Beverley Lass

I've had some good successes in my garden this last couple of weeks. A nest box full of Blue Tits did well and several batches of Blackbirds in the hedge. Nearby fledglings of Greenfinches and Goldfinches as well as the more common sparrows and starlings . The Swifts are just taking over the ridge tiles from the sparrows and starlings for their eggs. The wood pigeons did have their eggs taken by Rooks though in their very open nest . I've been helping the parent birds lots by putting food out and keeping the fresh water going .

Had a decent thunderstorm here, lasted a good 15 mins. Lightening took the TV and Internet signal off for a while. Hammered down with rain. Good growing weather at last.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1282729/comet-swan-how-to-see-watch-green-comet-swan-uk-flyby-tonight

Drat, got my 'tatties' well nipped last night. Woke to a white ground frost, brrrrr.

We seem to have escaped a frost here. 6° C temp. first thing. A relief re. our young plants / veg . B.

Hi all, High pressure of 1042 according to my barometer. Only 5.5 C temp and a stiff breeze. Seeing more graupel and snow flakes than all through the winter ! Brrrrr .

This year's Tour de Yorkshire has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The sixth edition of the race had been scheduled to take place across the county from 30 April to 3 May. Dates are being looked at for the event to be staged later on in the year.

Tut, just after we cancelled ours and were told we had to pay for a full month before that cancellation takes effect.

An infectious disease expert who has been advising Boris Johnson and the government is now self isolating after developing symptoms of coronavirus. Confirming the news on Twitter, Professor Neil Ferguson said that coronavirus is rife in Westminster. Ferguson, the director of J-IDEA and the MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, posted on Wednesday: “Developed a slight dry but persistent cough yesterday and self isolated even though I felt fine. Then developed high fever at 4am today.” “There is a lot of Covid-19 in Westminster,” he added. HuffPost is now a part of Verizon Media WWW.HUFFINGTONPOST.CO.UK

I wouldn't have thought many can actually 'work from home' in reality.

I have a decent stock of Anadin too, but wasn't sure if the Aspirin part (anti-inflammatory) was a good thing ? I know some medics are advising against Ibuprofen.

Awww, the Irish pubs to close for two weeks, even over St Patrick's day

Does anyone know if the staying at home for the over 70' will be an advisory thing or a strict law ?

That was my first thought, aren't the infected or likely infected meant to be kept away from the GP surgeries. Wonder if they can set up an isolated room for such testing ?

Covid-19 testing expanded to monitor virus spread WWW.BBC.CO.UK Surveillance testing is extended at GP surgeries but there is no routine testing of people with minor symptoms. A piece here on the BBC page if that adds anything.

10 further Deaths reported in England

May Local elections and Mayoral elections postponed until next year

UK government's coronavirus advice – and why it gave it | World news | The Guardian WWW.THEGUARDIAN.COM The action plan’s recommendations differed significantly from measures imposed in other countries Seems a decent round up

People 'shed' coronavirus early, but most likely not infectious after recovery WWW.STATNEWS.COM The study, from scientists in Germany, could provide key information that public health officials have been lacking in their response to the outbreak. This is interesting about viral shedding *lessening* after 5 days ...

Prof. Semple on BBC news just explained about the change to one week self isolation instead of the two week previous advice. You are 'less' infectious after one week he said and you can get back to providing valuable services . And it is to do with this desire for 'herd immunity' .. trying to let the spread be more gradual.

Govt local elections to be delayed.

The Scottish government is to advise that gatherings of more than 500 people be cancelled from next week. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said this was to free up emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, to deal with coronavirus. Ms Sturgeon said the move was an attempt to "protect" the "resilience" of essential staff. She added it was not necessary to close schools and universities yet, but said that advice would remain under review.

Ireland's Varadkar says from 6pm tomorrow schools and colleges closing , mass gatherings indoors above 100 banned

Yes that was a very wild weather night ! Such strong gusts and icy sleet pounding on the windows. The bin thumped over at 3.45am . B.

Mortgage payments to be deferred for UK folks affected too I understand.