kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--14 gifts to send when the wedding is cancelled

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A lot of things have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak—including weddings .
But does that mean your wedding gift should be cancelled , too ?
Probably not .
In fact , a present is probably exactly what the bride and groom need to lift their spirits during this time .
If you were invited to a wedding that has since been cancelled ( or postponed or live-streamed ) , here are 14 great gifts to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchen appliances to the cosiest home goods .
Since your friends likely are n't going anywhere anytime soon , homemade meals are going to be pretty common ( if not necessary ) .
So they 'll appreciate the Instant Pot , which we chose as the number one multi-cooker out there .
It has 10 different cook settings ( from slow cooking to pressure cooking to steaming ) and can have a meal that usually takes an hour on the table in just 20 minutes .
Get the Instant Pot from Amazon for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's more necessary than ever for obvious reasons .
Fortunately , robot vacuums exist to help take some of the work off your couple friends ' shoulders .
Our experts found the Eufy RoboVac to be one of the best thanks to its powerful dirt pickup ( on all different floor surfaces ! )
and the fact that it 's so quiet , you 'll barely know it 's there .
Get the Eufy RoboVac 11S from Amazon for £189.99 Arguably one of the most popular wedding gifts ever , a KitchenAid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea .
Especially now , when your friends will have a lot more time to spend in the kitchen .
They can use their mixer to do everything from bake cookies to make homemade pasta thanks to its variety of interchangeable attachments .
And , according to its thousands of reviews and our experts , the KitchenAid is incredibly durable and will last for years and years to come .
Get the KitchenAid 185 Artisan 4.8L Stand Food Mixer from John Lewis for £599 Those threadbare towels your friends have owned since college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in married life—particularly in the current times when personal hygiene is a top priority .
Upgrade their stash with these super plush bath towels .
Get the Sheridan 's Living Textures Towel from Just Linen for £15 Whether they 're feeling anxious about everything going on in the world right now or simply want to score a better night 's sleep , the couple is sure to love a weighted blanket like this one from Gravity .
It 's our favourite because it provides the perfect amount of pressure ( not too heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ super soft to the touch thanks to its velvety exterior .
Get the Gravity Blanket from Gravity for £149 6 .
This must-have for watching their favourite shows With social distancing becoming the new normal ( for now ) , your newlywed friends ' date nights are probably going to be in rather than out .
And for that , they 'll need a great streaming device like the Roku Premiere .
It delivers the best streaming experience—with the easiest-to-use remote—and has all of the major services , including Netflix , Now TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get the Roku Premiere from Amazon for £39 With coffee shops closing across the country , the Costa-obsessed couple still needs a way to get their caffeine fix .
Enter the Technivorm Moccamaster , which we dubbed the number one coffee maker .
It produced the tastiest , most flavorful brew of all the machines we tested ( at a surprisingly fast speed ! )
and will look sleek and stylish sitting out on their countertop .
Get the Technivorm Moccamaster from Amazon for £209 8 .
This waffle maker every kitchen needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their honeymoon to Bali , but the newlyweds can still treat themselves to a mini staycation instead .
And that involves breakfast in bed , which they can make with this popular waffle maker .
Get the Breville DuraCeramic Waffle Maker from Amazon for £39.99 Chances are your friends have a freezer stocked with frozen food and a pantry stocked with junk food .
To help them use up the former and balance out the latter , gift them a blender .
The Ninja Nutri not only has a powerful 700-watt motor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it 's very versatile—they can use it for anything from soups to shakes to salad dressings .
Get the NINJA Nutri 700W Blender & Smoothie Maker from Amazon for £59.99 First the coronavirus outbreak , then their wedding was cancelled , now they 're stuck at home—your newlywed friends need something to help them relax and reset .
Like this essential oil diffuser .
Of all the ones we 've used , we like the InnoGear the best because it has such a large capacity ( it can run for 11 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soft glowing light that changes colour for added ambience .
Get the InnoGear 150mL Diffuser from Amazon for £14.99 It may not be the most exciting gift , but every couple needs a solid set of food storage containers .
And like thousands of other shoppers , we like Pyrex the best .
The popular containers—which are durable and super effective at keeping food fresh—will especially come in handy now , as your friends can use them to freeze big-batch meals for later .
Get the Pyrex 7 Piece Cook & Go Set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at home = spending more time in bed ( sleeping of course ! )
.
That means a nice set of sheets makes a great wedding gift .
These Brooklinen sheets are super soft and both wrinkle- and stain-resistant .
Get the Luxury 600 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen set from Soak and Sleep for £171 The couple that reads together , stays together .
For the couple who loves all things literary , get each of them a Mr B ’ s Reading Subscription .
They 'll get a book delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January ) .
It 's a great way for them to discover new books .
Get the Mr B 's Reading subscription starting at £45.00 They may not have a wedding date but your couple friends do have a first date .
And since they ca n't celebrate the former , help them celebrate the latter with a star map of the night sky the day they first met .
It 's something special that they can hang on their wall and , according to reviewers , the prints are high-quality and beautifully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star Map from Amazon for £32 .
99 The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , product reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

A lot of things have been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak—including weddings. But does that mean your wedding gift should be cancelled, too? Probably not. In fact, a present is probably exactly what the bride and groom need to lift their spirits during this time. If you were invited to a wedding that has since been cancelled (or postponed or live-streamed), here are 14 great gifts to send to the newlyweds, from the best kitchen appliances to the cosiest home goods.
1. The best Instant Pot
Credit: Reviewed/Betsey Goldwasser
Since your friends likely aren't going anywhere anytime soon, homemade meals are going to be pretty common (if not necessary). So they'll appreciate the Instant Pot, which we chose as the number one multi-cooker out there. It has 10 different cook settings (from slow cooking to pressure cooking to steaming) and can have a meal that usually takes an hour on the table in just 20 minutes.
Get the Instant Pot from Amazon for £79.97
2. This top-rated robot vacuum
Credit: Eufy
Cleaning is always important—but right now it's more necessary than ever for obvious reasons. Fortunately, robot vacuums exist to help take some of the work off your couple friends' shoulders. Our experts found the Eufy RoboVac to be one of the best thanks to its powerful dirt pickup (on all different floor surfaces!) and the fact that it's so quiet, you'll barely know it's there.
Get the Eufy RoboVac 11S from Amazon for £189.99
3. This iconic stand mixer
Credit: Reviewed/Jackson Ruckar
Arguably one of the most popular wedding gifts ever, a KitchenAid stand mixer is almost always a good idea. Especially now, when your friends will have a lot more time to spend in the kitchen. They can use their mixer to do everything from bake cookies to make homemade pasta thanks to its variety of interchangeable attachments. And, according to its thousands of reviews and our experts, the KitchenAid is incredibly durable and will last for years and years to come.
Get the KitchenAid 185 Artisan 4.8L Stand Food Mixer from John Lewis for £599
4. These fluffy towels
Credit: Reviewed/Camryn Rabideau
Those threadbare towels your friends have owned since college just aren't going to cut it in married life—particularly in the current times when personal hygiene is a top priority. Upgrade their stash with these super plush bath towels.
Get the Sheridan's Living Textures Towel from Just Linen for £15
5. The cosiest weighted blanket
Credit: Gravity
Whether they're feeling anxious about everything going on in the world right now or simply want to score a better night's sleep, the couple is sure to love a weighted blanket like this one from Gravity. It's our favourite because it provides the perfect amount of pressure (not too heavy, not too light) and is super soft to the touch thanks to its velvety exterior.
Get the Gravity Blanket from Gravity for £149
6. This must-have for watching their favourite shows
Credit: Roku
With social distancing becoming the new normal (for now), your newlywed friends' date nights are probably going to be in rather than out. And for that, they'll need a great streaming device like the Roku Premiere. It delivers the best streaming experience—with the easiest-to-use remote—and has all of the major services, including Netflix, Now TV, BBC iPlayer, and others.
Get the Roku Premiere from Amazon for £39
7. This splurge-worthy coffee maker
Credit: Facebook / Moccamaster
With coffee shops closing across the country, the Costa-obsessed couple still needs a way to get their caffeine fix. Enter the Technivorm Moccamaster, which we dubbed the number one coffee maker. It produced the tastiest, most flavorful brew of all the machines we tested (at a surprisingly fast speed!) and will look sleek and stylish sitting out on their countertop.
Get the Technivorm Moccamaster from Amazon for £209
8. This waffle maker every kitchen needs
Credit: Breville
They may not be able to go on their honeymoon to Bali, but the newlyweds can still treat themselves to a mini staycation instead. And that involves breakfast in bed, which they can make with this popular waffle maker.
Get the Breville DuraCeramic Waffle Maker from Amazon for £39.99
9. This blender for staying healthy
Credit: Ninja
Chances are your friends have a freezer stocked with frozen food and a pantry stocked with junk food. To help them use up the former and balance out the latter, gift them a blender. The Ninja Nutri not only has a powerful 700-watt motor (that's also surprisingly quiet) but it's very versatile—they can use it for anything from soups to shakes to salad dressings.
Get the NINJA Nutri 700W Blender & Smoothie Maker from Amazon for £59.99
10. Our favourite essential oil diffuser
Credit: Reviewed/Jackson Ruckar
First the coronavirus outbreak, then their wedding was cancelled, now they're stuck at home—your newlywed friends need something to help them relax and reset. Like this essential oil diffuser. Of all the ones we've used, we like the InnoGear the best because it has such a large capacity (it can run for 11 hours straight!) and even has a soft glowing light that changes colour for added ambience.
Get the InnoGear 150mL Diffuser from Amazon for £14.99
11. These glass food storage containers
Credit: Pyrex
It may not be the most exciting gift, but every couple needs a solid set of food storage containers. And like thousands of other shoppers, we like Pyrex the best. The popular containers—which are durable and super effective at keeping food fresh—will especially come in handy now, as your friends can use them to freeze big-batch meals for later.
Get the Pyrex 7 Piece Cook & Go Set from Argos for £70
12. These soft sheets
Credit: Reviewed/Jackson Ruckar
Spending more time at home = spending more time in bed (sleeping of course!). That means a nice set of sheets makes a great wedding gift. These Brooklinen sheets are super soft and both wrinkle- and stain-resistant.
Get the Luxury 600 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Bed Linen set from Soak and Sleep for £171
13. This subscription for book lovers
Credit: Mr B's
The couple that reads together, stays together. For the couple who loves all things literary, get each of them a Mr B’s Reading Subscription. They'll get a book delivered to their home each month (excluding January). It's a great way for them to discover new books.
Get the Mr B's Reading subscription starting at £45.00
14. This sentimental decor
Credit: Forefrontdesigns
They may not have a wedding date but your couple friends do have a first date. And since they can't celebrate the former, help them celebrate the latter with a star map of the night sky the day they first met. It's something special that they can hang on their wall and, according to reviewers, the prints are high-quality and beautifully designed.
Get the DreamTree Prints Custom Star Map from Amazon for £32. 99
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--McDonald's reveals limited menu ahead of 'delivery-only' launch in UK on May 13

McDonald 's have revealed the details of their limited menu ahead of the launch of a 'delivery-only ' service from its restaurants across the country .
The fast-food chain will gradually reopen to customers in the coming weeks - starting with 15 branches on Wednesday , May 13 .
Bosses have not yet revealed the locations of the branches - but have stressed that the strictest of health and safety measures will be used to keep staff and customers safe .
What is on the limited menu ?
McDonald 's will return with a limited menu - but will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restores service .
How will I be able to order a McDonald 's once it reopens ?
Once the 'delivery-only ' service begins - McDonald 's will work with Uber Eats and Just Eat to send food out to customers .
All seating areas and drive-thru 's of each McDonald 's branch will remain closed to ensure the safety of staff .
What has the boss of McDonald 's said ?
McDonald 's UK and Ireland CEO Paul Pomroy said : `` The last few weeks have been difficult for all of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and your families are staying safe .
`` We are very grateful to those of you who have taken a moment to share messages and stay in touch .
`` When we return it will be different as we all adjust to this new normal .
I want to apologise in advance if our first wave of reopened restaurants does not serve your area .
`` Rest assured , we are working hard to reopen more restaurants , but I am adamant this must be at the right pace with the wellbeing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mind .
Thank you for your patience .
`` Slowly , but safely we will return to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland and thank you for your continued support as we work through this crisis .
`` In the meantime , stay safe and we will see you soon . ''

The fast-food chain will gradually reopen to customers in the coming weeks - starting with 15 branches on Wednesday, May 13.
Bosses have not yet revealed the locations of the branches - but have stressed that the strictest of health and safety measures will be used to keep staff and customers safe.
What is on the limited menu?
McDonald's will return with a limited menu - but will not be serving breakfast when the chain slowly restores service.
The limited menu will include:
Main Menu:
Cheeseburger
Hamburger
Double Cheeseburger
Big Mac
Quarter Pounder with Cheese
McChicken Sandwich
Filet-O-Fish
Chicken McNuggets
Chicken Selects
Sides & Desserts:
Fries
Mozzarella Dippers
Core McFlurry (Oreo, Maltesers, Smarties)
Fruit Bag
Drinks:
Coke
Diet Coke
Coke Zero
Fanta
Sprite
Oasis
Black Coffee
White Coffee
Latte
Cappuccino
Espresso
Flat White
Tea
Orange Juice
Fruit Shoot
Water
Happy Meal Water
Happy Meal Variants:
Happy Meal - Hamburger
Happy Meal - Cheeseburger
Happy Meal - Four Nuggets
How will I be able to order a McDonald's once it reopens?
Once the 'delivery-only' service begins - McDonald's will work with Uber Eats and Just Eat to send food out to customers.
All seating areas and drive-thru's of each McDonald's branch will remain closed to ensure the safety of staff.
What has the boss of McDonald's said?
McDonald's UK and Ireland CEO Paul Pomroy said: "The last few weeks have been difficult for all of us and I hope you, your friends and your families are staying safe.
"We are very grateful to those of you who have taken a moment to share messages and stay in touch.
"When we return it will be different as we all adjust to this new normal. I want to apologise in advance if our first wave of reopened restaurants does not serve your area.
"Rest assured, we are working hard to reopen more restaurants, but I am adamant this must be at the right pace with the wellbeing of our employees, suppliers and customers front of mind. Thank you for your patience.
"Slowly, but safely we will return to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland and thank you for your continued support as we work through this crisis.
"In the meantime, stay safe and we will see you soon."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--Home Bargains: Retailer changes rules on which customers can shop in store

Home Bargains have released strict new rules on who can shop in their stores .
The budget chain - which has been deemed as an essential retailer by the Government - shared details in a bid to keep workers and customers safe .
Here 's what you need to know .
What have Home Bargains said ?
A spokesman from the chain said : `` We are working tirelessly to ensure that we ’ re keeping our stores fully stocked and to continue to provide customers with the great products and service you ’ ve come to expect .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure the safety of everyone shopping and working in our stores . ''
These are the new rules for customers : • Social Distancing : Home Bargains are limiting the number of customers permitted into each of their stores at any one time .
If a store reaches its limit , team members will ask customers to queue outside until there is space .
Staff have put signage and floor markings inside and outside all their stores .
• Shop alone : Home Bargains have asked custmomers to shop unaccompanied if at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain have temporarily closed all their in-store cafés .
• Priority Access : When the queuing system is in place , staff are giving priority access to NHS and care workers - who will need to bring their ID when they shop .
Home Bargains are also giving priority access to disabled and elderly customers who may not be able to queue up for long periods of time .
• At the Tills : While staff are still accepting cash payments , customers are encouraged to pay by card , particularly by contactless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Home Bargains have also increased the contactless payment limit to £45 .
Perspex screens have been installed on all tills to provide additional assurance for everyone .
Floor markings have been introduced at all checkouts to help maintain a two metre gap when queueing up .
• Opening Hours : Home Bargains are open as usual - check the website for opening times .
What other measures are in place ?
• Signage : Posters will be displayed around the store which reinforce the importance social distancing , hand washing and respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages will be played out to remind shoppers to socially distance .
• Sanitising : Staff have access to sanitiser whenever they need it and shoppers will see them sanitising things like trolley and basket handles and other hand contact surfaces to keep everyone safe .

The budget chain - which has been deemed as an essential retailer by the Government - shared details in a bid to keep workers and customers safe.
Here's what you need to know.
What have Home Bargains said?
A spokesman from the chain said: "We are working tirelessly to ensure that we’re keeping our stores fully stocked and to continue to provide customers with the great products and service you’ve come to expect.
"We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone shopping and working in our stores."
These are the new rules for customers:
Social Distancing: Home Bargains are limiting the number of customers permitted into each of their stores at any one time. If a store reaches its limit, team members will ask customers to queue outside until there is space. Staff have put signage and floor markings inside and outside all their stores.
Shop alone: Home Bargains have asked custmomers to shop unaccompanied if at all possible.
In-store Cafes: The chain have temporarily closed all their in-store cafés.
Priority Access: When the queuing system is in place, staff are giving priority access to NHS and care workers - who will need to bring their ID when they shop. Home Bargains are also giving priority access to disabled and elderly customers who may not be able to queue up for long periods of time.
At the Tills: While staff are still accepting cash payments, customers are encouraged to pay by card, particularly by contactless or mobile, as much as possible. Home Bargains have also increased the contactless payment limit to £45. Perspex screens have been installed on all tills to provide additional assurance for everyone. Floor markings have been introduced at all checkouts to help maintain a two metre gap when queueing up.
Opening Hours: Home Bargains are open as usual - check the website for opening times.
What other measures are in place?
Signage: Posters will be displayed around the store which reinforce the importance social distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene.
Tannoy announcement: Audio messages will be played out to remind shoppers to socially distance.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--Large scale cannabis operation discovered inside Stourport house

MORE than 400 cannabis plants were seized by police following a drugs raid at a house in Stourport .
Officers from North Worcestershire policing teams executed a drugs warrant at a property in Wesley Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday morning ( May 6 ) .
Inside the house , officers found a large cannabis cultivation spanning almost every room in the property .
PC Sarah Francis , from West Mercia Police , said : “ Once inside the property it was clear to us it was a large and professional operation .
`` A man in his late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity and is in police custody .
“ As a result of the operation , we seized more than 400 plants and growing equipment which will now be destroyed .
`` It is clear that this house was being used as part of a wider serious organised crime ( SOC ) operation and working with our community and colleagues we will continue to disrupt and dismantle their illegal and exploitative operations .
“ SOC activity such as this is hugely harmful to our villages and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to grow , distribute and sell drugs which are just part of a wider criminal operation .
As was the case with this action , we listened to our community concerns and we acted .
A drugs warrant was executed in Wesley Avenue on Wednesday ( May 6 ) .
Photo from Google Maps “ Stourport is a safe place to live , work and visit but we know threats and risks exist from serious and organised crime .
`` Therefore we are committed to raising awareness and doing everything possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to remain committed to tackling organised criminal activity and all other forms of crime in North Worcestershire , keeping this a safe and pleasant place to live and work .
”

Officers from North Worcestershire policing teams executed a drugs warrant at a property in Wesley Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday morning (May 6).
Inside the house, officers found a large cannabis cultivation spanning almost every room in the property.
PC Sarah Francis, from West Mercia Police, said: “Once inside the property it was clear to us it was a large and professional operation.
"A man in his late 20s and of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and abstracting electricity and is in police custody.
“As a result of the operation, we seized more than 400 plants and growing equipment which will now be destroyed.
"It is clear that this house was being used as part of a wider serious organised crime (SOC) operation and working with our community and colleagues we will continue to disrupt and dismantle their illegal and exploitative operations.
“SOC activity such as this is hugely harmful to our villages and towns and exploits vulnerable and often young people to grow, distribute and sell drugs which are just part of a wider criminal operation. As was the case with this action, we listened to our community concerns and we acted.
A drugs warrant was executed in Wesley Avenue on Wednesday (May 6). Photo from Google Maps
“Stourport is a safe place to live, work and visit but we know threats and risks exist from serious and organised crime.
"Therefore we are committed to raising awareness and doing everything possible to prevent people becoming victims.
"We will continue to remain committed to tackling organised criminal activity and all other forms of crime in North Worcestershire, keeping this a safe and pleasant place to live and work.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--Kidderminster SVR station lit up in rainbow colours for NHS

THE Severn Valley Railway station in Kidderminster turned multi-coloured this evening in its final light-up tribute to the NHS .
This is the third time the station in Comberton Hill has been lit up as a thank you to workers on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis .
Working with local lighting experts Betalite , the heritage railway lit the station up for the first time on Monday ( May 4 ) .
The show opened by turning the station the instantly-recognisable NHS blue then transformed through the full rainbow of colours .
A small team from Betalite and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event , which was streamed to thousands of fans on Facebook and Instagram again tonight after the Clap For Our Carers tribute .
SVR ’ s marketing manager Dan Shorthouse said : “ Whilst we can ’ t open to run our normal services , we wanted to find a way to show our thanks to NHS staff who are giving so much during this difficult time .
“ We ’ ve worked closely with Betalite to create something to capture the imagination and they ’ ve delivered something we are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pandemic mean the SVR has been closed since March 15 .

This is the third time the station in Comberton Hill has been lit up as a thank you to workers on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.
Working with local lighting experts Betalite, the heritage railway lit the station up for the first time on Monday (May 4).
The show opened by turning the station the instantly-recognisable NHS blue then transformed through the full rainbow of colours.
A small team from Betalite and the SVR were on hand to live record the event, which was streamed to thousands of fans on Facebook and Instagram again tonight after the Clap For Our Carers tribute.
SVR’s marketing manager Dan Shorthouse said: “Whilst we can’t open to run our normal services, we wanted to find a way to show our thanks to NHS staff who are giving so much during this difficult time.
“We’ve worked closely with Betalite to create something to capture the imagination and they’ve delivered something we are very proud of.”
Government restrictions in response to the pandemic mean the SVR has been closed since March 15.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--Hartlebury business DRPG uncovers fascinating WW2 history of HQ

A BUSINESS in Hartlebury has uncovered its incredible wartime past .
The headquarters of communications firm DRPG was used as a logistics centre during the Second World War , sending out supplies from Hartlebury to military bases across the country .
DRPG ’ s Jason Adams said : “ In 1938 , with the threat of a global conflict becoming a reality , unit no .
25 RAF Hartlebury was commissioned .
“ With a potential war very much on everyone ’ s minds , having a secure logistics hub was about to become enormously important and so the building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The DRPG headquarters at Hartlebury was a key part of Britain 's war effort “ Each structure included two-feet-thick reinforced walls throughout and a roof that could be lifted off if required .
To this day , the infrastructure remains largely unchanged , standing resolutely as an example of British craftsmanship .
“ As one of ten bases within four groups that made up Maintenance Command , each location had responsibilities for supplying specific items , including anything and everything the RAF inventoried , except ordnance .
“ This could mean furniture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case of RAF Hartlebury , it was propellers , air frame parts and Rolls Royce Merlin engines - to put it simply , anything plane related.
” Another local site , Elmbridge , just a few miles away from RAF Hartlebury , was used as one of the “ starfish ” sites during the Battle of Britain .
These were locations far from large cities where artificial structures filled with gallons of diesel poured over coke and coal were set alight .
The Starfish sites created a beacon for German bombers overhead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from their intended targets .
• In pictures : Kidderminster celebrates VE Day in May 1945 By 1941 , RAF Hartlebury had a workforce of 1,230 including 300 women , 800 men aged 50 and over and 130 enlisted people ( two of whom were Americans ) .
The roles were shared equally between men and women .
Some people had existing skills , whereas others received on the job training .
Whatever their position , everyone had an important part to play .
Mr Adams added : “ Necessity pushes people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times of war , when freedom is in question , this couldn ’ t be truer .
`` The diverse nature of the workforce and the subsequent allocated roles at RAF Hartlebury is something to celebrate and I ’ m proud to say this legacy and ethos lives strong in the building now through DRPG .
”

The headquarters of communications firm DRPG was used as a logistics centre during the Second World War, sending out supplies from Hartlebury to military bases across the country.
DRPG’s Jason Adams said: “In 1938, with the threat of a global conflict becoming a reality, unit no. 25 RAF Hartlebury was commissioned.
“With a potential war very much on everyone’s minds, having a secure logistics hub was about to become enormously important and so the building was designed to withstand the worst-case scenarios.
The DRPG headquarters at Hartlebury was a key part of Britain's war effort
“Each structure included two-feet-thick reinforced walls throughout and a roof that could be lifted off if required. To this day, the infrastructure remains largely unchanged, standing resolutely as an example of British craftsmanship.
“As one of ten bases within four groups that made up Maintenance Command, each location had responsibilities for supplying specific items, including anything and everything the RAF inventoried, except ordnance.
“This could mean furniture, tools or paint, but in the case of RAF Hartlebury, it was propellers, air frame parts and Rolls Royce Merlin engines - to put it simply, anything plane related.”
Another local site, Elmbridge, just a few miles away from RAF Hartlebury, was used as one of the “starfish” sites during the Battle of Britain.
These were locations far from large cities where artificial structures filled with gallons of diesel poured over coke and coal were set alight. The Starfish sites created a beacon for German bombers overhead, meaning they would drop their bombs away from their intended targets.
By 1941, RAF Hartlebury had a workforce of 1,230 including 300 women, 800 men aged 50 and over and 130 enlisted people (two of whom were Americans).
The roles were shared equally between men and women. Some people had existing skills, whereas others received on the job training. Whatever their position, everyone had an important part to play.
Mr Adams added: “Necessity pushes people to uncover their potential, and in times of war, when freedom is in question, this couldn’t be truer.
"The diverse nature of the workforce and the subsequent allocated roles at RAF Hartlebury is something to celebrate and I’m proud to say this legacy and ethos lives strong in the building now through DRPG.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--Pub bells set to ring out on VE Day for nationwide virtual toast to veterans

CAPTAIN Tom Moore ’ s local pub will be kicking off a nationwide toast to veterans on Friday to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
The 100-year-old Second World War veteran has captured the hearts of the nation and raised more than £32 million for the NHS .
At 3pm on Friday , publicans up and down the country will ring their pub bells and raise a glass in honour of war veterans – with Captain Tom ’ s local in Marston Moretaine , Bedfordshire , kicking things off .
Publican Karl Clark , who runs The Bell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Captain Tom has become a national hero for his recent sponsored walk but we want to make sure we also recognise his achievements during the Second World War and raise a glass to him and his fellow veterans.
” The British Beer & Pub Association has called on its members , who represent more than 20,000 pubs and 90 % of the beer brewed in Britain , to join the celebrations virtually .
It comes at a time when the nationwide shutdown of pubs to prevent the spread of Covid-19 has severely hampered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional leading role as community hubs .
Despite the challenges , publicans across the country are determined to show their support and enable their local communities to find other ways to commemorate VE Day .
Across the country pubs have planned to deliver bottles of beer to their neighbours so they can still enjoy a toast from their driveways while others will join in with virtual toasts with their regulars over Facebook Live or Zoom .

The 100-year-old Second World War veteran has captured the hearts of the nation and raised more than £32 million for the NHS.
At 3pm on Friday, publicans up and down the country will ring their pub bells and raise a glass in honour of war veterans – with Captain Tom’s local in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, kicking things off.
Publican Karl Clark, who runs The Bell in the village, said: “Captain Tom has become a national hero for his recent sponsored walk but we want to make sure we also recognise his achievements during the Second World War and raise a glass to him and his fellow veterans.”
The British Beer & Pub Association has called on its members, who represent more than 20,000 pubs and 90% of the beer brewed in Britain, to join the celebrations virtually.
It comes at a time when the nationwide shutdown of pubs to prevent the spread of Covid-19 has severely hampered the ability of pubs to play their traditional leading role as community hubs.
Despite the challenges, publicans across the country are determined to show their support and enable their local communities to find other ways to commemorate VE Day.
Across the country pubs have planned to deliver bottles of beer to their neighbours so they can still enjoy a toast from their driveways while others will join in with virtual toasts with their regulars over Facebook Live or Zoom.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-07--Absolute Radio launch 1940s 'pop-up' station to mark VE Day

A 1940s themed 'pop-up ' radio station has launched to celebrate VE Day across the country .
In honour of the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday , May 8 - Absolute Radio has created a radio station entirely dedicated to the 1940s .
The station - named Absolute Radio 40s - will be on the airwaves for 24 hours to honour the 'inspiring generation of people who lived through the Second World War and the sacrifices they made ' .
What songs will be on the playlist ?
The station will play an uplifting mix of songs from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sisters , Judy Garland , Glenn Miller , Bing Crosby , Doris Day , Gracie Fields , Benny Goodman , Tommy Dorsey and of course Vera Lynn .
For those who have been inspired by war veteran Captain Tom Moore ’ s story and wish to know more about World War II , Absolute Radio 40s will play special news bulletins which chart events as they unfolded on May 8 , 1945 .
There ’ ll also be poignant speech content from those who were part of the original celebrations .
Who else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured on the station across the day include Dave Berry , Jason Manford , Leona Graham and Claire Sturgess .
The temporary radio station aims to unite care-homes , hospitals and residences across the country - and create the 'biggest virtual self-isolation street party ' in the UK .
What have radio bosses said ?
Absolute Radio Content Director Paul Sylvester said : “ The 75th anniversary of VE Day is a momentous event in our history and it ’ s tragic that celebrations have had to be rightly curtailed because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compelling stories you ’ ll hear on Absolute Radio 40s will bring comfort and entertainment to those older listeners in self-isolation and remind the rest of us of the importance of this day .
`` Taking the Absolute Radio decade strategy and creating this unique pop-up station for 24 hours is the simplest way that we can pay our own very small tribute.
” When will it launch - and how can I listen ?
Absolute Radio 40s will broadcast from 24 hours launching at midnight on Friday , May 8 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , on DAB+ in London and online at absoluteradio.co.uk .

In honour of the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday, May 8 - Absolute Radio has created a radio station entirely dedicated to the 1940s.
The station - named Absolute Radio 40s - will be on the airwaves for 24 hours to honour the 'inspiring generation of people who lived through the Second World War and the sacrifices they made'.
What songs will be on the playlist?
The station will play an uplifting mix of songs from artists including Billie Holliday, The Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Glenn Miller, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, Gracie Fields, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and of course Vera Lynn.
Special news bulletins will air
For those who have been inspired by war veteran Captain Tom Moore’s story and wish to know more about World War II, Absolute Radio 40s will play special news bulletins which chart events as they unfolded on May 8, 1945.
There’ll also be poignant speech content from those who were part of the original celebrations.
Who else will present on the day?
Presenters featured on the station across the day include Dave Berry, Jason Manford, Leona Graham and Claire Sturgess.
The temporary radio station aims to unite care-homes, hospitals and residences across the country - and create the 'biggest virtual self-isolation street party' in the UK.
What have radio bosses said?
Absolute Radio Content Director Paul Sylvester said: “The 75th anniversary of VE Day is a momentous event in our history and it’s tragic that celebrations have had to be rightly curtailed because of the Coronavirus.
"The incredible music and compelling stories you’ll hear on Absolute Radio 40s will bring comfort and entertainment to those older listeners in self-isolation and remind the rest of us of the importance of this day.
"Taking the Absolute Radio decade strategy and creating this unique pop-up station for 24 hours is the simplest way that we can pay our own very small tribute.”
When will it launch - and how can I listen?
Absolute Radio 40s will broadcast from 24 hours launching at midnight on Friday, May 8.
The station will be available on 1215AM across the UK, on DAB+ in London and online at absoluteradio.co.uk.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--VE Day: Bill from Kidderminster helped fuel Operation Overlord

Bill , from Kidderminster , was just 18 years old when he joined the Merchant Navy , and from there he was seconded to Royal Navy to carry out vital tasks under enemy fire .
Bill was part of Pluto ( Pipe Line Under The Ocean ) , designed to allow petrol to be pumped from the UK to France to fuel the invasion and the subsequent advance across Europe .
Coming under attack from land and air , on June 6 , 1944 , Bill and his colleagues were alongside one of the first wave of troops onto the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five Normandy beaches chosen for the D-Day Landing – the four others were code named Sword , Juno , Utah and Omaha , preparing beach installations to be connected to the undersea pipe .
• In pictures : Kidderminster celebrates VE Day in May 1945 The landing itself was perilous , not least due to the weather , with high winds and choppy waters making landing difficult .
Working unarmed under enemy fire on the Pluto undersea pipeline , Bill was able to help a wounded colleague to safety – and it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that later Bill was mentioned in the Dispatches for Bravery and good conduct .
Bill said : “ There were a lot of shells and dive-bombers and I wasn ’ t allowed to carry a gun as I was from the Merchant Navy , although I had to wear a Royal Navy uniform .
“ However , I was too busy getting on with the job at hand to be scared .
`` I just remember tremendous noise , as well as hundreds of planes , and the smell of cordite.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensured that once the Allies had established a beachhead in Normandy , they had the fuel to push forward and were able to continue with the liberation of France and the countries under Nazi occupation .
Less than a year later , with Bill sailing back to Britain , news started to filter through that maybe , just maybe , the war was coming to an end .
Bill said : “ We sailed back to Folkestone on May 7 , 1945 and got back into the harbour late so stayed aboard the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 , as I went on deck , there was a buzz of excitement .
“ There were a group of men on the quay talking excitedly and looking at a newspaper – there was no instant news channels or bulletins in those days !
“ I shouted to the men ‘ what ’ s happening ?
’ They replied saying the war was over in Europe and the Germans had surrendered .
`` Then , looking around , you could see people shouting and talking to one another and the excitement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of tension , there was such relief for all .
Bill aboard the Rotal British Legion cruise ship which visited theNormandy beaches last year on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings “ The next two days were spent celebrating on land , eating , drinking , singing and dancing .
`` We felt a great lift and , although our war wasn ’ t over at the point , we enjoyed the flow of music and joy , as well as the enjoying the drink.
” But Bill ’ s war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was involved in the campaign in the Far East to defeat the Japanese .
Bill was posted to New Zealand , Australia and on a cruiser on the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt .
He was eventually demobbed in November 1947 .
Bill now lives in Kidderminster with wife Sylvia .

Bill was part of Pluto (Pipe Line Under The Ocean), designed to allow petrol to be pumped from the UK to France to fuel the invasion and the subsequent advance across Europe.
Coming under attack from land and air, on June 6, 1944, Bill and his colleagues were alongside one of the first wave of troops onto the shores of Gold Beach – one of five Normandy beaches chosen for the D-Day Landing – the four others were code named Sword, Juno, Utah and Omaha, preparing beach installations to be connected to the undersea pipe.
The landing itself was perilous, not least due to the weather, with high winds and choppy waters making landing difficult.
Working unarmed under enemy fire on the Pluto undersea pipeline, Bill was able to help a wounded colleague to safety – and it was for this selfless act of personal courage, that later Bill was mentioned in the Dispatches for Bravery and good conduct.
Bill said: “There were a lot of shells and dive-bombers and I wasn’t allowed to carry a gun as I was from the Merchant Navy, although I had to wear a Royal Navy uniform.
“However, I was too busy getting on with the job at hand to be scared.
"I just remember tremendous noise, as well as hundreds of planes, and the smell of cordite.”
Pluto was a vital lifeline, which ensured that once the Allies had established a beachhead in Normandy, they had the fuel to push forward and were able to continue with the liberation of France and the countries under Nazi occupation.
British troops land on Gold beach
Less than a year later, with Bill sailing back to Britain, news started to filter through that maybe, just maybe, the war was coming to an end.
Bill said: “We sailed back to Folkestone on May 7, 1945 and got back into the harbour late so stayed aboard the ship.
"Next morning, May 8, as I went on deck, there was a buzz of excitement.
“There were a group of men on the quay talking excitedly and looking at a newspaper – there was no instant news channels or bulletins in those days!
“I shouted to the men ‘what’s happening?’ They replied saying the war was over in Europe and the Germans had surrendered.
"Then, looking around, you could see people shouting and talking to one another and the excitement and buzz was unbelievable.
“After five years of tension, there was such relief for all.
Bill aboard the Rotal British Legion cruise ship which visited theNormandy beaches last year on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings
“The next two days were spent celebrating on land, eating, drinking, singing and dancing.
"We felt a great lift and, although our war wasn’t over at the point, we enjoyed the flow of music and joy, as well as the enjoying the drink.”
But Bill’s war wasn’t quite over, he was involved in the campaign in the Far East to defeat the Japanese.
Bill was posted to New Zealand, Australia and on a cruiser on the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt. He was eventually demobbed in November 1947.
Bill now lives in Kidderminster with wife Sylvia.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--Kidderminster special needs group gets creative for VE Day

MEMBERS of a special needs group in Kidderminster have been getting creative at home to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
The Cackle Club has been unable to hold its twice weekly sessions at Habberley Social Club due to social distancing rules , but members have been keeping busy by working on their own arts and crafts projects at home .
Louise Shannon , from Stourport , who runs the day opportunities group with friend Gill Hodgetts , said : `` Because we ca n't meet in person at the moment , we 've been giving our members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources to their doors .
This week it 's been for VE Day .
`` One of the girls has made bunting and another member made his own flag .
`` Last week , they all did thank you messages to the NHS and carers - it 's been lovely . ''
The Cackle Club 's 16 members are aged between 19 and 40 .
Group member Stephen Wood baked VE Day cupcakes , Shane Ward made a war-themed collage , Dan Cramp coloured in the English flag , and Sophie Healey and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue bunting .

The Cackle Club has been unable to hold its twice weekly sessions at Habberley Social Club due to social distancing rules, but members have been keeping busy by working on their own arts and crafts projects at home.
Dan Cramp coloured the England flag
Louise Shannon, from Stourport, who runs the day opportunities group with friend Gill Hodgetts, said: "Because we can't meet in person at the moment, we've been giving our members activities to do every week and delivering resources to their doors. This week it's been for VE Day.
"One of the girls has made bunting and another member made his own flag.
Sophie Healey with her VE Day bunting
"Last week, they all did thank you messages to the NHS and carers - it's been lovely."
The Cackle Club's 16 members are aged between 19 and 40.
Group member Stephen Wood baked VE Day cupcakes, Shane Ward made a war-themed collage, Dan Cramp coloured in the English flag, and Sophie Healey and Lauren Tolley made red, white and blue bunting.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--VE Day: Here's when the BBC will show Sir Winston Churchill’s iconic WW2 speech

The BBC will mark Victory in Europe Day with a special broadcast of Winston Churchill ’ s famous speech - who announced the war in Europe was over .
Here 's what you need to know .
VE Day , or Victory in Europe Day , is dedicated to commemorating the official end of the Second World War .
The day celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies during World War II of Nazi Germany ’ s unconditional surrender of armed forces , on 8 May 1945 .
Millions of people rejoiced the news of Germany ’ s surrender , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with parties , singing and dancing .
Crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square in London and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace , where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth appeared on the balcony , overlooking the masses cheering below .
The news of the end of the war was announced by then Prime Minister Winston Churchill , who delivered a rousing speech 75 years ago .
What did Churchill say in his speech ?
This is the speech then Sir Winston Churchill gave to the nation at the end of the Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bless you all .
This is your victory !
It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land .
In all our long history we have never seen a greater day than this .
“ Everyone , man or woman , has done their best .
Everyone has tried .
Neither the long years , nor the dangers , nor the fierce attacks of the enemy , have in any way weakened the independent resolve of the British nation .
God bless you all .
“ My dear friends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not victory of a party or of any class .
It ’ s a victory of the great British nation as a whole .
“ We were the first , in this ancient island , to draw the sword against tyranny .
After a while we were left all alone against the most tremendous military power that has been seen .
We were all alone for a whole year .
“ There we stood , alone .
Did anyone want to give in ?
Were we down-hearted ?
The lights went out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , woman and child in the country had no thought of quitting the struggle .
London can take it .
“ So we came back after long months from the jaws of death , out of the mouth of hell , while all the world wondered .
When shall the reputation and faith of this generation of English men and women fail ?
“ I say that in the long years to come not only will the people of this island but of the world , wherever the bird of freedom chirps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we ’ ve done and they will say ‘ do not despair , do not yield to violence and tyranny , march straightforward and die if need be-unconquered.
’ Now we have emerged from one deadly struggle-a terrible foe has been cast on the ground and awaits our judgment and our mercy .
“ But there is another foe who occupies large portions of the British Empire , a foe stained with cruelty and greed - the Japanese .
I rejoice we can all take a night off today and another day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies will also be celebrating victory and after that we must begin the task of rebuilding our hearth and homes , doing our utmost to make this country a land in which all have a chance , in which all have a duty , and we must turn ourselves to fulfill our duty to our own countrymen , and to our gallant allies of the United States who were so foully and treacherously attacked by Japan .
“ We will go hand and hand with them .
Even if it is a hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who will fail.
” How can I watch the speech on VE Day ?
In honour of the 75th anniversary , the BBC will present special tribute programming across television , radio and BBC iPlayer on Friday ( May 8 ) .
The programming will include readings of diary extracts and poetry , a remembrance of the most pivotal moments , and an address from Her Majesty the Queen at 9pm , the exact time her father addressed the nation three quarters of a century ago .
The broadcast of Sir Winston Churchill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made from 10 Downing Street on May 8 , 1945 , will air on BBC One at 2.45pm on Friday , May 8 , 2020 .
The programme will last for one hour , according to TV listings , and will be presented by Sophie Raworth .
VE Day programming will resume again on BBC One at 8pm for a special musical show called The People ’ s Celebration , featuring an array of British talent delivering unique versions of well-known songs from the 30s and 40s .

Here's what you need to know.
What happened on VE Day?
VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, is dedicated to commemorating the official end of the Second World War.
The day celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies during World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of armed forces, on 8 May 1945.
Millions of people rejoiced the news of Germany’s surrender, and took to the streets in celebration, with parties, singing and dancing.
Crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square in London and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where King George VI and Queen Elizabeth appeared on the balcony, overlooking the masses cheering below.
The news of the end of the war was announced by then Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who delivered a rousing speech 75 years ago.
What did Churchill say in his speech?
This is the speech then Sir Winston Churchill gave to the nation at the end of the Second World War in 1945:
“God bless you all. This is your victory! It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history we have never seen a greater day than this.
“Everyone, man or woman, has done their best. Everyone has tried. Neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce attacks of the enemy, have in any way weakened the independent resolve of the British nation. God bless you all.
“My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole.
“We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny. After a while we were left all alone against the most tremendous military power that has been seen. We were all alone for a whole year.
“There we stood, alone. Did anyone want to give in? Were we down-hearted? The lights went out and the bombs came down. But every man, woman and child in the country had no thought of quitting the struggle. London can take it.
“So we came back after long months from the jaws of death, out of the mouth of hell, while all the world wondered. When shall the reputation and faith of this generation of English men and women fail?
“I say that in the long years to come not only will the people of this island but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what we’ve done and they will say ‘do not despair, do not yield to violence and tyranny, march straightforward and die if need be-unconquered.’ Now we have emerged from one deadly struggle-a terrible foe has been cast on the ground and awaits our judgment and our mercy.
“But there is another foe who occupies large portions of the British Empire, a foe stained with cruelty and greed - the Japanese. I rejoice we can all take a night off today and another day tomorrow.
“Tomorrow our great Russian allies will also be celebrating victory and after that we must begin the task of rebuilding our hearth and homes, doing our utmost to make this country a land in which all have a chance, in which all have a duty, and we must turn ourselves to fulfill our duty to our own countrymen, and to our gallant allies of the United States who were so foully and treacherously attacked by Japan.
“We will go hand and hand with them. Even if it is a hard struggle we will not be the ones who will fail.”
How can I watch the speech on VE Day?
In honour of the 75th anniversary, the BBC will present special tribute programming across television, radio and BBC iPlayer on Friday (May 8).
The programming will include readings of diary extracts and poetry, a remembrance of the most pivotal moments, and an address from Her Majesty the Queen at 9pm, the exact time her father addressed the nation three quarters of a century ago.
The broadcast of Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech, which he made from 10 Downing Street on May 8, 1945, will air on BBC One at 2.45pm on Friday, May 8, 2020.
The programme will last for one hour, according to TV listings, and will be presented by Sophie Raworth.
VE Day programming will resume again on BBC One at 8pm for a special musical show called The People’s Celebration, featuring an array of British talent delivering unique versions of well-known songs from the 30s and 40s.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--Lord Lieutenant pays tribute to Worcestershire veterans on VE Day

THE Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire , Patrick Holcroft LVO OBE , has released this tribute to mark VE Day ... “ On Friday , May 8 , 1945 , the armed forces of Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally , bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe .
The United Kingdom and her Empire had fought throughout six long years , enduring extremes of hardship , suffering and sorrow which touched every family .
`` Although victory in Europe was won with the immense help of Allies , the British had stood alone against Nazi Germany for more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global struggle .
`` It is a matter of the most profound regret to me that current restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic prevent us from marking the 75th anniversary of this momentous achievement and from giving thanks to those whose efforts contributed to the preservation of the freedoms we take for granted today .
`` Throughout the county , events and services have had to be cancelled and I share the disappointment of all those who had worked so hard in planning these important activities .
`` During the current lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - now Colonel - Tom Moore , a 100-year-old veteran of the Second World War whose astonishing efforts have raised more than £32m for National Health Service charities .
`` As a representative of his remarkable generation , he is the epitome of fortitude , modesty and good humour .
He deserves our thanks and we honour his achievement and those of all citizens of our country whose efforts and sacrifices helped secure victory in 1945 .
`` I would particularly like to recognise those veterans within Worcestershire , who like Her Majesty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I extend my best wishes to you all , together with my thanks and prayers at this uniquely difficult time .
`` The Second World War finally ended with the surrender of Japan on 15 August 1945 .
I very much hope that it will be possible to mark this important anniversary either on the date itself , or on a suitable occasion in the future . ''

“On Friday, May 8, 1945, the armed forces of Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally, bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe. The United Kingdom and her Empire had fought throughout six long years, enduring extremes of hardship, suffering and sorrow which touched every family.
"Although victory in Europe was won with the immense help of Allies, the British had stood alone against Nazi Germany for more than a year as the conflict became a global struggle.
"It is a matter of the most profound regret to me that current restrictions relating to the Covid-19 pandemic prevent us from marking the 75th anniversary of this momentous achievement and from giving thanks to those whose efforts contributed to the preservation of the freedoms we take for granted today.
"Throughout the county, events and services have had to be cancelled and I share the disappointment of all those who had worked so hard in planning these important activities.
"During the current lockdown, we have all been inspired by Captain - now Colonel - Tom Moore, a 100-year-old veteran of the Second World War whose astonishing efforts have raised more than £32m for National Health Service charities.
"As a representative of his remarkable generation, he is the epitome of fortitude, modesty and good humour. He deserves our thanks and we honour his achievement and those of all citizens of our country whose efforts and sacrifices helped secure victory in 1945.
"I would particularly like to recognise those veterans within Worcestershire, who like Her Majesty, served during the war. May I extend my best wishes to you all, together with my thanks and prayers at this uniquely difficult time.
"The Second World War finally ended with the surrender of Japan on 15 August 1945. I very much hope that it will be possible to mark this important anniversary either on the date itself, or on a suitable occasion in the future."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--VE Day TV schedules: Here's what BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5 will air

The 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day ( also known as VE Day ) - the long-awaited moment when fighting stopped on the European battlefields of the Second World War - is today .
While the UK remains in lockdown , TV networks such as the BBC , ITV , Channel 4 and Channel 5 will be airing a variety of shows to mark the occasion .
Here 's what will air this Bank Holiday weekend .
To kick off their extensive VE Day programming , the BBC presents a refreshed version of this special documentary about the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 to mark Dame Vera ’ s 100th birthday , the show celebrates her career .
While VE Day offers lots of reasons to celebrate , it ’ s important to remember the heroes who fought for our freedom but didn ’ t live to see peacetime .
At 11am , BBC One will mark a two-minute silence , a moment of remembrance in which we can all pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice .
• VE Day 75 : The Announcement of Victory , BBC One , 2.45pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Churchill ’ s stirring victory speech once again , when he addressed the British people from Downing Street and announced that war was over in Europe .
The famous moment in history will be broadcast again alongside a specially created film .
This lovingly made documentary boasts carefully restored footage from London , Paris and New York , showing celebrations in colour .
As well as telling the story of the days leading up to Winston Churchill ’ s announcement of peace , it reflects on VE Day itself , and features new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special moments .
• The One Show , BBC One , 7pm Alex Jones presents a special episode of The One Show , paying tribute to our WW2 heroes and celebrating the spirit of VE Day .
As usual , she ’ ll be joined by guests and will present some special films across the course of the show .
This collection of rarely-seen clips from amateur film-makers captures the mood in Britain on that historic day in 1945 .
This real footage transports us to moments of fun and elation .
ITV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hero Captain Tom Moore .
In this one-off documentary , the much-loved army veteran will share his memories of serving alongside Allied Troops in Burma , fighting Japan during WW2 .
Presented by Sophie Raworth , this is the big entertainment event of the night , put on by the BBC and the Royal British Legion to show thanks to our veterans .
Stars will celebrate the happy events of 1945 with popular songs from the era , culminating in a rousing rendition of We ’ ll Meet Again at 9pm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the history books , for others it is a real memory from their lifetimes .
This documentary , narrated by Julie Walters and first shown for the 70th anniversary in 2015 , asks famous faces to share their recollections from that special day .
This documentary helps viewers feel the excitement of VE Day with restored clips , previously unseen archive films and new interviews .
The show aims to reflect a wide range of experiences .
Fiona Bruce hosts a special episode of the antiques programme , looking back at some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadshow that hold wartime memories .

While the UK remains in lockdown, TV networks such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 will be airing a variety of shows to mark the occasion.
Here's what will air this Bank Holiday weekend.
Thursday, May 7
Dame Vera Lynn: We’ll Meet Again, BBC One, 7.30pm
To kick off their extensive VE Day programming, the BBC presents a refreshed version of this special documentary about the nation’s WW2 sweetheart. Initially broadcast in 2017 to mark Dame Vera’s 100th birthday, the show celebrates her career.
Friday, May 8
VE Day: The Nation Remembers, BBC One, 11am
While VE Day offers lots of reasons to celebrate, it’s important to remember the heroes who fought for our freedom but didn’t live to see peacetime. At 11am, BBC One will mark a two-minute silence, a moment of remembrance in which we can all pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
VE Day 75: The Announcement of Victory, BBC One, 2.45pm
This is a chance to hear Winston Churchill’s stirring victory speech once again, when he addressed the British people from Downing Street and announced that war was over in Europe. The famous moment in history will be broadcast again alongside a specially created film.
VE Day: Countdown to Peace, Yesterday, 5pm
This lovingly made documentary boasts carefully restored footage from London, Paris and New York, showing celebrations in colour. As well as telling the story of the days leading up to Winston Churchill’s announcement of peace, it reflects on VE Day itself, and features new interviews with people who lived through those special moments.
The One Show, BBC One, 7pm
Alex Jones presents a special episode of The One Show, paying tribute to our WW2 heroes and celebrating the spirit of VE Day. As usual, she’ll be joined by guests and will present some special films across the course of the show.
VE Day: The Lost Films, Channel 5, 7pm
This collection of rarely-seen clips from amateur film-makers captures the mood in Britain on that historic day in 1945. This real footage transports us to moments of fun and elation.
Captain Tom’s War, ITV, 8pm
ITV has commissioned a special programme about fundraiser and hero Captain Tom Moore. In this one-off documentary, the much-loved army veteran will share his memories of serving alongside Allied Troops in Burma, fighting Japan during WW2.
VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration, BBC One, 8pm
Presented by Sophie Raworth, this is the big entertainment event of the night, put on by the BBC and the Royal British Legion to show thanks to our veterans. Stars will celebrate the happy events of 1945 with popular songs from the era, culminating in a rousing rendition of We’ll Meet Again at 9pm.
VE Day: Remembering Victory, BBC One, 9.10pm
While VE Day is a triumphant moment in the history books, for others it is a real memory from their lifetimes. This documentary, narrated by Julie Walters and first shown for the 70th anniversary in 2015, asks famous faces to share their recollections from that special day.
Saturday, May 9
VE Day in Colour: Britain’s Biggest Party, C4, 7pm
This documentary helps viewers feel the excitement of VE Day with restored clips, previously unseen archive films and new interviews. The show aims to reflect a wide range of experiences.
Sunday, May 10
Antiques Roadshow VE Day special, BBC One, 7.15pm
Fiona Bruce hosts a special episode of the antiques programme, looking back at some of the items brought along to the roadshow that hold wartime memories.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--VE Day recipies: How to bake tasty wartime treats such as carrot cake

Households across the country are set to celebrate VE Day by baking cakes and cookies using simple wartime ingredients .
Online educational site PlanBee has suggested these recipes to try this week , and offers craft and activity ideas on the theme of VE Day .
Carrots were often used as a replacement for sugar in many cake and biscuit recipes during war time .
• A reconstituted egg , or fresh egg if available • Preheat the oven to 220ºC or Gas Mark 7 .
• Rub in the margarine , add the sugar , carrot , sultanas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a small amount of water or milk , to make the mixture sticky .
• Pour mixture in to a lined baking tin and cook until golden in colour .
• One reconstituted egg , or a fresh egg if available • Preheat the oven to 180ºC or Gas Mark 4 .
• Add the rolled oats and mix well .
• Sift the flour , baking powder and salt into the mixture .
• Press each ball between palms until up to one centimetre thick .
• Bake for around 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Online educational site PlanBee has suggested these recipes to try this week, and offers craft and activity ideas on the theme of VE Day.
Carrots were often used as a replacement for sugar in many cake and biscuit recipes during war time.
How to make Carrot Cake
Ingredients:
8oz (225g) self-raising flour
3oz (90g) margarine
3oz (90g) sugar
4oz (110g) finely grated carrot
2oz (60g) sultanas
A little milk or water
A reconstituted egg, or fresh egg if available
What to do:
Preheat the oven to 220ºC or Gas Mark 7.
Sift flour into a mixing bowl.
Rub in the margarine, add the sugar, carrot, sultanas and egg.
Mix together then add in a small amount of water or milk, to make the mixture sticky.
Pour mixture in to a lined baking tin and cook until golden in colour.
How to Oaty biscuits
Ingredients for 20 biscuits:
4oz (110g) margarine
3oz (90g) sugar
7oz (200g) rolled oats
5oz (150g) flour
One tsp baking powder
A pinch of salt
A little milk
One reconstituted egg, or a fresh egg if available
What to do:


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--Advertiser and Shuttle Camera Club's best pictures

Here are the best from this weeks Advertiser and Shuttle Camera Club pictures .
If you would like to submit @ @ @ @ @

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These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
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kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--VE Day: Wyre Forest celebrates 75th anniversary at home

RESIDENTS across Kidderminster and the Wyre Forest have joined in the national celebrations from home to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day .
Houses have been decked out in red , white and blue to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe .
With large scale public events and street parties cancelled because of the pandemic , people have marked the day at home .
A two minute silence was also held across the country at 11am for the nation to remember those who lost their lives in the conflict .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from 451 Squadron , RAF Air Cadets , marked VE Day by performing the Last Post on Kendlewood Road in Kidderminster .
A family in Bewdley even kitted out their house , complete with Winston Churchill himself , to look like a wartime scene on VE Day .
Wayne Parry and his family dressed up in 1940s attire and decorated their street in flags and bunting for the occasion .
The Parry family decorated their home in Bewdley with an appearance from the wartime Prime Minister .
Take a look at more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Wyre Forest in the photo gallery above and the Shuttle Facebook page .

Houses have been decked out in red, white and blue to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
With large scale public events and street parties cancelled because of the pandemic, people have marked the day at home.
A two minute silence was also held across the country at 11am for the nation to remember those who lost their lives in the conflict.
In a moving display, Corporal Alex Brown, from 451 Squadron, RAF Air Cadets, marked VE Day by performing the Last Post on Kendlewood Road in Kidderminster.
Broadwaters SNT
Kendlewood Road's very own Corporal Alex Brown, 451 Squadron, RAF Air Cadets marking VE Day 75th Anniversary by playing this moving "Last Post".
Thank you for sharing this with us all.
PCSO Holloway pic.twitter.com/E5OiQxIPKO — Kidderminster SNTs (@KMinsterCops) May 8, 2020
A family in Bewdley even kitted out their house, complete with Winston Churchill himself, to look like a wartime scene on VE Day.
Wayne Parry and his family dressed up in 1940s attire and decorated their street in flags and bunting for the occasion.
The Parry family decorated their home in Bewdley with an appearance from the wartime Prime Minister.
Take a look at more photos of VE Day celebrations across Kidderminster and the Wyre Forest in the photo gallery above and the Shuttle Facebook page.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-08--UK’s worst speeding offences revealed - including 120mph in a 20mph zone

The worst speeding offences in the UK have been revealed .
Speeding offences are rising across the country , with one driver caught doing six times the limit last year .
Police data for 2019 has revealed that the number of recorded offences rose seven per cent year-on-year , with predictions that 2020 could see a further rise despite lockdown conditions .
A Freedom of Information request by insurance comparison site Confused , found that 2.5 million drivers were caught speeding in 2019 , racking up at least £250m in fines .
While most offenders were only marginally over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of massively exceeding them .
The highest speed recorded by police was a driver in South Yorkshire who was clocked at 162mph in a 70mph zone .
However , the Metropolitan Police reported one offender who was caught travelling at 120mph in a 20mph zone - six times the posted limit .
Here are the UK 's worst speeding offences and the forces who recorded them : Although the country ’ s roads are currently quieter due to lockdown restrictions , police forces have reported a significant rise in speeding , with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police reported one driver spotted doing more than 150mph on the M1 recently and has seen average speeds increase by up to 50 per cent on some roads .
Greater Manchester Police has seen a 57 per cent rise in the number of speeding offences since lockdown began .
The Confused research also found many drivers still unclear about just how much they can be fined if they are caught speeding .
The standard fixed penalty notice is a £100 fine and six penalty points but motorists can be charged up to £2,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unaware that since 2017 they can be fined anywhere between 25 per cent and 175 per cent of their weekly salary depending on the severity of the offence .
To help work out how much a speeding offence could cost you , Confused has created a fine calculator .
The study also found that more than a quarter of drivers were unsure about so-called buffer zones around the speed limit .
Officially , there is no leeway around limits and you could be fine for doing 1mph over the limit but police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 10 per cent plus 2mph threshold .
Alex Kindred , car insurance expert at Confused.com , said : “ At times like this , when there are fewer cars on the road , it might be tempting to take advantage .
`` But our research shows nearly half of speed cameras are always switched on – so you ’ re less likely to get away with it than you might think .
`` Ultimately , speed limits are in place for a reason – to keep road users and pedestrians safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are calculated , you might face far heftier fines than you realise , with the potential of paying up to 175 per cent of your weekly income .
”

Speeding offences are rising across the country, with one driver caught doing six times the limit last year.
Police data for 2019 has revealed that the number of recorded offences rose seven per cent year-on-year, with predictions that 2020 could see a further rise despite lockdown conditions.
A Freedom of Information request by insurance comparison site Confused, found that 2.5 million drivers were caught speeding in 2019, racking up at least £250m in fines.
While most offenders were only marginally over the limits, data shows some were guilty of massively exceeding them.
The highest speed recorded by police was a driver in South Yorkshire who was clocked at 162mph in a 70mph zone. However, the Metropolitan Police reported one offender who was caught travelling at 120mph in a 20mph zone - six times the posted limit.
Here are the UK's worst speeding offences and the forces who recorded them:
120mph in a 20mph zone - Metropolitan Police
115mph in a 30mph zone - Thames Valley Police
114mph in a 40mph zone - Hertfordshire Police
145mph in a 50mph zone - West Yorkshire Police
138mph in a 60mph zone - Humberside Police
162mph in a 70mph zone - South Yorkshire Police
Although the country’s roads are currently quieter due to lockdown restrictions, police forces have reported a significant rise in speeding, with more offences and higher speeds.
The Metropolitan Police reported one driver spotted doing more than 150mph on the M1 recently and has seen average speeds increase by up to 50 per cent on some roads. Greater Manchester Police has seen a 57 per cent rise in the number of speeding offences since lockdown began.
Fine confusion
The Confused research also found many drivers still unclear about just how much they can be fined if they are caught speeding.
The standard fixed penalty notice is a £100 fine and six penalty points but motorists can be charged up to £2,500 and banned from driving.
And many are unaware that since 2017 they can be fined anywhere between 25 per cent and 175 per cent of their weekly salary depending on the severity of the offence.
To help work out how much a speeding offence could cost you, Confused has created a fine calculator.
The study also found that more than a quarter of drivers were unsure about so-called buffer zones around the speed limit. Officially, there is no leeway around limits and you could be fine for doing 1mph over the limit but police chiefs have issued guidelines suggesting forces apply a 10 per cent plus 2mph threshold.
Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “At times like this, when there are fewer cars on the road, it might be tempting to take advantage.
"But our research shows nearly half of speed cameras are always switched on – so you’re less likely to get away with it than you might think.
"Ultimately, speed limits are in place for a reason – to keep road users and pedestrians safe.
“And with the way speeding fines are calculated, you might face far heftier fines than you realise, with the potential of paying up to 175 per cent of your weekly income.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-09--Kidderminster PE teacher's 12-hour cycle for struggling families

PE teacher Dave Garbett completed a 12-hour cycle marathon on his turbo trainer , smashing his £200 target to raise more than £1,000 to buy food for struggling families during lockdown .
The head of department at Baxter College in Kidderminster said he was “ overwhelmed '' by the support from staff and students , both former and current , and friends and family .
Mr Garbett said : “ I ’ m really grateful that , given the current situation , people are able to support this and really see the benefit in what we are trying to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of 253km during the 12 hours and endured aches and pains especially in his hands , arms and neck , mainly from having to stay in the same position on the bike , unlike cycling on the open road .
Mr Garbett added : “ Mentally , I found the challenge more difficult , as being in isolation in the garden was tough .
“ Although I had family to support me during the day supplying me with drinks , snacks and plenty of words of encouragement , I missed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciated the texts and video calls from other PE staff during the day which kept me going.
” Baxter College principal Matthew Carpenter said : “ We are immensely proud of Mr Garbett for undertaking this challenge and very grateful to all those who supported him .
`` We are a close community and this money will provide much-need sustenance to a lot of our families who are facing hardship.
” The school is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust and chief executive Chris King added : “ This is a fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above and beyond the call of duty during this very difficult time.
” The total raised currently stands at £1,146 and donations can still be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mrgindoorride .

The head of department at Baxter College in Kidderminster said he was “overwhelmed" by the support from staff and students, both former and current, and friends and family.
Mr Garbett said: “I’m really grateful that, given the current situation, people are able to support this and really see the benefit in what we are trying to do to support our community.”
He pedalled a total of 253km during the 12 hours and endured aches and pains especially in his hands, arms and neck, mainly from having to stay in the same position on the bike, unlike cycling on the open road.
Mr Garbett added: “Mentally, I found the challenge more difficult, as being in isolation in the garden was tough.
“Although I had family to support me during the day supplying me with drinks, snacks and plenty of words of encouragement, I missed the conversation with others.
“I really appreciated the texts and video calls from other PE staff during the day which kept me going.”
Baxter College principal Matthew Carpenter said: “We are immensely proud of Mr Garbett for undertaking this challenge and very grateful to all those who supported him.
"We are a close community and this money will provide much-need sustenance to a lot of our families who are facing hardship.”
The school is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust and chief executive Chris King added: “This is a fine example of how our staff are going above and beyond the call of duty during this very difficult time.”
The total raised currently stands at £1,146 and donations can still be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mrgindoorride.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-09--The dinosaur keeping spirits up in Stourport during lockdown

A DINOSAUR named Dennis has been lifting spirits with his fundraising exploits in lockdown at a Stourport theme park .
The velociraptor has become somewhat of a local celebrity in the town after residents started photographing the nine-foot-tall statue to monitor flood levels earlier in the year .
Dennis would usually be watching over the Dino Tours ride at Playland , but while the park is closed due to the pandemic , the reptile has been sinking his teeth into some charity fundraising - keeping his fans entertained with regular photos and videos on his own Facebook page , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the floods in February Justin Minor , a Playland employee of 30 years and the man behind Dennis ' social media posts , said the dinosaur has become a symbol of Stourport 's community spirit during the crisis .
The 42-year-old theme park manager said : `` Dennis ' Facebook page started during the devastating flooding back in February .
As he 's quite visible from the surrounding area and from the bridge , he became quite a talking point with locals who were coming down to view the rising flood water .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups started posting members ' photos of him with the water right up to his bottom jaw , which stands around eight feet off the floor , so I started wading through the floodwater while I was salvaging what I could of the park and I took some close-up photos on different days of the varying heights . ''
Dennis was pictured in The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers and briefly featured on a BBC programme about the floods .
Justin said : `` Once I had started the page , I gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe added a prop or two to his picture , for example he was holding a Baywatch-style buoyancy aid in one photo .
Dennis ' friends urge people to stay at home during lockdown '' We received lots of lovely and supportive comments . ''
With help from his wife Laura and children Libby and Toby , Justin continued posting photographs of Dennis - wearing bunny ears for Easter , with `` Patricia the Pterodactyl '' on Mother 's Day and breathing fire on St George 's Day .
Then , just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , the country went into lockdown .
Undeterred , Dennis and Justin dedicated their spare time to fundraising , taking on the 2.6 Challenge in aid of Comic Relief and Children in Need .
The charity challenge saw Justin and family dress up as dinosaurs to complete a series of fundraising activities , including walking 26,000 steps , balancing toilet rolls on Dennis for 26 hours and completing 26 laps of Playland 's go kart track , raising £380 in donations .
Justin said : `` Through the devastating flood , Dennis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed the true Stourport spirit of overcoming anything .
He was even asked to stand as the local mayor !
`` He carried on with his ability to put a smile on people 's faces throughout the current troubling times with funny music videos , a short film , plenty of photos and clapping for the NHS .
`` Dennis has been fundraising through the pandemic and just generally posing for funny photos and keeping us updated with smile generating posts to keep the locals entertained .
`` He has received messages from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping their spirits up in such hard times .
`` He had one message from a lovely lady who is stuck at home and has no family but really enjoys the funny posts as it always puts a smile on her face . ''

The velociraptor has become something of a local celebrity in the town after residents started photographing the nine-foot-tall statue to monitor flood levels earlier in the year.
Dennis would usually be watching over the Dino Tours ride at Playland, but while the park is closed due to the pandemic, the reptile has been sinking his teeth into some charity fundraising - keeping his fans entertained with regular photos and videos on his own Facebook page, which has nearly 1,000 followers.
Justin Minor, a Playland employee of 30 years and the man behind Dennis’ social media posts, said the dinosaur has become a symbol of Stourport’s community spirit during the crisis.
He said: “Dennis has been fundraising through the pandemic and just generally posing for funny photos and keeping us updated with smile-generating posts to keep the locals entertained.
“He has received messages from lots of people, thanking him for keeping their spirits up.
“He had one message from a lovely lady who is stuck at home and has no family, but really enjoys the funny posts as it always puts a smile on her face.”
During lockdown, Dennis and Justin have dedicated their spare time to fundraising, taking on the 2.6 Challenge in aid of Comic Relief and Children in Need.
The charity challenge saw Justin and family dress up as dinosaurs to complete a series of fundraising activities, including walking 26,000 steps, balancing toilet rolls on Dennis for 26 hours and completing 26 laps of Playland’s go kart track, raising £380 in donations.
The 42-year-old theme park manager said: “Dennis’ Facebook page started during the devastating flooding back in February.
“As he’s quite visible from the surrounding area and from the bridge, he became quite a talking point with locals who were coming down to view the rising floodwater.
“A couple of the local Facebook groups started posting members’ photos of him with the water right up to his bottom jaw, which stands around eight feet off the floor, so I started wading through the floodwater while I was salvaging what I could of the park and I took some close-up photos on different days of the varying heights.”
Dennis was pictured in The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers and briefly featured on a BBC programme about the floods.
Justin said: “Once I had started the page, I gave locals a daily flood height measurement and maybe added a prop or two to his picture, for example he was holding a Baywatch-style buoyancy aid in one photo.
“We received lots of lovely and supportive comments.”
With help from his wife Laura and children Libby and Toby, Justin continued posting photographs of Dennis - wearing bunny ears for Easter, with “Patricia the Pterodactyl” on Mother’s Day and breathing fire on St George’s Day.
Justin said: “Through the devastating flood, Dennis kept his head above water and really showed the true Stourport spirit of overcoming anything. He was even asked to stand as the local mayor!
“He carried on with his ability to put a smile on people’s faces throughout the current troubling times with funny music videos, a short film, plenty of photos and clapping for the NHS."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-09--Easyjet unveil summer 2021 schedule to Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and Spain

Travel abroad might seem unlikely for the foreseeable - but Easyjet have unveiled their 2021 summer schedule to tempt sunseekers to snap up a deal .
For those already dreaming about trip abroad , the budget airline have published flight schedule for summer 2021 earlier than usual , with routes to Europe priced from just £18.49 .
What flights are available ?
The flights that are now available cover the period from April 19 to May 4 , 2021 , with many costing less than £20 .
More than 28,000 flights are on offer , following the early season launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month .
Destinations on the summer 2021 schedule include Croatia , Greece , Cyprus , Italy , Portugal , Turkey and Spain , among other European destinations .
Flights start from as little as £18.49 to Munich , while other bargains to Malaga and Alicante can be found for less than £25 .
All flights are currently suspended due to coronavirus , with no official date as to when they will resume , although Easyjet has said restarting flights won ’ t be considered until after May .
However , the airline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers who already have trips booked to move them to another date .
It has also waived the change fee for flights and holidays for all bookings to allow customers to move their dates free of charge .
You can amend your booking online , via the Manage Bookings section .
Easyjet won ’ t be selling any tickets for flights before May 18 , and will be relying on the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) to inform when it will restart operations .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lundgren CEO of Easyjet said , `` Since we grounded our fleet a few weeks ago , almost all of Europe has been in lockdown .
`` And whilst it gives us all encouragement that some countries are coming out the other side , there is still a great deal of uncertainty about when Europe will start opening up again .
`` As we get a better understanding of when we ’ ll re-start flying , we will let you know – however , we ’ re not currently selling any tickets for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being evaluated daily , and if your flight does get cancelled , you ’ ll be notified at least seven days in advance . ''
Can I get a refund on cancelled flights ?
Easyjet said it is processing refund requests as quickly as possible , but the sheer volume of flight cancellations has meant many customers have been faced with delays .
Customers have been given the option of redeeming a flight voucher instead , which can be used for bookings any time over the next 12 months , for flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes the airline ’ s recently released Easter 2021 and summer 2021 schedule , which will soon be on sale .
For further information on holiday bookings , visit the easyJet website .

For those already dreaming about trip abroad, the budget airline have published flight schedule for summer 2021 earlier than usual, with routes to Europe priced from just £18.49.
What flights are available?
The flights that are now available cover the period from April 19 to May 4, 2021, with many costing less than £20.
More than 28,000 flights are on offer, following the early season launch of the airline’s Easter schedule last month.
Destinations on the summer 2021 schedule include Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, Turkey and Spain, among other European destinations.
Flights start from as little as £18.49 to Munich, while other bargains to Malaga and Alicante can be found for less than £25.
When will flights resume?
All flights are currently suspended due to coronavirus, with no official date as to when they will resume, although Easyjet has said restarting flights won’t be considered until after May.
However, the airline has launched holidays until 2021 to allow customers who already have trips booked to move them to another date.
It has also waived the change fee for flights and holidays for all bookings to allow customers to move their dates free of charge. You can amend your booking online, via the Manage Bookings section.
When can I book flights?
Easyjet won’t be selling any tickets for flights before May 18, and will be relying on the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to inform when it will restart operations.
In an email sent to customers, Johan Lundgren CEO of Easyjet said, "Since we grounded our fleet a few weeks ago, almost all of Europe has been in lockdown.
"And whilst it gives us all encouragement that some countries are coming out the other side, there is still a great deal of uncertainty about when Europe will start opening up again.
"As we get a better understanding of when we’ll re-start flying, we will let you know – however, we’re not currently selling any tickets for flights before 18th May.
"Cancellations are being evaluated daily, and if your flight does get cancelled, you’ll be notified at least seven days in advance."
Can I get a refund on cancelled flights?
Easyjet said it is processing refund requests as quickly as possible, but the sheer volume of flight cancellations has meant many customers have been faced with delays.
Customers have been given the option of redeeming a flight voucher instead, which can be used for bookings any time over the next 12 months, for flights over the next two years.
This includes the airline’s recently released Easter 2021 and summer 2021 schedule, which will soon be on sale. For further information on holiday bookings, visit the easyJet website.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-05-09--Police find 40 at Stourport quarry in one day during lockdown

A WARNING has been issued about the dangers of swimming in Stourport 's `` Blue Lagoon '' quarry after police were forced to remove 40 people from the site in one afternoon .
Wyre Forest Police took to social media to express their disbelief after officers ordered 40 visitors to vacate the fenced-off quarry on Saturday afternoon ( May 9 ) .
Among those ordered to leave the area were two families who had taken their babies over the dangerous terrain .
Police described the quarry on Facebook afterwards as `` not so much an exotic Caribbean retreat - more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two cars at the bottom '' .
The post went on to say : `` Needless to say that swimming here is dangerous and unpredictable .
`` 40 people were removed this afternoon and details taken .
`` It begars belief that we encountered two families who had taken their babies over the rugged , filthy and dangerous terrain .
`` Apparently , it is not clear that people are not allowed in .
I would have thought that a heavily fenced entrance with barbed wire wrapped around the barrier would stand out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scene as `` Covid breaches a plenty '' and reported seizing cannabis from those gathering at the site .
Officers have warned they will be patrolling the quarry regularly from now on .

Wyre Forest Police took to social media to express their disbelief after officers ordered 40 visitors to vacate the fenced-off quarry on Saturday afternoon (May 9).
Among those ordered to leave the area were two families who had taken their babies over the dangerous terrain.
Police described the quarry on Facebook afterwards as "not so much an exotic Caribbean retreat - more a cold, rubbish filled quarry with two cars at the bottom".
The post went on to say: "Needless to say that swimming here is dangerous and unpredictable.
"40 people were removed this afternoon and details taken.
"It begars belief that we encountered two families who had taken their babies over the rugged, filthy and dangerous terrain.
"Apparently, it is not clear that people are not allowed in. I would have thought that a heavily fenced entrance with barbed wire wrapped around the barrier would stand out as obvious."
Police described the scene as "Covid breaches a plenty" and reported seizing cannabis from those gathering at the site.
Officers have warned they will be patrolling the quarry regularly from now on.