The Pavilions Hotels and Resorts have launched a world wide competition

THE Pavilions Hotels and Resorts have launched an enticing competition targeted at content creators around the globe who are at home and looking for an activity to focus their passions on during Covid-19. The 'Curated Journey Video Competition,' gives amateur or professional film-makers an opportunity to win a 7 night stay at one of The Pavilions Hotels and Resorts. The initiative follows the evolving global circumstances of Covid-19, where people around the globe are looking for a project to work on at home, to inspire creativity and imagination. Entrants are given exclusive access to The Pavilions Hotels and Resorts video and content bank which features footage of all the hotels, locations and experiences; entrants are also allowed to use their own content from the area's which hotels are located.

Tim Sargeant, Group Director of Marketing, is excited to bring the unique competition to the world:- "We are thrilled to launch a competition that opens the door to new ideas, creativity and passion. We recently updated the brand identity, which focuses more on the guest journey and experience, with Curated Journeys. We love that we now have the chance to expand on this with those around the world; to see their Journey come to life.''

The competition runs until to 10 May 2020, with the top 5 videos being shortlisted for a public vote between 12 May to 22 May 2020. The winner will be announced on 29 May 2020 and takes away a fantastic 7 night stay, inclusive of breakfast, at 1 the hotel groups' hotels or resorts located in, Phuket, Thailand; Bali, Indonesia; Rome, Italy; Madrid, Spain or Amsterdam, Netherlands. The competition is open to all content creators, videographers, vloggers and film makers. Visit:- PavilionsHotels.com to enrol in the competition, terms and conditions apply.

Further delays to Port of Liverpool Access Scheme

HIGHWAYS England has announced that the ongoing Covid-19 situation will result in further delays to the Government led road scheme. The road building company has suspended noise level surveys and postponed its public consultation on the latest road design, which was due to take place in the 1st ½ of the year. The project to link the nearby motorway network to the Port of Liverpool, with a dual carriageway down the middle of Rimrose Valley Country Park, has faced huge opposition from the outset. Speaking on behalf of the Save Rimrose Valley campaign, Stuart Bennett said:- "We asked Highways England at the beginning of the week for clarity around the ongoing Covid-19 situation. This followed reports that work has seemingly continued as normal at another of its sites, the Lower Thames Crossing. We were concerned this might happen here, putting local people at risk. We therefore welcome the announcement that the consultation has been delayed and that they are prioritising the health and safety of the public and their workforce alike. Regarding the surveys themselves, the findings of any noise level surveys would obviously be skewed at this moment in time. We have asked Highway England for clarification on the survey work that is due to continue, so we can be reassured that everyone's safety is paramount. It's amazing to see just how many people are using Rimrose Valley right now, both for exercise and some all-important headspace. As a community, we would be lost without access to this vital resource."

LOVE LOCK DOWN!

42% of online daters in the North West say the outbreak of Covid-19 has made their quest for love more important than ever, a new survey reveals. With people across the UK stuck inside, singletons are still on the look out for love, despite being near enough confined to their own 4 walls. Speaking to online daters, the new study by leading international dating app, 'happn,' found that 8 in 10 (79%) feel the outbreak of Covid-19 has seriously affected their approach to dating. 43% of singletons feel even more isolated because of the pandemic restrictions, and 31% feel lonely and wish they were still meeting people.

However, for 39% of online users, Covid-19 has made them spend even more time using their apps than previously. Two thirds (69%) say they are still looking for love, and over 8 in 10 (85%) online daters are open to trying new ways of dating during the current isolation period. For 56% of single dating apps users, this means spending more time messaging than they usually would, and for a third (34%), dating over facetime is the new 'must do' while unable to meet up in bars or restaurants.

In fact, 76% of singletons feel as though the isolation period will help them to make a stronger connection online, than they may do after a first face to face date. Users say they'll have the chance to speak in more detail about each other (43%), can invest in a more quality conversation (39%) and will forge a deeper emotional connection (33%) with their crush.

Psychological and Relationship Expert, Emma Kenny, says:- "The increase in people using dating apps during Covid-19 shows we remain committed as ever to finding that special someone. 'happn''s research shows that the search for love transcends any lock down and whilst you may not be able to date physically, you can still get creative whilst dating digitally, meaning that you can grow new connections and have something to look forward to once social distancing is lifted.  A real positive about having to wait to meet in person is the opportunity to cultivate a deeper connection during a challenging time. Getting to know one another's likes and dislikes, whilst sharing a space and time that's unlikely to be repeated means bonding in a unique way."

Leading international dating app, 'happn,' have detailed their top 4 tips for keeping your dating game alive during lock down:-

1. GET ONLINE...

Whether you want to believe it or not, online dating is the past, the present, and the future (for an undisclosed amount of time, anyway!) and we all know someone, who knows someone, who met their now 'other ½' online. You may have sworn off dating apps for LIFE previously, but who could've predicted this current situation! You never know who you could:- 'virtually' cross paths with, so download an app like 'happn' and find that hot neighbour you keep having eye contact with, and get to know each other (over message, obv!) In fact, 'happn' have extended their crush radius to 90km! This means that you can still crush with the new people that you may have actually crossed paths with if you could venture outside as normal! Connections can be made at the most unexpected of times, in even the most unexpected of places…

2. LOVE LETTERS...

We're not suggesting you become the next Shakespeare (although you never know!), but don't underestimate the power of a simple sentence or two. Make your online chats a place of escape and romance by being bold! Tell your crush your wildest hopes and dreams, and help them to understand your worries and fears. Honesty is your biggest strength, so send your feelings in an online love letter and watch your crush's heart skip a beat!

3. BE APART TOGETHER...

We're all trying to find new ways to keep our relationships afloat; whether than be with your besties, your parents, your colleagues… we're embracing technology more than ever before. In fact, a survey by Moneyexpert.com found that 7 in 10 Brits are more dependent on their internet now than before the pandemic. We're doing all we can to keep connected; we're taking part in live workouts, we're engaging in cookalongs; the options are endless so there's no reason for why you can't take part in these activities with your crush! Watch a movie together online, share your favourite podcasts... get to know each other, apart.

4. FACE TO FACE FIRST DATES...

'Happns' survey found that for some, spending longer messaging can be a little uncomfortable. 34% said they find it difficult to gage how their crush feels over text, and 33% think their own personality may not come across well by messaging. If you feel the same, then bite the bullet and arrange that first face to face date over video call! There's so much we can tell from that 1st (virtual) meeting, so if you're worried about feeling less able to open up over text, then get up, dress up, and say hi out loud and in person (ish!)

Marine Ravinet, Head of Trends at;- 'happn,' says:- "With the UK on lockdown we know that dating app users are feeling more isolated and alone than they perhaps have done in a long time, and this is what our study shows. 41% of daters have said they have more confidence online, so now's the time to really strengthen and build on that relationship with your crush. Ask the questions you wouldn't have the confidence to face to face, be honest with your wants and needs from the get-go, and make sure you're listening to each other. The next few weeks and months may be a little blurry at the moment, but it's key to remember that while the walls around you may be up, emotionally, it's more important than ever to let people in."