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  • Published on

    CORONAVIRUS - Face Covering!

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    I received a packet of bandanas this morning, that I had ordered to make some facemasks to be worn in public spaces, during this awful Pandemic. It does seem that the British Government will soon ask us all to wear face coverings in public, as they try to stop the spread of this deadly Coronavirus. I have personally always been in two minds about wearing such a mask, because I have not been entirely convinced by their usefulness, but clearly we have reached a point where we will have no option, as the death figure in the UK passes twenty-six thousand. If we are to get back to any sense of normality, we have to do all we can to restart our lives, before the economy collapses.

    Personally I don't agree with the public wearing medical grade masks, which should be prioritised for use within the NHS, but I do think if all of us wore some form of covering, we could begin to reduce the spread of COVID-19 drastically. Scotland along with many other nations are already advising people wear protection, so I am sure we will follow soon enough. As a result I have been looking across the internet, trying to find the best way to make a mask and used what I think is the simplest method. Of course this isn't as effective as an NHS equivalent, but it can help stop the spread of this disease dramatically, especially if we all wear one.

    I will don my mask in public spaces, although haven't thought about whether to wear it during a nine-hour shift at work and because of my limited contact with the public, being behind a perspex screen, I am not sure it will help me in any case. Whilst walking through the shop or in other enclosed spaces, I will of course put one on.

    In the end all of us will have to do what we feel is right at this time. I see many people sporting protective face coverings while I am at work, they are mainly young and not necessarily the people you would expect to see using them. I also see many older and disabled people out and about, who I would have never expected to and should instead be shielded at home, but not everyone has the luxury of having friends, family and neighbours to help them. As we pass the peak of this pandemic, we should all take the opportunity to sit and think about others and encourage everyone to look after themselves and their loved ones. Everyone should take precautions, follow social distancing rules, keep two meters apart and continue to practice good hygiene, so we can eventually get back to a sense or normality and enjoy the lives we once had!
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  • Published on

    Photographs of Hope - Cathy McGuinness!

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    Inspirational photographs at a time of crisis, creating positivity for the future!

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    Such an inspiration to everyone, love him!

    Cathy McGuinness

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  • Published on

    CORONAVIRUS - The New Normal!

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    And so, the lock-down and social distancing continues. It is all very strange. It is strange not seeing friends and family. It is strange having to totally adapt to a new way of working. It is strange not doing any travelling for work, something that became the norm last year. It is strange attending multiple meetings and delivering courses over zoom sessions.

    Things I usually took for granted have changed dramatically – going to the shops, going to the pub with friends, and going to football.

    One of the things I have been really impressed with is the way that communities have pulled together to support each other – whether this is in a practical or emotional sense. I really hope that this continues once we get back to a more ‘normal’ way of life.

    As the lockdown has continued it has sometimes been a challenge to find ways of keeping oneself occupied – I’ve probably done more quizzes in the last couple of weeks than I have done in the last couple of years!!!! I need to read more though. A number of box sets on DVD have been watched yet again.

    My ‘lockdown’ fitness challenge has kept me going and it is something I’ve been enjoying. I’m currently making my way along the Appalachian Trail. I had initially said I was only going to count my run miles in this but after doing the maths and looking at the distance I calculated it would take me around two years to complete!!!!! The app allows for any fitness activity to be included. As I’m also doing a few sessions a week on my indoor bike trainer I figured I might as well include these miles as well – after all it is training and it is keeping me fit. So to date (26 days since I started the challenge) I’ve covered 330 miles leaving just 1,638 miles to go. Looking on the map that plots the progress it can sometimes seem a bit daunting looking at how far I’ve got to go but that is all part of the fun I guess!

    The runs and bike sessions are getting longer every week, so I’m determined to finish this as soon as I can.

    With many races cancelled this year it has been good to have a goal to work towards.

    I’ve noticed when I’ve been out running the number of people exercising – either running, walking or cycling. This is fantastic and I really hope that this continues once the rules around social distancing are relaxed, and we return to a more ‘normal’ way of life.

    I’ve also noticed on social media the number of people that are taking up some of the virtual fitness challenges as well and it has been fantastic to see.

    I like challenges and I enjoy having targets and goals to strive towards. I know for a fact that if I was just training for the sake of training my motivation levels would drop quite quickly as would my mood which would have an effect on my mental well-being.
    It is amazing at the moment just some of the small things that people can and are doing, despite the huge challenges that the lockdown and social-distancing are bringing, to keep themselves occupied.

    Until next time, keep well and stay safe, and remember those small changes each day can make a huge impact over time.

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  • Published on

    Photographs of Hope - Amanda Clayton!

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    Inspirational photographs at a time of crisis, creating positivity for the future!

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    There are so many obvious things that can bring positivity: family, friends, pets, memories, achievements... the list is endless! However, we all need to have a momentary break in the seriousness of our lives and our current situation, however hopeless or desperate it may feel. This can only be truly achieved (in my opinion) by humour! Silly things that make us laugh and make us forget for at least a moment. Chickens singing is just one thing that makes me chuckle! Xx

    Amanda Clayton

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  • Published on

    Photographs of Hope - Dame Amelia Lockhart!

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    Inspirational photographs at a time of crisis, creating positivity for the future!

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    I've been thinking about what I wanted to say for your article. I kind of wanted to write a poem but inspiration just wasn't striking... until, sitting at home I heard people outside start clapping. Here it is. I hope it'll be useful to you 🙂

    A new Thursday routine
    Of thanks
    Clap
    Clap
    Clap
    I clap for my sister
    Working long hours
    Caring for the sick
    I hope someone cares for her
    Clap
    Clap
    Clap
    I clap for my nephew
    Singing like nightingale
    Hospitals built in days
    Clap
    Clap
    Clap
    I clap for my friends
    Working through difficult times
    Keeping the nation fed
    Clap
    Clap
    Clap
    Neighbours throw open doors
    Let off fireworks
    We applaud you they say
    Clap
    Clap
    Clap
    You and you and you
    And you, whoever you are
    Wherever you are
    We give you thanks.


    Dame Amelia Lockhart

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