Dear All

Thanks to all those who have been in touch with me. My news is that my collar bone is showing definite signs of improvement and the the sling is being removed periodically so I can 'flex my wings' and move a little more freely.

The online shop is progressing nicely, Geoff is doing some very clever techie stuff and I have been in charge of gathering all of the images and writing the descriptions, as well as looking into postage options and figuring out how we might be able to safely offer collection eventually. I can't give an opening date yet but as soon as I know, I will let you know and I will publish news of offers in this newsletter.

I have a request from Paula who runs Pulp Fiction, the Vegetarian Cafe, as she is still trading by doing deliveries. She makes several products that are stored in glass jars and she is running out. Does anyone have any jam jars or glass jars with lids they could donate? You can contact Paula via her Facebook page at Pulp Fiction Future Food or give her a call on 0191 252 2205, as she can collect.

And so to the latest batch of resources, some are updates on previous ones as the information has been updated but lots of new ones too, so hopefully something for everyone.

Many of you have probably been enjoying a bit of seaside, which perhaps looks very different under lock down at whatever time of the day. The BBC have been producing some arts programmes and this one is all about the art deco influence of the 20's and 30's at the seaside https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p08bqpjb/culture-in-quarantine-exhibition-tours-2-art-deco-by-the-sea-the-exhibition?fbclid=IwAR2Pie24Uuu2SnuRiWofwM2ZvKe-2cCbAzMMvFSWuX9RmJhzdQUfJ4Rsbjk

If you are managing to get out into your garden or yard you might wish to get involved in the North East Bee Hunt, organised by the Natural History Society of Northumbria. It involves spotting and recording the bees you see. There is a bee identification sheet to down load and full details can be found here https://www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/activities/the-north-east-bee-hunt/?fbclid=IwAR38snYuqZ2EscBlND6jjIy8dIjlCMFL5Sk6Na0nt1bwZxyvJr4DDq0Qv30

This is my personal favourite and I will be taking part in Mass Observation of the current crisis. The mass observation archive records the every day lives in Britain. You may have seen the play Housewife 49 written by Victoria Wood, which featured her participation in the process set during the second World War. You can share your experience through writing or drawing and be part of this historic archive of life in Britain which first began in 1937. It is open to everyone so I encourage younger contributors to get involved, perhaps a family exercise that might be a good alternative to school work. Full details here http://www.massobs.org.uk/

More adventure films have been released from the Banff Mountain film festival, this weeks films will lead you deep into a Mexican jungle in search of the perfect waterfall drop, share the inspiring tale of a rebellious orphan in the foothills of the Himalaya, unveil an epic climbing duel between a Czech wonder kid and the King of sport climbing, take you mountain biking with your four legged friend and more! You can find them here
https://www.banff-uk.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR0zM0ORv3KnVsIhpYldsxePwp8KU6hCzOBfbEeLBpHAiQMKnv_tdC_60oQ

Do you love food but hate waste? If so then you can check out ways to help cut the waste and store things safely at https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/?fbclid=IwAR2FnS0I7bZFTIe73D193y1KTIYga9ARfwLZTpzI-C7vypiyRFqwWCa4La8

If you are concerned about face masks and how to make one this is the simplest no sew version I have seen other than tying a scarf. The video is in German, but I am sure 99.9% of people will see this is a super simple way to make one and who doesn't have an old T-shirt https://www.facebook.com/uwe.bornemann.9/videos/3782828221790870/?__tn__=%2CdCH-R-R&eid=ARDFM-mVl6q67oGsw4CPWfaz94xDIWrTy2TdgmSTAj-eTwRslGeA2s-hOcvbFtvz5eA5sOdHFYRkD5Lw&hc_ref=ARR5EzNmQZ45u3OKZp2JCJI47CS_Zi1pa9pQaZk7meMImCQ-WAbJyCPN_mIlRUW0fbU&fref=nf

Turn2us is a national charity that provides practical information and support to people facing financial crisis. Their website turn2us.org.uk and helpline support includes:

• Benefits Calculator so that people can work out what they are eligible for (coronavirus updated)

• Grants Search – containing over 1,700 charitable grants (searchable by profession, health condition, location and age)

• Information on benefits and grants (including additional rights due to coronavirus)

The helpline is available on 0808 802 2000

If you have any questions or concerns about your consumer rights at this time, please do visit the Which? Coronavirus consumer rights and advice hub at: https://www.which.co.uk/news/coronavirus/

This page brings together relevant news, advice, and community discussions on many issues related to Covid-19. This includes what people should do about cancelled travel arrangements, postponed events and insurance issues; right through to helping people to spot fake news and scams, how to manage their finances if they find themselves in an uncertain situation, and recommending technology to help them stay in touch with elderly and self-isolated friends and family.

North Tyneside’s Voluntary Organisation Development Agency (VODA) is doing a fantastic job supporting the voluntary and community sector of North Tyneside throughout this crisis. If you need support or want to offer your services please visit their website at: 
https://voda.org.uk/covid-19-informationcentre/

A big thanks must go to the Bay Food Bank who delivered their 30,000th food parcel this week. They are doing an extraordinary job in a very difficult environment. If you are able to help, they are gladly accepting donations or if you need a food parcel, more information can be found on their facebook page or you can call 0191 257 3820

Large numbers of people are self-isolating or are confined to their homes. It is vital that people with low or no digital skills can keep in touch with family and friends and access health services.

BT Skills for Tomorrow has free resources and information to help people with each of these challenges:
www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow

Key information includes:

• How to access GP services online – providing key information on how to find and register with your local GP surgery, apply for repeat prescriptions and look up health records online.

• How to use the NHS website – outlining how to make the most of the NHS website to find advice and local health services like GPs and hospitals online.

• Using public services online – how to understand what public services are available online, how use the GOV.UK government website and find local council services. This information can be found at:
https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow/daily-life/accessing-public-services.html

• Video calling – learn how to use video calling to connect with family and friends https://www.learnmyway.com/courses/video-calling

In order to assist home educators, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has made its extensive range of exciting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) activities and resources available, free to all children and parents.

The resources provide home-learning teaching resources and activities for primary and secondary schoolchildren, including lesson plans, handouts and videos. They aim to ensure children can continue to be engaged and kept busy learning while their school is closed.

The education materials can be accessed at: Primary:https://education.theiet.org/home-learning-resources-key-stage-1-and-2/

Secondary:https://education.theiet.org/home-learning-resources-key-stage-3-and-4/

The BBC has also produced a wealth of resources that can be accessed at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/live-lessons

For a list of frequently asked questions about schools and exams please see the government website here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

If you like the surrealist art of Salvador Dali you might enjoy exploring the Dali Theatre Museum
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=K5MKrKcfyRW&fbclid=IwAR2FL2QMSu1c4euPLbwYj3nno8OV5nNqjsZ9jJCQn7nNFODqTl7Ta5p_HmM

If you feel you are struggling with your mental health or know someone who is then this is an excellent list of resources from Time to Change
https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/mental-health-and-stigma/help-and-support

One of my favourite emails each week is a digest from Brain Pickings, which is a website dedicated to beautiful books and writing. I discovered it a long time ago and have been a firm fan ever since thanks to the varied thoughtful entries made by Maria Popova. Take a look or better still sign up for free and if you enjoy it you can make a donation
https://www.brainpickings.org/

Take care and stay safe

Gail Curry

Artist