Warwickshire Now September 2020 by PW Media & Publishing Ltd

Warwickshire

Now

WIN A MEAL AT TASCA DALI GREEN HOME GRANT GET INTO GEAR SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 46

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

Welcome back! t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

HOMES • GARDENS • EDUCATION • HEALTH & BEAUTY • PUZZLES • COMPETITIONS

n 2 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

Warwickshire

Now

Contents

SEPTEMBER 2020

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

COMPETITION 08 Win a meal at Tasca Dali

HOME & GARDEN 10 All you need to know about the Green Home Grant

GET INTO GEAR 14 Our favourite cycling gadgets and accessories

SENIOR LIVING

18 Taking care of someone at home

EDUCATION 20 Face coverings on transport

WA R W I C K S H I R E

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd Lower House, Whyle Lane Pudleston, Nr Leominster Herefordshire HR6 0RQ

EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Age UK MCS Certified NHS Simple Energy Advice.org.uk Trustmark

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 ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

Experience the Instagrammable Solihull town centre

Visitors to Solihull town centre are being encouraged to get ‘insta’ the spirit and share their experience on social media. Solihull BID – the Business Improvement District for the town centre – has installed large selfie wings in Mell Square and Theatre Square, Touchwood.

The wings provide the perfect photo opportunity and the BID are encouraging visitors to join in the fun and snap a selfie! Two £50 Touchwood gift cards are up for grabs for the best two photos including the wings so people are urged to get creative. To enter, have a photo taken with a set of the wings either in Mell Square or Theatre Square, just outside Touchwood. Then post on social media, making sure you tag @SolihullBID as well as using #SeeShopSnap.

since lockdown restrictions were eased with a safe and welcoming environment waiting for them. Over 50 benches – funded by the BID – have been placed around the town centre including in Mell Square, on the High Street and in Theatre Square, to allow people to take a break or wait for family members who are shopping. The BID has also provided businesses with social distancing floor stickers and handed out free hand sanitiser and face masks to the public to ensure those returning to the town centre enjoy a stressfree visit. n

The competition will run until 30th September 2020 and the winning images will be showcased on the Solihull BID website. Melanie Palmer, Chief Executive of Solihull BID, said: “The new campaign ‘Get Insta Solihull’ is a perfect way to support businesses and shop local in our wonderful town centre. “We hope it encourages people to re-discover Solihull and have some fun along the way, I look forward to seeing the entries!” The ‘Get Insta Solihull’ campaign is the latest introduced by the BID to shine a light on the appeal of the town centre through the wide variety of shopping and eating destinations that pull people in from across the Midlands. Solihull has already seen a steady rise in the number of visitors

Learn life saving skills in Kenilworth A charity in Kenilworth is back training people in life-saving skills. Kenilworth HeartSafe (KHS) was established 18 months ago with two principle objectives.

They came up with a safe methodology of training by demonstration (not hands-on), outdoors for groups of trainees from a maximum of six separate households.

First, to cover Kenilworth and the district with a sufficient number of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available to the public 24/7 and to promote training and awareness of life-saving techniques.

The first two sessions were held in August in the garden of St John’s Church in Kenilworth, who had installed an AED at their own expense for public use earlier this year.

There are now a total of 21 AEDs in the area and six were installed since the pandemic started. However training had to stop. As the country gradually emerged from the lockdown, KHS put their minds to how they could possibly re-start training, and still comply with strict health and safety precautions. Seringa Dudley and Nicky Schofield are lead trainers for KHS, and as well as being trustees of the charity; both are medically qualified. They researched various authorities to see how KHS could safely re-start training, whilst fully complying with Covidsafe regulations, these include the British Red Cross Society and the Resuscitation Council.

Two groups of six trainees attended including the Town Mayor Richard Dickson and his wife Kate, a former Town Mayor. “AEDs are important but it is equally important for people to understand how to use them and apply CPR. “We intend to use the summer and early Autumn weather to continue similar sessions.”

n 4 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

Anybody interested in joining or hosting future sessions should contact Seringa on: seringa.dudley@live.co.uk or Keith Grierson on: keith@ kenilworthcottages.co.uk or call: 07536 / 092488. n

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 5 n

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA

All systems go to help the homeless IT’S all systems go for Stratford’s groundbreaking project to help the homeless. Planning permission for the Fred Winter Centre was given in June and work started at the end of July on the building in Guild Street. The construction and fit out is expected to take about 30 weeks, with the centre aiming to be open in Spring next year. The scheme will provide affordable homes but advice and support services for local people facing homelessness, has started on site. The centre is a partnership between local housing associations and charities, and is supported by the national government, local councils and the town trust. It will also provide a new, permanent home for the foodbank. Paul Spooner, chair of the Fred Winter Centre Partnership, said: “We are very pleased that the project has reached this important milestone. This is down to the continuing commitment of all our partners and supporters. “People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, probably through no fault of their own, face complex challenges. The

pandemic, and all its consequences, add to the pressures vulnerable people face. The Fred Winter Centre with its safe, affordable accommodation and multi agency approach to addressing the root causes of homelessness will be even more important over the coming years.” Dominic Bradley, chief executive of Spring Housing, which has a leading role in the running of the centre, added: “This is a really innovative development. It’s not often we can bring so many organisations together for one cause namely to make homelessness brief and non-recurring in the town – the building has been codesigned with those that have experienced homelessness. “The Fred Winter Centre has the potential to showcase all that is good about the community in Stratford and really evidence what we can achieve when working together.” Midlands firm Calztec, which has a track record of the conversion of buildings for new uses, have been appointed by Spring Housing as the building contractor. n

Entries are open for new food awards ENTRIES are open for a brand new food awards that will celebrate the very best in the food and drink scene in Coventry and Warwickshire. The inaugural Foodie Awards 2021, in partnership with Visit Coventry, launched in July and will recognise businesses across the sector, from artisan producers to chefs, street food traders, restaurants and bars. Three special awards will also recognise businesses and individuals who went above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic - including a COVID-19 Resilience Award sponsored by Visit Coventry and The Godiva Award, sponsored by Coventry BID. Esteemed butcher Aubrey Allen is also sponsoring the awards, with Managing Director Russell Allen set to join the panel of judges. Entries for the awards, which will culminate in a ceremony in spring 2021 following a finalists’ night on January 25th at Coventry’s new Telegraph Hotel, officially opened on Friday, August 7 and businesses across Warwickshire and Coventry are urged to get involved. Categories include best artisan food and drink producers, best farm shop, best independent food and drink retailer, best newcomer, best street food trader and best chef or cook of the year, as well as best food/drink experience. The categories will be judged by a mixture of respected figures in the local food and drink scene, as well as public votes, with the awards focused on quality, passion, great taste and personality across Coventry & Warwickshire. The awards’ headline sponsor is Visit Coventry, with other sponsorship packages still available. Sponsorship comes with a host of benefits and there are also opportunities for businesses to get involved on a

n 6 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

partnership basis. For more information contact hello@foodieawards. co.uk For details on how to enter, visit https://foodieawards.co.uk n

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 7 n

COMPETITION

Win Bruncheria for four people at

at Tasca Dali

An award-winning restaurant in Warwick is celebrating the launch of its new Bruncheria Menu by offering NOW readers the chance to win a meal for four – on the house!

unique wine list, vermouth on tap and Spanish beers.

The lucky winner of this competition and three friends, will be among the first to enjoy the all-day dining at Tasca Dali in High Street. It is the town’s first Bruncheria – offering a delicious range of home-cooked traditional Spanish tapas and snack plates throughout breakfast and lunch.

authentic and traditional cooking methods to produce the tapas,

It creates new culinary opportunities for local foodies who have become familiar with Tasca Dali’s trademark evening menu, which last year earned it the accolade of Restaurant of the Year in the Birmingham Restaurant Awards. The team prides itself on authentic and traditional Spanish cooking methods with most of the ingredients including cheeses, hams, chorizos and olive oils sourced from Spain, along with locally sourced meats and fish. Menu favourites cater for all appetites, from tostas (bruschetta) and bocadillos (Spanish sandwiches) to paella (chicken, chicken and chorizo, seafood and vegetarian varieties) and a range of tapas dishes, including ham croquettes, bravas, tortilla, meatballs, tequeños, chorizo lollipops, huevos rotos, prawns ceviche and the charcuterie board. The new offering is available on Thursdays-Sundays between 9am and 4pm (10 AM on Sunday ) while Tasca Dali continues to serve its popular tasting menu Monday to Sunday between 5.30pm and 11pm. Both are complemented with Tasca Dali´s

Owner Alex Clayton said: “We are delighted to be able to extend the delicious food offering at Tasca Dali to throughout the day with the introduction of the new Bruncheria menu, using paella and other Spanish favourites our customers have come to love. “We’re first a restaurant and second a business, making everything from scratch, taking immense care on the quality of ingredients direct from Spain. We now look forward to welcoming clients old at new times of the day.” Measures in place to make the premises COVID-Secure include tables set on arrival and disinfected between guests, no tablecloths, the use of paper napkins and staff wearing masks. The restaurant is also one of very few to use a state-of-the-art air cleaning and recirculation system. The NASA technology uses ultra violet light to sanitise the air as well as the surfaces it lands on. Tasca Dali is now taking bookings at www.tascadali.com/ reservations or on 07445 233 527. The competition winner will be entitled to Bruncheria for four people at Tasca Dali. Table booking is subject to availability and must be made by 30th November 2020. The prize cannot be exchanged for its cash value and no correspondence can be entered into. Maximum total value is £60. (£15 per person). n

To enter the competition visit the Warwickshire Now Facebook Page n 8 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n

Green Home Grants

HOME & GARDEN

In August the government called on tradespeople to sign up to the TrustMark accreditation scheme ahead of the launch in September of the £2bn Green Homes Grant scheme, which aims to stimulate a wave of demand for energy efficiency upgrades across the UK. Providing an update on the plans for the scheme, which was unveiled as part of the Chancellor’s summer economic update in July, the government confirmed the grant programme is scheduled to go live towards the end of September. Under the scheme, the government is to provide two thirds of the cost of home improvements with grants capped at £5,000. Meanwhile, low income households will qualify for grants worth up to £10,000 to support energy efficiency upgrades. The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) today said the scheme is expected to deliver improvements for over 600,000 households, while creating an estimated 100,000 jobs in green construction. In a bid to assuage concerns over ‘cowboy builders’ taking advantage of the scheme, BEIS confirmed tradespeople must register for TrustMark or MCS accreditation to take part in the scheme. “Green home improvements will save people money on their energy bills, help to cut carbon emissions, and create new work for many thousands of builders, plumbers and other tradespeople,” said Business Secretary Alok Sharma. “Our TrustMark scheme will guarantee that building work is completed to a high standard by accredited tradespeople, ensuring consumers are fully protected.”

n 10 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

The government today also announced which upgrades and technologies will qualify for the grant scheme, confirming Green Homes Grant vouchers will be available for homeowners and landlords who install solid wall, under-floor, cavity wall or roof insulation; air source or ground source heat pumps; and/or solar thermal systems. In addition, households can use vouchers to cover up to two thirds of the cost of double or triple glazing/secondary glazing, when replacing CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HOME & GARDEN

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n

HOME & GARDEN single glazing; energy efficient doors; and

of Master Builders, said the scheme offered

concerns remain over how quickly the

hot water system thermostats and heating

promised £2bn will be assigned, given the

controls.

budget for similar previous grant schemes were exhausted within weeks. The government

Homeowners across England will be able

is also continuing to face long-standing

to access advice and support on how to

questions over when it will provide clarity

improve the energy efficiency of their

on its longer term building energy efficiency

homes from the Simple Energy Advice

programmes, with the current grants only

(SEA) service, which will provide advice on

expected to last until early next year.

appropriate improvements and whether they qualify for funding.

Meanwhile, the glazing industry in particular

The government said upgrades could save

will be disappointed that the focus on only

households hundreds of pounds a year

supporting installations where single glazing

on their energy bills, while also slashing

is replaced will minimise its involvement in

carbon emissions.

the scheme. Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the new scheme

Mike Thornton, chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, hailed the grant scheme as “a

“a really welcome boost for the building

represented “a vital part of our plan for jobs

significant investment by the government

industry as it recovers from the impact of

as we secure the UK’s economic recovery

in energy efficiency which will provide long

COVID-19”.

from Coronavirus”.

“The vouchers will be a significant benefit

“This is going to be a green recovery with

to households wanting to make their homes

concern for our environment at its heart,”

more energy efficient and reduce their low-income

he added. “It will help to protect and create

energy bills, whilst providing much needed

households access much-needed funds to

jobs, while also saving people money and

work for accredited installers at this difficult

cutting carbon.” n

term benefits to householders and the environment by cutting fuel bills and reducing carbon emissions”. “It

will

particularly

help

make their homes warmer,” he added. “I would really encourage homeowners to apply

time,” he added.

www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk

for the scheme.”

The scheme has been broadly welcomed by

www.trustmark.org.uk

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation

green groups and trade bodies. However,

www.mcscertified.com

n 12 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

HOME & GARDEN

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n

HOME & GARDEN

Get into gear

Sit back and enjoy the ride with our selection of top cycling gadgets and accessories.

OAKLEY JAWBREAKER ™ £178 Perfect for those long bike rides with Oakley’s exclusive lens technology designed to enhance color and contrast so you can see more detail. www.oakley.com

SCOTT SUB TOUR eRIDE 30 USX £2,299 The Scott Sub Tour eRIDE 30 Unisex makes getting around town easier. The new geometry with wider step through, and ePowered by Bosch with a 400wh battery, the SUB Tour eRIDE is the ideal commuter bike. Equipped with lights and a rack, it’s ready to provide many kilometers of worry free reliability. Available from Warwickshire eBikes. www.warwickshireebikes.co.uk

POC OCTAL HELMET £126 The award-wining Octal helmet remains an evolution in protection for road cyclists. With its distinctive large vents the helmet provides optimal ventilation and comfort, while safety is heightened with extended coverage over the temples and around the back of the head. www.pocsports.com

SiS PRO YELLOW BOTTLE £5 The exclusive SiS Pro Yellow Cycling Bottle, as used by Sir Chris Hoy, features the unique Easy Mix System. This has been designed to deliver fast and accurate mixing. The Easy Mix System enables you to pour specific amounts of Science in Sport powder directly into the bottle by using the pre-determined marks printed on the outside of the bottle. www.scienceinsport.com

LITELOK® GOLD ORIGINAL £99.99 Litelok Gold is the world’s lightest, flexible Sold Secure Gold bike lock. It can withstand sustained attack from common theft tools to the highest level, including attacks using bolt cutters, crowbars and hacksaws. www.litelok.com

n 14 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

HYDROBAK™ 50 OZ HYDRATION PACK When all you want is water, this minimalist bike pack has you covered—enough water for a 2-hour ride, and a safe zip pocket for keys and essentials. The new Crux™ reservoir also offers 20% more water per sip for faster hydration in the saddle. www.camelbak.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

The Cost of...(im)mobility

The past few months have focussed all of us on the costs of things. COVID-19 has robbed us of so much, and we will never fully understand the costs to us as individuals and to society as a whole. Physical, emotional, & financial costs have been bourne by us and will unfortunately continue for a long time to come.

other areas of our anatomy (such as our hearts & lungs), but how much attention do we give to the care of our lower limbs? Yet when they don’t deliver on their job of moving us around, how many of us really appreciate the costs of that:

Physical costs - When our feet or legs are in pain or not functioning well enough for their intended role, it is then more difficult to maintain But did you know that Healthcare Professionals are always discussing good muscle strength & tone, bone density, and cardiovascular costs with their patients. In the public sector (eg NHS), financial fitness. This leads to a deterioration in our overall health & wellbeing, costs will be rarely covered, whereas physical costs are often which can be irreversible. explored at length. This is because interactions with Healthcare Emotional costs - We rely on mobility to enable us to do the things Professionals will generally involve some form of education, and we love, such as going for a walk/run or playing with our children/ this will be based on either the cost to you of not following any grandchildren. We all felt the emotional strain of losing our ability to advice given, or the benefit to you (savings if financial) of following do such things when lockdown restrictions were first introduced a few any advice. months ago. So imagine that on an ongoing basis because you have In addition in the private healthcare sector, changes in fee structures problems with the very things that propel you from A to B without during & after the pandemic will be evident to ensure sustainability reliance on other equipment. of the businesses that so many rely on for their treatments. This is due to the change in how these businesses have to operate in order to keep you safe from the coronavirus. So over the next few months, I am going to explore the costs of various aspects of health particularly when related to our feet or gait as these are my specialist areas. To start the series, let’s take a broad approach and look at:

Financial costs - Oncosts of immobility can build significantly, not just in the expense of mobility aids, but also many need to be mobile in order to be able to earn money, so there is an obvious financial cost if that mobility is compromised in any way. However, education on treatment costs is really the purpose of the forthcoming series of articles, especially how much it costs to “fix” foot & gait problems. For the generic problem of fixing immobility, there is such a wide range of costs that no financial figures given would do it justice. Instead, next The cost of (im)mobility time I will highlight a specific health condition, educate you about it Being mobile is an important part of living, yet we often take our and explore the costs associated with it. So keep an eye out for next ability to get around for granted, not least than when it comes to month’s article. the parts of our bodies that enable us to be independently mobile – namely our legs and feet. We understand the need to look after Jonathan Small, Lead Podiatrist, www.healthfirstsoutham.co.uk n

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 15 n

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Your guide to

Mindfulness

It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much.Paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you – can improve your mental wellbeing. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. Mindfulness can help us enjoy life more and understand ourselves better. You can take steps to develop it in your own life. What is mindfulness? Professor Mark Williams, former director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, says that mindfulness means knowing directly what is going on inside and outside ourselves, moment by moment. “It’s easy to stop noticing the world around us. It’s also easy to lose touch with the way our bodies are feeling and to end up living ‘in our heads’ – caught up in our thoughts without stopping to notice how those thoughts are driving our emotions and behaviour,” he says. “An important part of mindfulness is reconnecting with our bodies and the sensations they experience. This means waking up to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment. That might be something as simple as the feel of a banister as we walk upstairs. “Another important part of mindfulness is an awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they happen moment to moment. “It’s about allowing ourselves to see the present moment clearly. When we do that, it can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives.” How mindfulness helps mental wellbeing Becoming more aware of the present moment can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better. When we become more aware of the present moment, we begin to experience

n 16 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

afresh things that we have been taking for granted. “Mindfulness also allows us to become more aware of the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience,” says Professor Williams, “and to see how we can become entangled in that stream in ways that are not helpful. “This lets us stand back from our thoughts and start to see their patterns. Gradually, we can train ourselves to notice when our thoughts are taking over and realise that thoughts are simply ‘mental events’ that do not have to control us. “Most of us have issues that we find hard to let go and mindfulness can help us deal with them more productively. We can ask: ‘Is trying to solve this by brooding about it helpful, or am I just getting caught up in my thoughts? Awareness of this kind also helps us notice signs of stress or anxiety earlier and helps us deal with them better.” Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a way to prevent depression in people who have had 3 or more bouts of depression in the past. See the NICE guideline on depression in adults. How to be more mindful Reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness. Notice the everyday “Even as we go about our daily lives, we can notice the sensations of things, the food we eat, the air moving past the body as we walk,” says Professor Williams. “All this may sound very small, but it has huge power to interrupt the ‘autopilot’ mode we often engage day to day, and to give us new perspectives on life.” CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

HEALTH & BEAUTY Keep it regular It can be helpful to pick a regular time – the morning journey to work or a walk at lunchtime – during which you decide to be aware of the sensations created by the world around you. Try something new Trying new things, such as sitting in a different seat in meetings or going somewhere new for lunch, can also help you notice the world in a new way. Watch your thoughts “Some people find it very difficult to practice mindfulness. As soon as they stop what they’re doing, lots of thoughts and worries crowd in,” says Professor Williams. “It might be useful to remember that mindfulness isn’t about making these thoughts go away, but rather about seeing them as mental events. “Imagine standing at a bus station and seeing ‘thought buses’ coming and going without having to get on them and be taken away. This can be very hard at first, but with gentle persistence it is possible. “Some people find that it is easier to cope with an over-busy mind if they are doing gentle yoga or walking.” Name thoughts and feelings To develop an awareness of thoughts and feelings, some people find it helpful to silently name them: “Here’s the thought that I might fail that exam”. Or, “This is anxiety”. Free yourself from the past and future You can practise mindfulness anywhere, but it can be especially helpful to take a mindful approach if you realise that, for several minutes, you have been “trapped” in reliving past problems or “pre-living” future worries. Different mindfulness practices As well as practising mindfulness in daily life, it can be helpful to set aside time for a more formal mindfulness practice. Mindfulness meditation involves sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, the sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander. Yoga and tai-chi can also help with developing awareness of your breathing.n www.NHS.co.uk

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 17 n

SENIOR LIVING

Caring for someone in another home You may care for someone paid or unpaid, by: picking up essential supplies; checking in with them on a regular basis; supporting them to take their medication; providing cleaning services; or supporting someone to maintain their independence at home with personal care such as helping them to eat, move about the house or shower. Can I still provide care for someone in their home if I don’t live with them? The short answer is yes – although you might have to change the way you provide this care depending on what it is that you usually do for them. There are precautions and steps you should take to keep you both as safe as possible – such as regularly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. How can I safely visit someone? If you provide care that requires you to go into someone’s home – perhaps you help them to get out of bed, move around their house, take their medication, or get dressed – then you can carry on doing this. But, if you do so, you must ensure you follow simple hygiene steps to protect the person you care for. These include washing your hands when you arrive and often during your visit, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You should catch any sneezes in a tissue and dispose of it straight away. If you do need to cough you should cough into the crook of your elbow. You may want to consider wearing a face covering if it’s possible for you and the person you are caring for. If you or the person you care for lives alone or in a singled-adult household you may decide to form a support bubble with each other. This can make caring easier as it means you can spend time in the house of the person you care for without needing to socially distance. You would also be able to stay at one another’s houses and travel together. You are only allowed to form one support bubble with another household and once you have formed a support bubble you cannot change who is in the bubble. Can I help with someone else’s cleaning? If you help someone with their cleaning, then you can carry on doing so. But ensure you wash your hands when you arrive – at least 20 seconds with soap and water – and then regularly during your visit. Also try to keep a 2 metre distance from anyone else at all times – perhaps you could ask the person you support to stay in one room whilst you clean? You could also buy some new cleaning products or use what the person already has, as bringing your own can increase the risk of spreading the virus from home to home. Can I help with someone else’s shopping? If you usually do the shopping or pick up essential supplies for someone, then you should continue to do this. You can now visit one other household at a time indoors and so you can help unpack shopping. Remember to maintain social distancing measures such as maintaining a 2-metre distance and washing your hands with hot water and soap for 20 seconds regularly. It’s also a good idea to wipe down any surfaces that you touch. Popping in for a chat You are now able to spend time indoors with people from one other n 18 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

household at a time, so you can pop in for a chat. You can also meet with up to 5 people outside from different households, which includes private gardens and roof terraces. Don’t forget that you need to socially distance from anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble. It’s also good to remember that the risk of coronavirus spreading is lower outside so you might prefer to meet in outdoor spaces, such as gardens, when you can. Can I still provide care if I have symptoms or I’m self-isolating? If you feel unwell, have any symptoms of coronavirus or are selfisolating for another reason (for example you’ve been advised to by NHS Test and Trace) you shouldn’t carry on providing any care or support. Perhaps you can identify another family member, friend, trusted neighbour or local community support group that could step in and help. If those options aren’t available or appropriate, you can contact your local councilor health care provider. If you do not know how to do this, you can contact NHS 111. n www.ageuk.co.uk

information was correct as of the 13th August 2020 please be aware that local lockdown situations will change this advice.

SENIOR LIVING

Quinton House Engage and re-lift the senses

At Quinton House we understand the needs of every individual. It’s not just about the first class care, it’s about every facet of someone’s life. It’s about what newspaper they read, knowing their favourite breakfast, where they went on holiday as a child, the list is exhaustive. By understanding each individual we are able to help them settle quickly, and enjoy the benefits that community living in such a special place can offer. You’ll notice from our reviews that our staff’s attention to each resident is exemplary and it’s this genuine interest coupled to compassionate care which keeps our residents so content. Visit our community and you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special. This is a family-owned home and has been for over twenty years. This continuity coupled to our team’s dedication enables us to deliver ever more impressive levels of compassionate care, the best Warwickshire has to offer. At Quinton House, we are passionate about what we do and how we care for the older people we work with. Our insight and reputation is built on 20 years of experience in care. We are committed to providing all of our residents, wht exactly the right level of care and support, where and when it is required.

New Sensory Room Our new sensory rom is a specially designed environment that provides a sensory experience to our residents, with a wide variety of different abilities. A sensory room is designed to help people engage with the world around them. We have sand, sea, seagulls, seaside background music. Chips in a cone or icecream. We aim to engage and re-lift the senses of all our residents.

We understand the value of maintainung our residence independence and that privacy and choice are important. Our dedicated and highly trained care staff know that no two people are the same, whic is why we make sure we listen to our residence needs and always create bespoke support packages that are tailored to the residence personal circumstances and lifestyle preferences. Top 20 Small Care Home Groups 2019 Quinton House and Gardens Nursing Home are pleased to anounce that we have won this Award and we couldn’t be any happier. Our staff has worked hard over the years to not only make a difference to our residents but, to assure families that their loved ones are in safe hands. The carehome.co.uk Group Awards 2019 highlight the most recommended Care Home Groups in the UK. The awards are based on over 120,000 reviews from care home residents as well as their friends and family.

Quinton House Nursing Home, Main Road, Lower Quinton, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8RY Tel: 01789 720247 Email: info@quintonhouse.net

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 19 n

EDUCATION

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Face Coverings and Secondary School Transport

On the 24 July, the law in England changed regarding the use of face coverings. Children and face coverings on school transport • if your child is over 3 years old they must wear a face covering when travelling on public transport • children in secondary education (not primary school children or children who attend special schools) should wear a face covering on school transport - they must be able to use a face covering as per the directions below and will require 2 face coverings one for the journey there and one for the journey back • some people may not be able to wear a face covering, for example primary aged children, people with breathing difficulties and people whose disabilities makes it difficult for them to wear a face covering; • a face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment - these should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings, like those exposed to dust hazards • the driver and support staff and other passengers may be wearing face coverings, you should talk to your child about this before the journey Wearing a face covering • a cloth face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably - it can be as simple as a scarf or bandana that ties behind the head • wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before putting it on and after taking it off • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them • do not touch the front of the face covering, or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose • once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched • you should wash a face covering regularly. It can go in with other laundry, using your normal detergent

n 20 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

• when wearing a face covering, take care to tuck away any loose ends • when travelling in taxis or private hire vehicles your child should follow the advice of the driver - for example, they may be asked to sit in the back left hand seat if travelling alone - if they need to be near other people they should avoid physical contact, try not to be face to face with other people, and keep the time spent near other people as short as possible - be aware of the surfaces they or others touch. n

EDUCATION

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n

EDUCATION

Government Guidance for Higher Education What to expect from your college or Sixth Form as you start your new courses. The learning providers have been given guidence by the government that they are expected to provide a full programme of study and training offer for learners of all ages from your normal term start date in September 2020, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. They are expected to make sure that individual learners are undertaking their full study programme, in as far as they can in compliance with wider government guidance, and that it is of a sufficient standard to meet relevant funding requirements. They must comply with wider government guidance on services that are permitted to be open, for example, if they have a hairdresser onsite, or are delivering hairdressing training, then at the time of writing they should ensure n 22 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

that beauty or nail treatments are not offered, any that have a community or leisure centre, it should not host indoor sports or fitness activity. The course leaders will decide the appropriate mix of face to face and remote delivery of teaching. Post-16 learners are more likely to undertake self-directed study but may still need additional support, the leaders should make sure that planned hours meet the relevant funding guidance. They must assess the gaps in learnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; knowledge and skills early in the autumn term, focusing on the most important content and prioritise this to help learners to catch up from the months lost. Remote education may need to be an essential component of delivery for some

pupils, alongside classroom teaching, or in the case of a local lockdown. The colleges are now therefore expected to plan to ensure anyone who needs to stay at home for some of the time is given the support they need to make good progress. Where a class, group or small number of learners need to selfisolate, or there is a local lockdown requiring learners to remain at home, the insitutions are expected to have the capacity to offer immediate remote education. So as a learner you should feel confident that your new course will be as good and maybe even a little better in the course delivery and content than in previous years. It will be up to you to excell at the subjects you have chosen. n

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 23 n

Be the best version of yourself at The Kingsley School in Royal Leamington Spa Since 1884 The Kingsley School has had an excellent reputation for high academic standards and first-class pastoral care in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa. The Kingsley School motto is Esse Quam Videri â&#x20AC;&#x201C; be what you seem to be or be true to yourself. Individuality is important at Kingsley and celebrated throughout the school. The co-educational Prep School and girls-only Senior School and Sixth Form supports and develops pupils to achieve highly in whatever they want to do and excel academically. The school ran a comprehensive remote

n 24 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

learning programme throughout lockdown and is now looking forward to welcoming all pupils back in September, to enjoy a broad and ambitious curriculum underpinned by careful planning and risk assessments. A huge advantage of Kingsley is that the school is small enough for each pupil to be known and yet it is large enough to offer a wide selection of enrichment opportunities to develop gifts and talents in everyone. At Kingsley, you are a name and not a number. The school is fortunate to own extensive sports

fields

and

outstanding

facilities,

including 3 brand new state of the art science laboratories and the multi purpose STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) room. The Senior School Open Day is taking place on Saturday 10th October. Visit www. thekingsleyschool.com/openday to register and book your tour slot, or contact our Registrar at 01926 421368 for any further information. We are Kingsley. We look forward to welcoming you. n

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 25 n

Puzzled?

STAY HOME. STAY SAFE. SUDOKU

3 9

9 5

4 1 4

5 3

9 7

9 3 2

5 7

5 6

5 4

O W

O N

Find and cross out all the listed words. The words may go horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

N O

D O O W D

n 26 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020

PINE POPLAR REDWOOD SEQUOIA SPRUCE SWEETGUM SYCAMORE WALNUT WILLOW YEW

COTTONWOOD CYPRESS DOGWOOD ELM FIR HAWTHORN HAZEL LARCH MAPLE OAK

7 4

WORD SEARCH

ALDER APPLE ASH ASPEN BIRCH BUCKTHORN CEDAR CHERRY CHESTNUT CHINKAPIN

6 8

3 4

8 6

4 6

6 2

9 8

1 3

8 7

1 9

6 7

6 3

H M A

H W D

D O

R W

N W C

O N W O O D

D Q

N O

H W

A M N

H W R

Y E

CRISS-CROSS

Fill in the blanks with the words. To make this one harder we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t given you a letter to start!

5 letter words ANISE AVIAN DAUNT GRIEG LEVEL OCHER PLUMB RADIO REPLY STAGE TROLL TROUT

13 letter words MEDITERRANEAN PEPPER-AND-SALT REMINISCENCES TRESURE TROVE 14 letter words JULIAN CALENDAR MULTIPLICATION

12 13

14 15

21 22

26 29

47 48 49 50

ANSWERS

11 letter words SIGNIFICANT SUPERMARKET

8 letter words APPROVAL CHEERFUL LIPSTICK NESTLING 9 letter words GRAYSCALE HAUPTMANN LAVALIERE PETROLEUM

6 letter words APPLET ENDIVE 7 letter words AZIMUTH GIRAFFE GRANDAD IRONING MANNERS NEW YORK NICIPPE SEYMOUR SMILING SUNRISE TATTING TEXTUAL

CRISS-CROSS: DOWN 1. Grieg 2. Radio 3. Supermarket 4. Petroleum 5. Ironing 6. Avian 8. Lipstick 9. Multiplication 11. Stage 14. New York 16. Azimuth 17. Julian Calendar 19. Grandad 23. Tatting 24. Sunrise 27. Significant 30. Seymour 34. Lavaliere 36. Approval 39. Nicippe 41. Ocher 44. Level 45. Anise 46. Reply

4 letter words ECRU MAIL MOSS STAR TUNE ZEUS

ACROSS 7. Plumb 10. Treasure Trove 12. Applet 13. Mediterranean 15. Nestling 18. Smiling 20. Zeus 21. Grayscale 22. Trout 25. Mail 26. Manners 28. Ecru 29, Yes 31. Kit 32. Tune 33. Textual 35. Star 37. Daunt 38. Hauptmann 40. Moss 42. Giraffe 43. Cheerful 47. Reminiscences 48. Endive 49. Pepper and Salt 50. Troll

3 letter words KIT YES

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 27 n

n 28 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 46 | September 2020