Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown – the Life in Lockdown edition

Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown

On day 58 we get the chance to finish what we started on day 57; the Essex Life in Lockdown article inviting you to share your lockdown story. After that:

Consultation on Police Priorities,
Mental health awareness week,
- Mental health & wellbeing courses,
- Children’s Mental Health,
Garden Waste Collections,
Environment & Highways Meeting,
ECC COVID-19 Financial Impact,
As usual, some light relief.

The People of Essex – share your stories

The Research and Citizen Insight team at Essex County Council are reaching out to residents of Essex to hear their experiences and share stories of what it has been like for you during this extremely challenging time. How has COVID-19 and the lockdown has impacted your life, how you’ve been getting on, how you have managed to stay connected with friends, family and your community and how you’ve been feeling throughout the lockdown period? Continue reading “Day 58 of (is it?) Lockdown – the Life in Lockdown edition”

May 19, 2020May 19, 2020

Day 57 of (is it?) Lockdown – The Heinz edition

Day 57 of (is it?) Lockdown

Slim pickings in terms of news on day 57, just 2 items and one of those is incomplete. A little bit of trivia to start with. Heinz has always been known for its 57 varieties but even when it was first introduced in 19th Century Pittsburgh they had more than 60; Henry J Heinz simply thought 57 was a lucky number. Of course, Heinz now has over 5,700 varieties, read more here. The news:

Message from Hospital Trust about PPE;
How was it for you? Share your stories;
A selection of light relief, exercise indoors, confusing rules and a really good Jolene parody.

Continue reading “Day 57 of (is it?) Lockdown – The Heinz edition”

May 14, 2020May 14, 2020

Day 52 of Lockdown – the Bruce Forsyth edition

Day 52 and Bruce Forsyth

On day 52 we have a timely intervention from the legend that was Bruce Forsyth. Having grown up in feet & inches I (webmaster) despair at the number of people (of all ages), who really have no grasp of what 2 metres is. I’ve gathered my pet gripes together, I wonder how many you share:

on a narrow pavement, it is NOT OK to walk side-by-side when somebody is coming the other way.
it is also NOT OK for runners & cyclists to whizz past at speed barely 1-metre away.
if you and your household come across another household it is OK to socially distance on the same side of the path; that is much better than straddling both sides forcing others to run the 1-metre gauntlet.

Anyway, down to today’s news items: Continue reading “Day 52 of Lockdown – the Bruce Forsyth edition”

May 6, 2020May 9, 2020

Day 44 of Lockdown – the Stress edition

Day 44 of Lockdown

On day 44 we start with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) being worried about stress levels during Lockdown. We then have two complementary articles from ECC and CBC about VE 75th anniversary and, as ever, end with some things to do and a little light relief.

Look after your mental wellbeing while working at home

During the coronavirus outbreak, it’s important to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home.

Stress affects us all at different times and in different ways. It can cause Continue reading “Day 44 of Lockdown – the Stress edition”

April 29, 2020May 3, 2020

Day 37 of Lockdown – the Captain Tom edition

Captain Tom Moore with Yorkshire Regt honours

Day 37 of Lockdown

Our Day 37 edition of Lockdown updates features a tribute to the inspirational Captain Tom who turns 100 tomorrow. Other news, starting with two pieces from ECC:

First a song for Captain Tom: Continue reading “Day 37 of Lockdown – the Captain Tom edition”

April 23, 2020April 23, 2020

Day 31 of Lockdown – the Baked Potato edition

Day 31 of Lockdown

Day 31 sees a couple of serious announcements, two new or updated initiatives for things to do during the lockdown and a Matt Lucas special.

ECC is still desperate for more PPE – can you help?
Colchester Cemetery reopens.
Essex Youth Service offers lots of new opportunities.
Fitness classes for all ages.
Matt Lucas’ Baked Potato Song & soft toy!

More PPE Needed!

Essex companies have donated unopened and unwanted stocks of Personal Protective Equipment. This PPE will support those working in adult and children social care across Essex. While Continue reading “Day 31 of Lockdown – the Baked Potato edition”

April 22, 2020April 22, 2020

Day 30 of Lockdown – the Hands Washing Hands edition

Day 30 of Lockdown

On day 30, Essex County Council turns its’ attention to the technology our children might be using during the lockdown. We have official confirmation that the NEEB Holdings appeal has been postponed. Finally Neil Diamond asks you to join him in song.

Every Family Matters – ECC Announcement

Technology can provide young people with a window to the world, offering them lots of different opportunities to learn new things, have fun and stay in touch with friends and family.

Staying connected is important right now and if your child is not currently at school, you might find they are spending more time online at home, playing games, scrolling through social media, or chatting to friends.

Hidden Dangers

Continue reading “Day 30 of Lockdown – the Hands Washing Hands edition”

April 21, 2020April 21, 2020

Day 29 of Lockdown – The Homeschool Edition

Day 29 of Lockdown

Day 29, four weeks under our belt, and who knows how many more to go? The main news item today is the expansion of Home Education support including a remote laptop scheme. Other news items include:

Online Education Resources

Essex County Council is supporting a government campaign to help families access online educational materials. The Department for Education (DfE) recently announced further support for schools, families and young people during the current school closures.

This includes the launch of Continue reading “Day 29 of Lockdown – The Homeschool Edition”

April 10, 2020April 10, 2020

Day 18 of Lockdown – What to do for Easter Edition

Day 18 of Lockdown

Given that we can’t meet up with friends or travel for pleasure, day 18 focusses quite a bit on Easter activities. There are also a few more serious bits. As usual, we start with the serious bits with the fun stuff at the end.

Easter Message from Cllr David Finch.
Sometimes if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it isn’t a duck – who’d’a’thought?
Avoid Lighting Bonfires – pretty please!
Support for Local Businesses.
Museums From Home – kids’ activities.
Outdoors Indoors.
Virtual Easter Egg Hunt.

Easter message from Cllr David Finch

Thank you for staying home and saving lives.

The last few weeks have been challenging for everyone. Whether you are a key worker, or staying at home juggling work, childcare and home-schooling, I want to thank every single person who is complying with the current restrictions and social distancing guidelines. You really are helping to protect our NHS and save lives. Continue reading “Day 18 of Lockdown – What to do for Easter Edition”

April 8, 2020June 8, 2020

Day 16 of Lockdown – “There’s a Lot Going On” Edition

Day 16 of Lockdown

Day 16 of Lockdown and there’s definitely a lot going on. We have updates from the ECC, CBC, Essex Police and more. Let’s get started:

CBC has issued an announcement making it clear that this weekend is critical to “flatten the curve”, as the picture (right) says!
CBC are to restart recycling collections but on a new rota. Garden waste & textile collections remain suspended.
ECC issue advice on helping you to support your child’s mental wellbeing.
Essex Libraries see a large uptick in eBook and eAudio use – you can join online.
Meanwhile, Essex Police have also been busy.

Residents urged to heed advice and stay at home as weather is set to improve

With the weather expected to turn increasingly Spring-like over the weekend, residents are being reminded to follow advice to stay at home, protect lives and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Continue reading “Day 16 of Lockdown – “There’s a Lot Going On” Edition”