George Michael bought the piano on which John Lennon composed the classic hit song Imagine so it would not end up in storage and could be “seen by the people”. George Michael bought the piano on which John Lennon composed the classic hit song Imagine so it would not end up in storage and could be “seen by the people”.
Category: United Kingdom
Beer-loving Brits bitter over tax hike for a pricey pint at the pub
Beer-loving Brits bitter over tax hike for a pricey pint at the pub Many Londoners are in a froth over business tax hikes that take effect next year. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2hn7DjQ Money and beer swap hands over the bar as a pint of stout sits at the London Drinker Beer and Cider Festival at the Camden Centre on March 2, 2016, in London.
Boxing Day 2015: We were flooded – but we’ll never be defeated
As the devastating floods swept through Calderdale, leaving a trail of disaster and destruction, unforgettable and shocking images documenting the day were beamed around the globe. But as the waters receded, a new story rose from the disaster – a story of hope and community spirit in the face of the floods.
A cathedral serving the city for three centuries and the unique grandeur of the Central Mosque
The city has a vast array of churches, mosques and temples which have welcomed worshippers for decades and even centuries in the case of Birmingham Cathedral. Hidden Spaces is produced by the Birmingham Post and Mail in conjunction with city heritage experts and offers a glimpse behind some of the city’s most interesting and threatened buildings.
Firefighters tackle van on fire in Great Yarmouth
A crew from Great Yarmouth were sent to on South Quay at around 12.40am this morning, to reports of a van on fire.
You’re truly amazing! More than 3,000 Christmas gifts donated to our Toy Appeal
Sunderland legends, back from left, Jimmy Montgomery, Dick Malone, Kevin Ball and Bobby Kerr with Andrew Taylor, 10, at Sunderland Royal Hospital. It has been another record breaking year with more than 3,000 gifts having been donated to our toy appeal.
Ashamed parents tip off police about their OWN teenage daughter after catching her drink driving
Shannon Downie’s parents were “disgusted” to see the 18-year-old get behind the wheel of her car after consuming alcohol. They tipped off police after seeing her give her pal a lift home following a night out in Aberdeen, Scotland, a court heard.
Scottish minister calls for clarity over UK single market status
Scotland’s economy secretary has said the Conservative government should indicate whether it wants the UK to stay in the single market after Brexit. In response to Mr Brown’s call, a UK government spokeswoman said the United Kingdom would “continue to be a global leader of free trade”.
Strong winds and snow ahead as Storm Conor ends ‘exceptionally mild’ Christmas
Storm Conor is set to bring strong winds and snowfall as it sweeps in, bringing an end to an “exceptionally mild” Christmas Day. The mercury rose to 15.1C in Dyce, Aberdeenshire, pushing the record of 15.6C registered in Devon in 1920.
Gatehouse charity hosts Christmas lunch for the lonely and homeless in Bury St Edmunds
Mayor of St Edmundsbury and Gatehouse chairman Julia Wakelam with volunteers Katie Bexon and daughter Ella Nobbs and guest Susan Buckle In Bury St Edmunds, the annual Christmas meal was held by the Gatehouse charity at St Benedict’s Catholic School, in Beetons Way. Charity chief executive Amanda Bloomfield said: “It’s fantastic.
Picture Special: Queen misses Christmas Day Sandringham church service
The Queen has missedtoday’s Christmas Day church service at Sandringham because of illness, it has been confirmed this morning. Buckingham Palace said this morning that the 90-year-old monarch is still suffering from a heavy cold and was remaining indoors to aid her recovery.
Ashington man Nick Dunn spends another Christmas in Indian ‘hell hole’ as he awaits appeal
Nick Dunn was hoping to be reunited with his loved ones after four years in India but a decision on his appeal is not expected until New Year Six British ex-soldiers will spend Christmas Day in a “hell hole” Indian jail after their hopes of coming home were dashed again. The six, who a British lawyer says are victims of a miscarriage of justice, hoped their appeal in court last month would allow them to be reunited with their loved ones back home for the first time in four years.
East Dunbartonshire to host National Holocaust Memorial Day
Scotland’s national Holocaust Memorial Day will be hosted next month by East Dunbartonshire – along with a number of other events throughout the week. The Council is working in partnership with Interfaith Scotland and the Scottish Government to raise awareness of the persecution on the theme of ‘How can life go on?’ Bishopbriggs Academy has been chosen as the venue for Scotland’s Holocaust memorial event on Thursday 26 January – the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day.
Essex man fighting for his life in hospital after he was discovered unconscious in a park
Mystery surrounds man, 35, who is fighting for his life in hospital after he was discovered unconscious in a park after his work’s Christmas party Detectives have released an image of a man in a life threatening condition after he was found unconscious in a park after a Christmas party. He had suffered a severe head injury and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge where he is currently recovering.
George Mitchel at the Commitent to Life Aids benefit concert on Jan….
George Michael, the English singer-songwriter who shot to stardom as a teen idol in the 1980s as half of the pop duo Wham! and went on to become one of the era’s biggest pop solo artists with hits such as “Faith” and “I Want Your Sex,” died over the Christmas holiday, The Associated Press has confirmed. He was 53. Michael, whose career was marred by a 1998 arrest for engaging in a lewd act in a Beverly Hills park restroom, died peacefully at home, his publicist said.
Six British ex-soldiers to spend another Christmas in ‘hell hole’ Indian jail
Six British ex-soldiers will spend Christmas Day in a “hell hole” Indian jail after their hopes of coming home were dashed again. The six, who a British lawyer says are victims of a miscarriage of justice, hoped their appeal in court last month would allow them to be reunited with their loved ones back home for the first time in four years.
Letters from the Front on a frosty Christmas morning
The image of soldiers from both sides leaving their trenches for an impromptu kick about and carol concert belongs in the pages of a fairy tale, not on the bloodiest battlefield of the First World War. For most men, though, there was no fairy tale, no truce, just the hope of gifts from home and perhaps something special for lunch.
Fears over most ‘rapid and fundamental’ taxi shake-up since ’67
People Before Profit MLA Eamonn McCann has said he fears ordinary tax-drivers feel voiceless during the most “rapid and fundamental change” in the sector since the 1960s. Mr McCann, who said he doesn’t drive and as such is a frequent taxi user, said it was important drivers don’t feel left out of the process.
In pictures| Christmas eve celebrations from across the globe
People walk through a light installation titled “Universal Journey,” comprised of 824,961 light bulbs, at Universal Studios Singapore as part of the celebrations. Bubbles fill the air as Christmas is celebrated at the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park in London, England.
Senior citizens enjoy traditional Christmas lunch
A total of 79 elderly people, from organisations such as the White Lodge Care Home, Stokenchurch Day Centre, Fingest Tea Club, and Marlow Age Concern, sat down to eat a festive three-course meal on December 15 and opened presents. The dull December day was also brightened by some festive entertainment from the Hambleden Village choir, led by Christine Wells, and the audience joined in with carol singing.
Woman injured in house fire just days before Christmas
Emergency services were called out to Cherry Lane, Amersham, at 9.12pm after reports that there was a fire in the living room of the property.
Surgery and pharmacy opening times in Bath over Christmas and New Year
With the excitement of Christmas, people have been urged not to forget about their health amid all the festive preparations. The Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group is encouraging everyone to remember four festive tips to keep on top of their health.
Cross-party MPs ‘disappointed’ at Sheffield Eagles move to Wakefield
Sheffield Eagles’ search for a home within the city has been backed by an influential cross-party group of MPs. The rugby league club this month confirmed next season’s home games will be played at Wakefield’s Belle Vue ground, nearly 30 miles up the M1.
Boris sends Christmas message to cheer up Britons ‘downcast’ by war and division
In a video message circulated on Twitter, Boris Johnson said that despite war in Syria and terror attacks in Europe, mankind as a whole was making progress in terms of health, education and longevity Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has sent out an upbeat Christmas message designed to cheer up Britons left “downcast” by a 2016 characterised by war, terror and division. In a video message circulated on Twitter, Mr Johnson said that despite war in Syria and terror attacks in Europe, mankind as a whole was making progress in terms of health, education and longevity.
Darth Vader actor Spencer Wilding dons full costume in home town premiere
Star Wars fever came to Rhyl on Thursday night when the Welsh actor playing Darth Vader in the franchise’s latest film, Rogue One, turned up in full costume for a special premiere in his home town. Former British-Welsh kickboxing champion Spencer Wilding, 44, who also describes himself as a “special creature performer”, thrilled locals as he arrived at the town’s Vue cinema to the sound of the Imperial March.
Double delight this Christmas for Suzuki Pebley Beach manager
NOTHING says Christmas like saints and babies – and staff at Pebley Beach in Cirencester are enjoying both, thanks to service manager Chris Maidment. This month, Chris and his wife Gemma welcomed baby Daisy – a sister for seven-year-old Olivia – into the world.
Toy Appeal spreads Christmas cheer
The appeal to support families in and around Winchester received a record 1000 gifts for local families, beating last year’s total of around 500. Toys were taken to the collection point at Waterstone’s bookshop in The Brooks Centre, and staff sorted through the huge number of donations on Monday.
Dogs wowed by the wonder of Santa Paws
A special visitor turned up to take some of the limelight away from Santa Clause at a ‘Christmas event with a twist’ in a local canal centre yesterday. Blackwood-based Four Paws animal rescue centre partnered up with the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust at its Rogerstone-site where two grottos took place instead of one upon the arrival of Santa Paws.
Ask for traditional surgery rather than pelvic mesh implants, says study out this week
Sling the Mesh campaign logo by March-based artist Michelle Deyna Hayward. Sling the Mesh was launched in England in June 2015 by Archant Newspapers journalist Kath Sansom Mesh implants to fix pelvic organ prolapse have higher risks than traditional surgery but no extra benefits, according to a report released this week.
Two guilty of manslaughter over Bath tipper truck crash which killed Cwmbran man
A haulage boss and a mechanic have been convicted of manslaughter after a 32-tonne truck with faulty brakes killed four people. Matthew Gordon, 30, and Peter Wood, 55, were each convicted of four counts of manslaughter following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
It’s in the post – councillors put the stamp on Galashiels tapestry centre
Scottish Borders councillors voted today to give their stamp of approval for Galashiels to host the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Officers had urged elected members to choose the former Post Office in Galashiels as the option for the tapestry’s visitor centre, even though it was the most expensive one on the table.
Domino’s ready to serve a slice of festivities on Christmas Day
PEOPLE looking for something different from the traditional turkey Christmas dinner with all the trimmings on Sunday can call on Domino’s for help who will be open on Christmas Day. It’s not the first time that the pizza delivery favourite has stayed open over the festive period and this year any profits made on the day will be donated to Make Some Noise – a national charity run by Global, a media and entertainment company who own radio stations such as Heart FM.
Passion for community at a well of spirituality
Marjorie Allan, aged 42, lives in Nether Edge with her three young children and husband Nick. Together the couple are Baptist ministers at The Well on Ecclesall Road – a lively, growing, contemporary church.
Scales of Justice: Latest round-up of convictions
Aidan Scott, 20, of Welch Way, Witney, admitted damaging a BMW 1 Series car belonging to James Kerswill in Witney on September 24. Also admitted having an air weapon, without reasonable excuse, in Welch Way, Witney, on the same date. Fined A 250 and ordered to pay A 150 compensation, a A 30 victim surcharge and A 85 costs.
Final victory for campaigners as Government rules against development of inner city woodland
CAMPAIGNERS in the long-running battle to save an inner-city woodland from development have won their fight as ministers rule against the plans. Opponents of the plan to build around 100 town houses on the site in Glasgow’s west end have been informed by the Scottish Government that it has refused planning permission, marking a victory in the five-year campaign for residents and their high-profile supporters.
Chinese builder in $3.4b agreement for UK homes
China National Building Materials Group Corp struck a 2.75-billion-pound joint venture deal on Monday to open six highly cost-efficient pre-fabricated house-building factories in the United Kingdom, capable of producing 25,000 homes a year. The new homes built by the joint venture will reduce construction costs to a target of 400 pounds per square meter, significantly less than the 1,000 pounds per sq m average in the UK market.
Jog your way into a healthy 2017
If you’re determined to turn over a new leaf in 2017 – you want to feel healthier and better about yourself or lose a few pounds and make some new friends – then jog your way into January. Anyone who is new to jogging, or has not run for a long time, can be guided through a series of gentle walking and jogging programmes led by a qualified Jog Derbyshire leader.
Jog your way into a healthy 2017
If you’re determined to turn over a new leaf in 2017 – you want to feel healthier and better about yourself or lose a few pounds and make some new friends – then jog your way into January. Anyone who is new to jogging, or has not run for a long time, can be guided through a series of gentle walking and jogging programmes led by a qualified Jog Derbyshire leader.
The woman had been trying to rescue her dog when she also became stuck
Crews from Ely and Cambridge were called out to save a dog and its owner after they became stuck in a sluice gate in Lark Bank, near Prickwillow. A specialist team of firefighters arrived at the scene at 5.55pm last night , where crews trained in water and animal rescues wore dry suits to enter the water which had collected in the drainage system.
Norwich church hosts production of A Christmas Carol
Moss Banks Productions is presenting a stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at St John Maddermarket Church, in Norwich. Photo: supplied by Moss Banks Productions.