Herald - Issue 396

v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 29TH OCTOBER v 8th October 2020 • The HERALD • Page 61 Poets Corner PART TIME SCHOOL RUN DRIVERS REQUIRED We are currently looking for new drivers to fill rewarding, part time roles in our busy, family run business. We specialise in transporting disabled and vulnerable children and young adults with a range of special needs to school’s across Hampshire. All applicants must be physically fit, 100% reliable and punctual with a pleasant attitude towards others. A New Forest District Council Private Hire License would be an advantage, however, we can help you obtain this. In return we offer good rates of pay and a reliable and well maintained company vehicle. Our working days are Monday-Friday and approximately 17-20 hours per week during term times. These position may suit retired or semi-retired persons but all applicants are welcome. To enquire in the first instance, please email: tccsoton@gmail.com HERALD RECRUITMENT I have a good friend; she’s made me a mask, For these strange times, what more could one ask? But alas when I look around, I’m confused, At those who know not how they should be used! If they are disposable, wear and discard, You can’t be frugal, but be on your guard. They could be full of bugs you can’t see, Don’t just toss them away with impunity! If made of material, then after each use, Be sure to give them a jolly good sluice. And remember a mask is just for you. Don’t think of one mask being shared by two! They should cover the mouth, also the nose, To protect each other, so keep on your toes. Don’t leave them tucked under the chin, Or hung from one ear, that’s really quite grim! We’ll fight this pandemic and win through, We’ll stick to the rules as we know we should do. Brighter days and better ways, we will see, But for today we live obediently! Masked or Unmasked? by Dorothy Lockyer Hampshire residents are being urged to continue coming forward for testing if they have one or more of the three main symptoms of Coronavirus. Councillor Keith Mans, Leader of the County Council and chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said: “We know that due to high demand, some Hampshire residents are experiencing delays in securing a test via the national booking system, or getting their results back, but it’s imperative that anyone with symptoms absolutely must come forward to get tested as this will help to stop the spread of the virus. “It is equally important that those who do not have symptoms, refrain from booking a test – as this is pushing demand higher than it needs to be and could limit the opportunity for people who really need one. A recent survey at testing sites suggests around a quarter of people who have accessed tests did not have symptoms. “While the number of confirmed cases in Hampshire remains relatively low compared with the England average, the delays some people are experiencing is a serious concern, and we therefore want to do all we can to support local residents to secure a test quickly and easily – we will continue therefore to urge Government for greater local control over local Test and Trace capacity.” When to get a test Only book a test if you have one of the three main symptoms of the virus or are advised to do so by NHS Test and Trace. Do not book a test if you have returned from a quarantined country unless you have symptoms. How to get a test Book online or by calling 119 from 8am. Do not call NHS 111 as this is for other health and medical issues. When booking online make sure you complete the form in full. is includes confirming that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions. You will then be sent a QR code which is required to enter the testing site. What to do if you are having difficulty booking a test site near you Keep trying – more tests are made available throughout the day. If you are o ered a test a long distance from home (up to 75 miles), and you are not able to travel via private transport, consider continuing to self-isolate at home until a test more local to you becomes available. Hampshire residents booking a test will generally be o ered one at either the regional testing site, currently located at Southampton Airport, or at one of a number of local testing locations across the county. In addition, three mobile testing units are currently in operation and can be diverted to where there is greatest need. The County Council is also looking at the best options for developing more walk-in testing facilities for the public. COVID-19 Testing – a Hampshire Update Sands United FC Solent has been recognised by the Hampshire FA with an Award for Grassroots Club of the Year 2020. e FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards are a way to celebrate the fantastic individuals who put their heart and soul into the grassroots game across England – and say a huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who inspire us all. Sands United FC is part of Sands (Stillbirth and neonatal death charity) and is a unique way for anyone a ected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby to come together through a shared love of sport and nd a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their grief when they’re ready. e players also commemorate their babies’ all too brief lives by proudly displaying their names on their home and away shirts. Peter Moseley, founder and manager of Sands United FC Solent, said: “Whilst completely unexpected, the award is testament to the hard work and commitment of every one of our members. The beauty of Sands United lies in a network of guys supporting one another and it is our hope that the recognition brought by this award will help us reach more families in our area affected by the loss of a baby. “In our short existence, we have been fortunate to make some lasting friendships in the wider football community and we are particularly grateful to Fleetlands FC and all of the clubs that we have played that have raised funds and made donations to Sands. We are also grateful to the Gosport, Fareham and Solent League and to all at Hampshire FA for being great supporters of our cause and for helping us get off the ground.” A spokesperson for the Hampshire FA said: “Sands United FC Solent have created an extended community and welcomed families who are going through these extremely difficult times. During the public nomination stage of the awards, they received comments saying how the club, through supporting men who are grieving, will continue to save lives across the Solent. The award is Local Sands United Football Team Proud to Win Hampshire FA Award completely deserving and we couldn’t be prouder.” Sands United FC Solent were founded in March 2019 and currently support over 50 men through their weekly football sessions and a support group on Facebook. e club competes in the Gosport, Fareham and Solent League and have resumed playing together again as the 2020/21 season begins and the COVID-19 lockdown eases. Sands United teams also make a di erence by raising vital funds to help Sands achieve its vision of a world where fewer babies die and when a baby does die, anyone a ected receives the best possible care and support for as long as it’s needed. Anyone who wants to join or contact the team can nd them on Facebook or Twitter. Small Price Increase for Hampshire School Meals A small increase of 10 pence has been agreed by Hampshire County Council, comes into e ect from November 2020. Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services and Young People, Councillor Patricia Stallard said: “We’re very proud of the high standard of school meals that our catering service (HC3S) provides - using good quality British produce. A healthy lunch at school contributes significantly to a child’s wellbeing and their capacity to learn, through to the end of the school day.” e 10 pence increase is being introduced to meet the rising cost of providing school meals, and takes the price per meal to £2.50. She continued: “I am keen that school meals remain affordable, but we must balance this against the increasing cost of providing those meals. Mainly this comes from the ever-increasing cost of ingredients. In addition, HC3S is actively supporting the County Council’s climate change programme and whilst changes such as sourcing alternatives to single-use plastic are projected to incur slightly higher costs, it is certainly the right thing to do in a climate emergency.” Around 12 million healthy school meals were served in Hampshire’s primary and secondary schools last year. All HC3S school meals meet the Department for Education’s rules for healthy school dinners and HC3S has worked with schools, pupils and parents for over 30 years, to create menus that are varied and follow the guiding principles of healthy eating. Menus also adhere to the Hyperactive Children’s Support Group’s recommendations to remove over 70 additives and colourings that could a ect children’s behaviour. e decision to increase the school meal price was taken at the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services and Young People Decision Day (16th September 2020). You can read the School Meals Decision Report online at www.hants.gov.uk/ councilmeeting