In a personal journey of rediscovery, Sharron Hopkins, a 54-year-old woman from Southampton, found renewed purpose and identity through volunteering with the charity FareShare. After years of fostering over 100 children alongside her husband Trevor, Sharron felt increasingly invisible as the needs of her family diminished. A pivotal moment occurred two years ago when she spent an entire day out without informing her family, only to return home to a lack of concern for her whereabouts. This experience highlighted her feelings of being overlooked and prompted her to seek meaningful engagement in her life.

Sharron’s situation is not uncommon for women in her age group, who often contend with feelings of invisibility as their roles within families evolve. With four teenage foster children settled in their routines, Sharron noticed a significant change in her daily life. “I felt lost,” she recalled, recognizing that traditional pastimes no longer appealed to her. Instead of succumbing to the isolation, she decided to take action by committing to say “yes” to new opportunities.

Her journey began with volunteering during the Christmas season, which reignited her sense of community and purpose. Shortly thereafter, she came across a news segment about FareShare, an organization dedicated to redistributing surplus food to those in need. Intrigued by their mission, Sharron quickly signed up to volunteer and began her work at a local FareShare warehouse.

At the warehouse, Sharron was welcomed warmly by fellow volunteers who recognized her contributions. “I felt immediately welcomed and valued,” she explained. The camaraderie and shared purpose among the volunteers stood in stark contrast to the feelings of invisibility she had previously experienced.

Sharron’s first day at FareShare was transformative. Not only did she engage in meaningful work, but she also had the opportunity to share her experiences with her family. Trevor and their daughters, Grace and Maisie, expressed interest in her new role and even offered to assist with the logistics of caring for their foster children to ensure that Sharron could fulfill her volunteer commitments.

Over the past year and a half, Sharron has embraced her role at FareShare with enthusiasm. She now works four regular shifts each week and frequently volunteers for additional duties, sometimes traveling over 200 miles to deliver food to various charities. This commitment to service has reinvigorated her spirit and restored her sense of identity. “Volunteering gives me back my own identity,” she shared, highlighting the joy of being recognized and appreciated for her efforts.

Through her volunteering, Sharron has not only connected with fellow volunteers but has also met individuals who benefit from the food distribution. Each interaction has provided her with new insights and enriched her understanding of community needs. “Every day is interesting,” she noted, reflecting on the diverse stories she encounters in her service.

The impact of her volunteering extends beyond her personal satisfaction; it has strengthened her family bonds. With Trevor and their daughters supporting her schedule, Sharron feels empowered to pursue her passion, often joking and enjoying the camaraderie with her fellow volunteers.

In observing her peers, Sharron noted a trend of unhappiness among women of similar ages, many of whom feel unfulfilled in their careers or personal lives. She encourages others facing similar situations to explore volunteering opportunities. “Say ‘yes’ to more and see how it makes you feel,” she advises, believing that such experiences can lead to profound personal transformation.

Sharron Hopkins’ journey underscores the importance of finding purpose and connection in later life stages. By stepping outside her comfort zone and engaging with her community, she not only reclaimed her identity but also inspired others to seek fulfillment in service to those in need.

Decking surfaces often become dangerously slippery due to algae buildup, posing a risk for falls. A simple solution, described by experts, can restore grip to these surfaces at an incredibly low cost. According to the team at Decking Superstore, using a common household item—shaving foam—can effectively combat this issue.

Sophie Willoughby, a volunteer with the Royal Horticultural Society, tested this method after nearly slipping on her garden steps. Initially skeptical, Willoughby was surprised by the results. “I thought it was one of those silly hacks that wouldn’t actually work,” she stated. “But I was shocked. I left it for about ten minutes, gave it a light scrub, and the algae just lifted off.” She noted that this method was more effective than expensive deck cleaners she had used in the past, and it had a pleasant scent.

Why Shaving Foam Works

The experts at Decking Superstore explain that shaving foam’s thick consistency allows it to adhere to surfaces longer than water or other cleaning solutions. This gives it time to break down the algae without the need for harsh chemicals, making it a safer option around children and pets.

Algae typically thrive in damp conditions, especially in shaded areas with poor air circulation. While the United Kingdom experienced a warm and dry summer, moisture levels remain high enough to encourage algae growth on decking and patios.

Willoughby’s experience highlights a practical and cost-effective approach to maintaining outdoor spaces. For those looking to try this method, the steps are straightforward:

1. Apply a generous amount of shaving foam to the affected area.
2. Allow it to sit for approximately ten minutes.
3. Lightly scrub the area with a brush to lift the algae.
4. Rinse off with water.

With the cost of shaving foam around £1 from supermarkets or discount stores, this method presents a budget-friendly alternative to professional cleaning services or power washers.

Safe and Effective Maintenance

This innovative cleaning hack not only saves money but also promotes safety in outdoor environments. As many homeowners seek to enhance their outdoor spaces, simple solutions like this one can make a significant difference.

With such an accessible method, individuals can ensure their decking remains safe and visually appealing without resorting to expensive or harsh cleaning products. Willoughby has since adopted this technique as a regular part of her garden maintenance routine. “It’s a trick I swear by now, saving me money and a lot of effort,” she added.

As more people become aware of effective and affordable cleaning solutions, it is likely that this shaving foam technique will gain popularity among homeowners in the UK and beyond.

Households in the UK are being urged to replace worn-out chopping boards to mitigate potential health risks associated with food preparation. According to food safety experts at Knorr, damaged chopping boards can harbor bacteria, leading to increased chances of cross-contamination and food poisoning.

Chopping boards are indispensable tools in any kitchen, used for various tasks such as slicing vegetables and preparing meat. However, their importance is often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. “If your board is covered in scratches, buy a new one!” Knorr cautioned. “Bacteria love to hide inside the grooves,” they added, highlighting the silent dangers posed by these common kitchen items.

Microplastics and Health Concerns

The warning extends beyond hygiene. Recent research published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology in 2024 brought attention to another risk: microplastics. The study, titled “Cutting Boards: An Overlooked Source of Microplastics in Human Food?”, investigated the release of tiny plastic particles from scratched plastic chopping boards. Researchers found that slicing food on these surfaces could lead to microplastics adhering to ingredients, potentially exposing users to about 50 grams of microplastics annually—an amount comparable to the weight of a standard chocolate bar.

Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than 5mm, have increasingly been found in oceans, soil, and even within the human body. Previous studies have linked these particles to health issues including inflammation and cardiovascular risks. Despite the potential dangers, the researchers noted that the risk from cutting boards appears to be relatively low.

Dr. Manish Shetty, an assistant professor of chemical engineering at Texas A&M University, emphasized that “plastic cutting boards are generally safe to use.” He reassured the public that most microplastic particles are likely washed away during cleaning. Dr. Hoaran Wei from the University of Wisconsin-Madison echoed this sentiment, stating, “The study didn’t find any toxicity effects, which is a good sign.” While the research highlights a possible source of microplastics, both experts agreed that more comprehensive studies are needed to understand the long-term health implications.

Practical Kitchen Safety Tips

In light of these findings, Knorr recommends several practical steps for kitchen safety. They advise using separate chopping boards for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination. Additionally, it is essential to clean boards with hot, soapy water after each use and to avoid using tea towels for drying, as these can also harbor bacteria.

The current advice is straightforward: replace your chopping board if it shows signs of wear, particularly scratches, and adhere to basic hygiene protocols. By taking these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce health risks associated with food preparation and ensure a safer cooking environment in their homes.

Motorists in and around Peterborough should prepare for significant disruptions as road resurfacing work on the A47 will commence on October 16, 2023, lasting for six weeks. The road is one of the busiest routes in the area, and the construction is expected to affect traffic flow considerably.

The project, undertaken by Cambridgeshire County Council, aims to improve the quality and safety of the road surface. Road users are being advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow additional time for travel during this period. The works will occur at various sections of the A47, with some lane closures likely to be in place.

To mitigate the impact on traffic, the council has proposed alternative routes and traffic management strategies. Local authorities urge drivers to heed signage and follow directions provided by road crews.

The resurfacing project is part of a broader initiative to enhance the infrastructure within the region, ensuring that roads can accommodate increasing volumes of traffic while maintaining safety standards. The council has allocated a budget of approximately £500,000 for this essential work.

As the start date approaches, authorities will continue to communicate updates through various channels, including social media and local news outlets. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed to navigate the roadwork zones effectively.

In summary, the planned resurfacing of the A47 in Peterborough is a crucial step towards improving road safety and quality. With the project expected to last until the end of November 2023, drivers should remain vigilant and adjust their travel plans accordingly.