{"id":626975,"date":"2021-06-28T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/?p=626975"},"modified":"2021-06-28T08:34:57","modified_gmt":"2021-06-28T07:34:57","slug":"summer-sizzlers-guides-for-enjoying-summer-holidays-the-nicer-weather-check-it-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/summer-sizzlers-guides-for-enjoying-summer-holidays-the-nicer-weather-check-it-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Sizzlers Guides! For Enjoying Summer, Holidays &#038; the Nicer Weather! Check It Out !"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Putt Club launches motorsport themed indoor Crazy Golf at London Docklands&#8230; Gather your clubs as Putt Club launched its second London venue on the 11th June 2021<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-656299\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/putt.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"591\" height=\"137\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With motorsport themed holes designed to offer an experience like no other, your local day out just got a hole lot more fun! Putt Club takes hold of TeamSport\u2019s expertise of operating first class leisure venues and collaborated with one of the UK\u2019s top theatrical set designers to offer players a totally unique and immersive experience. All the holes are designed to test your skill, sense of humour, and provide numerous opportunities for interaction between players and surprises. Once players have mastered the course, other offerings include a relaxing bar area with cocktails, pimped up Slushies for the kids and a range of delicious pizzas and sharing plates.<\/p>\n<p>Putt Club is the latest unique indoor crazy golf experience with 3 venues in the UK, operated by TeamSport, the UK\u2019s leading indoor karting operator, Putt Club will conveniently sit by the TeamSport track in Herringham Rd, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE7 8NJ to create the ultimate day out destination for all families, mates and dates!<br \/>\nIndoor crazy golf is growing in popularity and TeamSport is looking forward to welcoming Londoners to Putt Club. Whether you\u2019re coming with friends, family, or looking to hire the venue exclusively there are a wide range of party packages and catering available for the little kids and big kids. Prices start at just \u00a39 for kids (aged 5+) and \u00a311 for adults and bookings from the 11th June can be made online at www.putt-club.co.uk\/london-docklands\/<br \/>\nDominic Gaynor, CEO of the TeamSport Group, said; \u201cWith the growing popularity of crazy golf in the UK, we opened our first indoor crazy golf course in 2019, branded Putt Club. We are pushing ahead with plans to open more Putt Club\u2019s this summer. London Docklands is our next opening at the beginning of June and will be our 3rd location. We have invested in creating a huge golf arena and can\u2019t wait to welcome customers back so they can experience it for themselves. The course is full of unexpected twists, interactive turns, and endless amounts of laughter.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>How has COVID19 Changed Furniture Sales?<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/furn.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"597\" height=\"434\" \/><br \/>\nWith many of us avoiding social contact amidst the COVID-19 guidelines, MY Furniture have made it easy for customers to still have a full shopping experience without leaving home.<\/p>\n<p>With the onset of the Global Pandemic, every business has been affected and required to make changes in order to adhere to guidelines and make their products safely available to their customers in order to keep trading.<\/p>\n<p>MY Furniture, retailers of a wide range of luxury, high-quality furniture throughout Europe, online and also via their retail outlets in Nottingham and London, adapted to the situation by firstly introducing a Video Call Facility, so their customers from all over Europe can find the product they would like to see in more detail without leaving home.<\/p>\n<p>To access this facility, there is a &#8216;Request Video Call&#8217; button on the website which can be clicked and a member of the MY Furniture team calls back at a suitable date and time to show the customer their desired item. What&#8217;s more, customers can even choose between FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp to ensure the contact is made via their favourite App.<\/p>\n<p>As a result of introducing the Video Call facility they have boosted their export sales into Europe, as anyone can now visit their showroom virtually!<\/p>\n<p>Secondly, MY Furniture introduced an appointments system rather than an open door policy so they can control the flow of customers into their showrooms. In addition, all their deliveries were handled by couriers who delivered only to the front door and not inside the property. These changes have resulted in an increase in their online business by 30% and a noticeable increase in older people buying online who would previously not have shopped this way.<\/p>\n<p>MY Furniture have also been able to hire more people within their business, unlike many other businesses who have had to furlough workers or even make redundancies. They are also welcoming foreign nationals into their business and offering opportunities to workers from across Europe, with further planned job opportunities in the coming months.<\/p>\n<p>The entire MY Furniture range is available at www.my-furniture.com, with fast and reliable delivery throughout the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands and Sweden.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Inject some colour with a<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Designer Radiator<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/tt-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"994\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When adding colour to a room, the obvious options are to paint the walls or accessorise with bold soft furnishings, but why not consider the heating too? Gone are the days of standard white boxes on the wall, today&#8217;s designs come in every colour of the rainbow, not to mention metallic and even mirrored finishes.<\/p>\n<p>MOD-U Designer Radiator in Anodized Colour Finishes, from \u00a31,800.00<\/p>\n<p>Be Bold with Colour<\/p>\n<p>The Radiator Centre have a great range of designer radiators in bold exciting colours, shapes and designs, making it easy to create a statement with your heating. The MOD-U radiator shown above is a great example, with it&#8217;s mosaic-like structure. Created from 10cm cubes of aluminium, it is available in a range of colours and two sizes. Customers may choose just one radiator or put together a collection to create their own personalised &#8216;artwork&#8217; design, as with the four pictured above.<\/p>\n<h3>Thank You Gifts for Teachers<\/h3>\n<p>It won\u2019t be the usual \u2018end of term\u2019 celebration for many school children and teachers this year, but most students will want to say thank you in the usual way with a teacher gift \u2013 especially those who are leaving Primary or High School for the final time.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s to say thank you to teachers who have taught children throughout lockdown, or a show of appreciate to a teacher that has supported home working, www.perfumedirect.com has got some A-star end of term gift ideas that are a thoughtful way to say a big thank you to all of the UK\u2019s hard working staff in education.<\/p>\n<p>Under \u00a320<\/p>\n<p>DKNY Be Delicious, \u00a318.49 (save \u00a321.51 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627141\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/defff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"288\" height=\"254\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Things have certainly moved on since the days of taking a shiny apple into school for your favourite teacher \u2013 but this \u2018apple shaped\u2019 bottle of perfume is a scrumptious way to say thank you.<\/p>\n<p>DKNY Be Delicious is a modern, juicy fragrance combining the scent of apple with a sophisticated blend of exotic flowers and sensual woods, encapsulated in a sleek metal and glass apple shaped bottle.<\/p>\n<p>Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers, \u00a39.99 (save \u00a321.51 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Gift teachers with flowers that will last until the next school year with Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers perfume.<\/p>\n<p>The epitome of sunshine in a bottle, with a beautiful blend of floral and citrus scents, this is a sparkling fragrance for everyday wear.<\/p>\n<p>Paul Smith Extreme, \u00a319.99 (save \u00a315.01 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Mont Blanc Legend, \u00a316.99 (save \u00a311.51 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Many children look up to the teachers \u2018as legends\u2019 \u2013 helping them to develop and be the best they can be. Mont Blanc Legend is a lovely named perfume for any male teacher.<\/p>\n<p>Under \u00a330<\/p>\n<p>Calvin Klein Eternity, \u00a323.99 (save \u00a330.01 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Calvin Klein Eternity is a true classic and a great way to say thank you to hard working teachers. It opens with notes of mandarin and freesia, delivers a stunning bouquet of beautiful flowers with lily of the valley, jasmine and carnation, with a dry down of sandalwood and amber.<\/p>\n<p>Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum, \u00a324.99 (save \u00a318.01 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Opening with luminous green top notes full of glittering radiance, the heart of rich and exotic tiger orchid lends a creamy seductiveness to the fragrance. Jimmy Choo has lingering sensual base notes of sweet toffee melt with Indonesian patchouli to leave a subtle, sensual memory on the skin. The textured glass bottle is inspired by Murano glass.<\/p>\n<p>Calvin Klein Euphoria Men, \u00a324.99 (save \u00a322.01 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Euphoria by Calvin Klein is a refreshing, woody fragrance for men containing ginger, pepper, black basil, sage, cedar, amber, patchouli, Brazilian redwood and suede.<\/p>\n<p>Great Value Classic Scent Gift Sets<\/p>\n<p>Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue Gift Set with Body Lotion, \u00a322.99 (save \u00a325.01 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Davidoff Cool Water Woman Gift Set with Shower Gel and Body Lotion, \u00a319.99 (save \u00a39.01 off the RRP) from www.perfumedirect.co.uk<\/p>\n<h3>GOD SAVE OUR GRACIOUS CLEAN<\/h3>\n<h3>UK\u2019S CLEANING EXPERTS COMMISSION TRIBUTE PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN IN RED WINE<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627136\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/immm.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"294\" height=\"198\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A portrait of Her Majesty the Queen has been crafted out of red wine as a tribute to the monarch\u2019s full-bodied response to lockdown.<\/p>\n<p>Artist Fanny Gough crafted the stunning likeness using Dr Beckmann\u2019s hugely popular Carpet Stain Remover, fashioning the Queen\u2019s face out of a red wine stain on her own carpet.<\/p>\n<p>The two-square-metre portrait was commissioned after lockdown led to sales spikes of both red wine and Dr Beckmann\u2019s best-selling product.<\/p>\n<p>Artist Fanny Gogh rose to fame after winning BBC TV show \u2018Home is Where the Art is\u2019 and later created portraits of BBC Breakfast presenters Dan Walker and Louise Minchin out of breakfast items like egg, tea, ketchup and brown sauce.<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cI have painted with beer, wine and coffee in the past so I am used to working in this medium. I loved the idea of creating a portrait of the Queen out of red wine and using Dr Beckmann\u2019s Carpet Stain Remover as my paintbrush. It was a real challenge but I\u2019m really pleased with the results.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Susan Fermor from Dr Beckmann said: \u201cWhy the Queen? Well, quite simply because she has been a stalwart during lockdown \u2013 not only has she aged like a fine wine but she\u2019s rallied the country just when it needed it, she\u2019s been dependable and formidable \u2013 just like a great red wine.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe wanted to pay tribute to the Queen in a way only Dr Beckmann could. So we\u2019ve commissioned Fanny to create a stunning portrait using our Carpet Stain Remover on a red wine stain, because demand for our products has risen almost in line with extra demand for red wine from consumers during lockdown.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe hope fans of Dr Beckmann and red wine aficionados will both enjoy the casual sophistication and elegant structure of a portrait with a bold finish.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bosses at Dr Beckmann\u2019s UK factory in Bolton, Lancashire, reported \u201cunprecedented\u2019 demand for their cleaning products from consumers worried about coronavirus throughout quarantine.<\/p>\n<p>And much of that extra demand has come because consumers have been spending so much more time at home &#8211; fears over cleanliness surrounding coronavirus combined with the inevitable knock-on of more activity in homes across the UK.<\/p>\n<p>Demand for Dr Beckmann Carpet Stain Remover has increased by 377% year-on-year and the latest IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index reveals that online sales in wine and spirits climbed 94.9% year-on-year &#8211; triple the rate vs the market &#8211; against a backdrop of all online retail growing to a 12-year high, up 32.7%.<\/p>\n<p>Since lockdown started the company has released three new products; Power Foaming Toilet Cleaner, Pet Stain Remover and Quick Wash Booster \u2013 with consumer demand setting new records!<\/p>\n<p>Watch Fanny bring The Queen to life in her carpet masterpiece here- we.tl\/t-orrtK92CZV<\/p>\n<p><strong>IWC LAUNCHES \u201cBORN OF A DREAM\u201d SHORT FILM FEATURING TOM BRADY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627134\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/brady.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"226\" \/><br \/>\n\u201cBorn of a Dream: A boy from San Mateo\u201d premieres 9th July 2020<\/p>\n<p>Content is free to use and free of copyright restrictions, includes<br \/>\nExclusive Broadcast Quality GVs from the film and interview with Tom Brady<\/p>\n<p>July 9, 2020: Today sees the premiere of a short film project by IWC Schaffhausen, titled: \u201cBorn of a Dream: A boy from San Mateo.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The short film depicts IWC brand ambassador Tom Brady, one of the most accomplished professional athletes of all time, as he pursues his childhood dream and becomes a champion quarterback. The inspiring story of Brady, who fought with passion and determination and never gave up despite many obstacles, emphasises the core values at the heart of the IWC brand since American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones founded the company more than 150 years ago.<\/p>\n<p>In \u201cBorn of a Dream: A boy from San Mateo,\u201d Danish director Rune Milton takes the audience on a visually stunning and captivating ride to some of the most significant milestones in Brady\u2019s life and early career. Depicting his humble beginnings as a young boy with a big dream in his hometown of San Mateo, California, the film follows Brady as he plays college football at the University of Michigan, and rises to the top of the National Football League.<\/p>\n<p>Brady\u2019s path to the NFL reflects his hard work and commitment to pursuing his childhood dream. After being drafted by the New England Patriots as the 199th pick of the 2000 NFL draft, he led the team to six Super Bowl championships and 17 Division titles, more than any other quarterback in NFL history. After 20 years with the New England Patriots, this season he will embark on his next chapter with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady is not only a world-class athlete and modern-day icon, but also a connoisseur of Haute Horlogerie, with a collection that comprises several IWC watches, including the iconic Portugieser Perpetual Calendar. He has been a global IWC brand ambassador since 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Brady\u2019s passion and dedication in pursuing his dream also resonate with the core values of the IWC brand. The story of IWC Schaffhausen began in 1868 with Florentine Ariosto Jones, a 27-year-old watchmaker from Boston who dreamed of combining modern manufacturing methods from his homeland with the craftsmanship of Swiss watchmakers. Just like Brady on his path to the NFL, Jones never gave up despite the many obstacles he faced while working to accomplish his dream. His bold vision and unique engineering approach to watchmaking live on in IWC\u2019s manufacturing centre and in every single timepiece from the Schaffhausen factory.<\/p>\n<p>Tom Brady says:<br \/>\n\u201cRight when we got the idea for this project \u2013 I loved it. It is one of the most unique things I\u2019ve done, and it brought up a lot of different emotions and memories. The production was incredible, and the parallel to IWC\u2019s brand history spoke to a lot of different core beliefs that I have. F.A. Jones took on his dreams with the support of others, but in his mind, he was going to make it happen no matter what. I have always said that if you don\u2019t believe in yourself, then why would anyone believe in you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Franziska Gsell, Chief Marketing Officer at IWC Schaffhausen, added:<br \/>\n\u201cTom Brady always believed in himself, surmounted all obstacles and finally accomplished his dream. His story is exemplary not just for athletes or entrepreneurs, but it\u2019s a reminder that if we set our minds to it, we all have the strength to achieve what we want. The same powerful message has also been at the very heart of IWC Schaffhausen since F.A. Jones founded our company more than 150 years ago. We hope that our short film project will entertain and inspire our audience.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627131\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/night.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"346\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/night.jpg 615w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/night-195x110.jpg 195w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>3 CUT RUM Cocktails to enjoy on World Rum Day &#8211; Saturday 11th July 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627129\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/rumm.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"496\" height=\"421\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The CUT RUM range is made up of three high quality, authentic rums available at an affordable price.<br \/>\nCreated using only the finest ingredients, CUT RUMS are all natural with no artificial flavours or sweeteners, resulting in rums which are balanced, spiced and full of flavour.<\/p>\n<p>The CUT RUM range adds a refreshing and interesting twist to many classic cocktails. We\u2019ve picked out three of the best to enjoy this National Rum Day, Saturday 11th July 2020<\/p>\n<p>CUT SPICED RUM Pineapple Express<\/p>\n<p>25ml CUT SPICED RUM<br \/>\n200ml Pineapple Juice<br \/>\nLime<br \/>\nGarnish: Pineapple Wedge &amp; Pineapple Leaf<\/p>\n<p>Add all ingredients to a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and pineapple leaf.<\/p>\n<p>CUT SPICED RUM RRP: \u00a325.99<br \/>\nAvailable from: Amazon, Asda, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange and Proof Drinks<\/p>\n<p>CUT SMOKED RUM Mojito<\/p>\n<p>60ml CUT SMOKED RUM<br \/>\n30ml Lime Juice<br \/>\n20ml Sugar Syrup<br \/>\n8 Mint Leaves<br \/>\nSoda Water<\/p>\n<p>Squeeze and clap mint in hands and add to a Highball glass. Add CUT SMOKED RUM, lime juice and sugar syrup.<br \/>\nFill the glass with crushed ice. Stir and top with soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint.<\/p>\n<p>CUT SMOKED RUM RRP: \u00a327.99 for 70cl. ABV: 40%.<br \/>\nAvailable from Asda, Amazon, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and Proof Drinks<\/p>\n<p>CUT OVERPROOF Son of a Beach<\/p>\n<p>30ml CUT OVERPROOF RUM<br \/>\n15ml Peach Liqueur<br \/>\n75ml Orange Juice<br \/>\n30ml Red Wine<br \/>\nGarnish: Sprig of mint and orange zest<\/p>\n<p>Add all ingredients to a rocks glass and stir with ice. Add the red wine to create a float and garnish with a sprig of mint and orange zest<\/p>\n<p>CUT OVERPROOF RUM RRP: \u00a339.99 ABV: 75.5%<br \/>\nAvailable from: Master of Malt, Distillers Direct and Proof Drinks<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Best of British<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Now more than ever it seems consumers are preferring to support their local shops and businesses and buy British whenever possible. The Painted Furniture Company have always been proud to offer quality furniture, designed and built in Britain, and having just had their best June on record, it&#8217;s clear that customers are loving what they do too.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627126\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/iff.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"410\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Millbrook 7 Drawer Hall Table with turned leg. Shown here in Chalk with White Oil top &amp; Wooden Round Knobs, \u00a3999.00<\/p>\n<p>The Painted Furniture Company are a Cirencester-based company who have long been proud supporters of British manufacturing. Their core ranges are built at three factories just down the road in Wiltshire, which over a difficult few months for many businesses, has meant they were able to help secure over 100 jobs locally. Although March brought an unprecedented time for most businesses, Adam Browne, MD at the company, reflects on how they have remained able to help their customers with their online set up; &#8220;Long before lockdown, assisting our customers over the phone, social media and through our website was second nature to us, which proved very beneficial over what was a tricky period. We were determined to do everything we could to support our British manufacturing base and be available as much as possible to our customers, both current and future. From offering to post out paint samples to assisting with bespoke furniture enquiries, we made sure we were available as normal, despite the showrooms having to close.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>Kin &#8211; the high-tech, ethical &amp; sustainable, London-based yoga mat brand.<\/h3>\n<p>Redefine your yoga practice with a unique tri-layer mat and be inspired by moonscapes, stars &amp; savasana dreams.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627122\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/imm.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"561\" \/><br \/>\nKIN is one of the only yoga mat brands with 100% plastic free packaging, PVC free and made with sustainably and ethically sourced natural rubber.<\/p>\n<p>With a commitment to being Kin-d, the brand regularly contributes profits to mental health and animal charities.<\/p>\n<p>With a high grip and soft touch surface, the classic mats are grippy even when slippy, with a tri-layer and inbuilt air pocket for deep cushioning.<\/p>\n<p>Created for yogis by a yogi, the mats are not only built for performance, but also feature unique and stylish designs and are tactile to touch, creating a beautiful sensory experience for any mat-based workout.<\/p>\n<p>The first limb of yoga is non-violence, and as such Kin is a brand that prioritises people and planet over profits:<\/p>\n<p>Kin-d to the planet &#8211; with no PVC, latex or artificial rubber.<\/p>\n<p>Kin-d to people &#8211; ethical factories &amp; supply chain.<\/p>\n<p>Kin-d to the animals that inspire the designs &#8211; there\u2019s a donation of 5% of profits to animal charities each month. With special mental health charity initiatives throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p>KIN FEATURES TWO MAT DESIGNS&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>The Classic is ultra secure, shock absorbing, and dense &#8211; making it versatile enough for use in dynamic fitness too (HIIT, weights, Pilates etc). A 4mm thick mat feels like 6mm due to a unique fibrous layer of micro air pockets, that gives a new level of comfort without adding extra weight.<\/p>\n<p>The sturdy, solid, natural rubber base tread grips the floor like a tyre, while the top has a smooth skin-like surface, with a closed cell nature meaning there\u2019s no friction to slow your flow; and it won\u2019t even scratch your toenail polish. The deceptively good grip doesn\u2019t need \u2018wearing in\u2019, and is made to last.<\/p>\n<p>There are two stylish and minimal designs in the range &#8211; the EXPLORER in metallic grey with palm-leaf inspired pattern, and PRIMAL in charcoal black with an animal print-inspired pattern. Both have discrete alignment markers as part of the design, for those who wish to use these as a guide.<\/p>\n<p>The Skinny is designed for on- the-go yogis. It\u2019s a sumptuously stroke-able and absorbent microfibre mat that won&#8217;t slip or slide like a towel. The more you sweat the better it grips, so it\u2019s ideal for hot yoga, travelling and topping studio yoga mats (for a more hygienic practice).<\/p>\n<p>Available in four bold yet refined designs including tropical leaves, fierce cheetahs and starry moonscapes &#8211; each helping to conjure up a yogi alter ego, and creating a space to get calm and recentre, the moment the mat is rolled out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Extra worktop space required in the kitchen? Problem solved with wood topped island units from Natural Wood Floor Co<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627120\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/p1ed3prvig17p4rma1apt1egn16ht5_003.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"183\" height=\"326\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Adding extra worktop space, storage and even a seating area to the kitchen is made simple with a new range of kitchen island units and trolleys now available from The Natural Wood Floor Co.<\/p>\n<p>Proving that real wood works just as well and looks just as beautiful when applied to worktops as it does with flooring, the islands are topped with Walnut or Oak and with a black or white frame, ensuring they will be a centre piece of the kitchen visually as well as practically.<\/p>\n<p>Kitchens have become increasingly multi-functional in purpose since the pandemic lockdown, with an island unit or kitchen trolley providing a much-needed spot for food preparation, dining, home working and even home schooling.<\/p>\n<p>The range includes a Small Kitchen Trolley, the ideal storage solution for a compact kitchen, with two adjustable wooden shelves with groves which are perfect for keeping bottles in place, a drawer for storage and wheels for easy movability. Measuring 450mm x 430mm, the worktop\u2019s extension shelf can be neatly folded down when not in use.<\/p>\n<p>The medium-size Kitchen Trolley measures 790mm x 510mm and has two stainless steel shelves for storage., while the large Kitchen Island in the collection measures 1260mm x 790mm and again has two stainless steel shelves. The Island Unit also has a recess for added seating, making it ideal for use as an informal dining space or breakfast bar.<\/p>\n<p>The worktops are finished with hard wax oil for maximum durability and easy yearly maintenance and are flat-packed ready for delivery, or can be pre-assembled for collection in person from The Natural Wood Floor Co.<\/p>\n<p>Prices are from \u00a365, (+\u00a315 delivery) for the small trolley; \u00a395 for the medium trolley (+\u00a330 delivery) and from \u00a3140 for the kitchen island (+\u00a360 delivery).<\/p>\n<p>For more details visit www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk or call 020 8871 9771.<\/p>\n<p><strong>To mark National Burger Day (27th August), please see below a delicious recipes from The Mushroom Bureau which is a great alternative to the traditional meat patty and are perfect for those looking to either reduce, or cut out meat from their diet.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Burgers;<\/p>\n<p>Portobello Mushroom, Beetroot and Goats Cheese Burgers<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627118\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/shr.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"296\" \/><\/p>\n<p>See more at :- www.justaddmushrooms.ie\/portobello-mushroom-beetroot-and-goats-cheese-burgers\/<\/p>\n<p>Enjoy them with;<\/p>\n<p>Mighty Mac n Cheese<br \/>\nThai Papaya and Chicken Blend Salad<br \/>\nChicken and Mushroom Blend Goujons<\/p>\n<h3>DATA SUGGESTS A MORE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS, ACTIVE SOCIETY COULD BE COVID-19 LEGACY<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627116\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/on.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"158\" height=\"53\" \/><\/p>\n<p>52% of Brits plan to keep up with their new fitness routine after lockdown<br \/>\nMore than 1 in 3 are now more keen to look after their health than they were pre-covid19<br \/>\nRunning, yoga and cycling have become more popular<br \/>\nONE OF the legacies of social distancing and the covid-19 pandemic could be the public placing greater emphasis on health and exercise, new figures suggest.<\/p>\n<p>A survey of more than 7,600 UK adults published by Decathlon in the Decathlon Activity Index, revealed almost half (42%) of British adults are exercising more than they were prior to when social distancing measures were introduced \u2013 and this is something more than 1 in 2 (52%) of plan to keep up as rules are eased.<\/p>\n<p>A further 1 in 3 (35%) say they are also now more keen to look after their health than before the pandemic hit.<\/p>\n<p>This has led to a surge in the number of people participating in different kinds of sports &#8211; running, cycling and yoga have all increased in popularity since the virus took hold.<\/p>\n<p>While for a small number, it has simply been a case of using exercise as an excuse to get outside (26%) while social distancing measures have been in place, this newfound appetite could also be a result of many having fallen in love with the numerous benefits of exercise during lockdown.<\/p>\n<p>More than 1 in 4 (25%) said they have found exercising more enjoyable over the past couple of months, while 1 in 3 (31%) said working out has helped to improve their mental health.<\/p>\n<p>Joshua Gutteridge, sports manager at Decathlon commented: \u201cExercise is a great way to alleviate stress, clear your mind, and helps you to feel both physically and mentally strong \u2013 as many have discovered over these past few months. It\u2019s great that so many people are planning to exercise regularly and maintain their fitness routine after social distancing measured are eased. Finding the time to exercise regularly is one of the best things you can do for your health.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s all about finding a fitness routine which works for you, and one that can be easily adapted into your lifestyle, no matter what the situation. As coronavirus restrictions are eased, it is important to try and hold onto the healthier routines that many have developed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Decathlon Activity Index tracks rates of participation in sport and other physical activities across the year through a national survey repeated every month throughout the year. To view the Decathlon Activity Index, visit decathlon.co.uk\/activity-index.<\/p>\n<p>Decathlon has 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those want to get active or excel their performance.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, visit www.decathlon.co.uk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Share A Photo With Someone You Love<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>www.morsetoad.com<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627114\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/ppee.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"559\" height=\"588\" \/><br \/>\nHide a chocolate message inside to make it special.<\/p>\n<p>A picture is worth a thousand words.<\/p>\n<p>And we all have hundreds sitting in our pockets for no one to see.<\/p>\n<p>For a birthday gift that&#8217;s a little bit different, find that memory on your phone of you and that special person.<\/p>\n<p>When they&#8217;ve eaten your birthday message, they can hang that memory on the wall so it&#8217;s never forgotten.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Dig out your phone.<br \/>\n\u2022Find that special photo of someone you love.<br \/>\n\u2022Hide a chocolate message inside.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Send it through their letterbox.<\/p>\n<p>Share memories. Make them last forever!<\/p>\n<h3>GREAT YARMOUTH IS \u2018GOOD TO GO\u2019 AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627112\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/yyy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"536\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Safe and ready, Norfolk\u2019s favourite seaside resort welcomes visitors with new \u2018mega maze\u2019, Pleasure Beach attractions, open air cinema screenings and self-contained en-suite restaurants at Potters Resort<\/p>\n<p>Great Yarmouth\u2019s tourism scene is back in businesses and ready to welcome visitors. Attractions, experiences and accommodation options for the late-start, 2020 summer season include:<\/p>\n<p>Get lost in a Maize Maze and new open air film screenings at Hirsty\u2019s farm<\/p>\n<p>Hemsby Farm attraction, Hirsty&#8217;s Family Fun Park, opens for business on 19 July with the unveiling of its \u201cSummer Mega Maize Maze\u201d &#8211; specially grown this year to ensure the paths are two metres wide plus a one-way system within the trails to ensure visitors remain safe. To complement the daytime fun, which also includes a new barrel train, zip wire, hay bale mountain and crazy croquet, the attraction will offer an open-air cinema drive-in from 22 July. Night-time screenings for 60 vehicles will include classics like Blade Runner, Die Hard and Close Encounters of the Third Kind from Wednesday to Saturday for 12 weeks throughout the summer. Prices for the film screenings, which include an electric light show, start from \u00a340 for a car and Mega Maze tickets are \u00a37.50 per adult and \u00a310 for children aged 3-16. http:\/\/hirstysfamilyfunpark.co.uk\/<\/p>\n<p>New Breaks for the New Normal at Potters Resort<\/p>\n<p>Potters Resort has transformed 50 large en-suite hotel rooms into Covid-safe and completely self-contained en-suite restaurants. The new concept is aimed at parties that want to get away together on a 5 star inclusive short break by the coast, but don\u2019t want to share restaurant space with strangers.<\/p>\n<p>Each restaurant takes 6-18 guests on socially distanced tables, and they are available for either a three-night weekend or four-night mid-week break and include: all-day menus and a fridge full of complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks to get the party started. Dinner is served nightly to guests in their own suite; with entertainment both virtually, through the Potters TV channel (which will be streamed live into each Restaurant Suite featuring comedy, music, quizzes, shout-outs), as well as live performances on the new South Terrace outdoor entertainment area.<\/p>\n<p>Guests can also access the resort&#8217;s numerous other pre-bookable sporting and leisure activities whilst adhering to the social distancing and cleanliness protocols. Weekend and midweek breaks commence from 24th July and run throughout the summer with the three night prices from \u00a3349 per adult and \u00a3219 per child. For more information visit: https:\/\/www.pottersholidays.com\/new-breaks-for-a-new-normal<\/p>\n<p>New White knuckle riding at the Pleasure Beach<\/p>\n<p>Visitors to Great Yarmouth\u2019s famous Pleasure Beach this summer can experience the latest white knuckle thrills aboard the new Lightning 360. The custom-built ride sits on a tower with eight arms each supporting a two-seater aeroplane themed carriage, that can be controlled by the user and turn 360 degrees.<\/p>\n<p>The new attraction is one of 26 fun-filled rides including the Freefall Tower, classic dodgems, a Haunted House, a monorail, the log flume, the Big Apple roller coaster, a cups and saucer style ride and the classic \u201cTwister\u201d experience. To book tickets: www.pleasure-beach.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Take a stroll within the new-look Venetian Gardens and along Wellington Pier<br \/>\nRecently restored, the Venetian Waterways gardens on the quieter Northern stretch of Great Yarmouth are now open, including its tearooms. In full summer bloom and a haven for wildlife, they are a perfect coastal stroll. The historic Wellington Pier, is also open for business and offers a great vantage point of the resort\u2019s long coastal stretch.<\/p>\n<p>Paddle boarding at Gorleston on the Norfolk Coast<\/p>\n<p>The golden sands and usually calm waters at Gorleston-on-Sea make it a great location for Stand Up Paddle Boarding. The family-run Boardin Skool offers all manner of board hire (SUPS, surf boards and body boards) plus bespoke taster sessions. The operator also runs Ripperz Club, a sea education club for kids every Saturday during the summer at Gorleston. This fun packed hour covers sea safety and safe swimming and gives kids the chance to try everything from SUP to body boarding, surfing, games in the sea and beach fitness. It\u2019s on from 9-10am and from 10-11am for kids aged six upwards. To book: https:\/\/boardinskool.com<\/p>\n<p>Half day paddle board hire is \u00a325 and a day\u2019s hire is \u00a335. Taster sessions in Gorleston cost \u00a325 per adult and \u00a315 for children under 16. Ripperz Club is \u00a35 for an hour session<\/p>\n<p>Take advantage of the Chancellor\u2019s 50% dining discount with homecooked treats at Sara\u2019s Tearooms<\/p>\n<p>Honest home-cooking, with freshly baked cakes, scones and daily special meals cooked to order are what makes Sara\u2019s Tearooms, on Great Yarmouth\u2019s seafront, an award winner. As an added bonus, guests visiting this August not only benefit from 50% off the cost of their Monday to Wednesday bills but can also enjoy a spectacular floral display, which has been keeping the staff busy during the lockdown period. For more information: http:\/\/www.thetearooms.co.uk\/<\/p>\n<p>Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre awarded Visit England\u2019s \u2018We\u2019re good to go\u2019 industry charter mark and welcome visitors to its new-look displays<\/p>\n<p>The Sea Life Centre is open and welcoming pre-booked visitors to its popular aquarium attraction. Fully compliant to Visit England\u2019s \u2018We\u2019re good to go\u2019 charter, strict measures have been put in place so that visitors can enjoy all their favourite sea creatures \u2013 from the tropical ocean display to seeing the penguins \u2013 in a safe, but just as fascinating manner. Timed entrance tickets (even for annual pass-holders), temperature checks on arrival, social distancing measures, the wearing of masks, hygiene stations and extra cleaning are just some of the new protocols that have been introduced under the new normal. See online for prices. Tickets must be booked and a time slot allocated prior to arrival. For more information visit: www.visitsealife.com\/great-yarmouth\/.<\/p>\n<p>For information on things to do and see visit: www.great-yarmouth.co.uk<\/p>\n<h3>Innovative Pet Location Device!<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627110\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/eeeed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"261\" height=\"369\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Many pet owners have experienced that heart racing moment when a beloved animal goes missing. From a backyard gate left open to a squirrel chase that goes too far and all that\u2019s in between, it can be devastating when a furry friend can\u2019t be found.<\/p>\n<p>Enter Huan, a breakthrough pet location device that\u2019s low-energy Bluetooth and alerts other users when your pet is on the loose. Inspired after the founder\u2019s dog Puppy P. Pie escaped from a locked Airbnb while vacationing, today Huan has helped thousands of pet owners locate their cats and dogs.<\/p>\n<p>Once you sign up for the yearly service, a Huan tag is shipped to you and peace of mind can begin! Invite friends, family, neighbors, etc. to download the app for free and become a part of the pet locating community!<\/p>\n<p>Huan features:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022Great for cats and dogs<br \/>\n\u2022The ONLY pet location device for small pets, too!<br \/>\n\u2022Get an instant alert when your pet is detected away from home, complete with information on their current location<br \/>\n\u2022Smart Tags automatically alert Huan users and Sensors when a lost pet is within a 300-foot radius<br \/>\n\u2022Locate your lost pet and bring them home safely with the help of other users<br \/>\n\u2022Huan users build networks in their community to look out for one another\u2019s pets<br \/>\n\u2022Safe, lightweight tags with stylish designs<br \/>\n\u2022Features Home Alone Mode that sends an automated text message to your emergency contacts in the event of an unexpected absence or emergency<br \/>\n\u2022Water resistant, Low-Energy Bluetooth technology\u2013no GPS<br \/>\n\u2022No radiation emissions and no battery recharging required<\/p>\n<p>Huan is proud to work with several animal shelters and non-profits, helping them to keep their rescues safe.<\/p>\n<p>This innovative pet location device allows you to find your dog or cat and help others, too&#8211; all thanks to Puppy P. Pie!<\/p>\n<p>Pricing starts at $30 per year ($2.50 a month!) &#8211; includes device and monitoring for a full year!<\/p>\n<p>Learn more at: gethuan.com<\/p>\n<p>See the Real Time map! Check here: ppn.gethuan.com\/home<\/p>\n<h3>REVEALED: the secrets pro rugby players follow to stay in peak physical condition<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627108\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/diet.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"376\" \/><\/p>\n<p>William Hill reveals diet plan and nutrition tips to support those in training<\/p>\n<p>A new report by William Hill reveals the diet of professional rugby players, to support budding athletes<br \/>\nThe report includes interviews with Louise Sutton, Head of Sport and Exercise Nutrition at the Carnegie School of Sports, Leeds Beckett University, and Performance Nutritionist, James Moran, who both provide a range of recipes for aspiring athletes and top tips for nutrition<br \/>\nStaying in peak physical condition is crucial to the success of athletes. Training plans and nutritional intake are vital components to the success of how you perform.<\/p>\n<p>To help budding rugby players achieve their desired goals and become the best they can be in their chosen sport, William Hill have analysed the diets of rugby union players in a new report.<\/p>\n<p>William Hill have also teamed up with Performance Nutritionist, James Moran, to reveal healthy yet delicious recipes that athletes follow, click here to view. So, now that you have everything you need to start putting together a long-term nutrition plan that supports your training, it\u2019s time to start eating like a pro!<\/p>\n<p>The perfect diet to achieve your personal best<\/p>\n<p>What you eat can make or break your a-game. William Hill analysed data from Irish rugby union player Chris Farrell, and Saracens\u2019 nutritionist George Morgan, to discover the diets followed by rugby pros.<\/p>\n<p>Five nutrition tips for rugby players<\/p>\n<p>Louise Sutton, Head of Sport and Exercise Nutrition at the Carnegie School of Sports, Leeds Beckett University provides the top 5 nutrition tips every rugby player should follow:<\/p>\n<p>1. Rethink your protein intake<\/p>\n<p>Before reaching for supplements, rethink your protein intake. It\u2019s important to spread out protein foods over the day in meals and snacks, rather than \u2018back-end\u2019 protein intakes in large amounts during your evening meal. Incorporate a protein-rich bedtime snack too, as consuming protein in smaller quantities more frequently is likely to be more effective.<\/p>\n<p>2. Keep on top of day-to-day nutrition<\/p>\n<p>Remember to optimise hydration and eat well throughout the week to maintain glycogen (energy) stores. Recovery from training is equally, if not more, important than recovery from matches.<\/p>\n<p>3. Pre-match preparation<\/p>\n<p>Ideally aim for a pre-match meal that is light, high in carbohydrate, and contains a small amount of protein \u2013 consume this 3-4 hour prior to kick off. Suitable choices include pasta with fish or chicken and tomato sauce, chicken stir fry with rice, sandwiches, or baked potatoes with low fat fillings. This can be topped up 1-2 hours prior to kick off, with a carbohydrate-rich snack such as a banana or dried fruit.<\/p>\n<p>4. Capitalise on breaks in play and half-time<\/p>\n<p>Breaks in play for kicking and injury time provide opportunities to consume drinks to top up both fluid and carbohydrate whilst on the pitch. At the half-time interval, choices such as fruit, carbohydrate gels, and simple carbohydrate foods like sweets and sports drinks, are suitable for topping up your fuel stores.<\/p>\n<p>5. Don\u2019t use supplements as a replacement for food<\/p>\n<p>Registered sports dietitians and nutritionists will always promote a \u2018food first\u2019 approach to meeting nutritional needs. Although there may be times where supplements can assist recovery, it is always best to choose a healthy, balanced diet.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/clc.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>IFS head to give evidence on COVID-19\u2019s economic impact on public services<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Peers to hear of lockdown lessons and experiences outside England<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Institute for Fiscal Studies director Paul Johnson will give evidence when the House of Lords Public Services Committee hears from academics, charities and think tanks tomorrow (Wednesday 15 July from 3 p.m.) on COVID-19 lockdown lessons.<\/p>\n<p>The committee will hear from:<\/p>\n<p>At 3.00 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Tony Travers, London School of Economics<br \/>\nPaul Johnson, Director, Institute for Fiscal Studies<br \/>\nSarah Arnold, Senior Economist, New Economics Foundation<\/p>\n<p>Possible questions include:<\/p>\n<p>What will be the consequences of record Government borrowing to protect the economy since lockdown on funding public services in the future?<br \/>\nWill the \u00a33billion allocated by the Government to support local authorities after the coronavirus crisis be enough for them to continue to deliver public services?<br \/>\nHow did cuts in funding following the financial crisis affect central and local government\u2019s ability to deliver public services after the coronavirus outbreak?<br \/>\nAt 3.55 p.m.<br \/>\nAnthony Soares, Director, Centre for Cross-Border Studies<br \/>\nAnna Fowlie, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations<br \/>\nDr Victoria Winckler, Director, Bevan Foundation<\/p>\n<p>Possible questions include:<\/p>\n<p>Since lockdown began, how well have devolved administrations cooperated with local government and the voluntary sector to deliver public services?<br \/>\nHave devolved administrations been able to achieve more integration between health and social care than in England?<br \/>\nSince the coronavirus outbreak, how well have devolved administrations cooperated across borders within the UK or with Ireland?<\/p>\n<p>The virtual session will be live on Parliament TV.<\/p>\n<h3>THE END OF THE YEAR COULD SEE A RECORD NUMBER OF PARTIES<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627104\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/one.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"257\" height=\"103\" \/><\/p>\n<p>42% of those with a birthday this year intend to or have already deferred their birthdays to when they can enjoy them restriction-free<br \/>\nBrits more likely to defer their birthday than celebrate while restrictions are in place<br \/>\nBETWEEN the boom in birthdays in September, Fresher\u2019s Week, Halloween and Christmas, the social calendar towards the end of the year is usually jam-packed &#8211; but this year could be set to be even more so than usual.<\/p>\n<p>According to a survey of 1,000 UK adults published by the One4all Digital Gift Card, Brits are more likely to defer their birthday celebrations to when covid-19 restrictions have been fully eased.<\/p>\n<p>42 per cent of people intend to defer their birthday celebrations this year until social restrictions have been fully removed, allowing for a proper celebration that is not restricted by Government guidelines \u2013 which currently state Brits can only meet with one other household indoors or in groups of six outdoors.<\/p>\n<p>Just 38 per cent say they intend to celebrate their birthday regardless.<\/p>\n<p>With confirmation from the UK\u2019s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, on social distancing measures and how these are \u201clikely to be in place until the end of the year\u201d, this could see a flurry of delayed parties, celebrations and gatherings marking birthdays and other celebrations later this year.<\/p>\n<p>This could see a particular boom in parties in September, which is already the month of the year with the highest number of birthdays.<\/p>\n<p>At present, Brits are limited to gathering in groups of no more than six outside or one household indoors, and are not able to hug or even stand any closer than 1 metre apart \u2013 something which is clearly putting a dampener on the idea of birthday celebrations.<\/p>\n<p>That hasn\u2019t, however, stopped loved ones from sending an outpouring of love for those with covid-19 birthdays.<\/p>\n<p>Almost 1 in 5 (18%) say they have made more effort to mark people\u2019s birthdays if they have fallen while social distancing measures have been in place.<\/p>\n<p>47 per cent of those who have had birthdays so far this year have received phone calls from family and friends, while 1 in 3 (33%) &#8211; have received gifts.<\/p>\n<p>Nearly 1 in 3 (30%) have received video calls from friends and family.<\/p>\n<p>But sadly more than 1 in 10 (13%) said their loved ones have not done anything to mark the occasion. This is especially heart-breaking when it is considered that more than 1 in 2 (55%) say this is the most important part of celebrating their birthday.<\/p>\n<p>Aoife Davey, group marketing director at One4all Gift Cards, said: \u201cEven if a loved one is deferring their birthday party until later this year, everyone deserves to be made to feel special on their birthday. We\u2019d urge people to do whatever they are able to make sure their loved ones feel special \u2013 whether it\u2019s sending a gift, having a very small, unofficial birthday gathering adhering to Government guidelines or even just taking the time to give them a call via phone or video.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Davey continues: \u201cBirthdays are such a special family occasion for so many, I can totally see why some are seeking to defer them until they can have however many people they want there and enjoy a birthday hug. But what\u2019s truly astonishing is the scale of it \u2013 so many are holding out for a birthday celebration on their terms, and who can blame them?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Many say they have a greater appreciation of quality time with friends and family since social distancing came into effect &#8211; more than 1 in 3 (36%) say that they value this the most.<\/p>\n<p>The top 6 ways people have celebrated birthdays while social distancing has been place:<\/p>\n<p>Phone calls with family\/friends \u2013 47%<\/p>\n<p>Received physical gifts \u2013 33%<\/p>\n<p>Video call\/s with family\/friends \u2013 30%<\/p>\n<p>My loved ones didn\u2019t celebrate my birthday at all \u2013 13%<\/p>\n<p>Friends\/family\/neighbours turned up on my doorstep to wish me happy birthday \u2013 12%<\/p>\n<p>I received virtual gifts (e.g. gift codes \/ digital gift cards) \u2013 11%<\/p>\n<p>The One4all Digital Gift Card can be spent in more than 55,000 outlets across the UK and is available to buy from www.one4alldigital.com.<\/p>\n<p>It is delivered instantly via email or text message and can be customised with a photo and sent with a personal video message.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, please visit www.one4alldigital.com.<\/p>\n<h3>Toulouse \u2013 the number one destination for your post-lockdown bucket list<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627102\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/ttr.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"480\" height=\"129\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Nestled in the South West of France, the city of Toulouse is ready to welcome British visitors once again and is the perfect destination for travellers looking for a post-lockdown getaway. Visitors will enjoy Toulouse\u2019s culture, art and architecture as well as its famed gastronomy and proximity to Spain and the Pyren\u00e9es. With a variety of transport options to choose from, travellers can decide to reach the destination by air, Eurostar or Eurotunnel.<\/p>\n<p>Named \u2018the pink city\u2019 or \u201cLa Ville Rose\u201d in French, thanks to its iconic terracotta buildings and coral roofs, there is plenty to discover on a long-weekend getaway:<\/p>\n<p>Cycle the picturesque Canal du Midi<\/p>\n<p>Linking the Garonne to the Mediterranean, the Canal du Midi\u2019s peaceful tow paths provide a beautiful cycle route for holidaymakers keen to explore the city by foot or on two wheels. Visitors can use the V\u00e9l\u00d4 Toulouse, a self-service bike scheme with more than 280 stations dotted around the coral streets. The service is open 24\/7 and free to use for the first half hour then just 1.20\u20ac for the day.<\/p>\n<p>Walking food tours<\/p>\n<p>Taste of Toulouse offers guided tours of the impressive Victor Hugo covered market in the heart of the city and teaches English-speaking tourists about the local produce on offer. Visitors can tuck into baked goods, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses and sweet treats on their way around while Jessica the guide shares her knowledge of regional dishes including the famed Touloussain Cassoulet.<\/p>\n<p>The out-of-this-world, interactive space museum<\/p>\n<p>A must-do activity in Toulouse is the Cit\u00e9 de l\u2019espace where visitors can learn about all things space. Current exhibitions include the Mars, Space and Comet experiences as well as a Lunar Module, Astronomer\u2019s Observatory Dome and Planetarium to explore.<\/p>\n<p>Sample wine at the best wine bar in the world<br \/>\nEnjoy the art of wine tasting at the N\u00b05 Wine bar, voted \u2018Best wine bar in the world\u2019 in the World\u2019s Best Wine Lists the last three years in a row. In a cosy atmosphere, wine aficionados can improve their knowledge during one of the bar\u2019s \u201cOenological Journeys\u201d, where guests are given three glasses of either red or white wine for a blind tasting. Visitors will then learn to identify the wine\u2019s country of origin according to the flavours.<\/p>\n<p>Dine out in the foodie capital of France<\/p>\n<p>Many of Toulouse\u2019s top chefs, such as Michel Sarran, have opened more affordable versions of their Michelin-star restaurants to make their outstanding cuisine more accessible. The latest to join this trend is Yannick Delpech, who in December 2019 opened an eatery in Toulouse called Des Roses et Des Orties. The establishment boasts an open kitchen, patisserie, trattoria and bar, offering exceptional regional dishes at affordable prices.<\/p>\n<p>A shopper\u2019s paradise<\/p>\n<p>Toulouse has always been at the cutting edge of fashion and is the birthplace of many famous brands such as Kooples, Le Comptoir des Cotonniers, Marchand Drapier, 7Robes and Marc Deloche jewellery. Major brands can be found on Rues d\u2019Alsace-Lorraine and Saint-Rome, offering all the latest ready-to-wear creations, accessories and cosmetics. For a more sophisticated wardrobe, head to Rues des Arts, Boulbonne and Croix-Baragnon, as well as Place Victor-Hugo or Place Saint-Georges.<\/p>\n<p>The city\u2019s antique dealers are located in the charming little streets in the Saint-\u00c9tienne Cathedral quarter. Here, the antique dealers sit alongside mansion houses and passers-by can visit some of the most beautiful squares in the city.<\/p>\n<p>La Halle de La Machine<\/p>\n<p>Situated on the historic runway used for take-off by the pioneers of the &#8220;Aeropostale&#8221; airmail service, now known as the &#8220;Piste des G\u00e9ants&#8221; (Giants&#8217; Runway), La Halle de La Machine invites visitors to discover the collection of street theatre machines designed and made by Fran\u00e7ois Delaroziere and La Machine Company. The most impressive addition to the collection is the monumental Minotaur, also known as \u2018The Guardian of the Temple\u2019. Visitors can embark on a journey around the local neighbourhood of Montaudran, 14 metres up on the Minotaur\u2019s temple structure perched on its back, and marvel at the steel, wood and leather architecture in motion.<\/p>\n<p>Where to stay:<br \/>\nLocated in the heart of Toulouse and just a stone\u2019s throw away from the Capitole Square, H\u00f4tel Albert 1ER is an independent hotel that has been taking action to protect the planet for many years. Its efforts to preserve a healthy and high-quality environment for both its customers and the city of Toulouse has earned it the European Ecolabel for its social and environmental responsibility. The hotel focuses on quality, local and organic products and uses the freshest ingredients including honey from the 1,000m altitude mountains of Ariege in the Pyrenees, fresh yoghurt from the farms in the Haute Garonne, coffee from Toulouse\u2019s oldest coffee roaster, Caf\u00e9 Bacqui\u00e9 and of course, the best charcuterie and cheeses from the city\u2019s magnificent Victor Hugo Market. H\u00f4tel Albert 1ER is priced from \u00a380 per night in an Economy Room on a B&amp;B basis.<\/p>\n<p>To book visit H\u00f4tel Albert 1ER.<\/p>\n<p>How to get there:<\/p>\n<p>Train:<\/p>\n<p>Return journeys with Eurostar available from \u00a364 from London St Pancras Int&#8217;l to Toulouse Matabiau.<\/p>\n<p>To book visit Eurostar.<\/p>\n<p>Plane:<\/p>\n<p>Flights from \u00a320.99 each-way from Bristol to Toulouse.<\/p>\n<p>To book visit easyJet.<\/p>\n<p>Flights from \u00a331 each-way from London Heathrow to Toulouse.<\/p>\n<p>To book visit British Airways.<\/p>\n<p>Car:<\/p>\n<p>Those looking to take a road trip can drive to Toulouse in just under 11 hours via the Euro Tunnel The Eurotunnel is available from \u00a331 per vehicle.<\/p>\n<p>For more information on Toulouse please visit: www.toulouse-visit.com<\/p>\n<h3>Get More Out Of Your Water<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pro.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"498\" height=\"499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pro.jpg 498w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pro-55x55.jpg 55w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pro-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pro-115x115.jpg 115w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/pro-144x144.jpg 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Zerowater reduces 99.6% of all total dissolved solids in your drinking water. It delivers the purest tasting water in minutes. Zerowater removes much more from tap water than other leading filter brands in the UK. Zerowater removes 97% of lead, 96% of mercury, 95% of chlorine and even 97% of asbestos which is often displaced from old and ageing water pipes.<\/p>\n<p>In-fact Zerowater is so powerful that on average it removes 95% of all metals compared to 68% from Brita. Zerowater even removes 68% of all inorganics, whilst 33% is removed from Brita. The full list can be found here.<\/p>\n<p>Zerowater gets better results due to a 5-stage filter, most filters only have 2-stage. Zerowater patented technology ensures that you can save money on buying bottled water and ensure your tap water is pure. The 12-Cup Zerowater comes with a free TDS Reader (Total Dissolved Solids). Some areas of the UK have reading more than 300. When water is filtered through the Zerowater filter it will score 0, meaning you can enjoy great tasting pure water at home.<\/p>\n<p>The Zerowater 12-Cup Filter costs \u00a339.99 from Zerowater.co.uk<\/p>\n<h3>Ultimate Period Style from Swadling Brassware<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627098\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/swad.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"572\" height=\"589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/swad.jpg 572w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/swad-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Invincible Collection from Swadling Brassware is the flagship range of basin, bath and shower mixers from this classic bathroom brand. Combining brass and ceramic, the result is a sturdy, quintessentially British look that stands the test of time.<\/p>\n<p>Expressing late 19th Century prosperous grace and style, the Invincible Collection from Swadling Brassware brings the traditional charm of Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian inspired bathrooms to your home.<\/p>\n<p><strong>FROM PILLOWS TO PROTECTION: MANCHESTER BEDDING MANUFACTURER SWITCHES PART-PRODUCTION TO PPE TO MEET NATIONAL NEED FOR FACE COVERINGS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627096\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/oppp.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"328\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Manchester-based Comfy Group is to begin manufacturing protective face masks to support the nation\u2019s transition from the Covid-19 lockdown<br \/>\nMasks offer comfort and protection, with both Reusable, and Disposable, plain and printed options available for all of the family<br \/>\nBedding manufacturer, Comfy Group is shifting its focus from pillows to protection by adding face masks to the roster of products it produces.<\/p>\n<p>The business, which is based in Manchester, has already begun switching areas of its Middleton factory facilities to the production of non-medical face masks and this will now be ramped up on the back of the latest Government\u2019s advice, encouraging the use of masks while in public places and being compulsory on public transport.<\/p>\n<p>This advice was then clarified in the Government\u2019s 60 page \u2018roadmap\u2019 to exiting the lockdown which was published on Monday 11th May. The document included an urge for all members of the public to \u2018wear a face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not always possible and they come into contact with others that they do not normally meet, for example on public transport or in some shops\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Both the Reusable and Disposable masks are made to Government standards* and will be made available to buy in bulk for businesses wanting to protects their employees, schools wanting to protect teachers and pupils, and direct to the wider public via UK Safe Masks.uksafemasks.co.uk<\/p>\n<p>Comfy Group, which has over 40 years-experience in textile manufacturing, and produces one in three pillows made in the UK, has the ability to produce both plain and branded masks, suitable for all ages.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the crisis, Comfy Group has donated hundreds of essential bedding products including pillows, duvets and bedlinen to local hospital trusts, including Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, that have each been at the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.<\/p>\n<p>Comfy Group is to manufacture two types of masks; each has three layers of filtration to help act as a protective barrier against droplets and particles, is soft, lightweight and breathable for skin comfort and are either one-size-fits-all or available in adult and child sizes, so all ages are catered to. The two quality, non-medical mask options, for sale via UK Safe Masks, comprise:<\/p>\n<p>Reusable Protective Masks: Re-usable, washable face masks made from supersoft microfibre that are available in plain and patterned designs. Each mask is machine washable at 60C to kill germs and help maintain freshness &amp; hygiene, has curved nose and elastic ear straps for comfortable coverage of mouth and nose, and is available in retail packs of three or five.<br \/>\nDisposable Protective Masks: Disposable masks designed to offer convenient everyday comfortand protection for industry and public. Featuring 3 layers of filtrating non-woven fabric to act as a protective barrier, whilst providing lightweight and breathable comfort. Available in packs of 10 and 20.<br \/>\nBob Moryoussef, managing director at Comfy Group, said: \u201cAs Britain transitions into the \u2018new normal\u2019, it would have been remiss of us not to re-focus our manufacturing capabilities from being solely on bedding, when there is a real and urgent need for institutions, businesses and the wider public to have access to PPE such as masks.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re proud to have ploughed our near half-century of experience into producing masks and have managed to manufacture quality options that meet the protective and comfort needs of those who\u2019ll wear them. As the wearing of these masks is unfamiliar to many of us, these needs are of particular importance to consumers and professionals alike.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>All of Comfy Group\u2019s masks are manufactured in the UK and can be supplied in bulk to contract partners as well as on an individual basis to consumers. Fast delivery is guaranteed in hygienically sealed packaging.<\/p>\n<p>For more information on Comfy Group and its range of protective face masks, please visit: www.uksafemasks.co.uk. Trade enquiries please contact: PPEenquiries@comfygroup.co.uk<\/p>\n<h3>Reusable face masks BACK in stock at Boots<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627094\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/igro.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"515\" height=\"475\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As face masks become compulsory in shops in England from 24th July, they\u2019re quickly becoming part of our daily wardrobes. We wanted to share some links to the best reusable face masks at Boots that are currently in stock<\/p>\n<p>www.boots.com\/great-british-designer-face-coverings-raeburn-mulberry-halpern-10285731<br \/>\nwww.boots.com\/skinnydip-floral-print-face-coverings-2-pack-10285933<br \/>\nwww.boots.com\/the-body-doctor-reusable-antibacterial-mask-10285764<\/p>\n<h3>Heat your Home Efficiently this Winter<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627092\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/cra.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"253\" height=\"160\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627090\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/acrr.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"558\" height=\"402\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As we start to prepare for the cooler months, we naturally start to think about getting our homes cosy for Winter. With some of the best gas and electric stoves on the market, as well as EcoDesign Ready woodburning and multifuel stoves, ACR Stoves have the perfect heating solution for you and your home.<\/p>\n<p>Electric Stoves<br \/>\nElectric Stoves provide a great heating source that can be enjoyed all year round. In the chilly winter months you can warm your home immediately with a flick of a switch. Then when the warmer evenings of spring and summer arrive, an ACR electric stove can still be enjoyed with just the flame effect to give a comforting glow to the room, making it the perfect choice for enjoying the ambience of a real fire without any heat.<\/p>\n<p><strong>THE BACHELOR &#8211; SEASON 24 <\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>FROM JULY 19<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627088\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/huu.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"573\" height=\"412\" \/><\/p>\n<p>THE BACHELOR PRESENTS: LISTEN TO YOUR HEART<br \/>\nFROM JULY 27<\/p>\n<p>BOX-SETS AVAILABLE TO STREAM AND DOWNLOAD<\/p>\n<p>EXCLUSIVELY ON HAYU<\/p>\n<p>This July, hayu welcomes the world-renowned US reality TV franchise: The Bachelor to the platform exclusively in the UK and Ireland. With two episodes dropping each day, Romantics will be able to stream and download Season 24 of The Bachelor from July 19, and the brand new series: The Bachelor Presents: Listen To Your Heart from July 27.<\/p>\n<p>The 24th edition of The Bachelor sees handsome airline pilot Peter Weber get the opportunity to find the woman of his dreams &#8211; and hopefully his bride-to-be.\u00ad The Bachelor embarks on a romantic journey meeting 30 women. At the end of episode one, 8 bachelorettes leave, and 22 are selected as potential mates. After getting to know each one, he continues to narrow the field, to 15 to 6, then ultimately down to the 1 woman to whom he may propose marriage in the series&#8217; dramatic finale.<\/p>\n<p>The show also takes an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the lives of each participant involved in this unique courtship. America&#8217;s most eligible single man travels to exciting romantic locations with the ladies, introduces them to his closest friends and family and visits their hometowns to meet their parents. At the end of the journey, he will have had an unforgettable experience and, quite possibly, found true love. But the big mystery is: If he pops the question, will she accept?<\/p>\n<p>The next chapter in Bachelor Franchise history begins with the arrival of 20 hot, single musicians \u2013 12 men and eight women \u2013 from across the country looking for love and musical chemistry. Who will find their musical soulmate and a lasting partnership? And who will leave as a solo act? Find out as the exciting, new romantic adventure begins on the premiere of The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart.<\/p>\n<p>Credit: Stream and download Season 24 of The Bachelor from July 19, and The Bachelor Presents: Listen To Your Heart from July 27 \u2013 exclusively on hayu.<\/p>\n<h3>PORTRAITS OF PRIDE<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627086\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/nip.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"519\" height=\"778\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photographer Andy Barnham continues his celebration of inclusivity and diversity within rugby, from the grassroots up, in 2020<br \/>\nWith 2020 marking the start of a brave new decade, photographer Andy Barnham continues to celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and equality within rugby, with his Portraits of Pride project.<br \/>\nSpanning two-dozen clubs across the United Kingdom, from grassroots through to internationally recognised outfits across both the men and women\u2019s game, PoP seeks to highlight support for gay rugby players and inclusive clubs, helping to bolster and foster community across the sport.<br \/>\nInitially spawned as a fundraiser for Manchester Village Spartans RUFC \u2013 a founding member of International Gay Rugby \u2013 the project has seen support from the Rugby Players\u2019 Association and Sale Sharks, among others, as it seeks to champion the game\u2019s strongest community assets.<br \/>\nBarnham first carried a camera as a hobby during his time in the British Army and in the subsequent decade-plus following his exit from active service, he has worked across multiple disciplines as a photographer, working with bespoke titles and catching some of the best in the business with his lens. Portraits of Pride continues his efforts to help lead the conversation on what we can achieve when we see the personal stories within the bigger picture.<br \/>\nwww.andybarnham.com\/Portraits-of-Pride<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626999\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/jam.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"565\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>Synctuition, a top-three mindfulness app in the US.<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626997\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/syn.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"544\" height=\"493\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Backed by hundreds of scientific studies and infused with thousands of soothing, immersive 3D sounds that were recorded throughout the world in exotic natural settings, the gift of Synctuition is the gift of peace of mind. It\u2019s the perfect holiday gift when people are starting to plan their New Year\u2019s resolutions.<\/p>\n<p>www.synctuition.com<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626995\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/sps.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"424\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>Save money, space and time with one battery for many brands:<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626993\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/bos.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"196\" height=\"60\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Bosch and Gardena establish battery alliance<br \/>\n\uf084 Power for All Alliance as cooperation of renowned manufacturers<br \/>\n\uf084 More flexibility than ever before for users in and around the home and garden<br \/>\n\uf084 Continuous expansion of the Alliance \u2013 further manufacturers will follow<br \/>\nBosch Power Tools is opening up its 18 V battery platform of the \u201cHome &amp; Garden\u201d division to other manufacturers, thus setting a milestone: Bosch and Gardena will form an<br \/>\nalliance in future and, together with other leading brands, will offer a cross-brand battery system for products in and around the entire home: The Power for All Alliance. The<br \/>\nbasis of this Alliance is Bosch cordless technology. \u201cWe are opening up our system to<br \/>\nother manufacturers, thus offering users more flexibility than ever before. In future,<br \/>\nthey will be able to use one and the same 18 V battery to operate power tools, garden<br \/>\ntools and home appliances from Bosch, as well as products bearing the Gardena, Emmaljunga, Gloria, Wagner and Rapid brand names,\u201d said Henk Becker, President of Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH. This will save users money, space and time when purchasing products from the Power for All Alliance in future. A pile of incompatible batteries<br \/>\nand chargers from different brands will therefore be a thing of the past. The common<br \/>\ngoal is to offer users the largest cross-brand battery system and thus, the widest application range for their home: DIY tools, garden and cleaning tools, home appliances,<br \/>\nproducts for surface coating, for leisure and camping \u2013 and many more.<br \/>\nBattery technology from Bosch convinces partners and users alike<br \/>\nP\u00e4r \u00c5str\u00f6m, President of Gardena: \u201cOur users are looking for a strong, reliable and versatile battery they can use for many purposes in and around their home and garden.<br \/>\nThis is why we at Gardena decided to join forces with Bosch to found the Power for All<br \/>\nAlliance.\u201d \u201cWe are convinced that cordless and, flexible working is the future. The Power<br \/>\nfor All Alliance is a win-win situation for everyone,\u201d confirmed Markus Kress, President and owner of Gloria House and Garden.<br \/>\nBosch continues to adhere to the backwards compatibility until 2007, which is important<br \/>\nfor the user: The more than 20 million Bosch batteries for 18 V DIY and garden tools that<br \/>\nare already on the market will remain compatible like the corresponding chargers. Bosch<br \/>\nPage 2 of 3<br \/>\nalready offers a broad portfolio of cordless DIY and garden tools, and will systematically<br \/>\nexpand it in the coming years. Gardena is converting its entire 18 V product range to the<br \/>\nAlliance battery system for the coming gardening season. All other partners are either<br \/>\nalready represented on the market by solutions powered by Bosch batteries or are<br \/>\ngradually expanding their product range. In the Power for All Alliance, the companies<br \/>\nwill jointly drive forward the new flexibility for the entire home in future.<br \/>\nThe opening and expansion of the cordless segment creates substantial added- value for<br \/>\nthe user and is an important growth driver for Bosch. \u201cThe demand for cordless tools is<br \/>\nincreasing continuously. In five years down the road, their share will already have risen from about 40 to 60 percent. The investment in our battery system is an investment<br \/>\nin the future,\u201d said Henk Becker. The establishment of the Alliance is the prelude to a<br \/>\npartnership with strong brands. Further manufacturers are already under discussion.<br \/>\nYou can find further information about the Power for All Alliance at www.powerforallalliance.com.<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626991\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/hill.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"155\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/hill.jpg 155w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/hill-55x55.jpg 55w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/hill-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/hill-115x115.jpg 115w, https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/hill-144x144.jpg 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 155px) 100vw, 155px\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>Notting Hill Carnival 2020<\/h3>\n<h3>Access All Areas<\/h3>\n<p>The official celebration<\/p>\n<p>Digital Notting Hill Carnival for 2020<\/p>\n<p>Replaces the street festival for one year<\/p>\n<p>The arts, music and food of the Notting Hill Carnival goes online<\/p>\n<p>The Carnival experience at home!<\/p>\n<p>Steel Bands, Sound Systems, Mas Bands, Brazilian Bands, Calypso and Soca performances, food and drink shows, interviews and much more<\/p>\n<p>Streaming at www.nhcarnival.org<\/p>\n<p>August Bank Holiday &#8211; Saturday 29, Sunday 30 &amp; Monday 31 August<\/p>\n<p>Official microsite at www.spotify.com\/carnival<\/p>\n<p>Carnival Warm-Up<\/p>\n<p>Steelpan Show &amp; Calypso &amp; Groovy Soca<\/p>\n<p>Channel 1: Saturday 29 August 6pm &#8211; Midnight<\/p>\n<p>Carnival Culture<\/p>\n<p>Channel 1: Saturday 29 August 9am &#8211; 12pm<\/p>\n<p>Parade Channel<\/p>\n<p>Channel 2: Sunday 30 &amp; Monday 31 August 12pm &#8211; 8pm<\/p>\n<p>Sound System Channel<\/p>\n<p>Channel 3: Sunday 30 &amp; Monday 31 August 12pm &#8211; 8pm<\/p>\n<p>Main Stage Channel<\/p>\n<p>Channel 4: Sunday 30 &amp; Monday 31 August 8pm &#8211; 11pm<\/p>\n<p>Watch at www.NHCarnival.org<\/p>\n<p>Twitter: @NHCarnivalLDN Instagram: @nhcarnivalldn FB: @NHCarnivalLDN<\/p>\n<p>Get The Official Notting Hill Carnival App &#8211; Apple &amp; Android<\/p>\n<p>#NHCatHome<\/p>\n<p>In this unprecedented year and for the first time in its 54 year history, Notting Hill Carnival has moved entirely online, opening up to a global audience that can share in one of the world\u2019s great events. It will take place over the August bank holiday weekend &#8211; 29, 30 and 31 August.<\/p>\n<p>Notting Hill Carnival was founded to bring people together during trying times, and that legacy will continue. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was announced in May that the Carnival could not take its usual form this year but there will be an alternative &#8211; Notting Hill Carnival: Access All Areas.<\/p>\n<p>Streamed for free over four separate channels from 6pm &#8211; Midnight 29th August and 9am &#8211; 11pm Sunday &amp; Monday 30th &amp; 31st August details on how to register can be found at www.NHCarnival.org.<\/p>\n<p>Spotify will also be showing its support for Notting Hill Carnival as an official partner for 2020. The collaboration will see a dedicated Spotify microsite launch later in August, highlighting the importance of carnival culture to the UK. www.spotify.com\/carnival will feature brand new playlists curated by each of the official sound systems and the DJs of Carnival. The site will also host podcast episodes covering everything from Notting Hill Carnival\u2019s rich history to current issues facing the Black community, as well as very special guest takeovers of some of the UK\u2019s biggest dancehall, reggae, soca and afrobeat playlists, including the flagship Who We Be.<\/p>\n<p>This three-day spectacle of music, dancing, food and drink will be brought to you by those that have made Notting Hill Carnival the breathtaking weekend we love today. With more names to be announced, here is a snapshot of some of the performers you will be able to enjoy&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>There will be exclusive sets from legendary Sound systems of Notting Hill Carnival and includes Volcano, Arts-A-Light, Disya Jeneration, Gaz&#8217;s Rockin Blues, Seduction City, KCC &amp; The Rockin Crew, King Tubby&#8217;s, Love TKO, Mark Ross, Rampage, Rough But Sweet, G T Flex Roadshow, CMC Matrix and Solution Sound.<\/p>\n<p>The magnificence of Calypso and Soca comes courtesy of Ms Desire, Brown Sugar, Rev B, Latoya, G-String, Triniboi Joocie, De Admiral, Clivus, Muffinman, Batch, Dansa, Alexander D Great, Helena B, DeeVine, Soca Kidd, Sunshine &amp; Nadiva, D\u2019Alberto, Masterlink, Nigel Isaacs and The Divette\u2019s,<\/p>\n<p>The incredible sound of the Steelpan comes from Panash, Pan Nation, Panectar, St Michaels and All Angels, Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra, Stardust Arts, Steel Pan In Motion, UFO, Nostalgia, Ebony, Mangrove, Metronomes, Real Steel and Brazilian bands Baque De Axe and Tribo<\/p>\n<p>The colour and panache of Mas is brought to you by Notting Hill Carnival bands The Bride Outreach, Calabash, Flamboyan, Colours, Burrokeets, DUKA, Tempo Mas, Funatiks, Urban Touch, Ebony Mas, Island Mas, D Riddim Tribe, Karnival Mania, Soca Massive, Jamaica Twist, Vibrance, Cocoyea, Elimu, Mahogany, Elevate, Flagz, Gemz, Saga Boys, Hot Wax, Genesis, CAPCA, Mangrove Mas, Tropical Fusion, IDF and Designers Tiffany Thompson and Edrahil Lucifer.<\/p>\n<p>There will also be performances from other well known UK and international artists.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s unique Notting Hill Carnival has been filmed over a month-long period. This collaborative process brought together members and bands of the carnival community who make Carnival so amazing every year, Notting Hill Carnival Ltd in partnership with Let\u2019s Go Do and with the support of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Westminster Council and the Greater London Authority.<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Phillip, Executive Director of Notting Hill Carnival &#8211; \u201cThis year we faced the ultimate challenge of being unable to gather on the streets to celebrate our Carnival. But, now, more than ever, it\u2019s important to keep the spirit of Notting Hill Carnival alive, giving an outlet to the thousands of people that spend all year creating incredible costumes and music for Europe\u2019s largest event.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCarnival is such an important part of people&#8217;s lives and key celebration of the multiculturalism of the UK, and we have a responsibility to our community and pioneers to honour that. We also have a responsibility to protect the black community and our elders by respecting social distancing and taking Carnival away from the streets for this year. So this is a fantastic solution for 2020.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe may not be able to celebrate together on the streets as usual, but we can all come together to celebrate one of the UK\u2019s great cultural events online.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This year Notting Hill Carnival\u2019s official Afterparty will be hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra. They will continue the celebrations live on-air bringing listeners all the sounds, vibes and culture of Carnival between 11-2am on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. 1Xtra DJs and special guests will be showcasing the best in Dancehall, Soca, Hip-Hop, UKG and all Carnival sounds.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Muse by Coco de Mer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-626988\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/im.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"465\" height=\"118\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Having launched this month, the second season of Muse by Coco de Mer continues to embrace the spirit of independent women.<\/p>\n<p>The AW20 collection draws inspiration from the four key personas women embrace \u2013 The Minimalist, The Siren, The Romantic and The Pin-Up \u2013 offering styles to suit every aspect of woman\u2019s changing personality. Introducing a range of sizes from XS to XL and 32B to 36DD, Muse by Coco de Mer aims to celebrate body positivity and self-assurance to strong and vibrant women.<\/p>\n<p>Retail prices range from \u00a320 for a g-string to \u00a3120 for a slip.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Shunga<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/im1.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Shunga, translating as &#8220;Spring Pictures&#8221;, is an erotic artistic tradition that emerged from early modern Japan during the Edo Period, featuring graphic images of sexual activity. Influenced by the characteristics that traditionally define Japanese wood-blocking art, the concept draws on the intricately graphic Japanese print work placed in contrast with the sensuous and erotic nature of the subject.<\/p>\n<p>Retail prices range from \u00a375 for an eye mask to \u00a3465 for a robe.<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/sleep.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"358\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3>Inbetweeners at work: How much would Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil earn in real life?<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626983\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/reddd.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"213\" height=\"313\" \/><\/p>\n<p>10 years on since the series finale, The Inbetweeners have released two films grossing over $60 million, leaving fans to ask, \u201cwill the famous foursome ever return?\u201d. Until then we can only wonder what the characters would be up to now.<br \/>\nFortunately, the experts at TheKnowledgeAcademy.com have made it their mission to find out, asking 2,113 fans where they believe Simon, Will, Jay, and Neil would be in real life if we mapped out their career paths. Potential jobs were extracted based on what the group studied at school, as well as their own independent characteristics. The Knowledge Academy then surveyed super-fans to determine Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil\u2019s most likely profession.<br \/>\nOnce the jobs had been finalised, The Knowledge Academy were curious to discover which character would earn the most, and who would be earning the least. Using job search engine sites, they found out the average salary for each chosen role.<\/p>\n<p>How much would they be earning?<\/p>\n<p>Character Job Title Average salary (\u00a3) Average salary ($)<br \/>\nWill\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 MP\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a379,468\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 $99,370<br \/>\nJay\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 DJ\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a351,864\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 $64,853<br \/>\nSimon\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Accountant\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a332,492\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 $40,629<br \/>\nNeil\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Nightclub Dancer \u00a317,164\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 $21,462<\/p>\n<p>Their jobs explained<br \/>\nWill McKenzie \u2013 MP<br \/>\nAfter travelling around Vietnam trying to get over Kate and erasing the memory of his mum\u2019s engagement to Mr. Gilbert, fans think that Will would have pursued a job as an MP! This is due to his posh \u2018briefcase w****r\u2019 nature and studying politics at A Level.<br \/>\nNotable Characteristics: principled, clever and has a strong moral compass.<br \/>\nJay Cartwright \u2013 DJ<br \/>\nFollowing the events of Inbetweeners 2, Jay the notorious fibber, is now likely to be pursuing his dream as a DJ after mending his broken heart in Vietnam with the gang. We like to think Jay is DJing in Magaluf\u2019s BCM and Malia\u2019s Candy Bar Club attracting lots of female attention.<br \/>\nNotable Characteristics: confident, passionate, and spontaneous.<br \/>\nSimon Cooper \u2013 Accountant<br \/>\nSimon is thought to have followed a more mundane career as an accountant. He was one of the most intelligent out of the four and showed a slightly more mature approach to the job industry.<br \/>\nNotable Characteristics: mature, smart, and level-headed.<br \/>\nNeil Sutherland \u2013 Nightclub Dancer<br \/>\nLastly, fans were led to think that \u2018nice guy\u2019 Neil followed Will around Vietnam and finally settled as a nightclub dancer, either abroad or in the UK all thanks to his great dance moves.<br \/>\nNotable Characteristics: positive, charismatic, and friendly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Somrus (India Inspired Cream Liqueurs) and they are based in Chicago.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626980\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/somrus.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"615\" height=\"528\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Fun fact, many of the higher-ranking members of the company are POC. They have two flavors Somrus Mango and Somrus Chai and they are wonderful for easy cocktails, food recipes, and delicious on their own! On top of this July22 is National Mango Day (that might only be in the U.S.).<\/p>\n<p>About Somrus:<\/p>\n<p>S\u014dmrus Chai and S\u014dmrus Mango are \u201cIndia-inspired\u201d cream liqueurs; the brand name means \u201cNectar of the Gods\u201d in Sanskrit. Produced with all-natural flavors, preservative- and gluten-free, it was created as the Indian answer to Bailey\u2019s, Kahl\u00faa, J\u00e4germeister, and other geographically defined liqueurs a cream liqueur, to represent the tastes and flavors of India. The young brand has high-profile supporters (such as Julia Momose from kumiko, which was voted one of Time Magazine\u2019s \u201cGreatest 100 Places\u201d in 2019), and is in the midst of an ambitious $125K fundraiser for CORE called \u201cSmall Brand. Big Heart.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dr\u00e4ger expands capacity for respiratory masks and sets up a production facility in the UK<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In connection with the COVID 19 pandemic, Dr\u00e4ger has received an order from the British government to deliver respiratory protection masks (FFP3). The delivery of the order will start in 2020 and will stretch until the end of 2021. The expected net sales are roughly EUR 100 million.<\/p>\n<p>For this purpose a mask production facility will be set up in the UK, in the Blyth area of Northumberland. There, Dr\u00e4ger has had a development and production site for respiratory protection technology for firefighters and industry for over 50 years. This is in addition to the existing production network in Sweden and South Africa and the recently decided new production sites in France and the US. The investment in the expansion of production capacities across all five production sites will require a mid-double-digit million euro amount in the 2020 financial year.<\/p>\n<p>Rainer Klug, Chief Officer of Safety Division at Dr\u00e4ger: &#8220;We are very pleased about the major order from the British government. It gives us the opportunity to expand our international production network for FFP masks. With this additional production unit, Dr\u00e4ger will increase volumes quickly and flexibly. Our international production network enables us to react very quickly and specifically to national or local requirements on the one hand, and to cover international requirements in a closely networked and flexible manner on the other. Dr\u00e4ger thus operates a highly responsive manufacturing system for certified FFP respiratory protection masks, with a product design originating from our own development in Germany&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Dr\u00e4ger. Technology for Life\u00ae<\/p>\n<p>Dr\u00e4ger is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. Our products protect, support and save lives. Founded in 1889, Dr\u00e4ger generated revenues of around EUR<\/p>\n<p>2.8 billion in 2019. The Dr\u00e4ger Group is currently present in more than 190 countries and has more than 14,500 employees worldwide. Please visit www.draeger.com for more information.<\/p>\n<h3>My Gnome on the Roam<\/h3>\n<h3>15 Minute Adventures for Busy Families<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-626978\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/epp.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"593\" height=\"310\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Every single day. Every single week. Literal years worth of priceless (also inexpensive and free) adventures at your fingertips for just $1.99\/month or $19.99\/year.<\/p>\n<p>See below for the Apple version:<\/p>\n<p>apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/my-gnome-on-the-roam\/id961418769<\/p>\n<p>See below for the Android version:<\/p>\n<p>play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.mygnomeontheroam.timetoroam<\/p>\n<p>Time to Roam: 15 Minute Adventures for Busy Families is our magic wand. The New York Times called it an &#8220;anti-app&#8221;\u2026designed to help create stronger, happier kids, and more present and connected adults.<\/p>\n<p>One tap gives you a daily idea. Each idea is stored in the app history \u2026 which quickly becomes a library filled with 15-minute adventure ideas for every day of the week:<\/p>\n<p>Make it Monday<\/p>\n<p>Tell Me Tuesday<\/p>\n<p>Wanderlust Wednesday<\/p>\n<p>Throwback Thursday<\/p>\n<p>Freaky Friday<\/p>\n<p>Saturdazzleday<\/p>\n<p>Soul Food Sunday<\/p>\n<p>What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits\u2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>University of Birmingham Expert Reaction on Chancellor Rishi Sunak&#8217;s Summer statement<\/strong><br \/>\n\u200b<br \/>\n09 July 2020<\/p>\n<p>University of Birmingham<\/p>\n<p>For Immediate Release<\/p>\n<p>Please see below an expert reaction from the University of Birmingham&#8217;s Professor Andy Lymer on Chancellor Rishi Sunak&#8217;s Summer statement<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe food voucher &#8216;Eat Out to Help Out&#8217; scheme to support eating out in August does feel like it could be complicated for customers to use and particularly staff to work with (only for certain days of the week, can be used for soft drinks but not alcohol, only at &#8216;participating venues&#8217;, capped at \u00a310 per head etc.). But the cut in VAT to 5% for the next six months for food, accommodation and attractions costs is clearly very welcome (albeit costly at \u00a34.1bn) &#8211; although such a cut doesn&#8217;t directly put money in the pockets of these businesses of course &#8211; only indirectly by making prices cheaper and (hopefully) increasing sales therefore. Any help to this sector so badly hit over this last 3 months surely has to be welcomed even though other sectors similarly badly hit will feel aggrieved at missing out on this possible boost to sales a wider VAT reduction could have created.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe \u00a31,000 &#8216;job retention bonus&#8217; to be paid to businesses for keeping workers employed who they had previously furloughed is going to cost a lot of money (\u00a39.4bn the Chancellor estimates). Further, it will only apply to workers earning above \u00a3520\/month &#8211; i.e. there is no incentive for employers from this new bonus to bring back many part-time or very lowly paid people. I also doubt this is enough to encourage businesses to keep people they wouldn&#8217;t otherwise &#8211; so perhaps should be seen as primarily a cash give away to employers who furloughed lots of staff who are on higher pay already. It will help offset these businesses&#8217; costs that have been rolling up over lockdown, but it is less clear how much direct benefit it will have for their (particularly lower paid) employees.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For more information or interviews, please contact: Hasan Salim Patel, Communications Manager (Arts, Law and Social Sciences) or contact the press office out of hours on +44 (0)7789 921 165.<\/p>\n<p>Andy Lymer has been a member of the Birmingham Business School for over 25 years and is currently its Director of Business Development. He is also the Director of the Research Centre on Household Assets and Savings Management (CHASM). For the 4 years to November 2016 he was the Deputy Head (Associate Dean) of the School, was Interim Head of School during 2012. For the four prior years he was the Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance. He researches and teaches in the fields of taxation (UK, comparative and international taxation), of personal finance (financial education\/literacy\/capability and financial wellbeing) and information systems (particularly the use and impact of the internet). He has held visiting positions at various institutions in the USA and in Australia. For three years he led the Tax Development Programme of HM Treasury.<\/p>\n<p>The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world\u2019s top 100 institutions, its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers and teachers and more than 5,000 international students from over 150 countries.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Northern Ireland lags behind rest of UK in ISA savings<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Northern Ireland has lowest percentage (31.2%) of people with ISAs compared to UK average of (42.1%)<br \/>\nThose who do save in Northern Ireland also put away the least amount in the UK<br \/>\nAverage ISA value in Northern Ireland is \u00a320,765 compared to UK average of \u00a326,781<br \/>\nThere are 450,000 ISA savers in Northern Ireland<br \/>\n191,000 have less than \u00a32,500 in their ISA but 57,000 have saved more than \u00a350,000<br \/>\nNorthern Irish savers three times more likely to pay into Cash ISAs than Stocks and Shares ISAs<br \/>\nNorthern Ireland has the lowest percentage of ISA savers in the UK \u2013 and those that do put money away save on average, the least amount.<\/p>\n<p>Fewer than one in three adults in Northern Ireland hold savings in ISAs, compared to a UK average of 42.1%, according to government data recently released. In the South West of England, nearly half of adults have ISA savings.<\/p>\n<p>Northern Ireland savers also have the smallest ISAs compared to the rest of the UK. The average ISA in Northern Ireland is worth \u00a320,765, compared to London where the average is \u00a329,225.<\/p>\n<p>Percentage of adults with ISAs<br \/>\nAverage value of ISA<\/p>\n<p>England<br \/>\n42.6%<br \/>\n\u00a326,649<\/p>\n<p>Wales<br \/>\n40.5%<br \/>\n\u00a323,016<\/p>\n<p>Scotland<br \/>\n37.6%<br \/>\n\u00a324,972<\/p>\n<p>Northern Ireland<br \/>\n31.2%<br \/>\n\u00a320,765<\/p>\n<p>UK<br \/>\n42.1%<br \/>\n\u00a326,781<\/p>\n<p>Sean McCann Chartered financial planner at financial advisers NFU Mutual said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPutting money into an ISA is one of the simplest things you can do to help protect any returns from the taxman, whether saving for yourself or a child.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey can be particularly valuable for anyone aged 18 to 40 saving for a house deposit, because savers can get up to an additional \u00a31,000 from the Government each tax year when using a Lifetime ISA.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you have savings and investments but don\u2019t use your ISA allowance, you could be losing out.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>According to data recently released by HMRC, Northern Ireland savers are more than three times as likely to pay into Cash ISAs than Stocks and Shares ISAs.<\/p>\n<p>However, six in 10 ISA holders in Northern Ireland did not pay into their ISAs in the 2017\/18 tax year. That was the highest rate of inaction in the UK.<\/p>\n<p>2017\/18<\/p>\n<p>Tax year<br \/>\nAdults who paid into Cash ISAs<br \/>\nAdults who paid into Stocks and Shares ISAs<br \/>\nAdults who paid into cash and stocks and shares ISAs<br \/>\nAdults who held ISAs but didn\u2019t pay into them<br \/>\nTotal<\/p>\n<p>England<br \/>\n5.5million (29.5%)<br \/>\n2million (10.67%)<br \/>\n468,000<\/p>\n<p>(2.5%)<br \/>\n10.7 million<\/p>\n<p>(57.07%)<br \/>\n18.75million<\/p>\n<p>Wales<br \/>\n320,000<\/p>\n<p>(31.37%)<br \/>\n85,000<\/p>\n<p>(8.33%)<br \/>\n20,000<br \/>\n(1.96%)<br \/>\n589,000<\/p>\n<p>(57.75%)<br \/>\n1.02million<\/p>\n<p>Scotland<br \/>\n470,000<\/p>\n<p>(28.31%)<br \/>\n190,000<br \/>\n(11.45%)<br \/>\n45,000<br \/>\n(2.71%)<br \/>\n949,000<br \/>\n(57.17%)<br \/>\n1.66million<\/p>\n<p>Northern Ireland<br \/>\n128,000<br \/>\n(28.44%)<br \/>\n42,000<br \/>\n(9.33%)<br \/>\n9,000<br \/>\n(2%)<br \/>\n270,000<br \/>\n(60%)<br \/>\n450,000<\/p>\n<p>UK<br \/>\n6.5million<\/p>\n<p>(29.5%)<br \/>\n2.3million<br \/>\n(10.44%)<br \/>\n544,000<br \/>\n(2.47%)<br \/>\n12.6million<br \/>\n(57.19%)<br \/>\n22.03million<\/p>\n<p><strong>CBI RESPONDS TO CHANCELLOR\u2019S SUMMER ECONOMIC STATEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Chancellor is absolutely right to prioritise jobs in his summer statement. Flattening the daunting unemployment curve about to hit our country could not be more important. Joblessness scars lives and hits the young and most disadvantaged hardest.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cToday\u2019s jobs plan is an important step forward. For young people, the Kickstarter Scheme will help create jobs in the short-run that can turn into opportunities for the long-run, and firms look forward to working with government to get it up and running quickly and well. It is also good to see direct support for apprenticeships and careers advice, which will help build the skills as well as the jobs of the future.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNew investment in green growth will spur job creation on the road to net zero, while revitalizing demand through targeted VAT cuts for hospitality, an imaginative voucher scheme and stamp duty relief will be warmly welcomed by many businesses and help give consumers confidence to spend.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut prevention is better than cure. Many viable firms are facing maximum jeopardy right now. The job retention bonus will help firms protect jobs. But with nearly 70% of firms running low on cash, and three in four reporting lack of demand, more immediate direct support for firms, from grants to further business rates relief, is still urgently needed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Chancellor must continue to balance the need to invest in a long-term, sustainable recovery while responding to the urgent challenges that companies are experiencing today.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Queen\u2019s University Belfast part of \u00a37 million consortium to improve cancer outcomes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence (PMC) at Queen\u2019s University Belfast is leading a ground-breaking collaboration with the world\u2019s largest biotech company Roche, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialist, Sonrai Analytics, to improve outcomes for patients with early stage cancer.<\/p>\n<p>The ACTIONED consortium aims to transform the future treatment of colorectal cancer patients across the world. It will bring together a number of specialists to drive a holistic analysis of tissue and plasma samples using state-of-the-art genomics and digital pathology methodologies in an integrated precision medicine laboratory. The collaboration will aim to develop bespoke algorithms across a spectrum of genomics and image analyses to improve the predictive value of these technologies by generating integrated reports.<\/p>\n<p>Professor Manuel Salto-Tellez, Co-Director of the PMC and Chair of Molecular Pathology at Queen&#8217;s University Belfast said: \u201cWe are delighted to be part of the ACTIONED consortium, which will for the first time combine tissue pathology, genomics and AI and enable the creation of a molecular pathology laboratory workflow for the future of cancer patient care.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The PMC at Queen\u2019s University brings together high-throughput genomics, digital pathology and big data analytics in a fully integrated fashion. In 2017, Invest Northern Ireland offered \u00a35.8 million of support towards the \u00a310 million Centre.<\/p>\n<p>Kevin Holland, CEO of Invest Northern Ireland said: \u201cWhen we first launched the PMC at Queen\u2019s University in 2017, our ambition was to further enhance the personalised medicine and oncology research sector in Northern Ireland and support the growth of the precision medicine industry here. This announcement today, which will see a collaboration with Roche and Sonrai is an excellent endorsement of the hard work and ground-breaking developments taking place. We welcome further investment in this strategically important Centre.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer. Current treatment for early stage colorectal patients usually involves surgical removal of the tumour frequently followed by chemotherapy. It is currently difficult to assess whether the surgery has been successful and therefore a large proportion of patients are routinely treated further with chemotherapy, with a risk of consequent severe side effects.<\/p>\n<p>Professor David Gonzalez de Castro, Co-Director of the PMC and Chair of Genomic Medicine at Queen&#8217;s University Belfast, said: \u201cDeveloping integrated diagnostic tools for early detection of recurrence could help preventing patients from receiving unnecessary toxic chemotherapy and improve their quality of life, while saving precious resources in our healthcare systems to be invested in further improving early detection.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The total value of the ACTIONED consortium is over \u00a37 million. Innovate UK, part of the UK Research and Innovation organization, has invested almost \u00a33 million over the three-year programme as government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation\u2019s industrial strategy challenge fund. Roche Diagnostics Ltd are contributing over \u00a34 million and Sonrai Analytics are contributing almost \u00a3200,000 to the consortium.<\/p>\n<p>Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said: &#8220;It is fantastic that ACTIONED, led by Northern Ireland&#8217;s world-leading Queen&#8217;s University Belfast, has been awarded almost \u00a33 million to help their work in developing AI to detect cancer earlier and aid more accurate diagnoses. So many of us know people who have been affected by cancer and this innovative project could help save countless lives.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe UK Government&#8217;s backing of the project reflects our commitment to support the work of our brilliant scientists across all four nations of the UK in their potentially life-changing research and development endeavours.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sonrai Analytics, a Queen\u2019s University Belfast spin-out company, develops artificial intelligence algorithms through big-data collection to improve personalised medicine. Darragh McArt, CEO of Sonrai Analytics, added: \u201cThe PMC at Queen\u2019s is a leading example of modern day integrated healthcare and we hope that Sonrai can align within this programme to help understand the indications for the best treatment to be given to the right patient.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Geoff Twist, Managing Director UK &amp; Ireland and Management Centre European Agents at Roche Diagnostics Ltd, said: \u201cWe are thrilled with the ACTIONED consortium as it integrates the two most common modalities of cancer diagnostics &#8211; tissue-based and genomic-based approaches. Bringing together our collective knowledge and expertise, this consortium has the potential to impact cancer patient care globally through new diagnostic solutions and insights.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Meat Plant COVID-19 Cases Prompt Hazmat-Suit Protest at Leinster House<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-627124\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/covv.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"498\" height=\"592\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With Spread of Virus Linked to Meat Industry, PETA Urges People to Protect Workers and Animals by Going Vegan<\/p>\n<p>Dublin \u2013 A group of PETA supporters descended on Leinster House today, when representatives of the meat industry addressed the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response about the large number of COVID-19 cases among its workers. Clad in hazmat suits, the protesters reminded people that the meat trade is harmful to workers, animals, and public health \u2013 and called on the public to stop supporting this toxic industry by going vegan.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Not only are meat-processing plants and abattoirs places of death for animals, they also facilitate the spread of COVID-19 among workers,&#8221; says PETA Director Elisa Allen. &#8220;No one needs meat. PETA stands ready with free vegan starter kits to empower people to stay healthy, protect our communities, and help prevent future pandemics.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The action follows reports that abattoirs and meat-processing plants \u2013 where workers must labour at a fast pace in close proximity to one another in a cold, dark environment \u2013 have emerged as hotspots for the transmission of COVID-19. The spread of infection in Ireland has been among the worst in Europe, with over 1,110 confirmed cases across at least 20 clusters in meat-industry facilities.<\/p>\n<p>PETA \u2013 whose motto reads, in part, that &#8220;animals are not ours to eat&#8221; \u2013 also notes that deadly outbreaks of mad cow disease, swine flu, avian flu, SARS, HIV, foot-and-mouth disease, and other zoonotic diseases have stemmed from capturing or farming animals for food. The novel coronavirus originated in a Chinese &#8220;wet market&#8221;, where live and dead animals were sold for human consumption.<\/p>\n<p>PETA opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information or to order a free vegan starter kit, please visit PETA.org.uk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Putt Club launches motorsport themed indoor Crazy Golf at London Docklands&#8230; Gather your clubs as Putt Club launched its second London venue on the 11th June 2021 With motorsport themed holes designed to offer an experience like no other, your local day out just got a hole lot more fun! Putt Club takes hold of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":626976,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-626975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ulster-rugby"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/626975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=626975"}],"version-history":[{"count":46,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/626975\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":656300,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/626975\/revisions\/656300"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/626976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=626975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=626975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.intouchrugby.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=626975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}