As the pandemic continues, we know that TV news coverage can feel overwhelming. Here at Telecare, we want to try and look on the bright side. So, if you enjoyed last month’s collection of uplifting news stories from the pandemic, then you’re in for a treat today. In this month’s news roundup, we’re talking about VE Day 2020 and the newly-knighted Captain Tom Moore, among other interesting topics. Without further ado, here are the stories you might have missed this month.
VE Day 2020 Celebrations
Back on 8th May, we marked the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. This was the day that Nazi Germany surrendered in 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Obviously, the planned celebrations for VE Day 2020 had to be abandoned, but the people of the UK celebrated in the safety of their living rooms, gardens, and doorsteps. We even saw a unique message from the Queen. Her Majesty spoke to the nation exactly 75 years after her father King George VI addressed the nation in 1945. Even though we couldn’t come together physically for VE Day 2020, the country still united in two minutes’ silence at 11am, as well as a nationwide singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime classic, ‘We’ll Meet Again’.
Landline Telephones Are Making A Comeback
Despite a sharp decline in the popularity of landline phones over the last decade, sales of traditional home phones are on the rise. In recent years, many British households have done away with their landlines altogether, preferring to use mobile phones. However, as people spend more and more time at home, lots of us are returning to our landlines to keep in touch with loved ones. Sales of landline phones at John Lewis rose by a staggering 80% in the first weeks of lockdown. Speaking to friends and family on the phone can be a great way to keep loneliness at bay. Video chats have become incredibly popular too, but we think there’s nothing quite like a good natter on the phone.
Global Carbon Emissions Fall by 17%
We’ve seen a so-called ‘carbon crash’ in recent months. Carbon emissions across the globe have fallen by up to 17% thanks to the international response to Covid-19. Due in large part to a sharp decrease in travel, both by road and by air, this drop in emissions is good news for the planet. However, it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue as lockdown measures ease and people begin returning to work. In order to try and keep emissions down, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has promised an additional £250 million to improve infrastructure for cycling and walking.
Captain Tom Moore Honoured With A Knighthood
After raising more than £32 million for the NHS last month, 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore has been awarded a knighthood. The war veteran, who was given the honorary title of Colonel on his 100th birthday in April, initially set out to raise £1000 by walking laps of his garden. Once his campaign made its way around social media, he was able to smash this target. Prime minister Boris Johnson nominated Captain Tom for the knighthood, which the Queen approved. This is the latest in a long line of honours and celebrations for Captain Tom, including a flypast of Spitfire and Hurricane planes, 140,000 birthday cards from the public, a personalised birthday message from the Queen herself, and a UK number one single with Michael Ball!
Staying Safe At Home
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