We’ve all been in lockdown for a few weeks now, and while it’s incredible to think that simply by staying on the sofa, you’re contributing to the health and well-being of millions of people; it can - at times - feel a little relentless. Happily, the world is full of wonderful people doing amazing things at the moment; sure to bring a smile to your face if you’re having a grey day.
Good news stories: Rainbows, baking and fundraising
by Amy RountreeRainbows, rainbows everywhere
Hailed as a universal symbol of hope, rainbows and messages of love and support have been popping up in household windows all over the UK and elsewhere. Largely (but not exclusively) created by children, the rainbows are intended to bring cheer and a little bit of joy to passers-by, as well as show support to key workers.
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You'll never walk alone
When a pensioner nearing triple figures decides that he needs to take action to raise money for NHS charities; this is not simply a person ‘doing their bit’. Captain Tom Moore’s decision to complete 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday truly captured the hearts of the nation, and provided a rallying point for people to gather behind. To date, Capt Tom has raised a mind-boggling £29million for NHS charities, and that figure is still rising!
Among those inspired by Tom’s example is Tobias Weller, a very determined nine-year-old boy from Sheffield, who plans to complete a marathon (walking 750m per day) by the end of May.
Love thy neighbour
Many of us are helping out family and friends where we can, but one lucky man in Newcastle has the good fortune of living next door to a former MasterChef contestant.
Anthony O’Shaughnessy has been feeding Peter, his elderly neighbour, daily, and gives him a call each day to let him know what will be on the menu. After sharing some snaps of the food he’s been cooking for Peter, Anthony said he was overwhelmed by the response, adding that Peter has told him that he looks forward to their calls every day.
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Going coal-free
The sunny weather, plus lockdown restrictions has meant that the UK has managed to avoid using coal-generated electricity for the longest stretch of time since the Industrial Revolution.
To date, the UK has managed to avoid using coal for just over 18 days which is the longest uninterrupted period since 1882. At the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak, experts predicted a fall in CO2 emissions globally, and there are encouraging signs that their predictions may come to fruition.
The UK is a leader in clean growth energy. The ?? has:
⚡️not relied on coal-generated electricity for a full week this year, for the 1st time since the 1880s, according to @ng_eso
?️ the largest concentration of offshore wind energy in the ? ?#GreenisGREAT pic.twitter.com/DAOzUF3gih— Department for International Trade (@tradegovuk) October 17, 2019
The Great Global Bake Off
Partly to keep busy, and partly because most of us are seeking comfort during an unsettling time, there has been a noted rise in baking globally. Despite a national shortage of flour, thousands of people have sought refuge in their kitchens to whip up stacks of delicious baked goods.
Top of the heap is banana bread, and for the confident baker who prefers more of a challenge, it’s the sourdough loaf.
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