The new vaccines for Covid-19 has sparked a surge in confidence with the over-65s leading a huge surge in holiday bookings.
Coach operator National Express has seen a 185 per cent rise in over-65s booking holidays compared with this time in 2020 after launching its spring and summer programme last weekend.
Jit Desai, from National Express, told BBC Breakfast: “Many of them have had their first jab and now within 12 weeks will receive their second jab. That gives them a level of certainty that they can enjoy and look forward to their 2021 holiday.”
Desai added that National Express had taken “a week’s worth” of bookings in a single day on Monday, compared with the same period last year.
Tui’s UK managing director Andrew Flintham said the over-50s accounted for more than half of bookings received on the tour operator’s website in the past two weeks.
He added that they were getting more multi-generational family bookings as well as from “broader groups”.
TTG editor Sophie Griffiths also told BBC Breakfast: “This is utterly fantastic news and will be hugely welcomed by an industry that’s been devastated by the pandemic.
“Ten months into this crisis, the travel industry still has received zero dedicated financial support from the government.
“This is the first sign of the light at the end of the tunnel for the sector. Who isn’t going to want a holiday after the annus horribilis that was 2020?”
Escorted touring specialist Titan Travel said bookings for 2022 were “beginning to take off”, with one tour to Costa Rica already sold out 13 months before departure.
Managing director Andy Squirrell added: “Having conducted consumer surveys over summer last year, we recognised that travellers are looking ahead to future trips earlier than ever before.
“The vaccine rollout is undoubtedly bringing greater confidence to travellers who are itching to book a holiday and travel once again. Whether consumers are wanting to travel in 2021 or book in advance for 2022, we’re declaring 2021 the Year of the Holiday; the much-anticipated reawakening of travel.”
Diggers and bulldozers clearing the ground at the new fenced off Lidl site in Mere Green
Work on the new Lidl store at the former Lucas factory site in Mere Green appears to be making slow progress since work got under way back in November. The store is expected to be completed some time this year.
While the work is progressing, traffic has been affected by the comings and going of construction traffic and temporary traffic lights, while dozens of letters of objection had previously been received from residents raising concerns over traffic levels and pollution fears.
The site has now been fenced off after diggers and bulldozers converged on the former industrial site in Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield.
Work does appear to be going at something of a snail’s pace when other Lidl stores, notably the newest one in Lichfield appeared to get built in no time at all. When asked for a progress report on the work or a potential opening date, Lidl had little to offer other than the obvious. A statement said: “We can confirm that construction has started on site and we will be issuing a release with full details of the store for the local community in due course.”
The former contaminated site has been an eyesore for many years, following the factory demolition and the time needed to get rid of the contamination at the site
This two-acre site is now being developed despite original plans being sent back to the drawing board during the planning process, before finally being approved. One local councillor described the original Lidl design as looking like a brown and white shed.
Diggers and bulldozers working at the start of the construction of the new store in Mere Green Road
The site will include the store and a number of parking spaces, finally opening up a site that has been blocked off with blue boarding for more than 10 years.
The store will offer a budget alternative to the giant Sainsbury’s store opposite, but is sure to create extra traffic and congestion in the busy Mere Green area. However there will be new jobs and a likely boost to the local economy with increased footfall.
The development could be the final piece in the jigsaw in the renaissance of Mere Green. The area been blighted for years with rows of boarded up shops, but that finally gave way to the Mulberry Walk development. Anchored by the Marks & Spencer food hall, the new shops and a number of smart bars, restaurants, coffee shops and a gym, complement the existing shops on Lichfield Road.
Four Oaks ward councillor Maureen Cornish has broadly welcomed the new store. She previously said: “Lidl will provide versatile shopping giving the public more choice, it will increase the footfall and competition between similar stores provides shoppers.”
Sue Bailey, Assistant Head at Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
ST GILES HOSPICE HELPS SCHOOL STAFF TO SUPPORT STUDENTS
A Sutton Coldfield school has been leading the way in training teaching staff from 14 schools to help students cope with the terrible loss of bereavement, writes Bill McCarthy.
Teachers from across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth have received vital training to help young people facing loss and living with bereavement. Phoenix, the children and young people’s bereavement service for St Giles Hospice, has been working with staff from schools from the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), which include Arthur Terry School, John Willmott School, Stockland Green School, Brookvale Primary School, Curdworth Primary School, Hill West Primary School, Mere Green Primary School and Slade Primary School in Birmingham. The session covered the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on young people as well as issues around bereavement and facing loss. Sue Bailey, Assistant Head at Arthur Terry, said: “We are very much aware that many families within our community of schools have lost loved ones during these difficult times. “Our aim as a partnership is to offer as much support to these families as we can and the training we received from St Giles will further enable our staff to do this. “The training was of a very high quality and left us feeling better equipped to support families and also how to access the expert support available from St Giles.
Arthur Terry’s assistant head teacher Sue Bailey
We look forward to further partnership working and would recommend this training to others.” Phoenix lead Jodie Phillips said the right support in schools for young people who had experienced the death of someone close to them was essential, particularly in the current circumstances. “Schools can be a safe space for young people, providing normality and consistency at times of extreme pressure and change, which is often the case when someone dies,” she said. “Working with ATLP to help their staff to support young people facing the death of a loved one or living with that loss is an important part of creating a safety net for those young people. “Given the right support, most grieving children and young people will not need professional help, but what they do need is the care of adults they trust who are familiar to them such as a teacher.” The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership is a growing multi-academy trust of 14 schools and one teaching school in Birmingham, North Warwickshire and Staffordshire. Phoenix offers support for any child or young person under the age of 18 who is facing loss or who has been bereaved, in the St Giles Hospice catchment area.
Referrals can come from parents, teachers, healthcare professionals or young people. To find out more, please call 01543 434536.
The new telecoms equipment just yards down the road
Uncertainty still surrounds the new huge telephone mast site in Four Oaks, where a failure to remove the previous mast and its associated boxes and cabinets have left it looking like a bomb site according to residents.
The anger has been compounded with the appearance of new telecoms equipment just yards down the Walsall Road.
Despite an enforcement order for the removal of old boxes, nothing appears to have happened, despite work going on at the site in recent weeks.
Four Oaks ward councillor Maureen Cornish last month said: “The enforcement order for the removal of excess (previous old boxes) is active and managing agents have agreed to remove them. Covid restrictions create delay, we need to have patience with this frustrating situation”.
The towering EE mast near The Crown pub, has recently been completed after the firm’s successful appeal against an initial planning refusal, much to the annoyance of many neighbours, who are angry at the ‘mess’ left after the previous mast was not removed.
Councillor Cornish had previously described it as a ‘frustrating situation.’
The work was completed during October, and will provide the latest 5G communications across the area, with the 50ft.
Councillor Cornish
The new mast was initially refused planning permission by Birmingham City Council but an appeal was upheld by an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Local resident Patrick James, from Four Oaks Common Road, described the scene as an unsightly mess.
He said: We all understand the need for better communication, but the area has been left in a right state, a bit of a bomb site really, not to mention the disruption while the work was carried out. And now we have new cabinets appear and no remedial work is taking place.”
Councillor Cornish, Shadow Cabinet Member for Education Skills and Culture at Birmingham City Council, had previously launched an enforcement complaint over the what has been left at the site.
She said at the time: “The Telecommunication installation at the Crown Pub has and still is a frustrating situation. Residents do not object to providing 5G but the number of boxes and the disgraceful appearance is unacceptable.”
Council leaders are calling on supermarkets and businesses in Sutton Coldfield that remain open during this national lockdown to step-up their Covid-19 safety measures to help combat the surge of infections
With cases continuing to rise across the region and the UK entering a new lockdown, people are now required to stay at home except for a handful of permitted reasons – one of which is to shop for basic necessities.
Supermarkets and some other retailers will remain open and council leaders believe the retailers have a major role to play in keeping people safe over the coming weeks and months.
They who wrote to Business Secretary Alok Sharma MP in November expressing concerns at the easing of safety measures in supermarkets, have now called for urgent action to protect staff and shoppers.
They have called for:
The re-introduction of one-way systems to help maintain social distancing in all retail settings.
Improved enforcement of safety measures with Covid marshals on-site throughout opening hours.
Strong Infection Prevention and Control and messaging in-store to maintain the 2m distance between customers.
Strong action to combat spread amongst staff whist on site (both in public areas and in break areas) including encouraging staff to test regularly through the asymptomatic LFD community testing offer,
Mandatory measures to ensure that symptomatic staff stay at home (with adequate financial support), get tested, self-isolate AND that their close contacts also do this.
Clear staff training and tight compliance in store (mask wearing; reduce numbers in store, customer flow (one way aisles as much as possible), sanitising touch points and shared baskets and trolleys).
Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “Supermarkets and their staff worked extremely hard during the first lockdown to introduce measures that kept shoppers and workers safe. Now we need a return to the measures and the vigilance we saw last year and that means hand washing and sanitising, enforcement on the rules around face coverings and better social distancing, including the reintroduction on one-way systems.
“These are very worrying times and we all have a role to play to keep people safe. Although people must once again stay at home as much as possible, many of us will still be visiting supermarkets, so it’s essential that stores are as safe as possible.”
Gauntlet thrown down on St Giles wing-walking challenge
Sutton Coldfield daredevils with a head for heights can now take on the ultimate aerial challenge by wing walking on a plane in aid of St Giles Hospice when the lockdown is finally over.
St Giles is joining forces with events company Life Changing Challenges to offer thrill seekers a brand new fundraising experience they’ll never forget in the skies above Gloucestershire.
Everyone who takes part will enjoy a wing walk at a private airfield in Cirencester, with full training and a safety briefing, flying overalls provided and support from the hospice fundraising team.
Elinor Eustace, Income Generation Director at St Giles Hospice said: “Our fundraisers have told us that they love these adrenaline-fuelled experiences and we’re absolutely thrilled to be able to offer people the chance to enjoy one of these amazing flights.
“We’re looking for over-18s who want to test their nerve by trying a different kind of charity challenge – taking their bravery to new heights as they raise the funds we need to support patients living with a terminal illness and their families.”
One St Giles supporter who would love to do a wing-walking flight is 58-year-old Peter Norman who jumped out of a plane for the hospice in 2018, raising more than £500 through his fundraising parachute jump.
HGV driver Peter, who lives in Rugeley, enjoyed the experience so much he did another skydive in 2019 and was due to jump again last year until his flight was cancelled during the COVID-19 lockdown.
He said: “I really enjoyed skydiving for St Giles – it was a big adrenaline rush, far better than any rollercoaster ride you can go on and the views are simply phenomenal. It’s just a massive buzz.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to go wing walking – I’d do it tomorrow. Maybe I’m nuts but I think it would be a great experience! It’s so satisfying to challenge yourself with such a unique event – especially when you’re doing it in aid of a great cause. That’s the icing on the cake, because you know that you’re pushing yourself and helping so many people at the same time.”
Peter signed up for his first jump in memory of his dad Watty (corr) Norman, who died at home with lung cancer in 2003 supported by St Giles Hospice at Home nurses.
Peter Norman during his first tandem parachute jump and wing-walkers enjoy the challenge
He added: “St Giles staff were amazing – the nurses came and stayed with us at the house and it allowed Dad to be at home with his family right to the end, which made such a difference to him and we’re all really grateful that he got that opportunity.
“I visit the hospice each year on the anniversary of Dad’s death to read his name in the memorial book. I always leave a donation and we play the hospice lottery throughout the year. My nephew’s wife Jemma Norman passed away at St Giles in 2017 and they looked after her so well – and you hear lots of stories like that in the area.
“So many people have friends or family who have been supported by St Giles, so it’s really important that we support them in return.”
Anyone interested in taking part in a wing-walking challenge can sign up for a flight on weekdays between March and October and selected Saturdays between April and September. The event is fully COVID-secure.
There is a registration fee of £50 and fundraisers must pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £800. All St Giles wing walkers will get a fundraising pack, an orange hospice T-shirt and full support from a dedicated member of the St Giles fundraising team.
THE return of the iconic MG in the last few years has not been plain sailing, but despite this, the brand has made steady sales progress, with MG becoming the UK’s fastest growing car brand.
Originally launched three years ago, the MG ZS has become MG Motors biggest selling car to date, tapping into the ever popular and growing SUV/crossover market and packed with standard equipment that adds eye-watering extra cost to some competitors. Now, the refreshed model aims to build on that success, while the brand has now embraced the growing electric market with the MG5 EV and hybrid technology.
I said a couple of years ago there are three good reasons why the original model was a potential winner: Quality, price and warranty.
Price, well it speaks for itself and starts at £15,495, with the comprehensively-equipped range topper coming in at £17,795. Quality? This is the best of the new MGs yet with top notch styling and improved interior comfort. Warranty? It’s seven years and 80,000 miles, how’s that for peace of mind.
There is no doubt it is a fine looking car, attracting some curious gazes from passers-by and would not look out of place adorned with one of its prestige competitor’s badges
The latest version, launched this year, is now a real upgrade in quality and while there is no major overhaul, cosmetic changes are significant with the slimmed down two version option available.
There is no doubt it is a fine looking car, attracting some curious gazes from passers-by and would not look out of place adorned with one of its prestige competitors badges.
While looking like the SUV/crossover that it is, it has some neat new design touches and the large and still famous MG badge adorning the large grille.
Revisions include a new hexagonal grille, with newly-shaped full LED headlamps which sweep back towards the wings and it features aluminium-effect lower grille and fog-lights on this range-topping Exclusive.
Striking 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, new design tail lights and silver roof bars add to a muscular road presence.
There are two models, Excite and Exclusive. The entry level, if you can describe such a well-equipped model in such a way, is generously equipped, with alloys, air con, cruise control, USB connectivity with Bluetooth, electric windows and door mirrors, LED daytime running lights and a host of other goodies.
This Exclusive model adds a couple of grand to the price and more bells and whistles with updated 10.1 inch floating colour touchscreen featuring navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth telephone and music streaming through six-way speaker system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus digital information display and 360 degree reversing camera.
The interior is much more upmarket, with this model offering heated, leather-style powered front seat and mutli-adjustable front passenger seat, new piano key buttons arranged beneath the floating colour touchscreen, and better quality trim, fixtures and fittings.
Seats are supportive and there is excellent head and legroom for a car of its dimensions. The vehicle provides around 55mm additional rear shoulder room and 80mm rear headroom than the segment average.
All round vision is also good, while stowage space is cavernous with a deep split-level boot offering 448 litres of capacity and when seats are folded, provides plenty of room for prams, luggage, outdoor leisure equipment or the weekly shop. Other oddment holders and cup holders add extra practicality.
Engine choice should not be a problem with a single 1.5 litre VTI-Tech petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, with an auto box option available.
With 106PS available, it does not sound like the most powerful, but is a refined unit and has enough grunt to hit 60mph in just over 10 seconds, has a claimed real world economy of 41.4mpg, pretty impressive for a car of this size. However, CO2 emissions of 155g/km are on the high-ish side.
It is a pleasant car to drive, a smooth and comfortable ride, with passengers well insulated from road, engine and wind noise. The car belies it high-off-the-ground profile with decent handling, dismissing all but the most potholed of roads and the suspension works well on corners where it feel stable and well planted.
For a more individual drive, both models come with three power assisted steering modes – Urban, Normal and Dynamic – which are designed to give the driver complete control over their ride.
There’s no doubt that MG’s growing success will continue with an ever improving range and more models coming on stream. Add to that a hugely attractive price tag and that seven-year warranty.
Factfile
MG ZS 1.5 Exclusive
Price: £17,795
Mechanical: 109bhp, 1498cc, four cylidner petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Sitting virtually in the heart of landlocked Birmingham, Sutton people are privileged to have one of the finest beauty spots in the country. Sutton Park is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, at 2,200 acres, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has been a National Nature Reserve since 1997.
Bracebridge Pool is a particularly picturesque spot and an oasis for many during troubled lockdown times. But these pictures show how mindless cretins who gather in large groups treat it, scattering beer bottles, coffee cups and other human detritus across the frozen pool. Why? There are bins nearby. Answer: They don’t give a toss. Good to see the pub has taken action though, with a few random notices, which even now are out of date as we go back into lockdown. The pub provides a welcome takeaway service, but it could do more to discourage the shocking behaviour and has finally removed seating near the takeaway.
It’s not just the mindless drunken yobs though. Throughout the rest of the park there is a certain breed of dog owner. I am ambivalent about dogs, neither loving nor hating them.
They have their place in people’s families, but those people also have a responsibility for the behaviour of their pets, which are, after all, dumb animals. The pets I mean. Then there are the mountain bikers, racing past without warning and putting life and limb at risk with their reckless riding, not to mention spraying walkers with mud. You know, the latex-clad supercilious Tour de France wannabes who think it’s all about them and if you complain, or berate them in any way, use their helmet camera videos to threaten you with the police.
But there is that air of exceptionalism with certain dog owners. They let their animals do pretty much as they please, including harassing the Exmoor ponies roaming in the park. Just last week I saw dogs worrying these creatures on three occasions in the space of 10 minutes.
Then there was the oaf who had his dogs swimming in Little Bracebridge, coming out and shaking themselves dry all people sitting at nearby benches. When one complained he was told to fuck off. Nice, and a great advert for dog owners.
On another occasion I saw a huge Great Dane bound out of the bushes to knock a child over. The owner’s reaction. Indifference, but gurning with: “he’s really lively today.” They might as well be on the Planet Tharg. They give responsible dog owners a bad name.
Get them on a lead, the dogs that is. The park is special, the wildlife is special and while dogs are special to families, they should not be allowed to roam free in the park. It should’t be necessary with extendable leads.
We are lucky to have Sutton Park. Shame the morons want to spoil it for everyone.
Drivers facing severe financial consequences with stiff fines and ban from roads
Drivers in Sutton Coldfield, who may have taken a chance with having an extra one for the road over the festive season, have been warned of the severe financial consequences of a drink-drive conviction.
The UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has calculated that the personal financial cost of drink driving could be as high as £70,000 or more when taking into account fines, legal fees, higher car insurance premiums, alternative transport costs and potential loss of earnings following conviction.
IAM RoadSmart’s research team found that costs following a drink drive conviction now include: fines of £5,000, although since these are now unlimited this could be much more; legal fees of £11,000 which is the average following conviction after a not-guilty plea; increased insurance premiums of £13,500 over five years after a driving disqualification; £2,000 for taxi and public transport costs for alternative transport during a ban; and £38,500 loss of earnings for 15 months following a conviction, based on an average UK salary.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “In the run up to Christmas this year, many people’s drinking habits will have changed as a result of the coronavirus. So, whether you’re raising a glass for the festive season at home or, where you’re able, in a restaurant or pub, it’s important to remember that an extra drink comes with a huge hidden cost if it pushes you over the limit.”
Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, said: “Drink driving kills, so during the festive season don’t be tempted to have a drink before getting behind the wheel – it’s irresponsible and incredibly dangerous. We are working tirelessly, through schemes like our award winning THINK! campaign, to tackle attitudes and behaviours that could lead to people drink driving, and we continue to invest in policing and enforcement on our roads.”
Neil continued: “Drink driving wrecks lives and is totally unacceptable in any circumstance. However, some people still think they are safe to drive when they’ve had just a couple of drinks or are using home measures, which can quickly push them over the limit.
“The £70,000 impact of being convicted of drink driving is very sobering. This should be more than enough, let alone the thought of causing any other suffering for yourself, your family or the other people you put at risk on the road, to stop those drivers who are tempted to have an extra drink and get behind the wheel.
“Our advice is therefore quite simply to always stick with ‘None for the Road'”.
Evie Deeley raised more than £1,200 with her Miles 4 St Giles effort in the first lockdown.
Give it up – or bring it on – to support St Giles
Sutton Coldfield resident are being urged to wave goodbye to bad habits and feel fitter for 2021 by giving it up – or bringing it on – to support St Giles Hospice in the New Year. The charity has launched two fundraising challenges to inspire anyone who wants an added incentive to stick to their New Year’s resolutions in the months ahead. People can Give it up for St Giles – sacrificing something they want to shake off with the added incentive of sponsorship – or they can test themselves with a new exercise challenge by joining Miles 4 St Giles to kick-start their healthier lifestyle. Youngster Evie Deeley, aged nine, from Armitage, led the way in the first lockdown when her activities raised more than £1,200 for the hospice. Chloe Herbert, Head of Fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “Everyone thinks about changing their lives for the better as New Year comes along, and our two challenges could be just the incentive you need to make a vow and stick to it! Whether you wave goodbye to gaming, or cut out your coffee and cake, you can give it up for St Giles in 2021 and help to raise much-needed funds for local people living with a terminal illness. “Or if you want to take up a new exercise challenge you can give yourself a great target to aim for with Miles 4 St Giles by pledging to run, walk or cycle 30, 60, 90 or 120 miles or your own set distance over 30 days.”
Whatever you say farewell to after Christmas is over, be sure to get support from your friends, family or colleagues – your sacrifice deserves sponsoring
Miles 4 St Giles was first launched last summer to encourage people to keep fit safely during the Coronavirus lockdown while raising money to help fund vital care services at St Giles in a year when the hospice’s shops were forced to close and fundraising events had to be cancelled. The new Give it up for St Giles campaign offers another opportunity for people to help St Giles while taking steps to strengthen their physical and mental health at a time of year when many can struggle to motivate themselves. “Whatever you say farewell to after Christma, be sure to get support from your friends, family or colleagues – your sacrifice deserves sponsoring,” Chloe added. “And every penny and pound you raise, will make a huge difference to St Giles Hospice and the services we provide to local people and their families when we need it most. “So if you’re already thinking: ‘New Year, new me’ then why not join #TeamStGiles for the commitment and motivation to achieve your goal this January.” Just £28 could pay for an hour of one-to-one nursing care for a patient at St Giles, and £40 could fund one hour of running the hospice’s Advice and Referrals line where dedicated clinical staff are at the end of the phone to help patients and their families 24 hours a day. A donation of £202 could pay for home visits to a patient by St Giles community nurses and £676 could pay for 24 hours of hospice care for a patient at the end of their life. For further information about Give It Up for St Giles visit http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/Giveitup4StGiles and to join Miles4StGiles, visit http://www.stgileshospice.com/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-with-us/miles-4-st-giles/
