Eurgh I hate social media… actually let me clarify, I hate the ‘this time last year’ function on social media. This is because ‘this time last year’ is usually the time we pack up our snorkels ready for our summer breather in the sun. Therefore, every morning this week my phone has pinged up pictures of me being happy on a beach or chilling. It’s been a horrible way to tease and taunt me before breakfast as this year’s holiday is no more. Luckily, we’ve been able to postpone it until next year, so all is not lost.
So instead, in the spirit of positivity and not letting the squawks of a smartphone spoil my life, we’re going to make this summer the best staycation ever! We’ve already built a bar in the garden and got the BBQ on a constant low heat ready for entertaining family and friends. The dogs have packed their bones and their blankets for some socially distanced days at the beach (we recommend Gibraltar Point for miles of unspoilt sand, which is always inexplicably empty) and I may have been investigating freestanding swimming pools online. I know it’s basically a big paddling pool, but we can use our imaginations.
With every day may seem like ‘one step forward, two steps back’, the summer holidays officially starting may not seem like much to get excited about. But get excited we must. There’s no doubt that this is going to be a challenge but we have one thing that’s bound to make sure we have the best summer ever: each other. Let’s take the time to enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life with friends and family this summer, be kind to ourselves and to be kind to others.
Memories are still being made, so we might as well make them good ones together! Or how’s that going to look on Timehop this time next year!?
Stay summery, stay kind.
Jon, Kevin and the #FUFighters
OBLIGATORY BAD JOKE
It took me five minutes to walk to the pub, but half an hour to walk back.
The difference was staggering.
ENJOY EVERARDS NEW LIMITED-EDITION AMBER ALE NO.1
Everards have produced a limited amount of Amber Ale No.1 mini casks, so you can enjoy their flavoursome and fruity limited-edition beer straight from their cellar at home.
Amber Ale No.1 is an aromatic, full bodied ale brewed with three varieties of British hops. It has been brewed with established names like Maris Otter barley and Challenger hops alongside more modern British bred and grown hops selected by our Head Brewer like Archer and Minstrel.
Click here to find out more and where to order your very own Mini Cask.
GRANT PROVIDES £19K BOOST FOR LEICESTERSHIRE COMPANY
There’s no denying the last few months have been extremely tough for our local businesses and it’s safe to say we are not out of the woods yet. One thing that has brought us a lot of joy (and pride) is the resilience and strength shown by many companies that have dusted themselves off and started the fight back to recovery.
One such business is KJN Automation in Peckleton, Leicestershire which has become the first company to receive a Business Growth Grant from the Business Gateway Growth Hub. This investment enables it to become the UK’s first sole distributor of a lighter, more versatile product using carbon fibre.
For more click here.
GO BACK STAGE WITH THE LITTLE THEATRE’S NEW PODCAST
The Little Theatre has launched a new quarterly podcast available initially on the theatre’s YouTube channel, but shortly also on iTunes, Spotify etc.
The podcast is aimed at both the active members of Leicester Drama Society, and those who watch productions at the theatre… along with a wider theatre audience. Released approximately every three months, the programme will include features on all aspects of theatre life both on and backstage. The podcast will also look at the wider world of theatre, including interviews with actors, directors and playwrights.
Episode 1 looks at The founding of the Little Theatre: the impact of COVID-19 and the theatre’s closure, what theatre to watch in lockdown along with an interview with Playwright David Wood on adapting ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’.
LEICESTER AUTHOR RELEASES NEW BOOK THE HUMANITARIAN
Former journalist, aid worker and humanitarian reporter, Andrew Goss, has released his debut novel illustrating courage, compassion and political intrigue in the wake of a devastating national disaster.
In the face of crushing adversity, the local community must pull-together to pave a new life on the other side of this earth-shattering catastrophe.
All the author’s proceeds from the eBook edition will be divided between Leicester’s Action Homeless and desperately poor communities in Pakistan.
Click here to find out more about the book!
CASHLESS PARKING LAUNCHED IN ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH AND COALVILLE
North West Leicestershire District Council have launched cashless parking in its 1,615 on- and off-street parking spaces across Coalville and Ashby De la Zouch. The service enables drivers to pay for their parking using their mobile devices.
Residents and visitors have the option to pay for their parking using the PayByPhone app or to call the PayByPhone automated payment service line, the telephone number of which is displayed on signs in the car parks or on street signage.
A MENTOR IS SOMEONE WHO IS ALWAYS IN YOUR CORNER
De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU) is offering business bosses free mentoring and coaching as they try to plan their next steps.
But many people may be unfamiliar with the benefits of mentoring and how it can help to deliver results and bring clarity to plans and ideas.
Read more here.
SHOWCASE CINEMAS LAUNCHES VIDEO-ON-DEMAND SERVICE
Showcase Cinemas has announced that it is launching a new streaming service called Showcase at Home, offering a handpicked selection of films and event programming for fans at home or on the move. It includes new digital releases, nostalgic classics from the Flashback series, independent gems nurtured through the Spotlight strand, and a wealth of Event Cinema productions including theatre, musicals, stand-up comedy, exhibitions, and concert films.
The service features a library of titles, continually updated with High Definition films available to rent from £3.49 or buy from £7.99.
For more info on how to sign up click here.
MANDATORY MASKING: HOW TO AVOID AND TREAT SKIN DAMAGE FROM PPE
Wearing a face mask in UK shops and supermarkets will become mandatory from this Friday and will no doubt become the new normal but in the meantime we need to think about protecting our skin from damage and irritation caused by prolonged PPE.
GP and aesthetic doctor for skin-tech brand FOREO Dr. Raj Arora shares her top tips and advice.
Click here to see all the tips and advice!
COULD CORONAVIRUS END HOMELESSNESS?
During the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen individuals, government, and industry work together to achieve the extraordinary; finding temporary housing for thousands of homeless people in the span of just a few weeks. It has proven that we can end homelessness in this country if we work together.
Homeless charity, Crisis, warns that unless we do something now and enact long-term as well as short-term solutions, the progress of the last few months will slip and risk being undone. With the end of homelessness within reach, Crisis is looking for help with finding those coming out of temporary accommodation secure and permanent homes.
DANCE GOES DIGITAL AT NUPUR ARTS
Leicester dance academy Nupur Arts have launched an online project designed to deliver a wide range of fitness activities to keep people active during lockdown, whilst helping to support local artists. Called ‘Nayee Disha’ translating into ‘new direction’; Nupur are offering a number of weekly dance classes, specialist workshops by guest artists and online music and dance performances.
The programme includes Bollyfitness by Nupur Arts tutors, Bollywood classes, Commercial/Hiphop workshops with guest artists (ages 14+), Seated dance and exercise for individuals with reduced mobility (all ages) as well as Yoga and Tai Chi for all ages. All activities are open to the public.
Click here to find out more.
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TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ZERO STAMP DUTY? DRESS YOUR HOUSE TO IMPRESS!
According to new research by regulated property buyers, Good Move, it takes people, on average, just 16.5 minutes to view a potential property. So, for those looking to sell their home, they don’t have long to leave a good and lasting impression. Here are their top 5 tips to help you dress your house to impress!
Click here for the 5 Top Tips!
MAJOR LEICESTER LOCOMOTIVE COLLECTION TO BE AUCTIONED IN AID OF HERITAGE RAILWAY
Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough is offering for sale an extensive collection of over 70 locomotives in their upcoming Live Steam auction, which due to Covid-19, will take place as an online-only auction on Tuesday 18th August.
The collection forms part of the estate of Kenneth ‘Mike’ Abbott and includes locomotives made by many leading model train companies. It is rare for a collection of this scope to come to auction and the proceeds of the sale have been bequeathed to the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway. All lots will be offered without reserve.
Read more on this here.
GETTING BACK INTO THE NEW NORMAL AND RETURNING TO WORK
As the country continues to ease itself into the ‘new normal’ with the reopening of shops, bars and restaurants, companies large and small are looking to begin welcoming their staff back to the office space with a phased return. While this may be welcome news for some who may have found it difficult in adjusting to working from home, leading Midlands mental health charity, Living Well UK is focusing on helping those whose may be experiencing concerns or worries around the transition.
Qualified in integrative psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, Holly Beedon, clinical lead at Living Well UK, has pulled together her six top tips that could help employees struggling to adapt to returning to work.
Read them here.
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE…
Be kind whenever possible.
It is always possible.
– Dalai Lama
