A thought for Palm Sunday
Churches applaud legal win
Cricket star targets gambling
Army seeks ‘virtual’ runners
Churches aren’t always noted for being innovative – but the Salvation Army is seeking to change these widely held misperceptions.
The Army is attempting to recruit a team of virtual runners to take part in this year’s London Marathon – becoming part of up to 50,000 athletes who will complete 26 miles at a location of their choice. A further 50,000 runners will complete the traditional course – from Blackheath to The Mall.
Both events will be held on Sunday 3 October.
Participants in the virtual event can complete their run at any time on the day of the event – and are also set to become part of a Guinness World Record challenge.
Last year’s virtual event attracted almost 38,000 runners – ensuring it set the bar for the 'most users to run a remote marathon in 24 hours'.
This time round, officials want to beat that figure – and post a new record number.
All virtual runners receive a running number before the event as well as a coveted ‘official finisher’ medal and T-shirt. In addition, the Salvation Army is also providing runners with a team vest and dedicated London Marathon rep to give you all the support you need!
- More information on becoming a virtual runner for the Salvation Army can be obtained by sending an email to challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk or calling 0207 367 4819.
Zahawi: the Covid-19 hero
Of all the people we should be giving thanks to for their selfless efforts during the pandemic, one particular man deserves singling out. His name is Nadhim Zahawi.
The Iraqi-born 53-year-old – the Conservative Minister charged with sorting out the nation’s rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine and the sitting MP for Stratford-on-Avon – is, in my humble opinion, one of the shining lights to emerge from the last year.
He has worked his socks off to ensure almost 29 million Britons had received their first jab by last night, and he has done it quietly, not seeking self-promotion or his moment of glory for making a success of the UK’s rollout programme.
His politics are immaterial. If he was a member of the Monster Raving Looney Party, it wouldn’t matter, for what is all-important is his competence to do the job. And, in this regard, he has proven to be a rare gem.
What we needed
It is so refreshing to see a government minister thriving in a pressurised role. I would go as far as saying, Nadhim Zahawi is an answer to prayer.
His appointment, on 28 November 2020, came at the precise moment the country needed someone of character to get us on track. We had been beset with controversy after controversy to do with the education system, and we needed some respite.
And, my goodness, haven’t we been blessed with precisely what we needed?
While the rest of Europe and much of the world flails, Britain has been able to steer a course that has given hope to the most vulnerable people in our society and is ensuring our society and communities will be returning to normal much quicker than our cousins across the English Channel.
If my comments appear celebratory and nationalistic, than I apologise unreservedly. This is not my intention. I simply wish to give credit where credit is due.
After so much bad news, it is wonderful to finally see a light burning brightly at the end of the tunnel.
So ‘thank you’ Nadhim Hahawi. You deserve our unreserved thanks and continued prayers.
PM praises selfless Christians
The shaming of the FA
There has been a stench in football for far too long.
The smell of corruption has tainted the national game for the last 40 years. More often than not, the chicanery and wrongdoing has involved money and greed.
But last night, as I watched the third part of the hard-hitting BBC series Football’s Darkest Hour, I realised the national game has finally sunk to an all-time low. It is rotten to its core – and the Football Association must shoulder almost all of the blame.
Cash is one thing – and let’s face it, people (particularly men) will always be greedy.
But child abuse takes things to another level. And to hear so many heart-wrenching accounts of sexual abuse committed on young boys, who loved nothing more than the thrill of kicking a football about, has sunk the game to a depth I never thought it could go to.
The perpetrators of the abuse on 800 innocent souls – men like serial predator Barry Bennell – quite rightly had there crimes exposed. Some were jailed, some died before they could be brought to justice. But their names will forever be associated with the evil deeds that wrecked the lives and careers of so many.
Negligence and incompetence
But what of the bosses of the Football Association, the chief executives and presidents who have come and gone over the years; the people who were employed to protect youngsters. Who is holding these people to account?
Unfortunately, like in so many other cases, I fear their negligence and incompetence will be overlooked yet again. The scale of the ineptitude is so great there can be no other outcome.
After all, there have been so many scandals at the FA, I fear nothing can change the mentality and behaviour of the people driving football’s ruling body into the gutter. There are too many vested interests; too many dark secrets; too many Masonic handshakes.
It seems to be an unaccountable organisation that cares about two things: money and power.
If I am wrong, and I hope I am, then now is the time for the Football Association to truly get its house in order and work with the government to put in place a structure, which includes an independent regulator, that ensures systematic abuse can never happen again.
I live in hope – as I have been doing for the past four decades. And be assured I will be praying for the victims, the perpetrators, and the men and women within the FA who have repeatedly turned a blind eye to everything that has gone on.
Spain best for paid holidays
With sunshine not so far away, the thoughts of a break from work are on the minds of many of us right now – even though the prospect of travelling abroad is not yet quite on the radar.
With the desire to put Lockdown behind us, most Brits typically get between four and five weeks of paid leave to put their feet up.
But what about other countries around the world – how do we fare against them?
To be honest, it’s fairly good news, as the majority of Britons can look forward to at least 28 days’ off work on fully pay. And quite a few of us get 33 days (on both counts, this includes bank holidays)
Yet, this pales into insignificance when researchers at the International Citizens Group looked at the entitlement of Spaniards, who get a whopping 39 days – the best allocation of any country in the world.
And not far behind were Austrians (38 days), and Finns and Swedes (36 days).
‘Having a relaxing rest can do wonders for staff productivity, creativity, and problem-solving,’ said Joe Cronin, President of the International Citizens Group.
‘Levels of statutory holiday vary massively around the globe due to different laws and local regulations. It is also worth remembering that different companies offer their employees different holiday perks and alternative days off instead of public holidays.’
At the other end of the spectrum, the US is the only country in the world not to offer employees paid time off work.
Best countries
- Spain – 39 days
- Austria – 38 days
- Finland and Sweden – 36 days
Worst countries
- United States – no days
- Canada – 19 days
- Switzerland – 24 days
- Japan – 25 days
A post-Covid ‘manners’ guide
The clock is ticking and by my reckoning, there are 20 days to go before clubs, bars and restaurants will be allowed to swing open their doors and allow customers to enjoy their wares and services once more.
By any standards, it has been a long year. Covid has knocked Britain for six – and is continuing to rain down blows on Europe and much of the rest of the world.
Right now many Brits are considering how to spend the spring and summer months, once a bit of normality returns to our daily lives. With that in mind, the team at Groubook is offering us all an ‘etiquette guide’ – so we don’t slip up when we get that long-awaited taste of freedom..
Physical distance, hand sanitiser and masks are likely to still be common practice until the whole country has been vaccinated, and drinkers in bars and diners in restaurants will still be expected to keep their distance from one another.
‘Some people will be rearing for a night on the town, whilst others will be more cautious,’ commented Groubook’s Bradley Gough ‘The social etiquette guide is a reminder to people as the world starts opening up again.’
So here is the guide to post Lockdown etiquette…
Distance
As people head back into venues, be considerate of any distancing guides that have been put in place, whether it’s capacity restrictions, marked areas to form a queue in, sit down at or for directing the flow of traffic.
Cover your mouth
When we inevitably get back inside the pub, it will be a good idea to get everyone to cover up their mouth when singing, or shouting in the direction of others.
Be kind
The pandemic has taught us that no one truly knows what strangers are going through privately. Hopefully being stuck in the house for such long periods has made everyone that much more considerate!
Greetings
For the foreseeable future, small party-goers and pub drinkers will have to settle for cheery waves, mini dances and elbow bumps rather than hugs, handshakes and kisses.
Protection
Mask wearing is likely to continue being the norm at many venues. So be prepared to cover up when it asked of you.
Be prepared
Pack the essentials whenever you go out because sharing a lip balm in the loo will be pretty unacceptable. And bring plenty of layers so coats don’t have to be shared if it’s cold outside.
Be understanding
Continue to be understanding and accepting of people who may hesitate to join you in activities that may put their health at risk.
Book in advance
Take advantage of online booking systems and apps (like Groubook), which lets groups of friends, families or colleagues book and arrange their nights in one place, while taking advantage of discounts and rewards.
Time to build a life plan
