South Coast Commemorates VE Day

Amanda Howse
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South Coast Commemorates VE Day

Victory in Europe (VE) Day was on the 8th May 1945 and when the Allies including Britain accepted the official surrender by Germany under the Nazi regime.

After several years of war there was much jubilation in the United Kingdom as people finally got the news that the fighting was over. There were parties that lasted late into the night in London and in all the cities and towns but of course “there was no television, just the radio inside the houses and we just danced and sang in the streets” remembered one resident who was working at a naval station in Brighton.

75 years later residents in Sussex commemorated this special day in our national history quietly. Gatherings and events are cancelled due to the lockdown in force across the country. Neighbours 2 meters away from each other marked the occasion by sharing a chat and getting the bunting out and decorating their houses. In the more built up areas ‘stay home street parties’ will be held with a picnic or tea and cake outside in the front and back gardens.

Due to social distancing the only appearances is “by the Royal Airforce display team the Red Arrows, while Typhoon jets flew over Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast.” (1)

BBC radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball dedicated her morning show to stories of VE day and songs from WWII and played Dame Vera Lynn’s favourite wartime songs.

A single Spitfire flew over Goodwood and Chichester harbour this morning after the remembrance was marked by a 2 minutes silence across the British Isles at 11 o’clock.

The BBC is airing a special program of music at 8pm before the Queen’s pre-recorded VE Day speech is shared with the world at 9pm.

Portsmouth city council have organised a special ‘darkness into light’ experience for the Hampshire island that was an integral part of the war effort due to its naval importance in WWI and the D-Day landings .

“To represent the light of peace emerging from the darkness of war, spotlights will light up the sky on Friday 8 May from 9.30pm to 11.30pm. This spectacular sight will recall the blackouts experienced by those that lived through World War II. It’s also a reminder that lighter times will come again.” Portsmouth leaders are encouraging locals to join in with the activity by shining torches and lights near their own windows.

Does Skipping Fast Food Restaurants During Lockdown Prevent Obesity?

Amanda Howse
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Does Skipping Fast Food Restaurants During Lockdown Prevent Obesity?

More than one third of Americans are overweight and statistics for obesity in the UK published by the House of Commons state that “28.7% of adults in England are obese. A further 35.6% are overweight but not obese” (1)(2)

The NHS also announced that 20% of year 6 children are also afflicted by the condition which can cause serious long term health issues. Obesity was a factor in 711000 hospital admissions last year. (3)

“There is considerable evidence today that heart disease is not only promoted by saturated fat and increased animal products but also by refined carbohydrates.” states Joel Fuhrman MD writing in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.

Fuhrman goes on to explain that “fast foods typically contain multiple chemicals and synthetic ingredients. They are calorically dense, highly flavored, and nutritionally barren. Fast foods typically contain extra corn syrup, sugar, artificial sweeteners, salt, coloring agents, and other potentially disease promoting chemicals.” (4)

Doctors advise that there is a link between overconsumption of sugar and diabetes and it is widely believed that poor nutrition contributes to a higher risk of inflammatory and immune system problems like arthritis and brain function problems like Alzheimer’s disease.

Pub chains like Wetherspoons and Stonegate public houses sell many cheaply priced dishes to offer their regulars which are likely to be deep fried and have a high sugar content. Restaurants that sell fast food in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland include Dixy Chicken, Chicken Cottage, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Sam’s Chicken, Nando’s, Papa John’s and Domino’s Pizzas.

All the pubs and restaurants in the UK were ordered to close on the evening of the 20th March by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This pre-empted a general lockdown in order to support the NHS and prevent the further spread of the coronavirus that has tragically now taken more than 30,000 lives in Great Britain alone. (5)

This ‘forced break’ from eating out is now an opportunity for McDonalds, Wimpey, Little Chef, Five Guys and other hamburger joints to stay an occasional treat, rather than a regular lifestyle choice in our ‘new normal’ lives for those that need to loose weight.

Adults and teenagers can now choose not to go back to quick fix ‘dirty burgers’, kebabs or pizzas with fries and they may well see a big improvement in their slimming efforts.

Nearly everyone in the country has been eating all their meals at home for nearly 2 months now. The majority of citizens have had more time than ever before to chop vegetables and fruit and follow nourishing recipes. Cooking stews, casseroles, curries and baking have all become popular pastimes as most households do not need to rush out to work as usual.

It is widely known that preparing wholesome specials from scratch at home is a much better diet option than fried food and the popularity of cooking programmes on television demonstrates a lot of general interest in the subject.

Lockdown is an opportunity for actively enhancing well-being and learning new culinary skills for most citizens. Simple cooking with traditional ingredients and fresh produce can be enjoyed and shared during some quality time. Techniques for living in a fresh way that is good for your heart can be passed down the generations and between housemates.

However although cafeterias are all closed as part of the lockdown in the UK, the Drive Thru outlets are slowly starting to open up across the country. Some companies have found ways of maintaining social distancing that also meet the strict regulations as they can keep customers in their cars.

Burger King’s menu does not contain any fruit or vegetables apart from high sugar fruit juice. There are 760 calories in a Whopper with Cheese alone, before the sides are added to the meals total nutritional count. (6) So for the determined fast food fan it is now just possible to motor past the American diner once a week when picking up groceries.

The supermarkets are all open every day and so doing the regular shop is one of the few outings that British folk are allowed to do under lockdown rules. Not every home is in a location that has a garden and access to a park, beach, wood, lake or pathways that can be used for outdoor exercise that stays within the criteria of keeping a 2 meter distance between neighbours.

A lot of mums and dads are keeping their small children indoors every day as they don’t think they can maintain a safe distance and achieve adequate hygiene protocols outdoors where they live. This is due to crowded city living and the natural nature of youngsters to want to run around with each other and touch everything.

Consequently social media has been full of people confessing they have done lots of cooking and eating and not as much exercise or sport as usual which is resulting in weight gain.

Some adults say they have been reaching for comfort snacks and alcoholic drinks as a way of soothing themselves during this time which understandably can be a sad, anxious and challenging time for many. Medical advisers report ‘stress eating’ is common reaction and that hormones such as cortisol are responsible for craving high fat and sugar filled treats. (7)

Another threat to solving the obesity problem just by closing the unhealthy eating establishments is that the delivery market that was already seeing growth in 2019 and estimated to be worth 8.5 billion pounds in 2019 is now booming under the new lockdown conditions in 2020. (8)

The rise of smart phones and internet broadband in nearly all homes in the UK means it is very easy for anyone to order takeaway meals to be delivered to their door sometimes in a matter of minutes. This way of organising supper is not affordable for most families every day but it is super convenient for those who don’t want to or can’t cook and have the means to pay for it. Experts predict that in 2020 there will be 11 million users ordering online food delivery. (8)

It might take legislation stronger and broader than the sugar tax introduced in 2018 to halt the increase in obesity in the UK. The psychological and financial impact of the consequences of the COVID-19 on everyone in the British Isles is going to be far reaching. Poverty, loneliness, boredom, depression and lack of fresh ingredients available locally, all contribute to the complex reasons behind why extreme weight gain is so common.

Breaking the cycle of regularly eating nutritionally empty breakfasts, lunches and dinners out, could achieve a very positive change in dining habits. This may prompt a big step forward in keeping both those over 18 and young people in good condition and top physical form and away from hospitals in years to come.

Inadvertently this awful pandemic will also bring some positive changes. ‘Staying in and keeping well’ is a chance to inspire and promote the choice of better lifestyle for those in the general public who are struggling with their weight. If we ‘are what we eat’ the unavailability of fast food eateries can potentially lead to some great strides forward in the future healthiness of our nation.

(1) ‘Obesity Statistics’ Carl Baker for the House of Commons Library 6 August 2019 Obesity Statistics House of Commons

(2) ‘Obesity Facts’ Kimberley Holland, Healthline.com, 5 December 2017 Obesity Facts by Healthline

(3) ‘Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, England, 2019’ national Statistics, NHS Digital, 8 May 2019 Statistics on Obesity by NHS Digital

(4) ‘Hidden Dangers of fast and Processed Food’ Joel Fuhrman MD, American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine 3 April 2018 Dangers of fast Food Fuhrman, American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

(5) ‘Coronavirus latest news: UK Death toll now highest in Europe’ Lizzie Roberts, Georgina Hayes, Gareth Davies, The Telegraph 5 May 2020 Coronavirus death toll highest Europe, Roberts, The Telegraph

(6) ‘Burger King Whopper Nutrition Facts’ Fast Food Nutrition 4 May 2020 Burger King nutrition facts, Food Nutrition

(7) ‘Why stress causes people to overeat’ Harvard Health Publishing, Medical School 6 May 2020 Stress and overeating, Harvard Health Publishing

(8) ‘Food delivery and takeway market in the UK – statistics and facts’ Jennifer Luty, Statista 9 April 2020 Food delivery and take away statistics, Luty, Statista

Drive Thru Jam Packed as First Burger King Reopens in Havant

Amanda Howse
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Drive Thru Jam Packed as First Burger King Reopens in Havant

Burger King is a well known global fast food restaurant that sells large white breaded buns filled with patties of chicken, beef or vegetarian alternatives. These are accompanied by potato fries, onion rings and sweet treats like chocolate cakes and ice-creams. Drinks include milkshakes, coffees, carbonated soft drinks like cola and fruit juices.

The first Burger King to reopen in the country is located at 26 Park Road South, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1HB. Other outlets that have opened this week are in Dundee, Aberdeen, Reading, Hillington, Southampton, Merton and Springfield Quay in Glasgow according to The News in Portsmouth. (1)

On Thursday a long snaking lane of vehicles wound around the popular premises waiting patiently for over an hour, to take their turn to taste their favourite fast food burgers again. The huge queue affected traffic flow in the nearby retail park in which only Pets at Home and Halfords and the supermarkets Tesco and Marks and Spencer are legally able to trade to the public this May.

The ‘Drive-Thru’ is open from 12pm to 9pm every day but the restaurant is still closed. The Burger King team are all wearing personal protective equipment with masks and gloves ensuring that the transfer of any harmful germs are avoided. Existing store employees are running the operation and the company is not looking for any new staff whilst the trial takes place.

Government restrictions on maintaining a safe 2 meter distance between members of the public mean the ‘Drive Thru’ has now been redesigned and has now just reopened in several locations in the UK.

Customers can order in advance online and also download the digital app to select from the take away menu swiftly from their mobile devices. People can then become a loyalty scheme member and “join the BK Kingdom”. (2)

The limited menu features their signature dishes the Whopper, Chicken Royale and Bacon Double Cheeseburger. Residents can also get meals delivered by ordering from the famous eating place via the delivery companies ‘Just Eat’ or ‘Deliveroo’ who charge a premium for their services.

The company have increased their cleaning and hygiene protocols to minimise any risks from spreading Covid-19 to diners. The chain announced it would donate a thousand meals a day to support key workers at this most difficult time in healthcare for the country. Katie Evans marketing director at Burger King told The Guardian that “the restaurants would give away 1000 meals a week to NHS staff based nearby.” (3)

Residents were shocked to see the unexpected congestion near Havant High Street which has been nearly empty for the last seven weeks. They were also disappointed to see some rubbish blowing around the car park, after the rush saw hundreds of families passing through to pick up their lunches and dinners from busy assistants at the ‘royal cafe’s’ kitchen window.

A significant amount of key workers live in this area working for the local hospitals, care services, shops, emergency services and travel operators. Therefore some drivers will be hungry after a hard shift and stopping off at the only place open for some tasty and filling hot cuisine on a tight budget. Clearly some Hampshire men and women were desperate to get their ‘fried fix’ from the American style eating house.

At the same time the daily government guidelines instruct that everyone across the British Isles should stay at home except for very limited purposes including “shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.” (4)

The coronavirus prevention measures introduced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson caused the widespread shutdown of all restaurants in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the middle of March. Until then Burger King served “more than 11 million guests (daily that) visit over 13,000 Burger King® restaurants near them in 97 countries around the world. And they do so because our fast food restaurants are known for serving high-quality, great-tasting and affordable food.” declares the companies website. (2)

Apparently more than a month without the joy of a freshly fried ‘dirty burger’ was far too long for a lot of locals. Everybody in the country has had to deal with big unexpected changes this year and also made some real sacrifices, all without many of their usual retail pick me ups. Hundreds of consumers happily waited a long time to receive their special recipe hot culinary treasures from the well loved royal hamburger brand. Burger King has been able to adapt to new trading conditions and is certainly still a real success on the south coast.

(1) ‘Burger King drive-through in Havant is first branch to reopen during coronavirus lockdown’ Neil Fatkin, The News, 29 April 2020 Burger King Opens Havant, The News

(2) Burger King Website, 04 May 2020 Burgr King website

(3) ‘Burger King, KFC and Pret announce limited UK reopenings’ Steven Morris, The Guardian,16 April 2020 Burger King, KFC, Pret announce limited repenings, The Guardian

(4) ‘Guidance: Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)’ Cabinet Office, Gov.UK, 4 May 2020 Staying at Home Away From Others, Gov UK

 

 

How Are Shops Keeping You Healthy and Safely Distanced?

Amanda Howse
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How Are Shops Keeping You Healthy and Safely Distanced?

What are retailers in the Chichester area doing to ensure everyone can continue to shop in a safe environment?

Food retailers have seen their turnover rise by 10.4% according to the Office of national Statistics this week. The ONS also reported a record high of 22.3% for online purchases as many people are choosing to order deliveries. This is due to those aged over 70 and many vulnerable citizens self isolating and avoiding contact with others completely, by staying at home and keeping well. This in turn takes the pressure off the NHS services who are dealing with hundreds of extra patients who have become ill with COVID-19 symptoms every day.

The larger organisations like Sainsburys, Waitrose and M&S are offering deliveries if availability allows. Oversubscribed ‘click and collect’ services are also possible and Asda and Tesco have hired a fresh fleet of drivers and added thousands of additional slots to the popular system which avoids consumers travelling to another premises.

Marks and Spencer have been trading for 135 years and are confident they can take the COVID-19 prevention measures in their stride. They run a food and homeware delivery service and M&S have also teamed up with Deliveroo to enable a limited selection of favourite dishes to be delivered straight to their patrons front door. John Lewis have shut all their department stores and redeployed Partners to Waitrose in a drastic restructure of operations, of the size not seen since their stores were bombed in World War II.

The most successful retailers have also designated specific opening times for the elderly and vulnerable who wish to shop in person. There are more sensitive folk that need to take extra care and who may also have accessibility requirements. The young and fit also all want to pick up their weekly supplies in a swift and pleasant way.

Sainsbury’s have launched a ‘scan as you shop’ mobile app which is available for Iphones and Android phones. The application means Sainsbury’s Nectar loyalty card members can use their own hand held devices to select items as they progress through the departments. They can then easily make contactless payments using their smart phones. The software can be downloaded for free from the apple store or google.

Marks and Spencer, Sainsburys and Waitrose all offer scan as you shop scanners which apart from picking up a communal terminal usually means a contactless experience. However this is not always the case and it can be frustrating if your trolley is routinely hand checked by an assistant at close quarters. Lidl is a smaller store and does not have this automated option.

The contactless card limit has been raised from £30 to £45 to help citizens around the UK buy without coming to close to any company employees.

Temporary purchasing restrictions are now commonplace across the sector as chains aim to prevent some products that are in high demand worldwide becoming unavailable. This means there are limits on the quantity of an item purchased per person, to keep it as fair as possible.

At Lidl this weekend shelf stacking colleagues were ensuring every department was full whilst they all worn tight fitting masks. Partners at Waitrose have all been offered face visors if they wish. Some Tescos payment till assistants also had face visors. Cashiers at Lidl were not wearing masks. Client facing employees at Marks and Spencer are not routinely donning face protectors but have been offered full pay to stay at home if they prefer for personal reasons.

Plastic protective screens have been installed at the checkouts at all the largest stores. These ‘sneeze guards’ protect key workers and the general public by keeping a clear physical barrier of separation.

Entry restrictions are in place at busy times everywhere. This controls the number of shoppers inside at any time to keep enough space for social distancing. Tescos have been arranging car queues so sometimes drivers can stay inside their vehicles to wait their turn. Lidl has a canopy area to give some cover if the line is relatively short but have struggled to marshal extra busy waiting times very efficiently.

Extra temporary team members have been hired during the ‘stockpiling’ rush at the end of March when Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his cabinet announced the self isolating guidance for the over 70’s which was followed by the general lockdown. At Tesco and Waitrose they have created new marshal roles to guide shoppers around the amended layout. At Lidl and most likely also the other major corporations too, these additional personnel where then quickly laid off when demand receded again over Easter.

All the big box markets have directional flow floor signs to stop customers accidentally approaching eachother from different ends of the aisles. The system makes it easier to keep 6 feet away or more from those also filling their baskets and trolleys in relatively close proximity. Lidl does not have this feature yet and when it comes to individuals freely gliding around the groceries, the wider pathways between the stacked shelves give better visibility and is a distinct advantage that the major players in the industry have.

Tescos have lead the way offering hand and basket etc sanitizer. Frequently staff have been cleaning the handrails on the heavy metal rollers between customers on their arrival. Marks and Spencer and Waitrose say they have expanded their cleaning regimes and clean contactless tills in between shoppers whenever they can.

Separate entrances and exits are available at Marks and Spencer, Lidl and Waitrose which steers clientele away from each other.

All the supermarkets have toilet facilities and baby change equipment that are open. Lidl’s bathrooms are brand new as the store only opened last month. Lidl is known for good quality products at very reasonable priced and citizens all over England have become very fond of many of the original European goodies that can be purchased. It is a basic no frills formula style of boutique that favours cheap prices over customer service and in-store extras. The team are friendly and helpful.

Our experience with picking up our list of essential food and household items recently is that there are many excellent measures that have been put in place with thought, care and goodwill. Technology has been used, serious finance budgets spent and many resources expended throughout the supply chain. Thousands of key workers have dedicated all their efforts on a daily basis in order to sell us our vital purchases in the best way possible and they have been performing amazingly well under very difficult conditions.

Despite all these efforts it is still very challenging to keep all shoppers 2 metres apart from one another as per the government guidelines. We have found that many residents are getting too close to one another accidentally, whilst attempting to push trolleys and manage children and care for other family members that it is not possible to leave at home.

Until a proven coronavirus vaccine is widely available nationwide we think the future of restocking your cupboards and refrigerator will be a fully online activity. Retailers will be tempting their regulars with offers and recipes and interesting new ingredients. The outlook is recycled crates, boxes and bags dropped directly at your property and this will be a part of everyone’s life going forward.

 

(1) ‘Retail sales, Great Britain: March 2020’ Rhian Murphy, Office for National Statistics 24 May 2020 ONS Retail Sales Report March 2020

(2) Lidl website 28 April 2020 Lidl Website

(3) ‘Tesco COVID-19 updates’ Tesco website 28 April 2020 Tesco: COVID-19 updates

(4) ‘COVID-19 Information for our customers’ Marks & Spencer website 28 April 2020 Marks & Spencer COVID-19 information

(5) ‘We’re here for you’ Waitrose and Partners website 28 April 2020 Waitrose Website

(6)‘Scan & Bag As You Go’ Sainsbury’s Smart Shop 28 April 2020 Sainsbury’s Smart Shop App

 

Confusing Curb Climbing Queue Leads to Good Looking New Lidl

Amanda Howse
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Confusing Curb Climbing Queue Leads to Good Looking New Lidl

A great new Lidl supermarket has recently opened at Unit 1 Westhampnett Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6EX. The tempting merchandise sections inside include a delicatessen, fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery items, general groceries, chilled and frozen dairy, meat and fish, cleaning, beauty, household, homewares and gardening.

Yesterday many enthusiastic consumers approached the entrance and were very confused about how the ‘safe distance queues’ were snaking around the front section of the car park. With no visual reference or signs to help them navigate the residents were guiding eachother to the back of the rectangular shaped line. This began in the corner of the plot and then continued under a canopy and behind some tall cages of potted flowers and leafy plants.

The newcomers were rather gingerly pushing their empty carts along in the middle of those who had already joined the patient rows, just managing to stay around 2 metres from their fellow buyers. Towards the rear of the tarmacked area queuers needed to manually lift the wheels of their heavy metal rollers in order to climb onto the curb and follow the person in front, along in sequence around the site.

Half an hour later, a Lidl marshal lady in a branded sky blue pantsuit called out some instructions in order to corral the waiting throng into the correct procession pathway. She also smiled and confirmed in a positive tone that “ the parking sign which says maximum of 4 hours is not valid at this time.” This meant that nobody had to worry that any delays in passing through the front doors of the shiny modern outlet, would  cause an unwanted parking ticket arriving through the post, another day in the near future.

The famous European emporium has sensibly organised the admission process to limit the quantity of their guests to only around thirty people at any one time. It was therefore fairly easy to keep more than a few feet away from others that are not in your household, to try to avoid any unwanted germs from being passed around.

On Thursday March 12th the new store welcomed its first customers through the doors. It was the week that the public realised there would be official government guidance to self isolate at home for those over the age of 70, as the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s coronavirus prevention strategy swung forward into reality.

By opening day the supermarkets were all deluged with customers and buying basic food and household supplies, like loo roll. Stockpiling had become an issue due to the lockdown looming ahead across the United Kingdom. Needless to say the car park was full to bursting when the fully stocked new Lidl opened in the popular coastal city of Chichester.

The shop opening hours were restricted initially to help managers cope with the unexpected influx of visitors but they are now back to normal this week from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am till 4pm on Sundays. (2)

Lidl was founded in 1930 in Germany by Josef Schwarz. The store appeals to men, women and children of all ages. Around 20 people were recruited locally to form the Lidl customer service team. (1)

The number of visitors at the end of March meant the actual demand was way above estimates and expectations for all the supermarkets through to the first two weeks of April. Lidl decided to hire additional seasonal staff, as did several other retailers. By Easter in mid April most people’s larders and cupboards were full and sales therefore fell comparatively to the previous few weeks. Lidl didn’t need the temporary assistance any more and has let all their extra employees go for the time being.

The old outlet was on the Portfield estate nearby and was much smaller, with a relatively petite car park. A awkwardly sloping entrance and exit to the original premises could easily topple a badly laden trolley.

A new roundabout and car and bicycle park has been built to accommodate the spacious and contemporary market building. A deep white metal roof overhang is supported by slim metal columns, that wrap around the super shed sized ‘white box’. Wide walls of solid tinted glass panels create a striking piece of urban architecture within walking distance of the historic city centre.

Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available on the ground floor. The spatial layout of the interior is a straightforward design. The till operators were friendly, helpful and welcoming when we proceeded to process, pack and pay for our purchases. The popular chain’s website encourages families to frequent their aisles and features inspirational recipes and ideas to amuse the children as well as tips on Spring cleaning.

It is always challenging to launch a new business and this Lidl franchise has done well to deliver a bright, full, convenient and happy place to select the basic necessities and encompass the complications of preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Overall, despite a bumpy start at Lidl the store has proved a runaway success and has no doubt become a treasured addition to Chichester’s excellent supermarket selection.

(1)

‘Chichester’s new Lidl store opens for business’ Sam Morton, Chichester Observer, 13 March 2020 Chicheser Observer, Sam Morton, Lidl Opens

(2)

‘Store Opening Hours Update’ Lidl website, 27 April 2020 Lidl website Store Opening Hours

Hundreds of Charities Call for Heroes to Do The 2.6 Challenge

Amanda Howse
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Hundreds of Charities Call for Heroes to Do The 2.6 Challenge
Two Point Six Challenge for UK charities

The 2.6 challenge aims to “save the UK’s charities”. Using the number 2.6 as a starting point, the Just Giving website dares people of all ages and all walks of life to think up an ambitious goal involving the numbers two and six and create their own personal or group goal to achieve on or from the 26th of April 2020. (1)

Gaining sponsorship from friends and colleagues for completing a brilliant task will enable citizens to do their bit for good causes in the community all around the United Kingdom. They can donate personally to the Just Giving website if they wish and it is suggested that £26 is an ideal amount of money per person to help those organisations that make a difference to the lives of those who are struggling with social, mental and health issues in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Several small donations of £2.60 or larger multiples would be welcomed too. This is because contributions of all sizes add up to ensuring the work of specialist and key workers and the volunteers that make our country better for the vulnerable and those in need of help can continue. Charities provide extra services which are separate and in addition to the National Health Service and other council run healthcare and well being programmes.

The managers of this new online event intend the 2.6 concept to be about average men, women and children completing unique tasks, that all stay within the current government regulations, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Many charities have got onboard such as St Wilfred’s Hospice in Bosham in West Sussex. The Board members are keen to keep their financial accounts in good shape, so they can continue their work caring for those who are facing terminal illnesses and people who need constant care and assistance to ‘live well’.

St Wilfred’s cares for over 300 patients both in the hospice and in the community. This vital work has continued despite the coronavirus pandemic and their Just Giving page states

“we’re doing everything to ensure our services continue without compromising patient safety.”

It is also possible for the public to make their own Just Giving pages to highlight their kind and fun philanthropic projects. These pages can be linked to their social network to raise extra funds that will help others less fortunate than themselves.

Some ideas proposed by the Just Giving portal for fundraising with family include doing a sport or party trick for 26 minutes or even hours, depending on the activity. Reading 26 books or drawing 26 rainbows could be a great option. Camping out all night on the 26th April is certainly good thinking for accomplishing a memorable mission.

Tenacious tests for groups could be a 26 question quiz, getting 26 friends together for an online workout, dancing to music with friends online for 26 minutes, hosting a virtual supper for 26 minutes or sharing 26 minutes of a favourite musical on the meeting sharing software Zoom.

Doing something special on your own is also encouraged such as baking 26 cupcakes, learning to count to 26 in a different language, walking 2.6 miles inside your house, running 2.6 miles or running round your garden 26 times or doing 26 press-ups are all inspiring examples too.

UK based charities all need donations now as the usual contributions are disrupted because many businesses are closed and many regularly generous citizens have not been able to earn their living in the normal way. Some of the population may not be able to afford to give to others at this difficult time.

Almost all the fundraising events held during the sporting and artistic season have been or will be cancelled this year as they involve ‘unnecessary journeys’ and it would be impossible for the crowds of visitors to keep 2 metres apart.

St Wilfred’s Hospice report that “85% of the running costs are not supported by the NHS so fundraising is very important to raise the £7.7 million needed to run the charities services each year.” St Wilfred’s recruit, train and support volunteers in a variety of roles in their charity shops and fundraising events. However their retail operations are not able to open to the public at this time potentially costing them £1.7 million in expected income over 12 months. (2)

Therefore St Wilfred’s and many other charities leaders hope that with the continued support from business partners in the region and private residents living in the county, that it is possible to carry on delivering extremely high quality care in the community, for all who need it, every day of the year.

Although this months 2.6 challenge is a virtual gathering, St Wilfred’s Hospice leaders are still hoping that several ‘open gardens’ activities will be able to take place this summer. Following the latest UK minister’s guidelines on managing the impact of Covid-19 it may be possible to carefully adapt these outdoor botanical tours to ensure everyone is keeping a safe distance.

(1) Two Point Six Challenge, 22 April 2020, Two Point Six Challenge Just Giving

(2) St Wilfred’s Just Giving page, 22 April 2020, St Wilfred’s Hospice Just Giving Page

(3) St Wilfred’s Hospice website, 22 April 2020 St Wilfred’s Hospice website

 

 

St Wilfred’s New Hospice Arrives Successfully in West Sussex

Amanda Howse
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St Wilfred’s New Hospice Arrives Successfully in West Sussex

St Wilfred’s hospice is an independent charity that has been supporting those in the community with terminal illness since 1987. St Wilfred’s provides ‘home from home’ impatient care as well as supporting very ill people by visiting them during the day and helping them with ‘living well’ services. The charities rehabilitation programmes include working alongside patients to help them remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. In addition to the hospice, the Education Centre offers courses for medical professionals and carers.

The new hospice is situated in Walton Lane in Bosham, West Sussex. The catchment area runs from Emsworth to the west and Arundel to the east and then everywhere to the south of the South Downs.

In 2012 the ‘dreambuilding’ project was created by the Board of Trustees to strive for a future with premises that improved on their existing site in Grovesnor Road, just south of Chichester. It was felt that a completely fresh bigger premises was necessary to continue to support the developing needs of this West Sussex district.(1)

In July 2019 the monumental looking brand new building in the village of Bosham in Chichester harbour was ready to welcome its first patient. The project took over a year to complete at a cost of £16.2million. (2)

The site is on a side lane off the main coastal A259 road which connects Emsworth in Hampshire to Brighton and Eastbourne in East Sussex. This unique facility sits in approximately a third of an acre with parking for at least 30 cars to the front and side. The design of the finished centre includes two large barn shaped wings with a central entrance area. There is also two further structures towards the rear of the complex.

The recently completed St Wilfred’s Hospice health hub is 50% bigger and was delivered by the leading British construction company Kier.(3)

The fabrication features red bricks, oak wood cladding and burnt orange clay tiled roofing. The southern facade boasts flint cladding which is very often found on older walls in this locality. To attractively lift the look of the exterior, soft turquoise coloured window and door frames have been chosen. This visual contrast will assist those who are visually impaired to find their way and also reflects the branding of St Wilfred’s Hospice and this nautical setting just ten minutes walk from the beach.

The architecture is the size of an extensive city hotel but has been very positively received by those who live in this conservative village. This modern asset to the region fits in well with the country farmhouse style residential detached properties alongside it and also the traditional cottages in the adjacent roads.

“The Hospice blends in with the surroundings very well and looks friendly and homely.” said an elegant lady that lives in one of the houses nearby.

Benefits of the modern premises encompass the ability for visitors to spend time with patients. Family and friends have special spaces and can stay the night if they want to in one of the 18 en suite bedrooms. A ‘living well’ centre for therapy and socialising is an added bonus and a chapel and prayer room gives space for quiet and meditation when required. The capacious ground floor plan has treatment rooms, an art therapy room and a gym.

‘The Stables’ houses the Inpatient ward and ‘The Granary’ is home to community services. ‘The Sussex Barn’ is where the Day Hospice and support services can be found and ‘The Hay Loft’ contains all the Hospice’s other essential support services. “The main buildings are grouped to look like a converted farm complex.” states the charity’s ‘Dreambuilding’ planning overview. (4)

“Making a difference to local lives” is the mission statement of the organisation which strives to make sure everyone gets the dedicated care they are worthy of. We have a comparatively ageing population in West Sussex, which is known for its fresh sea air, countryside, history and culture and also as a haven for the retired.

Helping people achieve the best quality of life that they can, for as long as possible, is a key goal for St Wilfred’s team members who together play an important part in the local healthcare system. Now more than ever it is wonderful to have a light, spacious and welcoming environment to enable those who need end of life care in our community to have the peace, love and support they deserve.

 

(1) St Wilfred’s Hospice website, 20 April 2020, St Wilfred’s Hopice website

(2) ‘St Wilfred’s Hospice £16m home opens in Bosham’ Joe Stack, 23 July 2019, Chichester Observer, 23 July 2019 ‘St Wilfred’s Hospice Opens’ Chichester Observer

(3) ‘Delivering for communities’ Kier Construction website, 21 April 2020, Kier Construction website

(4) ‘About The Building’ St Wilfred’s New Hospice Appeal website, 21 April 2020, Dreambuilding St Wilfred’s Hospice website

Coronavirus: UK Sewing Volunteers Fix PPE Supply Gap

Amanda Howse
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Coronavirus: UK Sewing Volunteers Fix PPE Supply Gap

In the daily news briefings this week the British government have assured the public that they have ordered enough Personal Protection Equipment for everyone who needs it. There is no shortage of scrubs, which are hygienic clothing worn by surgeons or medical staff according to those in charge of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic in England. Health minister Matt Hancock stated on the BBC News this week “that we will not rest” until all health and care workers get adequate supplies of PPE.

In Westminster at Number 10 the country’s top team have said there is no lack of face masks, eye protection, gowns, aprons and gloves. However last week a survey carried out by the British Medical Association found that “just 12% of hospital doctors said the felt fully protected from the virus at work and 27% of hospital doctors reported running low on basic anti-infection supplies such as soap.” (1)

At the same time an article in The Guardian revealed that the UK has been missing out on the opportunity of participating in a massive order of PPE that was made by the European Union. According to the newspaper’s sources this was due to a mix up with email correspondence between Boris Johnson’s ministers and EU leaders over the channel in Brussels. (2)

This month hundreds of people who can sew are kindly giving their time to make personal protective equipment for doctors, nurses and carers across the country. These life saving garments ensure virus droplets cannot spread between the professionals caring for sick people and a person who is being treated. Thankfully many businesses are also stepping up and providing the much needed resources, including the historic designer trench coat brand Burberry.

In Birmingham Zhagum Arshad runs a company called Loft 25 that usually make home and garden furnishings. Zhagum and his team have all turned their hands to making plastic fabric PPE for National Health Service staff. Loft 25 has signed up more than 300 volunteers and together they have made more than 1000 medical grade coveralls so far, with more than 4000 in the pipeline.(3)

In Kent Sarah Mabb, Carole Dalton and Megan McKay launched Kent Scrubbers to overcome the shortage of scrubs. They have been making paper sewing templates for the coveralls that home sewers can order online and then have delivered. These patterns are now unavailable due to an unexpected demand. Undeterred, the creative ladies have recommended an alternative online template download that includes instructions for masks, wash bag and headgear patterns too. Approximately 600 home sewers have taken up the challenge so far. (4)

In Yorkshire Laura Casey of Sew Different has put her sewing and pattern making skills to great use by uploading scrubs patterns to her website which can be printed on an A4 printer at home for a £3 fee. (5)

East Sussex Seamstresses NHS & Frontline is a facebook group that has been set up by Mel Baldwin-Lucie to coordinate the making of PPE in this south east county. The local sewers are looking forward to a huge delivery of fabric tomorrow. A computer database has been constructed to organise all the different types of home made products that have been finished and are ready to be donated to hospitals and key workers. (6)

Meanwhile also in the south ‘Scrubs for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust’ is a facebook page hub administered by Dawn Goodall that has raised £5000 for fabric for PPE so far. The community group has now closed the private social media page to new members due to 600 people signing up and the need to allocated tasks and resources to their existing volunteer list. (7)

A nurse and mother from Lincolnshire named Ashleigh Linsdell set up a facebook group called ‘For The Love of Scrubs’ which has seen more than 9000 people join to help the effort to supply NHS workers with the protection they need. (8) Ashleigh’s website also shares the scrubs patterns on a free google drive link so that they can be easily reproduced. (8)

The current status of which hospitals are accepting donations can be found on a Trello link at her page which, if it is accurately up to date, shows that 44 hospitals and NHS Trusts are still looking for donations from the public at the moment. (9) However the UK Health and Safety Executive say they have provided “more than 761 million pieces of PPE across the UK” now so it may be taking time for the operational channels to distribute crucial PPE correctly to everywhere that it is required. (11)

The massive response by talented crafters and practical citizens across the country to provide PPE where it is needed very quickly shows the enormous willingness to support people working in healthcare and on the frontline, during these difficult times.

The kindness and generosity of the public to donate their time, money and materials while they are staying at home and saving lives, is an indication of just how much the NHS and also our essential services are valued and appreciated by everyone in Great Britain.

 

(1) ‘BMA survey finds doctors’ lives still at risk despite Government pledges on PPE’ British Medical Assocation Team, 7 April 2020, BMA article lack of PPE in NHS

 

(2) ‘UK missed three chances to join EU scheme to bulk-buy PPE’ Daniel Boffey, The Guardian, 13 April 2020, Daniel Boffey, The Guardian, UK missed EU order PPE

 

(3) ‘Hundreds volunteer to sew scrubs for frontline NHS workers’ Tom Dare, Birmingham Live, 15 April 2020, Tom Dare, Birmingham Live, Volunteers Sew Scrubs for NHS

 

(4) Ashford, Dover & Folkestone Scrubbers, Facebook Page for volunteers supporting William Harvey Hospital & NHS Trust, 16 April 2020, Ashford Scrubbers facebook link

 

(5) ‘Scrubs paper pattern – not for profit’ (with download link) Laura Casey, Sew Different,

16 April 2020, Laura Casey, Sew Different, Scrubs Pattern

 

(6) East Sussex Seamstresses NHS & Frontline, PPE sewing facebook group, 16 April 2020, East Sussex PPE sewing facebook group

 

(7) Scrubs For Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust, PPE sewing facebook group, 16 April 2020, Surrey and Sussex, PPE sewing facebook group

 

(8) For The Love of Scrubs, Ashleigh Linsdell, public facebook group, 16 April 2020, For The Love of Scrubs, Ashleigh Linsdell, facebook group

 

(9) Multiple Patterns for Scrubs, Shared Google Drive Link, 16 April 2020, Patterns for Scrubs, Shared Google Drive Link

 

(10) ‘Hospital Status Whether Accepting Donations’ Trello Database, George Linsdell, 16 April 2020, George Linsdell, Trello, Shared Database, Status PPE Hospitals

 

(11) ‘Coronavirus: Has the NHS got enough PPE?’ Michelle Roberts, BBC News, 16 April 2020, Michelle Roberts, BBC News, Has the NHS got enough PPE

 

3D Printers Fill The Need For PPE

Amanda Howse
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3D Printers Fill The Need For PPE

This Spring many countries leaders, including the British government, are managing national strategic plans for minimising the amount of their citizens who contract the Coronavirus during this pandemic which has swept quickly across the globe.

It is essential that vital National Health Service resources are available for people who need hospital care and may require respirators which are in limited supply. Personal Protection Equipment or P.P.E. is used to prevent the unintentional spread of the SARS Covid-19 disease and protect key workers in healthcare, facilities management, food retailing, policing and other essential services.

PPE is worn to provide a physical barrier that stops any liquid molecules from breath, sneezing or coughing etc. being passed between key workers and the general public. There is a variety of PPE that can be manufactured using 3D printers and sewing machines.

Items such as protective face shields, masks and mask comfort clips can be created at home by volunteers using their plastic modelling machines. It was community minded people who started the #PrintForVictory organisation with their 3D printers. Other items such as face masks and scrubs can be made using a sewing machine.

The printer reads a computer program file to receive a specific design and then extrudes filament in a given shape. A 3 dimensional object is then built up in many thin layers that when it is finished can be used for practical purposes. This is rather similar to the process a ceramicist would use to build up coil pot in clay.

“PLA or PETG is a viable material and both are accepted by NHS guidelines.” advises the Print For Victory website which also has links to designs to help normal folk to get making with their own equipment. So far hundreds of people all over England have taken up the opportunity of contributing and this has enabled thousands of devices to be in stock for the public services that need them. (1)

For example two Dorset pilots who are not flying at the moment turned their technical talents to making protective face visors. They were shipped off to a local ambulance station and also a children’s care home in Hampshire.

“We need more volunteers to fire up their 3D printers and donate these ear guards to hospitals and medical professionals.” said a cub scout called Quinn. This post was shared 456,000 times on facebook.

The BBC has reported that university departments are stepping up to manufacture PPE. “Dr Pashneh-Tala is part of a team at the University of Sheffield called iForge that has so far made 600 face shields for healthcare workers using a combination of 3D-printed frames, visors made from laser cutting and elastic.” (4)

3D Crowd UK are a charity supporting frontline medical teams. In the last month they have paired more than 6,000 competent 3D modellers with over 1500 different requests for face shields from organisations treating people who may have Covid-19. The initial batch has produced 80,000 face protectors with more in the pipeline. (5)

It is not all straightforward however as P.P.E. is strictly regulated by the government to keep health workers safe. For example medical use face masks are class 1 medical devices and “must meet the design and safety requirements of the Medical Device Regulations (MDD/MDR) and be CE marked before you can sell them in the UK.” Sterile equipment also has additional certificates that are required. (3)

This ‘citizen supply chain’ demonstrates our ability to care for each other and work together as humans to overcome problems. We are ‘all in it together’ trying to improve this difficult situation. 3D printers nationwide are giving help and hope during this time our doctors, nurses, carers and key workers are under such pressure to save lives and keep the country running.

(1)

Print for Victory, Organisation for 3D printer volunteers, 10 April 2020, Print for Victory

(2)

Thingiverse, 3D printing design hub, 10 April 2020, Thingiverse

(3)

‘Regulatory status of equipment being used to help prevent coronavirus (COVID-19)’

10 April 2020, UK Gov PP Equipment Regulations

(4)

Coronavirus: Can we 3D-print our way out of the PPE shortage? Zoe Kleinman, BBC News reporter, 10 April 2020, BBC News, Coronavirus: 3D printing and PPE

(5)

‘How are we supporting the frontline?’ 3D Crowd UK

13 April 2020, 3D Crowd UK home page

Best Ways to Take Care of Your Immune System and Keep Well

Amanda Howse
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Best Ways to Take Care of Your Immune System and Keep Well

We know some people are more susceptible to picking up colds and viruses and are often said to be ‘under the weather’. Other colleagues, family members and friends we know never seem to get sick. The medical profession agrees that our immune system’s effectiveness naturally declines as we get older.

Therefore 3 weeks ago the government advised everyone over 70 years of age to self isolate at home. This is to minimise the pressure on the National Health Service who are heroically dealing with thousands of very unwell people who have contracted the coronavirus disease. This pandemic has travelled fast across the globe infecting more than a million people so far this year. (1)

In England we have all been instructed by the government to stay at home to avoid unintentionally spreading SARS Covid-19 which can cause viral pneumonia. It is smart to focus on doing everything you can to keep in good health. This is especially true during this difficult time, regardless of what age you are currently. The Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his team at Number 10 have recognised the importance of moving the body outside in the fresh air every day, on the nations physical and mental well being. Therefore despite restrictions to keep all non-family members 2 metres apart, exercise is allowed once a day for all citizens in the UK.

The BBC2 programme ‘Trust me I’m a Doctor’ explains that there are two parts to the immune system. “the innate response and the acquired response. The innate response…reacts to a problem by trying to flush out or burn out the invader and this can make us feel feverish or snotty. The acquired response…when specific invaders have been recognised, this part of the immune system identifies the cells that can kill them and sends them into battle.” (2)

Many doctors agree that aiming to eat a minimum of 5 and up to 10 portions of different coloured fruits and vegetables a day, is a sure way on getting the right vitamins and minerals you need to keep your cells healthy and resilient.

Vitamin A is essential for helping your body’s natural defence against illness and infection and can keep your vision and skin in top shape. Spinach carrots and sweet potatoes are a good source and also dairy foods, oily fish and liver.

Vitamin B6 is vital as is fights viruses and infections by producing antibodies. “This vitamin can support health by improving cognitive function” advises Baasimah Sabir at Ivee health services who recommends ordering salmon for a brain boost. (7)

Vitamin C is also important to help protect cells so they can function at their best. In addition to citrus fruits, good choices for a vitamin C boost can be broccoli, Brussels sprouts and potatoes. A daily supplement may be a sensible way to make sure you get enough of this key player in nutrition. Vitamin C keeps the whole body strong and lively and it is worth knowing that it cannot be stored by the body very long so regular ‘top ups’ are the way to ensure you are getting enough.

The NHS website advises that everybody should have enough vitamin D to support their immune system and states that “it is clearly important to have sufficient vitamin D to maintain a healthy body. Vitamin D forms in our skin in response to sunlight, but care should still be taken to avoid burning or over-exposure due to the harmful effect of the sun’s rays. Vitamin D is also found in foods such as oily fish, eggs, fortified margarines, some breakfast cereals and vitamin supplements.” (3)

Vitamin E also plays role in maintaining a vigorous immune system. Your constitution can easily store Vitamin E for future use and plant oils such as corn, soya and olive oil are ideal. Nuts and seeds and wheatgerm are also recommended.

Selenium is a mineral that helps the immune system work properly. Brazil nuts, fish, meat and eggs are all an excellent way of getting the selenium needed in your diet.

“Like any fighting force, the immune system army marches on its stomach. Healthy immune system warriors need good, regular nourishment.” argues Harvard Medical School who also recommends taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements if you suspect your diet is not taking care of all your micronutrient needs.

It is widely known that there are millions of cells in every human’s stomach. Most scientists agree that gut health has a major part to play in enjoying a balanced immune system. The balance of our internal system is crucial to ensure our system doesn’t overreact. An overactive immune system can produce inflammation problems within the body, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Paul O’Toole from the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre which is part of the BioSciences Institute at Cork explained to Andrew Anthony at The Guardian that “significant links have been established between gut microbiota and inflammation, sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and cognitive function.” (5)

Other vegetables that generally considered as brilliant for keeping internally strong to keep the colds and viruses at bay are: garlic, spinach, broccoli, kale and mushrooms (as long as consuming edible fungus isn’t an issue for you). (6)

In addition to citrus fruits; berries, apples, grapes and pomegranates are all great choices and coconut has anti-bacterial properties. Other immune enhancing foods that are recommended by health food professionals include spices like clove, turmeric and ginger.

Doctors will often advise to drink plenty of hot weak tea to ward off any flu and colds. All types of tea contain special anti-oxidant properties. So its a good idea to drink tea every day.

It is widely said that chicken soup is beneficial when unwell and there might be an element of truth in that, as carnosine is found inside this warming family favourite. Carnosine can help shrug off common illnesses.

Miso soup is also a great vegetarian alternative and contains probiotics that can actively assist balancing the gut, which is a priority for achieving an immune system to be proud of.

The medical profession generally agrees that a combination of diet, exercise and getting enough sleep is the recipe for good all round health.

Superfoods are ‘tried and tested’ immunity boosters that are definitely worth incorporating into your multicoloured meal plan. Variety is the spice of life when it comes to nutrition. It is worth remembering however, there are very few medical studies with direct evidence to support these superfood suggestions and traditional remedies, that claim to boost the immune system through what you eat.

(1) ‘Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Statistics and Research’ Max Roser, Hannah Ritchie and Esteban Ortiz-Ospina, Our World in Data, 7 April 2020 Coronavirus Statistics Our World in Data

(2) ‘Can I really boost my immune system?’ Trust me I’m a Doctor, BBC2 website, 7 April 2020, Boost Immune System, BBC2 Trust Me Im A Doctor

(3) ‘Vitamin D immune system boost?’ Analysis by Bazian, NHS UK official website, 7 April 2020, Vitamin D Immune System, Bazian, NHS website

(4) ‘How to boost your immune system.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, September 2014

Boost Immune System, Harvard Health Publishing

(5) ‘I had the bacteria in my gut analysed. And this may be the future of medicine.’ Andrew Anthony The Guardian, 11 February 2014, Bacteria in Gut Analysed, Andrew Anthony, The Guardian

(6) ’16 Foods That Boost Your Immune System’ WebMD, 8 April 2020, 16 Foods Boost Immune System, Web MD

(7) ‘Best Vitamins to Boost Immune System’ 7 July 2020 Best Vitamins to Boost Immune System, Bassimah Sabir, Ivee

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