Direct Local South Gloucestershire Febuary 2021

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE MONTHLY MAGAZINE

February 2021

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Mikes letter Welcome to February edition of Direct Local,

Well January was a rite off wasn’t in! Let’s hope this month brings better times for everyone. Especially for the parents that are juggling home schooling and full time jobs. But on a lighter note February does bring two of my favourite times of the year.

Valentines Day and Pancake Day, both area good reasons to eat either chocolates or copious amounts of sweet pancakes-yum.

Or if your a savory person a drizzle of lemon juice.

However if you read our horoscopes and romance is not on the cards for you this year then thank god for Netflix or Disney+ is a good choice as there is literally tons of great shows to watch at the moment and nothing goes better with a binge worthy box set than a huge bag of popcorn and your favourite bottle of beer or wine on theses cold winters evenings.

Anyway take care Bristol and let’s hope March is a better month for everyone!

14.

Disclaimer The opinions expressed in Direct Local do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publisher or their agents. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information included within this publication, the publisher takes no responsibility for errors or omissions in Direct Local.

The content of Direct Local is not to be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. Please pass to a friend, recycle or compost. All adverts designed by Direct Local are the property of Direct Local please contact us if you wish to reprint them in other publications as a small release fee Is applied. Use of adverts designed by us will need written permission first.

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This week..

6.Holiday Rush 8. Horoscopes 10. Your Garden in Feb 12. Super Sweetcorn Fritters 14. Make th best of your tax relief 16. Puzzles 18. 5 Smart Home Gadgets 20. Charity Vegetarian 22. History of valentines day 26. Dinner Parties, love them or Hate them 28. Voting Opens

www.directlocalbristol.co.uk The team EDITOR Michael Davies WEB DESIGNER Matthew Clarke

JOURNALIST

Lisa Davies PROOF READER Elisabeth Davies Advertising sales Tel: 0117 325 8029 MOB: 07500 017 236 Email: info@directlocalonline.com Regular editoials By: Andrea Sexton, Martin Powell Daren Bane Kayleigh Penny Peter Abraham Andrew Varney Distribution: South Bristol Magazines are delivered to homes and businesses to reach 20,000 people each month.. @directlocal

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Those who flout Covid regulations and attempt to drive to Devon and Cornwall face being caught on camera.

Police in Devon and Cornwall have announced this week they are using automatic number plate recognition to make sure only essential journeys are being made during lockdown.

This weekend the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Shaun Sawyer said ANPR cameras across the region would be used to help enforce Covid-19 regulations.

As well as static cameras at the roadside in locations across the region, every officer in the force has access to an ANPR app on their devices which allows them to access live information about vehicles they pass.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez said: “I welcome the force’s use of ANPR to monitor vehicle movements and make sure the only journeys being made here are essential ones.

"Using this technology helps us see where certain vehicles have come from and allows officers to further investigate their reasons to enforce the law.

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Holiday rush has started in the South West

Retired people in the South West have been booking holidays for later in the year in large numbers after receiving their vaccinations, according to the region’s leading coach operator Bakers Dolphin.

“We are finding they are less strong for overseas, but people are keen to get into Italy, Spain and Austria on tours as soon as the regulations allow.”

Since last March Bakers Dolphin has found that people are willing to book ahead and then change if necessary or have a refund when circumstances dictate. They know their money is safe as Bakers Dolphin is a bonded company, and are flexible with a choice of money back, re-booking or refund vouchers when tours Amanda Harrington, Sales and Marketing Director for Bakers Dolphin said: “It seems as have been cancelled due to restrictions. if the first thing people do when they return home after receiving the Covid-19 protection The coach operators are now expecting 2021 is to start booking a holiday to look forward to. to be a bumper year for holidays once the vaccine roll-out is completed and Government ends all restrictions.

“We are also getting so many requests for day excursions that that we are rushing out a special Day’s Out brochure in the next few Amanda Harrington said: “The strongest takeup is for holidays in July, August and beyond weeks with ideas for trips to Stately Homes, but we still have people keen to go away at gardens, museums and great scenery.

Easter if they possibly can.” Bakers Dolphin prefer bookings to be made through their web“Many people missed out on holidays and site: www.bakersdolphin.com but telephone now want to get away as soon as they can. bookings are still being taken by staff working It is difficult for us to plan at the moment as from home. Shops in Broadmead and Westonwe do not know when restrictions will be super-Mare are currently closed. lifted. Bookings are very strong for resorts in Cornwall and the South West and also for Scotland.

6 Confidence is returning that the tourism market will bounce back after Easter with online and telephone bookings rocketing in the last week.

5 Tips on how to help children during lockdown After a year of disruption to the lives of our children and their education, the announcement of the latest lockdown would have raised concerns about the re-introduction of home-schooling for the coming weeks.

However, it is possible to make this period as successful as possible without having an adverse effect on your child’s development and education. We’d like to share with you a few tips that we hope will be helpful for your children and the family as a whole.

Tip 1 (Keep Children Organised) As we know, children need some form of structure and boundaries, this is especially true during challenging times like these.

Look at producing a schedule and keep a routine: plan a daily or weekly schedule together, or give them the chance to create one for themselves.

You could look at adding meal-times, school work, play, chores or anything you can think of to make the structure of the day helpful for your family.

Tip 2 (Keep Children Learning) Whether online or home schooled, using fun and creative ways at home to learn can support your children’s development – and of

The BBC will be broadcasting a number of educational lessons to suit many age groups throughout this lockdown period. Click here to find out when lessons will be broadcast.

Tip 3 (Keep Children Active & Busy) Physical activity is important for children’s health and well-being. There are plenty of things you can do at home as a family to stay active and have fun. We can keep them active with chores and helping out in family activities such as cooking and cleaning. Maybe using your allocated time period of exercise to take a family walk or utilise your indoor space to take part in some online physical activities.

The Premier League ‘Super Movers’ initiative is a great way of being able to keep active at home. Check out the different videos that you can do with your children by clicking here.

Tip 4 (Keep Children Creative) Staying at home can quickly become boring and young brains need challenges and opportunities to grow. Keep children’s minds alert and interested by organizing time and activities to encourage their creativity. Whether it’s allocating time to draw, paint, write or read, making sure that your children are creative will help to keep them away from boredom.

Tip 5 (Keep Children Healthy) Children need healthy and balanced diet to grow and develop. A healthy diet is more important than ever right now, as children need to maintain their immunity and keep a balance with limited physical exercise.

If you need to home-school, then maybe you can incorporate the cooking of a healthy meal as part of your schedule. This could be an opportunity for children to try new fruit, vegetables and new recipes. You may find that your choice favourite family meals could increase dramatically.

Keep a check on comfort eating though, especially sugars and processed foods.

As difficult as these times are for us all, we do have an opportunity to turn our family life into a positive by making healthy changes to our lifestyles and helping to educate our children in a different way.

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WHATS DOES THIS MONTH HOLD FOR YOU? Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 Although things aren’t moving very much for you at the moment, this will change.

New ideas, new interests, are very much on their way for you. You are very strong and independent person, and sometimes find people difficult, try and be aware of being sensitive to other’s needs, and occasionally A little more flexible and possibly tolerant with others.

Keywords. New things on wait, sensitivity and flexibility.

Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Our current situation is very challenging, and it is very likely you are feeling stuck and lightly stressed, so try and make some time for yourself as well as looking after everyone else. Look for opportunities to find laughter, this is a great stress reliever, and brings positive energy to those around you too.

Keywords look after you as well as others.

Aries Mar 21 - April 19 This could be a good time to learn something new, or revisit something you learn’t a while ago. Your intuition would be good work with at this time, so as you don’t miss out on any useful information, knowledge, or finding opportunities for new things. Keywords.

Intuition and opportunities Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 If you are feeling a bit held up and stuck, be aware that things will begin to change for you. Patience could be your best friend at the moment, and look out for ways to work with achieving your goals, and working with change. It may be a good time to do a reflective overview of your ideas and goals.

Keywords. Overview and changes Gemini May 21 - June 20 If you are feeling a bit fed up and things are repetitive, remember nothing stays the same.

Try and find the positives about being at home. Find a new hobby or maybe fixing things that have been forgotten. Look after yourself, and maybe try some new things maybe new foods, or new TV programmes, et cetera.

Keywords. Be positive, and look after yourself Cancer June 21 - July 22 If you’re finding it hard going at present, due to current circumstances, Give yourself some time to look for new interests, hobbies, or sorting out things that have been put on hold. You are not alone in this situation, try and make the most of Being indoors, and being able to sort or change things in your home environment, or get on with new interests or resume old ones.

Keywords. Look for opportunities, and new ideas.

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Leo Jul 23 - Aug 22 If you feel your inspirations have left you, it won’t be for long. Try not to over think things, and you may find you have one of those light bulb moments, which will give you a new zest for things and help relieve some obstacles. When conversing with people, try to keep aware of their feelings as well as you are having your own opinions.

Keywords. Inspiration and communication.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 If things seem to be getting to you of late, remember you have a character that is strong and resilient in many circumstances.

You are very good at overcoming adversity.

So take a step back, and give yourself some you time, and begin to look after yourself more.

Keywords. Overcoming difficulties and you time Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22 We are all in challenging times at the moment, but some things seem to be weighing heavily. Remember nothing stays the same, and things will soon change, so make the most of being able to put your attention on sorting things through.

Keywords. Clearing and renewing.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21 Your home environment and friends and family are highlighted at this time, and it does feel very much like the obstacles can be a bit more difficult than usual, try and find ways to stay in touch with your friends and family. In regards to things for your home environment, as with most things follow your intuition. Also try to be aware of the needs of others at this time.

Keywords communication and intuition.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 You may have felt very stuck, both physically and emotionally. Try and go with the flow and be aware that nothing stays the same, and things will soon begin to move. There may be a few things that will change for you, this may have been on your mind for a while, and the time this year may be the right time to bring changes to fruition.

Keywords. Obstacles, Patience and changes.

Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 Have you been putting off sorting some things out? If so now could be a good time to start to clear stuff this will help things to start shifting in more ways than one.You may find also by doing some sorting and clearing, that it clears your mind too. keywords: Listen and sensitivity Contact Marie to find out whats in store for you this month on: 07949 800354

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Your Garden In February If you’re a keen gardener February is a month filled with anticipation. The first signs of life are beginning to emerge as plants shake off their winter dormancy and wildlife begins to wake. Light levels are increasing, temperatures are rising and splashes of colour are beginning to creep back into the garden.

Spring is on its way and there is plenty of preparation to do.

Plant shrubs and trees February is the ideal time to plant new shrubs and trees while they are still in their dormant state. Make sure the ground is not frozen or water logged before planting. Stakes and rabbit guards should be put in place at the time of planting to prevent damage to the root ball or bark. It’s also a good idea to check ties and stakes on existing plants and replace, tighten or slacken where necessary.

Plant of the month: Camellias Why should you plant them?

Welcome in the spring with Camellias-these hardy shrubs have glossy evergreen leaves and display flowers that brighten up your winter. An early riser in terms of plants waking up from the winter snooze. Camellias burst into flower in February just as the rest of the garden is starting to blink its eyes at the sunshine.

How should you plant them?

Camellias are easy to grow and flower relliably-the most important thing is choosing the right spot. Although a hardy shrub their flower buds are susceptible to frost once they start to develop so plant in a sheltered spot and wrap with fleece when frost is forecast.

3 Essential gardening jobs for February Prune plants Prune late flowering shrubs such as fuchsia, hydrangea, buddleja and ceanothus. Using sharp secateurs, cut just above an outward pointing bud. Aim to remove about a third of the height of the shrub and try to maintain an even shape. Check other shrubs and remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy. Try to avoid pruning early flowering shrubs until after they have flowered.

Give the lawn a light mow If the weather is warm you may need to start mowing. Set the cutting height on your mower to its maximum and only mow when it’s dry.

Re-cutting lawn edges will also give an instant lift to the appearance of the garden.

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Camellias like to grow in acidic soil so need planting with ericaceous compost. feed with ericaceous plant food to keep the leaves glossy and green and water well once the flower buds appear-although the flowers wont break until February. The buds will begin to develop in autumn.

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Super sweetcorn fritters

Ingredients 25g Plain flour 1 large egg, beaten ½ heaped tsp baking powder 165g sweetcorn, drained or defrosted 4-5 stems of chives or 1 spring onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Serving suggestions and adaptations:

Method

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2. Stir in the remaining sweetcorn.

3. Heat half of the oil in a large frying pan on a

medium- high heat and drop in 4-5 spoonfuls of the batter. Fry for about 1 ½ minutes until golden on the underside, then carefully turn and cook for approximately a further 1 ½ minutes.

4. Drain briefly on kitchen paper before serving.

Repeat with the remaining batter, adding the extra oil. Makes 10-14.

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• •

Add ¼ tsp chilli flakes for a bit of heat!

• •

Add 1/8- ¼ tsp salt for adults

Replace the sweetcorn with peas. Crumble in feta, add a few chopped mint or basil leaves.

Serve with a sweet chilli dip or a yogurt and chive dip

•

Use 85g sweetcorn with 85g diced halloumi for extra protein

•

Add a few fresh chopped mint leaves to pea fritters

•

Freeze for up to two months in an airtight container.

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Make the best use of tax reliefs and allowances to help secure your financial future We will give ourselves the best chance of achieving our financial goals if we focus on what we can control: how and where we invest our money, how much tax we pay, the size of our retirement fund.

Effective financial planning should be a year-round activity to help create long-term financial security for ourselves and our family.

ISAs ISAs have become one of the most popular ways to save.

The ISA allowance for this tax year of ÂŁ20,000, was a very welcome step in encouraging individuals to invest for their future. However, as interest rates in the UK are lower than ever, money held in Cash ISAs is failing to achieve the very basic objective of keeping pace with inflation, resulting in real losses for savers.

Individuals yet to use their ISA allowance, need to carefully consider their options to ensure that they are maximising this valuable opportunity to generate tax-efficient capital and income for the future.

14

Pensions

Saving into a pension is an attractive prospect.

The advantages extend further than just drawing benefits and passing money on to loved ones: the government still rewards savers by giving them tax relief on their pension contributions.

Subject to certain limitations, for every 80p you contribute to a pension, the government automatically adds 20p in tax relief. Higher earners can claim extra tax relief through their annual tax return, so a ÂŁ1 pension contribution can effectively cost just 60p.

Those wishing to make their retirement plans a reality should consider fully utilising their annual allowance for this tax year. Unused allowances can be carried forward from the three previous tax years.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Stephanie Beddis on 01454 440524 or stephanie. beddis@sjpp.co.uk.

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5 smart home gadgets that make living Life is anything but normal right now—and 2. An Amazon Echo speaker to help you at home staying at home day after day with no end in sight can be a struggle. However, there are some products that make living in lockdown easier, including a few of our favourite smart home gadgets.

From turning on the lights from your phone to asking Alexa to make you a pot of coffee, here are the 10 smart home devices you need during the lockdown.

1. A set of Tile trackers so you don’t lose your stuff

From setting reminders to turning on the lights, there’s not much an Amazon Echo Dot speaker can’t do. It’s ideal for living in quarantine since you can use it to control your home, make calls to friends and family, entertain your kids, catch up on podcasts, and more.

Spending more time at home doesn’t make you less prone to misplacing your stuff, which is why you need an easy way to keep track of it all. Tile trackers come in all shapes and sizes, connect via Bluetooth, and can be stuck to remotes, hung on a set of keys, tucked inside of your wallet, and more.

3. A smart plug to control your home

When an item goes missing, open the Tile app on your smartphone or tablet to play a loud tone on the Tile that’s attached to your missing time. Follow the sound and voilà—in a matter of seconds you’ve located your remote that’s been lodged in the couch for days. Tile also syncs with Amazon Alexa, so you can say “Alexa, ask Tile to find my keys.”

You can also use Tile to find your lost phone.

For example, if you misplace your phone inside of your home (hey, it happens to the best of us), you can click any of your Tile trackers to play a tone on your phone.

We recommend the Tile Essentials Kit to keep track of a variety of knick-knacks in your home. The Essentials Kit comes with one slim wallet insert, two Tile Stickers that adhere well to remotes, and one Tile Mate that can be attached to a set of keys.

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Now that you’re likely spending more time at home, you can make your days run easier with the help of a smart plug. A smart plug turns your everyday electronics (think TVs, lamps, and speakers) into devices that can be controlled from your phone, or with the help of Alexa and Google Assistant.

in lockdown easier...

4. A Facebook Portal so you can make interactive video calls

5. Our favourite affordable smart robot vacuum to help you clean less As you spend more time indoors, you’ve probably noticed that you’re cleaning more than you were pre-pandemic (especially if you’ve got kids around). If the constant cleaning is bringing you down, let a smart robot vacuum do the work for you.

The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C is an a ffordable, easy-to-use smart robot vacuum that includes two magnetic boundary strips that can be used to keep it from wandering off into sensitive areas.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, you’ve probably spent a lot of time video chatting with friends and family. However, a dedicated video-chatting device like the 10-inch Facebook Portal makes quarantine makes video calls so much better with augmented reality effects, good sound, and even better video quality. The person you’re calling will need to have WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger installed on their smartphone or tablet, or use Facebook Portal to answer your call.

From the app, you can dictate cleaning schedules, initial cleanings, and check on the battery status. If you don’t have your phone on you, the 30C can also be controlled via Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant by saying, “OK Google, ask RoboVac (robot name) to start cleaning” or “Alexa, ask RoboVac (robot name) to stop cleaning.”

19

Charity Vegetarian for Life Invites You To Join Its Free Monthly Virtual Vegan Luncheon Club for Over 65s.

Open to vegans, vegetarians, and meat reducers aged 65 and over, the club offers attendees the chance to learn new dishes, get tips from an experienced vegan chef, and meet like-minded people from across the UK. The club takes places through Zoom video-conferencing on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Recipes are provided in advance, so you have plenty of time to get the ingredients.

Cook that morning and then join Vegetarian for Life Chef Justina, along with attendees from across the UK, at 1pm.

Justina is a Culinary Arts Management graduate who brings knowledge and passion for sustainable, plant-based eating. She has managed a variety of groups of chefs and created her own menus, working in both Italian and theatre restaurants. Justina is passionate about experimenting with different/unusual flavours and baking. She enjoys travelling and seeking inspiration in cuisines around the globe.

Justina says: “The virtual lunch club is not only a place for food lovers, but also for like-minded people to share their stories and laugh. It cannot be easier to meet friendly faces than in the comfort of your own home with a plate of warm food in front of you. It might sound strange at first, but I promise that it is really fun when we all get to enjoy the same food as if we are sitting at the same table�.

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Recipes take a different theme each month - from a Pies & Pastries Week, boasting Mushroom & Ale Pies and Puff Pastry Tartlets, through to One-Pot Wonders such as Carrot, Ginger & Orange Soup and Versatile Stew you'll get to make and enjoy a wide variety of tasty dishes.

The next club on 26 January is a Burns night celebration; all things chocolatey in February; and bread-making basics in March.

Attendees have told the charity, which supports older vegans and vegetarians: "It was a lovely lunchtime meet up, with lots of pie!" and: "It was really nice to attend for the first time yesterday. Thank you."

Prospective attendees are invited to join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/ groups/252282776191719 where they can socialise with others and watch a demonstration of the dishes being made.

They can email ellie@vegetarianforlife.org.uk to find out more, or to book your place and get the Zoom link and password. Or call the VfL office on 0161 257 0887.

If technology and Zoom in particular are new to you, visit https://www.abilitynet.org.uk call 0800 048 7642, or email enquiries@abilitynet. org.uk for help. If you're already tech savvy, all you'll need to do is open the Zoom link in your internet browser and join the meeting.

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The history of Valentine’s Day The history of Valentine’s Day—and the story of its patron saint—is shrouded in mystery.

We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

The Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.

When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter— who visited him during his confinement.

Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

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Origins of Valentine’s Day: A Pagan Festival in February While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial—which probably occurred around A.D. 270—others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.

Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa.

The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.

Valentine’s Day: A Day of Romance Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”—at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love.

During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.

and the story of its patron saint

The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration in his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” writing, ““For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415

by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

Who Is Cupid?

Cupid is often portrayed on Valentine’s Day cards as a naked cherub launching arrows of love at unsuspecting lovers. But the Roman God Cupid has his roots in Greek mythology as the Greek god of love, Eros. Accounts of his birth vary; some say he is the son of Nyx and Erebus; others, of Aphrodite and Ares; still others suggest he is the son of Iris and Zephyrus or even Aphrodite and Zeus (who would have been both his father and grandfather).

According to the Greek Archaic poets, Eros was a handsome immortal played with the emotions of Gods and men, using golden arrows to incite love and leaden ones to sow aversion.

It wasn’t until the Hellenistic period that he began to be portrayed as the mischievous, chubby child he’d become on Valentine’s Day cards.

Typical Valentine’s Day Greetings In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century.

By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology.

Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.

Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s.

In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year (more cards are sent at Christmas).

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A post-lockdown golf escape to the Cotswolds this spring and summer Golfers who are wary about booking overseas travel this spring and summer but still looking to get away after months of being cooped up at home can escape to one of the UK’s most spectacular golf courses, The Manor House, for the ultimate staycation following lockdown.

Those looking for a top-quality course and luxury accommodation can flee to the pretty village of Castle Combe, Wiltshire, to the highly regarded hotel and golf club for some indulgence and thrilling golf, with staycations set to be the theme of 2021 until people feel comfortable and safe to travel again.

And there aren’t many better destinations in the UK for avid golfers than The Manor House, which offers some of the most idyllic scenery which can be seen on an English golf course and a wide range of stay and play options.

The delightful championship-standard 18hole course is immersed in the enchanting surroundings of the Cotswolds, with 365 acres of breathtaking rolling countryside as a backdrop.

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Designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, the mature oak and beech trees that line the beautifully manicured fairways, together with the immaculate greens and the River Bybrook meandering through the middle, bring both drama and beauty to the 6,500-yard parkland course, which is rightly considered one of the best in the South West.

This, combined with the opulent hotel and Castle Inn pub which make up the estate, makes for a memorable golf break, whether this be with family or a group of friends, depending on restrictions.

The Manor House hotel is a luxury 14th-century stately country house with a Michelin starred restaurant, alfresco dining and a dedicated gin bar. Complete with 21 comfort able, individually styled rooms and suites – as well as 29 picturesque cottages full of character – the hotel is full of charm and traditional quirky features.

The Castle Inn is a cosy 12th-century country pub which sits in the heart of the village, opposite the adjacent main hotel, offering 12 unique en-suite bedrooms and delicious homemade food. The pub is particularly popular among groups of golfers looking for more affordable accommodation and a pint or two of the local beer on offer.

Packages at The Manor House, between April and September, start at £199pp and include bed and breakfast in a Cosy room, a £30 per person allocation to use towards dinner at The Castle Inn, use of the driving range and 36 holes of the best golf in Wiltshire. Guests can upgrade to the Michelin starred Bybrook restaurant for just £45pp.

Golf Club Manager, Andrew Ryan, said: “We are fortunate to be located in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, which is perfect for Brits looking to get away for some well-needed leisure time and relaxation after months of being in lockdown. Something that I know everyone will be desperate for!

Packages at The Castle Inn for the same time period start at £149pp and include bed and breakfast in a Standard room, a £30 per person allocation to use towards dinner, use of the driving range and 36 holes of golf. Guests can again upgrade to the Michelin starred Bybrook restaurant at The Manor House for just £45pp.

“With golf becoming a phenomenon across the UK over the past year, there are more golfers looking to get away for a golf break and try out new and exciting courses – and at a time where overseas travel is still uncertain, The Manor House provides a fantastic alternative, as our surroundings are unique from the rest of the country and we also offer a brilliant challenge for golfers of all abilities.”

The above packages are dependent on government restrictions and some facilities may not be able to open straight away following the lockdown. The pricing and packages will be adjusted accordingly and there is a free cancellation policy in place to allow flexibility.

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Dinner parties, you either love them or you hate them?

If you can’t go to a restaurant, then why not bring the restaurant to you? Dinner parties, you either love them or you hate them?

Depending on what mood I’m in, I’m 50/50 on the whole thing? Throwing a dinner part is great, if you don’t mind the cooking and the dining room prep that goes into it.

I quite like cooking and there’s noting more satisfying than a well laid table! You can control who sits where, what food will be served and generally how the evening will go.

During these difficult times in lockdown, our favourite places to eat have been closed.

Some may never reopen again sadly. So why not bring some of that ambiance and excitement to your own home?

That is if course if you don’t mind running the gauntlet of the dinner party? Being invited to a dinner part is a different ball game. You’re away from your own turf so you have to be on your best behaviour (boring).

You may be sat next to someone who will annoy the life out of you (my worst nightmare) and you have to be nice because it’s not your house and the chances are you’re really good friends with the host so don’t want to embarrass them!

Then there’s the food. Now for a food critic, I’m a pretty fussy eater. So I always try and ascertain what will be on the menu before I agree to attend a dinner party. Anything with beans, peas, too much egg, or an overall lack of meat then I’m not going. So if your’e a vegan or a vegetarian reading this and you’d like me to come to one of your dinner parties, then don’t bother asking because I won’t come! If I can’t find out what will be served then its game of Russian Roulette for me!

Once you’ve established that the food isn’t going to make you vomit or kill you, you then just have to get through the rest of the evening without embarrassing yourself, your host or more importantly your other half!

Article by Peter Abraham Food and Restaurant Critic.

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Voting Opens as Our Health Heroes A record number of public votes are expected, to crown the 5th Our Health Heroes Awards national winners, recognising the extraordinary people at the heart of our NHS and social care workforce.

Never has there been a tougher task for the Our Health Heroes Awards expert judging panel, than to arrive at this year’s shortlist of awe-inspiring finalists, from over 600 nominations. Out of the heartbreak of the last twelve months, come stories of pure courage, passion for preserving life, and a devoted innate kindness, by our nations’ healthcare support workforce.

John Rogers, Chief Executive, Skills for Health, said: “In any given year, trying to identify a “winner” of Our Health Heroes is, of course, near impossible. But after 2020, our NHS, health and social care staff in their entirety are truly deserving of an award.

Reading through the submissions is humbling and emotional, in recognising the outstanding contribution by so many across the sector, over the last twelve months, and as we speak.”

These unsung heroes, often working behind the scenes, have never asked for a medal, glory or even recognition, in fact, most if asked, simply brush it off by saying "it’s just part of my job". Yet, it is these individuals who form the backbone of our NHS, social care, and independent healthcare organisations, and without whom, our health system simply could not function.

John adds: “The vaccination programme is a huge endeavour, but its benefits will take months to have a positive impact on the current stresses across our health and care systems, yet we will watch as staff continue to rise to the ongoing challenges.

If we did not already know this, then all this year’s Our Health Heroes nominations make it very clear, that the sheer commitment, compassion and unwavering resolve of our NHS people will carry us beyond the pandemic and on to better times.”

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With a shortlist of 15 exceptional finalists, Skills for Health together with partners NHS Employers, UNISON and Bevan Brittan, are now encouraging both members of the public, as well as health and social care colleagues, to have the final say on who should be crowned national winners at the virtual Awards ceremony in March. And the finalists are…

Apprentice of the Year sponsored by UNISON: • Sofia Goodchild, Apprentice Partnerships and Integration Administrator, NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG • Isa Ullah-Khan, Apprentice Healthcare Assistant, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust • Janine Pring, Apprentice Respiratory Physiologist, North Bristol NHS Trust Outstanding Contribution sponsored by NHS Employers: • Cordy Gaubert, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust • Janis Hostad, Education and Development Coordinator, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS trust • Dr Amit Arora, Consultant Geriatrician, University Hospital of North Midlands Operational Services Support Worker of the Year sponsored by UNISON: • Marie Smith, Ward Clerk, St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust • Laura Hurford, Learning and Development Senior Administrator, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust • Tina Hughes, Domestic Assistant, 2gether Support Solutions, East Kent Hospitals University NHS FT

2021 Finalists Announced Clinical Support Worker of the Year: • Claire Petford Norton, Healthcare Assistant, Milton Keynes University Hospital • Eileen McCullough, Support Worker, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust • Thomas Gregory-Smith, Community Support Worker, Older Adult Community Mental Health Team, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Independent Health and Social Care Worker of the Year: • Joshua Mizen, Specialist Support Worker, Thompson’s Homecare Staff have been placed under extreme and unprecedented stress and, in many cases, pushed to the limit. But the pandemic has also • Steve Singh, Driver/Support Worker, Sahara reminded us that the NHS cannot function without the entire team. When the stakes Care Ltd have never been higher, the porters, cleaners, administrative staff, IT technicians, Vote for your winners here! reception, and security staff – and the many other roles often overlooked for praise or Voting opens today, Monday 18th January, awards – have risen to the challenge.” and closes on Monday 8th February.

• Peter Morris, Gardener, St Raphael’s Hospice

The judging panel included representatives from Skills for Health, NHS Resolution, NHS England and Improvement, and category sponsors NHS Employers and UNISON. Rebecca Smith, Managing Director, NHS Employers said: “NHS Employers is proud once again to have the opportunity to sponsor the Outstanding Contribution award, to ensure we recognise all our teams, who go above and beyond for our patients every day.

“This is a wonderful way to shine a light on those whose contribution and dedication deserves to be recognised and celebrated, but who often go unacknowledged, and it’s especially welcome now, at a time when the COVID-19 crisis continues to place an unprecedented strain on all our staff.”

Sara Gorton, Head of Health, UNISON said: “Now more than ever, it’s vitally important the work of the entire NHS family is recognised and celebrated. The past 10 months have been extremely challenging.

“The Our Health Heroes Awards rightly focuses on those unsung employees whose crucial work is often overlooked. UNISON is proud to sponsor the operational services support worker and apprentice of the year categories at this year’s awards.”

Finalists and nominees will be celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony with sector leaders, colleagues, friends and family on March 23, where the national winners of the individual categories will be awarded gold, silver and bronze, and the winners of the Integrated Team of The Year, Learning and Development Project/Team of the Year, Independent Health and Social Care Worker of the Year, Health and Wellbeing Employer of the Year, and Digital Innovation Person/Team will be announced.

Follow #OurHealthHeroes on Twitter for all the latest updates.

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