Chef takes on epic challenge

Roving Chef for charity Vegetarian for Life, Alex Connell, has completed an epic running challenge, journeying ‘ virtually' from Lands' End to John O'Groats, a journey of 875 miles.

Starting in Cornwall, Alex ran (and walked) the length of the country, briefly crossing the border into Wales then back to England, before crossing the Scotland border and venturing on to the final destination at the very top of Great Britain.

Alex said: "I wasn't actually in either Lands' End or John O'Groats - this was a virtual run. I certainly ran and walked the 875 miles, but only close to my home in Manchester."

"Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual running events have become popular. The basic idea is that you run or walk whatever the specified distance, time, or even elevation is. Distances are measured by apps on a phone or sports watch."

With running events all over the world cancelled this past year, including the 2020 Manchester Marathon, Alex was undeterred and decided to run his own marathon in his own garden. Seven hundred laps and 5 ½ hours later, Alex crossed the toilet roll finish line in first place.

Like his colleagues, Alex usually spends his time travelling around the country, visiting care homes, conferences and festivals, demonstrating and encouraging the adoption of meat-free dishes to those who cater for older vegetarians and vegans.

As well as for the personal challenge, Alex undertook the run to raise awareness of the charity and how it is reaching out to those in isolation or whop are feeling lonely due to the pandemic. 8 He said:

“We have a number of great schemes at VfL that can help those who are feeling a little lonely during these strange times.

We have a Veggie Pen- and Phone-Pals Scheme, a new care home card-writing campaign, and can offer small grants to assist independent living. We’re here for anyone that needs us.”

Although Vegetarian for Life chefs like Alex aren’t able to visit people personally at the moment, they can tailor a cookery demonstration or a cook-along specifically for groups online. Like virtual running, virtual demos also come with added benefits, including the fact that you don’t have to leave your own home to participate.

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Bristol households sent wide-ranging survey

Households across Bristol will be asked to take part in Census 2021 this March.

The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that offers the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales.

Census 2021 will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets.

Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said: “The census provides a unique snapshot of our communities.

“It benefits everyone. Based on the information you give, it ensures millions of pounds are invested in emergency services, mental health care, school places, hospital beds, houses, roads, GP’s and dentists’ services.

“No-one should miss out. Everyone can complete on online with the new search-asyou-type ability and paper forms for those who need them.”

Census day will be on March 21, but the questionnaire can be completed sooner. Households will soon receive letters with online codes explaining how they can take part. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. For the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said: “Information from the census helps decide how vital services are planned and funded across Bristol so, whether it’s improving bus routes, schools, parks or mental health care services, everyone benefits from taking part. Understanding who lives in an area is very important in making sure we provide the right support to people, so a successful census will help Bristol communities get the resources and services they need for the next 10 years. As these are things that matter to us all, I would urge everyone to complete the questionnaire.’’ For more information and advice on how to answer the questions, visit: www.census.gov.uk.