Remembering Grenfell
With the 4 year anniversary last week, we continue to remember the lives that have been lost and pray for the hundreds of people who lived in the tower and were significantly impacted by this tragedy.
The Inquiry Panel has made the following statement:
“We know that this is a very difficult time for all those who have been affected by the fire which engulfed Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017. On this fourth anniversary of the tragedy the Panel and the whole of the Inquiry team offer their deepest sympathy to the bereaved, survivors and other members of the community whose lives were shattered by it. We shall continue to put every effort into uncovering the causes of the fire and remain determined to provide the answers which the community seeks.”
However, what started as a small kitchen fire in the early hours of the morning turned Grenfell into a tragic disaster engulfing the tower in flames and sadly, killing 72 people. The health and safety policy, which is transpires was non-existent, is a starting point to ensure that this kind of tragedy is not repeated.
Our Green and Pleasant Land
After lockdown anticipation and trepidation, that unforgettable holiday could be anywhere in the UK. As Boris Johnson announces that the lifting of all restrictions will now be moved to the 19th July 2021 pending a further review, has meant that the has continued to be UK a sought after holiday destination. But It is strange that because of a pandemic, the UK is fully booked where it was once the preferred destination for tourists rather than the British.
Yet, our country is undeniably beautiful with so much to offer that so many are only now discovering. Steeped in history, our cities have exceptional stories that unfold before us; the scenery to be seen across green and undulating hills or on the coast, is quite breathtaking, and now is the time to look inward to the UK. Our MD has been travelling across the UK and has provided us with a Top Ten List of super destinations.
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Newcastle - Historically, the city dates back at least 2,000 years but the city itself has now been bought up to date with exceptional restaurants, a super nightlife and with great access to breath-taking North Tyneside and Northumberland coastlines.
How does Your Garden Grow?
After a year of being in Lockdown, outside space of kind became extremely important and very much sought after. A report by the Office of National Statistics showed that "the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its behavioural impacts (including many people working from home and spending more time at home in general) may have had some effect on people's preferences for properties, increasing the focus on space - including outdoor space - and reducing the focus on proximity to offices." But it is the fact that outside space regardless of whether it is a balcony, court yard or garden was clearly at the top of the wish list for many tenants.
Research by Rightmove found that the priorities for both buyers and renters had similar skews towards properties with bigger gardens or access to one, and properties that were generally bigger by measure of square footage.
May 17th - Excitement and Trepidation all in One
The roadmap towards a full easing of Lockdown is underpinned by four key tests that are linked to data, which act like a checklist that must be met before moving on to the next step of reopening.
The tests determine whether the vaccine rollout is going as planned; vaccines are effective in bringing down deaths and hospitalisations; case numbers are not rising so fast that the NHS risks being overwhelmed; and new variants do not create unforeseen risks.
The Prime Minister confirmed on Friday that clusters of the Indian variant were evident in Bolton, Blackburn and Darwen, regions which have invited all adults aged 18 and over to receive the vaccine from May 17 in a bid to curb the spread. And although Covid cases and hospitalisations have continued to fall across the UK, the Indian variant poses a concern as it has spread three times faster than other imported strains. Public Health England figures show that the strain is now dominant in several Covid-19 hotspots in the North West of England.