programme that will expand to cover the whole country in the coming months.”
Care homes and the elderly are at the top of the list to receive the vaccine, but logistical issues mean there are difficulties in getting the jab to residents.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has not yet given approval to split the vaccine boxes containing 975 doses, meaning some would be wasted if sent to individual residential homes.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--UK braced for coldest December  'in a number of years'

The UK is braced for the coldest December for `` a number of years '' with more snow on the way , according to the Met Office .
The winter chill is predicted to continue until after Christmas with colder-than-average weather forecast throughout December .
Temperatures of -3C were recordered inparts of Scotland on Monday morning making it colder than Helsinki , Finland .
A yellow weather warning is in place across eastern and southeastern parts of England with fog and freezing fog patches aet to thicken and turn more widespread this evening .
Bookmaker Coral has this December listed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December since records began at 4/6 with the Met Office predicting the cold weather will last well into the New Year .
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said : Winter hazards are dominating the weather as the emphasis changes from snow to frost and ice.
” Leon Brown , head of meteorological operations at The Weather Company ’ s Weather Channel arm , told the Mirror : “ Arctic incursions mean December could well be the coldest for a number of years.
” A Met Office forecaster said : “ December 10-19 has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend to average then could turn colder again .
“ December 20 to January 3 has temperatures likely at or below-average , though some milder interludes are possible .
`` Hill snow is possible , and showers could perhaps be wintry at lower levels.
” The UK ’ s average temperature in December is 3.8C .

The winter chill is predicted to continue until after Christmas with colder-than-average weather forecast throughout December.
Temperatures of -3C were recordered inparts of Scotland on Monday morning making it colder than Helsinki, Finland.
A yellow weather warning is in place across eastern and southeastern parts of England with fog and freezing fog patches aet to thicken and turn more widespread this evening.
⚠ Yellow Warning issued ⚠
Fog across eastern and southeastern parts of England
Valid from 1600 today until 0200 on Wednesday
Fog and freezing fog patches will thicken and turn more widespread this evening 🌫
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/PMofS4XCzd — Met Office (@metoffice) December 8, 2020
Bookmaker Coral has this December listed as odds on to be the coldest December since records began at 4/6 with the Met Office predicting the cold weather will last well into the New Year.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: Winter hazards are dominating the weather as the emphasis changes from snow to frost and ice.”
Leon Brown, head of meteorological operations at The Weather Company’s Weather Channel arm, told the Mirror: “Arctic incursions mean December could well be the coldest for a number of years.”
A Met Office forecaster said: “December 10-19 has temperatures likely to begin below average, trend to average then could turn colder again.
“December 20 to January 3 has temperatures likely at or below-average, though some milder interludes are possible.
"Hill snow is possible, and showers could perhaps be wintry at lower levels.”
The UK’s average temperature in December is 3.8C.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--How long will the Covid vaccine last?

How long will the Covid vaccine last?

As the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine rollout began in the UK this week questions remain about how long the vaccine will last .
Heralded as a “ game changer ” in the fight against the coronavirus crisis that has gripped the world for months , research remain limited , although it has been comfirmed as safe by experts .
Designed to allow a person to develop the antibodies needed to fight the virus without them having to have contracted it first , the vaccine uses only the virus ’ s genetic code , rather than an active ingredient .
An mRNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it enters cells and tells them to create antigens and antibodies , which are recognised by the immune system and prepare it to fight coronavirus .
While vaccines that use active ingredients like softened or weakened forms of a pathogen are also extremely safe , using just the code makes the Covid-19 vaccine even less of a risk to vulnerable patients .
But how long do these antigens last in the body , and if you are lucky enough to receive the vaccine , does that then make you completely safe from Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know : How long does the vaccine last ?
Despite the good news of a vaccine , it 's still not 100 per cent known how long the vaccines ( the already available Pfizer jab , and the two other immunisations still in the preliminary stages of approval ) remain effective , though it is expected to be a considerable amount of time .
In July , the University of Oxford claimed their vaccine lasted for over 56 days ; the only reason that amount of time isn ’ t longer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56-day mark .
On 2 December , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that vaccines could be re-procured if they are needed again over the longer term , if the vaccine is only “ short term ” .
He added that patients could be retreated either “ through re-procurement of one of the existing vaccines or by switching to a different vaccine if that is clinically appropriate.
” Does the vaccine stop a person passing on the virus to others ?
Though you may have the antibodies needed to quickly flush the virus from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with it again , does the vaccine prevent you from passing on the disease to others asymptomatically ?
Matt Hancock warned that it is still unknown to what extent the Covid-19 vaccine can prevent someone passing on the disease .
Appearing on BBC Breakfast , he said : “ We know that this vaccine protects the person who ’ s been vaccinated .
What we don ’ t yet know is the degree to which the vaccine reduces the chance of Margaret [ Keenan , the first person in the world to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We think that that transmission risk , as it ’ s called , is much reduced by being vaccinated .
But we need to watch that.
” Speaking on the same programme , Christine Tait-Burkard , assistant professor of immunology at the University of Edinburgh , said “ every percentage ” of people vaccinated should make a difference to the rate of transmission if a vaccine provides “ viral immunity ” and stops people shedding the virus .
“ But that ’ s where we still have some question marks around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added , “ because that is actually parts that ’ s not being looked at in the clinical trials studies just now.
” When will life get back to normal ?
Restrictions and lockdown measures have taken their toll on people around the world , and many will be wondering whether the vaccine means normality may return quicker than first expected .
The Government ’ s chief scientific adviser has warned that restrictions could be here to stay for the foreseeable future , and the UK is unlikely to get back to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking to Sky News , Sir Patrick Vallance : “ It ’ s going to take quite a long time to make sure everybody in the at-risk groups and all of the groups that are difficult to reach get vaccinated as appropriate.
” He said it will be at least a month or more before the effects of the vaccine begin to be seen , adding : “ It is important we all stick to the rules in the meantime – the rules are what ’ s keeping the virus down.
” Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that next winter even with vaccination we need measures like masks in place – we don ’ t know yet how good all the vaccines are going to be at preventing the transmission of the virus.
” A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title , the Scotsman

Heralded as a “game changer” in the fight against the coronavirus crisis that has gripped the world for months, research remain limited, although it has been comfirmed as safe by experts.
Designed to allow a person to develop the antibodies needed to fight the virus without them having to have contracted it first, the vaccine uses only the virus’s genetic code, rather than an active ingredient.
An mRNA vaccine is injected into the body where it enters cells and tells them to create antigens and antibodies, which are recognised by the immune system and prepare it to fight coronavirus.
While vaccines that use active ingredients like softened or weakened forms of a pathogen are also extremely safe, using just the code makes the Covid-19 vaccine even less of a risk to vulnerable patients.
But how long do these antigens last in the body, and if you are lucky enough to receive the vaccine, does that then make you completely safe from Covid-19 forever?
Here is everything you need to know:
How long does the vaccine last?
Despite the good news of a vaccine, it's still not 100 per cent known how long the vaccines (the already available Pfizer jab, and the two other immunisations still in the preliminary stages of approval) remain effective, though it is expected to be a considerable amount of time.
In July, the University of Oxford claimed their vaccine lasted for over 56 days; the only reason that amount of time isn’t longer, is because the research ended at the 56-day mark.
On 2 December, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that vaccines could be re-procured if they are needed again over the longer term, if the vaccine is only “short term” .
He added that patients could be retreated either “through re-procurement of one of the existing vaccines or by switching to a different vaccine if that is clinically appropriate.”
Does the vaccine stop a person passing on the virus to others?
Though you may have the antibodies needed to quickly flush the virus from your system should it come into contact with it again, does the vaccine prevent you from passing on the disease to others asymptomatically?
Matt Hancock warned that it is still unknown to what extent the Covid-19 vaccine can prevent someone passing on the disease.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, he said: “We know that this vaccine protects the person who’s been vaccinated. What we don’t yet know is the degree to which the vaccine reduces the chance of Margaret [Keenan, the first person in the world to receive the jab] passing it on asymptomatically.
“We think that that transmission risk, as it’s called, is much reduced by being vaccinated. But we need to watch that.”
Speaking on the same programme, Christine Tait-Burkard, assistant professor of immunology at the University of Edinburgh, said “every percentage” of people vaccinated should make a difference to the rate of transmission if a vaccine provides “viral immunity” and stops people shedding the virus.
“But that’s where we still have some question marks around some of the vaccines,” she added, “because that is actually parts that’s not being looked at in the clinical trials studies just now.”
When will life get back to normal?
Restrictions and lockdown measures have taken their toll on people around the world, and many will be wondering whether the vaccine means normality may return quicker than first expected.
The Government’s chief scientific adviser has warned that restrictions could be here to stay for the foreseeable future, and the UK is unlikely to get back to a semblance of normality before spring 2021.
Speaking to Sky News, Sir Patrick Vallance: “It’s going to take quite a long time to make sure everybody in the at-risk groups and all of the groups that are difficult to reach get vaccinated as appropriate.”
He said it will be at least a month or more before the effects of the vaccine begin to be seen, adding: “It is important we all stick to the rules in the meantime – the rules are what’s keeping the virus down.”
Sir Patrick said: “It may be that next winter even with vaccination we need measures like masks in place – we don’t know yet how good all the vaccines are going to be at preventing the transmission of the virus.”
A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title, the Scotsman


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--Matt Hancock predicts 'bright' summer amid vaccine rollout

Health Secretary Matt Hancock expects Covid restriction to be lifted in spring and has `` great hopes '' for a more normal summer in 2021 .
Speaking to the Commons Mr Hancock said : `` I do have high confidence that the summer of 2021 will be a bright one without the sort of restrictions that made the summer of 2020 more restrictive .
I 've booked my holiday .
I 'm going to Cornwall . ''
The positive outlook for next year comes after an English grandmother became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 8 Dec ) .
Margaret Keenan , 90 , was given the vaccine in Coventry at 6.31am as the NHS mass vaccination programme began in the UK , with the first phase focussing on older people , health staff and care home workers .
Mr Hancock said the rollout of the vaccine could mean that the UK will be able to get back to normal ahead of the rest of the world , and expressed hope that restrictions could be lifted from spring .
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve said that we think that , from the spring , things can start getting back to normal , and , because we ’ ve been able to get this vaccination programme going sooner than anywhere else in the world , we ’ ll be able to bring that date forward a bit .
“ I have great hopes for summer 2021 and I hope we can lift the restrictions from the spring.
” However , Mr Hancock cautioned that people need to keep respecting the rules that are in place over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid cases are still rising in some parts of the UK .
Parts of Essex , Kent and London in particular are among the areas where infection rates are on the increase , with the Health Secretary expressing the importance of keeping rates under control .
“ We ’ ve still got a long way to go on this march , we ’ ve got to keep our resolve for the next few months , ” he added .
“ But we all can see that we have a route out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spring , I hope , certainly by the summer , but we ’ ve still got to stick at it for now.
” It is hoped that “ several million ” people will have been vaccinated against the virus by Christmas , with jabs administered at 70 hospital hubs across the UK .
The NHS vaccine programme will first target patients aged 80 and over who are already attending hospital as an outpatient , along with those who are being discharged after a hospital stay .
Care home providers have been asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and GPs are expected to begin vaccinating care home residents shortly .
The UK government will be releasing figures on the number of people receiving the jab as the programme is rolled out , as this will be used to inform when restrictions are able to be lifted .
Mrs Keenan will be given a booster jab in 21 days ’ time to ensure she has the highest level of protection against the virus .
Mr Hancock said , “ As of this morning , right now several dozen people have been vaccinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been vaccinated .
But we ’ ve got to protect those who are vulnerable .
“ The second dose is in three weeks ’ time , and then it takes a week to get full immunity , so , even for those who were the first to be vaccinated , we ’ ve still got a month until they are protected .
“ And then we ’ ve got to ensure that people who are vulnerable to this disease are protected and then we can lift the restrictions and that will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stick at it.
” How will the vaccine be rolled out ?
The UK has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine , which is enough to vaccinate 20 million people with the required two doses , given 21 days apart .
The bulk of vaccinations will take place in January through to March or April for those who are at highest risk , including the over 80s , care home staff and healthcare workers .
This is the plan for the vaccine roll out , listed in order of highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home for older adults and their carers • All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers • All those 75 years of age and over • All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals • All those 65 years of age and over • All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at • higher risk of serious disease and mortality • All those 60 years of age and over • All those 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those 50 years of age and over • The rest of the population , with priority yet to be determined

Speaking to the Commons Mr Hancock said: "I do have high confidence that the summer of 2021 will be a bright one without the sort of restrictions that made the summer of 2020 more restrictive. I've booked my holiday. I'm going to Cornwall."
The positive outlook for next year comes after an English grandmother became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial today (8 Dec).
Margaret Keenan, 90, was given the vaccine in Coventry at 6.31am as the NHS mass vaccination programme began in the UK, with the first phase focussing on older people, health staff and care home workers.
‘Great hopes’ for 2021
Mr Hancock said the rollout of the vaccine could mean that the UK will be able to get back to normal ahead of the rest of the world, and expressed hope that restrictions could be lifted from spring.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said, “We’ve said that we think that, from the spring, things can start getting back to normal, and, because we’ve been able to get this vaccination programme going sooner than anywhere else in the world, we’ll be able to bring that date forward a bit.
“I have great hopes for summer 2021 and I hope we can lift the restrictions from the spring.”
However, Mr Hancock cautioned that people need to keep respecting the rules that are in place over the winter period, as the number of Covid cases are still rising in some parts of the UK.
Parts of Essex, Kent and London in particular are among the areas where infection rates are on the increase, with the Health Secretary expressing the importance of keeping rates under control.
“We’ve still got a long way to go on this march, we’ve got to keep our resolve for the next few months,” he added.
“But we all can see that we have a route out and we can get back to normal by the spring, I hope, certainly by the summer, but we’ve still got to stick at it for now.”
Several million vaccinations
It is hoped that “several million” people will have been vaccinated against the virus by Christmas, with jabs administered at 70 hospital hubs across the UK.
The NHS vaccine programme will first target patients aged 80 and over who are already attending hospital as an outpatient, along with those who are being discharged after a hospital stay.
Care home providers have been asked to book staff into vaccination clinics, and GPs are expected to begin vaccinating care home residents shortly.
The UK government will be releasing figures on the number of people receiving the jab as the programme is rolled out, as this will be used to inform when restrictions are able to be lifted.
Mrs Keenan will be given a booster jab in 21 days’ time to ensure she has the highest level of protection against the virus.
Mr Hancock said, “As of this morning, right now several dozen people have been vaccinated and by Christmas several million people will have been vaccinated. But we’ve got to protect those who are vulnerable.
“The second dose is in three weeks’ time, and then it takes a week to get full immunity, so, even for those who were the first to be vaccinated, we’ve still got a month until they are protected.
“And then we’ve got to ensure that people who are vulnerable to this disease are protected and then we can lift the restrictions and that will take months, so we’ve got to stick at it.”
How will the vaccine be rolled out?
The UK has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which is enough to vaccinate 20 million people with the required two doses, given 21 days apart.
The bulk of vaccinations will take place in January through to March or April for those who are at highest risk, including the over 80s, care home staff and healthcare workers.
This is the plan for the vaccine roll out, listed in order of highest priority:


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-09--Kidderminster was among England's worst hit by Spanish flu in 1918

A STUDY has drawn comparisons between England 's worst hit areas by the Spanish flu 100 years ago and Covid-19 in 2020 - but Kidderminster appears to be the anomaly .
Spanish flu swept across the globe in 1918 , infecting a third of the world 's population and killing up to 100 million people .
Britain was in the midst of the last summer of the First World War when the pandemic struck .
As all efforts were focused on ending the conflict , there was no lockdown and all industries worked on as normal .
For propaganda and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report the seriousness of the outbreak at home .
However , they were free to write about its spread in neutral Spain , hence it being named Spanish flu .
But it was misnamed , affecting millions across the globe and possibly spread by US troops coming to fight in Europe .
It was noted for killing more people in their 20s and 30s than other pandemics .
No social class escaped but the mortality rate was worse for the urban poor .
This was found not just in the UK but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the US , Norway and Australia .
In England , the Registrar General 's figures showed four of the five towns with the worst death rates per 100,000 were in the North East and Yorkshire - Hebburn ( 1194 ) , Jarrow ( 877 ) , Kidderminster ( 849 ) , Barnsley ( 835 ) and Wallsend ( 828 ) .
Meanwhile England 's four least affected towns were in the South - Sutton ( 188 ) ; Woking ( 225 ) ; Winchester ( 250 ) and Taunton ( 272 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health at Newcastle University , said wealthier people had a `` better '' Spanish flu pandemic than those who lived in overcrowded homes or worked in factories without social distancing .
In comparison , Worcestershire has consistently sat around the middle of the table for Covid-19 infection rates by area .
According to figures , the second wave of the Spanish flu outbreak hit Worcestershire the hardest .
In a similar way to the Covid-19 first wave response , the local government reacted by closing schools and restricting cinema open times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldiers surviving the war , only to succumb to the Spanish flu outbreak .
The Kidderminster Shuttle reported in November 1918 that Gunner S. Powell spent the last two weeks of the war on leave from France , visiting his parents in Kidderminster .
While he was home , he contracted influenza , which was followed by pneumonia , and this proved fatal .
Powell died on November 24 , 1918 , just thirteen days after the war ended .
Ms Bambra said : `` Whilst infection rates may have been relatively uniform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have had better health care resources , better pre-existing health status and better housing conditions .
`` These aspects of inequality are also important over 100 years later when examining the shape of the Covid-19 pandemic . ''

Spanish flu swept across the globe in 1918, infecting a third of the world's population and killing up to 100 million people.
Britain was in the midst of the last summer of the First World War when the pandemic struck. As all efforts were focused on ending the conflict, there was no lockdown and all industries worked on as normal.
For propaganda and morale reasons, newspapers did not widely report the seriousness of the outbreak at home. However, they were free to write about its spread in neutral Spain, hence it being named Spanish flu.
But it was misnamed, affecting millions across the globe and possibly spread by US troops coming to fight in Europe.
It was noted for killing more people in their 20s and 30s than other pandemics.
No social class escaped but the mortality rate was worse for the urban poor. This was found not just in the UK but also in studies carried out in countries such as the US, Norway and Australia.
In England, the Registrar General's figures showed four of the five towns with the worst death rates per 100,000 were in the North East and Yorkshire - Hebburn (1194), Jarrow (877), Kidderminster (849), Barnsley (835) and Wallsend (828).
Meanwhile England's four least affected towns were in the South - Sutton (188); Woking (225); Winchester (250) and Taunton (272).
Clare Bambra, a professor of public health at Newcastle University, said wealthier people had a "better" Spanish flu pandemic than those who lived in overcrowded homes or worked in factories without social distancing.
In comparison, Worcestershire has consistently sat around the middle of the table for Covid-19 infection rates by area.
According to figures, the second wave of the Spanish flu outbreak hit Worcestershire the hardest.
In a similar way to the Covid-19 first wave response, the local government reacted by closing schools and restricting cinema open times.
Local papers were littered with stories of soldiers surviving the war, only to succumb to the Spanish flu outbreak.
The Kidderminster Shuttle reported in November 1918 that Gunner S. Powell spent the last two weeks of the war on leave from France, visiting his parents in Kidderminster.
While he was home, he contracted influenza, which was followed by pneumonia, and this proved fatal. Powell died on November 24, 1918, just thirteen days after the war ended.
Ms Bambra said: "Whilst infection rates may have been relatively uniform, more affluent sections of the population would have had better health care resources, better pre-existing health status and better housing conditions.
"These aspects of inequality are also important over 100 years later when examining the shape of the Covid-19 pandemic."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-10--CCTV: 'Scumbag' destroys Christmas lights at Stourport garden centre

A VANDAL was caught on CCTV destroying hundreds of pounds worth of Christmas lights at a family-run garden centre in Stourport .
Cook 's Garden Centre in Worcester Road posted footage of the vandal in action on Wednesday night ( December 9 ) .
The CCTV footage shows a person in grey trousers and a dark-coloured jacket with the hood up tampering with the hanging Christmas lights on the garden centre gates .
Sharing footage of the incident on social media , the garden centre revealed that £700 worth of lights were destroyed .
A spokesman for the business said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scumbag thought it was a great idea to visit the garden centre and destroy our Christmas lights . ''
Sharing further images of the perpetrator , Cook 's said : `` Here we have our hero hard at work !
What a star !
`` We have plenty more images and CCTV footage of this wonderful person .
All we need now is a name so we can discuss with him the repayment of over £700 worth of damage .
Feel free to message us , thank you ! ''
The posts have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the public .
One person wrote : `` The display was wonderful , I 'm so sorry that some low life did this .
They need to be caught and soon . ''
Another person commented : `` Absolutely disgusting behaviour , especially as you do so much for the community . ''
This is the second time Cook 's has been left out of pocket due to vandalism this festive period .
On November 26 , vandals pulled down a tree and destroyed lights donated by the business to Stourport @ @ @

Cook's Garden Centre in Worcester Road posted footage of the vandal in action on Wednesday night (December 9).
The CCTV footage shows a person in grey trousers and a dark-coloured jacket with the hood up tampering with the hanging Christmas lights on the garden centre gates.
Sharing footage of the incident on social media, the garden centre revealed that £700 worth of lights were destroyed.
A spokesman for the business said on Facebook: "At 8.56pm some scumbag thought it was a great idea to visit the garden centre and destroy our Christmas lights."
Sharing further images of the perpetrator, Cook's said: "Here we have our hero hard at work! What a star!
"We have plenty more images and CCTV footage of this wonderful person. All we need now is a name so we can discuss with him the repayment of over £700 worth of damage. Feel free to message us, thank you!"
The posts have been met by comments of outrage from members of the public.
One person wrote: "The display was wonderful, I'm so sorry that some low life did this. They need to be caught and soon."
Another person commented: "Absolutely disgusting behaviour, especially as you do so much for the community."
This is the second time Cook's has been left out of pocket due to vandalism this festive period.
On November 26, vandals pulled down a tree and destroyed lights donated by the business to Stourport Memorial Park.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-10--Christmas arrives at the Severn Valley Railway

THE festive season is full steam ahead at the Severn Valley Railway and after relaunching its services in December 3 the SVR is celebrating an enthusiastic uptake of seats on board its trains .
The Santa services , which depart from Kidderminster , are completely sold out , and there are just a couple of tickets left for the Steam in Lights services departing from Bridgnorth .
For those that did n't manage to grab a ticket , the SVR has launched new Mince Pie Train and Luncheon Train services , departing from Kidderminster and Bridgnorth , for the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star Trip Advisor reviews , the heritage railway is bringing back its Evening Dining Services on select dates in December .
Passengers can also climb aboard the SVR 's festive season day excursions between December 26 and January 3 .
Helen Smith , the railway ’ s general manager said : “ We are absolutely delighted that we have the go ahead to reopen and to run our Christmas events as planned , under the government ’ s post-lockdown restrictions .
`` We ’ re located in a designated Tier 2 area and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our visitors for some very special festive experiences .
`` I ’ m especially looking forward to our Steam in Lights services , which have been created to immerse visitors on a magical journey , with light , music , mystical auroras and snow flurries.
” The railway is allowed to operate under the latest government restrictions and has taken steps to ensure a Covid-safe experience for visitors .
Each group travels in a private compartment or at at a carefully spaced table , and there are social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for each train .
For details of departure dates , ticket prices and to book tickets , go to svr.co.uk .

The Santa services, which depart from Kidderminster, are completely sold out, and there are just a couple of tickets left for the Steam in Lights services departing from Bridgnorth.
For those that didn't manage to grab a ticket, the SVR has launched new Mince Pie Train and Luncheon Train services, departing from Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, for the first time this year.
And following five star Trip Advisor reviews, the heritage railway is bringing back its Evening Dining Services on select dates in December.
Passengers can also climb aboard the SVR's festive season day excursions between December 26 and January 3.
Helen Smith, the railway’s general manager said: “We are absolutely delighted that we have the go ahead to reopen and to run our Christmas events as planned, under the government’s post-lockdown restrictions.
"We’re located in a designated Tier 2 area and are very much looking forward to welcoming our visitors for some very special festive experiences.
"I’m especially looking forward to our Steam in Lights services, which have been created to immerse visitors on a magical journey, with light, music, mystical auroras and snow flurries.”
The railway is allowed to operate under the latest government restrictions and has taken steps to ensure a Covid-safe experience for visitors.
Each group travels in a private compartment or at at a carefully spaced table, and there are social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes in place, along with reduced numbers for each train.
For details of departure dates, ticket prices and to book tickets, go to svr.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-10--Kidderminster businessman who made scrubs for NHS our lockdown hero

A BUSINESS owner in Kidderminster who reopened his sportswear factory to make scrubs for the NHS has been nominated as our first lockdown hero .
After launching the search for the district 's pandemic superstars last month , Wyre Forest Rotary has nominated its own lockdown hero to get the ball rolling - MG Sportswear boss Gino Ruffinato .
During the nationwide scrubs shortage in April , Gino set about raising cash to fund the materials needed to produce the uniforms at his factory in Kidderminster .
MG , which usually manufactures uniforms for schools , sports teams and airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furlough staff due to the Covid-19 crisis .
After raising thousands of pounds , including a substantial donation from from Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant , Gino and his team were able to make around 4,000 pairs of scrubs for workers on the frontline .
Bewdley Rotary club president Graham Bullock said : “ Gino has supported the Rotary in various ways over the years and earlier this year he told us he wanted to start making scrubs for the frontline workers , and we provided some money towards that .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way he works is a credit to our community .
“ He went above and beyond and worked extremely long hours during the pandemic putting lots of effort in , and it ’ s for those reasons that he is a lockdown hero.
” Responding to the nomination , Gino said : `` It ’ s wonderful that the Rotary club put my name forward at all .
I 'm very honoured .
I 'm just the figurehead for MG Sportswear - everyone involved is as much a part of this - all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and worked for nothing and all the people that donated money for the fabric . ''
Alongside Wyre Forest Rotary groups , The Shuttle is searching for the heroic individuals , community groups , charities and businesses that have kept people safe and well throughout the lockdowns .
Wyre Forest Rotary Clubs and The Shuttle are looking for Wyre Forest 's lockdown heroes .
Photo from Getty Images We want to give praise to the selfless members of our community who have helped to keep others going throughout this difficult year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the paper each week and Wyre Forest Rotary will award certificates to those who have gone that extra mile to help their community .
To nominate a lockdown hero , readers need only fill out our online nomination form below before Sunday , January 31 , telling us why that person or business is deserving of some recognition .

After launching the search for the district's pandemic superstars last month, Wyre Forest Rotary has nominated its own lockdown hero to get the ball rolling - MG Sportswear boss Gino Ruffinato.
During the nationwide scrubs shortage in April, Gino set about raising cash to fund the materials needed to produce the uniforms at his factory in Kidderminster.
Gino and MG business manager Kim Calder
MG, which usually manufactures uniforms for schools, sports teams and airlines, was forced to halt production and furlough staff due to the Covid-19 crisis.
After raising thousands of pounds, including a substantial donation from from Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, Gino and his team were able to make around 4,000 pairs of scrubs for workers on the frontline.
Bewdley Rotary club president Graham Bullock said: “Gino has supported the Rotary in various ways over the years and earlier this year he told us he wanted to start making scrubs for the frontline workers, and we provided some money towards that. He’s just a fantastic bloke and the way he works is a credit to our community.
“He went above and beyond and worked extremely long hours during the pandemic putting lots of effort in, and it’s for those reasons that he is a lockdown hero.”
Responding to the nomination, Gino said: "It’s wonderful that the Rotary club put my name forward at all. I'm very honoured. I'm just the figurehead for MG Sportswear - everyone involved is as much a part of this - all my staff who were furloughed but came back and worked for nothing and all the people that donated money for the fabric."
Alongside Wyre Forest Rotary groups, The Shuttle is searching for the heroic individuals, community groups, charities and businesses that have kept people safe and well throughout the lockdowns.
Wyre Forest Rotary Clubs and The Shuttle are looking for Wyre Forest's lockdown heroes. Photo from Getty Images
We want to give praise to the selfless members of our community who have helped to keep others going throughout this difficult year.
We’ll be publishing your nominations in the paper each week and Wyre Forest Rotary will award certificates to those who have gone that extra mile to help their community.
To nominate a lockdown hero, readers need only fill out our online nomination form below before Sunday, January 31, telling us why that person or business is deserving of some recognition.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-12-10--What are the odds of a White Christmas 2020 in Worcestershire?

IT 'S been so long since we had one so could this finally be the year it happens ?
After a miserable 2020 surely we all are , as the old song goes , dreaming of a white Christmas to put a smile on our faces .
But I 'm going one further this year - betting on it to happen - which hopefully guarantees it comes true for the first time in nearly four decades .
The last time there was thick ground snow in the county on Christmas Day was in 1981 , when temperatures plummeted over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the years since the county has seen patchy snow on the day , particularly 1995 , but nothing like the traditional Christmas Card picture .
READ MORE : Will Worcestershire see the coldest December ?
READ MORE : Tesco 's anti theft spikes : Residents urged to object to Worcester shop 's 'ugly ' spikes And we have of course seen heavy snow in recent winters - the snow chaos of December 2017 , and of course the Beast from the East storm of 2018 .
So could this be the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big day ?
At the moment forecasters are saying , due to the changeable conditions after December 22 , their confidence is low in their forecast but predict wintry showers `` could be possible '' .
I approached bookmakers for snow failing in Worcester on December 25 , and Paddy Power offered 6/1 .
However Betfred went one better , offering 7/1 , which I took .
Peter Spencer , from the bookmaker , said : `` Last month it was 5/1 at Betfred it would snow on Christmas Day in Worcester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has been an upsurge in betting in this market generally with people wanting to lift their spirits after such a grim year . ''

After a miserable 2020 surely we all are, as the old song goes, dreaming of a white Christmas to put a smile on our faces.
But I'm going one further this year - betting on it to happen - which hopefully guarantees it comes true for the first time in nearly four decades.
The last time there was thick ground snow in the county on Christmas Day was in 1981, when temperatures plummeted over the festive period to a freezing -17.5C.
In the years since the county has seen patchy snow on the day, particularly 1995, but nothing like the traditional Christmas Card picture.
READ MORE: Will Worcestershire see the coldest December?
READ MORE: Tesco's anti theft spikes: Residents urged to object to Worcester shop's 'ugly' spikes
And we have of course seen heavy snow in recent winters - the snow chaos of December 2017, and of course the Beast from the East storm of 2018.
So could this be the year we see the white stuff fall on the big day?
At the moment forecasters are saying, due to the changeable conditions after December 22, their confidence is low in their forecast but predict wintry showers "could be possible".
I approached bookmakers for snow failing in Worcester on December 25, and Paddy Power offered 6/1.
However Betfred went one better, offering 7/1, which I took.
Peter Spencer, from the bookmaker, said: "Last month it was 5/1 at Betfred it would snow on Christmas Day in Worcester but today it is 7/1.
"There has been an upsurge in betting in this market generally with people wanting to lift their spirits after such a grim year."