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Government WORLD ™
Winter 2020 Edition
Page 1
Government WORLD ™
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Page 2
welters
Contents ®
News & Sports Roundup 4
Start of ban on plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds 8 O R G A N I S AT I O N
Southampton to London Pipeline Project granted development consent 10 W O R L D W I D E
445 heritage organisations saved by £103 million investment from Government 12 Design and Innovation
Choppy Seas with Second Wave Building 15 Visit us on-line at
Environmental issues - Pollution - The Future 19 government-world.com
Captain Sir Tom Moore presented with first Veterans Railcard 23 Advertising | Articles | News |
COVID - 19: What we know so far - part 2 25 Letters | Editorials
Liverpool to be regularly tested for coronavirus in first whole city testing pilot 28 welters organisation
Native Breed Preservation 32 P.O. Box 159 Carlisle, Great Britain CA2 5BG
Office: 08702 416 422
New warning schemes support Scotland’s preparedness for flooding 33 E-mail: office@government-world.com
Free flu vaccinations rolled our to over 50s from December 36
Submissions should be sent to
The wonders of welters dedication - social media post 38 Government WORLD,
PO Box 159, Carlisle, CA2 5BG
Home sought for UK’s ground-breaking prototype fusion power plant 39 Email: submissions@government-world.com
ISSN 1744-6996
COVID-19 isolation having detrimental impact on children’s education and welfare,
particularly the most vulnerable 43
The Coronavirus edition of
Statement on the approval of the Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for us in the UK 45
Government World, embracing
Record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS 46 the full year of 2020, will be
available later in the year.
Acknowledgements 47
Please apply to
office@government-world.com
with your full contact details for
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all articles, advertisements and other insertions in this publication, the publisher can accept no responsibility for any
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Page 3
News
a n d s p o r t s Roundup
Summar y of the main news and spor ts events over the last three months
By Paul G Bazeley for Government World
October News Review The 2020 Nobel Prize for Medicine was affected areas and for acting as a
awarded to Harvey J. Alter, Michael driving force in efforts to prevent
In COVID-19 news, the United Kingdom Houghton and Charles M. Rice for the the use of hunger as a weapon of
surpassed 500,000 COVID-19 cases. A discovery of the Hepatitis C virus. Half the war and conflict.”
Tier system was introduced by PM Boris Nobel Prize for Physics was awarded to
Johnson with most places being placed in Roger Penrose “for the discovery that black Samuel Paty, a teacher in France
Tier 1, some in Tier 2 and just Liverpool hole formation is a robust prediction of the was beheaded close to the school
and the surrounding areas placed in Tier general theory of relativity,” and the other he worked at. It is believed he was
3, the strictest tier. Later in the month, it half to Reinhard Genzel and Andrea M. targeted after showing cartoons
was announced a month-long lockdown Ghez “for the discovery of a supermassive of the Prophet Muhammad to his
would begin in November to try to contain compact object at the centre of our galaxy.” class. His killer was shot dead by
a surge in COVID cases across the UK. police shortly after the attack and
The Nobel Prize for Chemistry was seven people had been charged
US President Donald Trump and the First awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and over the teacher’s death.
Lady Melania Trump tested positive for Jennifer A. Doudna “for the development
COVID-19. The President spent a few of a method for genome editing”. Louise The Special Boat Service (SBS)
days in the hospital before being released Glück won the Nobel Prize for Literature stormed the Nave Andromeda
and going back to work. Weeks after “for her unmistakable poetic voice that tanker which had been in a ten-
being diagnosed as positive he claimed with austere beauty makes individual hour stand-off after stowaways
in a Twitter statement to have had ‘A total existence universal.” Finally, the Nobel became violent. Seven people
and complete sign off from White House Peace Prize was awarded to the World were arrested after the ship was
Doctors” and that he was now “immune” to Food Programme (WFP) “for its efforts suspected of being hijacked off
the virus. to combat hunger, for its contribution to the coast of the Isle of Wight. All
bettering conditions for peace in conflict- 22 members of the crew were
Page 4
rescued, and the tanker was brought into the women’s singles French Open final, it the lockdown ended.
Southampton port. was the first WTA title for the Polish tennis
star. The men’s singles title was won by The US Presidential election took
The Labour Party suspended its former Rafael Nadal after he beat Novak Djokovic place in America. Early reports
leader, Jeremy Corbyn. The news came 6-0. 6-2, 7-5. It is the Spaniard 13th French suggested that Joe Biden had
after a report into antisemitism claimed Open title and his 20th Grand Slam title. beaten Donald Trump. President
‘serious failings’ in the leadership of Corbyn Trump refuted the reports and
were partly to blame. An investigation was The LA Lakers won the NBA title as they claimed that fraud had been
due to take place. beat the Miami Heat in game 6 of the committed and that he would be
playoffs 106-93. It was the Lakers first title taking legal action. Trump also
Tasmanian devils were reintroduced to the in a decade and their 17th Championship, refused to concede defeat even
Australian mainland. It was the first time in tying them with the Boston Celtics for the though the official result had
3,000 years since the animals have been most titles. declared Joe Biden the winner of
on the mainland after it is thought they the election.
were eradicated by dingoes. The mammals The Los Angeles Dodger defeated the
were released into a large sanctuary with Tampa Bay Rays in six games to win the Four were killed and over 20
hopes the endangered animals will be Baseball World Series. It was the Dodgers injured in a gun attack in Vienna,
able to thrive. first title since 1988. Austria. Members of special forces
were quickly on the scene before
A Roman Coin was sold for £2.7million the gunman was shot dead. The
a record for an ancient coin. The gold incident was declared a terror
coin issued by Brutus depicted the attack and the gunman was said to
assassination of Julius Caesar and is November News Review have links to Islamic State.
only one of three of its kind. The auction
piece had an estimate of £500,000 before A four-week lockdown in England began SpaceX successfully launched
selling for £2.7million which totals about to stem the rising cases of COVID-19. Crew Dragon, a spacecraft
£3.2million with fees. Later in the month, it was announced that carrying four NASA astronauts to
gyms, bars, and restaurants would be able the International Space Station. It
to reopen on 2 December 2020 when the is the second time SpaceX have
October Sports Review lockdown was due to end. Prime Minister supplied a rocket and capsule to
Boris Johnson also stated that England NASA.
Iga Swiatek beat Sofia Kenin 6-4, 6-1 in would return to the three-tier system when
Page 5
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Virgin Hyperloop made its first test run won his seventh title after victory
a ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol with passengers. The transport model in Turkey. He has now equalled
cars by 2030 and hybrid cars by 2035. The uses pods inside vacuum tubes to Michel Schumacher’s title wins
move was part of the government plan transport passengers at high speeds. after already surpassing his total
for the UK to reach a net-zero emissions Two passengers travelled a 500m tube in race wins earlier in the season.
target by 2050. 15 seconds and reached a max speed of
107mph during the test. In Golf, Dustin Johnson won the
Sir Phillip Green’s Arcadia group collapsed Masters Tournament at Augusta.
into administration. The group which A sealed copy of the Nintendo The American won by five shots
consists of brands such as Topshop, Entertainment Systems game Super Mario with a record-breaking 20 under
Topman, Evans, Miss Selfridge, and Bros 3 sold for a record US$156,000 at par.
Dorothy Perkins along with others put auction. The game featured a rare piece
13,000 jobs at risk as administrators tried of cover art with the ‘Bros’ text on the left
to find a buyer. The Arcadia CEO blamed of the cover instead of the centre. It’s the
the groups’ demise on the COVID-19 most ever paid for a video game.
pandemic. However, many have said the December News Review
problems stemmed before the pandemic Johnny Depp lost his libel battle against
and the company failed to keep up to date the Sun newspaper after an article it Trade negotiations between the UK
with an increasingly online retail sector. published called him a ‘wife-beater’. A and the EU continued throughout
judge ruled that what the paper had written the month to finalise a Brexit deal
The United Arab Emirates completed was ‘substantially true’ and found that his agreement. After the deadline
an overhaul of its legal system. The ex-wife Amber Heard had been a victim was pushed back, a post-Brexit
changes loosened restriction on alcohol of domestic abuse. Mr Depp launched an trade deal was agreed on the 24th
consumption and cohabitation while appeal which was later turned down. December 2020 and guaranteed
criminalising honour killings. ‘zero tariff and zero quota’ on
goods. A spokesperson for No10
Elon Musk surpassed Bill Gates to become November Sports Review said “The deal is done. Everything
the second richest person in the world, that the British public was promised
behind Jeff Bezos. The entrepreneur Lewis Hamilton had a clean sweep of during the 2016 referendum and
behind Tesla and SpaceX was said to have the three F1 races in November winning in the general election last year is
a net worth of £97bn. the Emilia Romagna, the Turkish and the delivered by this deal.”
Bahrain Grand Prix. The UK driver also
Page 6
A new COVID-19 variant was found in been approved for use, becoming the first December Sports Review
the UK. The early indications suggested country to approve it. The vaccine began
the variant was more contagious than its to be administered to those over 80, NHS Anthony Joshua beat Kubrat Pulev
predecessor. staff and at care homes within a week. after a ninth-round knockout to
Later in the month the University of Oxford retain his unified WBO, IBF, WBA
As the COVID-19 deaths in the UK and AstraZeneca vaccine was approved and IBO heavyweight titles. After
surpassed 70,000, it was announced that with a rollout planned for early January the fight attention turned to a
plans to allow households to mix over 2021. possible unification bout between
the festive season would be changed to Joshua and WBC and The Ring
Christmas Day only. A new Tier 4 restriction A joint calculation between China and titleholder Tyson Fury.
was also introduced in London and South- Nepal settled on a new height of 8,848.86m
East England. Households under Tier 4 for Mount Everest. The new height of the Seven-time Formula 1 champion
restrictions were not allowed to mix on peak ends a long-running feud between Lewis Hamilton was knighted by
Christmas Day. In Scotland, a travel ban the two countries. the Queen as part of the New
was imposed, and the highest level of Year Honours list. He becomes
restrictions was imposed from Boxing Day The British Antarctic Survey confirmed the fourth F1 driver to be knighted
for three weeks. Further areas were placed that one of the largest ever recorded after Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Stirling
into Tier 4 towards the end of the month as icebergs, A-68, had broken in two in the Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart. The
the number of COVID-19 cases began to South Atlantic. The iceberg originally had knighthood drew congratulations
rise rapidly. a surface area of 5,800 square kilometres. from a range of former F1 drivers
and pundits such a Damon Hill and
The UK-French border was temporarily Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency, hit an all-time Martin Brundle.
closed after France decided to ban travel high of $20,400 after demand rose 4.5%
between the two countries to try and limit from investors. The virtual coin gained Neil Robertson won the UK
the spread of the new COVID-19 variant. 170% over the year. Snooker Championship beating
The ban was eventually lifted providing Judd Trump 10-9 in a close final.
Ikea said it would stop printing its
people travelling across the borders could The event saw Kyren Wilson and
catalogue after 70 years. The Swedish
provide a negative COVID-19 test from the Stuart Bingham achieve maximum
last 72 hours. Furniture Retailer made the decision as 147 breaks in the first round.
part of its ambition to become a more
The UK Government announced that the digital business. End
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had
Page 7
Start of ban on plastic straws, stirrers
and cotton buds October
The ban on supplying plastic straws plastic waste, as set out in our 25 Year We are already a world-leader in
and stirrers and plastic-stemmed Environment Plan. this global effort. Our 5p charge
cotton buds has come into force in on single-use plastic bags has
England today (Thursday 1 October), Environment Secretary George Eustice successfully cut sales by 95% in
marking yet another major step in the said: the main supermarkets, we have
Government’s fight against single- banned microbeads, and we
use plastic waste to protect our “Single-use plastics cause real are building plans for a deposit
environment and clean up our oceans. devastation to the environment and return scheme to drive up the
this government is firmly committed to recycling of single-use drinks
Just one month after ministers tackling this issue head on. containers.
confirmed the single-use plastic bag
charge would be increased to 10p
and extended to all retailers, today’s
commencement of the ban will further
ensure the country builds back greener.
It is estimated we use 4.7 billion plastic
straws, 316 million plastic stirrers, and
1.8 billion plastic-stemmed cotton
buds in England every year, many of
which find their way into our ocean.
By banning the supply of these items,
we can further protect our marine
wildlife and move one step closer to
our ambition of eliminating all avoidable
Page 8
Clean Ocean Alliance and the Other key government actions on
The ban on straws, stirrers and cotton Commonwealth Litter Programme, plastics include a world-leading
buds is just the next step in our battle aiming to prevent plastic waste from ban on microbeads, consulting
against plastic pollution and our reaching the ocean in the first place. on introducing a deposit return
pledge to protect our ocean and the scheme to drive up the recycling
environment for future generations.” The government is also committed to of single-use drinks containers,
launching a £500 million Blue Planet and committing to a ban on
While making this important step to Fund to protect the ocean from plastic the export of polluting plastic
help the environment, disabled people pollution, warming sea temperatures waste to non-OECD countries.
and those with medical conditions will and overfishing. As announced recently, the 5p
also be protected, and will be able to charge on single-use bags will
request a plastic straw when visiting a Dr Laura Foster, Head of Clean Seas at be doubled to 10p and extended
pub or restaurant and purchase them the Marine Conservation Society, said: to all retailers from April 2021.
from pharmacies.
“It’s fantastic news that the ban on The government will also
It is estimated that between 4.8 and plastic cotton bud sticks, stirrers and introduce a new world-leading
12.7 million tonnes of plastic enter straws is now in place. The results of tax on plastic packaging which
the ocean globally every year, which our annual Great British Beach Clean does not meet a minimum
has produced many scenes of marine have shown a decrease in cotton bud threshold of at least 30%
wildlife being injured or killed by plastic sticks littering British beaches. recycled content from April 2022
waste. The UK is leading on a wide to encourage greater use of
programme of overseas engagements, In 2017 we found an average of 31 recycled plastic.
including through the Commonwealth cotton bud sticks per 100 metres of
beach, and in 2019 we found just eight
on beaches in England. This reflects
that many companies have already
made the switch away from plastic, in
cotton buds and other items, something
we need to see more companies doing.
Only with ambitious policy and forward-
thinking brands and companies, can we
truly stop the plastic tide.”
Page 9
Southampton to London Pipeline Project
granted development consent October
Yesterday, Wednesday 7 October that runs from Fawley Refinery near The Planning Inspectorate
2020, the application for the proposed Southampton to Esso’s West London is committed to giving local
Southampton to London Pipeline Terminal Storage Facility in Hounslow. communities the opportunity
Project has been granted development of being involved in the
consent by the Secretary of State The application was submitted to Examination of projects that
for Business, Energy and Industrial the Planning Inspectorate by Esso may affect them. Local people,
Strategy. Petroleum Company Ltd on 14 May the Local Authorities and other
2019 and accepted for Examination Interested Parties were able to
Development consent has been on 11 June 2019. Following an participate in a 6-month long
given for the Southampton to London Examination during which the Examination.
Pipeline Project, which aims to replace Applicant, Statutory Consultees
90km of Esso Petroleum Company and Interested Parties were given The Examining Authority listened
Limited’s 105km aviation fuel pipeline the opportunity to provide evidence and gave full consideration to
to the Examining Authority, a local views before making their
Recommendation was made to the Recommendation.”
Secretary of State on 7 July 2020. The Decision, the
The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Recommendation made by
Executive, Sarah Richards said: the Examining Authority to
the Secretary of State and the
“This is the 95th Nationally Significant evidence considered by the
Infrastructure Project and 59th Energy Examining Authority in reaching
project to have been examined and its Recommendation is publicly
decided within the timescales laid down available on the National
in the Planning Act 2008. Infrastructure Planning website.
Page 10welters
®
O R G A N I S AT I O N
W O R L D W I D E
DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND
MANUFACTURING
The Originators and
Leaders in the industry
INNOVATION BY DESIGN
Creative and original
Over the past three decades, welters®
have introduced new and innovative
above and below ground interment and
memorial facilities to the industry.
Today, many of these systems are
accepted as standard nationwide and
the company continues to produce new
and original concepts, leading the way
into the next decade.
Supplying products & systems for all full body
interment needs, below & above ground,
cremated remains & memorialisation.
Visit us at
www.welters-worldwide.com
Page 11445 heritage organisations saved by £103
million investment from Government October
Culture Secretary announces a grants for capital projects awarded Government and administered
massive rescue package to protect our through the Heritage Stimulus Fund at arms length by Historic
heritage, save jobs and prepare for a First major tranche of funding from the England and the National Lottery
cultural bounceback. Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Heritage Fund. Both funds are
Recovery Fund part of the Government’s £1.57
Almost 450 heritage organisations billion Culture Recovery Fund
in England have been awarded cash Heritage organisations across the which is designed to secure
from the first round of the Culture country are set to receive a lifesaving the future of Britain’s museums,
Recovery Fund for Heritage Grants financial boost from the government galleries, theatres, independent
of up to £1 million will deliver a lifeline thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture cinemas, heritage sites and
for the heritage sector in England with Recovery Fund to help them through music venues with emergency
further support to follow and larger the coronavirus pandemic. grants and loans.
445 organisations will share £103 433 organisations will receive
million to help restart vital repair and a share of £67 million from
maintenance work on cherished the Culture Recovery Fund
heritage sites, to keep venues open for Heritage to help with costs
and to save jobs and livelihoods. for operating, reopening and
recovery. This includes famous
This vital funding is from the Culture heritage sites across the country,
Recovery Fund for Heritage and the from Wentworth Woodhouse
Heritage Stimulus Fund - funded by in Yorkshire to Blackpool’s
Page 12Winter Gardens, Blyth Tall Ship to the preserve visitor attractions and protect heritage for future generations,
Severn Valley Railway, the International livelihoods for some of the most save jobs and help us prepare
Bomber Command Centre in vulnerable heritage specialists and for a cultural bounceback post
Lincolnshire to the Piecehall in Halifax. contractors in the sector. covid.”
The funds will save sites that define
communities across the country. The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator,
has also been awarded a grant from Historic Royal Palaces, said:
Beneficiaries also include famous the Culture Recovery Fund through
locations that have starred in film and Historic England. The AHF will use the “There’s no truer way to
TV and are huge draws for tourists funding to support charities and social experience the past than to
the world over, such as Gloucester enterprises occupying historic buildings walk in the footsteps of those
Cathedral - whose cloisters formed the to develop new business plans and who have lived it – that’s why
backdrop for Hogwarts in the Harry strategies for organisations affected by preserving our built heritage is
Potter films - and Highclere Castle - the the pandemic. so important.
setting of Downton Abbey. These sites
define how our nation is seen around Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: At Historic Royal Palaces, we
the world. care for six nationally significant
“As a nation it is essential that we buildings, opening them to the
Grants are between £10,000 and £1 preserve our heritage and celebrate public and preserving them
million with a further round of grants of and learn from our past. This massive for future generations. Sadly,
up to £3 million due to be announced support package will protect our shared the pandemic meant that we
imminently. had to stop some of our critical
conservation work. The grant we
12 organisations, including English have received from the Culture
Heritage, Landmark Trust, Historic Recovery Fund will enable to this
Royal Palaces and the Canal and work to resume – so we can give
River Trust, will receive £34 million some of Britain’s most historic
from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to buildings the care and attention
restart construction and maintenance they deserve, while supporting
on cherished heritage sites to the specialist craftspeople who
Page 13are vital for the future of our national economic prosperity, is a major driver months, our teams have been
heritage. We are enormously grateful to for tourism and makes our towns, cities, working hard to welcome
the Government for this support.” and rural areas better places to live. All visitors back safely to the great
of this is so important for our wellbeing castles, stone circles, abbeys
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s and will be particularly vital when we and historic houses in our care.
Chief Executive said: start to emerge from this incredibly This funding will help us invest
difficult time. to safeguard the historic fabric of
“It is heartening to see grants, both these much-loved places, which
large and small, from the Government’s Our heritage is still facing a perilous everyone can learn from and
Culture Recovery Fund helping heritage future – we are not out of the woods enjoy.”
sites and organisations across the yet. But this hugely welcome funding
country which have been hit hard by from Government, and the money we Matthew Mckeague Chief
the effects of Covid-19. These grants continue to invest from the National Executive of the Architectural
range from giving skilled craft workers Lottery, has undoubtedly stopped Heritage Fund:
the chance to keep their trades alive heritage and the organisations that care
to helping heritage organisations pay for it being permanently lost.” “Social enterprise and charitable
the bills, and to kick-starting repair organisations based in historic
works at our best-loved historic sites. Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of English buildings play a range of critical
The funding is an essential lifeline for Heritage, said: roles in communities across
our heritage and the people who work England - offering chances
tirelessly to conserve it for us all, so that “This support for our nation’s heritage to learn, create and come
we can hand it on to future generations.” is fantastic news. Over the last few together, helping foster local
identity and social capital and
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the by providing key services. This
National Lottery Heritage Fund said: funding announced today will
be a crucial lifeline to many
“It is absolutely right that investing in organisations and projects,
heritage should be a priority during this enabling them to carry on
crisis and this support by Government delivering their vital work in the
is crucial. Heritage creates jobs and months and years ahead.”
Page 14CHOPPY SEAS
Image of Keith Welters’ active
model of curve flattening
philosophy
with
Second Wave
Building
We can all agree that 2020, so far, has been an unexpected It is inevitable that sometimes we feel our work and
challenge in many ways. If you are relatively static in your dedication is appreciated and sometimes not but there is
work or domestic location, you are largely immune to the daily no doubt that this is to be expected of life’s journey. We
management challenges that welters have had to, and still do, have and do, in our judgement, continue to do our part
wrestle with on a daily basis - all dramatically heightened by the to ‘flatten out the curve’ whilst providing an uninterrupted
covid pandemic. service to our clients.
Added to the obvious scenario of pressure, is the fact that, as a The additional challenges that we have overcome during
manufacturing organisation, designing and installing cemetery this time of uncertainty and worry are numerous and,
and crematoria interment systems and providing support through although some were to be expected, we have encountered
service and care, we require a hybrid of challenge and personal many that could not have been predicted.
dedication from every conceived resource.
As may be expected, along with the saddening rise
Upon the realisation that, not only our country but the whole world, in daily death toll due to covid, came the increase in
was and is suffering from a pandemic, our first question was, do demand for interment systems. In response, we have
we stop work and await the calm, quietly preparing for things to increased our investment risk to maximise our tooling and
return to ‘normal’ or do we fight through and do everything we systems, increasing our production capacity. This, in
can to continue looking after our customers and providing for turn, necessitated the increase in workforce and training
their needs. The answer was obvious. We are dedicated to our to ensure we have the necessary personnel to facilitate
customers and will always do what we can for them. the use of these new systems.
Page 15make certain that the correct guidelines are being followed
in each location that we are working. Masks are worn
at all times, whether on site or at our production facility.
Additional hand washing and welfare facilities have been
provided and staggered breaks implemented to ensure
that all our personnel are safe whilst at work.
In order to maintain our production capacity, it is essential
that our supply chain continues without interruption
which, unfortunately, was impossible during lockdown.
We have found ourselves in a new world of uncertainty
where we could not, and cannot still, rely on our regular
suppliers to have the necessary materials available at all
Massive investment in additional tooling capacity
Our status as key workers allowed us to persevere throughout
lockdown. However, with the daily uncertainty resultant from
personnel self isolating and the need to accommodate part time
hours due to child care issues as a result of the schools being
off, this time also provided it’s own set of challenges. Every day,
there was (and is) no certainty as to how many of our personnel
would be available to work and, if they were not, how long they
would be absent.
The ever changing government guidelines and policies are
extensive. Through country wide lockdowns, local lockdowns
and negotiating a tiered system of guidelines throughout the
country, the planning, control and distribution of our workforce
has provided us with our own management challenges. It is
essential to ensure that all personnel are updated constantly to Work continues apace in our manufacturing facility
Page 16times. In fact, although most of our suppliers were able to stay, to continue working. However, due to the reduction in
at least partially, open, the materials were often not available. hotel staff, we have found that facilities have, and are,
Cement, for example, has been in short supply with a nationwide not being cleaned as well as you would expect in these
shortage. times, resulting in our personnel having to carry their
own cleaning equipment to wipe down all surfaces and
In addition to our suppliers, we are reliant upon our hauliers handles etc before use.
for delivering our components and materials to site. We are
fortunate to be working with haulage companies that have been With the rate of unemployment plummeting, the theft
able to facilitate our increased loads. of plant, tools and equipment from sites and vans has
unfortunately escalated over the last few months. As
With our teams working at various locations throughout the you might appreciate, this has necessitated the increase
country, the management, coordination and availability of in security measures, increasing our expenditure once
accommodation is of vital importance. During lockdown, some again. We find that there is some apparent unwillingness
of our most commonly utilised facilities were no longer available or inability to provide any support or financial awareness
and alternatives had to be found. Fortunately, other facilities of these ever changing circumstances in which we must
remained open for key workers, enabling us, for the most part, operate in order for our services to continue.
As with the rest of the world, welters have had to adjust to
the ‘virtual meeting’. With the inability to meet face to face
and conduct indoor meetings, our meetings have primarily
been taking place virtually - internally with personnel and
with clients and suppliers. Particularly as we move into
the colder, wetter months where outdoor, socially distant
meetings are no longer possible, this method of ‘meeting’
has become invaluable. Although it takes a bit of getting
used to, it has, in many ways, proved to be efficient in
terms of time management and availability. It may be that
some meetings continue in this format into the future.
Regardless of the ongoing struggles as a result of the
Production continues of ashes & full body interment systems & memorials alike pandemic, welters have continued to do what we do best.
Page 17welters
The ongoing production of all full body and cremated remains
interment facilities has been essential. All our products and ®
systems can be installed together, in any configuration or layout,
designed to best suit the needs of our customers, to create the
welters® Cemetery Village® concept. Previously unusable land
O R G A N I S AT I O N
can be transformed into attractive cemeteries and cemetery W O R L D W I D E
extensions, creating interment positions where none were
possible in the existing land prior to our involvement.
Concept Originators
Design and Innovation
Please visit our website for further information on our products
and services. w w w. w e l t e r s - w o r l d w i d e . c o m
BEFORE - examples of the excavated material and accumulated rubbish found on sites being developed by welters, unsuitable for earthen burial
AFTER - the sites are transformed into Cemetery Villages, providing many interment opportunities where none were possible before
Page 18E N V I R O N M E N TA L I S S U E S
- Pollution - The Future by Paul Bazeley
Over the last few editions, we have miles in size broke away from the main unclear what effect these large
been looking at the impact of pollution iceberg, and a few days later, another pieces breaking off might have.
on our planet. In the final in the series, piece thought to be a similar size There is a possibility they
we will see what the future may hold. also broke away from a tip. It seems will get swept towards South
Georgia, and scientists are
Although it is hard to say precisely monitoring the situation closely.
what impact pollution will have in the While some say the iceberg
future, we can use some research to breaking may have been a case
develop a picture. While governments, of the production and decay of
companies, charities, and individuals, an iceberg, many believe it is a
are all doing their bit to fight pollution, direct result of global warming.
the problem is still increasing instead
of decreasing. The rising earth temperature is
affecting the world. With the
Climate change is making the world weather becoming seemingly
warmer at an alarming rate. Around more temperamental each year,
the time of writing, a giant iceberg, the long-term impacts are so far
approximately 1,500 square miles in unclear. However, researchers
size, known as A68 has begun to break expect more floods, hotter
up close to South Georgia Island. A temperatures, and a whole host
piece believed to be around 70 square of other unwanted weather.
Page 19shrank by an average of 43%. There is responsible for 1.8 billion sick
The Proceedings of the National a wealth of data to show that pollution days and 4.5 million deaths a
Academy of Sciences of the United is and will kill off animal and plant year. It also saw large amounts
States of America (PNAS) researched species in the future, and in some of children missing school days
how climate change could affect due to asthma and other issues,
cases, it is likely too late to reverse the
pollution in China, one of the worlds impact. which can have a detrimental
most polluted countries. They found impact on their learning and
that “results indicate that climate A further concern is the economic add to healthcare requirements.
change is likely to increase the factors of future air pollution.
risk of severe pollution events in Greenpeace’s study estimated that Finally, an exciting story from
China”. They also suggested, “that pollution is responsible for a $2.9 the BBC found that not only are
increasingly frequent extreme events trillion financial cost, which equates to we killing our planet, making
such as atmospheric stagnation and 3.3% of the world’s GDP. The report ourselves ill, and affecting
heat waves could negatively impact also estimated that pollution was our economies, we may also
air quality, especially during extreme
air pollution episodes”. The model
suggested that this would increase
the number of deaths due to pollution
each year.
Recent data has shown that around
70 animals have become extinct due
to changing ecosystems or pollution.
The data also showed well over 6,000
animal species are at threat. To further
this, scientific research between 1970
and 2014 found that approximately
500 mammal populations in Canada
Page 20be changing our behaviour. Their to entering the White House, and he be the catalyst for a global fight
story discussed studies that show air has already said: “I will join the Paris against climate change.
pollution can impair our judgement, [Climate] Accord”. The President-
cause mental health issues, lead to Elect seems to be far more concerned As individuals, the news also
lower performance in schools and with climate change than the man he seems optimistic. Recycling
even increase crime. One study even will succeed. is on the up, many are using
showed that even moderate pollution cleaner energy sources, many
levels could raise crime rates. The There was further good news late in are buying less fast fashion, and
study found that pollution could cause 2020. Somewhat surprisingly, Chinese more people are eating more
inflammation in the brain and cause President Xi Jinping declared that sustainably. The sale of electric
people to feel increasingly anxious. China would cut emissions to net-zero and hybrid vehicles has also
Although the research is in its infancy,by 2060. The announcement at the increased substantially. In fact,
early data shows that pollution could UN General Assembly was a shock Tesla is now the most valuable
alter our behaviour. but great news in the fight against car company in the world.
pollution. Many believe that this
There certainly is a bleakness to the statement from a country with a poor It appears that the future
prospects of the future with pollution. track record in fighting pollution could could be bleak; however, if
Nevertheless, now more than ever, are governments, companies, and
we trying to reduce and reverse the we as individuals pull together,
problem. A recent UN Climate Summit there is a possibility that we can
saw the EU pledge to cut its emissions turn things around. At the time
by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. of writing, it seems we may be
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the precipice of change, and
also vowed to cut greenhouse gas with more countries joining the
pollution by a minimum of 68% by fight against pollution and a
2030 compared to 1990. There is new President due in America,
also renewed hope for the US. At we may still be able to save the
the time of writing, Joe Biden is close beautiful planet we live on.
Page 21welters ART
TM
Page 22Captain Sir Tom Moore presented with
first Veterans Railcard October
- Captain Sir Tom Moore presented with off-peak fares, as well as discounted introductory price of £21 until 31
the very first Veterans Railcard as design travel for adult companions and children. March 2021.
is unveiled It forms part of the government’s
- former servicemen and women to commitment to make this country the Grant Shapps, Transport
receive up to a third off fares from best place to be a veteran, helping repay Secretary, said:
Armistice Day, unlocking opportunities to the debt we all owe to those who have
re-enter work and connecting with loved served. “We have an eternal debt of
ones honour to those who have served
- Rail Minister hails selflessness and At his home in Bedfordshire Captain our country and this railcard is
spirit of all veterans as he visits former Tom Moore, who served in World War part of marking our gratitude.
service personnel retraining to enter II and won the nation’s hearts with For veterans looking to re-enter
construction industry his incredible fundraising efforts, was the world of work and connect
presented with the very first card. with friends and family, it will
Military veterans of every generation will cut the cost of travel to open up
soon benefit from cut-price rail travel, The card pays tribute to the Royal new opportunities. Delivering
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps Navy, RAF and Army, using the colours this Manifesto promise will
announced today (14 October 2020), featured on the veterans’ flag. An improve lives for veterans and
as he presented Captain Sir Tom Moore estimated 830,000 veterans, who are not their families across the United
with the very first Veterans Railcard. eligible for existing railcards, will now be Kingdom.
able to get up to a third off rail travel from
Aimed at supporting veterans post- 5 November 2020. I am also delighted to present Sir
service, the newly unveiled railcard will Captain Tom Moore with the very
provide up to a third off all peak and The new card will be on sale at an first railcard. Through his service
Page 23and his inspirational fundraising, he has service. ways and it’s right their unique
shown the selflessness and indomitable contribution is recognised.
spirit of all those who have served.” Minister for Defence People and
Veterans Johnny Mercer said: We welcome the introduction
Captain Sir Tom Moore, Captain Tom of measures such as the new
Foundation, said: “Providing discounted rail travel is a Veterans Railcard that will allow
fantastic way to underline the debt of veterans and their families to
“This is a wonderful occasion to accept gratitude we owe to those who have enjoy discounted rail fares.
the first Veterans Railcard. served.
At a time when many veterans
It is a rare opportunity to show thanks For younger veterans, it will also help are facing significant financial
and gratitude to veterans and this boost employment prospects, allowing hardship, we hope as many as
railcard is a necessary recognition and more flexibility in their travel to work or possible will be able to enjoy the
investment in veterans, giving them job interviews.” benefits this card will bring when
the ability to re-connect and combat travelling by train.”
loneliness, something that we promote Charles Byrne, Director General of The
and support at the Captain Tom Royal British Legion said: Help for Heroes CEO, Melanie
Foundation.” Waters said:
“Every day our armed forces community
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris also provide an incredible service in so many “We are pleased that the
visited the Building Heroes centre in government will make good on its
Wandsworth, to meet with veterans promise to introduce a railcard for
undergoing a 6-week training course in veterans and extend discounted
building and construction. train travel to former service
personnel in England.
Targeted at teaching veterans new skills
and tackling unemployment by delivering The pandemic is having a lasting
a seamless transition into a career in impact on veterans and their
the construction industry, Chris Heaton families both financially and
Harris discussed how the railcard would socially, and its introduction will
support re-entering civilian life after come at a welcome time.”
Page 24COVID-19:
What we know so far - part 2 by Paul Bazeley
Since the previous article published in further restriction postponed.
the Summer 2020 edition of Government What has happened since?
World, a lot has changed in terms of As we moved into August, the
coronavirus. A brief overview. successful Eat Out to Help Out
scheme began, it provided 50%
To give you a quick refresh, by the end In July, the government announced a off meals at certain restaurants
of June the government had reduced £1.57 billion support package to support and pubs. By the end of the
the UK alert level to Level 3 from level galleries, museums, theatres, and other project, 100 million meals were
4. The change meant the UK was cultural venues that the pandemic consumed. A review into A-Level
moving away from a ‘severe risk of had impacted. Prime Minister Boris and GCSE grades took place
transmission’ to ‘coronavirus in general Johnson announced a further easing after results were significantly
circulation’ and that a gradual relaxation of restrictions. The government ordered lower than teachers expected
of rules could happen. A spike in cases 90 million vaccines from BioNtech/ grades.
saw stricter measures introduced in Pfizer and Valvena; this was in addition
Leicester. Nevertheless, the sun was out to 100 million Oxford AstraZeneca During September, an alarming
and spirits, in general, seemed high as vaccines previously ordered. The number of coronavirus cases
lockdown measures were relaxed. government placed restrictions on began to develop with many
Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and government officials and advisors
East Lancashire after a surge in cases. expressing their concern over
A rise in coronavirus numbers across the increase. New restriction
the UK saw the scheduled easing of later came into force including
Page 25a curfew on pubs, restaurants, bars, nationals arriving from the country. The approximately 250,000
casinos, bowling alleys and a range of UK became the fifth country behind the vaccinations have been given
other entertainment places. England US, Brazil, India and Mexico to record across the UK. The Oxford/
and Wales saw the release of the Track 50,000 deaths. Plans were announced AstraZeneca vaccine has been
and Trace App. to allow three households to mix for a approved and will be given to
short period over the Christmas holidays. people imminently. It is hoped
October saw the news that the James that by mid-February the first four
Bond film, No Time To Die, would be At the beginning of December, the UK priority groups will have had their
delayed again. The announcement led became the first country in the world to first vaccines. That would include
cinemas to close or drastically reduce approve the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine. A residents and staff working in
their opening hours due to the lack of new COVID-19 variant was found in the care homes for older adults, all
new film releases. Papers released South of England. England returned to those over 80 and frontline health
showed that the Scientific Advisory the tier system after its second lockdown and social care workers, all those
Group for Emergencies (SAGE) had ended. The government reduced the over 75, those over 70 years
recommended a short ‘circuit-breaker’ self-isolation period from 14 days to 10. A of age and over, and clinically
lockdown to stem the rising cases. The new tier 4 restriction was introduced and extremely vulnerable individuals.
news led to many calling for a small imposed around the London area. Plans
lockdown to take place. Deaths from for households to mix over Christmas Although vaccinations have
COVID-19 rose to highs not seen for were limited to the 25th December only. begun, the number of cases and
several months. Over 40 countries suspended flights to the number of deaths increase
and from the UK due to concerns over at an alarming rate. The stricter
By November, coronavirus cases the new variant. France halted all ferry tier 4 measures are seemingly
continued to rise, hitting numbers not traffic for 48 hours, closing the Port of spreading to more parts of the
seen since May. England went back into Dover. Another strain of coronavirus was UK, and rumours of another
a lockdown to try and control the spread found in South Africa. lockdown are circulating as there
of the virus. The discovery of a mutant seems to be a worry that the NHS
strain of the virus in Denmark led to the Where are we now? may become overwhelmed.
government imposing a ban on Non-UK Currently, at the end of December,
Page 26What does the future look like? seems at the moment are the mutations
of the virus. If the vaccines are effective
It is hard to say what long term impact against them, then by the end of the
coronavirus will have on the world. Many year many of us will hopefully be seeing
experts have stated that the virus will a return to normality. If the vaccines are
probably be around forever; however, not effective against some strains, then
it will become more easily managed who knows. Will there be a scramble to
over time. Whether that is true or not is create other vaccines? Now it is easier
yet to be seen. While things seem to be to test, could we see Covid-19 being
going the wrong way, we should note contained? Or will we be back to square
that some scientists did warn there was one? At the minute, we are not sure.
likely to be a second spike over winter. Although some experts believe the
vaccines will still work, we are waiting
Based on the cases and deaths in the for data to verify it.
UK, a third lockdown seems almost
inevitable in the not-so-distant future. It seems that this pandemic is still quite
Nevertheless, the vaccination rollout far from over. Yet, with the introduction of
has begun and with a second vaccine vaccines, there is a sense of renewed
approved, and more hoping to be in the hope that we are nearing the end. One
coming months, there is a possibility thing seems inevitable; vaccinations
of a light at the end of the tunnel. The and variants will play a large role in what
vaccination process will not be a quick happens next.
one, especially when accounting for
the entire world, but at least it has now A follow-up article will feature in a future
begun and is likely to only increase in edition of Government World.
speed.
The big question mark for the future it
Page 27Liverpool to be regularly tested for
coronavirus in first whole city testing pilot November
- Prime Minister announces new whole At the request of and in close how mass testing can be
city testing approach to launch in collaboration with local leaders, the achieved and how fast and
Liverpool from Friday with hundreds of Prime Minister is announcing the first reliable COVID-19 testing can be
thousands of new, rapid turnaround tests deployment of whole city testing in order delivered at scale.
deployed to help support the local area to find even
- all residents and workers will be offered more people with coronavirus to control Local leaders who invite mass
repeat COVID-19 testing, even if the spread of the virus and gain more testing will benefit from receiving
asymptomatic, to find more positive data on the number of cases across the a clearer picture of the number of
cases and break chains of transmission city, which are already among the highest cases across the city, enabling
- tests to be provided through a per 100,000 in the UK. Testing will begin them to make informed decisions
partnership between Liverpool City this week. to manage the spread of the virus
Council, NHS Test and Trace and and support their communities.
Ministry of Defence, with logistical Residents and workers will be tested The greater the number of people
support from Armed Forces personnel using a combination of existing swab who participate, the greater the
tests, as well as new lateral flow tests accuracy of the local picture,
Everyone living or working in Liverpool which can rapidly turn around results which will mean better local
will now be offered COVID-19 testing, within an hour without the need to be decision-making to suppress the
whether they have symptoms or not, in processed in a lab, as well as LAMP virus to help communities get
the first pilot of whole city testing in technology due to be deployed in back to doing more of the normal
England made possible by the dramatic Liverpool University Hospitals NHS things they like to do.
increase in testing capacity and new Foundation Trust for NHS staff.
technologies. Testing will be carried out in sites
The pilot will help to inform a blueprint for across the city, including a large
Page 28number of new sites determined by local Health Secretary Matt Hancock
leaders. There will be a variety of ways to These more advanced tests will help said:
book a test, including online, walk-up, or identify infectious individuals who are not
by invitation from the local authority. displaying symptoms and help far more “Last month we set out our
Testing will be carried out in new and positive cases so they can self-isolate ambition to use the latest mass
existing test sites, using home kits, in and prevent the virus from spreading, in testing technologies to bring this
hospitals and care home settings, and a first step towards rolling out mass virus under control.
schools, universities and workplaces. testing more widely across the UK.
Mass testing will help us to control
Positive results from tests will be Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: this virus, by finding it even before
collected by NHS Test and Trace, and people get symptoms. I’m
published as part of the daily case “I want to thank the civic leaders of delighted we can now roll out
numbers, including how many positive Liverpool for volunteering to join the UK’s mass testing to whole cities –
cases are detected with this new method first city-wide population testing pilot and starting with the City of Liverpool.
of testing. Results will be received from the people of Liverpool for taking part. Using half a million of the very
NHS Test and Trace via text and email. latest rapid tests, this rollout can
These tests will help identify the many help suppress the virus and give
Anyone who tests positive, using either a thousands of people in the city who don’t residents and workers some
lateral flow test or an existing swab test, have symptoms but can still infect others peace of mind.
must self-isolate along with their without knowing. Dependent on their
household immediately and their success in Liverpool, we will aim to I want to thank local leaders,
contacts will be traced. Those who test distribute millions of these new rapid Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson
negative will need to continue to follow all tests between now and Christmas and and City Region Metro Mayor
national guidance. empower local communities to use them Steve Rotheram, and Liverpool’s
to drive down transmission in their areas. Director of Public Health Matt
Ashton, who will continue to work
It is early days, but this kind of mass hand in hand with our dedicated
testing has the potential to be a powerful armed forces to provide tests to
new weapon in our fight against anyone who wants one, fully
COVID-19.” supported by NHS Test and Trace.
Page 29Everyone in Liverpool can help play their stand at 410.4 per 100,000, as of 25 substantially.
part by getting a test and following the October. The government’s strategy is to
rules, including the critical basics of suppress the virus while supporting the We are seeing a slow reduction in
‘Hands. Face. Space’.” economy, education and the NHS, until figures in Liverpool which shows
an effective vaccine is widely available. we are on the right path and
Eligible individuals who test positive Local action is at the centre of the residents and businesses are
– and contacts who are required to government’s response, and working together and following
self-isolate – will be entitled to the £500 engagement with local authorities is, and guidelines for the greater good.
Test and Trace Support Payment in the will continue to be, a key part of this
same way as a regular swab test ordered process. We hope this new initiative boosts
through NHS Test and Trace. our efforts, and we will continue to
Liverpool City Council will set out how see the numbers of positive cases
Whole city testing aims to protect those residents and workers will be able to drop across the city.”
at highest risk and find asymptomatic access the tests this week.
cases to help prevent and reduce Alongside NHS Test and Trace
transmission in the community. By testing Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: and commercial partners, the
a large proportion of a single town or city Ministry of Defence will supply
more positive cases can be identified “During negotiations with central additional military personnel to
and told to self-isolate to help control the government, myself and Steve Rotheram support the COVID-19 mass
spread. have always highlighted the need for testing initiative in Liverpool
enhanced public health intervention through assisting local authorities
Liverpool is in local COVID alert level measures in Liverpool and the wider city with planning logistics locally, and
very high and weekly cases currently region, and we were keen that we should delivering the additional lateral
be considered for any new strategies to flow testing part of the
tackle the worrying rise in COVID-19. programme. Roughly 2,000
personnel will be deployed from
We are pleased that our numerous Thursday 5 November.
conversations have resulted in Liverpool
becoming a pilot for mass testing, which Since the start of the pandemic,
will help to quickly identify people who the Armed Forces have deployed
have the virus and reduce transmission specialist planners, medics and
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