inews--2020-04-30--Food banks record 81% surge in demand as coronavirus causes thousands to go hungry

Food banks record 81 % surge in demand as coronavirus causes thousands to go hungry A coalition of charities has proposed new measures to help support those in need An 81 per cent increase in emergency food parcels have been delivered in the first two weeks of March compared to the same period last year , according to the Trussell Trust , which has reported its `` busiest ever period '' .
As the outbreak spread , food banks in the Independent Food Aid Network ( IFAN ) saw the need for food parcels rocket , reporting an average 59 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to March - 17 times higher than this time last year .
Thousands have been pushed into destitution Now , a collective made up of the Child Poverty Action Group ( CPAG ) , Children ’ s Society , Joseph Rowntree Foundation ( JRF ) , StepChange , and Turn2us , is calling for a temporary Coronavirus Emergency Income Support Scheme to ensure people left in difficulty can access the resources they need .
The Trussell Trust said the new data shows people struggling with the amount of income they were receiving from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the increase in need .
Together with its fellow charities , it is urging the government to better help protect people from being swept into destitution as applications to receive Universal Credit soar .
The chief executive of the Trussell Trust , Emma Revie , said : `` The last few weeks have shown we must come together to protect each other against the unexpected .
Like a tidal wave gathering pace , an economic crisis is sweeping towards us – but we don ’ t all have lifeboats .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant some of us do n't have enough money for essentials and are being pushed to food banks .
We need emergency measures to ensure people can makes ends meet during this crisis . ''
More in need of lifeline The coalition said it has welcomed the measures taken by the government to help those scraping the barrel , and said it recognises the both the Coronavirus Jobs Retention scheme and the additional investment in Universal Credit and the Local Housing Allowance are huge boosts .
But the group has warned that many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without further and continued assistance .
As the economy falters amid the Covid-19 crisis , many more will need a lifeline .
`` Independent food bank teams in our network are also seeing steep rises in need for emergency food parcels as the consequences of COVID-19 take hold , '' said Sabine Goodwin , coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network .
`` They are doing all they can to support people unable to afford to buy food for themselves , but the escalating food insecurity crisis is avoidable .
`` The solution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food parcels but in providing sufficient income to the huge numbers of people impacted by this crisis and the poverty that preceded it.
” The acting director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation ( JRF ) , Helen Barnard , added : “ It ’ s simply not right that so many more people are having to turn to food banks because they are unable to meet their basic costs .
`` We all want to help each other weather this storm , but families with children are being particularly hard hit and do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay afloat .

Food banks have recorded a record spike in demand as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause hardship across Britain, new figures show.
An 81 per cent increase in emergency food parcels were delivered in the first two weeks of March compared to the same period last year, according to the Trussell Trust, which has reported its “busiest ever period”.
There has been a 122 per cent rise in donations to children alone.
The data comes as a coalition of anti-poverty charities call for renewed support for vulnerable people, and highlighted those financially hit by Covid-19.
As the outbreak spread, food banks in the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) saw the need for food parcels rocket, reporting an average 59 per cent rise in need from February to March – 17 times higher than this time last year.
Thousands have been pushed into destitution
Now, a collective made up of the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), Children’s Society, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), StepChange, and Turn2us, is calling for a temporary Coronavirus Emergency Income Support Scheme to ensure people left in difficulty can access the resources they need.
The Trussell Trust said the new data shows people struggling with the amount of income they were receiving from working or benefits as the main reason for the increase in need.
Together with its fellow charities, it is urging the government to better help protect people from being swept into destitution as applications to receive Universal Credit soar.
The chief executive of the Trussell Trust, Emma Revie, said: “The last few weeks have shown we must come together to protect each other against the unexpected. Like a tidal wave gathering pace, an economic crisis is sweeping towards us – but we don’t all have lifeboats.
“It’s not right that this has meant some of us don’t have enough money for essentials and are being pushed to food banks. We need emergency measures to ensure people can makes ends meet during this crisis.”
More in need of lifeline
The coalition said it has welcomed the measures taken by the government to help those scraping the barrel, and said it recognises the both the Coronavirus Jobs Retention scheme and the additional investment in Universal Credit and the Local Housing Allowance are huge boosts.
But the group has warned that many will still be left in dire need without further and continued assistance. As the economy falters amid the Covid-19 crisis, many more will need a lifeline.
“Independent food bank teams in our network are also seeing steep rises in need for emergency food parcels as the consequences of COVID-19 take hold,” said Sabine Goodwin, coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network.
“They are doing all they can to support people unable to afford to buy food for themselves, but the escalating food insecurity crisis is avoidable.
“The solution is not in trying to distribute more food parcels but in providing sufficient income to the huge numbers of people impacted by this crisis and the poverty that preceded it.”
In response to the deepening impact of the virus, the coalition has proposed a “temporary package” of aid, which includes:
Increasing benefits that go to families to help with the costs of raising children
Extending the suspension of benefit deductions to cover advance payments – these are often taken to cover the five-week wait for a first Universal Credit payment
Lifting the benefit cap and two-child policy to ensure this support scheme benefits everyone
Ensuring local authorities in England can provide effective crisis support to individuals and families
More information on the policy changes needed is available
The acting director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), Helen Barnard, added: “It’s simply not right that so many more people are having to turn to food banks because they are unable to meet their basic costs.
“We all want to help each other weather this storm, but families with children are being particularly hard hit and do not have the lifeline they need to stay afloat.
“Millions already caught up in poverty face deepening hardship, whilst many more risk being pulled into poverty alongside them.”


inews--2020-04-30--Root and leaf cocktail prescribed as the ‘Holy Grail’ of hangover cures

Root and leaf cocktail prescribed as the ‘ Holy Grail ’ of hangover cures Researchers develop a potion that drastically reduces symptoms of nausea and headache Adding willow root and Barbardos cherry to the pot completes a medicine so potent that it reduces the headache intensity of the average hangover by 34 per cent .
Picture shows cocktails being prepared ( Photo : Spencer Platt/Getty ) An effective hangover cure could soon make the jump from dream to reality after scientists came up with a cocktail of fruits , leaves and roots that alleviates much of the morning-after agony .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the witch ’ s cauldren in Macbeth , the miracle concoction includes root of ginger , dried green leaf of maidenhair tree ( aka ginkgo biloba ) and prickly pear - a member of the cactus family .
Adding willow root and Barbardos cherry to the pot completes a medicine so potent that it reduces the headache intensity of the average hangover by 34 per cent while cutting nausea by 42 per cent .
Drinking from the goblet also reduces feelings of restlessness by 41 per cent and cuts `` feelings of indifference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its creators .
Dr Schmitt said the findings also casts doubt on the widespread notion that hangovers are caused by dehydration ( Photo : Spencer Platt/Getty ) They will now tinker with the formula to improve its effectiveness with a view to making a hangover cure available to buy in the coming years .
“ These kind of natural compounds could be the holy grail of a good night out , ” said Patrick Schmitt , of Johannes Guttenberg University in Germany .
“ However , the underlying mechanisms remain to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will further refine our mixture and will look for commercial partners for further development , ” he said .
Dr Schmitt said the research also casts doubt on the widespread notion that hangovers are caused by dehydration .
He found that levels of water in the body did n't change significantly when somebody became drunk even though they were likely to empty their bladders more often when drinking .
Between them , the ingredients provide the hangover victim with the vitamins , magnesium , potassium , sodium bicarbonate , zinc , riboflavin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stave off the post-inebriation lurgy .
The number and type of drinks consumed was recorded as was how many times they urinated between 1700 and 2100 hours .
Blood and urine samples and blood pressure measurements were taken before and after the start of this four-hour period , after which the participants were sent home to sober up .
Twelve hours later the same samples and blood pressure measurements were taken , and participants filled in a questionnaire about the type and intensity of perceived hangover symptoms , which were ranked on a @ @ @ @ @

An effective hangover cure could soon make the jump from dream to reality after scientists came up with a cocktail of fruits, leaves and roots that alleviates much of the morning-after agony.
In a potion that brings to mind the witch’s cauldron in Macbeth, the miracle concoction includes root of ginger, dried green leaf of maidenhair tree (aka ginkgo biloba) and prickly pear – a member of the cactus family.
Adding willow root and Barbardos cherry to the pot completes a medicine so potent that it reduces the headache intensity of the average hangover by 34 per cent while cutting nausea by 42 per cent.
Drinking from the goblet also reduces feelings of restlessness by 41 per cent and cuts “feelings of indifference” by 27 per cent, according to its creators.
Refining the formula
They will now tinker with the formula to improve its effectiveness with a view to making a hangover cure available to buy in the coming years.
“These kind of natural compounds could be the holy grail of a good night out,” said Patrick Schmitt, of Johannes Guttenberg University in Germany.
“However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be unravelled and need further investigation. We will further refine our mixture and will look for commercial partners for further development,” he said.
Dr Schmitt said the research also casts doubt on the widespread notion that hangovers are caused by dehydration.
Hangovers not caused by dehydration
He found that levels of water in the body didn’t change significantly when somebody became drunk even though they were likely to empty their bladders more often when drinking.
“Our results suggest that alcohol-induced increased fluid excretion does not necessarily lead to a significant dehydration process,” he said.
Between them, the ingredients provide the hangover victim with the vitamins, magnesium, potassium, sodium bicarbonate, zinc, riboflavin, thiamin and folic acid that helps them stave off the post-inebriation lurgy.
The experiments
The researchers conducted tests on 214 people aged 18 to 65.
The number and type of drinks consumed was recorded as was how many times they urinated between 1700 and 2100 hours.
Blood and urine samples and blood pressure measurements were taken before and after the start of this four-hour period, after which the participants were sent home to sober up.
Twelve hours later the same samples and blood pressure measurements were taken, and participants filled in a questionnaire about the type and intensity of perceived hangover symptoms, which were ranked on a zero to 10 scale.
The study is published in the BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health journal.


inews--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Chances of an early Covid-19 treatment within a year remain slim as scientists race to

Coronavirus: Chances of an early Covid-19 treatment within a year remain slim as scientists race to find vaccine

Coronavirus : Chances of an early Covid-19 treatment within a year remain slim as scientists race to find vaccine The US-led remdesivir clinical trial and the Oxford Vaccine project are just two of the many investigations under way worldwide The race is well and truly on to see who can find the first successful vaccine or drug to treat Covid-19 .
The reward is global prestige .
Little wonder therefore that nearly everyone involved in clinical trials has spoken of their optimism that their work will result in triumph .
The focus of the last 48 hours has been on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical trial , an international collaboration led by the US National Institutes of Health looking at whether the antiviral drug can work against Covid-19 , and the Oxford Vaccine project .
Those involved with the former spoke of `` promising '' results , while the academics involved in the latter are so optimistic they believe success can be achieved in the space of a few months .
Independent scientists tell a different story , however .
And within the space of a few hours following the Trump administration 's announcement regarding remdesivir , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study in Wuhan , the Chinese city where coronavirus was first detected , which found the drug did not speed up recovery or reduce deaths in people with Covid-19 compared with placebo in patients admitted to hospital .
That study involved 237 adults from 10 hospitals in Wuhan , but the authors said that , because the trial was stopped early , the true effectiveness of remdesivir remains unclear .
Still , guess which study the world 's press focused on ?
Remdesivir clinical trials are taking place all over the world to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective against Covid-19 .
( Photo : ULRICH PERREY/POOL/AFP/Getty ) Asked about remdesivir at the daily Downing Street briefing on Thursday , the UK 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said : `` It absolutely does hit a particular part of the virus .
I think the answer is : this is a really promising first step .
It is definitely not a magic bullet to cure this but it does show drugs are going to be possible to have an impact on this virus and there will be more that come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a combination of drugs that come together to make this really effective . ''
Remdesivir , which was originally developed to treat Ebola , is one of a handful of experimental drugs undergoing clinical trials worldwide to treat coronavirus .
Trudie Lang , professor of global health research at the University of Oxford , said the Chinese study being stopped showed the `` limited window '' of when there were enough patients to carry out clinical research .
Failed trials will not deter anyone from continuing their frantic search for a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to realise the chances of finding one within the next 12 months - and then for it to be distributed to millions of people worldwide - remain slim .
It typically takes between six and 10 years for vaccines to get developed , approved and marketed to the public .
But with the entire world affected by coronavirus , a vaccine is likely to be found much quicker than usual .
Whatever happens , countries around the world need to start building manufacturing capacity now , so they can deliver the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one scientist put it : `` As long as Covid-19 is out of control somewhere , it is a threat everywhere . ''

The race is well and truly on to see who can find the first successful vaccine or drug to treat Covid-19. The reward is global prestige. Little wonder therefore that nearly everyone involved in clinical trials has spoken of their optimism that their work will result in triumph.
The focus of the last 48 hours has been on two projects in particular: the remdesivir clinical trial, an international collaboration led by the US National Institutes of Health looking at whether the antiviral drug can work against Covid-19, and the Oxford Vaccine project. Those involved with the former spoke of “promising” results, while the academics involved in the latter are so optimistic they believe success can be achieved in the space of a few months.
Independent scientists tell a different story, however. And within the space of a few hours following the Trump administration’s announcement regarding remdesivir, The Lancet published results from a smaller study in Wuhan, the Chinese city where coronavirus was first detected, which found the drug did not speed up recovery or reduce deaths in people with Covid-19 compared with placebo in patients admitted to hospital.
That study involved 237 adults from 10 hospitals in Wuhan, but the authors said that, because the trial was stopped early, the true effectiveness of remdesivir remains unclear. Still, guess which study the world’s press focused on?
‘First step’
Asked about remdesivir at the daily Downing Street briefing on Thursday, the UK’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said: “It absolutely does hit a particular part of the virus. I think the answer is: this is a really promising first step. It is definitely not a magic bullet to cure this but it does show drugs are going to be possible to have an impact on this virus and there will be more that come along and ultimately it may need to be a combination of drugs that come together to make this really effective.”
Remdesivir, which was originally developed to treat Ebola, is one of a handful of experimental drugs undergoing clinical trials worldwide to treat coronavirus. Trudie Lang, professor of global health research at the University of Oxford, said the Chinese study being stopped showed the “limited window” of when there were enough patients to carry out clinical research.
Failed trials will not deter anyone from continuing their frantic search for a vaccine or cure, but the public still needs to realise the chances of finding one within the next 12 months – and then for it to be distributed to millions of people worldwide – remain slim. It typically takes between six and 10 years for vaccines to get developed, approved and marketed to the public. But with the entire world affected by coronavirus, a vaccine is likely to be found much quicker than usual.
Whatever happens, countries around the world need to start building manufacturing capacity now, so they can deliver the vaccine quickly when one finally arrives. As one scientist put it: “As long as Covid-19 is out of control somewhere, it is a threat everywhere.”


inews--2020-04-30--Coronavirus latest: Warning over common cough syrup ingredient which could make Covid-19 symptoms wo

Coronavirus latest: Warning over common cough syrup ingredient which could make Covid-19 symptoms worse

Coronavirus latest : Warning over common cough syrup ingredient which could make Covid-19 symptoms worse Study on African green monkeys — which are genetically very similar to humans — found taking dextromethorphan 'promoted infection' An ingredient widely found in cough mixtures appears to boost the virus behind Covid-19 and could make the symptoms more severe , a group of leading scientists have warned .
A major global study into the potential of existing drugs to treat the virus has found that some medicines that target coughing , a key symptom of the disease , could make it worse .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people don ’ t use cough medicines containing the ingredient - known as dextromethorphan - because more work is needed to be certain .
But they say they feel it is their duty to alert the world of the possibility and say they would personally steer clear of the substance until more information can be found out .
They point out that research , published in Nature , was carried out on African green monkey cells in the lab rather than living humans , but say the monkeys bear remarkable genetic similarities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerning .
“ We ’ ve identified an over the counter medication that appears to be pro-viral - actively promoting infection - that people I think need to be aware of , ” said Professor Nevin Krogan , of the University of California at San Francisco .
“ If I had Covid-19 I would think twice about using cough syrups , ” added Prof Krogan , who is leading the global research project including more than 100 scientists from 22 labs around the world .
These include the Cambridge campus of Europe ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Bioinformatics Insititute .
Need to be careful but have to speak up Professor Brian Shoichet , also of UC San Francisco , said the researchers were mindful of creating concerns that may yet prove to be unfounded but still felt they had to speak up .
`` We should be careful .
These are in vitro ( laboratory ) results - they have n't been shown clinically .
We 're not necessarily recommending that everyone stop taking dextromethorphan.
” “ But because it 's a pro-viral effect it would be wrong not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detrimental .
More work needs to be done but it ’ s something to look out for ... .
A lot of caution is warranted but with a pro-viral effect you do want to be careful , '' he said .
This is the official database of medicines that have been approved by the UK Medicines and Health Care Products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) and the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) .

An ingredient widely found in cough mixtures appears to boost the virus behind Covid-19 and could make the symptoms more severe, a group of leading scientists have warned.
A major global study into the potential of existing drugs to treat the virus has found that some medicines that target coughing, a key symptom of the disease, could make it worse.
The researchers stopped short of formally recommending that people don’t use cough medicines containing the ingredient – known as dextromethorphan – because more work is needed to be certain.
But they say they feel it is their duty to alert the world of the possibility and say they would personally steer clear of the substance until more information can be found out.
Concerning findings
They point out that research, published in Nature, was carried out on African green monkey cells in the lab rather than living humans, but say the monkeys bear remarkable genetic similarities to people and insist their findings are highly concerning.
“We’ve identified an over the counter medication that appears to be pro-viral – actively promoting infection – that people I think need to be aware of,” said Professor Nevin Krogan, of the University of California at San Francisco.
“If I had Covid-19 I would think twice about using cough syrups,” added Prof Krogan, who is leading the global research project including more than 100 scientists from 22 labs around the world. These include the Cambridge campus of Europe’s leading life sciences laboratory, the European Bioinformatics Insititute.
Need to be careful but have to speak up
Professor Brian Shoichet, also of UC San Francisco, said the researchers were mindful of creating concerns that may yet prove to be unfounded but still felt they had to speak up.
“We should be careful. These are in vitro (laboratory) results – they haven’t been shown clinically. We’re not necessarily recommending that everyone stop taking dextromethorphan.”
“But because it’s a pro-viral effect it would be wrong not to highlight it because it could be detrimental. More work needs to be done but it’s something to look out for…. A lot of caution is warranted but with a pro-viral effect you do want to be careful,” he said.
Medicines in the UK
The official Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) lists cough medicine products available in the UK that include dextromethorphan.
This is the official database of medicines that have been approved by the UK Medicines and Health Care Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).


inews--2020-04-30--Eastbourne train fan spends 'hundreds of hours' building working railway and handcart in his back ga

Eastbourne train fan spends 'hundreds of hours' building working railway and handcart in his back garden

Eastbourne train fan spends 'hundreds of hours ' building working railway and handcart in his back garden The retired British Rail worker said his handcrafted carriage is a 'really nice space for sitting in and having a cup of tea' A retired British Rail worker so enjoyed life on the tracks he has used his time in lockdown to finish building a homemade railway and hand-pushed trolley in his back garden .
The working railway is about 30ft ( 10m ) in length , and the handcar features seating for four people , a table and a kettle , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting in and having a cup of tea , ” Mr Backshall said .
Mr Backshall took a job with British Rail in 1979 after realising he would enjoy free travel ( Photo : Adrian Backshall ) The rail enthusiast , who lives in Eastbourne , East Sussex , with his wife of 24 years , Ruth , and their two dogs , Mabel and Gladys , got his hands on the trolley “ many years ago ” and kept it as an ornament in the garden .
After he retired last August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carriage .
He enlisted the help of a blacksmith and a group of friends , and finished the big project alone after the country went into lockdown .
Perhaps surprisingly , Mr Backshall , who also enjoys photographing tunnels , did n't especially like trains as a child : “ I really was n't a train nut as a kid .
I left sixth form college ... went to the job centre and saw there was a job on the rail - my brother said to take it and I did because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The old stuff was so much more interesting than the new stuff , it was really well made , ” said Mr Backshall , who has christened the trolley “ Old Bill ” after a former neighbour of the same name .
Mr Backshall looks forward to having his friends over to relax in his cart ( Photo : Adrian Backshall ) The retiree is “ itching ” to have his friends over to enjoy the space with them , but will have to wait for lockdown rules to be relaxed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lovely shed too , which was my previous space for hanging out with my mates in the evening - now it ’ s the trolley , ” he said .
He is keen to extend the railway another 50ft , and is currently in negotiations - with his wife : `` I want to extend it to the bottom of the garden but Ruth isn ’ t having it , ” he laughed .
“ And you thought HS2 was hard to engineer.
” The dogs have responded positively to the new addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They love the trolley , and come and ride on it , ” Mr Backshall said .

A retired British Rail worker so enjoyed life on the tracks he has used his time in lockdown to finish building a homemade railway and hand-pushed trolley in his back garden.
Adrian Backshall, 59, has put “hundreds of hours” into the project since he picked up his tools last year.
The working railway is about 30ft (10m) in length, and the handcar features seating for four people, a table and a kettle, making it a “really nice space for sitting in and having a cup of tea,” Mr Backshall said.
Lockdown project
The rail enthusiast, who lives in Eastbourne, East Sussex, with his wife of 24 years, Ruth, and their two dogs, Mabel and Gladys, got his hands on the trolley “many years ago” and kept it as an ornament in the garden. After he retired last August he decided to transform it into a carriage.
He enlisted the help of a blacksmith and a group of friends, and finished the big project alone after the country went into lockdown.
“The whole thing has only cost me £1,000,” Mr Backshall enthused.
Discovering his passion
Perhaps surprisingly, Mr Backshall, who also enjoys photographing tunnels, didn’t especially like trains as a child: “I really wasn’t a train nut as a kid. I left sixth form college…went to the job centre and saw there was a job on the rail – my brother said to take it and I did because I got free travel,” he recalled.
The rail worker “loved” the job, spent 40 years in the industry and developed a lifelong passion for old engineering and train parts.
“The old stuff was so much more interesting than the new stuff, it was really well made,” said Mr Backshall, who has christened the trolley “Old Bill” after a former neighbour of the same name.
Extension plans
The retiree is “itching” to have his friends over to enjoy the space with them, but will have to wait for lockdown rules to be relaxed.
“I’ve got a lovely shed too, which was my previous space for hanging out with my mates in the evening – now it’s the trolley,” he said.
Read More: Railway lines axed decades ago could be reopened
He is keen to extend the railway another 50ft, and is currently in negotiations – with his wife: “I want to extend it to the bottom of the garden but Ruth isn’t having it,” he laughed. “And you thought HS2 was hard to engineer.”
The dogs have responded positively to the new addition in the garden, though: “They love the trolley, and come and ride on it,” Mr Backshall said.
@kt_grant


inews--2020-04-30--National Lottery announces £600m coronavirus funding package to help struggling sectors

'Hundreds of millions of pounds ' of National Lottery funding will be distributed over the next few months The National Lottery has announced it will contribute up to £600m in funding to help tackle the effects of Covid-19 .
“ Hundreds of millions of pounds ” of National Lottery funding will be distributed over the next few months to help projects in the UK most adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Up to £300 million from The National Lottery Community Fund will be handed out to groups “ best placed to support people and communities ” over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency fund from The National Lottery Heritage Fund intends to ease pressures in the heritage sector over the next four months .
Sport England has also said that £157m of lottery funding will go toward a response package to support the sport and physical activity sector , including organisations experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations .
The Arts Council in England said £144m of funding will be used as part of an emergency response package to support individuals and organisations across the cultural sector , while the Arts Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lottery sources into an Arts Resilience Fund for the country .
And the British Film Institute has made £4.6m of National Lottery funding available to assist freelancers whose contracts were suddenly cancelled and venues that have had to close .
Dawn Austwick , chair of The National Lottery Forum , said the funds would “ support communities , arts , heritage , sport , education and the environment to mitigate the unprecedented pressure….as the country rallies to overcome Covid-19.
” Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : “ In these uncertain times , lottery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ than usual ] , as we come together to deliver a national effort ...
I am delighted that the National Lottery is channelling its support to help those most in need across these sectors.
” The funding will “ help to support jobs and economic growth ” , allowing the Government to assist vulnerable people and keep Britain “ active , educated and entertained both during and after this epidemic ” , Mr Dowden said .

The National Lottery has announced it will contribute up to £600m in funding to help tackle the effects of Covid-19.
“Hundreds of millions of pounds” of National Lottery funding will be distributed over the next few months to help projects in the UK most adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Community, arts and sport
Up to £300 million from The National Lottery Community Fund will be handed out to groups “best placed to support people and communities” over the next six months, while a £50 million emergency fund from The National Lottery Heritage Fund intends to ease pressures in the heritage sector over the next four months.
Sport England has also said that £157m of lottery funding will go toward a response package to support the sport and physical activity sector, including organisations experiencing short term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations.
The Arts Council in England said £144m of funding will be used as part of an emergency response package to support individuals and organisations across the cultural sector, while the Arts Council of Wales has put £5.1m from National Lottery sources into an Arts Resilience Fund for the country.
And the British Film Institute has made £4.6m of National Lottery funding available to assist freelancers whose contracts were suddenly cancelled and venues that have had to close.
Mitigating pressure
Dawn Austwick, chair of The National Lottery Forum, said the funds would “support communities, arts, heritage, sport, education and the environment to mitigate the unprecedented pressure….as the country rallies to overcome Covid-19.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “In these uncertain times, lottery funding takes on an even greater significance [than usual], as we come together to deliver a national effort…I am delighted that the National Lottery is channelling its support to help those most in need across these sectors.”
The funding will “help to support jobs and economic growth”, allowing the Government to assist vulnerable people and keep Britain “active, educated and entertained both during and after this epidemic”, Mr Dowden said.


inews--2020-04-30--Lucinda Williams: 'A lot of great art has come out of trouble'

Lucinda Williams : ' A lot of great art has come out of trouble' The country great on why her latest album is her most controversial yet , dealing with issues from domestic abuse to Donald Trump ' I have pushed some buttons that I have n't pushed before ' ( Photo : Danny Clinch ) “ When we lived in Georgia , my father took me with him one time to her estate in a little town called Milledgeville , ” Williams recalls .
“ She had peacocks running round the yard , so I just sort of played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a teenager , I read all of her work and it informed my songwriting.
” Her father won custody of her after his divorce and she tells me that “ they travelled a lot , sometimes living near freeways ” .
She remembers him telling stories about “ wild and crazy parties with Charles Bukowski ” , who was one of the poets who came through Arkansas when her father was running the university ’ s Master of Fine Arts creative writing programme .
“ I was exposed to a lot of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at such a young age , and learned to survive.
” “ I didn ’ t do well in maths – that was my worst subject , ” recalls Williams .
“ He never really got concerned at that .
As long as I excelled in something , which for me would have been languages , he didn ’ t pressure me about getting all As or anything.
” Before his death in 2015 , Williams would show him new songs .
“ He would definitely have agreed with the sentiments ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She is revered by fellow songwriters and has performed with musicians such as Bruce Springsteen , Elvis Costello , Willie Nelson and recorded a mesmerising version of Townes Van Zandt ’ s song Nothin ’ .
“ Isn ’ t that a great song ?
Nobody ever talks about that song , ” she says .
“ I got to hang out with Townes but he ’ s not one of those guys you get to know well .
Townes would get all fucked up .
I have seen him fall off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little in awe of him , actually.
” It is no secret that Donald Trump is the “ man without shame ” .
“ The song is about what he stands for , ” explains Williams .
“ We posted a link to the song on Facebook and we got several really negative responses .
One person said : ‘ Well , I thought Lucinda was a compassionate person ’ .
I guess it just says things some people can ’ t handle.
” The song ’ s final verse asks , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” .
Does she believe there will be a day of reckoning for Trump ?
“ I think so , ” she says softly .
“ There has to be .
We had bad guys before , but not as bad as this.
” It is baffling , she thinks , that the world can contain a person as wonderful as John Prine , with whom she worked in the 1990s and who recently died of Covid-19 , and a man like Trump .
“ I think about that all the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so funny and great.
” Lucinda Williams performs at 'Across The Great Divide ' benefit concert in Los Angeles , California ( Photo : Jesse Grant/Getty ) “ I was always an indoor sort of kid , which is probably why I don ’ t have so much of a problem with being indoors now , ” she says .
“ One thing I ’ m hoping comes out of this crisis is that people become more aware , not so apathetic and complacent .
Americans are spoiled .
They want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have their TV dinners and go to their job and come home .
That is just not going to work any more .
Something needs to change.
” It takes these kinds of calamities to wake people up

Lucinda Williams has been writing searing lyrics for four decades. Her songs range from introspective gems (“Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”), through touching ballads (“Sweet Old World”) to feminist anthems (“Passionate Kisses”).
She is an expert storyteller who speaks for the marginalised, with a rebellious streak that put her at loggerheads with the Nashville old guard. All these traits continue on her powerful new album, Good Souls Better Angels, where once again she explores the landscape of broken America.
This, the 67-year-old says, “is the first album where I have pushed some buttons that I have not pushed before”.
Indeed, she deals with issues from Donald Trump to domestic abuse and social media bullying. Although it is unsettling and bleak, the album is also intensely moving.
It has been co-produced by her husband, Tom Overby, and Ray Kennedy, who worked on her 1998 breakthrough Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.
Her haunting, sandpapery drawl and the musical setting – a raw, stripped-down garage rock sound – add to the impact of tracks such as “Bad News Blues”, about being under a constant barrage from “liars and lunatics”.
Williams’s life has been remarkable. She was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Lucille, a pianist who struggled with mental illness, and was often in hospitals. Her father was the acclaimed poet Miller Williams.
“I was fascinated by words at a young age,” she says from her home in east Nashville. “As soon as I was able to read and write, I was writing little poems and stories.”
‘I was exposed to a lot of things that most kids are not exposed to at such a young age’
Her father was a confidante of presidents. He helped Jimmy Carter with his book Always a Reckoning and Other Poems – Carter thanked him for the advice to “take out some of the clichés” – and Bill Clinton picked him to read at his second inauguration in 1997.
Williams introduced his daughter to a literary world that included Flannery O’Connor, author of superb short stories such as “The Life You Save May be Your Own”.
“When we lived in Georgia, my father took me with him one time to her estate in a little town called Milledgeville,” Williams recalls. “She had peacocks running round the yard, so I just sort of played outside with them. When I was a teenager, I read all of her work and it informed my songwriting.”
Her father won custody of her after his divorce and she tells me that “they travelled a lot, sometimes living near freeways”. She remembers him telling stories about “wild and crazy parties with Charles Bukowski”, who was one of the poets who came through Arkansas when her father was running the university’s Master of Fine Arts creative writing programme. “I was exposed to a lot of things that most kids are not exposed to at such a young age, and learned to survive.”
She credits her father with teaching her about “the economy of words” and says he remained sanguine about her defiance of school authorities – she was kicked out of high school for not saying the pledge of allegiance.
“I didn’t do well in maths – that was my worst subject,” recalls Williams. “He never really got concerned at that. As long as I excelled in something, which for me would have been languages, he didn’t pressure me about getting all As or anything.” Before his death in 2015, Williams would show him new songs. “He would definitely have agreed with the sentiments” on her new record, she says.
Williams began playing gigs in her early twenties, released her first album (a set of blues covers) at 25 and won a Grammy for songwriting when Mary Chapin Carpenter covered “Passionate Kisses” in 1992, a song that contained the line “Give me what I deserve cause it’s my right”.
Yet even that success did not endear her to the conservative country music bosses of the 90s and her time then was marked by rejection and frustration. Emmylou Harris says her friend was “completely out of the country loop”.
In 1998, she made her breakthrough with Car Wheels On a Gravel Road, which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album and topped scores of critics’ polls.
She is revered by fellow songwriters and has performed with musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and recorded a mesmerising version of Townes Van Zandt’s song Nothin’. “Isn’t that a great song? Nobody ever talks about that song,” she says. “I got to hang out with Townes but he’s not one of those guys you get to know well. Townes would get all fucked up. I have seen him fall off the stage. I think I was a little in awe of him, actually.”
Even in her seventh decade, she is still capable of causing tremors. Good Souls Better Angels is one of her most unflinching works yet .
On “Wakin’ Up”, she viscerally recounts a woman’s escape from domestic violence, singing: “He pulled my hair and then he piss on me./ Next thing I swear, he wants to kiss on me.”
The song is harrowing, and details the abuse she suffered from a recovering addict during a year-long relationship. “All the stuff in that song really happened,” she has said. Writing it got it out of her system.
‘I think it’s hard to be in this world without experiencing some kind of depression’
The song was written before the pandemic. We talk about the rise in attacks on women at home during lockdown.
“They are stuck inside with violent men and that’s horrible,” she says with a sigh.
Now, she is in a good place, but Williams has talked in the past about her battles with anxiety and melancholy, saying, “I think it’s hard to be in this world without experiencing some kind of depression.”
Her husband and manager Overby came up with the idea for “Big Black Train”, a compelling song about mental illness. “I have a hard time singing it without tearing up a little,” she says. “A lot of people have told me that, too. It made them cry.”
The man without shame
The record’s most controversial track is “Man Without a Soul”, about a hateful man who hides behind a “wall of lies”.
As an adult, Williams has campaigned against injustice and in favour of liberal political candidates.
It is no secret that Donald Trump is the “man without shame”. “The song is about what he stands for,” explains Williams. “We posted a link to the song on Facebook and we got several really negative responses. One person said: ‘Well, I thought Lucinda was a compassionate person’. I guess it just says things some people can’t handle.”
The song’s final verse asks, “How do you think this story ends?”. Does she believe there will be a day of reckoning for Trump? “I think so,” she says softly. “There has to be. We had bad guys before, but not as bad as this.” It is baffling, she thinks, that the world can contain a person as wonderful as John Prine, with whom she worked in the 1990s and who recently died of Covid-19, and a man like Trump. “I think about that all the time,” she admits. “John was so funny and great.”
Williams is thoughtful and reflective. She has not left her home in more than six weeks and like all of us, she is finding ways to enjoy mundane day-to-day life amid the almost sci-fi reality of lockdown.
Lately, she’s been reading Debbie Harry’s memoir, Face It. “I was able to meet Debbie for the first time when we were in New York a short while before all this started, and she gave me a copy. It’s an honest book,” she says.
“I was always an indoor sort of kid, which is probably why I don’t have so much of a problem with being indoors now,” she says. “One thing I’m hoping comes out of this crisis is that people become more aware, not so apathetic and complacent. Americans are spoiled. They want to hide in their house in the suburbs and have their TV dinners and go to their job and come home. That is just not going to work any more. Something needs to change.”
It takes these kinds of calamities to wake people up
She has said it feels like “the world’s falling apart” and I wonder whether she is at all hopeful.
“Whenever there has been hardship through our history, including back in the Depression, a lot of great art has come out of trouble. That’s my hope for this period,” she replies.
“I am an optimist, but I like people to be awake. For some reason it takes these kind of calamities to wake people up. If that’s what it takes, then so be it.”
Good Souls Better Angels is out now


inews--2020-04-30--Coronavirus lockdown: UK 'past the peak' but public will be told to wear face masks to protect those

Coronavirus lockdown: UK 'past the peak' but public will be told to wear face masks to protect those going back to work, Boris Johnson says

Coronavirus lockdown : UK 'past the peak ' but public will be told to wear face masks to protect those going back to work , Boris Johnson says Masks will give people 'confidence ' to go back to work , says PM , as Britain is 'past the peak ' of Covid-19 epidemic But Mr Johnson revealed that they could also include the wearing of face masks among the general public to give them “ confidence ” to go back to work and help with disease control .
A woman and her child don home-made face masks out in public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously raised concerns that there was not sufficient evidence that face masks significantly stopped the spread of Covid-19 , and that recommending the public wear them might result in shortages of medical face coverings for NHS staff .
He said : “ What I think Sage is saying , and what I certainly agree with is that as part of coming out of the lockdown , I do think that face coverings will be useful both for epidemiological reasons but also for giving people confidence they can go back to work .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now see the daylight ” after weeks of draconian restrictions on movement , but stressed the country must avoid the “ disaster ” of a second peak of infections , as he suggested many measures will be in place until at least June .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street , London , on coronavirus Experts believe the peak of the disease was reached around April 11 , and according to the Government ’ s daily figures , the seven day rolling average for deaths shows the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Mr Johnson said : “ We have come through the peak , or rather we have come under what could have been a vast peak .
As though we have been going through some huge Alpine tunnel and we can now see the sunlight and the pasture ahead of us.
” The Prime Minister said any decision on when the Government would start lifting restrictions on schools , travel and working would depend on the rate of infection - known as the R value number - being below R1 .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the infection rate in the UK was somewhere between R0.6 and 0.9 , but they warned any rise above R1 would risk an exponential increase in infections and cause the country to “ run slap into a second and even bigger mountain ” , Mr Johnson said .
Asked what R number the experts would be happy with for life to start easing restrictions , the Government 's chief medical officer , Prof Chris Whitty , refused to put an exact number on it , but added : `` We are absolutely confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one . ''
The Prime Minister said more information about loosening restrictions would be set out in the coming days .
“ Next week you will get a road map , a menu of options and dates .
The timing of each individual measure will depend on where we are in the epidemic , ” he said .
Despite Mr Johnson ’ s optimistic language of easing the lockdown , it is clear that large areas of the lockdown will continue with his official spokesman stating earlier in the day they would stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time ” .
The new rules — Likely distancing measures The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said that schools in England will reopen in a 'phased manner ' ( Photo : Neal/Getty ) Boris Johnson said that a “ road map ” of how the country might begin to emerge from lockdown would look at reopening schools and nurseries , enabling public transport to be used under social distancing rules and making office spaces safer for use .
Year groups that are more likely to be able to maintain a strict 2-metre distance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back , meaning later years of primary school and secondary school .
Class sizes will be reduced .

The Government will recommend that people wear face masks as part of plans for Britain to leave lockdown in order to protect those going back to work, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
He also declared that the UK was past the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak as he vowed to set out a “roadmap” next week to “get our economy moving”.
The Prime Minister, holding his first Downing Street press conference since contracting the disease himself, said the plan would include measures to reopen schools, make transport ready to use and make workplaces safer.
But Mr Johnson revealed that they could also include the wearing of face masks among the general public to give them “confidence” to go back to work and help with disease control.
Face masks plan
Ministers had previously raised concerns that there was not sufficient evidence that face masks significantly stopped the spread of Covid-19, and that recommending the public wear them might result in shortages of medical face coverings for NHS staff.
He said: “What I think Sage is saying, and what I certainly agree with is that as part of coming out of the lockdown, I do think that face coverings will be useful both for epidemiological reasons but also for giving people confidence they can go back to work.
“But you’ll be hearing more about that thing next week.”
Mr Johnson added it was possible to “now see the daylight” after weeks of draconian restrictions on movement, but stressed the country must avoid the “disaster” of a second peak of infections, as he suggested many measures will be in place until at least June.
Alpine tunnels
His comments came after he revealed that 26,771 people had now died from Covid-19, an increase of 674 on the day before.
Experts believe the peak of the disease was reached around April 11, and according to the Government’s daily figures, the seven day rolling average for deaths shows the country is now on the “downward trend”.
Mr Johnson said: “We have come through the peak, or rather we have come under what could have been a vast peak. As though we have been going through some huge Alpine tunnel and we can now see the sunlight and the pasture ahead of us.”
The Prime Minister said any decision on when the Government would start lifting restrictions on schools, travel and working would depend on the rate of infection – known as the R value number – being below R1.
According to the Government’s scientific advisers the infection rate in the UK was somewhere between R0.6 and 0.9, but they warned any rise above R1 would risk an exponential increase in infections and cause the country to “run slap into a second and even bigger mountain”, Mr Johnson said.
Asked what R number the experts would be happy with for life to start easing restrictions, the Government’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, refused to put an exact number on it, but added: “We are absolutely confident that the wrong answer is anything over one.”
Loosening restrictions
The Prime Minister said more information about loosening restrictions would be set out in the coming days. “Next week you will get a road map, a menu of options and dates. The timing of each individual measure will depend on where we are in the epidemic,” he said.
Despite Mr Johnson’s optimistic language of easing the lockdown, it is clear that large areas of the lockdown will continue with his official spokesman stating earlier in the day they would stay in for a “long period of time”.
Mr Johnson also stated he was “very, very lucky” to come through his infection of Covid-19, which saw him requiring intensive care.
“I had wonderful carers, wonderful treatment, and, let’s be frank, tragically, thousands of people have been less fortunate than I was,” he added.
The new rules — Likely distancing measures
Boris Johnson said that a “road map” of how the country might begin to emerge from lockdown would look at reopening schools and nurseries, enabling public transport to be used under social distancing rules and making office spaces safer for use.
Schools are likely to be reopened in a “phased manner” according to ministers, with certain year groups returning to classes before others.
Year groups that are more likely to be able to maintain a strict 2-metre distance from one another are more likely to go back, meaning later years of primary school and secondary school. Class sizes will be reduced.
Workers may be asked to stagger their return to work, with differing shift patterns to avoid overcrowding on public transport at rush hour, while strict social distancing will be required on buses and trains.
Office spaces will also need to be remodelled to ensure staff keep apart. Communal spaces such as canteens could have restrictions on numbers and will have hand-sanitising stations installed.
The Government has looked at the idea of allowing select groups of friends and families from other households to meet in what are being called “social bubbles”, prompted by fears around the public’s mental wellbeing and prolonged isolation.


inews--2020-04-30--Coronavirus testing latest: Government close to hitting Matt Hancock's 100,000 tests per day target

Coronavirus tests increased by 30,000 in the last 24 hours but officials say it will be 'tight' Health Secretary Matt Hancock ’ s target of carrying out 100,000 tests for coronavirus every day by the end of April may be reached after all , it has emerged .
Government sources said the chances of meeting 100,000 by midnight on Thursday would be “ quite tight ” but that Mr Hancock had been confident from the start that it would be met when he set out the mission on 2 April .
There had been growing speculation that the target would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Covid-19 had only been extended a week ago - to key workers beyond NHS staff .
That bracket was widened further on Tuesday to care home residents and staff , over-65s and anyone who needs to go out to work , providing they have symptoms .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said earlier on Thursday that it was “ probable ” that the target would be missed .
He told Sky News : “ Even if we do n't hit it , and it 's probable that we wo n't , we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target.
” And the Prime Minister ’ s official spokesman said the Government was “ working hard ” to hit the target , with three “ mega labs ” set up to test thousands of tests every day , while there are now 42 drive-through sites open .
Boris Johnson declares the country is over the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic At the Downing Street press conference , the Prime Minister said he acknowledged the “ frustrations ” in expanding the number of tests as well as difficulties getting PPE .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in particular to overcome those challenges that have in the last few weeks been so knotty and so infuriating .
“ I ’ m not going to minimise the logistical problems we face in getting the right protective gear to the right people at the right time , both in the NHS and in care homes .
Or the frustrations that we 've experienced in expanding the numbers of tests .
“ But what I can tell you is that everyone responsible for tackling these problems , whether in Government or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authorities , we 're throwing everything at it , heart and soul , night and day , to get it right - and we will get it right and we 're making huge progress .
”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s target of carrying out 100,000 tests for coronavirus every day by the end of April may be reached after all, it has emerged.
Boris Johnson revealed that 81,611 tests were carried out on Wednesday, the latest figures available, a significant increase from Tuesday’s amount of 52,429.
Government sources said the chances of meeting 100,000 by midnight on Thursday would be “quite tight” but that Mr Hancock had been confident from the start that it would be met when he set out the mission on 2 April.
There had been growing speculation that the target would be missed because eligibility for swab tests for Covid-19 had only been extended a week ago – to key workers beyond NHS staff. That bracket was widened further on Tuesday to care home residents and staff, over-65s and anyone who needs to go out to work, providing they have symptoms.
‘Working hard’
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said earlier on Thursday that it was “probable” that the target would be missed. He told Sky News: “Even if we don’t hit it, and it’s probable that we won’t, we will in the next few days hit that target.”
And the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the Government was “working hard” to hit the target, with three “mega labs” set up to test thousands of tests every day, while there are now 42 drive-through sites open.
At the Downing Street press conference, the Prime Minister said he acknowledged the “frustrations” in expanding the number of tests as well as difficulties getting PPE.
‘Logistical problems’
He said: “We’re determined urgently and in particular to overcome those challenges that have in the last few weeks been so knotty and so infuriating.
“I’m not going to minimise the logistical problems we face in getting the right protective gear to the right people at the right time, both in the NHS and in care homes. Or the frustrations that we’ve experienced in expanding the numbers of tests.
“But what I can tell you is that everyone responsible for tackling these problems, whether in Government or the NHS or Public Health England or in local authorities, we’re throwing everything at it, heart and soul, night and day, to get it right – and we will get it right and we’re making huge progress.”


inews--2020-04-30--Coronavirus latest: Trolls World Tour in the middle of a spat between cinemas and Universal after br

Coronavirus latest: Trolls World Tour in the middle of a spat between cinemas and Universal after breaking records on digital release

Coronavirus latest : Trolls World Tour in the middle of a spat between cinemas and Universal after breaking records on digital release Cineworld and AMC have both cut ties with a major movie maker over the sequel 's release Trolls World Tour , the sequel to the 2016 movie Trolls made by Dreamworks Animation , has become the unlikely centre of a row going on in the world of big film releases .
The fallout of the argument could mean big movies like the next James Bond will not be shown in the biggest cinema chains , even after lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK so what ’ s the story ?
The film , whose predecessor was a commercial success , making three times its budget at the Box Office , had been intended for a theatrical release this year .
But as lockdown forced large swathes of cinemas to close their doors across the world , Dreamworks Animation ’ s owner Universal Pictures decided to switch tactics .
It opted to simultaneously release the film both to cinemas and for digital rental .
Poppy , voiced by Anna Kendrick , left , and Branch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Trolls World Tour ( Photo : DreamWorks Animation/AP ) It didn ’ t just work , it broke records .
In just three weeks on digital release , the sequel has made more money for Universal than the original did during five months in cinemas .
It was a a most-rented film on Amazon Prime , YouTube , Apple TV and a host of other streaming services .
In fact it was so successful that NBC Universal chief executive Jeff Shell told the Wall Street Journal this week : “ As soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release movies on both formats.
” This suggested a permanent shift to simultaneous at-home and out-of-home releases .
The cinema operators are beside themselves .
Following Mr Shell ’ s comments this week the world ’ s biggest operator AMC ( which owns Odeon in the UK ) publicly slammed Universal and said it would no longer show films from the studio .
This is a huge bridge to burn , with some of Universal ’ s top franchises including James Bond , Fast & Furious and Jurassic World - all three of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out this year .
But AMC boss Adam Aron was firm , saying in a letter to Universal chair Donna Langley that a “ day-and-date ” - release - which allows viewers to watch films at home the same day they hit cinemas “ presumes that Universal in fact can have its cake and eat it too ” .
That was on Tuesday , and was quickly followed on Wednesday by a statement from UK-listed Cineworld , which is the second-biggest cinema operator in the world since its acquisition of America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mooky Greidinger said Universal was the only one of its studio partners that had pursued the idea of a simultaneous digital release , and that it did not make economic sense to work with a company which would not respect “ windows ” - industry speak for the period of time when films are exclusively shown in cinemas .
What happens now ?
The studio will need to decide whether it wants to push ahead with its new strategy - an approach that may well be more suited to the golden age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old system preferred by the cinemas .
Either way , this debacle serves as a reminder that some changes to the ways we shop , live and entertain ourselves may well last beyond lockdown .

Trolls World Tour, the sequel to the 2016 movie Trolls made by Dreamworks Animation, has become the unlikely centre of a row going on in the world of big film releases.
The fallout of the argument could mean big movies like the next James Bond will not be shown in the biggest cinema chains, even after lockdown allows them to reopen their doors.
OK so what’s the story?
The film, whose predecessor was a commercial success, making three times its budget at the Box Office, had been intended for a theatrical release this year. But as lockdown forced large swathes of cinemas to close their doors across the world, Dreamworks Animation’s owner Universal Pictures decided to switch tactics. It opted to simultaneously release the film both to cinemas and for digital rental.
Did that work?
It didn’t just work, it broke records. In just three weeks on digital release, the sequel has made more money for Universal than the original did during five months in cinemas. It was a a most-rented film on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple TV and a host of other streaming services.
In fact it was so successful that NBC Universal chief executive Jeff Shell told the Wall Street Journal this week: “As soon as theatres reopen, we expect to release movies on both formats.” This suggested a permanent shift to simultaneous at-home and out-of-home releases.
So who’s angry?
The cinema operators are beside themselves. Following Mr Shell’s comments this week the world’s biggest operator AMC (which owns Odeon in the UK) publicly slammed Universal and said it would no longer show films from the studio. This is a huge bridge to burn, with some of Universal’s top franchises including James Bond, Fast & Furious and Jurassic World – all three of which have new releases due to come out this year.
But AMC boss Adam Aron was firm, saying in a letter to Universal chair Donna Langley that a “day-and-date” – release – which allows viewers to watch films at home the same day they hit cinemas “presumes that Universal in fact can have its cake and eat it too”.
That was on Tuesday, and was quickly followed on Wednesday by a statement from UK-listed Cineworld, which is the second-biggest cinema operator in the world since its acquisition of America’s Regal Entertainment in 2018. Chief executive Mooky Greidinger said Universal was the only one of its studio partners that had pursued the idea of a simultaneous digital release, and that it did not make economic sense to work with a company which would not respect “windows” – industry speak for the period of time when films are exclusively shown in cinemas.
What happens now?
The studio will need to decide whether it wants to push ahead with its new strategy – an approach that may well be more suited to the golden age of streaming – or go back to the old system preferred by the cinemas. Either way, this debacle serves as a reminder that some changes to the ways we shop, live and entertain ourselves may well last beyond lockdown.


inews--2020-04-30--Billions of tiny plastic fibres from clothes are covering the sea floor

Billions of tiny plastic fibres from clothes are covering the sea floor Scientists uncover deep-sea ‘ garbage patches ’ , with millions of microplastics within a single square metre of seabed Just one per cent of the plastic in the world ’ s oceans is visible from the surface , but until now scientists have been unable to prove where the missing 99 per cent settles , or how it gets there .
An international team of geologists have now solved the mystery .
Their research , published in the journal Science , reveals that microplastics entering the water are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ocean floor .
The plastic is captured by the currents and funnelled down to the sea bed ( Photo : Dr Ian Kane ) The team found evidence of plastic pollution on the sea bed in startling concentrations , with up to 1.9 million plastic particles settled in just one square metre of seabed in the Tyrrhenian Sea .
“ What we see is different coloured fibres of plastics that are typically used in clothing and textiles , ” he said .
“ So based on what we know we think most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wastewater treatment system , delivered to rivers , and flushed out to sea.
” Once these enter the ocean , they collect toxins and pollutants during the years they linger on the seabed .
There is growing evidence that these polluted plastics can poison fish and even change their behaviour .
A plastic fibre shed from clothing , that has made its way to the deep sea ( Photo : Dr Ian Kane ) Stemming the tide of microplastic waste will require the public to avoid ‘ fast fashion ’ and excessive plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he stressed governments will need to get involved to ensure change happens on a large , and lasting , scale .
“ The real work that needs to be done is at government policy level , ” he said .
“ There are filters that can filter out all of these microfibres , but they are not widely implemented at the moment .
That ’ s where the real change needs to happen - and that won ’ t happen until the public puts the pressure on the policymakers to do so.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues like ocean plastics should not be put on hold because of the Covid-19 outbreak .
“ This is an ongoing problem that we are causing to the planet , '' he said .
`` And it ’ s continuing throughout coronavirus , and it will continue afterwards .
It ’ s time to take action .
”

Billions of tiny plastic particles from clothes are finding their way from washing machines to the bottom of the seabed, scientists have confirmed.
Just one per cent of the plastic in the world’s oceans is visible from the surface, but until now scientists have been unable to prove where the missing 99 per cent settles, or how it gets there.
An international team of geologists have now solved the mystery. Their research, published in the journal Science, reveals that microplastics entering the water are being carried by deep sea currents to the ocean floor.
Textile fibres
The team found evidence of plastic pollution on the sea bed in startling concentrations, with up to 1.9 million plastic particles settled in just one square metre of seabed in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
More than 98 per cent of the particles they analysed came from textiles, lead author Dr Ian Kane, of the University of Manchester, told i.
“What we see is different coloured fibres of plastics that are typically used in clothing and textiles,” he said. “So based on what we know we think most of this is probably coming through the wastewater treatment system, delivered to rivers, and flushed out to sea.”
Man-made materials such as polyester shed thousands of tiny plastic particles when put in the washing machine, which aren’t caught by standard filters.
Once these enter the ocean, they collect toxins and pollutants during the years they linger on the seabed. There is growing evidence that these polluted plastics can poison fish and even change their behaviour.
No filter
Stemming the tide of microplastic waste will require the public to avoid ‘fast fashion’ and excessive plastic packaging, Dr Kane said. But he stressed governments will need to get involved to ensure change happens on a large, and lasting, scale.
“The real work that needs to be done is at government policy level,” he said. “There are filters that can filter out all of these microfibres, but they are not widely implemented at the moment. That’s where the real change needs to happen – and that won’t happen until the public puts the pressure on the policymakers to do so.”
Dr Kane stressed efforts to address environmental issues like ocean plastics should not be put on hold because of the Covid-19 outbreak. “This is an ongoing problem that we are causing to the planet,” he said. “And it’s continuing throughout coronavirus, and it will continue afterwards. It’s time to take action.”


inews--2020-04-30--How coronavirus will change travel — from when we can visit Europe to aviation, airports and hotels

How coronavirus will change travel — from when we can visit Europe to aviation , airports and hotels Europe could be off the horizon this summer , and longer term airfares could rise and hotels have to meet strict hygiene criteria Every destination , worldwide , has introduced travel restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic .
According to analysis by the UN World Tourism Organisation , 45 per cent have totally or partially closed their borders to tourists and 30 per cent have suspended totally or partially international flights .
It is the most severe restriction on international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Foreign Office continues to advise against all non-essential travel , indefinitely .
However , as some countries begin to ease lockdown restrictions , public attention is inevitably turning to the prospect of when international tourism might be possible .
Governments are considering how borders might reopen and citizens ’ health remains safeguarded while economies are resuscitated .
Until a Covid-19 vaccine is widely available , this is likely to be an intensely cautious and complex process .
When and how will Europe open its gates ?
It has been suggested by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ should first be eased between areas with comparably low reported circulation of the virus ” .
Tourist corridors have been discussed , but a coordinated approach seems to be preferred .
The EU has also suggested that external borders should reopen in a second stage , taking into account the spread of the virus outside the EU .
The EU could co-ordinate when its borders will reopen to visitors ( Photo : Getty ) A similar border policy is in place in Spain , which has some of the toughest restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , children have been allowed out for an hour a day , with adults permitted from this weekend ; bars and restaurants will be allowed to open with reduced capacity and it is hoped that some beaches might open from mid-June , but the prospect of international tourism is more distant .
Restrictions in the smallest Balearic and Canary Islands have been relaxed more swiftly .
Greece ’ s economy is heavily reliant on visitors , and its tourism minister Harry Theoharis has said that new rules will have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Commercial flights from the UK are currently banned until 15 May , a date that could well be extended into the summer .
Greece relies on tourism more heavily than many of its European neighbours and is keen to welcome visitors again ( Photo : AFP/ Getty ) Greek lockdown measures are also being eased , with domestic travel permitted regionally .
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that hotels will start operating on 1 June , with seasonal hotels opening later in the month .
Harry Theoharis told i that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government is discussing the requirements with epidemiologists .
The country has recorded far fewer cases of Covid-19 than many of its European neighbours .
Cancellations keep rolling as the industry faces its future That said , Etoa ’ s members report continued interest in Europe as a destination in all origin markets , confirming pent-up demand .
However , he fears that a slow , phased lifting of restrictions , as suggested by the EU , will suppress recovery and sees a “ huge disparity in the reactions of member states which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond their border as a threat : “ as a pandemic , the threats aren ’ t dramatically different within the EU.
” He also sees “ sensational levels of damage ” being done to the industry , even as talk turns to coming out of lockdown : “ budget airlines , coaches , restaurants , shops , bars , hotels - none of them can function on 50 or 60 per cent load factors ; the [ social distancing ] system is not viable.
” With no indication of when borders will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , British Airways has announced that it could make a third of its workforce redundant and that it might not reopen its base at Gatwick .
Rival Virgin Atlantic is seeking investment in a last-bid attempt to secure a government bailout ; if airlines collapse , passengers are likely to face higher fares in future .
Adam Ewart , CEO of luggage delivery service Send My Bag predicts that “ the cost of ancillary revenue , such as additional baggage fees and seat and ticket change fees , is also likely to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prepare to join a queue at airports and travel differently Heathrow , one of the world ’ s busiest airports , has asked Public Health England for clarity on health and hygiene requirements after it was suggested that temperature checks were ineffective .
CEO John Holland-Kaye has called for an international standard for health screening , emphasising that the critical issue is “ to build confidence between countries that it is safe to reopen borders without risk of reinfection and to build confidence in the general public that it is safe to fly.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers were faced with a new reality of lengthy security checks .
With a much wider threat posed by Covid-19 , airport biosecurity checks are likely to be more time-consuming ; high-contact in-flight catering could also disappear ; Wizz Air has removed in-flight magazines , and along with Lufthansa , now requires passengers to wear face masks .
This development may rule out keeping neighbouring seats free , a measure considered by airlines including easyJet that could prove economically unfeasible for high density-model low-cost carriers .
In the UK , it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions could include enforcing new arrivals- both British citizens and international visitors - to a 14-day quarantine .
While this could help to limit the spread of coronavirus as travel restrictions are eased , criticism from the travel industry has been unequivocal .
Airlines UK , which represents airlines including British Airways and easyJet , has said that such a move would “ kill international travel to and from the UK ” , causing “ immeasurable damage ” to the aviation industry and national economy .

Every destination, worldwide, has introduced travel restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to analysis by the UN World Tourism Organisation, 45 per cent have totally or partially closed their borders to tourists and 30 per cent have suspended totally or partially international flights. It is the most severe restriction on international travel in history. In the UK, the Foreign Office continues to advise against all non-essential travel, indefinitely.
However, as some countries begin to ease lockdown restrictions, public attention is inevitably turning to the prospect of when international tourism might be possible. Governments are considering how borders might reopen and citizens’ health remains safeguarded while economies are resuscitated. Until a Covid-19 vaccine is widely available, this is likely to be an intensely cautious and complex process.
When and how will Europe open its gates?
It has been suggested by the European Commission that EU border controls “should first be eased between areas with comparably low reported circulation of the virus”. Tourist corridors have been discussed, but a coordinated approach seems to be preferred. The EU has also suggested that external borders should reopen in a second stage, taking into account the spread of the virus outside the EU.
While it is likely for most nations that domestic tourism is likely to resurface first – initially at a micro, regional level – what are the prospects for international tourism, particularly over the key summer months in Europe?
France
In France, regional travel will be permitted when lockdown is eased on 11 May. Currently, borders are closed to non-EU nationals (the UK is considered part of the EU until the end of the year) and international visitors require a travel certificate that meets at least one of half a dozen criteria, to enter the country.
Spain
A similar border policy is in place in Spain, which has some of the toughest restrictions on movement on the continent. As of this week, children have been allowed out for an hour a day, with adults permitted from this weekend; bars and restaurants will be allowed to open with reduced capacity and it is hoped that some beaches might open from mid-June, but the prospect of international tourism is more distant. Restrictions in the smallest Balearic and Canary Islands have been relaxed more swiftly.
Italy
In Italy, nationals will be allowed to visit relatives in small numbers from Monday [4 May], when parks will reopen and regional travel allowed. Museums will open from 18 May and bars and restaurants from 1 June. Inbound travel to Italy is only permitted for emergency purposes, with a 14-day self-isolation mandatory for new arrivals.
Greece
Greece’s economy is heavily reliant on visitors, and its tourism minister Harry Theoharis has said that new rules will have to be implemented once visitors are allowed back into the country. Commercial flights from the UK are currently banned until 15 May, a date that could well be extended into the summer.
Greek lockdown measures are also being eased, with domestic travel permitted regionally. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that hotels will start operating on 1 June, with seasonal hotels opening later in the month. Harry Theoharis told i that health regulations will be implemented and that the Government is discussing the requirements with epidemiologists. The country has recorded far fewer cases of Covid-19 than many of its European neighbours.
Cancellations keep rolling as the industry faces its future
Britain’s biggest tour operator Tui this week rolled out its next phase of cancellations until 11 June, a signal that caution, if not pessimism, still prevails. Tom Jenkins, director of the European tourism association, sums up the essence of the crisis: “it is very difficult to run an ice cream shop with no ice cream and no customers.”
That said, Etoa’s members report continued interest in Europe as a destination in all origin markets, confirming pent-up demand. However, he fears that a slow, phased lifting of restrictions, as suggested by the EU, will suppress recovery and sees a “huge disparity in the reactions of member states which have become domestically focused, treating everything beyond their border as a threat: “as a pandemic, the threats aren’t dramatically different within the EU.” He also sees “sensational levels of damage” being done to the industry, even as talk turns to coming out of lockdown: “budget airlines, coaches, restaurants, shops, bars, hotels – none of them can function on 50 or 60 per cent load factors; the [social distancing] system is not viable.”
Flights fight for survival
The longest-ranging restrictions have been announced in Argentina, where all non-commercial flights have been banned until 1 September. In Europe, Norwegian has laid bare its own worst-case scenario in which most of its fleet could stay grounded until spring 2021.
With no indication of when borders will reopen, enabling airlines to reinstate flights, British Airways has announced that it could make a third of its workforce redundant and that it might not reopen its base at Gatwick. Rival Virgin Atlantic is seeking investment in a last-bid attempt to secure a government bailout; if airlines collapse, passengers are likely to face higher fares in future. Adam Ewart, CEO of luggage delivery service Send My Bag predicts that “the cost of ancillary revenue, such as additional baggage fees and seat and ticket change fees, is also likely to increase as airlines seek alternative revenue streams.”
Prepare to join a queue at airports and travel differently
Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, has asked Public Health England for clarity on health and hygiene requirements after it was suggested that temperature checks were ineffective. CEO John Holland-Kaye has called for an international standard for health screening, emphasising that the critical issue is “to build confidence between countries that it is safe to reopen borders without risk of reinfection and to build confidence in the general public that it is safe to fly.”
The World Travel and Tourism Council is collaborating with global travel trade associations on defining new protocols and standards, which are likely to include “contact-tracing, via mobile app, that will allow flights to leave airports COVID-19-free.”
When airports reopened after 9/11, passengers were faced with a new reality of lengthy security checks. With a much wider threat posed by Covid-19, airport biosecurity checks are likely to be more time-consuming; high-contact in-flight catering could also disappear; Wizz Air has removed in-flight magazines, and along with Lufthansa, now requires passengers to wear face masks. This development may rule out keeping neighbouring seats free, a measure considered by airlines including easyJet that could prove economically unfeasible for high density-model low-cost carriers.
Hotels and hygiene
Not dissimilar to Argentina, Dubai’s director general of tourism Helal al Marri told Bloomberg TV that the emirate hoped to open to tourists by September, but was preparing for arrivals in July in a best-case scenario. Its focus would be on health and hygiene, which would likely mean “higher costs for hotels.”
Beyond the emirate, social distancing, health and hygiene requirements will impact the ascendant high-density, “luxe-for-less” hotel model, where food and beverage outlets have been replaced by self-service social areas and co-working spaces. Hotel groups are now looking at how a global certification of hygiene could be implemented.
Quarantine quandary
In the UK, it has been proposed that “phase two” of restrictions could include enforcing new arrivals- both British citizens and international visitors – to a 14-day quarantine. While this could help to limit the spread of coronavirus as travel restrictions are eased, criticism from the travel industry has been unequivocal. Airlines UK, which represents airlines including British Airways and easyJet, has said that such a move would “kill international travel to and from the UK”, causing “immeasurable damage” to the aviation industry and national economy.
However, many countries already enforce a 14-day quarantine for new arrivals, including China, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Turkey and Australia. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand are considering creating a “Trans-Tasman Bubble”, that would lift border restrictions between the neighbouring nations.


inews--2020-04-30--Keir Starmer praises patriotism at video conference with public in bid to distance himself from Jere

Keir Starmer praises patriotism at video conference with public in bid to distance himself from Jeremy Corbyn era The Labour leader has angered the left by changing the party 's policy on Kashmir Keir Starmer has promised to promote patriotism and reach out to Brexit supporters as he seeks to distance himself from the Corbyn era .
On Thursday the new Labour leader began a series of virtual `` town hall '' meetings in which he is inviting the public to ask him questions .
He claimed the strategy would be more productive than holding frequent rallies of party members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Call Keir '' event was directed at residents of Bury in Greater Manchester , whose two constituencies both flipped from Labour to the Conservatives at the general election in December .
The first 'Call Keir ' event was directed at residents of Bury in Greater Manchester ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty ) The party leader said : `` Under my leadership we need to regain the trust of communities around the country ...
Being out of London , being out of Westminster is going to be a badge of my leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation over months and years than have an easy conversation .
It 's relatively easy in the Labour party to just have a meeting of our own members or something . ''
One voter suggested he had felt unable to vote for Labour under Jeremy Corbyn because he did not feel the party was sufficiently patriotic .
Sir Keir replied : `` I 'm really proud of my country and I would n't be leader of the Labour party if I was n't patriotic .
What I desperately want for our country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour party we should be prouder of being patriotic .
I think being in the Labour movement and being patriotic are two sides of the same coin .
And we should n't be at all worried about that . ''
He also announced a plan to `` rebuild links with the Indian community '' , after claims that Mr Corbyn 's criticism of the Indian government policy on Kashmir had alienated some British-Indians .
Sir Keir said : `` Any constitutional issues in India are a matter for the Indian Parliament , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Pakistan to resolve peacefully . ''
His stance prompted a backlash from the Labour left .
Leeds East MP Richard Burgon said : `` I stand with the Kashmiri people in demanding an end to occupation .
This is a crucial part of standing up for social justice and for an ethical foreign policy . ''

Keir Starmer has promised to promote patriotism and reach out to Brexit supporters as he seeks to distance himself from the Corbyn era.
On Thursday the new Labour leader began a series of virtual “town hall” meetings in which he is inviting the public to ask him questions. He claimed the strategy would be more productive than holding frequent rallies of party members as his predecessor did.
Sir Keir also announced a change in Labour’s policy towards Kashmir, a symbolically crucial move which enraged the left of the party.
The first “Call Keir” event was directed at residents of Bury in Greater Manchester, whose two constituencies both flipped from Labour to the Conservatives at the general election in December.
‘Regain trust’
The party leader said: “Under my leadership we need to regain the trust of communities around the country… Being out of London, being out of Westminster is going to be a badge of my leadership.
“I’d rather have a gritty conversation over months and years than have an easy conversation. It’s relatively easy in the Labour party to just have a meeting of our own members or something.”
One voter suggested he had felt unable to vote for Labour under Jeremy Corbyn because he did not feel the party was sufficiently patriotic. Sir Keir replied: “I’m really proud of my country and I wouldn’t be leader of the Labour party if I wasn’t patriotic. What I desperately want for our country is to get better.
“In the Labour party we should be prouder of being patriotic. I think being in the Labour movement and being patriotic are two sides of the same coin. And we shouldn’t be at all worried about that.”
He also announced a plan to “rebuild links with the Indian community”, after claims that Mr Corbyn’s criticism of the Indian government policy on Kashmir had alienated some British-Indians. Sir Keir said: “Any constitutional issues in India are a matter for the Indian Parliament, and Kashmir is a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully.”
His stance prompted a backlash from the Labour left. Leeds East MP Richard Burgon said: “I stand with the Kashmiri people in demanding an end to occupation. This is a crucial part of standing up for social justice and for an ethical foreign policy.”


inews--2020-04-30--The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 cast: who's in the line-up for the new series, and what time it starts

The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 cast: who's in the line-up for the new series, and what time it starts on BBC One tonight

The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 cast : who 's in the line-up for the new series , and what time it starts on BBC One tonight Duncan Bannatyne , Paul Elliott and Britt Ekland are among the celebrities heading to India for season four The Real Marigold Hotel is returning to the BBC this April , with eight new celebrities heading east to test out retiring in India .
This will be the show 's fourth season since it launched back in 2016 .
The likes of Bill Oddie , Amanda Barrie and Bobby George have appeared in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know about this year 's line-up ...
When is The Real Marigold Hotel on TV ?
The new season starts on Wednesday 30 April at 9pm on BBC One , and will air weekly .
This year will see the celebrities explore the culture of the cities of Puducherry on the east coast and Rishikesh in the very north of the country .
The show 's executive producer , David Clews , said : `` Household names combined with royalty from the creative industries all promise to see hearts open and some unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests include hotels , health clubs , spas , media , TV , and property , and he has an OBE for his contribution to charity .
Better known as Paul Chuckle , Elliott was one half of the children 's television duo , the Chuckle Brothers .
The 72-year-old still makes semi-regular TV appearances , despite the death of his brother Barry two years ago .
Britt Ekland was a Bond girl in the '60s ( Photo : ITV ) Ekland , 77 , is a Swedish actress who was most famous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared in the likes of Get Carter and The Wicker Man , was a Bond girl in The Man with the Golden Gun , and was also married to Peter Sellers for four years .
Dickson , 72 , is a Scottish singer whose hits include ' I Know Him So Well ' and 'January February ' .
She is one of the most successful Scottish female solo artists of all time , and is also a two-time Olivier Award-winning actress .
The 80-year-old 's playing career never progressed beyond Cambridge University , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognisable voices in the sport 's history .
Rhodes , 79 , is an English fashion designer who has designed garments for the likes of Princess Diana .
She has also designed for Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen , and founded London 's Fashion and Textiles Museum in 2003 .

The Real Marigold Hotel has returned to the BBC, with eight new celebrities heading east to test out retiring in India.
This is the show’s fourth season since it launched back in 2016. The likes of Bill Oddie, Amanda Barrie and Bobby George have appeared in the past.
Here is everything you need to know about this year’s line-up…
When is The Real Marigold Hotel on TV?
The new season started on Wednesday 30 April at 9pm on BBC One, and is airing weekly at the same time and place.
This year sees the celebrities explore the culture of the cities of Puducherry on the east coast and Rishikesh in the very north of the country.
The show’s executive producer, David Clews, said: “Household names combined with royalty from the creative industries all promise to see hearts open and some unlikely friendships blossom.
“Our cast members deliver a journey of reflection and warmth, with laugh out loud adventures and life changing results.”
Who’s in the line-up?
Duncan Bannatyne
Bannatyne invested in 36 businesses during his 10 years on Dragons’ Den.
The 71-year-old’s business interests include hotels, health clubs, spas, media, TV, and property, and he has an OBE for his contribution to charity.
Paul Elliott
Better known as Paul Chuckle, Elliott was one half of the children’s television duo, the Chuckle Brothers.
The 72-year-old still makes semi-regular TV appearances, despite the death of his brother Barry two years ago.
Britt Ekland
Ekland, 77, is a Swedish actress who was most famous during the 1960s and 70s.
She appeared in the likes of Get Carter and The Wicker Man, was a Bond girl in The Man with the Golden Gun, and was also married to Peter Sellers for four years.
Barbara Dickson
Dickson, 72, is a Scottish singer whose hits include ‘I Know Him So Well’ and ‘January February’.
She is one of the most successful Scottish female solo artists of all time, and is also a two-time Olivier Award-winning actress.
Henry Blofeld
Blofeld, nicknamed Blowers, was a beloved cricket commentator on the BBC’s Test Match Special before retiring in 2017.
The 80-year-old’s playing career never progressed beyond Cambridge University, but he has one of the most recognisable voices in the sport’s history.
Zandra Rhodes
Rhodes, 79, is an English fashion designer who has designed garments for the likes of Princess Diana.
She has also designed for Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen, and founded London’s Fashion and Textiles Museum in 2003.
John Altman
Altman is best known for playing Nick Cotton in EastEnders on and off for 30 years.
He was one of the original cast members, appearing in the very first episode back in 1985.
Susie Blake
Blake, 70, is an actress who is best known for appearing on Victoria Wood’s As Seen on TV, and as Bev Unwin on Coronation Street.
She has played Hilary Nicholson on Mrs Brown’s Boys since 2011.


inews--2020-04-30--Where is The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 filmed? Filming locations in India for new series on BBC One

Where is The Real Marigold Hotel 2020 filmed ?
Filming locations in India for new series on BBC One This year former dragon Duncan Bannatyne , Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott and Swedish actress Britt Ekland are among those heading to India Travelling abroad might be a fever dream for us right now , which means we have to live vicariously through others - normally on television recorded many months ago .
The BBC has brought back The Royal Marigold Hotel for a fourth season , with eight new celebs in their 70s heading to India to try out retirement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott , Swedish actress Britt Ekland , Scottish singer Barbara Dickson , cricket commentator Henry Blofeld , fashion designer Zandra Rhodes , EastEnders actor John Altman and Coronation Street actress Susie Blake have take the trip east .
But where exactly will they be going ?
Formerly known as Pondicherry , Puducherry is in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula , and is a popular spot with tourists .
It is majority Hindu , and home to many famous temples , including Sri Vedapureswarar Temple and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seaside promenade , several beaches and a statue of Mahatma Ghandi .
Ekland struggles with the heat while in Puducherry , while Elliott gets a stomach bug from some food .
The group swim in the Indian Ocean , visit a traditional coffee house and take a trip to the colourful Goubert market while in the region .
Rishikesh is one of the holiest places in India for Hindus ( Photo : Wikimedia Commons ) Rishikesh is in the foothills of the Himalayas right in the north of India .
It is known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the holiest places in the country for Hindus .
Sages and saints are said to have visited the city since ancient times in search of higher knowledge .
Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are both banned in the city on religious grounds .
It has also hosted the International Yoga Festival every year since 1989 .

Travelling abroad might be a fever dream for us right now, which means we have to live vicariously through others – normally on television recorded many months ago.
The BBC has brought back The Royal Marigold Hotel for a fourth season, with eight new celebs in their 70s heading to India to try out retirement.
This year former dragon Duncan Bannatyne, Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott, Swedish actress Britt Ekland, Scottish singer Barbara Dickson, cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, EastEnders actor John Altman and Coronation Street actress Susie Blake have taken the trip east.
The show’s executive producer, David Clews, said: “Household names combined with royalty from the creative industries all promise to see hearts open and some unlikely friendships blossom.
“Our cast members deliver a journey of reflection and warmth, with laugh out loud adventures and life changing results.”
But where exactly will they be going?
Puducherry
Formerly known as Pondicherry, Puducherry is in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula, and is a popular spot with tourists.
It is majority Hindu, and home to many famous temples, including Sri Vedapureswarar Temple and Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple.
It also has a beautiful seaside promenade, several beaches and a statue of Mahatma Ghandi.
Ekland struggles with the heat while in Puducherry, while Elliott gets a stomach bug from some food.
The group swim in the Indian Ocean, visit a traditional coffee house and take a trip to the colourful Goubert market while in the region.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is in the foothills of the Himalayas right in the north of India. It is known as the pilgrimage town and is one of the holiest places in the country for Hindus.
Sages and saints are said to have visited the city since ancient times in search of higher knowledge.
Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are both banned in the city on religious grounds. It has also hosted the International Yoga Festival every year since 1989.
The Royal Marigold Hotel is airing at 9pm every Thursday evening on BBC One.