Grant for new gallery
THE National Space Centre has been awarded funding to help develop a new gallery.
The money will come from the Severn Trent Community Fund after the Leicester attraction was selected by a panel of the water company’s customers.
The Earth from Space gallery will explore how the data provided by satellites is vital for managing our relationship with our planet.
The funding has also helped the centre keep on team members, who have been able to work from home on ideas and content.
The gallery will be launched to the public early in 2022.
Chas Bishop, chief executive of the National Space Centre, said: “These have been really difficult times for so many people, but working with the Severn Trent team on such an exciting project gives us plenty to look forward to when we can reopen the doors.
“It is great to work with a partner who feels as passionately about the science behind their work as we do, as well as understanding the positive difference their funding can make to support the people living and working within their communities.”
Sue Heyes, community fund officer from Severn Trent, said: “We’re delighted our funding will help make a huge difference at the National Space Centre, somewhere we know our customers and communities value highly.
“We know the past year has been extremely difficult for all, so we’re proud that we’ve been able to support such an exciting project, that will bring enjoyment and education around the fascinating world of space, and make a positive impact.”
NHS staff have been praised for their continuing efforts on the pandemic frontline in a letter sent to health bosses.
Patients Panel Leicestershire and Rutland members penned the emotional tribute to show the area’s gratitude for the work healthcare staff are doing during the latest Covid wave.
The letter, printed on the Mercury’s Mailbox page on Wednesday, includes a plea from the panel for the public to continue observing restrictions, saying it is the “best way we can show respect” for NHS staff.
Last week it was revealed one in three patients in city hospital beds are Covid-positive and consultants have been working shifts as intensive care nurses to support overstretched colleagues as they continue to treat the most poorly.
In the letter, they acknowledge that NHS staff do not want to be thought of as heroes but praise their dedication as the virus continues to see the number of Covid patients needing care increasing.
The panel, an independent body, called for “pay freezes and relatively low rises” to be looked at by the government. More than 1,000 patients have died across hospital wards in the city and county since the start of the pandemic.