Autumn traditions - Staying Safe Outside of Work

The clocks have changed and the evenings are drawing in, which means three autumn traditions in quick succession over the next two weeks: Halloween, Bonfire Night and Remembrance Day.

With many parts of the world in various stages of Covid restrictions, these three events which usually see communities coming together will be marked differently this year.

Unipart Logistics Director of Communications Louise Thompson and her daughter Harper have shared a video of how they plan to celebrate Halloween safely this Saturday (31 October).

It will be 415 years next Thursday (5 November) since Guy Fawkes was discovered with 36 barrels of gunpowder in a plot to blow up King James I. Rather than it's intended objective to spark an uprising, the incident sparked instead an enduring annual celebration involving bonfires and fireworks.

With many public fireworks displays cancelled this year due to coronavirus, more people are expected to celebrate at home. Local fire services are reminding everyone to take extra care when using fireworks.

Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service has shared some top tips for getting ready for your own fireworks display:

• Only buy fireworks that have the CE mark - this means they are safe and conform to European safety standards
• Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of your garden
• Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer
• Read the instructions in daylight
• Only one person should be responsible for letting off the fireworks
• Store fireworks in a closed metal box
• You will need suitable supports for Catherine Wheels and proper launchers for rockets.

Read more safety tips about fireworks and bonfires on the Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service 365 Alive website.

A week next Wednesday (11 November) marks 102 years since the First World War ended. Every year people wear poppies to raise money for veterans and their families and take a moment to remember those who gave their lives in conflict.

This year coronavirus restrictions mean public gatherings are limited which will have a serious impact on fundraising efforts of the Poppy Appeal.

To be Covid secure in Unipart House while showing support to the appeal, the usual tray of poppies and collection tin in reception is replaced by information about donating online. Poppies have been put up in the car park as normal.

Similar to rainbows being displayed in windows earlier this year to show support for the NHS, children are encouraged to draw pictures of poppies either to put up at home or send to people isolated by the pandemic.

You can buy a poppy and find out more information on the Royal British Legion website.

Simon Snounou's Covid survival story

Andy Pyne's holiday

Colette Graham visits her vulnerable parents

Wanda Elliot takes her son to football