inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus social distancing and isolation may be just what is needed to bring people together — bu

Coronavirus social distancing and isolation may be just what is needed to bring people together — but will it last?

Coronavirus social distancing and isolation may be just what is needed to bring people together — but will it last ?
Friends and family are in touch even more , via apps such as Houseparty , WhatsApp and Zoom When the rest of Britain was ordered to stay at home on 23 March , Jane Kinder-Williams was already growing accustomed to isolation .
The 66-year-old , who lives on her own in a Buckinghamshire village , was doing her best to avoid others after treatment for cancer .
But , with everyone at home , this new form of lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in touch even more , via apps such as Houseparty , WhatsApp and Zoom .
And her street ’ s WhatsApp group buzzes with endless offers to help .
Neighbours have done all her shopping for the past month .
“ Everybody is making far more of an effort towards each other , ” says Ms Kinder-Williams .
“ We ’ ve realised how vulnerable we can be.
” This outbreak of neighbourliness is widespread .
Official statistics show that 22 per cent of Britons now belong to some form of community support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them joining since Covid-19 began to spread .
About two million people have joined local support networks on Facebook and the number of daily users of Nextdoor , a hyperlocal social network , has risen by 90 per cent during the crisis .
All kinds of wheezes , like national street parties and befriending schemes , have tried to induce such fellow feeling , says Harry Hobson , director of Neighbourly Lab , a think tank .
“ A crisis accelerates it much more than well-meaning interventions , ” he reckons .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Peak District .
An eighth of its 8,000 residents belong to a Covid-19 Facebook group , set up by a dozen volunteers just before the lockdown began .
They collect shopping for vulnerable locals but also raise each others ’ spirits .
Some organised a virtual pub quiz ; others put soft toys in their windows so that young children could treat their daily exercise as a “ teddy-bear hunt ” .
Charles Lawley , who helped to set up the group , hopes it will rekindle a neighbourhood spirit left behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warwickshire , Molly Bufton Stear , a recent university graduate , has enlisted an army of volunteers to cook free meals for 30 elderly locals every day .
“ They write me little notes and I write them things back , ” she says .
Such groups have their limitations .
Many vulnerable Britons , especially the elderly , are also the most likely to struggle with the internet and smartphones .
And neighbourhood groups may not reach the neediest .
Polling by Onward , a think tank , suggests people are most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they already feel they can trust each other .
Will Tanner , its director , worries about “ a virtuous circle in already relatively cohesive and integrated areas ” , leaving behind places without such a social fabric .
Mr Hobson spoke to a woman who had meticulously checked off all the households on her street to ensure they had the help they needed , but had not leafleted the housing estate over the road .
Others are sceptical that this civic-mindedness will outlast the pandemic .
Despite much hype at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did little to inspire a legacy of volunteering .
The bonhomie of street parties is tricky to sustain once the final cupcake has been wolfed down .
But , says Mr Hobson , neighbourliness is best thought of as a ratchet .
“ Once you meet someone , you can ’ t unmeet them.
” Conversation is easier once you know your neighbour ’ s name .
Paradoxically , social distancing and isolation may be just what is needed to bring people together .

When the rest of Britain was ordered to stay at home on 23 March, Jane Kinder-Williams was already growing accustomed to isolation. The 66-year-old, who lives on her own in a Buckinghamshire village, was doing her best to avoid others after treatment for cancer. But, with everyone at home, this new form of lockdown is different.
Friends and family are in touch even more, via apps such as Houseparty, WhatsApp and Zoom. And her street’s WhatsApp group buzzes with endless offers to help. Neighbours have done all her shopping for the past month. “Everybody is making far more of an effort towards each other,” says Ms Kinder-Williams. “We’ve realised how vulnerable we can be.”
This outbreak of neighbourliness is widespread. Official statistics show that 22 per cent of Britons now belong to some form of community support group, with more than a third of them joining since Covid-19 began to spread. About two million people have joined local support networks on Facebook and the number of daily users of Nextdoor, a hyperlocal social network, has risen by 90 per cent during the crisis. All kinds of wheezes, like national street parties and befriending schemes, have tried to induce such fellow feeling, says Harry Hobson, director of Neighbourly Lab, a think tank. “A crisis accelerates it much more than well-meaning interventions,” he reckons.
Take Chapel-en-le-Frith, a small town in the Peak District. An eighth of its 8,000 residents belong to a Covid-19 Facebook group, set up by a dozen volunteers just before the lockdown began. They collect shopping for vulnerable locals but also raise each others’ spirits. Some organised a virtual pub quiz; others put soft toys in their windows so that young children could treat their daily exercise as a “teddy-bear hunt”. Charles Lawley, who helped to set up the group, hopes it will rekindle a neighbourhood spirit left behind as the town has grown. In Warwickshire, Molly Bufton Stear, a recent university graduate, has enlisted an army of volunteers to cook free meals for 30 elderly locals every day. “They write me little notes and I write them things back,” she says.
Such groups have their limitations. Many vulnerable Britons, especially the elderly, are also the most likely to struggle with the internet and smartphones. And neighbourhood groups may not reach the neediest. Polling by Onward, a think tank, suggests people are most willing to help their neighbours in places where they already feel they can trust each other. Will Tanner, its director, worries about “a virtuous circle in already relatively cohesive and integrated areas”, leaving behind places without such a social fabric. Mr Hobson spoke to a woman who had meticulously checked off all the households on her street to ensure they had the help they needed, but had not leafleted the housing estate over the road.
Others are sceptical that this civic-mindedness will outlast the pandemic. Despite much hype at the time, the London Olympics in 2012 did little to inspire a legacy of volunteering. The bonhomie of street parties is tricky to sustain once the final cupcake has been wolfed down. But, says Mr Hobson, neighbourliness is best thought of as a ratchet. “Once you meet someone, you can’t unmeet them.” Conversation is easier once you know your neighbour’s name. Paradoxically, social distancing and isolation may be just what is needed to bring people together.
© 2020 The Economist


inews--2020-04-24--‘We’re at the heart of the community’: Why we should be applauding our corner shops during the coron

‘We’re at the heart of the community’: Why we should be applauding our corner shops during the coronavirus crisis

‘ We ’ re at the heart of the community ’ : Why we should be applauding our corner shops during the coronavirus crisis The traditional British corner shop has come to the fore in the Covid-19 crisis , writes Dean Kirby “ Even if they just want a pint of milk , I won ’ t let anyone go without , ” says Mr Edwards , who is working 22 hours a day including 5am cash and carry trips and late-night home deliveries to ensure his customers on the Alkrington estate get what they need .
He is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop and convenience store owners across the UK who have been hailed as heroes by their local communities while putting their own lives on the line to feed families amid the Covid-19 crisis .
Local corner shops , enshrined in popular culture by Alahan ’ s in Coronation Street and Arkright ’ s in the BBC sitcom Open All Hours , have been a mainstay of British life since before Napoleon is said to have spoken mockingly of the UK as a “ nation of shopkeepers ” .
“ I was inspired to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly woman in the supermarket , ” Mrs Javed says .
“ She was crying because she was unable to get any hand wash as everyone had been panic-buying it .
I felt really bad for her and wanted to do something.
” They aimed to raise £300 , but have now reached nearly £8,500 , after also donating £1,000 of their own money .
The fund is being used to supply those in need with food , electricity and other essential items .
He said : “ Independent stores are at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their family members and their staff are going above and beyond to provide their customers with the essentials that they need , whether this is from their shops or by offering delivery services to the elderly , vulnerable and housebound .
“ Convenience stores in the UK have been doing a fantastic job on the frontline of this pandemic , ” says Mr Williams , who has been in the shop trade for 30 years .
“ We ’ re at the heart of the community .
People don ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are gone , they will be gone forever .
”

On a suburban street at the northern edge of Manchester, customers are queuing at a safe distance from each other before entering the Aladdin’s cave of Damo’s Convenience Store.
Inside the shop, which is packed to the rafters with anything a family could ever need, the owner, Damian Edwards, is taking telephone orders for elderly pensioners stranded at home in self-isolation.
“Even if they just want a pint of milk, I won’t let anyone go without,” says Mr Edwards, who is working 22 hours a day including 5am cash and carry trips and late-night home deliveries to ensure his customers on the Alkrington estate get what they need.
He is one of the many thousands of the corner shop and convenience store owners across the UK who have been hailed as heroes by their local communities while putting their own lives on the line to feed families amid the Covid-19 crisis.
‘Heart of the community’
“It’s been absolute chaos,” says Mr Edwards, who has lived locally for more than 40 years and has run the shop since he was 17. “But you’ve just got to smile and keep going.”
Despite the crisis, he has refused to increase his prices. Customers are giving back, with one even offering to do Mr Edwards’s ironing, while a furloughed airline pilot has even volunteered to make deliveries to the elderly.
“I love my shop and I think a lot of my customers,” he says. “They are more like family.”
Local corner shops, enshrined in popular culture by Alahan’s in Coronation Street and Arkright’s in the BBC sitcom Open All Hours, have been a mainstay of British life since before Napoleon is said to have spoken mockingly of the UK as a “nation of shopkeepers”.
As coronavirus panic-buyers emptied the shelves of larger supermarkets and concerns grew about social distancing in the shopping aisles, people began to find that their local convenience stores, so long a central part of community life, had become their only lifeline.
Research by the Retail Data Partnership suggests these small shops have seen a 38.5 per cent year-on-year sales increase in the last few weeks and the average basket spend rose from £6.80 to just over £10 on 30 March.
People have been turning to them not just for food, cleaning and sanitary goods, but also for stationary, toys and even books, which have been named among the fastest selling items.
‘Lifeline for local people’
“Convenience stores are a lifeline for local people,” says James Lowman, the chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, which represents more than 33,500 local shops.
“In recent weeks, we’ve seen convenience stores demonstrating their place at the heart of communities by going the extra mile to support those in need.”
Examples abound of how these shopkeepers have been working non-stop to help their customers.
Paul Esh Patel, who runs a local store in Southampton has been donating boxes of goods including biscuits, cleaning products and lip balm to the nurses at his local hospitals.
Mamun Ur Rashid is offering a discount for NHS workers at the nearby Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and Terry Caton who runs a Londis shop in Chesterfield, is among shopkeepers who have set up free delivery services for pensioners.
“I was inspired to create the service when I thought of my mum,” Mr Caton says. “She’s over 70 and I know how much support she needs.
“As a local store, I feel that we have a responsibility to look after the vulnerable and give back to those who have supported us.”
Read More UK’s biggest names in food call for rent pause to save restaurant industry from collapse during coronavirus outbreak
Asiyah and Jawad Javed have also spent nearly £2,000 of their own money in giving away free Covid-19 kits including hand gel and face masks to the elderly from their Day Today Express shop in Falkirk.
“I was inspired to create the kits when I saw an elderly woman in the supermarket,” Mrs Javed says. “She was crying because she was unable to get any hand wash as everyone had been panic-buying it. I felt really bad for her and wanted to do something.”
Others who have been hailed as heroes include Thiraviyanathan Muralitharan, who runs the Allenby Late Shop in Ramsgate. The father-of-two has been going the extra mile to check on vulnerable and elderly customers.
He even took home in his van a man whose mobility scooter broke down outside his store.
“We wear gloves and masks in the shop and I even wear goggles,” he says. “It’s a difficult time for people and I don’t want to let down my customers.”
At the Broadway Premier convenience store in Edinburgh, Dennis and Linda Williams have set up a hardship fund to help local people who are struggling.
They aimed to raise £300, but have now reached nearly £8,500, after also donating £1,000 of their own money. The fund is being used to supply those in need with food, electricity and other essential items.
Customers have been going into the shop with £20 notes and envelopes of cash.
The efforts of shopkeepers and their workers is all the more amazing as they are putting themselves at considerable risk to their own safety following a number of deaths.
Himanshu Patel, 51, who ran Kay’s Newsagent on in Watford for a decade, died on 15 April, with friends describing the death of the father of twins as “desperately sad”.
Shopkeeper Raj Aggarwal, who ran two Spar shops also died at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester where he had delivered supplies including tea and biscuits for NHS staff only days earlier.
Krishnasamy Chiyamalan, 41, the owner of Templeton News in Dartford, died at his home on 4 April after testing positive. Shop worker Undeg Lewis, 59, from south Wales, also lost her life only 36 hours after falling ill with coronavirus.
Another shopkeeper named Adeola Onasanya, 53, who ran Deola Food Store in North Street, Milton Regis, also died from a suspected case of Covid-19.
Worked tirelessly
In London, tributes have also been paid to a man known as Kumar who worked at FreshGo in Gipsy Hill, with friends saying he worked tirelessly and was “always helpful, cheerful and considerate”.
Stuart Reddish, the national president of the Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN), said the body was “deeply saddened” to have lost four of its members and it is doing everything it can to support their families at this time.
He said: “Independent stores are at the heart of their communities and our members, their family members and their staff are going above and beyond to provide their customers with the essentials that they need, whether this is from their shops or by offering delivery services to the elderly, vulnerable and housebound.
“In these most challenging of times, they are risking their own health and safety to provide communities and customers with a vital lifeline and I am tremendously proud of them.”
But what will happen to the great British corner shop after the pandemic has died down?
There is a real need for people to stay loyal to their local shops and pay back the support that shopkeepers have given their communities during the crisis.
“Convenience stores in the UK have been doing a fantastic job on the frontline of this pandemic,” says Mr Williams, who has been in the shop trade for 30 years.
“We’re at the heart of the community. People don’t want to lose these shops because once they are gone, they will be gone forever.”


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Home schooling my kids is a mix of Shanghai Maths and Horrible Histories

Coronavirus : Home schooling my kids is a mix of Shanghai Maths and Horrible Histories We have finally reached the saturation point for a child ’ s capacity to watch Paw Patrol A fresh day of learning beckons .
Eli returns to home school in much the same way I approach the gym after a particularly decadent Christmas .
Shoulders slumped , feet dragging towards the kitchen table he slumps into his seat to be greeted by his maths workbook .
Thankfully , Sam , my wife , doesn ’ t work on a Monday so as soon as Eli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begin a full day of work .
On the way I wave at Luca , my two year old , who is locked in the tractor beam of the TV and quickly lock myself in my room .
My wife has her regular morning conference call at 9.30 and I ’ m working the late shift so there is no viable excuse to avoid homeschool .
Our original timetable for homeschool , when lockdown was still a little exciting , has long since been abandoned .
Instead Eli ’ s education has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numeracy mixed with Horrible Histories and maybe some interesting facts read from the back of his cereal box .
Today starts with Shanghai maths .
Boy , do the Chinese know how to make maths as boring as I remember it .
We trudge our way through it .
After a break it is literacy with a comprehension set by his school .
He finishes after some biscuit bribery .
Daddy closes homeschool early .
Is it too soon to start drinking ?
Luca has taken to listlessly wandering around the house wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have finally reached the saturation point for a child ’ s capacity to watch Paw Patrol .
( For those interested it is nearly four weeks of lockdown and about eight seasons . )
It is devastating news as it deprives us of one of the most effective parents in the household - the TV .
We soldier on .
We set Eli the task of writing himself a letter he can read years in the future , thanks to an idea from the author Frank Correll Boyce .
Elijah asks his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League title .
If there is a God , they will .
Schools will need 'several weeks ' notice to reopen safely , a headteacher leader has warned ( Photo : Christopher Furlong/Getty ) Me again .
Maths again .
There is no God .
We slowly open Shanghai maths and our hearts drop .
Which is greater , x or y ?
How much greater is it ?
x+150=y-150 .
This is for seven year olds ?
!
I tell Elijah to do his best .
Thankfully we have found a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeremy Kyle .
Just kidding , it ’ s AlphaBlocks on the iplayer .
We console ourselves that it at least sounds educational .
I disappear upstairs to watch the Downing Street press conference and thankfully wont be down until school ’ s over .
Both Sam and I are up against it with work , so the morning is taken up by Eli reading his book .
The rest of the morning is taken up by him tearing around the house with his brother .
After lunch his teacher calls to check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some secret insider news about when the school will be open again .
Unsurprisingly , I ’ m left disappointed .
But lockdown can ’ t last forever ... can it ?

The so-called Easter “holidays” have ended, meaning the dreaded reopening of homeschool for our eldest, Elijah.
Monday
A fresh day of learning beckons. Eli returns to home school in much the same way I approach the gym after a particularly decadent Christmas. Shoulders slumped, feet dragging towards the kitchen table he slumps into his seat to be greeted by his maths workbook. Thankfully, Sam, my wife, doesn’t work on a Monday so as soon as Eli opens his book, I bolt upstairs to begin a full day of work. On the way I wave at Luca, my two year old, who is locked in the tractor beam of the TV and quickly lock myself in my room.
Tuesday
My wife has her regular morning conference call at 9.30 and I’m working the late shift so there is no viable excuse to avoid homeschool. Our original timetable for homeschool, when lockdown was still a little exciting, has long since been abandoned. Instead Eli’s education has become a weary diet of literacy, numeracy mixed with Horrible Histories and maybe some interesting facts read from the back of his cereal box. Today starts with Shanghai maths. Boy, do the Chinese know how to make maths as boring as I remember it. We trudge our way through it. After a break it is literacy with a comprehension set by his school. He finishes after some biscuit bribery. Daddy closes homeschool early. Is it too soon to start drinking?
Wednesday
Luca has taken to listlessly wandering around the house wearing a Spiderman dress demanding YoYo Bears. We have finally reached the saturation point for a child’s capacity to watch Paw Patrol. (For those interested it is nearly four weeks of lockdown and about eight seasons.) It is devastating news as it deprives us of one of the most effective parents in the household – the TV. We soldier on. We set Eli the task of writing himself a letter he can read years in the future, thanks to an idea from the author Frank Correll Boyce. Elijah asks his future self whether Liverpool win the Premier League title. If there is a God, they will.
Thursday
Me again. Maths again. There is no God. We slowly open Shanghai maths and our hearts drop. Which is greater, x or y? How much greater is it? x+150=y-150. This is for seven year olds?! I tell Elijah to do his best. Thankfully we have found a new TV show to keep Luca entertained – Jeremy Kyle. Just kidding, it’s AlphaBlocks on the iplayer. We console ourselves that it at least sounds educational. I disappear upstairs to watch the Downing Street press conference and thankfully wont be down until school’s over.
Friday
Both Sam and I are up against it with work, so the morning is taken up by Eli reading his book. The rest of the morning is taken up by him tearing around the house with his brother. After lunch his teacher calls to check up on him. I beg for some secret insider news about when the school will be open again. Unsurprisingly, I’m left disappointed. But lockdown can’t last forever…can it?


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus latest: Test and trace will be the Government's most effective tool to ease lockdown

Coronavirus latest : Test and trace will be the Government 's most effective tool to ease lockdown Experts warn the Government faces 'huge ' logistical burdens to track the virus effectively With a vaccine seemingly months if not years away , having the ability to pinpoint where and when fresh outbreaks of the virus have emerged offers the Government the only chance of maintaining the fragile control it has begun to exert over the epidemic .
Britain 's Health Secretary Matt Hancock is facing a crucial week as he struggles to meet his own target ( Photo : ISABEL INFANTES/AFP/Getty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be seen , but the testing regime will now provide the bedrock to the “ test , track and trace ” initiative that will allow the UK to take the first tentative steps out of lockdown .
Alongside this will be a new app developed by NHSX , which will be available for the general public to download .
It will allow anyone who has tested positive to anonymously enter their details into the app , which would then alert anyone they have been in contact with over the last 14 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are fewer new cases but , if they work as they have done in other countries , then they will be able to hold down the number of new cases with fewer social distancing restrictions , which is why they are so important to get in place in large scale , ” he added .
A medical worker guides a car in prior to testing an essential worker for coronavirus ( Photo : OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty ) “ Because the scientific advice to the Government is not published , we don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is likely that a lot more than 100,000 will be required when it comes to the general population , ” Dr Rossman said .
“ We have seen mega-testing sites , drive through facilities and mobile labs but it is not clear if this will be sufficient to handle this higher level of testing .
Whether the UK follows Germany and South Korea with local testing labs on the street we will have to see .
Knowing just when to start testing and tracing is another challenge .
Unlike other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Singapore , which implemented test and trace approaches from the outset of the pandemic and suffered far less health and economic damage as a result , the UK will be attempting it mid-crisis .
It is akin to trying to ascertain where new fires are starting when your entire house is up in flames .

Mass testing of the general public for Covid-19 has consistently been seen as the only viable route out of the pandemic by experts.
With a vaccine seemingly months if not years away, having the ability to pinpoint where and when fresh outbreaks of the virus have emerged offers the Government the only chance of maintaining the fragile control it has begun to exert over the epidemic.
It is why Matt Hancock has been dramatically scaling up both the testing capacity and the number of tests carried out each day in the hope of overseeing a vast testing and contact tracing programme.
Initially, in response to growing criticism over the lack of testing, the Health Secretary set his government the ambitious target of carrying out 100,000 coronavirus tests every day by the end of the month – this Thursday.
Test, track and trace
Whether the target is met remains to be seen, but the testing regime will now provide the bedrock to the “test, track and trace” initiative that will allow the UK to take the first tentative steps out of lockdown.
On Thursday this week, Mr Hancock revealed that an army of 18,000 contact tracers will be recruited and rolled out in the coming weeks to actively piece together an infected person’s recent history of personal contacts to try to shut down the spread of the disease.
Alongside this will be a new app developed by NHSX, which will be available for the general public to download. It will allow anyone who has tested positive to anonymously enter their details into the app, which would then alert anyone they have been in contact with over the last 14 days.
Mr Hancock described mass testing and tracing as being “so crucial to holding down the rate and level of transmission of the disease”.
“They work far better when there are fewer new cases but, if they work as they have done in other countries, then they will be able to hold down the number of new cases with fewer social distancing restrictions, which is why they are so important to get in place in large scale,” he added.
While it may sound relatively straightforward, the reality is anything but with experts warning that a fully-functional test and trace system is a major logistical undertaking.
Just how the Government will administer the tests in a timely manner presents its own problems. Officials are working on drastically increasing its number of mobile testing labs from the current number of four to around 90, to help test people in remote areas.
The capacity of drive through sites will also be stretched, while the Government website to allow essential workers to book a test closed within minutes on Friday, with home testing kits running out within the first two minutes.
Logistical problems
Dr Jeremy Rossman, Senior Lecturer in Virology at the University of Kent, said the logistics of trying to carry out a mass testing and tracing programme were “huge”.
“Because the scientific advice to the Government is not published, we don’t know how many tests will be needed but it is likely that a lot more than 100,000 will be required when it comes to the general population,” Dr Rossman said.
“We have seen mega-testing sites, drive through facilities and mobile labs but it is not clear if this will be sufficient to handle this higher level of testing. Whether the UK follows Germany and South Korea with local testing labs on the street we will have to see.
“But the more localised the testing centres are, the lower the burden is on the person who needs to be tested and the quicker they can be tested and isolated if they are positive.”
Contact tracing would only be effective if it works alongside large scale randomised testing of the population to see where the disease is moving, he added.
Knowing just when to start testing and tracing is another challenge. Unlike other countries, such as Germany, South Korea and Singapore, which implemented test and trace approaches from the outset of the pandemic and suffered far less health and economic damage as a result, the UK will be attempting it mid-crisis. It is akin to trying to ascertain where new fires are starting when your entire house is up in flames.
As Mr Hancock admitted: “The truth is, we need to get the number of new cases down, right down, and the lower they go the more effective contact tracing is.”
The sudden shift in policy by the Government, from one of testing only those hospitalised by the infection to much wider community-level testing, poses the question as to why the UK abandoned the contact tracing strategy so early on.
South Korea, which has perhaps the most sophisticated system, immediately instigated test and trace and has so far recorded just 240 deaths, despite having a population of 60m. It has meant much of the country’s economy has stayed open.
The UK abandoned the same approach on 5 March. At the time Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Jenny Harries suggested the strategy was “not appropriate” for the UK. But recent events show this no longer holds true.
Unusual response
Dr Rossman described the UK’s initial approach to the pandemic as “unusual”, adding they “didn’t follow the typical strategy for disease spread outlined by the World Health Organisation”.
“Clearly there was not enough capacity in the beginning of the outbreak. They are scaling it up now, but they could have been scaling it up two months ago.”
In giving evidence to the Commons Science Select Committee, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty admitted Germany had done a “great job” with its approach, but argued it is too simplistic to claim testing leads to improved outcomes.
“I fully accept that having the ability to test allows for a better response,” he admitted but said a “straight line” could not be drawn between the two.
Despite his words and in the absence of a vaccine, it is clear that the only means of keeping infections of Covid-19 to a lower level is to follow the WHO advice of “test, test, test”.


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus not recorded on care home residents who have died from the illness

Coronavirus not recorded on care home residents who have died from the illness Scottish care home loses seven residents to Covid-19 but only two have the illness recorded on their death certificates Only two of seven residents at a Scottish care home who have died of coronavirus over the last two weeks had the disease recorded on their death certificates , highlighting concerns raised by the care sector that official Covid-19 death figures underestimate its toll .
Staff at Rashielee Care Home , a 42-bed residence in Erskine , Renfrewshire , spoke out about how they are coping with such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short space of time , even though they are specialists in palliative care .
Kirsty Cartin , the nurse who runs Rashielee , said that the illness plays cruelly with people 's lives .
`` It just feels so unnatural when we are comforting someone who is dying .
We are holding their hands but not really because there is this barrier of the gloves we are wearing in between , '' she told the Times .
`` We have had residents who look better , then deteriorate , then look better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have been restricted to video contact with their frail parents have rushed to be at their side knowing they will be saying final goodbyes .
`` We have families who have stood back and tried to maintain social distance and there are other families who just want to be hugged .
It goes against everything you would do as a human not to comfort people who are so upset . ''
Mrs Cartin , 38 , said that the majority of staff have also fallen ill with coronavirus although she and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
Care leaders have spoken frequently in recent days of the lack of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) in the sector which has helped Covid-19 sweep through homes across the UK .
A large delivery of personal protective clothing arrived on Wednesday so staff now have what they need , but Mrs Cartin said that as many of the residents suffer from dementia and do not understand that they need to isolate , even when they have been unwell , wearing items such as face masks could cause problems .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of things because we do not know how long the advice is going to be there that we must stay closed to visitors , '' she said .

Only two of seven residents at a Scottish care home who have died of coronavirus over the last two weeks had the disease recorded on their death certificates, highlighting concerns raised by the care sector that official Covid-19 death figures underestimate its toll.
Staff at Rashielee Care Home, a 42-bed residence in Erskine, Renfrewshire, spoke out about how they are coping with such a high percentage of deaths in such a short space of time, even though they are specialists in palliative care.
Kirsty Cartin, the nurse who runs Rashielee, said that the illness plays cruelly with people’s lives. “It just feels so unnatural when we are comforting someone who is dying. We are holding their hands but not really because there is this barrier of the gloves we are wearing in between,” she told the Times.
“We have had residents who look better, then deteriorate, then look better and deteriorate again … Sons and daughters who have been restricted to video contact with their frail parents have rushed to be at their side knowing they will be saying final goodbyes.
Social distancing
“We have families who have stood back and tried to maintain social distance and there are other families who just want to be hugged. It goes against everything you would do as a human not to comfort people who are so upset.”
Mrs Cartin, 38, said that the majority of staff have also fallen ill with coronavirus although she and her deputy have so far not shown any symptoms. Care leaders have spoken frequently in recent days of the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the sector which has helped Covid-19 sweep through homes across the UK.
A large delivery of personal protective clothing arrived on Wednesday so staff now have what they need, but Mrs Cartin said that as many of the residents suffer from dementia and do not understand that they need to isolate, even when they have been unwell, wearing items such as face masks could cause problems.
“The biggest worry now is the isolation part of things because we do not know how long the advice is going to be there that we must stay closed to visitors,” she said.


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Identical twin sisters 'die of Covid-19' within days of each other

Coronavirus : Identical twin sisters 'die of Covid-19 ' within days of each other Zoe Davis pays tribute to 'amazing ' sisters Katy and Emma who both believed they would 'leave the world together' Twin sisters who always believed they would die together have passed away within days of each other after falling ill with Covid-19 .
Katy Davis , a 37-yer-old children 's nurse , died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday , the hospital confirmed , while her identical twin Emma , herself a former nurse , died at the same hospital early on Friday .
Their sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pair , who lived together , had other health conditions and had been unwell for some time .
`` They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well , '' she said .
`` There are no words to describe how special they were. ''
.
Katy , who worked at Southampton Children 's Hospital , had tested positive for Covid-19 on admission .
Paula Head , chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` Katy has been described by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her .
On behalf of everyone here ... including our patients and the communities we serve , I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family . ''
The trust could not confirm Emma Davis ' death , which the family said was also related to coronavirus infection .
Hospital staff held a `` Clap for Katy '' outside the main entrance on Thursday evening , hours before Emma 's reported death .
The Royal College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] has been described as a dedicated and selfless nurse who had time for everyone sharing her skills and knowledge to ensure excellent patient care . ''
The South East Royal College of Nursing Twitter account also paid tribute to Ms Davis online .
It said : “ We are sorry to bring you news of the death of Katy Davies .
She ’ s been described as a dedicated and selfless nurse who had time for everyone sharing her skills and knowledge to ensure excellent patient care .
Rest in peace Katy.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died during the pandemic , according to a list compiled by the Nursing Times , which has set up a page to remember the nurses and midwives lost during the pandemic .

Twin sisters who always believed they would die together have passed away within days of each other after falling ill with Covid-19.
Katy Davis, a 37-yer-old children’s nurse, died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday, the hospital confirmed, while her identical twin Emma, herself a former nurse, died at the same hospital early on Friday.
Their sister Zoe Davis said the “amazing” pair, who lived together, had other health conditions and had been unwell for some time.
“They always said they had come into the world together and would go out together as well,” she said. “There are no words to describe how special they were.”.
Katy, who worked at Southampton Children’s Hospital, had tested positive for Covid-19 on admission. Paula Head, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Katy has been described by her colleagues… as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her. On behalf of everyone here… including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family.”
Clap for Katy
The trust could not confirm Emma Davis’ death, which the family said was also related to coronavirus infection. Hospital staff held a “Clap for Katy” outside the main entrance on Thursday evening, hours before Emma’s reported death.
The Royal College of Nursing said: “[Katy] has been described as a dedicated and selfless nurse who had time for everyone sharing her skills and knowledge to ensure excellent patient care.”
The South East Royal College of Nursing Twitter account also paid tribute to Ms Davis online. It said: “We are sorry to bring you news of the death of Katy Davies. She’s been described as a dedicated and selfless nurse who had time for everyone sharing her skills and knowledge to ensure excellent patient care. Rest in peace Katy.”
A total of 50 nursing staff have died during the pandemic, according to a list compiled by the Nursing Times, which has set up a page to remember the nurses and midwives lost during the pandemic.


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus lockdown: UK nations differ over how and when to ease restrictions

Coronavirus lockdown : UK nations differ over how and when to ease restrictions The Government refused to spell out its lockdown plans following signals that Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland could loosen measures The Government refused to spell out its coronavirus lockdown plans following signals that Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland could loosen social distancing measures at a different pace from England .
As the consensus over the strategy between the United Kingdom ’ s nations appeared under strain , the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was “ too soon ” to change restrictions imposed a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicola Sturgeon , raised the prospect of an approach in which people can meet a small “ bubble ” of friends and family outside their own households as lockdown measures are eased .
Publishing a framework plan for returning to a “ new normal ” , Ms Sturgeon has also floated the idea of allowing some groups of pupils to go back to school before others and of reconfiguring workplaces to enable some staff to resume their jobs .
Mark Drakeford , the Welsh First Minister said he was considering a traffic light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty ) Mark Drakeford , the Welsh First Minister , added to pressure on the Westminster Government by suggesting lockdown measures could be eased after 7 May when they are due to be renewed .
He said he was considering a traffic light system of lifting the controls .
Red would allow some “ careful and controlled ” relaxation , amber would enable a further easing of restrictions and green would be “ much more like the lives we had before the crisis hit ” .
Arlene Foster , Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was her preference that all parts of the UK pursued the same strategy in combating the virus and emerging out of the current restrictions .
But she told BBC Radio 4 : “ We may decide , as a United Kingdom , on criteria which will mean that different regions will move at different times .
`` Just to be clear , I was n't suggesting that Northern Ireland would be the first mover .
We 're not out of the woods , we are not making a dash for the exit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK government has repeatedly refused to be drawn on an exit strategy once the peak of the virus has passed .
It believes any focus on that issue will divert attention from the “ stay home ” instruction to householders .
Asked about Ms Sturgeon ’ s plans , Mr Hancock told GMB : “ I know some people are looking in this space but the truth is it is too soon to make changes to the social distancing rules safely .
“ People should follow the social distancing rules because that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus under control .
“ It now looks like we are at the peak and the curve has flattened but it would n't take much to lose that grip that we have on it , and that is why we are being very cautious in this space .
”

The Government refused to spell out its coronavirus lockdown plans following signals that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could loosen social distancing measures at a different pace from England.
As the consensus over the strategy between the United Kingdom’s nations appeared under strain, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it was “too soon” to change restrictions imposed a month ago.
The Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, raised the prospect of an approach in which people can meet a small “bubble” of friends and family outside their own households as lockdown measures are eased.
Publishing a framework plan for returning to a “new normal”, Ms Sturgeon has also floated the idea of allowing some groups of pupils to go back to school before others and of reconfiguring workplaces to enable some staff to resume their jobs.
Strategy for Wales
Mark Drakeford, the Welsh First Minister, added to pressure on the Westminster Government by suggesting lockdown measures could be eased after 7 May when they are due to be renewed.
He said he was considering a traffic light system of lifting the controls. Red would allow some “careful and controlled” relaxation, amber would enable a further easing of restrictions and green would be “much more like the lives we had before the crisis hit”.
Read More Coronavirus: From schools to pubs, the restrictions facing Scotland after lockdown
Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, said it was her preference that all parts of the UK pursued the same strategy in combating the virus and emerging out of the current restrictions.
But she told BBC Radio 4: “We may decide, as a United Kingdom, on criteria which will mean that different regions will move at different times.
“Just to be clear, I wasn’t suggesting that Northern Ireland would be the first mover. We’re not out of the woods, we are not making a dash for the exit, not in any way.”
Exit strategy
However, the UK government has repeatedly refused to be drawn on an exit strategy once the peak of the virus has passed. It believes any focus on that issue will divert attention from the “stay home” instruction to householders.
Asked about Ms Sturgeon’s plans, Mr Hancock told GMB: “I know some people are looking in this space but the truth is it is too soon to make changes to the social distancing rules safely.
“People should follow the social distancing rules because that is what is needed to keep this virus under control.
“It now looks like we are at the peak and the curve has flattened but it wouldn’t take much to lose that grip that we have on it, and that is why we are being very cautious in this space.”


inews--2020-04-24--Watchdog tells lenders to offer payment freezes on car finance, payday loans and buy-now pay-later s

Watchdog tells lenders to offer payment freezes on car finance, payday loans and buy-now pay-later services

Watchdog tells lenders to offer payment freezes on car finance , payday loans and buy-now pay-later services New FCA rules provide breathing space for borrowers amid the coronavirus crisis What do the changes involve ?
Companies have also been warned not to start repossession proceedings on vehicles if a customer falls behind with their payments , so that people who need access to a car are still able to use one .
The FCA has also introduced new rules on overdrafts this month , telling banks to offer interest-free buffers to customers ( Photo : Getty ) Why have they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £8,000 of non-mortgage debt typically , such as personal loans , credit cards , overdrafts and hire purchase agreements , according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) .
It is feared that the sudden shock of the coroanvirus pandemic could push some people further into debt .
Christopher Woolard , interim chief executive of the FCA , said the watchdog had worked “ at pace ” to get the new rules in place so that they could be consistent for everyone .
What should customers do ?
If a customer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of a payment deferral period , they should contact their lender .
The firm should work with the customer to resolve these difficulties in advance of payments being missed , the FCA said .
“ Past experience shows that when faced with financial difficulties , some consumers simply stop making repayments on their finance deals .
This is best avoided , as it can harm your credit rating .
If you are struggling , contact your lender to ask for a payment holiday - don ’ t just miss a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the FCA must ensure consumers get the message that in the current climate there is no shame whatsoever in experiencing financial stress ; and that if they anticipate struggling with repayments , the right course of action is always to contact their lender sooner rather than later .
”

Lenders have been told to give payment holidays on car finance and payday loans as customers face financial difficulties due to coronavirus.
The Financial Conduct Authority is introducing a package of temporary measures aimed at giving borrowers breathing space while the UK is on lockdown.
What do the changes involve?
Firms now have to provide a three-month payment freeze for motor finance, buy-now pay-later services such as Klarna and Clearpay, and pawnbroking agreements.
Companies have also been warned not to start repossession proceedings on vehicles if a customer falls behind with their payments, so that people who need access to a car are still able to use one.
High-cost short term credit, which includes payday loans, will be frozen for one month with no additional interest to be charged.
Why have they done this?
UK households have around £8,000 of non-mortgage debt typically, such as personal loans, credit cards, overdrafts and hire purchase agreements, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). It is feared that the sudden shock of the coroanvirus pandemic could push some people further into debt.
Christopher Woolard, interim chief executive of the FCA, said the watchdog had worked “at pace” to get the new rules in place so that they could be consistent for everyone.
“Many firms are already working with their customers, but these measures ensure all consumers affected by the coronavirus emergency can apply for a temporary freeze on their payments.”
The temporary measures will come into force from 27 April.
The FCA has also introduced new rules on overdrafts this month, telling banks to offer interest-free buffers to customers.
What should customers do?
Borrowers will need to tell their providers that they need a payment freeze.
The regulator also said it expects firms to act fairly where terms are adjusted. Where the customer continues to face payment difficulties, it expects firms to provide forbearance in line with its rules.
If a customer is unable to start making payments again at the end of a payment deferral period, they should contact their lender. The firm should work with the customer to resolve these difficulties in advance of payments being missed, the FCA said.
The announcement was welcomed by James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars, but he warned that customers should make sure to contact their lenders.
“Past experience shows that when faced with financial difficulties, some consumers simply stop making repayments on their finance deals. This is best avoided, as it can harm your credit rating. If you are struggling, contact your lender to ask for a payment holiday – don’t just miss a scheduled payment.
“For its part, the FCA must ensure consumers get the message that in the current climate there is no shame whatsoever in experiencing financial stress; and that if they anticipate struggling with repayments, the right course of action is always to contact their lender sooner rather than later.”


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus latest: Expansion of testing is branded 'utter mess' after website closes

Coronavirus latest : Expansion of testing is branded 'utter mess ' after website closes Current testing capacity is 51,000 a day but just 28,532 were carried out in the latest 24 hours , according to figures The Government was accused of presiding over an “ utter mess ” in expanding its Covid-19 testing to up to 10 million key workers after its website had to close after it was inundated with applications .
In a scramble to increase testing to 100,000 per day by the end of the month , millions of teachers , supermarket staff and other essential workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test either at a drive-through centre or by using a kit at home .
But just 16,000 drive-through appointments were made on Friday , meaning potentially hundreds of thousands of key workers with symptoms of coronavirus were missing out .
Around 5,000 home tests were ordered in the first two minutes .
Downing Street and the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted the increased demand for the tests showed that their system of expanding eligibility beyond NHS staff was a success and a step towards reaching the 100,000 a day target set by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the daily Government briefing , Mr Shapps insisted the website had not crashed but that all the slots for the day had been taken up .
Yet critics questioned why the group that could qualify was expanded so rapidly , to up to 10 million people , when there were comparatively few appointments available .
Those applying for tests did not have to prove they were a key worker , leaving Downing Street to admit that it was relying on the “ good faith ” of the public not to jump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51,000 a day but just 28,532 were carried out in the latest 24 hours , according to figures .
Matt Wrack , general secretary if the Fire Brigades Union , said : “ The Government ’ s testing roll-out has been an utter mess .
At our last count , around 3,000 fire and rescue personnel were in self-isolation due to coronavirus .
Without frequent , easily accessible testing – including for those without symptoms – there is a serious risk of staff shortages affecting fire cover.
” The shadow Health Secretary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact the website crashed in minutes reveals the extent of the demand that ministers should have prepared for.
” The website closed on Friday before reopening in the evening .
More slots will be available this weekend .
The website is available for England only , but will be extended to Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland in the coming days .

The Government was accused of presiding over an “utter mess” in expanding its Covid-19 testing to up to 10 million key workers after its website had to close after it was inundated with applications.
In a scramble to increase testing to 100,000 per day by the end of the month, millions of teachers, supermarket staff and other essential workers were told they could apply for a test either at a drive-through centre or by using a kit at home.
But just 16,000 drive-through appointments were made on Friday, meaning potentially hundreds of thousands of key workers with symptoms of coronavirus were missing out. Around 5,000 home tests were ordered in the first two minutes.
Downing Street and the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted the increased demand for the tests showed that their system of expanding eligibility beyond NHS staff was a success and a step towards reaching the 100,000 a day target set by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock by next Thursday.
Relying on ‘good faith’
At the daily Government briefing, Mr Shapps insisted the website had not crashed but that all the slots for the day had been taken up.
Yet critics questioned why the group that could qualify was expanded so rapidly, to up to 10 million people, when there were comparatively few appointments available.
Those applying for tests did not have to prove they were a key worker, leaving Downing Street to admit that it was relying on the “good faith” of the public not to jump the queue.
Current testing capacity is 51,000 a day but just 28,532 were carried out in the latest 24 hours, according to figures.
‘Utter mess’
Matt Wrack, general secretary if the Fire Brigades Union, said: “The Government’s testing roll-out has been an utter mess. At our last count, around 3,000 fire and rescue personnel were in self-isolation due to coronavirus. Without frequent, easily accessible testing – including for those without symptoms – there is a serious risk of staff shortages affecting fire cover.”
The shadow Health Secretary, Jon Ashworth, said: “The fact the website crashed in minutes reveals the extent of the demand that ministers should have prepared for.”
The website closed on Friday before reopening in the evening. More slots will be available this weekend. The website is available for England only, but will be extended to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the coming days.


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus latest: Charities report a fundraising boom as Big Night In raises £67m for virus relief

Coronavirus latest : Charities report a fundraising boom as Big Night In raises £67m for virus relief Virgin Money Giving , the not-for-profit platform , said donations had significantly increased compared to this time last year Organisers said donations will be split equally between Comic Relief and Children In Need – and go some way to helping local charities and UK projects deal with the coronavirus crisis .
Stephen Fry took part in a sketch with the Duke of Cambridge for the BBC 's Big Night In ( Photo : BBC TV/PA Wire ) The Big Night for Children In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Cambridge taking part .
( Photo : BBC/PA ) '' Since then it 's risen to £3,000 – and it 's still climbing .
We 've had individual pledges of £500 and that 's something I 've not seen before .
This Sunday would have seen the 40th London Marathon take over the streets of the capital , which raised more than £66 million for charities last year .
Captain Tom Moore pictured with his Official Number 1 Award from the Official Charts Company for You ’ ll Never Walk Alone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Capture The Light Photography )

Generous Britons have dug deep into their pockets and given millions to charities as the UK battles the Covid-19 pandemic.
The BBC’s Big Night In raised a whopping £67m during its three-hour telethon on Thursday night.
Some 6.7m viewers tuned in to watch comic sketches, musical performances and a surprise appearance by the Duke of Cambridge.
Organisers said donations will be split equally between Comic Relief and Children In Need – and go some way to helping local charities and UK projects deal with the coronavirus crisis.
Charity crisis
Charities have warned of a catastrophic shortfall in third sector finances owing to the cancellation of thousands of fundraising events across the UK.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) warned that the coronavirus pandemic could lead to £4 billion in lost income across the sector.
However, Brits have risen to the cause of charitable giving, even at a time of belt-tightening.
Virgin Money Giving, the not-for-profit fundraising platform, said donations had increased 72 per cent compared to this time last year. Data from financial app Revolut also recorded a 59 per cent rise in donations.
Many leading organisations operate individually at local level and one Salvation Army network said donations to its JustGiving page had risen 650 per cent in 36 hours.
Captain Mark Scoulding, church leader for Watford Salvation Army in Hertfordshire, told i: “Donations have gone through the roof. At 6pm on Wednesday, our fundraising total stood at £400.
“Since then it’s risen to £3,000 – and it’s still climbing. We’ve had individual pledges of £500 and that’s something I’ve not seen before.
“We are extremely grateful for donations but if this crisis lasts beyond September we’re going to need significant, additional funds.”
2.6 challenge
This Sunday would have seen the 40th London Marathon take over the streets of the capital, which raised more than £66 million for charities last year.
In place of the 26 mile race, the nation has been invited to join the 2.6 Challenge, organised by the Mass Participation Sports Organisations.
Participants can do any activity they like, starting from Sunday, to raise money for their charity of choice.
The only restriction is it must feature the numbers two and six, for example cycling 2.6km or doing 26 press ups.
Co-Chair Nick Rusling told i: “We wanted to make this inclusive. It’s designed for any ages and any fitness.
“We have 2, 500 charities involved so far and we are aiming to raise £67 million.”
He is planning to hop for 2.6km in his own garden to raise funds for Cure Leukaemia and Women in Sport.
Record breaker
Meanwhile war veteran Captain Tom Moore claimed a new record – this time in the singles chart.
The 99-year-old former Army officer’s debut record, a cover of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, recorded with singer Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care choir, reached number one on Friday.
Chart officials said he is the oldest artist to ever reach the top spot in its 70-year history and he will be the first centenarian to have a number one, as he turns 100 on Thursday.
Captain Tom’s chart feat follows his fundraising success of walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, which has raised more than £28m for NHS Charities Together. He is now the biggest individual fundraiser ever on the website JustGiving.


inews--2020-04-24--Former Buddhist monk, 79, finds beauty in his coronavirus lockdown solitude

Former Buddhist monk , 79 , finds beauty in his coronavirus lockdown solitude He claims coronavirus is nature 's warning to mankind A former Buddhist monk , Buddha Maitreya , 79 , has devoted 50 years of his life to meditation so knows a thing or two about solitude .
Now there is a lockdown , he is alone in his two-acre Japanese garden in rural Nottinghamshire and describes it as “ heaven ” .
The 79-year-old , born Koji Takeuchi in Handa , Japan , turned to meditation in his teens studying Buddhist theology at university before becoming a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life too harsh and rigid , so left Japan and travelled eventually ending up in Nottinghamshire where he bought a rural property in North Clifton .
Since 1973 , this has been his Pure Land Meditation Centre and he has dedicated much of his time to creating a spectacular Japanese Garden .
`` I 'm in the middle of Japan once again , '' he said .
Despite no previous gardening experience , he began work in 1980 to turn the two-acre wilderness into a Japanese garden .
Since then its success has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and featuring in the ITV show Britain ’ s Best Back Gardens .
Buddha Maitreya enjoying his glorious gardens alone during the ongoing lockdown ( Photo : Danny Lawson/PA ) But the lockdown has brought this to an end .
`` Hundreds of people come at this time of year because it 's at its most beautiful .
But now there 's nobody ” , he said , '' It 's sad people can not share the peace and the beauty but I 'm happy to be here .
It 's heaven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lesson to the world about how humans deal with nature .
`` I see the present coronavirus as a grave warning from nature to mankind that we have to change the way we live now on this planet ” , he said , `` Finally , nature turns against us , forcing us to stop economic , industrial and social activities altogether and locking down the world through the pandemic . ''

A former Buddhist monk, Buddha Maitreya, 79, has devoted 50 years of his life to meditation so knows a thing or two about solitude.
Now there is a lockdown, he is alone in his two-acre Japanese garden in rural Nottinghamshire and describes it as “heaven”.
The 79-year-old, born Koji Takeuchi in Handa, Japan, turned to meditation in his teens studying Buddhist theology at university before becoming a Zen monk.
But he found monastic life too harsh and rigid, so left Japan and travelled eventually ending up in Nottinghamshire where he bought a rural property in North Clifton.
East Midlands Zen master
Since 1973, this has been his Pure Land Meditation Centre and he has dedicated much of his time to creating a spectacular Japanese Garden.
“I’m in the middle of Japan once again,” he said.
Despite no previous gardening experience, he began work in 1980 to turn the two-acre wilderness into a Japanese garden.
Since then its success has grown, attracting around 8,000 visitors a year and featuring in the ITV show Britain’s Best Back Gardens.
‘Middle of Japan’
But the lockdown has brought this to an end.
“Hundreds of people come at this time of year because it’s at its most beautiful. But now there’s nobody”, he said,
“It’s sad people cannot share the peace and the beauty but I’m happy to be here. It’s heaven.”
Nature’s warning
Buddha Maitreya believes the virus is a lesson to the world about how humans deal with nature.
“I see the present coronavirus as a grave warning from nature to mankind that we have to change the way we live now on this planet”, he said, “Finally, nature turns against us, forcing us to stop economic, industrial and social activities altogether and locking down the world through the pandemic.”


inews--2020-04-24--Messenger Rooms: Facebook takes on Zoom with launch of 50-person video calls

Messenger Rooms : Facebook takes on Zoom with launch of 50-person video calls The social media giant has turned up late to the battle for Covid-19 video calls , but has some major tech The social media giant has largely been left in the dust during the pandemic as Zoom , Houseparty and Google Hangouts have become the main beneficiaries from a surge in use of video call software .
The software is geared towards social groupings - unlike Zoom , which was initially intended for professional use - with Facebook boasting an array of augmented reality lenses , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 360-degree immersive backgrounds .
Facebook is hoping to take on Zoom with its new Messenger Rooms In other video-centric changes , Instagram Live streams , which have become a popular way for celebrities and influencers to host improvised shows during the lockdown , will be viewable from desktop for the first time .
In a release , the company said : `` Messenger Rooms make it easy to spend quality time with friends , loved ones and people who share your interests .
Create a room right from Messenger or Facebook , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even if they don ’ t have a Facebook account .
`` Host celebrations , gather a book club or just hang out on the couch with friends .
You don ’ t need to call someone and hope it ’ s a good time or check everyone ’ s calendar first .
`` You can start and share rooms on Facebook through News Feed , Groups and Events , so it ’ s easy for people to drop by .
Soon we ’ ll add ways to create rooms from Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Facebook is hoping to take on Zoom with its new Messenger Rooms Open video calls on other platforms have led to a surge in what has become known as `` zoombombing '' - where users gatecrash other people 's social events and shout abuse or stream pornography .
`` When you create a room , you choose who can see and join it .
You can remove people from the call and lock a room if you don ’ t want anyone else to enter . ''

Facebook is launching a new video chatting tool that can accommodate 50 people, seeking to take on the rise of video calling apps like Zoom.
The social media giant has largely been left in the dust during the pandemic as Zoom, Houseparty and Google Hangouts have become the main beneficiaries from a surge in use of video call software.
On Friday, Facbeook sought to redress the balance with an overhauled video call offering, known as Messenger Rooms.
The software is geared towards social groupings – unlike Zoom, which was initially intended for professional use – with Facebook boasting an array of augmented reality lenses, from bunny ears and adjustable mood lighting to 360-degree immersive backgrounds.
No time limit
Zoom limits free users to 40-minute calls and 100 participants for group video chats, while Facebook’s Messenger Rooms will be able to “hold up to 50 people with no time limit.”
Rooms will roll out across Facebook over the coming weeks, the company said.
In other video-centric changes, Instagram Live streams, which have become a popular way for celebrities and influencers to host improvised shows during the lockdown, will be viewable from desktop for the first time.
Facebook has also overhauled video functionality on WhatsApp, where calls will now support up to eight people.
Quality time with friends
In a release, the company said: “Messenger Rooms make it easy to spend quality time with friends, loved ones and people who share your interests. Create a room right from Messenger or Facebook, and invite anyone to join your video call, even if they don’t have a Facebook account.
“Host celebrations, gather a book club or just hang out on the couch with friends. You don’t need to call someone and hope it’s a good time or check everyone’s calendar first.
“You can start and share rooms on Facebook through News Feed, Groups and Events, so it’s easy for people to drop by. Soon we’ll add ways to create rooms from Instagram Direct, WhatsApp and Portal, too.”
Open video calls on other platforms have led to a surge in what has become known as “zoombombing” – where users gatecrash other people’s social events and shout abuse or stream pornography.
However, Facebook says its system will be geared towards preventing any malicious behaviour, with unique links for calls that are “difficult for hackers to guess.”
The company said: “We built Rooms with privacy in mind and designed controls to let you manage your experience.
“When you create a room, you choose who can see and join it. You can remove people from the call and lock a room if you don’t want anyone else to enter.”


inews--2020-04-24--Coronavirus latest: Payment freeze to be offered on payday loans and car finance

Coronavirus latest : Payment freeze to be offered on payday loans and car finance Friday marks payday for millions of workers across the country , many of whom will be taking home much less than usual Customers with payday loans who are being impacted by Covid-19 will be able to request a payment freeze - as millions of employees face their first cut-back pay cheques .
Under the plan , customers with payday loans and other `` high-cost short term credit '' obligations will see their payments frozen for one month with no additional interest to be charged .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements will be eligible for a three month payment freeze if they are having temporary difficulties meeting payments due to coronavirus .
People who are in rent-to-own or buy-now pay-later credit agreements should also have their payments frozen for three months and should not have their property repossessed if they fail to make payments , the FCA said .
`` Many firms are already working with their customers , but these measures ensure all consumers affected by the coronavirus emergency can apply for a temporary freeze on their payments . ''
Friday marks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of workers across the country , with people facing a challenge to make ends meet given the widespread deployment of pay cuts and furlough agreements .
With businesses closed , millions will take home less than usual on Friday ( Photo : LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images ) It said that the burden of debt , which was already swallowing a large portion of household incomes , could be exacerbated during the pandemic .
Businesses across the UK have closed due to the lockdown ( Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images ) David Sturrock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` Before the current crisis hit , up to a quarter of households in some relatively high income brackets were spending more than 10 % of their income on repaying unsecured debts .

Customers with payday loans who are being impacted by Covid-19 will be able to request a payment freeze – as millions of employees face their first cut-back pay cheques.
The Financial Conduct Authority confirmed on Friday that measures will come into effect from Monday, 27 April, to give customers struggling with payments a break.
Under the plan, customers with payday loans and other “high-cost short term credit” obligations will see their payments frozen for one month with no additional interest to be charged.
Meanwhile, people with car loans or lease agreements will be eligible for a three month payment freeze if they are having temporary difficulties meeting payments due to coronavirus.
People who are in rent-to-own or buy-now pay-later credit agreements should also have their payments frozen for three months and should not have their property repossessed if they fail to make payments, the FCA said.
Payment freeze
Christopher Woolard, interim chief executive at the FCA, said: “We have worked at pace to introduce temporary financial relief tailored for a range of specific credit products.
“Many firms are already working with their customers, but these measures ensure all consumers affected by the coronavirus emergency can apply for a temporary freeze on their payments.”
Friday marks the first payday under lockdown for millions of workers across the country, with people facing a challenge to make ends meet given the widespread deployment of pay cuts and furlough agreements.
Debt burden
The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates that households have an average of £8,000 of non-mortgage debt, including personal loans, credit cards, overdrafts and hire purchase agreements.
It said that the burden of debt, which was already swallowing a large portion of household incomes, could be exacerbated during the pandemic.
David Sturrock, a senior research economist at IFS, said: “Before the current crisis hit, up to a quarter of households in some relatively high income brackets were spending more than 10% of their income on repaying unsecured debts.
“Significant numbers were spending more than a fifth of their income on such repayments.
“With many households facing sharp falls in incomes, payment holidays will provide a temporary reprieve.
“But once those holidays are over, some of those households will struggle to return to pre-crisis income levels.
“Some, who thought they had manageable debts given their expected incomes, are now likely to end up struggling to cope.”
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-04-25--Coronavirus latest: Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings attended Sage meetings for nation's top

Coronavirus latest: Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings attended Sage meetings for nation's top scientific advisers

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said Mr Cummings has 'no place ' on the government 's independent scientific advisory group According to The Guardian , Mr Cummings was one of 23 attendees at a crunch meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) on 23 March - the same day the Prime Minister announced a nationwide lockdown .
The independent committee has been key to shaping the UK 's response to the coronavirus pandemic , but the official list of members has not been made public .
Downing Street has denied that Mr Cummings and Mr Warner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they had attended meetings in order to better understand the scientific debate around coronavirus .
'Science advice should be free of political bias' However , Labour said Mr Cummings ' presence raised `` significant questions '' and the former government chief scientific adviser , Sir David King , was “ shocked ” to find out there were political advisers in attendance .
Sir David told the newspaper : “ If you are giving science advice , your advice should be free of any political bias .
That is just so critically important .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cummings ' attendance `` must compromise the independence '' of the group , adding : What we do n't know is the influence he plays in taking what he interprets from those meetings back to the prime minister . ''
Pushing back at the `` ludicrous '' story , a Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The scientists on Sage are among the most eminent in their fields .
It is factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate to imply their advice is affected by government advisers listening to discussions.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are ‘ on ’ or members of Sage .
Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some Sage meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual .
The Sage committee offers independent advice to ministers and is chaired by the UK 's chief scientific officer Sir Patrick Vallance .
The government has never disclosed its members or attendees , although individual members can make known they 're part of the group .
Sir Patrick said the decision not to reveal its membership was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Protection of National Infrastructure ( CPNI ) , and helped safeguard the security of members and protect them from lobbying .
Mr Ashworth said : “ He is a political adviser , not a medical or scientific expert .
If the public are to have confidence in the Sage , the Government must make clear Dominic Cummings can no longer participate or attend . ''
He also said the government should be `` entirely transparent '' regarding its decisions and publish the minutes of Sage meetings .
Asked about the story on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Professor Stephen Powis said : `` I have been confident that what happens at Sage is a scientific discussion involving the scientists and the experts who are members of Sage .
`` It is the experts from a variety of backgrounds who discuss the evidence , they discuss the evidence base of the various topics , they come to conclusions around that evidence base .
It is then , of course , the role of Sage to advise the Government . ''

Boris Johnson’s chief adviser Dominic Cummings has been taking part in meetings of the independent scientific body advising the government on the coronavirus outbreak.
According to The Guardian, Mr Cummings was one of 23 attendees at a crunch meeting of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) on 23 March – the same day the Prime Minister announced a nationwide lockdown.
The data scientist Ben Warner, who previously worked with Mr Cummings on the Vote Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum, was also present.
The independent committee has been key to shaping the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, but the official list of members has not been made public.
Downing Street has denied that Mr Cummings and Mr Warner are full members of Sage, insisting they had attended meetings in order to better understand the scientific debate around coronavirus.
‘Science advice should be free of political bias’
However, Labour said Mr Cummings’ presence raised “significant questions” and the former government chief scientific adviser, Sir David King, was “shocked” to find out there were political advisers in attendance.
Sir David told the newspaper: “If you are giving science advice, your advice should be free of any political bias. That is just so critically important.”
The former official said that Mr Cummings’ attendance “must compromise the independence” of the group, adding: What we don’t know is the influence he plays in taking what he interprets from those meetings back to the prime minister.”
Pushing back at the “ludicrous” story, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “The scientists on Sage are among the most eminent in their fields. It is factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate to imply their advice is affected by government advisers listening to discussions.”
The spokesperson added: “It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are ‘on’ or members of Sage. Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some Sage meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual.
“Occasionally they ask questions or offer help when scientists mention problems in Whitehall.”
The Sage committee offers independent advice to ministers and is chaired by the UK’s chief scientific officer Sir Patrick Vallance. The government has never disclosed its members or attendees, although individual members can make known they’re part of the group.
Sir Patrick said the decision not to reveal its membership was based on advice from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), and helped safeguard the security of members and protect them from lobbying.
Concerns of influence
However, Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said Mr Cummings had “no place” on the government’s scientific advisory group.
Mr Ashworth said: “He is a political adviser, not a medical or scientific expert. If the public are to have confidence in the Sage, the Government must make clear Dominic Cummings can no longer participate or attend.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “The concern is that political advisers have influenced the debate.”
He also said the government should be “entirely transparent” regarding its decisions and publish the minutes of Sage meetings.
Asked about the story on the Today programme, NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: “I have been confident that what happens at Sage is a scientific discussion involving the scientists and the experts who are members of Sage.
“It is the experts from a variety of backgrounds who discuss the evidence, they discuss the evidence base of the various topics, they come to conclusions around that evidence base. It is then, of course, the role of Sage to advise the Government.”
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-04-25--Lockdown cooking: Top chefs recreate classic wartime dishes to make at home

Lisa Goodwin Allen , Rohit Ghai , and more have flicked through the 1940s Ministry of Food recipe book for inspiration The coronavirus pandemic has forced Britons to be more economical with their shopping and more efficient with their meal plans .
More than ever , affordability is desired and food has to go further .
Few would have imagined that in 2020 we would only be allowed to buy two cartons of eggs in the supermarket , or struggle to find bags of flour .
Since March , when the Government brought in emergency measures to prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been hunkering down and adhering to a rationing of sorts .
It harks back to wartime and we could learn a thing or two .
In April 1940 , then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain appointed the businessman Lord Woolton as the Minister of Food .
He was transparent with his policies and fast to act , and probably became the most successful politician to hold the post in his three years in tenure .
His eponymous pie , which consists of seasonal vegetables in pastry , has long been synonymous with his wizened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War , countless recipes - many of which were created by the Savoy Hotel ’ s former maître chef Francis Latry - were supposed to inspire cooks to prepare wholesome , hearty meals at home .
Vegetables , potatoes in particular , played a pivotal role ; meat and dairy were sideline acts .
Recipes have been simple , by and large , and cost has weighed heavy on the mind .
But what could they learn from Lord Woolton and his 1940s recipe books ?
Lisa Goodwin Allen , a former Roux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner , has been running the show at the Michelin-starred Northcote , in her native Lancashire , since 2004 .
We note it has become difficult to find flour and yeast in supermarkets at the moment , so some of these recipes might require a little more planning .
Try calling your local bakery , or ordering flour in larger quantities online .
Ben Cooke , chef patron , The Little Gloster Restaurant with Rooms , Isle of Wight Ben and Holly Cooke own The Little Gloster on the Isle of Wight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local restaurant '' in The Good Food Guide .
Sam Buckley , chef patron at Where the Light Gets In , Stockport

The coronavirus pandemic has forced Britons to be more economical with their shopping and more efficient with their meal plans. More than ever, affordability is desired and food has to go further.
Few would have imagined that in 2020 we would only be allowed to buy two cartons of eggs in the supermarket, or struggle to find bags of flour. Since March, when the Government brought in emergency measures to prevent the spread of the virus, we’ve been hunkering down and adhering to a rationing of sorts. It harks back to wartime and we could learn a thing or two.
In April 1940, then Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain appointed the businessman Lord Woolton as the Minister of Food. He was transparent with his policies and fast to act, and probably became the most successful politician to hold the post in his three years in tenure. His eponymous pie, which consists of seasonal vegetables in pastry, has long been synonymous with his wizened culinary strategy.
The likes of “corned beef fritters” and “mince in the hole” are, thankfully, less remembered.
Lord Woolton pie is probably the most famous dish from the era.
During the Second World War, countless recipes – many of which were created by the Savoy Hotel’s former maître chef Francis Latry – were supposed to inspire cooks to prepare wholesome, hearty meals at home. Vegetables, potatoes in particular, played a pivotal role; meat and dairy were sideline acts.
Today’s chefs, cut off from their beloved restaurant kitchens, have taken on a similar role, helping to educate Britons via social media.
Recipes have been simple, by and large, and cost has weighed heavy on the mind. But what could they learn from Lord Woolton and his 1940s recipe books?
i asked five top chefs to revamp historic dishes for modern times.
Lisa Goodwin Allen, executive chef at Northcote, Lancashire
Lisa Goodwin Allen, a former Roux Scholarship finalist and Great British Menu dish winner, has been running the show at the Michelin-starred Northcote, in her native Lancashire, since 2004.
“Lord Woolton Pie” pasty
We note it has become difficult to find flour and yeast in supermarkets at the moment, so some of these recipes might require a little more planning. Try calling your local bakery, or ordering flour in larger quantities online.
Servings: 4
Ingredients for rough puff pastry:
450g white bread flour
85g unsalted butter
250 unsalted butter
25g lemon juice
6g salt
3g caster sugar
105g water (0 °C)
Method:
Place the flour and the 85g butter into a mixing machine and mix until fine breadcrumbs
Add 250g of butter and mix for 2-3 minutes until just combined
Whisk together the salt, sugar, lemon juice and water
Slowly add the water to the flour and butter mix until combined
Remove the mix from the machine, lightly knead for 2-3 minutes, then form the pastry into a flat square
Wrap the pastry in cling film and leave in the fridge overnight
Once the pastry has rested, roll into a long rectangle (1cm thick) and turn the pastry to landscape then turn both sides to meet in the middle, and fold one on top of the other
Repeat this process four times turning the pastry clockwise each time
Ingredients for stuffing:
30g white leeks
30g finely diced onion
½ clove crushed garlic
10g butter
60g cream
4g chopped chives
35g diced good quality cheddar cheese
1/2tsp wholegrain mustard
60g diced potato (1/2 cm)
50g tiny flourettes cauliflower
15g butter (for blanching)
200g water (for blanching)
5g salt (for blanching)
Salt and white pepper to season
Method:
In a medium sized pan, add the water, 15g butter and the salt and bring to the boil. Once boiling add the cauliflower florettes and cook for 2-3mins until just cooked (still slightly crunchy) and remove with a slotted spoon
In the same water, blanch the potato for 2-3mins until just cooked (still slightly crunchy). Remove from water
Split the leek in half, wash thoroughly in cold water and then with a sharp knife finely shred
Place the 10gms of butter into a hot medium sized pan and melt, once melted add the leeks and diced onion, sweat for 3-4 minutes until the leek and onions are soft
Add the crushed garlic, cream, salt and pepper and cook for a further 2 minutes
Mix through the potato, cauliflower, diced cheese and whole grain mustard check seasoning
Remove from the pan and leave to cool, once cooled mix in the chives and reserved ready for the turnover
To make the turnover:
Roll out the rough puff pastry to ½ cm thick, cut the pastry into squares 8cm long by 8cm wide or use a bought puff or shortcrust pastry and cut to the appropriate size
Place the two tsps full of your vegetable mix in the middle of each square, brush the sides with egg wash
Fold over the pastry, pinch the sides together being careful you don’t get air pockets, cut away any excess pastry, and seal the sides together with the rear side of a fork
Make three small slashes on top of each turnover, place the turnovers onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, cover with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes
Brush each turnover with egg wash and place in the oven at 200°C for 5 minutes or until golden
Add bacon, cheese or spices if preferable
Ben Cooke, chef patron, The Little Gloster Restaurant with Rooms, Isle of Wight
Ben and Holly Cooke own The Little Gloster on the Isle of Wight, which this year was named “best local restaurant” in The Good Food Guide.
Easter “Glory Buns”
Serves 6
Ingredients for buns:
25g fresh yeast (or 12.5g dried yeast)
250-300ml tepid milk (blood temperature)
110g caster sugar
225g wholemeal
225g plain flour
100g margarine melted (or butter)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 teaspoon mixed spice – 1 teaspoon salt
150g dried fruit / mixed peel – soaked in boiling hot water with a teabag for 5 mins
Ingredients for bun wash:
300ml water
225g sugar
Add together and boil for 2 mins then leave to cool
Ingredients for white dough for decorating:
55g white flour
30g water
Mix to a dough and knead until like play dough – add more flour or water so it’s nice and soft (cover with a wet cloth and leave to the side)
Method:
Melt the margarine or butter
Sift the flour, spices and salt into a large mixing bowl (or food mixer with a dough hook) then add the sugar
Warm the milk to blood temperature – use your finger to test. Then add the yeast if using and whisk in the melted butter or margarine make sure the yeast gets fully dissolved
Turn the mixer on low or make a well in the bowl and gradually add the slightly warmed milk
Knead until the mix comes together (about two minutes) – add the tea soaked mixed fruit – don’t forget to take out the teabag! If it’s too dry or wet add more milk or flour
Knead on a medium high speed or get strong with it on a tabletop
Cover and leave to rise in the bowl somewhere warm until doubled in size
Preheat oven to 180/200oc – line a baking sheet with parchment or oil one
Once doubled – portion the dough into 14 little buns – then roll on your workbench with a little extra flour to make a nice bun shape
Roll out your white dough with a rolling pin and cut thin and cut funny shapes – use a little milk to brush the tops to help stick the designs onto the tops
Leave to prove on the baking sheet until risen then bake for 10-15 mins
When they come out of the oven, brush with the sticky bun wash
Anna Haugh, chef patron at Myrtle restaurant, London
Anna Haugh runs the acclaimed Myrtle restaurant in Mayfair, London, and stars on the latest series of Ready, Steady, Cook!
Spam and cheese toasties
Serves 2
Ingredients:
Cheese bechamel
20g flour
20g butter
200ml warm milk
75g grated Coolea (or your favourite) cheese
40g extra cheese (whatever you prefer)
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 tin of spam sliced thinly
4 slices of bread
50g butter
Method:
In a pot melt the butter and add the flour, stir well over a medium heat and allow the mix to bubble and foam
Pour in a third of the warm milk, mix and stir quickly with a wooden spoon or whisk, then add the rest of the milk and wait until the mixture is smooth and bubbling before adding the cheese and a pinch of salt and black pepper
Spread the mix on one side of bread
Sprinkle a little extra cheese lay your sliced spam on top (feel free to give your toastie a lick of mustard here too)
Place the the top slice of bread
Put a teaspoon of butter in the pan on a low heat and place the sandwich in the pan – when it is golden brown turn over the toastie with a little more butter added to the pan
Pop the toastie in the oven at 180c for a 2-5 minutes to make sure it’s hot and gooey in the centre before serving
Sam Buckley, chef patron at Where the Light Gets In, Stockport
Sam Buckley is chef patron of Where the Light Gets In, Stockport, and starred in series 13 of Great British Menu
Cheese “mock goose” eggs
Serves 2
Ingredients:
4 potatoes
Spring onions
A hunk of cheese (I recommend St. James from Martin Gott in Cumbria and available from Courtyard Dairy)
A small bunch of sage
A heel of stale bread
Butter
Salt and Pepper
1 egg
Oil for frying
Method:
Make a stiff mash by boiling potatoes until tender and draining well
Leave in a warm pan to allow as much moisture to evaporate as possible
Pass through a fine sieve and a keen helping of salt and black pepper
Slice spring onions and soften lightly in a little butter in a warm pan
Add the spring onions and shredded sage to the mash and set aside to cool
Cut small chunks of cheese if using a soft cheese, grate if using a hard cheese and crumble if using blue
Once cooled, take a fistful of mash, egg sized, and mould into an egg shape, then push your thumb into the bottom of you egg potato to create a healthy cavity
Fill this hole with your cheese mix and seal back over. Repeat until you have half a dozen or so
Grate your stale bread to make breadcrumbs
Prepare a small container of flour, one of whisked egg and one of breadcrumbs
Roll an egg in flour and dust off, next roll in egg making sure it is completely covered – be nimble with your fingers to drain as much egg as possible. You don’t want to end up with a clumpy breadcrumb mess
Roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat until all of your eggs are covered
Heat enough oil in a deep pan to ensure your egg will be completely submerged. Ensure the oil is around 180 degrees (use a thermometer if you can)
Fry two eggs at a time. Take out when golden and crispy, transfer to a preheated 160 oven to wait for the rest
When everything is cooked find your favourite egg cup and serve with lots of siracha or your favourite chilli sauce
Rohit Ghai, chef patron at Kutir, London
Rohit Ghai made his name earning Michelin stars at some of London’s most high-profile Indian restaurants, and now operates Kutir in Chelsea
Rarah keema pao
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:
300g lamb minced meat (lean)
200g dice lamb or beef optional
4 tbsp oil
4 cloves
4 green cardamom, crushed
A small piece of cinnamon
1 black cardamom
2 bay leaves
150g onions, finely chopped
1 tbsp ginger paste
1 tbsp garlic paste
100 g chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp Garam masala
½ tsp chilli powder
1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
1 tbls dry fenugreek leaves
20 g double cream
Salt to taste
Handful of chopped coriander leaves to garnish
6 brown buns (pao if you can find them)
Method: