Country and Townhouse Good News newsletters

In these weird times, and having received another rejection this week, this was just what I needed at the moment, so thought I would share with my followers in case they are feeling the same:

GOOD NEWS YOU NEED RIGHT NOW BY COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE In these strange and unusual times, we all need a little positivity in our lives, so we’re picking out the good news stories to come out amidst the coronavirus pandemic reporting for some light relief and hope for brighter times to come. Stay safe, and please send any stories you think we might like to share with our readers on Twitter @countryandtown or send to intern@countryandtownhouse.co.uk. This too shall pass. KITCHEN GARDEN CONTENTS HELP GORILLAS The Pig at Bridge Place is making the most of its fruit and vegetable glut from its kitchen garden by delivering the produce to those in need. The staff are serving up the food to the doorsteps of NHS workers, the high risk and the vulnerable. This vulnerable group includes the wild residents of nearby gorilla sanctuary at Howletts Wild Animal Park, which is currently shut to visitors. The 29 Western lowland gorillas, which The Aspinall Foundation intends to re-introduce to the wilds of Central Africa, are currently enjoying ‘gone over’ parsnips, chard, celeriac and spring onions, that would otherwise go to waste. CURE FOR HEART DISEASE COULD BE CLOSE A cure for heart disease could be available within a decade after a gene breakthrough. Scientists have discovered that a gene that usually helps cancer to spread can potentially be used to regenerate heart muscle. “This is really exciting because scientists have been trying to make heart cells proliferate for a long time,” said researcher Catherine Wilson, of the University of Cambridge. “None of the current heart disease treatments are able to reverse degeneration of the heart tissue – they only slow progression of the disease. Now we’ve found a way to do it – in a mouse.” Source: iNews ASPREY MAKE DONATION TO NET Asprey joins the legion of luxury brands doing their bit to support those fighting the pandemic, in the form of a beautiful charity pendant. The 167 Pendant (a version of which is often worn by the Duchess of Cambridge) has been created in sterling silver, with a inset amethyst in the centre and special engraving on the reverse with the National Emergencies Trust (NET) logo. All profits of the pendant will go directly to NET in the fight against Covid-19.  Asprey is just one of the Great British Brands doing their bit in the fight against Covid-19. We’re rounding up all the initiatives currently underway, from Brompton Bicycles’s NHS loan scheme to Rolls Royce’s Visor Scheme. Read more about the Great British Brands’ projects here. SMALL BUSINESS 4 NHS Lots of small businesses are feeling the effects of Covid-19 right now, but that doesn’t mean that many aren’t pitching in to do their bit to help. The Small Businesses 4 NHS initiative involves weekly raffles, with prizes donated by small, independent businesses across the country, who have been adversely affected by Covid-19. Raffle tickets cost £5 and this week prizes include a gorgeous parasol from the East London Parasol company. justgiving.com TAKE PART IN THE ALEXANDER McQUEEN PRINT CHALLENGE Step away from the tie-dye. If your urge to spend lockdown getting creative is strong, channel your energies in the right direction. The third stage in Great British Brand Alexander McQueen’s McQueen Creators project is live, and this time they’re here with their very first video tutorial, hosted by Simon Ungless, long-time Alexander McQueen friend and collaborator and the creative behind the extraordinary prints for shows including The Birds and Dante. Watch Simon, who is Executive Director of the school of fashion at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco, screen print two projects from his own home studio and then get involved yourself at home. Photograph and share your creations on Instagram by tagging @AlexanderMcQueen #McQueenCreators. youtube.com HARRY & MEGHAN DELIVER MEALS TO LA RESIDENTS IN NEED Been wondering what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been up to since moving to LA? The couple have been delivering meals to LA residents through Project Angel Food non-profit that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to chronically ill people. Source: CNN Above: GettyImages LIONS ENJOYING LOCKDOWN PEACE Lions in South Africa’s Kruger National Park have been taking advantage of the lack of tourists. Park ranger Richard Sowry was on patrol this week when he saw a pride of lions sleeping in the middle of a road usually packed with tourists. “Lions are used to people in vehicles,” he said. “All animals have much more of an instinctive fear of people on foot, so if I had walked up they would never have allowed me to get so close.” Source: BBC CAPTAIN TOM MOORE HONOURED IN CLAP FOR CARERS In what is fast becoming our daily Captain Tom Moore update, the 99-year-old war veteran was honoured last night during the weekly clap for carers. NHS staff were pictured holding up signs reading ‘Captain Tom! Thank you’. Tom’s total currently stands at more than £17million. A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Like millions of people across the country, the Prime Minister joined in the clap for carers this evening, to say thank you for the incredible efforts of the country’s doctors, nurses and care workers.” Source: Evening Standard Above dress: Ralph & Russo MIND, BODY & SOUL From the benefits of hugging trees (one of the only things we’re allowed to hug right now) to the ultimate spa guide to start dreaming of post-lockdown life, you’ll find a host of positive, uplifting features in our May/June issue of Country & Town House. Click here for your issue sneak peek & read our interview with cover star Arizona Muse here. More Uplifting News This Way... Here's How You Can Help... YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Sign up for 10 print issues of Country & Town House magazine, plus seven supplements and instant access to every digital edition for only £12. Subscribe to C&TH Copyright © 2020 Country & Town House, All rights reserved.  Our mailing address is:  Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, London, SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

GOOD NEWS YOU NEED RIGHT NOW BY COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE In these strange and unusual times, we all need a little positivity in our lives, so we’re picking out the good news stories to come out amidst the coronavirus pandemic reporting for some light relief and hope for brighter times to come. Stay safe, and please send any stories you think we might like to share with our readers on Twitter @countryandtown or send to intern@countryandtownhouse.co.uk. This too shall pass. Above: GettyImages ALGARVE HOSPITALS GET A BOOST Quinta do Lago residents and business owners have raised more than 500,000EUR to buy equipment and improve working conditions for health professionals in the Algarve, following a 50,000EUR donation from the resort. The ‘Flattening the Curve’ fundraising group is donating money to the Algarve Biomedical Centre (ABC), the consortium which is leading many of the region’s initiatives to contain the pandemic. BANKSY CREATES NEW LOCKDOWN ARTWORK Lockdown might be keeping people off the streets, but that hasn’t stopped Banksy from creating new work, from the comfort of his own home. The artist posted on Instagram on Wednesday saying, ‘My wife hates it when I work from home’. The new work shows rats causing mayhem in the artist’s bathroom, knocking the mirror to one side and making a mess. See his new work at the bottom of today’s update. Source: Evening Standard TOM MOORE BREAKS THE £15 MILLION MARK Earlier this week, 99-year-old war veteran Tom Moore broke the £1million mark with his NHS fundraising mission to complete 100 laps of his garden by his 100th birthday. His initial target of £1000 is now a distant memory as, at the time of writing, Tom has now surpassed £15million. What a hero. Source: Evening Standard 'YOU CLAP FOR ME' FILM CELEBRATES ETHNIC MINORITY WORKERS A film celebrating black, Asian and ethnic minority workers working to tackle the coronavirus pandemic has gone viral. The film shows teachers, doctors and delivery drivers from non-white backgrounds who are playing key roles in the coronavirus efforts. Director Darren Smith says coronavirus has led to solidarity in society. Source: BBC Above: GettyImages NATIONAL PARK ANIMALS 'HAVING A PARTY'  The animal residents of California’s shuttered Yosemite National Park are said to be making the most of the quiet roads and lack of visitors, with video footage showing bears climbing trees close to rangers’ homes. Ranger Katie Patrick said: “The bears are just literally walking down the road to get to where they need to go”. When asked about what the animals have been up to since the park closure, she replied: “For the most part, I think they’re having a party”. Source: CNN THE DRUMMING BBC WEATHERMAN LIFTS SPIRITS BBC North West Tonight presenter Owain Wyn Evans has gone viral by finishing his weather forecast by playing the BBC News theme tune on the drums. “When they said try working from home I didn’t realise they’d expect me to do the music too,” he said. Source: BBC 106-YEAR-OLD CONNIE RECOVERS FROM CORONAVIRUS Connie Titchen, a 106-year-old great-grandmother, has become Britain’s oldest patient to recover from Covid-19. The retired shopworker said she felt “very lucky” to have fought off the virus as she was applauded by staff on leaving Birmingham City Hospital on Tuesday. Source: BBC ROYAL MONEY PROFITS GO TO HUNGER CHARITY The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have requested that profits from their royal wedding broadcast be used to help feed children throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The £90,000 profits from the BBC’s broadcast are to be given to charity Feeding Britain on Harry and Meghan’s request. The pair are believed to have called the Archbishop of Canterbury, who married the pair in 2018 and is president of Feeding Britain, to make arrangements. Source: Evening Standard More Uplifting News This Way... Here's How You Can Help... YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Sign up for 10 print issues of Country & Town House magazine, plus seven supplements and instant access to every digital edition for only £12. Subscribe to C&TH Copyright © 2020 Country & Town House, All rights reserved.  Our mailing address is:  Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, London, SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

GOOD NEWS YOU NEED RIGHT NOW BY COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE In these strange and unusual times, we all need a little positivity in our lives, so we’re picking out the good news stories to come out amidst the coronavirus pandemic reporting for some light relief and hope for brighter times to come. Stay safe, and please send any stories you think we might like to share with our readers on Twitter @countryandtown or send to intern@countryandtownhouse.co.uk. This too shall pass. Above: Delphine Schieb on Unsplash LOCKDOWN SPELLS GOOD NEWS FOR WILDLIFE The lockdown may be having a positive impact for some of the UK’s wildlife, according to conservationists. With fewer people in urban environments and less cars on the roads, our native mammals may be enjoying the quieter spaces. If you’re out running, keep an eye out for deer, stoats, hedgehogs, foxes and badgers who may be enjoying the quiet and venturing out more than usual. Source: BBC JOE WICKS WINS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Joe Wicks, who has become the nation’s PE teacher while schools are closed, has become a Guinness World Record holder for YouTube views after one of his live-streamed workouts was viewed by 955,158 people. “I had no idea that when I went live on my YouTube workout on March 24, that we were actually setting a world record,” he said.“So, thank you to everyone that tuned in – I’m so proud that this is our record, and we can remember that day as the moment we got the most viewers for a live work out.” Source: Evening Standard BARBOUR'S MEDICAL GOWNS REACH HOSPITALS Medical gowns and scrubs made by outdoor clothing company Barbour have arrived at hospitals in the North East. Barbour started production of the PPE items in support of the NHS trusts in the region, and the scrubs have been “gratefully received”.  Lewis Atkinson, deputy director at Gateshead’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital said in a tweet: “Good morning from QE Gateshead Tactical Command. Much excitement at receipt of our first batch of ‘by royal appointment’ gowns from Barbour – thank you so much, we especially love the proper Barbour cuffs!” Meanwhile, microbiology consultant Dr Alice Wort said: “Thank you Barbour. You thoroughly deserve these royal crests. The quality of these new gowns is amazing. They mean so much to our staff. Proud of our British manufacturers.” Source: Chronicle Live Above: Yucel Moran on Unsplash FLAMINGOS LOVE TO "HANG OUT" WITH FRIENDS  If social distancing was in practice in the animal kingdom, flamingos would be finding it just as hard as humans. A new five-year study has found that the pink birds form friendships that last for years, and that they choose to hang out with friends within their groups. Researchers at the University of Exeter even found that they have certain individuals they prefer to avoid. Dr Paul Rose, author of the study in the journal Behavioural Processes said: “Flamingo societies are complex. They are formed of long-standing friendships rather than loose, random connections. Flamingos don’t simply find a mate and spend their time with that individual. Some mating couples spend much of their time together, but lots of other social bonds also exist. We see pairs of males or females choosing to ‘hang out’, we see trios and quartets that are regularly together. It seems that – like humans – flamingos form social bonds for a variety of reasons, and the fact they’re so long-lasting suggests they are important for survival in the wild.” Source: Independent VIRTUAL RACE FOR THE NHS This weekend the UK’s first virtual Spartan endurance obstacle course will take place in homes across the country. The #HydrateOurHeroes initiative led by Spartan aims to aid the Covid-19 fight by donating electrolyte hydration drinks to NHS staff. For every participant, SOS Hydration will donate an SOS electrolyte drink mix pack. The competition takes place this Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April is free to enter at spartanrace.uk. ENGLAND LIONESSES DONATE TO #PLAYERSTOGETHER The England Women’s football squad, known as the Lionesses, have donated to the #PlayersTogether initiative set up by Premier League players to support the NHS and other staff working against the spread of coronavirus. A statement from the squad said: “After discussions with a number of Premier League players, we are delighted to confirm that the whole of the Lionesses squad will make a collective donation to the #PlayersTogether fund.” Source: BBC More Uplifting News This Way... Here's How You Can Help... YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Sign up for 10 print issues of Country & Town House magazine, plus seven supplements and instant access to every digital edition for only £12. Subscribe to C&TH Copyright © 2020 Country & Town House, All rights reserved.  Our mailing address is:  Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, London, SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

GOOD NEWS YOU NEED RIGHT NOW BY COUNTRY & TOWN HOUSE In these strange and unusual times, we all need a little positivity in our lives, so we’re picking out the good news stories to come out amidst the coronavirus pandemic reporting for some light relief and hope for brighter times to come. Stay safe, and please send any stories you think we might like to share with our readers on Twitter @countryandtown or send to intern@countryandtownhouse.co.uk. This too shall pass. Above: GettyImages ITALIAN TENOR BOCELLI SPREADS MESSAGE OF HOPE It’s usually one of the busiest weekends for Italy’s churches but with lockdown measures still in place and mass gatherings banned, the country’s churches remained empty throughout Easter Weekend. However Italian tenor Bocelli brought a message of hope to millions of homes as he sang at Milan’s empty cathedral. He finished his performance by singing Amazing Grace on the cathedral’s steps. Source: BBC BRAZIL'S CHRIST THE REDEEMER LIGHTS UP WITH THANKS Brazil’s most famous landmark has been illuminated with a message of thanks over the Easter weekend to say thank you to those fighting against the coronavirus outbreak. The Christ the Redeemer statue was lit up to look like a doctor, recognising frontline workers facing the pandemic. It also showed video clips and the flags of the affected countries, plus messages urging people to stay at home to help against the spread of the virus. The city’s archbishop, Dom Orani Tempesta, held a mass at the base of the statue on Easter Sunday and said: “We are all praying for families that are hurt and that have sick family members, or the families who have loved ones who died. It is not time for divisions but unity, we are united against a common enemy that transmits the virus that is contaminating so many people.” Source: Evening Standard DUTY TO CARE NHS workers are under unprecedented levels of stress right now, and new initiative Duty To Care has launched to help provide staff with free mental health support. The service will be an online resource for NHS workers to go to for instant help and support when they need it most. Those in need will be able to book one-on-one online sessions as well as accessing advice from experts on how to manage their mental health independently on a day to day level. The service will provide access to CBT therapists; psychotherapists; mindfulness teachers; meditation experts; breath-work experts; homeopaths; immunologists; nutrition coaches; hypnotherapists and healers. For more information or to donate, visit dutytocare.info. Above: GettyImages DROP IN AIR POLLUTION LEADS TO MOUNTAIN VIEWS The Himalayas have come into view for the first time in 30 years in northern India as the continued coronavirus lockdown has led to a drop in air pollution levels. Many Jalandhar and Punjab residents are viewing the mountains for the very first time and have been posting pictures of their new, smog-free views on social media. Source: Evening Standard Above: Tobias Adam on Unsplash A ZONKEY IS BORN It’s not a donkey, it’s not a zebra. It is, in fact, a zonkey. The rare zebra-donkey hybrid was born at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, and according to local staff, both mother and baby are doing well. Source: CNN OPERA-SINGING DOCTOR LIFTS SPIRITS After training in medicine, Dr Alex Aldren ended up leaving the world of medicine to become a professional musician. But the tenor has now returned to the NHS to help during the coronavirus crisis and has been making use of his talents to lift spirits. The doctor has been singing to staff and patients at Royal London Hospital and Newham Hospital, and a video of him in action has gone viral.  Source: BBC FREE MUSIC FOR NHS WORKERS Live music might be on hold for the time being, but NHS workers have a host of gigs to look forward to once the pandemic is under control. Liam Gallagher has announced a free concert for NHS workers at London’s O2 Arena on 29 October, with ticket applications opening on 15 April. Manic Street Preachers and Rick Astley have also announced free shows for NHS staff in October and November. Source: The Guardian RENOWNED CHEFS HOST VIRTUAL SUPPER CLUBS The Initiative has launched a new virtual supper club series, offering the chance to cook alongside acclaimed chefs from the comfort of your own home. Sign up online and 24 hours before the event takes place you’ll receive a package with all ingredients needed for the menu, alongside a paired bottle of wine. On the evening, tune in to be guided through the cooking process by that week’s guest chef. Robin Gill (The Dairy, Darby’s) kicked off the series last week, with many other top chefs due to be announced in the coming weeks. Robin Gill (The Dairy, Darby’s) kicked off the series last week, and will be followed by Andras Katona, who has worked at renowned culinary destinations including The Savoy and The Fat Duck. Tickets cost £40 each, with £5 from each ticket donated to The Initiative’s new food bank charity. Reserve your space at sevenrooms.com 99-YEAR-OLD ARMY VETERAN SMASHES £1K TARGET REACHING £2MILLION Tom Moore, a 99-year-old army veteran, who hoped to raise £500,000 for NHS Charities Together by completing 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden with his walking frame, has raised more the £2million so far. Tom originally set a target of £1000 to thank “magnificent” staff after treatment for a broken hip and cancer, but the campaign really took off thanks to social media support and a host of celebrity donations. “No words left...Just thank you” he tweeted. Tom is ahead of schedule and hopes to complete the 2.5km (1.6 miles) by Thursday, instead of his initial target of his 100th birthday on 30 April. We wish Tom the very best of luck, and you can donate here. Source: BBC More Uplifting News This Way... Here's How You Can Help... YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... SUBSCRIPTION OFFER Sign up for 10 print issues of Country & Town House magazine, plus seven supplements and instant access to every digital edition for only £12. Subscribe to C&TH Copyright © 2020 Country & Town House, All rights reserved.  Our mailing address is:  Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios, London, SW6 4QL, United Kingdom