News in Shotley Peninsula

On This Day in 1810: The birth of George Jennings, an English sanitary engineer and plumber who invented the first public flush toilets. He specialised in designing toilets that were 'as perfect a sanitary closet as can be made'.

Today's Peninsula sunrise: 07.07

Babergh has seen 89 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the district within the week leading up to Saturday, November 7.

The positive coronavirus figures are understood to include at least one from Holbrook Academy, along with a number from a care home in Hadleigh.

On This Day - 1979. The UK release of the controversial comedy film Monty Python's "Life of Brian". The film tells the story of Brian Cohen, a young Jewish man who is born on the same day as, and next door to, Jesus Christ and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah. EMI Films withdrew funding just days before production was scheduled to begin and financing was arranged by George Harrison, former member of the Beatles and a long time Monty Python fan. Thirty-nine local authorities in the UK imposed an outright ban and some countries banned its showing for decades.

Today's Peninsula sunset: 16:11

Did you know?

Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve.

Julia Smith, the Holbrook and Shotley Surgery practice manager, gives her final update before leaving her post on Wednesday, November 11.

Practice update from 1st November 2020

Bike hire, sales and repair have clicked up a gear at Alton Water Park with the Cycle Centre moving into a new, bigger home.

Despite lockdown visitors to the park, which is remaining open, will be able to hire bikes from the new premises from Tuesday.

On This Day - in 1935, the Royal National Institute for the Blind distributed its first Talking Books of players and records to blind and partially sighted people. Talking Books was the brainchild of an officer who lost his sight during the First World War. Captain Ian Fraser was blinded during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. He tried to learn braille but found it too difficult. In frustration, he thought, "If books could only talk!" He came up with idea of recording a "talking book", and in 1918 he started working with RNIB to find a solution.

Today's Peninsula sunset: 16:15

Holbrook Academy are staying tight-lipped after a Covid-19 case was confirmed at Holbrook Academy.

Parents have been unable to find out more information after a student in the lower age groups at the school tested positive during the half-term and has remained in self-isolation.

On This Day in 1942, the Church of England relaxed its rule that women must wear hats in church.

Today's peninsula sunset: 16:16

Guy Fawkes Night will be different this year, but it can still be fun. And what better opportunity to teach your children about the origins of the celebration? Former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of education resource experts Plan Bee tells you how...

It is likely that most larger bonfire night events won't be able to go ahead this year.The rule against social gatherings of more than six and added restrictions in parts of the UK mean that garden fireworks parties are also set to be smaller. A family-only event may be low key, but if you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space you can still have a great evening.