A Manchester woman has been crowned the UK’s lockdown DIY champion after creating a huge 9ft-long playboat made entirely out of cardboard for her seven-year-old nephew.
Did you know that Google searches for ‘DIY’ have trebled in the UK since lockdown began?
Many Brits have been using these past few months of lockdown to tackle the DIY tasks that they’ve been meaning to get round to, or otherwise never would have, and now, some of the most creative projects have been revealed.
Sofa and carpet specialist, SCS, set out to uncover some of the most brilliant home renovations and projects from the last few months by conducting a nationwide search.
Out of over 200 entries and some pretty stiff competition, the winner was crowned as Jacqui Ruddy, from Prestwich, who crafted an incredible 9ft-long playboat that was made entirely out of cardboard.
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Just by looking at the crafty creation, it’s really not hard to see why it came out on top.
Jacqui Ruddy / ScS
As the lucky winner, Jacqui will now receive a brand new sofa from ScS worth £599.
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Speaking on her exciting win and the inspiration behind her project, Jacqui said: “My nephew loves boats, so to brighten our days during lockdown, I decided to try my hand at making him a playhouse boat, so he can play in the garden.”
“It is the first time I’ve made anything like this before.”
“My nephew loves it and we have even camped out in it overnight, so it’s already special for those memories.”
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Whilst Jacqui’s amazing playboat certainly made waves in the competition by taking the top spot, it was in good very good company with the other entrants as there’s some equally as impressive creations rounding out the top 20 too.
If you fancy having a look at the shortlist of entries, you can do so here.
Dale Gillespie, Head of Acquisition at ScS, said: “We were blown away by the number and quality of entries in our competition – it’s clear that Brits have put their time in lockdown to very good use”.
“Jacqui’s fantastic playhouse boat was a very worthy winner and we’re delighted to provide her with a brand new sofa.”
For more information, please visit the ScS website.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
19th June 2020 
