A border crossing south of Newry, Northern Ireland, is marked only by billboards for money-changing kiosks and cut-price fuel in this image taken Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. The introduction of the European Union common market allowed the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom to remove all customs searches and import restrictions from the 310-mile Irish border a quarter-century ago.
Category: United Kingdom
Council agrees to sell land to Heights school
A NEW school is set to be built on a public sports ground in Caversham. Reading Borough Council has agreed to sell a section of Mapledurham playing fields, off Woodcote Road, as a permanent site for the Heights Free School.
Swindon author writes what he likes to read
Jim Ody, 40, is the author of two self-published thrillers, Lost Connections and The Place that Never Existed. He recently had a story printed in an anthology called Dark Minds, sold in aid of charities Hospice UK and Sophie’s Appeal, where it appears alongside works by other authors including Amazon best-seller Louise Jensen.
Wednesday morning’s traffic and travel news
GOOD morning. We’re here with the latest traffic and travel news to help you reach your destination on time.
New York Electors Donate Salaries to Pro-Immigrant Group in ‘Defiance’ of Trump
New York’s 29 Democratic electors may have been heartbroken while casting their votes for Hillary Clinton after her bruising loss to Donald Trump last month, but they made sure to send a final riposte to the president-elect’s anti-immigrant rhetoric-by donating their Electoral College salaries, a total of $435, to a prominent immigrant policy and advocacy organization.
Motorcyclist Andy Cochrane.
A MOTHER whose son was killed in a crash in Weymouth last year is campaigning for a change in the law that would see all dangerous drivers have to retake their test. Andy Cochrane, 50, of Broadmayne , was involved in an accident with a white Vauxhall Vivaro van at the junction of Littlemoor Road and Louviers Road on Tuesday, June 23 2015.
After school club children given pre-Christmas treat
Over 40 children who use Oscars at the West Rugby Club, in Catcote Road, enjoyed a Christmas buffet, party games and a visit from Santa. Sandra Robinson, out of school coordinator, at Hartlepool Borough Council, which runs the scheme, said: “We have a great group of children who attend Oscars and they fully deserved their pre-Christmas treat.
Guardian recommends
Churches will be holding Christingles and midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day services. Children can bring a noiseless toy to St Andrews Church, Worden Lane, Leyland, Sunday from 10.30am.
CLOSED: London Paddington will be closed for six days as improvement works take place
THERE could be chaos for commuters this Christmas as Great Western Railway will not be operating services from London Paddington. No train services will be able to operate from Christmas Eve up to and including Thursday, December 29 between London Paddington and Ealing Broadway.
These are 2016’s Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants of the world1 day ago
In 2016, fine dining is all about experimentation and a stunning experience, which is a delight for more than just the taste buds. This is the reason why people travel thousands of miles away from home, and spend insane amounts of money, looking for a culinary experience which is unlike any other they can get around them.
12 killed after truck rams Berlin Christmas market crowd
A truck rammed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin on Monday evening, killing at least 12 people and injuring around 50 as it tore through tables and wooden stands. Police said a suspect believed to be the driver was arrested nearby and a passenger died as paramedics were treating him.
Trees felled by vandals in Brechin
An appeal has been launched by Angus Council and Police Scotland after several trees where felled in Brechin Public Park. A statement from Angus Council said: “Three trees have been felled at Brechin Public Park in an inexplicable act of vandalism.
101-year-old man jailed for historic sex crimes, becomes Britain’s oldest ever convict
A 101-year-old man, who last week became the oldest Briton to be convicted of a criminal offence, was jailed for 13 years on Monday for a string of historical sex crimes against two young sisters and their brother. Retired truck driver Ralph Clarke was found guilty of raping and abusing the sisters in the 1970s and early 80s, having earlier admitted indecently assaulting their brother and attempting to rape him when he was a schoolboy.
Schizophrenic knifeman who killed mother sent to secure hospital
A schizophrenic who stabbed to death a mother in her own home as she tried to stop him kidnapping her two young children has been given an indefinite hospital order. Nicola Cross was knifed 10 times by Marcin Porczynski after the 24-year-old broke into her house in Hemel Hempstead on September 14 last year.
Mother-of-three avoids jail for causing crash that left woman with life changing injuries
Claire Pringle lost control of her car as she overtook on double white lines on a sharp bend, swerving into the grass verge and hedge on the A358 Chard to Taunton road in the Peasmarsh area. Her car ended up at a 90 degree angle to the road, hit a car on the opposite side of the road and veered into the path of a car coming in the opposite direction, while two other cars also collided, Taunton Crown Court heard on Friday.
On this day from Monday, December 19 2016
At the Memorial Hall Mr S W Free of Bristol won the prize for Best In Show with a sable called Rex. 1960: A large congregation attended a Carol service given by the Newspaper House Choir Swindon at Chiseldon Parish Church.
Council shake-up as Conservative councillor switches to Greens
WELCOME: Cllr Claudia Moore, second left, with Cllr Jon Orrell, Cllr Clare Sutton and Green campaign coordinator Caz Dennett Picture: GARDIA PHOTOGRAPHY THE Green Party has gained another councillor in Weymouth and Portland after Claudia Moore crossed the floor from the Conservatives. Cllr Moore, who has been a councillor for Weymouth West since 2014, said she felt “more closely aligned with the Greens”, but also expressed concern about some Tory decisions.
Scotland to Propose Plan to Stay in EU, Curb Brexit Damage
Scotland will publish proposals this week for how it can remain in the European single market after Britain leaves the European Union in order to avoid the “national disaster” of a “hard Brexit,” the Scottish government said Sunday. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal process of leaving the EU, by the end of March to kick off two years of exit talks.
Scotland to Propose Plan to Stay in EU, Curb Brexit Damage
Scotland will publish proposals this week for how it can remain in the European single market after Britain leaves the European Union in order to avoid the “national disaster” of a “hard Brexit,” the Scottish government said Sunday. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal process of leaving the EU, by the end of March to kick off two years of exit talks.
Newport-born actor Michael Sheen dismisses claims he is giving up acting full-time for activism
BORN actor Michael Sheen has dismissed claims that he is swapping Hollywood to become a full-time activist following an interview with the Times. The 47-year-old actor was quoted as saying that he could step back from his acting career to become more involved with political issues in his hometown of Port Talbot.
‘Saturday Night Live’ Pokes Fun at Trump’s Misspelled Tweets,…
A three-year-old Arkansas boy was fatally shot in a road rage incident Saturday night while on a shopping trip with his grandmother, police said.The gunman… — A new royal portrait to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday year has been released. Photographed by British fashion photographer Nick Knight, the Queen si… This week, former ASA Governing Committee member and Wisconsin farmer Kevin Hoyer provided public comments on behalf of the American Soybean Association in front of an Environ… Dubuque, Ia.
‘Saturday Night Live’ Pokes Fun at Trump’s Misspelled Tweets,…
A three-year-old Arkansas boy was fatally shot in a road rage incident Saturday night while on a shopping trip with his grandmother, police said.The gunman… — A new royal portrait to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday year has been released. Photographed by British fashion photographer Nick Knight, the Queen si… This week, former ASA Governing Committee member and Wisconsin farmer Kevin Hoyer provided public comments on behalf of the American Soybean Association in front of an Environ… Dubuque, Ia.
Traders have their say on proposed market redevelopment
Over 40 businesses had their say at a get-together on the proposed 9m. redevelopment of the Clitheroe Market site.
Landmark building to become housing
A LANDMARK building in Royal Wootton Bassett town centre is to become a 10-bed house of multiple occupation after developers won planning permission. The Grade II listed Touchdown House in the high street, once the town’s visitor centre, will be repaired and improved, according to developers SCH Ltd, as unsympathetic alterations are removed.
Community search for child who sent letter to dead dad in heaven by attaching it to a balloon
A CHILD’S Christmas letter to their dad has sparked a hunt for its author after it was found in a field in Scotland attached to a balloon. The heartfelt wishlist told of how much they were missing their daddy in heaven and how they dreamed that he could leave them a note under their pillow.
Post Office strike will affect local town store
Talks between the company and the Communication Workers Union have broken down and five days of industrial action will begin on Monday. Chorley’s Cleveland Street site is the only remaining ‘Crown’ post office which will be affected by the proposed stoppages.
Morrisons Christmas 2016 shopping opening times
Here are the Christmas 2016 shopping opening hours for Morrisons in Welwyn Garden City, and the store in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Only people who register and sign up to our terms and conditions can post comments.
UK faces strike-hit Christmas by post, train and air
The United Kingdom faces a Christmas of discontent as labour unions threaten to disrupt airports, rail services and mail deliveries. The Unite union and aviation services company Swissport announced negotiation plans Saturday intended to avert a Dec. 23 walkout by 1,500 baggage handlers, check-in staff and other workers at 18 regional airports from Belfast to Bournemouth.
Michael Sheen puts activism before acting to fight rise of ‘hard populist right’
Michael Sheen is stepping back from his acting career to fight against the rise of the “hard populist right” as an activist. Michael Sheen is stepping back from his acting career to fight against the rise of the “hard populist right” as an activist.
Appeal launched to send ‘tokens for Faith’ to bring a smile to…
Faith Constance has been diagnosed with cancer. To raise her spirits her parents have launched an appeal on Facebook called “Tokens for Faith” and more than a hundred people have sent letters and gifts.
Lions hope sleigh outings beat previous festive fundraising efforts
KINGSWINFORD and Stourbridge Lions hope to beat previous festive fundraising efforts with this year’s Christmas sleigh outings with a brand new Santa mobile. The charitable group has been treated to an all-new sleigh this time – thanks to sponsorship from a number of local businesses and organisations including NatWest Bank, West Bromwich Building Society, Asda, Stourbridge Motor House, Imperial Commercials, Crown Butchers.
Festive misery for travellers as airport crews vote to strike
TENS of thousands of festive travellers are facing the prospect of holiday misery after unions announced a series of strikes at Scotland’s three biggest airports in the days running up to Christmas. Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are among 18 UK airports targeted by the Unite union as more than 1500 check-in staff, baggage handlers and cargo crew stage a 48-hour walk-out in the runup the December 25. Members of Unite employed by Swissport will walk out on December 23 and 24 at other airports including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Doncaster, East Midlands, Gatwick, Heathrow, Leeds/ Bradford, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Southampton and Stansted.
Businesses in Swindon wear it festive for charity
Nationwide, in Pipers Way, raised money for its charity partner Shelter – which seeks to end homelessness in the UK – with a variety of activities including festive treats, quizzes, and employees dressed in their favourite Christmas jumpers. Stephan Uden, head of social investment at Nationwide, said: “It’s great to see all our people coming together to help make a difference to end homelessness in the UK.
Teacher returns to his Bronx high school to help kids succeed
If his little brother hadn’t brought that board home and he hadn’t become obsessed with the game, he may just have failed out of high school and he certainly wouldn’t have gone on to attain a master’s degree in education. “I was going through difficult times in school.
New York New York
New York City is known for path-blocking, slow-moving tourists and cursing city-dwellers trying to get past. Despite the tightness of the avenues and squares, every year on the city street corners you’ll see guys parked all week long, selling Christmas trees of various shapes and sizes on the footpath.
Salon raided for A 1,500 worth of hair products
Victoria, Alex and Sandra Stevens, owners of Tops Salon, were shocked to discover the shop had been ram raided over the weekend AN EARLY morning ram raid on a hair salon in Melksham was just one of a spate of car crimes at the weekend as west Wiltshire experiences a mini crimewave. Alex Stevens and her family were woken by a phone call from Wiltshire Police in the early hours of Saturday alerting them to a break-in at Tops salon on the High Street.
‘Bold’ final route for Edinburgh’s A 5.5m cycle superhighway
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Pregnant Castle Donington woman tells of M1 closure ordeal
A motorist that uses crutches and is 32 weeks pregnant has spoken of how she has been stuck in M1 traffic all day. The closure of the motorway happened after a collision at about 11.30am between a vehicle and a pedestrian, on the southbound carriageway, near Trowell services.
Sundance Screenwriters Lab Unveils 15 Writers It Will Support
Making the cut is Iranian writer-director Massoud Bakhshi true story ‘Yalda,’ which centers on a woman convicted of killing her husband who agrees to appear on a popular TV show to ask her husband’s daughter for forgiveness. The Sundance Institute has selected the 15 emerging screenwriters and their 12 feature film projects that it will support through the 2017 Screenwriters Lab.
Driver stole A 10,000 worth of goods from passengers’ lost luggage at Stansted Airport
A delivery driver who stole items worth 10,000 from passengers’ lost luggage at Stansted Airport has been spared prison. John Collins, 43, pleaded guilty to the theft of laptops, cameras, perfume and other electrical items at Chelmsford Crown Court.