kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-20--Deliveroo offers £20 vouchers to thank 'wonderful' NHS workers - how to claim it

Food app Deliveroo have launched a new offer to say thank you to NHS workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Here ’ s everything you need to know about the offer and how to make the most of it .
How do I claim my voucher ?
If you 're an NHS worker you need to follow these quick steps in order to be able to claim your voucher .
• Set up a Deliveroo account with your NHS email address • Deliveroo will then send you an email with a unique £20 voucher code within 24 hours • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Then you can choose the meal you fancy , apply the £20 voucher and enjoy Deliveroo explains that this is thanks to support from their lead partner American Express , plus The Reuben Foundation , Bridgepoint , Coca Cola European Partners , Ben & Jerry ’ s and Magnum .
The £20 meal vouchers are available to NHS staff only .
When is the offer available ?
The offer is open until May 31 , 2020 - or when all 50,000 vouchers have been claimed .
You must be 18 or over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Geographical restrictions and service and delivery fees apply .
Other Deliveroo initiatives for the NHS and charities during the pandemic Deliveroo is also running other initiatives for the NHS and charities during the pandemic .
On the Deliveroo website , the company writes : “ Please let us know if you work for the NHS or a charity supporting vulnerable people and would like to request free meals .
“ If you are requesting meals for healthcare workers or another charitable organisation , then please fill in the form below .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we have participating restaurants , where there is a need and where we operate.
” For restaurants , Deliveroo adds : “ If you are a restaurant partner wanting to donate your amazing food to this effort , we want to hear from you .
“ Please fill in the form below and the team will get back to you .
Thank you in advance for your generosity .
”

Here’s everything you need to know about the offer and how to make the most of it.
How do I claim my voucher?
If you're an NHS worker you need to follow these quick steps in order to be able to claim your voucher.
Set up a Deliveroo account with your NHS email address
Deliveroo will then send you an email with a unique £20 voucher code within 24 hours
Add the voucher code to your account
Then you can choose the meal you fancy, apply the £20 voucher and enjoy
Deliveroo explains that this is thanks to support from their lead partner American Express, plus The Reuben Foundation, Bridgepoint, Coca Cola European Partners, Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum.
Who can claim?
The £20 meal vouchers are available to NHS staff only.
When is the offer available?
The offer is open until May 31, 2020 - or when all 50,000 vouchers have been claimed. You must be 18 or over to claim, and a UK resident. Geographical restrictions and service and delivery fees apply.
Other Deliveroo initiatives for the NHS and charities during the pandemic
Deliveroo is also running other initiatives for the NHS and charities during the pandemic.
On the Deliveroo website, the company writes: “Please let us know if you work for the NHS or a charity supporting vulnerable people and would like to request free meals.
“If you are requesting meals for healthcare workers or another charitable organisation, then please fill in the form below.
“We will aim to deliver to areas where we have participating restaurants, where there is a need and where we operate.”
For restaurants, Deliveroo adds: “If you are a restaurant partner wanting to donate your amazing food to this effort, we want to hear from you.
“Please fill in the form below and the team will get back to you. Thank you in advance for your generosity.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-20--Channel 4 is looking for people who have cancelled their wedding because of lockdown

Channel 4 have launched a search for a couple who have cancelled their wedding due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
The plan by the broadcaster is to help the pair get married at home for a new TV show .
The proposed programme , called ‘ Wedding in Lockdown ’ , will see the chosen couple taking part in a wedding ceremony in their own home .
This will be streamed live online to family and friends who will also star in the show , and later broadcasted to the nation .
The virtual wedding will also include celebrity guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet been announced .
Casting agents for the show took to social media to find a suitable couple , who are engaged to be married .
The post on Film & TV Casting Calls UK Facebook Page called for “ fun loving ” couples to ‘ feel free to share ’ their stories .
“ Have you had to cancel your wedding due to Covid-19 ?
Are you unsure what to do ?
” The post reads .
“ Channel 4 , with the help of a celebrity cupid and some special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much needed wedding back to life and offer one special couple the opportunity to have a virtual ceremony they ’ ll never forget in their own home , with family and friends watching and celebrating online.
” What has the response been like ?
In response , Facebook users shared personal stories of their now cancelled wedding plans due to the pandemic .
One user wrote , “ We were meant to be getting married May 15th and then changed it to August .
We cancelled [ our ] Honeymoon too.
” While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be getting married on Eldorado Beach Mexico 10th of May .
But will have to wait till next year now.
” Couples wishing to take part in the show , can email casting @ multistory.tv to apply .
However , the post ’ s small print clarifies that the ceremony will not result in a legally binding marriage .
This is due to marital licencing laws , which prohibit weddings taking place at home .
Also , the intended release date for the show is not yet known , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ coming soon ... ish ” .

The plan by the broadcaster is to help the pair get married at home for a new TV show.
The proposed programme, called ‘Wedding in Lockdown’, will see the chosen couple taking part in a wedding ceremony in their own home. This will be streamed live online to family and friends who will also star in the show, and later broadcasted to the nation.
The virtual wedding will also include celebrity guests, although the celebrities in question have not yet been announced.
‘A virtual ceremony they’ll never forget’
Casting agents for the show took to social media to find a suitable couple, who are engaged to be married.
The post on Film & TV Casting Calls UK Facebook Page called for “fun loving” couples to ‘feel free to share’ their stories.
“Have you had to cancel your wedding due to Covid-19? Are you unsure what to do?” The post reads.
“Channel 4, with the help of a celebrity cupid and some special guests, are looking to bring a much needed wedding back to life and offer one special couple the opportunity to have a virtual ceremony they’ll never forget in their own home, with family and friends watching and celebrating online.”
What has the response been like?
In response, Facebook users shared personal stories of their now cancelled wedding plans due to the pandemic.
One user wrote, “We were meant to be getting married May 15th and then changed it to August. We cancelled [our] Honeymoon too.”
While another commented, “We were meant to be getting married on Eldorado Beach Mexico 10th of May. But will have to wait till next year now.”
How to apply
Couples wishing to take part in the show, can email casting@multistory.tv to apply.
However, the post’s small print clarifies that the ceremony will not result in a legally binding marriage. This is due to marital licencing laws, which prohibit weddings taking place at home.
Also, the intended release date for the show is not yet known, according to the Facebook post, which simply states it is “coming soon...ish”.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-20--Kidderminster man wanted on recall to prison

TWO Kidderminster men are wanted by police on recall to prison .
David Baldwin , aged 40 , and 37-year-old @ @ @ @ @ both from Kidderminster , are wanted by police for breaching the terms of separate court @ @ @ @ @ launched to track the men down .
Anyone with information on Mr Baldwin 's whereabouts @ @ @ @ @ Mercia Police on 101 , quoting crime numbers 22/32996/20 or 22/32971/20 .
Those with information @ @ @ @ @ should quote 22/32864/20 or 22/32788/20 .
Information can also be passed on anonymously to independent @ @ @ @ @ 111 .

David Baldwin, aged 40, and 37-year-old Mathew Lavelle, who are both from Kidderminster, are wanted by police for breaching the terms of separate court orders and appeals have been launched to track the men down.
Anyone with information on Mr Baldwin's whereabouts is urged to contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting crime numbers 22/32996/20 or 22/32971/20.
Those with information on Mr Lavelle's whereabouts should quote 22/32864/20 or 22/32788/20.
Information can also be passed on anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-20--Smashed window at Kidderminster pub boarded up with NHS tribute

BOARDED up windows at a Kidderminster pub have been turned into a colourful tribute to the NHS .
Owners at The Weary Traveller in Sutton Road were forced to board up the pub after a traffic cone was thrown through one of its front windows earlier this month .
The boards have now been covered by a giant rainbow painted by owners Sami and Russell Wright 's three sons Billy , age 11 , Tommy , age eight , and Frankie , age six .
Another window displays a thank you message to key workers on the frontline of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` A few weeks ago , we had a traffic cone thrown through our window .
We boarded them up , so to brighten the front of our pub up , my three sons decided to show their respect and paint the rainbow to show our support to the NHS and key workers .
`` My locals that drink in our pub have been fantastic and supported us all the way .
`` We have a game called The Last Man Standing .
The prize money is £670 and we ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the NHS . ''

Owners at The Weary Traveller in Sutton Road were forced to board up the pub after a traffic cone was thrown through one of its front windows earlier this month.
The boards have now been covered by a giant rainbow painted by owners Sami and Russell Wright's three sons Billy, age 11, Tommy, age eight, and Frankie, age six.
Another window displays a thank you message to key workers on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.
Sami told The Shuttle: "A few weeks ago, we had a traffic cone thrown through our window. We boarded them up, so to brighten the front of our pub up, my three sons decided to show their respect and paint the rainbow to show our support to the NHS and key workers.
"My locals that drink in our pub have been fantastic and supported us all the way.
"We have a game called The Last Man Standing. The prize money is £670 and we’ve all decided to donate the prize money to the NHS."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-20--Two more coronavirus deaths recorded in Worcestershire hospitals

THERE have been two further deaths related to coronavirus in Worcestershire hospitals , bringing the total up to 160 .
The latest figures , announced by the NHS today ( April 20 ) , show the two more deaths were at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust hospitals , bringing its total to 146 .
There were no further deaths at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust , which runs community hospitals , so it remains at a total of 14 .
The latest figures relate to new deaths being announced ( the deaths did not all happen on the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 429 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals nationally to 14,829 .
Patients were aged between 40 and 101 years old .
The NHS says 15 of the 429 patients ( aged between 49 and 92-years-old ) had no known underlying health condition .
The figures are the latest provided by the public body and correct as of April 20 .
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards , including Worcester City Impatient Unit , Malvern Community Hospital , Evesham Community Hospital , Pershore Community Hospital , the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove , Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wye Forest Ward .
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19 .
They do not include deaths outside hospital , such as those in care homes , prisons , ambulances or in the community .

The latest figures, announced by the NHS today (April 20), show the two more deaths were at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust hospitals, bringing its total to 146.
There were no further deaths at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs community hospitals, so it remains at a total of 14.
The latest figures relate to new deaths being announced (the deaths did not all happen on the same day).
In England a further 429 people who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals nationally to 14,829. Patients were aged between 40 and 101 years old.
The NHS says 15 of the 429 patients (aged between 49 and 92-years-old) had no known underlying health condition.
The figures are the latest provided by the public body and correct as of April 20.
The acute hospital trust covers Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital.
The health and care NHS trust covers community hospitals and rehabilitation wards, including Worcester City Impatient Unit, Malvern Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Pershore Community Hospital, the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Tenbury Community Hospital and the Wye Forest Ward.
The figures on deaths relate to patients who have died in hospital and who have tested positive for Covid-19. They do not include deaths outside hospital, such as those in care homes, prisons, ambulances or in the community.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-20--UK coronavirus vaccine: When will one be available - and how would it work?

Scientists and researchers are working round the clock in an effort to devop a vaccine for the coronavirus .
While a drug that can kill Covid-19 has yet to be found , there are more than 20 vaccines currently in development .
Here ’ s all you need to know .
What vaccines are in development ?
Several vaccines are currently in the process of being developed , with some drugs already being tested in humans , while others are moving closer to starting clinical trials .
Scientists in Australia have begun injecting ferrets with two potential vaccines , becoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the animal testing stage .
Researchers say they hope to move to the human testing stage by the end of April .
Elsewhere , the first human trial for a vaccine has started in Seattle in the US , with researchers opting to sidestep the usual process of conducting animal research first to test the vaccine ’ s safety and effectiveness .
Pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and GSK have teamed up in the hope of making a vaccine available by the middle of next year , and are hoping to enter a candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this year .
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are also working on a fingertip-sized patch which could be a potential vaccine for coronavirus .
In China , CanSino Biologics has begun the second phase of testing its vaccine candidate , while a potential vaccine made by the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) and Moderna Inc in America is moving along .
Tests such as these are being conducted at a much faster pace than usual , with some researchers taking a new approach to development .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is not expected a vaccine will be able to be mass produced until the second half of 2021 .
What progress has been made in the UK ?
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations ( Cepi ) has identified 115 Covid-19 vaccines at varying stages of development , with five of these now moved to clinical development .
Scientists who are working on a potential vaccine at the University of Oxford say it could be available for use by the general public by September .
UK volunteers could be given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week as part of the clinical trials , researchers have said .
Sarah Gilbert , a professor of vaccinology at the university , and her team say nothing can be guaranteed , but it is possible something could be available by autumn if everything goes perfectly .
However , there is always an unknown and scientists can never be certain that vaccines are going to work .
Although Professor Gilbert explained she said she was 80 per cent confident of the vaccine 's success , stating : `` Personally , I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is my view , because I 've worked with this technology a lot , and I 've worked on the Mers vaccine trials , and I 've seen what that can do .
`` And , I think , it has a very strong chance of working . ''
Researchers at the University of Cambridge are also working on a potential vaccine , while doctors are also testing anti-viral drugs to see if they work against coronavirus .
Such trials are taking place in England and Scotland on a small number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was originally developed as an Ebola drug .
However , the drug also appears to be effective against a variety of viruses .
Other studies on anti-malarial drugs called chloroquine are also taking place , as laboratory tests have shown it can kill the virus , although the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) says there is not definitive evidence of its effectiveness .
When could a UK coronavirus vaccine be ready ?
The team at Oxford University are hoping to have at least a million doses of the vaccine available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be manufactured at the required pace Professor Adrian Hill , director of the Jenner Institute at the university , said the team probably has the `` most ambitious scale up '' programme of all the groups working on a vaccine .
He said : `` We 're now moving to the point where instead of doing maybe a three litre manufacturing run , we 're up to 50 litres will go to 100 , 200 , maybe even 2000 .
`` And we 're talking to manufacturers who can provide that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim is to have at least a million doses by around about September , once you know the vaccine efficacy results .
`` And then move even faster from there because it 's pretty clear the world is going to need hundreds of millions of doses , ideally by the end of this year to end this pandemic , to let us out of lockdown .
`` A vaccine is the exit strategy for this pandemic and then we 're very likely to need a vaccine in future years because it 's unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus . ''
Who would get the vaccine first ?
The vaccine would be in limited supply once it is first developed , meaning it will likely be given to priority groups first .
This would most likely include healthcare workers and older people .

While a drug that can kill Covid-19 has yet to be found, there are more than 20 vaccines currently in development.
Here’s all you need to know.
What vaccines are in development?
Several vaccines are currently in the process of being developed, with some drugs already being tested in humans, while others are moving closer to starting clinical trials.
Scientists in Australia have begun injecting ferrets with two potential vaccines, becoming the first comprehensive pre-clinical trial to move to the animal testing stage.
Researchers say they hope to move to the human testing stage by the end of April.
Elsewhere, the first human trial for a vaccine has started in Seattle in the US, with researchers opting to sidestep the usual process of conducting animal research first to test the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
Pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and GSK have teamed up in the hope of making a vaccine available by the middle of next year, and are hoping to enter a candidate in clinical trials in the second half of this year.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are also working on a fingertip-sized patch which could be a potential vaccine for coronavirus.
In China, CanSino Biologics has begun the second phase of testing its vaccine candidate, while a potential vaccine made by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Moderna Inc in America is moving along.
Tests such as these are being conducted at a much faster pace than usual, with some researchers taking a new approach to development.
However, even if tests prove successful, it is not expected a vaccine will be able to be mass produced until the second half of 2021.
What progress has been made in the UK?
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Cepi) has identified 115 Covid-19 vaccines at varying stages of development, with five of these now moved to clinical development.
Scientists who are working on a potential vaccine at the University of Oxford say it could be available for use by the general public by September.
UK volunteers could be given the first dose of the vaccine within the next week as part of the clinical trials, researchers have said.
Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at the university, and her team say nothing can be guaranteed, but it is possible something could be available by autumn if everything goes perfectly.
However, there is always an unknown and scientists can never be certain that vaccines are going to work.
Although Professor Gilbert explained she said she was 80 per cent confident of the vaccine's success, stating: "Personally, I have a high degree of confidence.
"This is my view, because I've worked with this technology a lot, and I've worked on the Mers vaccine trials, and I've seen what that can do.
"And, I think, it has a very strong chance of working."
Researchers at the University of Cambridge are also working on a potential vaccine, while doctors are also testing anti-viral drugs to see if they work against coronavirus.
Such trials are taking place in England and Scotland on a small number of patients with an anti-viral drug called remdesivir, which was originally developed as an Ebola drug.
However, the drug also appears to be effective against a variety of viruses.
Other studies on anti-malarial drugs called chloroquine are also taking place, as laboratory tests have shown it can kill the virus, although the World Health Organisation (WHO) says there is not definitive evidence of its effectiveness.
When could a UK coronavirus vaccine be ready?
The team at Oxford University are hoping to have at least a million doses of the vaccine available by autumn, but need to ensure it can be manufactured at the required pace
Professor Adrian Hill, director of the Jenner Institute at the university, said the team probably has the "most ambitious scale up" programme of all the groups working on a vaccine.
He said: "We're now moving to the point where instead of doing maybe a three litre manufacturing run, we're up to 50 litres will go to 100, 200, maybe even 2000.
"And we're talking to manufacturers who can provide that sort of manufacturing service.
"The aim is to have at least a million doses by around about September, once you know the vaccine efficacy results.
"And then move even faster from there because it's pretty clear the world is going to need hundreds of millions of doses, ideally by the end of this year to end this pandemic, to let us out of lockdown.
"A vaccine is the exit strategy for this pandemic and then we're very likely to need a vaccine in future years because it's unlikely we'll be able to eradicate this virus."
Who would get the vaccine first?
The vaccine would be in limited supply once it is first developed, meaning it will likely be given to priority groups first.
This would most likely include healthcare workers and older people.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Wyre Forest 'worst hit in Worcestershire in first weeks of pandemic'

NEW data on covid-19 related deaths suggests people were dying in Worcestershire earlier than first publicly known .
The figures , which cover the first weeks of the pandemic , have revealed the worst hit areas in Worcestershire to be Wyre Forest and Bromsgrove .
The Office of National Statistics data records weekly deaths from coronavirus , breaking the numbers down into local authority areas , and this first publication includes the total deaths this year up to April 3 .
• Up to that date , there were four deaths at county care homes - two in Bromsgrove , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wychavon .
• Worcester had a death at a hospice and another at a communal establishment .
• There was one death at a home in Wyre Forest .
• And a further two deaths came in Bromsgrove at a setting listed as `` other '' .
In total , up to April 3 , there had been 17 deaths in Bromsgrove ( 13 at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital ) and 17 in Wyre Forest ( 16 of which were at hospitals ) , while Wychavon had 11 , ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Community Hospital and Pershore Community Hospital ) .
Worcester had five deaths to that point ( three in city hospitals that includes Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Worcester City Inpatient Unit ) .
Redditch also had five ( all of them at the Alexandra Hospital ) , while Malvern Hills had three ( two at Malvern Community Hospital ) .
The first death previously known about came on March 23 when Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust provided its first statement that a patient had died of a covid-19 related death at Redditch 's Alexandra Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Statistics figures reveal that prior to that announcement , in the week before March 23 , there had already been three deaths at hospital settings - one at the Princess of Wales in Bromsgrove , one in Wychavon and another in Wyre Forest .
The government told everyone to avoid non essential travel , work from home where possible , and avoid crowded places on March 16 , while a week later , March 23 , the stricter lockdown measures were introduced .
Peter Pinfield , the chairman of Healthwatch - the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` People have relatives , carers , we all have been impacted by this .
At the very least the government should be honest and upfront .
`` Until now I do n't think we have been getting the true picture , you need to get down to the detail .
“ We at Healthwatch have been watching with alarm the steady increase in the hospital numbers .
“ If we hadn ’ t of stopped at home , I shudder to think what the numbers would have been now .
”

The figures, which cover the first weeks of the pandemic, have revealed the worst hit areas in Worcestershire to be Wyre Forest and Bromsgrove.
The Office of National Statistics data records weekly deaths from coronavirus, breaking the numbers down into local authority areas, and this first publication includes the total deaths this year up to April 3.
Key points from the data include:
• Up to that date, there were four deaths at care homes - two from Bromsgrove, one from Malvern Hills, and one from Wychavon.
• Worcester had a death at a hospice and another at a communal establishment.
• There was one Wyre Forest death at home.
• And a further two deaths came from Bromsgrove at a setting listed as "other".
In total, up to April 3, there had been 17 deaths from Bromsgrove (13 at hospital) and 17 from Wyre Forest (16 of which were at hospital), while Wychavon had 11, (10 in hospital).
Worcester had five deaths to that point (three hospital). Redditch also had five (all of them at hospital), while Malvern Hills had three (two at hospital).
The first death previously known about came on March 23 when Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust provided its first statement that a patient had died of a covid-19 related death at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital.
But the new Office of National Statistics figures reveal that prior to that announcement, in the week before March 23, there had already been three deaths at hospital settings - one from Bromsgrove, one from Wychavon and another from Wyre Forest.
The Office of National Statistics lists the areas as "places of death", but Worcestershire hospitals trust has confirmed they relate to deaths of residents from the specified areas.
The government told everyone to avoid non essential travel, work from home where possible, and avoid crowded places on March 16, while a week later, March 23, the stricter lockdown measures were introduced.
Peter Pinfield, the chairman of Healthwatch - the body that represents patients in Worcestershire - said: "People have relatives, carers, we all have been impacted by this. At the very least the government should be honest and upfront.
"Until now I don't think we have been getting the true picture, you need to get down to the detail.
“We at Healthwatch have been watching with alarm the steady increase in the hospital numbers.
“If we hadn’t of stopped at home, I shudder to think what the numbers would have been now.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Stourport celebrant helps couple tie knot via Zoom

A CELEBRANT from Stourport is encouraging couples whose big days have been halted by the coronavirus outbreak to consider a virtual `` temporary '' wedding .
Qualified wedding celebrant Alison Broome hosted a Celtic-inspired handfasting ceremony for her niece Alice and partner Rob after the wedding they had spent months planning was cancelled due to the pandemic .
Family members tuned in online via Zoom to watch the happy couple quite literally tie the knot using their wedding rings and a piece of ribbon , cut the cake , hear a speech from the father of the bride and finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groom .
Alison told The Shuttle : `` My niece was supposed to be getting married on that day and I listened to her as they had to cancel their honeymoon and then everything else and I started thinking what I could do to help .
`` I suggested to her - rather than her and her husband-to-be having a really grim day and just sitting down to have a drink and a cry , why do n't we turn it into something special ?
`` She got in touch with family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a traditional handfasting ceremony , which is basically a temporary wedding .
`` It would bind a couple together for a year and a day and if it did n't work out , they would then go their separate ways , or if it did , they would have their marriage ratified by the Church .
`` Because I 'm not a registrar , I ca n't legally marry them , but it all fitted in with this idea of a temporary standby marriage .
`` Obviously I could n't be there to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to do it themselves , which was an interesting experience .
`` They tied their rings into the knots so when they do get married - which may very well be in a year and a day - they can untie that knot and release their rings .
`` They made a promise to each other instead of saying their wedding vows , and she wore the dress she was going to wear on the evening of the wedding .
`` All of the guests were instructed to have glass of something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Everyone watching unmuted their microphones and blessed the engagement and gave their good wishes and my niece made a cake to cut in front of everyone .
`` Her father raised a toast and we all cheered .
It was a really special day . ''
Bride-to-be Alice , who lives in Cheltenham , said of the ceremony : `` It was beautifully written , personal , emotional and just completely perfect .
`` It took away all the negative emotions we were feeling about not being able to get married @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the positive feelings of a wedding day were all there .
`` It ’ s definitely an occasion we ’ ll remember for the rest of our lives ! ''
Alison , who is also a certified funeral director , is urging more families affected by the pandemic to explore innovative ways of celebrating love , and even honouring the dead .
She added : `` Because of coronavirus , many families may not have had the chance to say goodbye and may not have been able to go to the hospital or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A funeral should try to help fill this vacuum by providing a tangible way of saying farewell , and usually arranging this is a first step in the grieving process .
This can still take place , but digitally . ''
While funerals are being limited to just a few mourners due to social distancing rules , Alison is offering a virtual funeral service , which would be held via Zoom or Skype and involve a photograph of the deceased being displayed in place of the coffin .
`` The service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends and families are invited to be part of the call , and symbolic actions can replace the committal , '' she said .
`` After that , I leave the meeting , allowing family and friends to raise a glass in honour of the deceased .
`` At a later date , when we are no longer in lockdown , all family members and friends can meet up for a more robust and healing celebration of the life of the deceased , and then the options are endless . ''
For more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit daisycelebrations.me .

Qualified wedding celebrant Alison Broome hosted a Celtic-inspired handfasting ceremony for her niece Alice and partner Rob after the wedding they had spent months planning was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Family members tuned in online via Zoom to watch the happy couple quite literally tie the knot using their wedding rings and a piece of ribbon, cut the cake, hear a speech from the father of the bride and finally raise a toast to the bride and groom.
Alison told The Shuttle: "My niece was supposed to be getting married on that day and I listened to her as they had to cancel their honeymoon and then everything else and I started thinking what I could do to help.
"I suggested to her - rather than her and her husband-to-be having a really grim day and just sitting down to have a drink and a cry, why don't we turn it into something special?
"She got in touch with family members and I taught them how to do a traditional handfasting ceremony, which is basically a temporary wedding.
"It would bind a couple together for a year and a day and if it didn't work out, they would then go their separate ways, or if it did, they would have their marriage ratified by the Church.
"Because I'm not a registrar, I can't legally marry them, but it all fitted in with this idea of a temporary standby marriage.
"Obviously I couldn't be there to tie them together so I taught them how to do it themselves, which was an interesting experience.
"They tied their rings into the knots so when they do get married - which may very well be in a year and a day - they can untie that knot and release their rings.
"They made a promise to each other instead of saying their wedding vows, and she wore the dress she was going to wear on the evening of the wedding.
"All of the guests were instructed to have glass of something with us and they tied the knot.
"Everyone watching unmuted their microphones and blessed the engagement and gave their good wishes and my niece made a cake to cut in front of everyone.
"Her father raised a toast and we all cheered. It was a really special day."
Bride-to-be Alice, who lives in Cheltenham, said of the ceremony: "It was beautifully written, personal, emotional and just completely perfect.
"It took away all the negative emotions we were feeling about not being able to get married that day due to the coronavirus - the positive feelings of a wedding day were all there.
"It’s definitely an occasion we’ll remember for the rest of our lives!"
Alison, who is also a certified funeral director, is urging more families affected by the pandemic to explore innovative ways of celebrating love, and even honouring the dead.
She added: "Because of coronavirus, many families may not have had the chance to say goodbye and may not have been able to go to the hospital or care home where their loved one was.
"A funeral should try to help fill this vacuum by providing a tangible way of saying farewell, and usually arranging this is a first step in the grieving process. This can still take place, but digitally."
Stourport wedding celebrant and funeral director Alison Broome
While funerals are being limited to just a few mourners due to social distancing rules, Alison is offering a virtual funeral service, which would be held via Zoom or Skype and involve a photograph of the deceased being displayed in place of the coffin.
"The service takes place at a specified time, friends and families are invited to be part of the call, and symbolic actions can replace the committal," she said. "After that, I leave the meeting, allowing family and friends to raise a glass in honour of the deceased.
"At a later date, when we are no longer in lockdown, all family members and friends can meet up for a more robust and healing celebration of the life of the deceased, and then the options are endless."
For more information on Alison's virtual ceremonies, visit daisycelebrations.me.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Scam alert issued for fake emails pretending to be from HMRC - here's how to spot them

A scam alert has been issued over fake emails pretending to be from HMRC and the government .
The email phishing scam is using the coronavirus pandemic to con people out of hundreds of pounds - Action Fraud has confirmed .
Fraudsters have sent at least 23 fake emails which claim to be from HMRC and several more pretending to be from the official government website .
The emails claim to help those who are struggling financially due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures .
What do the false HRMC emails say ?
The emails , claiming to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is eligible for a tax refund of up to £775.80 .
It goes on to claim that this money can be accessed once the recipient has replied to the email attaching proof of their identity , such as a copy of their passport or a recent utility bill , along with their home address .
Such emails were sent between Saturday , April 11 and Tuesday , April 14 , according to the fraud reporting agency , Action Fraud .
What do the false gov.uk emails say ?
Other emails mimicking communications from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were sent between Wednesday , April 8 and Thursday , April 16 .
The emails claimed the recipient could receive a reduction to and a refund for their council tax payments .
The email also contained a link to a webpage which claimed to process the supposed refund by a bank transfer , once the individual had entered their personal bank details .
How can I avoid these types of phishing scams ?
Do not open any emails or text messages which you are not expecting to receive - especially those claiming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give you a refund or offering you reduced tax rates .
If you do open these by accident , you should not click on any attachments or web links inside such emails .
To be sure the information in the email is genuine , you should research the topic on the official government website - www.gov.uk - by searching for it in your web browser .
Alternatively , you can visit the government ’ s dedicated webpage for further advice on how to avoid these phishing scams .
What other scams should I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come after several fake government texts circulated at the end of March , following official government texts , which were sent to the nation to confirm the government ’ s lockdown measures .
These texts claimed to issue fines of £250 to their recipients , for leaving the house too frequently during lockdown .
Action Fraud has said it has received a number of reports about similar scam communications from government bodies , covering a range of topics such as universal credit and one-off payments of `` COVID relief '' .
What should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoax ?
If you think you have been a victim of this scam , you can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting their website .
Those living in Scotland can report a fraud directly to Police Scotland , by calling 101 .
What is being done to stop these scams ?
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson said : “ Working closely with the banks and mobile phone companies , we are successfully cracking down on the criminals using the COVID-19 outbreak to defraud vulnerable members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear message to those callously seeking to exploit this national crisis to commit fraud : we will track you down and bring you to justice .
”

The email phishing scam is using the coronavirus pandemic to con people out of hundreds of pounds - Action Fraud has confirmed.
Fraudsters have sent at least 23 fake emails which claim to be from HMRC and several more pretending to be from the official government website.
The emails claim to help those who are struggling financially due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown measures.
What do the false HRMC emails say?
The emails, claiming to be from HMRC, state that the recipient is eligible for a tax refund of up to £775.80.
It goes on to claim that this money can be accessed once the recipient has replied to the email attaching proof of their identity, such as a copy of their passport or a recent utility bill, along with their home address.
Such emails were sent between Saturday, April 11 and Tuesday, April 14, according to the fraud reporting agency, Action Fraud.
What do the false gov.uk emails say?
Other emails mimicking communications from the official government website, www.gov.uk, were sent between Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 16.
The emails claimed the recipient could receive a reduction to and a refund for their council tax payments.
The email also contained a link to a webpage which claimed to process the supposed refund by a bank transfer, once the individual had entered their personal bank details.
How can I avoid these types of phishing scams?
Do not open any emails or text messages which you are not expecting to receive - especially those claiming to be from government bodies - claiming to give you a refund or offering you reduced tax rates.
If you do open these by accident, you should not click on any attachments or web links inside such emails.
To be sure the information in the email is genuine, you should research the topic on the official government website - www.gov.uk - by searching for it in your web browser.
Alternatively, you can visit the government’s dedicated webpage for further advice on how to avoid these phishing scams.
What other scams should I be wary of?
The scam emails come after several fake government texts circulated at the end of March, following official government texts, which were sent to the nation to confirm the government’s lockdown measures.
These texts claimed to issue fines of £250 to their recipients, for leaving the house too frequently during lockdown.
Action Fraud has said it has received a number of reports about similar scam communications from government bodies, covering a range of topics such as universal credit and one-off payments of "COVID relief".
What should I do if I fell for the hoax?
If you think you have been a victim of this scam, you can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting their website.
Those living in Scotland can report a fraud directly to Police Scotland, by calling 101.
What is being done to stop these scams?
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson said: “Working closely with the banks and mobile phone companies, we are successfully cracking down on the criminals using the COVID-19 outbreak to defraud vulnerable members of the public.
“This sends a clear message to those callously seeking to exploit this national crisis to commit fraud: we will track you down and bring you to justice.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Kidderminster man who 'breathed on police' charged

A 48-YEAR-OLD man from Kidderminster who allegedly breathed on police officers and told them he had coronavirus has been charged @ @ @ @ @ Jason Baker purposefully and forcibly breathed into two police officer 's faces after telling them @ @ @ @ @ Baker has been charged with two counts of common assault of an emergency worker following @ @ @ @ @ been arrested on suspicion of assault when the incident happened and he has also been @ @ @ @ @ .
Baker appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates ' Court on Tuesday morning ( April 21 ) @ @ @ @ @ into custody .
He is set to appear in front of magistrates again on April @ @ @ @ @ Crown Court in May .
Last month , West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John @ @ @ @ @ cough attacks '' and threats against frontline emergency workers would not be tolerated .

Police say Jason Baker purposefully and forcibly breathed into two police officer's faces after telling them he had contracted covid-19.
Baker has been charged with two counts of common assault of an emergency worker following the incident.
He had been arrested on suspicion of assault when the incident happened and he has also been charged with this initial crime.
Baker appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning (April 21), where he was remanded into custody.
He is set to appear in front of magistrates again on April 28 and then at Worcester Crown Court in May.
Last month, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said that coronavirus "cough attacks" and threats against frontline emergency workers would not be tolerated.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Kidderminster woman's NHS superhero mugs raise funds for hospital

A CRAFTSPERSON from Kidderminster has designed a range of NHS superhero mugs to raise money for the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bromsgrove .
Mandy Bonner , who usually sells at craft fairs up and down the country , created the mugs from drawings her niece Rhianna created of hospital staff wearing superhero capes .
More than 90 mugs have already been sold to schools , hospital wards and individuals , raising £225 for the cottage ward at the Princess of Wales Hospital .
Mandy said : `` I do craft shows around country but they have been cancelled due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emma , who is a nurse at Bromsgrove hospital , drew a rainbow to put in her window and my niece drew a nurse and they asked if I could put them on a mug .
`` I had the idea of selling the mugs and putting money from every sale to an NHS fund .
`` Because Emma works at the Princess of Wales , we decided to spend the money on something for that hospital - we 're just waiting to hear back from the ward sister about what they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the dialysis unit at Kidderminster Hospital and Berrington Court retirement living development .
The mugs cost £7.99 each , with £2 from every sale going to the Bromsgrove hospital .
Search Mandy Bonner Photography on Facebook for more information or to place an order .

Mandy Bonner, who usually sells at craft fairs up and down the country, created the mugs from drawings her niece Rhianna created of hospital staff wearing superhero capes.
More than 90 mugs have already been sold to schools, hospital wards and individuals, raising £225 for the cottage ward at the Princess of Wales Hospital.
Mandy said: "I do craft shows around country but they have been cancelled due to coronavirus.
"Then my sister Emma, who is a nurse at Bromsgrove hospital, drew a rainbow to put in her window and my niece drew a nurse and they asked if I could put them on a mug.
"I had the idea of selling the mugs and putting money from every sale to an NHS fund.
"Because Emma works at the Princess of Wales, we decided to spend the money on something for that hospital - we're just waiting to hear back from the ward sister about what they need."
Orders have so far gone to the dialysis unit at Kidderminster Hospital and Berrington Court retirement living development.
The mugs cost £7.99 each, with £2 from every sale going to the Bromsgrove hospital.
Search Mandy Bonner Photography on Facebook for more information or to place an order.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Mark Garnier: Worcestershire NHS 'prepared for coronavirus surge'

WITH the lockdown continuing for another three weeks , there are more and more questions being asked of the Government .
It is right that the Government is held to account and Parliament meets again this week under a virtual , online system .
Ministers will answer questions , select committees will meet , and the process of scrutiny will pass from the press to MPs .
This is a good thing .
The continued questioning by the press about Cobra meetings is a case in point .
Cobra is a venue , not a type of meeting .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is a secure meeting room that hosts all sorts of meetings , chaired by all sorts of ministers .
It is not usual for the prime minister to chair meetings in Cobra , irrespective of what the press say ( and they know this ) .
But other questions are incredibly important and some of what the press picks up on needs further digging .
Indeed , as MPs in Worcestershire , we are being regularly briefed on local issues and it is our job to make sure our local crisis management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is working .
Our local NHS is well prepared .
It is an extraordinary fact that there around around 700 empty beds across the county in our acute and community hospitals .
This is to ensure that we have the best possible resilience in case we see a huge surge in covid-19 , and to free up pressures on staff , reduced by around a quarter due to regular sickness and self-isolation .
This has been achieved by cancelling routine procedures and making sure patients have been able to leave hospital on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This will , of course , put pressure on our future NHS resources as cancelled operations need to be delivered .
PPE is still a problem .
Although we have not run out , supplies are coming at a rate that leaves us with just a few days ’ reserve .
That is not ideal and we continue to press for more .
Meanwhile , we have a central testing facility at the Worcester Warriors ground on the M5 , available for all key workers ( including NHS workers ) .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am profoundly worried about , but I get the sense that there is both an acceptance by the government that it gets things wrong , and a willingness to put things right .
We will learn an awful lot of lessons from all this .

It is right that the Government is held to account and Parliament meets again this week under a virtual, online system.
Ministers will answer questions, select committees will meet, and the process of scrutiny will pass from the press to MPs.
This is a good thing. The continued questioning by the press about Cobra meetings is a case in point.
Cobra is a venue, not a type of meeting. The Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (COBRA) is a secure meeting room that hosts all sorts of meetings, chaired by all sorts of ministers.
It is not usual for the prime minister to chair meetings in Cobra, irrespective of what the press say (and they know this).
But other questions are incredibly important and some of what the press picks up on needs further digging.
Indeed, as MPs in Worcestershire, we are being regularly briefed on local issues and it is our job to make sure our local crisis management is being properly supported from government, and is working.
Our local NHS is well prepared. It is an extraordinary fact that there around around 700 empty beds across the county in our acute and community hospitals.
This is to ensure that we have the best possible resilience in case we see a huge surge in covid-19, and to free up pressures on staff, reduced by around a quarter due to regular sickness and self-isolation.
This has been achieved by cancelling routine procedures and making sure patients have been able to leave hospital on time, fully supported in the community.
This will, of course, put pressure on our future NHS resources as cancelled operations need to be delivered.
PPE is still a problem. Although we have not run out, supplies are coming at a rate that leaves us with just a few days’ reserve. That is not ideal and we continue to press for more.
Meanwhile, we have a central testing facility at the Worcester Warriors ground on the M5, available for all key workers (including NHS workers).
There are all sorts of areas that I am profoundly worried about, but I get the sense that there is both an acceptance by the government that it gets things wrong, and a willingness to put things right.
We will learn an awful lot of lessons from all this.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Five more Covid-19 deaths in Worcestershire hospitals

THE number of deaths in Worcestershire hospitals has risen by five according to the latest figures .
Five new deaths @ @ @ @ @ England .
The public body has announced four of the deaths happened at Worcestershire Acute @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours up to 5pm April 20 .
One more death was reported by Worcestershire @ @ @ @ @ during the same period .
It means the total is up to 165 in the @ @ @ @ @ reported yesterday .
The latest figures relate to deaths announced for that day - not @ @ @ @ @ on the same day .
The public body also announced a further 778 people , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus have died , bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in @ @ @ @ @ were aged between 22 and 103 years old .
24 of the 778 patients ( @ @ @ @ @ years old ) had no known underlying health condition .

Five new deaths have been announced by NHS England.
The public body has announced four of the deaths happened at Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust hospitals in the 24 hours up to 5pm April 20.
One more death was reported by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust during the same period.
It means the total is up to 165 in the county, from the 160 reported yesterday.
The latest figures relate to deaths announced for that day - not that the deaths all happened on the same day.
The public body also announced a further 778 people, who tested positive for the coronavirus have died, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in hospitals in England to 15,607.
Patients were aged between 22 and 103 years old. 24 of the 778 patients (aged between 49 and 91 years old) had no known underlying health condition.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Map shows lockdown breach hotspots in Worcestershire

MORE people in Bromsgrove are flouting lockdown rules than in Wyre Forest , latest survey data suggests .
More than 26,700 Evergreen Health users – an app that partners with the NHS so people can access health records and input fitness and wellbeing data – responded to a survey on how they were approaching the lockdown .
As of Monday , April 20 , 13 per cent of survey respondents from Bromsgrove said they are not staying indoors , despite the government ’ s lockdown laws .
In Worcester , seven percent of respondents were not staying indoors .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent .
Malvern and Shropshire had the least amount of people going outside with five percent of respondents admitting they are not staying in .
The heat map also measures how many households are showing symptoms of the virus in the area .
Eleven per cent of Wyre Forest households who took part in the survey said they have someone with symptoms in the house .
This compares to 14 per cent in Telford and Bromsgrove and just six per cent in Herefordshire .
The data , which is anonymous , is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the universities of Liverpool and Manchester .
It is hoped it will help them analyse the progress of the pandemic .
Writing on the app ’ s website , chief executive Stephen Critchclow , said : `` Thanks to Evergreen Life community of users who have helped to create a , publicly-available heat map of people with COVID-19 symptoms , providing a national picture of the outbreak now that mass testing has been put on hold .
`` Viewed over time , the data will reveal both the extent of the symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving around the UK . ''

More than 26,700 Evergreen Health users – an app that partners with the NHS so people can access health records and input fitness and wellbeing data – responded to a survey on how they were approaching the lockdown.
As of Monday, April 20, 13 per cent of survey respondents from Bromsgrove said they are not staying indoors, despite the government’s lockdown laws.
In Worcester, seven percent of respondents were not staying indoors. In Wyre Forest, it was six per cent.
Malvern and Shropshire had the least amount of people going outside with five percent of respondents admitting they are not staying in.
The heat map also measures how many households are showing symptoms of the virus in the area.
Eleven per cent of Wyre Forest households who took part in the survey said they have someone with symptoms in the house. This compares to 14 per cent in Telford and Bromsgrove and just six per cent in Herefordshire.
The data, which is anonymous, is being shared with the NHS and data scientists at the universities of Liverpool and Manchester.
It is hoped it will help them analyse the progress of the pandemic.
Writing on the app’s website, chief executive Stephen Critchclow, said: "Thanks to Evergreen Life community of users who have helped to create a, publicly-available heat map of people with COVID-19 symptoms, providing a national picture of the outbreak now that mass testing has been put on hold.
"Viewed over time, the data will reveal both the extent of the symptoms, but also how they may be moving around the UK."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Morrisons create Ramadan food boxes for delivery - full details on what’s inside them

Morrisons have created a new 'Ramadan Food Box ' including a number core staples for those observing the holy month .
Ramadan is set to begin on Thursday , April 23 , and the food box which contains traditional items to be delivered direct to customers ’ doorsteps during the coronavirus pandemic .
The new ‘ Ramadan Food Box ’ will be available throughout the month of religious observation .
Here ’ s everything you need to know about the new Ramadan food box .
How much do the food boxes cost ?
How long do they take to arrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered the next day by DPD .
Noor Ali , Morrisons World Foods Senior Buying Manager , said : “ This box contains many of the products that will see Muslims through Ramadan .
“ Our food boxes are a lifeline for many customers at this very difficult time and are providing essential food to people that either can not leave their home or struggle to reach the supermarket.
” However , the Morrisons website notes : “ Due to exceptional demand , we can not guarantee the content of boxes and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredient lists and other product information online at this time.
” Each box will contain packaged items with individual labels that provide this information , but the supermarket adds : “ Please make sure you read these labels carefully to understand what allergens or ingredients are present in each product .
“ If you need to avoid specific allergens or ingredients , we can not ensure that the products in the box will be suitable for you .
”

Ramadan is set to begin on Thursday, April 23, and the food box which contains traditional items to be delivered direct to customers’ doorsteps during the coronavirus pandemic.
The new ‘Ramadan Food Box’ will be available throughout the month of religious observation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Ramadan food box.
What’s included in the box?
A typical box may include:
400g pack Madina Mixed Dates
750g Jar Indus Ginger & Garlic Paste
500g pack Shalimar Raw Almonds
1kg KTC Hot & Spicy Chicken Fry Mix
80g pack Rajah Chicken Masala
80g pack Rajah Chaat Masala
1 litre Rubicon Mango Juice Drink
1 litre Laila Piri Piri Sauce
4 pack Medium Onions
1kg bag Baby New Potatoes
1kg pot Lancashire Farm Natural Bio Yogurt
650g pack Shazans Select Chicken Breast Fillets
1.6kg - 2kg pack Shazans Select Peri Peri Chicken Platter
2 packs Morrisons 6 Stonebaked White Pitta
1 pack Morrisons 6 Stonebaked Wholemeal Pitta
How much do the food boxes cost?
The Ramadan food boxes cost £35 each.
How long do they take to arrive?
After ordering, the boxes are delivered the next day by DPD.
Noor Ali, Morrisons World Foods Senior Buying Manager, said: “This box contains many of the products that will see Muslims through Ramadan.
“Our food boxes are a lifeline for many customers at this very difficult time and are providing essential food to people that either cannot leave their home or struggle to reach the supermarket.”
Allergy information
However, the Morrisons website notes: “Due to exceptional demand, we cannot guarantee the content of boxes and are therefore unable to provide allergen advice, ingredient lists and other product information online at this time.”
Each box will contain packaged items with individual labels that provide this information, but the supermarket adds: “Please make sure you read these labels carefully to understand what allergens or ingredients are present in each product.
“If you need to avoid specific allergens or ingredients, we cannot ensure that the products in the box will be suitable for you.”


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Worcestershire and national news

Get involved with the news in your community

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--Kidderminster school delivers meals after voucher 'fiasco'

SCHOOL staff have been delivering emergency food parcels to Kidderminster families after the government ’ s plan to provide free meal vouchers fell into disarray .
Baxter College principal Matthew Carpenter was forced to take action after two weeks of battling with the national system to feed children eligible for free meals , which the school has dubbed a “ fiasco ” .
Prior to Easter , schools found their own suppliers of the £15-a-week vouchers which eligible families could spend in supermarkets , but then the Department for Education stepped in with a national voucher scheme through French-owned Edenred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department for Education to the company , described as a “ leading distributor ” of meal vouchers , which reported profits of £270 million last year .
But despite a major upgrade of its website over the bank holiday weekend , Mr Carpenter said the system was still plagued by errors and was letting down families , leaving some of the region 's poorest children to go hungry .
He said : “ The government made a great offer to extend free school meal vouchers during the Easter holidays , but shot itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run the scheme nationally , which simply doesn ’ t have the capacity .
“ The system is slow , clunky and not designed to support families .
I was 128,000th in the queue when I went to their website to print vouchers for parents .
“ We have spent days trying to sort this out .
I even contacted our MP Mark Garnier , who has lobbied the DfE on our behalf and came out to help our staff deliver the parcels , along with his wife Caroline , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d already sent a food parcel to a family who had no money and an empty fridge and we couldn ’ t let such problems escalate , so we delivered to 30 families on Tuesday.
” Mr Carpenter said the school had applied immediately as the scheme was announced , but had still faced delays in obtaining the required e-codes needed to process the vouchers .
The school ’ s Facebook page has been inundated with messages from anxious parents who had not received their vouchers and Mr Carpenter said Edenred ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Baxter families .
He added that government guidance as to whether schools could claim the money back if they reverted to their local voucher supplier was “ at best ambiguous ” .
Baxter College delivered food parcels to all 180 free school meal students in the first week of the general schools ’ closure but moved to the vouchers for logistic reasons .
There are an estimated 1.3m children who receive free school meals in England and it is estimated that Edenred may have up to 16m vouchers to process .
Baxter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Educational Trust and chief executive Chris King said : “ All our schools are experiencing similar problems and it ’ s our families who are suffering and staff who are taking the stress .
“ I think the due diligence carried out before awarding this contract leaves some important questions unanswered .
“ The system we were using worked fine , which makes this predicament even more frustrating .
`` We are pressing the DfE to include other suppliers , such as the one we were using , in the central funding but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same as it 's been for the last two weeks - they are aware of the issues and the system will be better next week .
Mr Garnier , MP for Wyre Forest , said : “ I am very concerned by what I have heard from Baxter head Matthew Carpenter about the significant problems with food vouchers for those in need .
“ When a crisis strikes , it is inevitable that things take a bit of time to settle down , and that is why I have been in contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , feeding a family is not something that can wait and that is why I wanted to help get food parcels out to those who need them , and to see for myself what my constituents are facing in these extraordinary times . ''

Baxter College principal Matthew Carpenter was forced to take action after two weeks of battling with the national system to feed children eligible for free meals, which the school has dubbed a “fiasco”.
Prior to Easter, schools found their own suppliers of the £15-a-week vouchers which eligible families could spend in supermarkets, but then the Department for Education stepped in with a national voucher scheme through French-owned Edenred.
Payments are made centrally from the Department for Education to the company, described as a “leading distributor” of meal vouchers, which reported profits of £270 million last year.
But despite a major upgrade of its website over the bank holiday weekend, Mr Carpenter said the system was still plagued by errors and was letting down families, leaving some of the region's poorest children to go hungry.
He said: “The government made a great offer to extend free school meal vouchers during the Easter holidays, but shot itself in the foot by contracting a company to run the scheme nationally, which simply doesn’t have the capacity.
“The system is slow, clunky and not designed to support families. I was 128,000th in the queue when I went to their website to print vouchers for parents.
“We have spent days trying to sort this out. I even contacted our MP Mark Garnier, who has lobbied the DfE on our behalf and came out to help our staff deliver the parcels, along with his wife Caroline, which was a big help.
“We’d already sent a food parcel to a family who had no money and an empty fridge and we couldn’t let such problems escalate, so we delivered to 30 families on Tuesday.”
Mr Carpenter said the school had applied immediately as the scheme was announced, but had still faced delays in obtaining the required e-codes needed to process the vouchers.
The school’s Facebook page has been inundated with messages from anxious parents who had not received their vouchers and Mr Carpenter said Edenred’s support team have not replied to emails from Baxter families.
He added that government guidance as to whether schools could claim the money back if they reverted to their local voucher supplier was “at best ambiguous”.
Baxter College delivered food parcels to all 180 free school meal students in the first week of the general schools’ closure but moved to the vouchers for logistic reasons.
There are an estimated 1.3m children who receive free school meals in England and it is estimated that Edenred may have up to 16m vouchers to process.
Baxter College is part of the Severn Academies Educational Trust and chief executive Chris King said: “All our schools are experiencing similar problems and it’s our families who are suffering and staff who are taking the stress.
“I think the due diligence carried out before awarding this contract leaves some important questions unanswered.
“The system we were using worked fine, which makes this predicament even more frustrating.
"We are pressing the DfE to include other suppliers, such as the one we were using, in the central funding but the response at the moment is the same as it's been for the last two weeks - they are aware of the issues and the system will be better next week.
"We live in hope.”
Mr Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest, said: “I am very concerned by what I have heard from Baxter head Matthew Carpenter about the significant problems with food vouchers for those in need.
“When a crisis strikes, it is inevitable that things take a bit of time to settle down, and that is why I have been in contact with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
“But, feeding a family is not something that can wait and that is why I wanted to help get food parcels out to those who need them, and to see for myself what my constituents are facing in these extraordinary times."


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--Kidderminster head who beat coronavirus to run marathon in garage

A HEADTEACHER from Kidderminster is preparing to run a marathon on a treadmill in his garage after recovering from coronavirus .
Paul Hyde , who lives in Spennells , was set to take part in the London Marathon this Sunday , however the event was cancelled due to the pandemic .
But inspired by war veteran Captain Tom Moore , who raised more than £27m by completing 100 laps of his garden , Paul has pledged to complete the 26-mile challenge at home .
The 47-year-old father-of-two , who works as a head teacher in Birmingham , said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my mind that I might do it , but then I saw what Captain Tom has achieved .
The weekend he topped £10m I just thought you know what I ’ m going to do this.
” Paul normally trains with Kidderminster and Stourport Athletics Club and the London event was set to be his 30th marathon .
“ It was my first time qualifying in London as a good for age entry , ” said Paul .
“ I qualified having run three hours and two minutes in Manchester the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under three hours , but I don ’ t think that will happen now.
” Paul ’ s training was put on hold after he came down with coronavirus symptoms before the school closures in March .
He said : “ I ’ m a headteacher myself so I was fairly exposed .
I came down with a temperature at work on the Friday and that continued for about 10 days .
“ A cough started after three or four days and I had to call 111 in the second week due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of breath and couldn ’ t get my breath back .
“ They advised me to stay at home and carry on taking paracetamol .
I wasn ’ t actually tested .
I started to feel better at the end of March.
” Paul is now busy training for his at-home marathon this Sunday , and has already raised £850 for NHS Charities Together .
• Smashed window at Kidderminster pub boarded up with NHS tribute He said : “ I haven ’ t been able to train outdoors because I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk the dog , so I ’ ve been getting back into the treadmill .
My neighbours must wonder what ’ s going on .
“ If I can complete it in under three hours and 15 minutes then great , but I ’ ll just be glad to finish at all if I ’ m honest .
I ’ m still not back to absolute top fitness .
“ Running a marathon on a treadmill , there are a lot of challenges – obviously there ’ s the boredom factor , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything is the temperature because there ’ s no air flow in there .
“ I ’ ll have at least a couple of fans going and will get up quite early to do it before it gets warm.
” To donate to Paul 's fundraising page , go to justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-hyde15 .

Paul Hyde, who lives in Spennells, was set to take part in the London Marathon this Sunday, however the event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
But inspired by war veteran Captain Tom Moore, who raised more than £27m by completing 100 laps of his garden, Paul has pledged to complete the 26-mile challenge at home.
The 47-year-old father-of-two, who works as a head teacher in Birmingham, said: “I already had it in the back of my mind that I might do it, but then I saw what Captain Tom has achieved. The weekend he topped £10m I just thought you know what I’m going to do this.”
Paul normally trains with Kidderminster and Stourport Athletics Club and the London event was set to be his 30th marathon.
“It was my first time qualifying in London as a good for age entry,” said Paul. “I qualified having run three hours and two minutes in Manchester the year before. I was aiming to get under three hours, but I don’t think that will happen now.”
Paul’s training was put on hold after he came down with coronavirus symptoms before the school closures in March.
He said: “I’m a headteacher myself so I was fairly exposed. I came down with a temperature at work on the Friday and that continued for about 10 days.
“A cough started after three or four days and I had to call 111 in the second week due to breathing problems – I was totally short of breath and couldn’t get my breath back.
“They advised me to stay at home and carry on taking paracetamol. I wasn’t actually tested. I started to feel better at the end of March.”
Paul is now busy training for his at-home marathon this Sunday, and has already raised £850 for NHS Charities Together.
He said: “I haven’t been able to train outdoors because I have to save my one outing a day to walk the dog, so I’ve been getting back into the treadmill. My neighbours must wonder what’s going on.
“If I can complete it in under three hours and 15 minutes then great, but I’ll just be glad to finish at all if I’m honest. I’m still not back to absolute top fitness.
“Running a marathon on a treadmill, there are a lot of challenges – obviously there’s the boredom factor, and one I’m noticing more than anything is the temperature because there’s no air flow in there.
“I’ll have at least a couple of fans going and will get up quite early to do it before it gets warm.”
To donate to Paul's fundraising page, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-hyde15.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--NHS and social care workers can get emergency home repairs for FREE - here's how

NHS and social care workers who need emergency home repairs will be able to get them for FREE - a utility company has announced .
HomeServe , the home repairs and improvements business , has launched the special offer to thank those at the frontline of the Covid-19 response .
Free emergency repairs including plumbing , drainage and heating will be provided by HomeServe ’ s network of trusted and qualified engineers , typically the same day .
What have HomeServe said ?
Richard Harpin , founder and CEO of HomeServe , said : “ All of our NHS and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dedication in their response to the coronavirus crisis .
“ During these trying times , a home emergency could become an additional source of disruption and anxiety when it ’ s needed the least.
” By taking away the stress and disruption caused by an unexpected home emergency , HomeServe is doing what it can to help NHS and Social Care workers focus on the crucial work they are doing to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
It is hoped the £1 million fund will cover the cost of up to 10,000 emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ Everyone at HomeServe wants to do their bit to ensure that NHS and Social Care workers have working plumbing and hot water at home at the end of an exhausting shift , whether they are HomeServe customers or not .
“ We hope that by offering them free emergency repairs , we can show how grateful we are at this time of intense difficulty .
While you look after us , we ’ ll look after your homes.
” How can NHS and social care workers get home repairs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can contact HomeServe for a free emergency repair on 0330 0247 222 or via homeserve.com

HomeServe, the home repairs and improvements business, has launched the special offer to thank those at the frontline of the Covid-19 response.
Free emergency repairs including plumbing, drainage and heating will be provided by HomeServe’s network of trusted and qualified engineers, typically the same day.
What have HomeServe said?
Richard Harpin, founder and CEO of HomeServe, said: “All of our NHS and Social Care workers have shown enormous bravery and dedication in their response to the coronavirus crisis.
“During these trying times, a home emergency could become an additional source of disruption and anxiety when it’s needed the least.”
By taking away the stress and disruption caused by an unexpected home emergency, HomeServe is doing what it can to help NHS and Social Care workers focus on the crucial work they are doing to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
It is hoped the £1 million fund will cover the cost of up to 10,000 emergency repairs across the UK.
Richard Harpin added: “Everyone at HomeServe wants to do their bit to ensure that NHS and Social Care workers have working plumbing and hot water at home at the end of an exhausting shift, whether they are HomeServe customers or not.
“We hope that by offering them free emergency repairs, we can show how grateful we are at this time of intense difficulty. While you look after us, we’ll look after your homes.”
How can NHS and social care workers get home repairs for free?
NHS and Social Care workers can contact HomeServe for a free emergency repair on 0330 0247 222 or via homeserve.com


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--Ikea reveals DIY recipe to make its iconic Swedish meatballs at home

Ikea has published a do-it-yourself guide to make its iconic Swedish meatballs at home .
The furniture retailer have revealed their secret recipe for foodie fans to create during lockdown .
The recipe has been presented in the form of a typical Ikea manual - which instructs readers through six preparation of the dish - made of ground beef and pork and served in cream sauce .
DIY : Ikea has published the recipe to make its iconic Swedish meatballs and cream sauce at home .
Picture : Ikea What have Ikea said ?
Lauren Lourido , the country food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` We know that some people might be missing our meatballs , which is why we 've released an at-home alternative which , using easily accessible ingredients , will help those looking for some inspiration in the kitchen .
`` Staying at home can be hard , but we want to help make everyone 's lives that little bit easier and more enjoyable .
`` Bon appétit or , smaklig måltid , as we say in Sweden ! ''
How to make the Swedish Meatballs : 1 .
Meatballs : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mix with your fingers to break up any lumps .
Add finely chopped onion , garlic , breadcrumbs egg and mix .
Add milk and season well with salt and pepper .
2 .
Shape mixture into small , round balls .
Place on a clean plate , cover and store in the fridge for two hours ( this will help them hold their shape whilst cooking ) .
3 .
In a frying pan , heat oil on medium heat .
When hot , gently add meatballs and brown on all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add to an ovenproof dish and cover .
Place in a hot oven ( 180°c conventional or 160°c fan ) and cook for a further 30 minutes .
5 .
Iconic Swedish cream sauce : Melt 40g of butter in a pan .
Whisk in 40g of plain flour and stir for two minutes .
Add 150ml of veg stock and 150ml or beef stock and continue to stir .
Add 150ml double cream , 2 tsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of Djon mustard .
Bring it to simmer and allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to eat , serve with your favourite potatoes – either creamy mash or mini new boiled potatoes – enjoy !

The furniture retailer have revealed their secret recipe for foodie fans to create during lockdown.
The recipe has been presented in the form of a typical Ikea manual - which instructs readers through six preparation of the dish - made of ground beef and pork and served in cream sauce.
DIY: Ikea has published the recipe to make its iconic Swedish meatballs and cream sauce at home. Picture: Ikea
What have Ikea said?
Lauren Lourido, the country food manager of Ikea United Kingdom and Ireland, said: "We know that some people might be missing our meatballs, which is why we've released an at-home alternative which, using easily accessible ingredients, will help those looking for some inspiration in the kitchen.
"Staying at home can be hard, but we want to help make everyone's lives that little bit easier and more enjoyable.
"Bon appétit or, smaklig måltid, as we say in Sweden!"
How to make the Swedish Meatballs:
Ingredients - Meatballs
500g beef mince
250g pork mince
1 onion finely chopped
1 clove of garlic (crushed or minced)
100g breadcrumbs
1 egg
5 tablespoons of milk (whole milk)
generous salt and pepper
Ingredients - Cream sauce
dash of oil
40g butter
40g plain flower
150ml vegetable stock
150ml beef stock
150ml thick double cream
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon Djon mustard
1. Meatballs: Combine beef and pork mince and mince and mix with your fingers to break up any lumps. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs egg and mix. Add milk and season well with salt and pepper.
2. Shape mixture into small, round balls. Place on a clean plate, cover and store in the fridge for two hours (this will help them hold their shape whilst cooking).
3. In a frying pan, heat oil on medium heat. When hot, gently add meatballs and brown on all sides.
4. When browned, add to an ovenproof dish and cover. Place in a hot oven (180°c conventional or 160°c fan) and cook for a further 30 minutes.
5. Iconic Swedish cream sauce: Melt 40g of butter in a pan. Whisk in 40g of plain flour and stir for two minutes. Add 150ml of veg stock and 150ml or beef stock and continue to stir. Add 150ml double cream, 2 tsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of Djon mustard. Bring it to simmer and allow sauce to thicken.
6. When ready to eat, serve with your favourite potatoes – either creamy mash or mini new boiled potatoes – enjoy!


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-21--Coronavirus: Worcestershire and national news


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--Concerns for Kidderminster pub as rent debt piles up in lockdown

A LANDLORD is worried for the future of his Kidderminster pub as rent debt piles up during lockdown .
Colin and Trudy Faulkner , who run the Station Inn in Farfield , have already accrued nearly £3,000 in debt since the pub closures as their owners , Punch Pubs , are deferring rent payments instead of cancelling them .
Colin told The Shuttle : “ We ’ re being invoiced for full rent but it ’ s being deferred so it ’ s all just piling up .
“ My rent is £600 a week and so that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re closed and not bringing in any money .
“ At the same time , we ’ ve got other bills to pay – we ’ re living here at the pub so the gas is on and the water is still flowing .
How are we meant to prioritise ?
“ We ’ ve got a family here and need to put food on the table .
It ’ s a really difficult situation.
” Landlords Colin and Trudy Faulkner , pictured winning a CAMRA Pub of the Season award in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's future as rent debt builds up .
Photo by Colin Hill The Station Inn has secured a £10,000 government grant , and Colin commended Wyre Forest District Council for processing the application quickly , but the landlord is concerned that weeks of built-up debt could force him to call last orders .
“ I ’ ve done all the right things and followed the government advice , ” said Colin .
“ We ’ ve furloughed our staff and now little pubs like us up and down the country are just waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they will support us , which is great , but we need to know how they ’ re going to do that now .
“ There ’ s a real risk if we have to pay it all back that we might not survive this.
” One of Colin ’ s regulars , Jennifer Willson , has set up a fundraising campaign to support the pub , which has already received more than £2,300 .
The fundraiser urges pub-goers to donate the money they would normally spend on drinks to help keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to donate .
Jennifer said : “ I don ’ t know many people who would do more than Colin and Trudy to help anyone they can , with the food bank , fundraisers etc , and so maybe this is our chance to say thank you to them and offer a little something to get them through this nightmare time.
” Wyre Forest Campaign for Real Ale ( CAMRA ) said the potential debt resulting from rent deferrals could force publicans to close their doors .
Branch chairman Nick Rubery said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well the impact that covid-19 is having on our local pubs and clubs .
Following the order on March 20 to close all pubs , we realise that many licensees will need financial help to survive .
“ Some can apply for Government support through grants , loans and the employee furlough scheme .
But this may not be enough .
“ It ’ s particularly significant with tenants whose rent is based on their pub ’ s turnover .
“ You may think that in these unprecedented times , given that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no income , that cancellation of the rent would be the only fair and reasonable course of action .
“ Whilst some breweries and pub owners have cancelled rents , some of the larger pub companies continue to charge rent or have suspended its collection until the shutdown finishes , at which time most say they may introduce a repayment scheme .
“ Given the narrow margins that many of our pubs operate on , the prospect of repaying loans or rent arrears is potentially a non-starter and the danger is that publicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Punch Pubs was approached for comment , and previously told Sky News it was “ fully committed to working in partnership with Colin to get through this very challenging time ” .

Colin and Trudy Faulkner, who run the Station Inn in Farfield, have already accrued nearly £3,000 in debt since the pub closures as their owners, Punch Pubs, are deferring rent payments instead of cancelling them.
Colin told The Shuttle: “We’re being invoiced for full rent but it’s being deferred so it’s all just piling up.
“My rent is £600 a week and so that’s building up every week while we’re closed and not bringing in any money.
“At the same time, we’ve got other bills to pay – we’re living here at the pub so the gas is on and the water is still flowing. How are we meant to prioritise?
“We’ve got a family here and need to put food on the table. It’s a really difficult situation.”
Landlords Colin and Trudy Faulkner, pictured winning a CAMRA Pub of the Season award in January, are concerned for the Station Inn's future as rent debt builds up. Photo by Colin Hill
The Station Inn has secured a £10,000 government grant, and Colin commended Wyre Forest District Council for processing the application quickly, but the landlord is concerned that weeks of built-up debt could force him to call last orders.
“I’ve done all the right things and followed the government advice,” said Colin. “We’ve furloughed our staff and now little pubs like us up and down the country are just waiting for that support.
“Punch has said they will support us, which is great, but we need to know how they’re going to do that now.
“There’s a real risk if we have to pay it all back that we might not survive this.”
One of Colin’s regulars, Jennifer Willson, has set up a fundraising campaign to support the pub, which has already received more than £2,300.
The fundraiser urges pub-goers to donate the money they would normally spend on drinks to help keep the Station Inn running. Click here to donate.
Jennifer said: “I don’t know many people who would do more than Colin and Trudy to help anyone they can, with the food bank, fundraisers etc, and so maybe this is our chance to say thank you to them and offer a little something to get them through this nightmare time.”
Wyre Forest Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said the potential debt resulting from rent deferrals could force publicans to close their doors.
Branch chairman Nick Rubery said: “Wyre Forest CAMRA recognises only too well the impact that covid-19 is having on our local pubs and clubs. Following the order on March 20 to close all pubs, we realise that many licensees will need financial help to survive.
“Some can apply for Government support through grants, loans and the employee furlough scheme. But this may not be enough.
“It’s particularly significant with tenants whose rent is based on their pub’s turnover.
“You may think that in these unprecedented times, given that a pub is prohibited from trading and has no income, that cancellation of the rent would be the only fair and reasonable course of action.
“Whilst some breweries and pub owners have cancelled rents, some of the larger pub companies continue to charge rent or have suspended its collection until the shutdown finishes, at which time most say they may introduce a repayment scheme.
“Given the narrow margins that many of our pubs operate on, the prospect of repaying loans or rent arrears is potentially a non-starter and the danger is that publicans may choose to close their doors forever.”
Punch Pubs was approached for comment, and previously told Sky News it was “fully committed to working in partnership with Colin to get through this very challenging time”.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--Queen's trade award for Cookley company Titan Steel Wheels

TITAN Steel Wheels in Cookley has been given the royal seal of approval with a Queen ’ s Award recognising its international growth .
The company won this year ’ s Queen ’ s Award for International Trade , recognising its short-term growth in overseas sales and exports over the last three years .
Chris Akers , managing director of Titan Steel Wheels , said : “ Winning the Queen ’ s Award is a fantastic honour and testament to the entire team , who all work tirelessly to ensure we display the innovation and expertise – supplemented by investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us at the forefront of our markets .
`` We have made excellent progression as a business and this award reflects that success .
“ Exports account for around 98 per cent of our sales and we have witnessed substantial growth in that area over the last three years .
`` Where once we were predominately providing sales to Europe , we now have a truly global presence with major businesses and projects using Titan Steel Wheels products in North and South America , Asia and Australia.
” The Queen ’ s Awards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birthday and Her Majesty the Queen personally approves the winners .
The Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire , Lt Col Patrick Holcroft , who will present Titan with the award later this year , said : “ The Queen ’ s Award for Enterprise is a highly prestigious and much sought-after award and I am delighted that Titan Steel Wheels have been recognised for their export success .
`` I am looking forward to visiting the company and presenting them with their award in due course.
” Councillor Ken Pollock , cabinet member for economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Titan Steel Wheels are a credit to the county .
`` Their innovative work is crucial to many infrastructure projects around the world , and they truly are helping us to put Worcestershire on the global map .
`` This award is a fantastic recognition of their importance and influence in industry.
” Based in Cookley , near Kidderminster , Titan Steel Wheels are one of the world ’ s largest manufacturers of steel wheels for the off-highway and mobile crane industry .
They were established in 1991 and are part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is home to the entire production process .
This ranges from design to manufacture to testing .
The company ’ s products are used on some of the world ’ s largest infrastructure projects , including the Cadia East Underground Mine , construction of the New Silk Road in China and expansion of what will be the world ’ s largest port , the Port of Singapore .

The company won this year’s Queen’s Award for International Trade, recognising its short-term growth in overseas sales and exports over the last three years.
Chris Akers, managing director of Titan Steel Wheels, said: “Winning the Queen’s Award is a fantastic honour and testament to the entire team, who all work tirelessly to ensure we display the innovation and expertise – supplemented by investment in the latest technology – to keep us at the forefront of our markets.
"We have made excellent progression as a business and this award reflects that success.
“Exports account for around 98 per cent of our sales and we have witnessed substantial growth in that area over the last three years.
"Where once we were predominately providing sales to Europe, we now have a truly global presence with major businesses and projects using Titan Steel Wheels products in North and South America, Asia and Australia.”
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise mark the Queen’s birthday and Her Majesty the Queen personally approves the winners.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, who will present Titan with the award later this year, said: “The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a highly prestigious and much sought-after award and I am delighted that Titan Steel Wheels have been recognised for their export success.
"I am looking forward to visiting the company and presenting them with their award in due course.”
Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member for economy at Worcestershire County Council, added: “Titan Steel Wheels are a credit to the county.
"Their innovative work is crucial to many infrastructure projects around the world, and they truly are helping us to put Worcestershire on the global map.
"This award is a fantastic recognition of their importance and influence in industry.”
Based in Cookley, near Kidderminster, Titan Steel Wheels are one of the world’s largest manufacturers of steel wheels for the off-highway and mobile crane industry.
They were established in 1991 and are part of Titan Europe Ltd. The Cookley headquarters is home to the entire production process. This ranges from design to manufacture to testing.
The company’s products are used on some of the world’s largest infrastructure projects, including the Cadia East Underground Mine, construction of the New Silk Road in China and expansion of what will be the world’s largest port, the Port of Singapore.


kidderminstershuttle--2020-04-22--Wanted man reported in Horsefair as police renew appeal

POLICE are continuing their search for Kidderminster man Mathew Lavelle who is wanted on recall to prison .
Officers have @ @ @ @ @ on Mr Lavelle 's whereabouts after receiving reports from members of the public who saw @ @ @ @ @ of Kidderminster .
Police believe he could still be in the area .
The 37-year-old @ @ @ @ @ terms of a court order .
Anyone with information on Mr Lavelle 's whereabouts should @ @ @ @ @ 101 , quoting crime numbers 22/32864/20 or 22/32788/20 .
Officers are also searching for 40-year-old @ @ @ @ @ also from Kidderminster and is wanted for breaching the terms of a separate court order @ @ @ @ @ Mr Baldwin 's whereabouts should quote 22/32996/20 or 22/32971/20 .

Officers have renewed their appeal for information on Mr Lavelle's whereabouts and believe he could be in the Springfield Park, Larkhill or Dovedail Avenue areas.
The 37-year-old is wanted for breaching the terms of a court order.
A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "We would like to thank the public for their response to this appeal and officers now believe Lavelle to potentially be in the Springfield Park, Larkhill or Dovedail Avenue areas of Kidderminster.
"We would ask the public to still remain vigialint while officers are actively searching these areas."
Anyone with information on Mr Lavelle's whereabouts should call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting crime numbers 22/32864/20 or 22/32788/20.