Warwickshire Now November 2020

Warwickshire

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The best of both worlds WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION ECO KITCHENS BEST ADVENT CALENDARS NEIGHBOURLY BOOST NOVEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 48

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

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HOMES • GARDENS • EDUCATION • HEALTH & BEAUTY • PUZZLES • SENIOR LIVING

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Warwickshire

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Now

Contents

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NOVEMBER 2020

HERE & NOW 04 All the latest news from around Warwickshire.

HOME & GARDEN 08 Get your home ready for winter 10 Eco-friendly kitchens

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COUNTDOWN IS ON 16 Our guide to the best advent calendars

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SENIOR LIVING 20 Neighbourliness and trust during lockdown

PUZZLES 31 Get your brain into gear with our monthly puzzles. This month sponsored by Mavericks Hair & Beauty.

WA R W I C K S H I R E

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EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk

Age UK AK Fitted Interiors Daisy Bennett www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk

ADVERTISING Kate Gilmartin 01905 727904 kate@pw-media.co.uk

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Warwickshire Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

DESIGN Daisy Bennett daisy@pw-media.co.uk

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Final books in Olly The Brave released WARWICK-BASED charity Molly Olly’s Wishes has released the final three chapters in its series of therapeutic books for children battling terminal and life-limiting illnesses.

The books follow the final stages of the charity’s mascot lion Olly The Brave in his journey with illness and palliative care as well as exploring emotions around bereavement. They form part of the Olly the Brave packs, which also contain a toy lion with its own Hickman line and detachable mane and are distributed to hospitals and health professionals across the UK. The charity was founded by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw following the death of their daughter Molly in 2011. Molly was diagnosed with a rare kind of kidney cancer five years earlier at the age of just three, after becoming ill during a family holiday. Despite undergoing several operations and extensive treatment, throughout her battle with the illness, Molly got involved with work to help improve the lives of other children with cancer, including narrating an Ardmann Studios short animated film designed as a guide for coping with radiotherapy.

Having gained charity status in 2012, Molly Olly’s has so far helped more than 1,500 children from newborn age to 18 by granting individual wishes. All the books have been written and illustrated by artist and author Diane Maybey from Warwick, the first three even earning a Highly Commended accolade by the British Medical Association Patient Information Awards.

Plans for the app, which have been put on hold due to the pandemic, are now back on track with high hopes of a 2021 launch.

To find out more information about the charity or how to help or donate or apply for a copy of the book, visit: https://www.mollyolly. co.uk n

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Distracted drivers increase incident rate A region-wide survey of over 1,000 adults within the six counties* covered by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has revealed over a quarter (27 per cent) of drivers aged between 35 and 44 years old had not taken any listed measures to reduce how distracted they felt whilst driving, which could lead to a serious and possibly lifethreatening incident.

The YouGov survey was conducted as part of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and corporate partner M6toll’s Drive4Life campaign. Recent figures show that despite the nation going into lockdown earlier this year, demand for the local lifesaving charity did not falter, and unfortunately road traffic collisions involving pushbikes rose during March and June by 400 per cent year on year.

local businesses. Not making an effort to reduce distractions while behind the wheel could therefore be costing the charity thousands of pounds.

Worryingly, the Drive4Life survey also showed ten per cent of all respondents (aged 18 and above thought it was legal to use a mobile phone while driving if it was being used as a sat nav at the same time, and a further 12 per cent were uncertain if it was legal or not.

Furthermore, just over a fifth of those surveyed who have pets (21 per cent) did not know that legally animals must be restrained in a vehicle by way of a pet seatbelt or safety guard. When looking at all adults surveyed in Worcestershire, this figure rose to 23 percent.

Alarmingly, the Drive4Life survey highlighted over one in ten (13%) of respondents aged 35-44 said they had sent texts, emails or had been on social media whilst driving. When asked what actions were taken in a two month period to reduce how distracted they felt when driving, those aged between 35 and 44 years old demonstrated only 44 per cent planned their journey ahead of starting their drive, and only one in five take regular breaks on long journeys.

As each air ambulance mission requires on average £2,500 of funding, road traffic collisions cost the charity up to £1.75million each year, which is entirely funded through donations from the public and

Ghostly book investigates supernatural Warwickshire Warwickshire is a county steeped in the supernatural, as befits the county of Shakespeare and the many ghosts and spirits that he conjured up in his works. The towns and villages of Warwickshire, its castles, houses, churches, theatres, inns and many other places both grand and everyday have rich and complex stories to tell of paranormal presences.

In this book author S. C. Skillman investigates the rich supernatural heritage of this county at the heart of England in places such as Guy’s Cliffe House, the Saxon Mill, Kenilworth Castle, Warwick Castle, St Mary’s Church in Warwick, Nash’s House in Stratford-upon- Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Stoneleigh Abbey, as well as in the towns of Rugby, Nuneaton and Leamington Spa. She explores the spiritual resonance of each location, recounting the tales of paranormal activity associated with it and examining the reasons for this within the history of the place.

Paranormal Warwickshire takes the reader into the world of ghosts and spirits in the county, following their footsteps into the unknown. These tales of haunted places, supernatural happenings and shadowy presences will delight the ghost hunters, and fascinate and intrigue everybody who knows Warwickshire.

S. C. Skillman is a writer of psychological, paranormal and mystery fiction, who has lived in Warwickshire for over twenty years. Available in paperback from 15th November, price: £14.99. Also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats.

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HOME & GARDEN

Baby, it's cold outside...

Blink and you’ve missed it, 2020 is nearing to an end and with the winter months approaching fast, we take a look at how you can plan ahead and make sure your home is ready with these handy hints.

Get your boiler serviced.

Regularly servicing your boiler ensures it is working at its most efficient; there’s nothing more frustrating than getting to the end of November and having your boiler pack up. A cold shower of a morning, when the temperature is already below freezing is not ideal, and can have severe health repercussions. There ia also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Boilers can produce carbon monoxide naturally via a flue. If your flue is blocked, the carbon monoxide has nowhere to go and will seep into your home.

Clear gutters and drains During autumn, gutters and drains can become clogged with debris including leaves and mud. Autumn leaves are a pain at this time of year, blocking drains that could leave a build up of water. These blockages can lead to leaks into roofs and walls. If the water is not removed, it could break the gutter and even weaken the house and the foundations.

Prepare your windows Cold and wet weather and can cause wood to expand and rot. The best thing to do in preparation for the cold winter months is to fill in any cracks on your windowsill and if necessary, paint them in order to protect them.

Insure your home Insuring your home offers piece of mind, just in case your property is damaged. Sometimes the weather will damage your home, whether you’ve done all the preparation work or not. By getting up to date building insurance, can offer home owners piece of mind, just in case the worst possible outcome happens.

Plan your finances The end of the year is the perfect time to sort out your finances, whether it be in preparation for the new year or those last minutes presents and food for Christmas. Although it may be a daunting task, especially in these uncertain times, your health and well-being is key and facing up to financial issues built up over the past few months.

Car safety Check tyre tread or, if necessary, replace tyres with all-weather or snow tyres. Your car could be your life line in the winter months so make sure the car is equipped with safety precautions in case of a winter breakdown.

Prepare for a storm If there’s a storm brewing or there’s a threat of being snowed in; it is worth supplying your home with a a survival kit in case of power outages. Make sure you have bottled water, non-perishable food, a torch, first-aid supplies, batteries, blankets, radio, a mobile phone charger and in case of extreme winter weather, a shovel.

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Look after your pipes Tell tale signs that you could be in danger of your water pipes freezing are any cracks or holes that appear in the outside walls of your home.

Keep an eye out for any problems you can see arising that could let cold air in. Fill any gaps that you can see forming. When you are away from your home, make sure you have the temperature at above 4 degrees, this will ensure you home does not become too cold if you are not heating it for a few days.

Damp and condensation if you have damp and mould in your home you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. Damp and mould can also affect the immune system. To control any damp problems you may have and to remove condensation from your home, either open the window and replace the warm air that you have heated with cold air from outside and then heat it all again or use ventilation.

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HOME & GARDEN

Make your kitchen more eco-friendly With an increasing awareness of the need to protect the Earth’s natural resources, more of us are searching for sustainable ways to update our homes. Consider the following ‘green’ solutions for your own climate conscious kitchen.

Boiling Water Taps More energy efficient than a kettle and, arguably, more cost effective in the long run, boiling water taps are becoming a must have in many new kitchens. Quooker’s latest innovation, the ‘Cube’, also provides filtered, chilled and sparkling options removing the need for anymore plastic and glass water bottles. The company will recycle used canisters too, which can be sent back free of charge.

Recycled Materials British based manufacturer Daval has recently launched the Renzo cabinet collection which has been dubbed as the kitchen with a conscience and one that builds a better future. Doors are made from 100% recycled materials, with a guarantee that no trees have been sacrificed in order to create this exciting and unique product.

The range is made from items such as pallets, fruit boxes and existing furniture but, aesthetically, will compete with the most luxurious of modern kitchens.

Lighting Kitchen lighting needs to work on many levels. It should be bright enough for food preparation, but soft enough for relaxing, kitchen dining. It must be practical yet complement the style of the room at the same time. And, of course, it should be energy efficient. With traditional bulbs, research shows that only 5% of the electricity they use is actually converted into light. Instead, much is wasted on the heating of the filament, which in turn gives off that yellow tinge. Swap these for ultra-efficient LEDs, and whilst the initial investment is higher, your new lighting will last up to ten times as long, with considerable cost savings.

Less waste New developments in refrigeration are having a direct impact on reducing waste, by keeping our food fresh for longer. Siemens’ hyperFresh technology is designed to store items at the ideal temperature and humidity with intelligent drawer design and the ability to cool food up to 40% faster. Whilst we’re on the subject of food, buying locally not only reduces carbon footprint but also helps to support small, independent businesses.

Dishwashers Research suggests that if used efficiently, dishwashers can be significantly cheaper than running your tap while hand-washing your dishes. According to The Energy Saving Trust, one average dishwasher cycle would cost the same in energy and water as heating six washing-up bowls of water in the sink or running the hot n 10 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 48 | November 2020

tap continuously for nine minutes.

Induction cooking With induction hobs you can prepare your favourite dishes quickly and easily, helping you get dinner on the table in less time. Which? found that some models can heat 1.5 litres of water to 90°C in around four minutes. That’s more than twice as fast as most gas or electric cookers. Induction cooking is also safer and more efficient because heat is generated instantly in the induction stove and vanishes just as quickly when you switch off. If something boils over, it can’t burn onto the glass ceramic surface because the material hardly gets hot at all.

Selling your old kitchen Providing your old cabinets are fully functional, you should be able to sell your existing kitchen online, either through Ebay or a dedicated used kitchen specialist. Save space in landfill and increase your budget for your new project at the same time.

All products mentioned in this feature are available from AK Fitted Interiors. For further information please email enquiries@ akfittedinteriors or visit www.akfittedinteriors.co.uk n

HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Transform your homr office space Working at home is an essential part of life for many employees and businesses in 2020, with new figures showing that nearly half (46.6%) of people in employment did some of their work from home in April 2020, with nearly 90% of these people saying this was due to Covid-19. It is important to make the home a motivating environment for the new nine to five, so here windows and doors manufacturers Quickslide outline nine ways to help transform the home office space and encourage stay-at-home workers to reach their full professional potential.

Choose a space with plenty of natural light Many people work in offices with artificial light and sometimes little access to natural sunlight. While working at home, make the most of the sunlight by positioning your workspace in a bright area.

Declutter and organise your space Decluttering has been a huge trend this year, with a tidy space shown to have a positive impact on productivity while making it easier to focus on the work at hand.

Select a light and motivating colour palette Splashes of brighter tones, whether they are on walls or throughout your office dĂŠcor, are bound to refresh your workspace while reflecting the natural light throughout the room.

Maximise space and storage Use wall shelving, drawer dividers and avoid printing where possible

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to keep paper documents at a minimum.

Create your own motivational playlist Instead of listening to the music preferences of your fellow workers, create an eclectic playlist of your own favourite songs, including childhood favourites, family classics and your favourite bands on shuffle.

Incorporate botanicals to decrease stress Botanicals and house plants are a staple for home dĂŠcor, with an abundance of health benefits coming with these decorative home additions.

Add a scent to your work area Comforting scents around the home have proven positive effects on mood, with certain properties associated with different aromas.

Invest in a luxe office chair It is important to be comfortable in the space where you will spend most of the day, so investing in a luxury desk chair is vital. With a host of styles, fabrics, and colours, choose to make your chair a statement purple velvet or a sophisticated and fresh nude.

Include your favourite things A home office can be unique and personal - it is your home space, so keeping it quintessential to you is a must. Keep on hand a couple of your favourite items to help motivate you during working hours. n

HOME & GARDEN

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

Hazlewoods Financial Planning ranked FTAdviser's top 40 in the country Hazlewoods Financial Planning team, who are specialists in investments, pensions and financial advice, are currently celebrating being announced in the top 40 of the Financial Times FTAdviser’s 2020 Top 100 Financial Advisers list.

The team are pleased that with a strong performance over the last 12 months, especially throughout the pandemic, they remain in the top 40, representing the smaller firms in the higher part of the list after competing against large national organisations such as Tavistock Group, Tenet and Wren Sterling.

In the second year of new assessment criteria, the FTAdviser rankings now ensure that a wide variety of factors that are important to people who may be looking for financial advice are assessed, rather than purely assets under management. In the past, the rankings had favoured the larger firms; whereas they now give an all-round perspective, recognising organisations who provide excellent service and advice across the board.

The criteria for the top 100 ranking included growth rate, experience of advisers across economic and interest-rate environments, qualifications and consideration of how each firm’s choices influenced asset growth over the year.

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Kyle Nethercott, Partner at Hazlewoods Financial Planning, said: “I am incredibly proud of our team and all the hard work they have put in over the last 12 months, which have been challenging times for us all. It is a fantastic achievement.”

Hazlewoods Financial Planning was established in 1988 as a team of four and over the last 30 years, has grown to a team of 17, offering a comprehensive advice service. If you would like to know more about the team or are looking for financial advice, please contact Kyle Nethercott at kyle.nethercott@hazlewoods.co.uk or 01242 680000. n

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Countdown to Christmas Our guide to the top advent calendars for this festive season.

BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDER FROM CHARLOTTE TILBURY £150

SHAKE YOUR BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR £58.50

Beauty advent calendar featuring full size and travel size magic makeup & supercharged skincare secrets charlottetilbury.com

Beauty holiday advent calendar set (worth £125+) benefitcosmetics.com

GOURMET POPCORN ADVENT CALENDAR £17.99 MORRIS & CO. BATH & BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR £40 Bring joy to the Christmas season with this limited edition Morris & Co. Advent calendar decorated with an eclectic selection of iconic Morris & Co. prints. Untie the ribbon and open to discover 24 doors ready to open for a festive Yuletide countdown. johnlewis.com

Make a popcorn lover’s countdown to Christmas extra special with this premium Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar.

Filled with six delicious popcorn flavours (some of which have won awards), this calendar comes with a total of twenty-four handmade gourmet popcorn bags for them to enjoy throughout December. prezzybox.com

REESE’S £5 The perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter, Reese’s is anything but ordinary. With an unrivalled taste experience and a brandnew pack design, featuring the Anything but Ordinary - DJ Santa, Reese’s puts the fun into Christmas. n 16 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 48 | November 2020

PORK CRACKLING ADVENT CALENDAR £17.50 This A3 sized Advent calendar contains all flavours of The Snaffling Pig Co. best selling flavoured pork crackling: Low & Slow BBQ, Marvellous Maple and Perfectly Salted. snafflingpig.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month...Signs and symptoms Pancreatic cancer often doesn’t cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages. This can make it hard to diagnose early. As the cancer grows, it may start to cause symptoms. The symptoms and how bad they are can vary for each person.

If you have symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it’s really important that you contact your GP, despite the current situation with coronavirus.

Don’t worry about your GP or the NHS being too busy at the moment, or it being unsafe. Read more about coronavirus for people with symptoms.

It’s important to remember that symptoms described here can be caused by more common things. They can also be caused by conditions such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be quite vague and may come and go to begin with. They may depend on where the cancer is in the pancreas, and you may not have all of these symptoms.

Common symptoms include: • tummy (abdominal) and back pain • unexplained weight loss • and indigestion.

Other symptoms include: • Loss of appetite • changes to bowel habits – including steatorrhoea (pale, smelly poo that may float), diarrhoea (loose watery poo) or constipation (problems emptying your bowels) • jaundice (yellow skin and eyes, dark urine and itchy skin) • recently diagnosed diabetes • problems digesting food – such as feeling full quickly when eating, bloating, burping or lots of wind • feeling and being sick (nausea and vomiting) • and difficulty swallowing. n 18 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 48 | November 2020

•

You may find it helpful to have a look at our information on what the pancreas does when reading the information below.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

If you have jaundice, go to your GP or accident and emergency (A&E) without delay. If you have any of the other symptoms, you don’t know why you have them, and they last four weeks or more, go to your GP. If you have symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it’s really important that you contact your GP, despite the current situation with coronavirus.

The NHS is still doing tests for cancer and offering treatment, and the sooner you get any symptoms checked out the better. Read more about contacting your GP and having tests during coronavirus.

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have pancreatic cancer, but you should get them checked out. Your GP should make a request for you (refer you) to have tests to find out what is causing these symptoms.

If your symptoms get worse or you develop any new symptoms suddenly, you should always see your GP. If your symptoms don’t improve, go back to your GP until you get a firm diagnosis, or a referral for tests to find out what’s causing them.

Pain is a common symptom of pancreatic cancer. It often starts as general discomfort, tenderness or pain in the tummy area that can spread to the back.

Some people may have no pain at all. And pain can vary from person to person. For example, it may come and go at first but become more constant over time. It can be worse when lying down, and sitting forward can sometimes make it feel better. It may be worse after eating.

Pancreatic cancer can make you feel or be sick (nausea and vomiting). If you are over 60, have lost weight and have nausea or vomiting, your GP should refer you for a scan within two weeks. n www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk

The Cost of...Corns

If you have ever suffered with corns on your feet, you will know how painful they can become if left untreated.

There are numerous types of corns, but all of them can affect quality of life in some way. At their worse, they can even lead to infection and sepsis, but so can some of the treatments that are readily available for them. Medicated corn plasters are the bane of life for many a Chiropodist / Podiatrist / Foot Health Professional. The acid within them is designed to “burn out” the corn, but it doesn’t know the difference between corny tissue and healthy skin. So it can also “burn” the latter, often causing more pain and complications than the original corn.

Now you may be surprised to hear that corns are curable, and that can be permanent. However it does take some work from both the patient and Foot professional, so instead many choose the easier option of regular corn removal (which involves gentle removal with a scalpel or drill bur) as they often keep re-forming after normal treatment. But for those who offer curative treatments and for those patients who choose permanent resolution, the results can be transformational.

Scan the QR code to hear directly from a former corn-sufferer about the difference it can make to quality of life, happiness, and activity levels.

So lets look at the costs involved: Physical costs – Painful corns at best will cause you to function differently during your activities of daily living. For instance, they can make you walk abnormally to alleviate the pain, and this compensation can cause damage to other tissues near the corn or further away elsewhere in the body (eg knee, hip, low back). Indeed the old adage “when your feet hurt, you hurt all over” may well have been initially coined because of corns. At worse, corns can lead to tissue breakdown & ulceration beneath them, especially in higher risk diabetic feet and those with circulatory problems (peripheral vascular/arterial disease). It is more common than you may think that this then leads to amputation of a toe, a foot, or even a leg.

HEALTH & BEAUTY shoes for a wedding or night out, or from doing your favourite activities.

Physical exercise is key to a healthy life, including mental wellbeing. If your corns stop you from walking, running, hiking, dancing, gardening etc., then the knock-on effect can be significant, even leading to depression and isolation.

Financial costs – As you may already have gathered from the two previous articles in this series, the financial cost of not treating foot problems early can add up. Corns are no exception to this, with the general rule of thumb that the worse the corn is, the more it will cost to fix it. So what does it cost to have them professionally treated? Unless you have significant health issues, then you probably won’t be able to get corns treated on the NHS, and even if you did then permanent cures are rarely offered. Privately you could see a Chiropodist / Podiatrist / Foot Health Professional to have them removed each time they occur, at a possible cost of £20-£80. But this cost can mount up if the corns need removing regularly. Not everyone removes them to the same depth, so you may need more frequent lifelong treatments if you see one Foot person compared to another. As an example, one person charging £30 that you need to see each month, means an annual cost of £360. Whereas another person charging £50 that you only need to see every two months, would mean an annual cost of £300, thereby actually providing a cost-saving for you of £60 a year.

Then there is the cost of optional treatment plans to provide permanent improvement (so requiring only occasional treatment afterwards) or even cure of the corn(s). These aren’t available in many places possibly due to lack of knowledge/experience and unfortunately unethical incentives to not providing them. As these treatment plans may involve special insoles, footwear, repeated visits, and even surgical procedures, the cost could be £500+ but that would still be the most costeffective option. n

Jonathan Small, Lead Podiatrist, www.healthfirstsoutham.co.uk @healthfirstsoutham Emotional costs - Corns can stop you from wearing your favourite Also follow us

CURE THAT CORN

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SENIOR LIVING

Lockdown boosted neighbourliness and trust Half of people in their 50s and 60s say they feel more trusting of their neighbours as a result of lockdown, according to a new study, while almost half report feeling a greater sense of belonging to their local area and two thirds say they know more people they could count on to help if they were ill or unable to leave their home.

However, those who are financially less well-off are least likely to have felt these benefits. Some 85% of people in their 50s and 60s who are living comfortably feel trusting of their neighbours, compared to just 55% of those who are finding it difficult to get by. People in this age group who are living comfortably are almost twice as likely to say they know more people they can count on as a result of lockdown compared to those who are struggling to get by.

Perhaps most worryingly, those with long-term health conditions or illnesses are less likely than people without these conditions to say they know more people they could count on to help, to feel a greater sense of belonging, or to feel trusting of their neighbours.

Many people are more aware of local voluntary groups that offer support and help than before the pandemic; however, those most in need are least likely to be more aware of these groups. Almost two thirds of 50-69 year olds who are living comfortably say they are more aware of these groups, compared to just a third of those who find it difficult to get by.

The Centre for Ageing Better has warned that these new figures published on the 16th October indicate a widening gap between communities where people are better off and those where people are struggling, and say more targeted action is needed from government to support communities in the months ahead.

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Anna Dixon, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “The first lockdown was extremely difficult for many of us, but better connections to our neighbours has been one of the silver linings.

Our research shows that the experience of lockdown increased people’s feelings of trust in their neighbours and their sense of belonging to their local area. More people also now know people they can count on to help out if they need it.

“But it’s worrying to see that people with long-term health conditions or those who are less well-off haven’t experienced these benefits as much. They are less likely to have found people they can count on for support, and less likely to know about voluntary organisations they could turn to. As many parts of the country begin to face tighter restrictions, it’s vital that action is taken to ensure that people don’t miss out on the support and connections they need.

The response of communities during lockdown was incredible, but we need government to support community organisations and charities to reach and engage people in poorer communities to mobilise this mutual support.”

The new data comes from a survey collected using a representative cohort of almost 3,400 adults across England. This is the first of two surveys looking at people’s experiences of their homes and communities during lockdown, and forms part of a large data project published next month that will reveal how older people are faring in England.

However, those who needed help the most – those financially worse off and those with poor health – were less likely to have felt those benefits, and are at risk of being overlooked again in the event of a second lockdown, says the study. n

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SENIOR LIVING

Age UK launches its Winter Campaign On the 16th October Age UK launched it’s Winter Resilience Campaign, their new research shows just how crushingly hard day to day life has been for millions of older people during the pandemic and how important it is that we support our older population through the winter.

The new research finds that some older people are coping with the pandemic, but a sizeable minority are finding life incredibly tough. Those who are not very well and have long term health conditions were particularly likely to report that this is an extremely challenging time for them.The study shows that many older people are enduring increased and sometimes devastating levels of anxiety, in part because they know they are at serious risk from the virus – an invisible deadly enemy. Even during the summer, when restrictions were eased, many were too afraid to go out.

Months of being cooped up at home have led to muscle weakness – ‘deconditioning’ as clinicians term it - and sometimes a reduced sense of balance, increasing the risk of falls. The research also found evidence of new and emerging cognitive decline. In some cases this might have happened anyway, but families told the Charity they feared it was exacerbated by the very difficult, often isolated conditions in which their loved ones were living, due to the pandemic.

The research also uncovered many examples of depression, loss of hope, low mood, lack of support for meal preparation, deteriorating physical health and increased pain due to untreated health conditions. These have impacted on some older people’s appetites and diets, which in turn threatened to weaken their resilience still further. Other signs of the depressed state in which a sizeable minority of older people now found themselves, were their inability to gain pleasure from activities they usually enjoyed, and the fact they couldn’t muster the energy and enthusiasm to look after themselves, or their homes, to their usual standards.

Older people with pre-existing health conditions were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic so far and those who were shielding were about half as likely again to be feeling more anxious since lockdown than those who were not. Seeing their loved ones deteriorate was causing families great anguish. They feared that what had been lost would never return.

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are deeply apprehensive about how they will cope this winter. And, longer term, they feared that life might never go back to normal or, if it does, that it will happen too late for them to benefit, especially if they are seriously unwell.

Age UK is launching a new campaign aimed at supporting older people to get through winter at a time when they are most vulnerable. Age UK is urging everyone to stick together and not to forget the many older people who are still struggling and who face many challenges this winter.

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SENIOR LIVING We advise older people to: 1. Have a flu vaccination every year – the new vaccine introduced this year for people aged 65+ has an agent which helps boost the immune system and helps fight illnesses. If you are over 65 and haven’t had a pneumonia jab before you may be able to get one.

Find out if you’re eligible when you have your flu jab.

2. Keep moving and eat well – try not to sit still for more than one hour at a time, even if you just move your arms and legs. If you can, stay active. Not only will it keep you fit and healthy, it will also generate heat to keep you warmer.

3. If you are struggling with big meals try eating little and often.

Something is better than nothing, even if the only thing you fancy is a slice a cake. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids too.

4. Contact your GP about any health concerns - if you feel unwell and you need to speak to a health professional please do.

5. Keep warm to stay well – heat your living room and your bedroom to a temperature that feels comfortable. Draw curtains in the evening to prevent heat loss, and tuck long curtains behind radiators so that heat isn’t trapped.

6. Call Age UK’s befriending services to help combat any feelings of loneliness. Read more here 7. Winter-proof your finances - Lots of us find winter an expensive time of year. Darker nights and cold weather often mean higher bills, plus the festive season can put a strain on your pocket. n Age UK

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EDUCATION

The Best of Both Worlds Multi-million pound project brings Warwick schools together for ‘the best of both worlds’ Warwickshire is home to one of the UK’s most ambitious school developments in recent decades. The final stage of ‘Project One Campus’, a multi-million pound investment by the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, was finished in time for the new school year. The new school buildings were recently shortlisted in the RIBA West Midlands Awards.

The three-year project has brought together for the first time pupils in King’s High, Warwick Preparatory School, Warwick School and Warwick Junior School, with new facilities and a re-designed pedestrianised centre of the campus.

The Foundation is unique in the Midlands, for offering co-education for pupils aged 3-7, and single-sex education from ages 7-18 on the same site, while combining shared social and co-curricular activities, in a move the Foundation describes as offering ‘the best of both worlds’.

The major aspects of the development include: • A new home for King’s High, the largest investment in independent girls’ education nationally for decades • A new shared Sixth Form Centre for Warwick School and King’s High, providing university-style facilities, including shared social spaces including a cafe, careers provision, and group and private study areas • A new Music School for both Warwick Prep and King’s High, offering professional-level spaces for musicians aged from 3-18 years, with an auditorium which all pupils can enjoy • New, improved play space for Warwick Prep • Improved sports facilities for all, including a new 4G rugby AstroTurf • A newly pedestrianised centre to the campus, with new green spaces and quads • Improved routes for traffic around the perimeter of the site and increased parking The £45million project was designed by award-winning architects, Nicholas Hare. Renowned for sustainable building, they have completed projects for The Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, Oxford and Cambridge. The new King’s High school is a ‘Smart’ building, self-regulating the temperature within. The design is light, airy and sleek, with an emphasis on natural materials: stone, bronzed steel, and maple wood.

Richard Nicholson, Principal of the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation, says: ‘Each area has been carefully created to maximise the school experience, and every room is flooded with natural light. A lovely aspect is that every classroom looks over green. To be shortlisted in the RIBA West Midlands Awards is testament to our determination to create inspirational spaces for our students, who deserve nothing less.’

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the Midlands. The 8-metre polished steel sculpture, which stands taller than the school buildings, is the work of sculptor, Liz Middleton. Kathleen Soriano, Chair of Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art, unveiled the sculpture, The Spirit of King’s, at a ceremony to mark King’s High’s 140th anniversary. She announced: ‘It is rare for site specific artworks to be commissioned independently and for a school to choose to do so, and to engage the students so closely, is visionary, progressive and very exciting’.

A new Music School is at the heart of the campus. It includes an auditorium, a large suite of instrumental teaching rooms, classroom teaching rooms, including a music IT suite, and a large recital room, the new home for the renowned Lady Susi Jeans organ, which was previously at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Richard Nicholson says: ‘Our Foundation Schools have always aspired to offer the very best to our pupils and their families. This investment has not only improved the opportunities for our current pupils,but has created an unrivalled campus and environment which is already providing strong and stable foundations, and will sustain future generations. Outstanding teaching and learning with a rich and diverse programme outside the classroom, hallmarks of a Foundation education, is now further supported by the world-class facilities on our site. The opportunity this presents is truly unique: the best of both worlds.’ n

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

Stratford student wins scholarship The Arkwright Engineering Scholarships programme is run by registered charity The Smallpeice Trust and has awarded opportunities to young people in the UK for almost 30 years. It is the most prestigious scholarship scheme of its type in the country and every Scholarship is sponsored by a commercial company, trade association, university, professional institution, armed service, government organisation, worshipful company, charitable trust or personal donor. This means that support ranges from hands-on work experience, curriculum project support and personal mentors to aid with aspects of studies and future career planning.

The awards are open to students studying any combination of STEM GCSEs, Scottish National 5’s or equivalent and who have a genuine interest in a future career in engineering, computing, or technical design.

Thousands of students compete for a place on one of the scholarships available every year by submitting work and taking a two-hour aptitude and badge at school. exam, then if shortlisted, taking part in an interview hosted at a university.

Jessica, who is currently in Year 12, succeeded at interview and has attained one of the handful of scholarships awarded this year, in addition to receiving a £600 grant, a personal sponsor, a professional mentor and much more. Stratford Girls’ Grammar School will also receive £400 for investment in their Design and Technology department as part of her achievement.

Jessica decided to enter the Arkwright scholarship to continue her passion for engineering and design.

Stratford Girls’ Grammar School is based in Shottery and is a fully selective girls’ academy state school and Sixth Form, consistently ranked as one of the top 30 state schools in the country. The school rolled out a comprehensive virtual environment in under one week in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since welcomed Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in place, there students back to school in-line with latest government and public was no Annual Award Ceremony in 2020, but Jessica was still delighted health advice. n to be presented with her Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Certificate

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Puzzled?

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'Taking the puzzle out of hair'

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