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my younger daughter ws born with un-diagnosed and relatively complex congential heart defects. She celebrated has 12th birthday last week and is fit and well. Long story short is that we spent quite a lot of time in Pediatric cardiac units at Birminghams Childrens hosptial. Its a stressful and worrying time when such young children are ill at even the most normal of times. Each case is of course different - but for what its worth most of the peoiple who work in these units day in day know whats best and are incredibly empathetic - Not all of course so always question. Children are very resilient my daughter had two lots of open heart surgery as well as angioplasty. This was 10 years+ ago and even then the big risk to the patients was infection which impeeded recovery. As such we took the difficult decision of only I remaining with our daughter when in the hospital each time. This was as difficult as you can imagine - but done for entirely the right reasons of infection control, and of course I became an expert of doing a full doctors scrub, bare below the elbow etc. And like the current sitiuation only works if everyone does this. So as upsetting as it is and I know its incredibly upsetting to hand you child over and leave pre-theatre, know that its best with as few other people around as possible. WIshing you the best.

I have been reading this thread, but up to now hadn’t felt I had the ability to post. During 2017, the combination of significant pressures at work, my godson’s diagnosis with leukemia, the loss of a friend in a mountaineering accident and then finally at the end of the year the hardest decision to relive a very close family pet of their suffering led to ill health. All that resulted in an attempt to go back to work in Jan 2018, only to crash and burn spectacularly. I was diagnosed with severe depression, but through the support of my now wife, family, friends, colleagues and a clinical psychologist (a course of CBT), I made a good recovery and learnt some things about myself and ways to cope along the way. It wasn’t something I would have voluntarily signed up to but looking now back there were positives from the process of recovery. Roll forward to the current day and I find myself struggling again due to the Covid-19 epidemic. My wife is an NHS doctor in Emergency Medicine (A&E), but also fits one of the vulnerable groups and is still working. My parents are both 70+ with some minor underlying health conditions. They are all fit and well and following the advice as best they can, but that doesn’t change the fact they are vulnerable. I have also been told to work from home for the foreseeable future; the work I can cope with, but the isolation is difficult. The combination of the concerns I have for the ones I love; the isolation and the enormity of the current situation is making life difficult (overwhelming in fact) for me at the moment and I have had a particularly low weekend as a result of it. It dominates my thoughts, prevents me from sleeping and makes me physically unwell. However, my experience from 2017/18 has taught me that I have already taken the first step in dealing with this, in that I have recognized it. The next for me is to make some lifestyle changes (most of which come from my previous experience) and write them down, so here goes: 1. Routine is important for me. So, I have decided to reinstate my “commute” to the office. Rise at the normal time, go for a walk for an hour, before arriving at my home “office”. Same at the end of the day. 2. Exercise to a decent sweat….! I want to get back into running and release as many endorphins as possible, so 15km a week in 5km bursts! 3. Avoiding overly alarming news. The current situation is alarming, but many news outlets add considerable spin to this. I have hidden posts from news outlets in my social media in a bid to look for more reputable and accurate news on my terms, not when FB/Twitter etc think I need to see it. 4. Focus on what I can change, and not what might happen. I can’t get rid of Covid, but I can make sure my wife eats well and has some exercise. I can speak to my parents regularly and make sure that they have what they need. I don’t know whether the above will work again in this situation, but it feels like a step in the right direction. And although the above is personal to me, if I can help or inspire someone else, all to the good. This is the first time I have written something like this in this context. Apologies if it sounds a bit self-centered (although it’s a true reflection), I hope it may help others that might be experiencing similar feelings. Look after yourselves.

Just a heads up, most people who use WhatsApp are aware of the video calling capability. As a family today we've had a great family video chat with 4 people simultaneously. Bit of a laugh establishing the group ground rules but i must say for a free service it was fantastic. Maybe of use going forward over the next few months.....

Social distancing today, went for a solo run spoilt by snapping the clutch cable 15 miles from home. Luckily I had a spare with me.

Shopping for supplies, and finally found fresh vegetables, after no luck on Wednesday. Oh and was low on beer and coffee beans, so a bit of an urgent trip. Must admit, other than just getting some fresh air, picked the Westfield to use, as I thought the car park would be rammed, and finding space for 5m of Ford pickup can be tricky. Car park surprisingly quiet though. I suppose I should expect it in Waitrose, but how terribly middle class, when facing Armageddon, it’s customers stock pile dishwasher tabs! (Amongst everything else).

The pre rebuild console; 3M multilayer carbon wrap, heater controls and 12 Volt point for chargers etc. As part of the rebuild, the analogue dials have gone, so I’ve moved the heater controls up to the dash panel, and the centre console now has all the ecu controls for traction etc. The 3M Carbon wrap has gone, and I’ve replaced it with genuine carbon, engraved with the control functions, on the centre console. (I got the same guy that did the build plates etc to do it.). Not fitted back to the car yet, but you get the idea...

My 1st version using a piece of cut off (fake) carbon dashboard. My latest (3D printed) version:

Seriously though, I had to bridge the gearlever being a good position for the heater fan on passenger side(us olduns need cossetting) and the kill switch on drivers, also have mounted the high intensity indicator repeaters which work amazingly well. Only draw back for me is that with all action controls mounted close together it takes training to avoid knocking the kill switch in frantic situations. I am limited for dash room as that Ford control panel is huge at the rear but it's so neat for combining display apart from being "old school" and great to see 170mph displayed🙃

I can't think of a better way to social distance.....

Practised some social isolation this afternoon. Roads really quiet but a few people were out playing too - saw AMG Merc, Ferrari, Lamborghini and AC Cobra plus plenty of bikes.

An amazing new engine, I guess they won't be in crate format for a few years and packaging looks an issue, but how cool would that engine be in our cars? https://www.carscoops.com/2020/03/discover-how-the-koenigsegg-gemeras-small-three-cylinder-engine-delivers-600-hp/

I love those stack gauges. @Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Secretary you need to change the traction control lettering to “Girls Blouse” and “Big Girls Blouse” 😄

Thank you for sharing. Personaly, I think one of the whole aims of a thread like this, is that anyone/everyone can unload all the stuff we let build up and suppress, while we're busy caring for and looking after others. It's not self indulgent. Of you've had CBT, (another t shirt I've been there and got!) then your thought process sounds spot on, it's very much in the same vein as techniques I've been given, but obviously biased to what works for you. For those that do thrive in a structure and routine, I think you're absolutely right in your approach. Everyday at the moment, we're making the new normal. At least for the immediate future. So it's important to follow a sustainable path that will work for you and your family.

Wow, @Beaker_Bob... OK so I'm equally upset and impressed... Its OK cos I cry at everything at the moment! You have gone through so much and your coping strategy is going to inspire everyone. I am so impressed. This isolation is a real challenge. I am very happy to start a WhatsApp group so we can exchange words of wisdom. Support, the good, the bad and the um.. Ugly.. Share who is doing what in the coming weeks. Pictures of cars!! 😜 I am happy to share my number if this would be useful? There is strength in numbers. Have a lovely weekend everyone

Boys and girls you are missing the point this time is about gaining brownie points. Finish all the jobs your spouse has been banging on about for months. Then when This is all over you can happily go racing/track days /blats in the safe knowledge that when you get back from the first outing your spouse will have made a new list

You decide for yourself Ian.

Our garden is looking very tidy! Oh, and the bad news (from my point iof view at least) is that Mrs H has dug out tins of paint, and is pointing out which walls need emulsioning. I haven't painted in many years, and I'm not looking forward to it now.

She has been treated to a new exhaust!

Got my car back from a rebuild and having ITB’s fitted. Engine ran really well and have done 150 of the 500 miles I was advised to run at a reduced rev limit. Have a few electrical problems to sort but happy with the the way the car pulls. Really enjoyed getting out yesterday and today and hope the current problems don’t end up with a lot of cancelled meets I have planned to attend. Anyway here are a few pics. Stopped at quite a famous place so I am sure a lot will know where it is.

Can't find a good photo of the finished product but I 3d printed a panel and vinyl wrapped it. The only photos I have are before IVA where it only has the heated seat switchpack. I left the two removable sections in there which have since been knocked through and filled with a 12v socket and a double USB socket.

Mine is matched with the Westfield dash and allowed me the space for the heater control, USB port and the Ctec traffic light battery conditioner unit.

I put this in

I run the UK supply chain and logistics for a large multi national retailer and operate a large fleet of LGV's. I'm a CPC holder and have held a few Operators Licenses over the years. The DVSA have done 2 things this week, relaxing both the driver hours rules and this latest change to the MOT testing. Both of which are almost unheard of. LGV's are maintained to an incredibly high standard. Each operator is scored on the OCRS system (operators compliance risk score) and then treated accordingly by the DVSA. Any MOT failure (even if it passes on retest), any drivers hour infringement or a fault on a vehicle at a roadside check will impact your score and flag your vehicles to be stopped more often. Every operator will therefore be paying for a pre-MOT inspection to ensure the highest pass rate possible. If more issues are found you will lose the your Operators License, suicide to any business! The companies doing the servicing are also rated by the DVSA on the MOT pass rate of the vehicles they service. If the pass rate is poor they can lose their license too. Servicing is heavily regulated and has to be done every 42 days. If you have a good OCRS score, this can normally be extended to 56 days but this privilege can be removed at any time. This can have a huge impact on costs so every operator wants a good OCRS score. Every driver has to do a pre-operation check that has to be documented and kept on file for over 12 months. Each transport operator (for each operating site) has to nominate at least one responsible person and name it's directors to hold an Operators License. They must be of good repute and hold a Certificate of Professional Competency, the test for which is higher than A level standard. It's a tough exam, only 35% of people pass. The O License application has to be published in the local press and online (including the names of the CPC holder and company directors) before the license is granted. The O License can be revoked or restricted at any time. In short, running LGV's is very complex, very expensive and highly regulated but means they are generally the safest vehicles on the road!

Hi Steve, I can't find the link for the one I bought but it was similar to this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-Defender-2008-2014-48-spline-steering-wheel-hub-boss-kit-MOMO-5805/162734756029?epid=11037504935&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item25e3bf50bd:g:6XIAAOSwXVddlj8T&enc=AQAEAAACYBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qX%2FSjYqq5s9zoLLZ1MzVSZGRXSuCVcYwpLDoGMBZ5PsGQpjHPquZBu%2BpijiqSkqXE5JqaEuvXKY5j6PrhU%2FRehRxhgRDUmTT9cIjGrGgYSI9%2FcVAa0Kn7O5sEoNUd77XrvHtLQydIcWT2zgX8KvN6nX9mO9uZh738WhSwWsPax%2BpgQ7xn%2F71mSHTEyGDqrL7MXI%2FDP%2Fv8hTEOiVtTfsR5bvNadaflFUh7BQmTt7vkLi%2B8hfdN6NXYP%2Bno3%2FocukyUz%2FYvdVyq0mdqiLvYfq9JEkNorhpvul8FbCJr0wtO174S3Atr2T%2Fq4lghjHbf9OVIjwGXmNh77VONhhBwwjSM5xQenfsjraDBJk7gzcMVWlLdW8bGF6VF3H%2Fd2Vs7cDJC%2B022tVxnO%2Bh3ct%2BFTk8KD%2F24eQmDJY3K%2FvkeQFHnSZvb34xhdQDGwCtX1AqF1KqwbcLmVGwW2Oo49FmJAbn2o7YtN3gE529rj5X8JLYQrgBFWcedRUZpESpfV%2BxHB0clxV5uF0Noc5Yl5qG1t3QOuyPeHiqRljeG7%2Fggnd8ZqZhr0v%2BMhjIEAv7XqwLEpTL%2F0iv01rtaD5K9CeTDobxpWP9Xv1yKb1G4opQooM6Gu4ZxVtt2KXCZ7Loq8Z%2BN2YH4652MdUK5Ci%2BQ1hNWmAxDKX%2BC6HqU5%2F7gqDjtZ5lfmlYCDhNQLpjrtmQHCxZD4mViXbUCtfBe5txZi7O5%2FQGEr4nZnwbuV789y%2FMSai00TkIqo%2FTH1I6cK4X3i9ivjYsmGcDfA8MMgn3ZOlZzjZ1bMf&checksum=1627347560294182f2370508410da11b48f6c89a775f I did need to make a small spacer to ensure the boss had no end float, I paid £50. If you need some better photos I can take the wheel of tomorrow night, let me know. Rich

And CV aside, if god forbid you did have a serious incident, A&E is already stretched so what would normally be minor event may well become life changing.

Sounds great Martyn! Times like these I wish my car was road legal... Looks like I won't be at Oulton Tuesday, been gardening instead today, starting to grow what we can ready for the impending zombie apocalypse 😄 Rhubarb, broccoli, parsnip and sprout bed now has a lettuce-ready spoiler for extra downforce!

But you can go places. Find a nice country road, field, woods and go for a walk. Just avoid all the popular areas such as beaches, local parks, national trust places etc

What matters, surely, is not how good you are, but how poor the average Joe Soap is at observation which governs how safe the road is. My gut feeling about 'smart' motorways - entirely unsupported by statistics - is that it's a bad idea. I am sceptical about assertions that these smart motorways are safer than conventional ones, it's counter intuitive I'm afraid, but I am prepared to be shown otherwise. The matrix signs on standard motorways are, in my experience, more often wrong, either completely of partially, than they are useful, so forgive my doubts about those on a smart motorway being any better.

Greggs are giving free drinks to NHS staff on production of your staff card.. 👍

Terry, go steady, or you'll be running out of things to do much too soon!

We are COMPLETELY out of Quinoa

I'm with Terry on this one. Personally, I'm looking all around me more or less constantly when driving on motorways in modern traffic conditions. Mirrors, car in front, far distance ahead, left, right, and yes, overhead signs as well. just keep aware of everything around me, regardless of whether it is in front, alongside or behind me. I can see overhead gantries way ahead, and they only need a momentary glance as I approach.. There is a lot to do and be aware of when driving on a motorway in this Country, and anyone who thinks it is easy (regardless of whether it is a smart motorway or a traditional one) is in my book a danger to themselves and a danger to me. And don't get me started on drivers who insist on not pulling over to the nearside lane when it is clear to do so. That really gets my goat.

I have mown lawn and paddocks, sharpened blades on ride on mower, got paint in stock for walls, jet washing paving tomorrow, got cement and sand to rebuild some stone walls, re-erected mesh paddock fencing, used chainsaw to cut more logs for stove plus I sneakily got 45 mins in garage to fettle a couple off things on the car I finally added up my brownie points over the last couple of days and I am well in credit!!!!😇

I'd never doubt you!

While driving on a "smart" motorway I was in the open hard shoulder (felt very abnormal) all the gantry signs said lane open when I was faced with a stationary lorry. I for one am NEVR going to drive on the hard shoulder again.

Some of you know and some don't that I work in highways and specifically providing services for Highways England directly for the last 10 years before I moved companies 8 months ago. I don't want to start an argument but just provide facts for you to make your mind up. So if you breakdown or stop on the hard shoulder of a normal motorway(3 lanes plus hard shoulder) you avarage life expectancy is 7 minutes. If you look at the deaths, 38 on smart motorways sections of motorway in the last 5 years c400miles of the strategic road network and then look at the deaths on the rest of the none smart sections. A new smart motorway is twice as safe as a conventional motorway. Yes there can and will be further improvements after the review. But in light of the current issues the country are facing it will now probably take longer than was originally expected to deliver these improvements. Stay safe.

I’m going for a drive by myself tomorrow, in the middle of a country lane, no-one else there. need to blow away the cobwebs

Just got home after some social distancing , I wasn't sick when i left but I am now OMG Cow poo💩😷🤮😂

One of my daughters is an ACP in the front line of hospital admissions and her and her colleagues are heroes (in my opinion) putting their own lives at risk and isolating herself, at home when off shift, from her daughters and us to try and avoid passing on the virus to others. What an awful situation we are all in. Stay safe and keep well

Just to clarify a little, no one, until advice changes, at least, wants to see members completely unable to go out in their cars. BUT, I would strongly, strongly suggest keeping the car numbers way down, twos and threes, maybe fours absolute maximum. Even three or four, in the eyes of Joe public looks like a bigger gathering than it really is. People are stressed, angry and confused, with the closure of pubs, clubs, gyms etc, this will probably get worse, and a backlash against those perceived to be flouting social distancing principals is starting to appear. Be discrete out there, be sensible, and consider how you appear to others!

There is an upside, we have him here for a while... Yea... Nappies... Crying.. But he's a cute guy...

As long as you stay in the cars and dont mingle to eat cake, you should be safe on the open road

Hi, the extended floors are 3mm wooden ply! Lightweight, cheap and easy to use and more importantly easy to repair or replace being in a high impact area. Quick sand down slap some paint on. It's going to get clipped on bumps somewhere. It's just fixed where the side panels are riveted on. I removed the rivets and replaced them with rivnut. 6mm I think. Easy off and on. The idea is I wanted all panels right round easy removable with a few bolts. The rear tub being the ball ache was cut (gingerly) top of the rear arch so it's now in 3 sections. This allows the rear section to come right off with about 8 bolts and a couple of plastic bolts holding wheel arches on. Quick unclip of the lights and off it pops. Had to make a few brackets to hold the top together and a few holding the bottom edge of the rear. So the chassis now supports the diffuser and the brackets. The idea was for easy access. And boy does it work. Soooooooo much easier. I also flared the side panels for ease of access mainly. No more cursing lack of space and skinned knuckles. Currently the left side is the original fibreglass one but I've plans to get on with some 1mm aluminium ones beaten by hand soon as I get chance. Once paint is done I'm repainting the cage next, then finishing the custom built heater. I've drawn plans for a 4 way matrix box which allows some creative heating solutions. How do you keep really warm with no screen etc? Simply run a 1in flexy hose feeding warm air into your one piece rain suit... Let it circulate slow moving warm air direct. A standard air vent in the dash won't keep the heat. Plus I've no room for one. I do have one right where my right hand goes look closely at the red band far right there's a simple opening. The car in the images is wrapped. I've removed it since as can be seen. Just debating whether to paint the light pods matching white or leave black? The 4 arches are now white which should make the car wider and more safety visible. I've been told a few times before it's hard to see being black. You mentioned heat.. Not a problem. Mega series cars have enclosed flat floors with a small cut out where part of the sump comes through the bottom bout an inch. We've just been sent home from Nissan for a week or so so I might get it well on the way! Self isolation... 👍