I was pleased to see that, at long last, the pavement on Tuffley Crescent that was closed due to works to a property, has been fixed and reopened
I have been in touch with Highways several times over this issue so I am pleased that it has now been done.
I’ve called for this vegetation on the Podsmead side of Cole Avenue to be cut back a little, and Highways have agreed to do it.
This will make it easier for pedestrians to use the path.
Podsmead business Into Cleaning have prepared this handy guide to cleaning your property or premises during Covid-19.
For advice about cleaning methods and products do visit their website, call 0800 0337470, or email sales@intocleaning.co.uk
Coronavirus – A Cleaning Guide
Prior To Opening And Resuming Services – Has a risk assessment been carried out?
• Are the most current HSE guidelines being followed?
• Were fridges left for prolonged periods and have these been cleaned out and expired contents disposed of?
• Has any stagnant/still water been disposed of? Areas of concern will be water fountains/dispensers, tea kettles and urns, showers etc.
• Were all feminine hygiene bins serviced and waste bins emptied and cleaned if necessary?
• Are hand dryers still operational? Guidelines would suggest where possible to replace hand dryers with disposable paper towels. If this is done, provisions must be made in the form of a closed bin for disposal.
• Is there a need for extra signage to ensure staff and visitors are mindful of social distancing measures and extra hygiene requirements?
• Are cleaning services adequate for the site or are extra services required? Have provisions been made for areas/equipment to be cleaned while contract cleaners are not on site?
• Is there a supply of hand sanitiser and an anti-bacterial hand soap available?
• Are there any requirements for equipment handled by multiple members of staff to be cleaned?
• Has the use of a virisidal detergent for use by cleaning operatives and site staff been provided?
Safe Working Conditions
Are any changes implemented to help combat Covid19 easy to understand and follow?
• Are there clear guidelines and signs to encourage social distancing and awareness?
• Are work areas free of clutter to aid cleaning?
• Have provisions been made for extra attention in the form of using a virisidal detergent to be made to any touch points to help prevent the spread of infection?
• Have any unnecessary cloths/rags/sponges/mops that can harbour bacteria been disposed of and has cleaning using disposable cloths and industrial blue roll been considered?
• Are common areas/canteens big enough to accommodate staff and are adequate cleaning provisions in place?
• Is there enough stock available in the form of paper supplies (toilet rolls / handtowels / industrial blue roll for cleaning) hand soap and sanitiser on site?
Confirmed Case
Have you made provisions with a specialist contract cleaner in the event of a confirmed cased of Covid19?
Useful Links
https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/assets/docs/working-safely-guide.pdf
https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/assets/docs/talking-with-your-workers.pdf
On May 31st 1900, 120 years ago, Gloucester Library on Brunswick Road was formally opened. According to the ‘Gloucester Book of Days’:
‘The library was opened by Lord Avebury, who said in his speech that, now there was a place in the city holding so many treasures, ‘no-one in Gloucester need ever be dull again’. This assertion was greeted by loud applause’. (‘Gloucester Book of Days’ page 154).
Gloucester’s libraries are missed by many at the moment, and we know that they are working hard to reopen when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, there are many resources available for free from the library website.
You can buy the ‘Gloucester Book of Days’ as an ebook here.
It’s good to hear that some local businesses are reopening after Covid-19.
Idun Spirit will reopen from June 1st in their superb new premises on Westgate Street. Do pay them a visit and restock your supplies of incense, crystals, vegan body lotion or wash, essential oils or any of the other great products they carry.
They will be operating under stringent social distancing measures to keep customers safe.
Find out more about opening hours and their Coronavirus policy on their website here.
We wish them lots of luck in their new location!
With leaflet delivery still not possible due to the pandemic, I have been producing these photo Spotlight newsletters instead.
They show a small selection of the work I am doing for Podsmead.
Recently I cycled to the three Podsmead play areas – Scott Avenue, Milton Avenue and Tuffley Park.
I had received reports that the play areas were still being used and wanted to check that there were signs up. I was able to confirm that there are signs up at all three areas.
I have, though, asked the council to put some more up as there are only a few in some areas, particularly the Milton Avenue area. I also asked why there weren’t signs up on the Scott Avenue basketball court and was told that following the latest government advice, basketball courts can be used by family groups plus one other person as long as they socially distance.
Official guidance remains that parks are open but the play equipment is not. Covid-19 can remain on surfaces, particularly metal, for several days, so it is a risk to use the play equipment.
As Gloucester City Council manages over 200 play areas it is virtually impossible to police them adequately.
We have to rely on the public using their common sense, and sharing the message that the parks can be used but not the play areas.
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With guidance still encouraging people to stay at home, we all need to keep doing our bit.
There are lots of online resources to keep yourself occupied. Here are 10 links to free things:
1. Links to streams of classical music and opera can be found on the Guardian here.
2. Free ebooks and magazines from the library here.
3. Government education resources can be found here.
4. Audible are streaming a number of books for free. Details here.
5. See my article for a great guide on how to keep fit and healthy during the lockdown. Thanks to Gloucestershire Youth Support Team for sharing.
6. Free recipes on BBC Food.
7. Interesting essays and articles on tech and books on Kevin Kelly’s website.
8. The blog of author Tim Ferriss has some great links. He sends out a weekly email of things that have interested him.
9. Colouring heroes on Facebook have lots of free resources for children to colour in.
10. Lots of free quizzes for children can be found on the CBeebies website.
And finally – please send me your ideas of any other free resources!
with thanks to Gloucestershire Youth Support Team for this article
“Yet for all this, nature is never spent”……wrote the poet G.M. Hopkins.
With the current, necessary restrictions to fight COVID-19, keeping fit and physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy is more important than ever before.
Exercising in nature can confer many of these health benefits a few of which are conveyed in this
Gyms and fitness clubs are closed but our green spaces are still accessible so why not use your once daily permitted time away from home to exercise in the outdoors. Below are a few tips you might find useful.
Explore your local area
Grab a map, log into Google maps or download a smartphone app like ViewRanger, MemoryMap, RouteBuddy (only available with iPhones & iPads) or Ordnance Survey so you don’t get lost.
Download trails or make your own route up.
Find where those hidden lanes go, make and follow a route outline that looks like a dragon, or plan a fitness journey on quiet roads where you can practice hill reps, speed intervals or fartlek (look it up, not as silly as it sounds!) if you’re feeling fit without dodging people.
Dress for the weather
“There’s no such thing as bad weather; only bad clothes” as an old Scandinavian proverb puts it. Think in layers – what you wear next to your skin is most important.
Cotton will quickly get wet and chill you (Mountain Rescue refer to it as “Death Cloth” for this reason!), whilst synthetic and wool layers will help to wick moisture (sweat!) and keep you feeling dry.
Depending on the weather and how hard you’re exercising, put a warm layer and something light and windproof on top. Start off feeling cool – you’ll soon warm up – but think about if you have to stop for a long period.
Be visible to drivers
You don’t have to wear fluorescent kit with more lights than a Christmas tree, but light colours definitely make you more visible. large trucks or 4x4s may have difficulty seeing you – thinking of yourself as the invisible person trying to be seen may help . Pedestrians are most often hit when cars turn corners or a traffic light changes, so be especially careful at these places.
Connect
Hitting the beats through headphones can help motivate some people to exercise but means that you won’t be able to hear traffic or other dangers, turn them down.
Or off and…
Connect with your environment
Is that bird you hear – a Chiff-chaff or a Stonechat? (Clue – a chiff-chaff is a spring visitor and it’s call sounds like its name – chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff, until it trips over its own call; a stonechat sounds like two rocks being banged together…).
Listen to the wind whistling through your bike helmet or the sound of your tyres/feet on the gravel.
How many breaths does it take to walk 100m?
How many shades of green can you see?
What does the mud or dried leaves feel like as you pass through them?
Pick it up
“Progressive overload” is the technical term for training sessions progressively increasing on challenge as you adapt to training.
To get better and fitter, you need to challenge yourself – can you walk or run up that hill with less rests, or more weight, in a faster time than last week? Can you hold that stretch with better form and for longer?
It’s not just cardio work you can focus on outdoors – try adding resistance to strengthen muscles.You don’t have to run holding hefty rocks like a Royal Marines Commando Mountain Leader – try loading a rucksack and alternating running & walking with squats, lunges and jumps. You could use park benches or sturdy trees to replicate the exercises done in the gym.
Checkout “you are your own gym” or download the app for inspiration.
There’s lots of apps and smartwatches out there that will let you know how hard you’re working, how much recovery you need, what cadence you’re cycling at and even analyse your foot strike for more efficient running.
Without access to tech, if you’re exercising somewhere between “I can just about hold a brief conversation” to “I can just about utter a few words” you’ll get the most benefit out of your session.
Rest
Having one or two rest days – or at least lighter days is vital. It helps your recovery, prevents injury, helps prevent muscle fatigue and supports deep, healthy sleep.
If you exercise hard every day, not only will you not recover effectively, but you may find your motivation dips and your immune system isn’t as effective.
Rest is when your body adapts to exercise and repairs itself. Don’t feel guilty about taking a day off.
Have fun
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore – find something that motivates and interests you.
A good long hike? Yoga on the grass? Bouldering? Mountain Biking? Animal Flow in the park? Dancing like you don’t care in the garden? The Body Coach’s PE class, live from 9am on Youtube every weekday morning
Boost your immune system and get a hit of feel-good endorphins in these troubled times – but please be responsible and follow current social distancing guidance #FlattenTheCurve.
Health experts are encouraging people across Gloucestershire to look after their mental health and wellbeing during the current Covid-19 ‘lockdown’.
The physical health impacts of Covid-19 are well recognised, but anxiety about health, job security and finances, social isolation and changes in routines and family relationships can have an impact.
Tips on maintaining health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic include:
There are agencies and websites available to help:
Additional resources are also available at https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/covid-19-information-and-advice/advice-on-covid-19/looking-after-your-wellbeing/
Anyone struggling with their mental health or finding it difficult to cope with everyday life can also contact their GP surgery.
With thanks to Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire Community Help Hub for forwarding this information.