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Manchester City duo Phillips and Foden to start for England – report

Sport

17/10/2023

Manchester City duo Phillips and Foden to start for England – report

Kalvin Phillips and Phil Foden will start for England in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy at Wembley tonight, according to Sky Sports.

Phillips will start in midfield, alongside Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice and at the expense of Jordan Henderson, as England seek the point they require to secure their place at next summer’s finals in Germany.

Former Liverpool captain Henderson was booed by England supporters during Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia following his controversial decision to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, given his pivotal role in backing various LGBTQ+ initiatives while playing in the Premier League.

When @HKane became our all-time record goalscorer 🤩

Last time out against Italy… pic.twitter.com/nhmLCU5aMJ

— England (@England) October 17, 2023

Foden is set to start on the right side of a front three, according to Sky, with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on the left and skipper Harry Kane up top.

The 23-year-old Foden scored the opener in the 3-1 win over Scotland last month and will again deputise for the injured Bukayo Saka.

Expected England team: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Phillips, Rice, Bellingham, Foden, Rashford, Kane.

O’Keeffe to referee England against South Africa

Sport

Jon Fisher

17/10/2023

O’Keeffe to referee England against South Africa

New Zealander Ben O’Keeffe will take charge of England’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa in Paris on Saturday.

It’s the second successive weekend O’Keeffe will have refereed the Springboks with his performance in their win over France on Sunday seeing him come in for criticism from French players and media.

Les Bleus captain Antoine Dupont said after his side’s 29-28 defeat: “There’s a lot of disappointment and frustration.

“When we watch the match again, there are probably things that will make us even more frustrated. I don’t want to be a bad loser and moan about the refereeing, but I am not sure the level of refereeing was up to what was at stake.”

Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber backed O’Keeffe, however, saying: “I thought Ben was good on the day. We played in such a way to try and take the referee out of the game.”

Your final four 🏆#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/KKqbUx8Irg

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 16, 2023

Against England, O’Keeffe will be assisted by Andrew Brace from Ireland and fellow New Zealander Paul Williams. Brendon Pickerill, also from New Zealand, will be the television match official (TMO).

The first semi, between Argentina and New Zealand on Friday, will be refereed by Australian Angus Gardner. Nic Berry (Australia) and Karl Dickson (England) will be his assistants with Wales’ Ben Whitehouse as TMO.

Swedish football mourns victims of Brussels attack

Sport

Jon Fisher

17/10/2023

Swedish football mourns victims of Brussels attack

Swedish football was today in mourning following the shootings in Brussels that left two supporters of the national team dead and one injured.

The fans were attacked on Boulevard d’Ypres ahead of Sweden’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Belgium by a 45-year-old of Tunisian descent who was later shot and killed by police.

The match went ahead but, as news of the incidents filtered through, was suspended at half-time with the score level at 1-1 and subsequently abandoned with both teams indicating they did not wish to play the second half.

Clubs in the domestic Allsvenskan league have been swift to express their sympathy and outlined plans to honour the victims.

A Malmo statement read: “In honour of the victims of the attack in Brussels, we will hold a minute’s silence before Sunday’s match against Varberg. Our thoughts are with those affected and their relatives.”

IFK Gothenburg wrote: “On Tuesday, we will fly the flag at half mast at [training complex] Kamratgarden. We do it for the victims of the terrible act in Brussels. Our thoughts are with them, their families and the Swedish football supporters who we wish a safe journey home.”

IFK Norrkoping Women take on AIK in Solna this evening with the events in Belgium still fresh in the memory.

“In tonight’s match, we will play with black armbands to honour the victims of the crime in Brussels. Our thoughts are with those affected, their relatives and all Swedish supporters in Belgium,” read an IFK statement.

The Swedish FA have yet to announce wider plans on how to pay tribute to those killed with senior officials making their way home from Belgium.

FA president Fredrik Reinfeldt, speaking from the stadium last night, said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and their relatives at this difficult time.

“What happened is a disgusting attack on innocent people who were going to a football match. We all feel enormous anger and sadness, but at the same time must keep calm.”

Ivor Robson, the Voice of The Open, dies age 83

Sport

Francesca Turner

17/10/2023

Ivor Robson, the Voice of The Open, dies age 83

Ivor Robson, one of the most distinctive and recognised voices in golf, has passed away at the age of 83.

Robson was the official starter at The Open for 41 years, and after retiring in 2015, he had announced an incredible 18,995 players, just at The Open alone.

Recognised for his “On the tee” introductions that were delivered in a gentle Scottish accent, Robson is a figure that will be deeply missed by fans and professionals alike.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Ivor’s passing.

“As official starter at The Open for over 40 years, his voice was instantly recognisable and synonymous with the Championship for players and millions of golf fans worldwide.

“He was popular and well respected among all golfers who played in The Open and I know that they will share in our sadness at this news.”

Woman dies following Manchester bus crash

News

Helen Greaney

17/10/2023

Woman dies following Manchester bus crash

A 77-year-old woman has tragically died following a bus crash in Manchester city centre yesterday.

Almena Amica was seriously injured and taken to hospital when a bus hit the TV Bubble Tea Cafe in Piccadilly Gardens at 1.15pm on Monday.

Known as ‘Mena’ to her family and friends, she had been a pedestrian at the time but died of her injuries.

Tribute

Almena’s family has issued the following tribute via Greater Manchester Police: “Mena was dedicated to her family, friends and faith.

“She loved music, gardening, TV soaps and nature. She was the senior member of our family, the eldest sister and great-great-aunt. She was well-loved, our matriarch, and her presence will be hugely missed.

“Mena was a private person and her family asks that this be respected during our time of mourning. We thank all the services and people who came to her aid.”

Eleven other people, both pedestrians and bus passengers, were either treated at the scene or in hospital for minor injuries.

A 64-year-old man has been bailed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after being arrested at the scene.

Tragic incident

Sergeant Louise Warhurst, from GMP’s Serious Injury Collision Unit (SCIU), said: “This was a tragic incident witnessed by a lot of people in a busy area of the city centre.

“The investigation is progressing thanks to many calls with information received from the public.

“Anyone who has not yet spoken to officers but believes they are able to assist with enquiries should call 0161 856 4741 quoting log 1673 of 16/10/2023.”

Members of the public can also upload photos and video to the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23A68-PO1.

Screenshot 20231017 113907 — **Photo by James Cockayne**

Robinsons Brewery completes grand makeover of Mossley pub

Food and Drink

Helen Greaney

17/10/2023

Robinsons Brewery completes grand makeover of Mossley pub

Stockport’s Robinsons Brewery has completed a grand six-week makeover of The Dysarts Arms, Mossley.

Situated in Tameside, on the edge of the Peak District and Saddleworth Moor, the popular pub had previously struggled for space for its customers, so the brewery decided to make structural changes across the bar, dining area and kitchen during a six-week transformation.

Now the community boozer boasts bright open spaces with plenty of seating areas to drink and dine.

Working with Amy Barnie, Robinsons business partner, the refurbishment aimed to update the interiors and surroundings to complement the great level of service and food the pub is known for.

A larger kitchen and preparation area has been created to cater for the increasing number of diners.

Home from home

Amy Barnie who runs two Robinsons pubs, The Dysarts Arms and The Sycamore, Ashton-under-Lyne, reflected on the pub’s transformation: “We are thrilled to welcome our guests back to a pub that feels like a home from home.

“We’ve listened to our customers feedback before making the changes and since then, the response have been overwhelming. They love the new look and layout. Since re-opening, our trade has been bustling, and we are grateful for the great support from our community.”

Aesthetically, the pub shows off an earthy colour scheme, giving a nod to the local hills. New timber- flooring creates a timeless feel, which will stand the test of time.

Design scheme

The designer at Robinsons who worked on the design scheme commented: “During the renovation we uncovered an original stone fireplace which we chose to restore and work into our design scheme. It’s great to discover hidden features that add a touch of heritage to the pub.”

Helen Brierley, business development manager at Robinsons, said: “The pub was ready for transformation for the community of Mossley to enjoy. We wanted to improve the customer experience by improving the layout, offering more space in a more comfortable, contemporary setting. From the dining area to the toilets, we’ve made sure all areas have been refreshed for the community of Mossley and further.”

Cow PR and Be Broadcast Partner to Raise Awareness of Male Breast Cancer with Moobs

News Desk

17/10/2023

Cow PR and Be Broadcast Partner to Raise Awareness of Male Breast Cancer with Moobs

The UK’s first dedicated male breast cancer organisation has been launched by James Richards, an account director at London based Cow PR, supported by Manchester’s Be Broadcast. The powerful launch comes following James Richards’ own male breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Last week, James Richards founded the non-profit organization, Moobs, in partnership with Manchester-based Be Broadcast. As James continues his own treatment journey following a breast cancer diagnosis in February, Moobs aims to heighten awareness of male breast cancer and offer support to those affected by the diagnosis.

Discussing his inspiration behind starting the organisation, Richards remarked, “Following my diagnosis, my world was turned upside down. Despite catching the disease early, I was told to prepare for a terminal diagnosis, which fortunately wasn’t the case.

“It did get me thinking, if men are anecdotally less likely to go to the doctors, how many might seek medical help too late?”

He added: “Being from a comms background, I looked at how breast cancer was communicated to the wider public through the press and breast cancer charities and noticed that it was overwhelmingly skewed towards a female audience.”

Highlighting the disparity where 55,000 women in the UK receive a breast cancer diagnosis annually in contrast to 370 men, Richards commented:“I felt that many men would ignore finding a lump based on the assumption that ‘men don’t get breast cancer’.”

Richards, who has worked at Cow for almost four years, explained: “Before deciding to launch Moobs, I ran the idea past a select number of people in the medical profession as well as friendly press contacts. Everyone who I spoke to felt there was certainly an awareness problem around male breast cancer, so I knew the idea had legs.”

Having previously worked with Dr Zoe Williams (pictured below, alongside partner Stuart McKay) on a campaign for Heineken 0.0, Richards sought medical backing from her to launch the organisation.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month seemed like the obvious choice to launch the campaign, but it was important to not take the focus away from the 55,000 women who are diagnosed with the disease each year,” he said. “I had initially thought about launching during the first week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month but felt that the second week would be less likely to draw attention from women.”

The launch of Moobs was covered by publications including The Sun, the Daily Mirror, the Daily Star and The Independent.

Richards also appeared on BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio 5 Live, working with Be Broadcast for broadcast PR services.

He said: “Although I have strong contacts in the traditional print and online media, I didn’t have the same contacts within broadcast, and I knew that landing one of the key breakfast shows would really help take the campaign and the launch of Moobs to the next level.”

“Josh Wheeler at Be Broadcast was not only instrumental in helping me curate my key messages for a broadcast audience, but he also helped bring on Dr Amir Khan from ITV’s Lorraine (pictured above) to give additional support and be on hand to give interviews from a medical perspective.”

Josh Wheeler, founder of Be Broadcast said “When James told me about his diagnosis, I knew he would be alright – deep down – I also knew he’d do something amazing. I said we would be there from start to finish – and as the idea grew – we have, and we will continue to be. It was pretty emotional watching him fly on BBC Breakfast knowing the pain of this year.”

“James has proven to the world that you can tackle any challenge, turn something horrendous into something that helps others, and have a giggle at the same time. We need more people like him in the world.”

Of his employer, Richards said: “Throughout the launch of moobs, Cow has been fully supportive in my mission to raise awareness of breast cancer – and has offered its backing every step, from emotional support to team members jumping on board for advice and lending their expertise.”

How to find bathroom furniture that stands the test of time

Homes & Interiors

Teresa Burke

17/10/2023

How to find bathroom furniture that stands the test of time

When it comes to designing your dream bathroom, choosing furniture that not only complements your style but also endures the test of time is crucial.

The right bathroom furniture can significantly impact the functionality and aesthetics of your space.

Here we will discuss two significant pieces that can contribute to the timelessness of your bathroom – bathroom vanity furniture and rimless toilets.

By focusing on quality, durability, and timeless design, you can create a bathroom look that is stylish and functional for years to come.

Bathroom vanities: The cornerstone of timeless elegance

Bathroom vanity units serve as the focal point of any bathroom and play a pivotal role in defining its overall style.

If you’re on the hunt for a vanity unit that stands the test of time, it’s crucial to prioritise quality materials such as solid wood or high-grade MDF.

These materials not only exude sophistication but also offer exceptional durability, ensuring your vanity can withstand daily wear and tear. One source for finding high-quality bathroom vanity units is Royal Bathrooms.

They offer a wide range of stylish and durable options to elevate your bathroom’s elegance and functionality.

Choose neutral colours and versatile designs

Look for a classic and versatile design that transcends trends, allowing you to update your bathroom’s look easily with minor changes in accessories or colour schemes.

Choose neutral colours or timeless finishes, as they tend to age gracefully and maintain their elegance over the years.

Additionally, ample storage space is essential to keep your bathroom organised and clutter-free.

A well-designed vanity unit with functional drawers and cabinets will help you keep everything in its place, adding to the long- lasting appeal of your bathroom.

Rimless toilets: Hygienic and timeless choice

The rimless toilet is a modern innovation that offers both improved hygiene and timeless design.

Unlike traditional toilets with rims, the rimless design eliminates hidden areas where bacteria and germs can accumulate.

This not only makes the cleaning easier but also makes sure that your bathroom has a more hygienic environment for years to come.

When selecting a rimless toilet, choose high-quality ceramic or vitreous China, which are known for their durability and resistance to stains and scratches.

Invest in high quality rimless toilet

A sleek and minimalistic design will not only enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom but also remain stylish for years without looking outdated.

Furthermore, choose a reputable brand known for producing long-lasting and reliable bathroom fixtures. Investing in a high-quality rimless toilet will save you money on
repairs and replacements in the long run.

Quality hardware and fittings

Pay attention to the hardware and fittings of your bathroom furniture, such as faucets, handles, and hinges. Choose high-quality materials such as brass or stainless steel, which are not only durable but also resistant to corrosion and wear.

Investing in robust hardware ensures that your bathroom furniture remains functional and visually appealing over the years, without the need for frequent replacements.

Timeless lighting fixtures

The right lighting can significantly enhance the ambience of your bathroom while also contributing to its timeless appeal.

Choose lighting fixtures with classic designs that complement your overall bathroom style. Wall sconces, pendant lights, or vintage-inspired fixtures are excellent choices that can maintain their elegance and relevance as design trends evolve.

Consider multifunctional bathroom furniture

To maximise the functionality of your bathroom space, consider incorporating multifunctional furniture.

For example, a vanity unit with an integrated mirror or additional storage shelves offers practicality while reducing the need for separate pieces.

By choosing multifunctional furniture, you can optimise your bathroom’s layout and keep it organised, ensuring a clutter-free and enduring space.

Conclusion

Selecting bathroom furniture that stands the test of time requires a focus on quality, durability, and timeless design.

Bathroom vanity units made from solid wood or high-grade MDF provide both elegance and resilience, while neutral colours and classic finishes ensure a lasting appeal that remains relevant despite changing trends.

By investing in top-notch bathroom furniture and fixtures, you create a space that not only reflects your style preferences but also sustains its charm and usability for many years to come.

A well-crafted and enduring bathroom will undoubtedly become at timeless oasis in your home.

Unlocking the Heartfelt Significance of Baby Shower Gifts: A Joyous Tradition Explored

Retail

Danielle Trigg

17/10/2023

Unlocking the Heartfelt Significance of Baby Shower Gifts: A Joyous Tradition Explored

Everybody loves going to a baby shower and celebrating with the expecting parents. These joyous occasions are all about celebrating the impending arrival of a little bundle of joy. And at the heart of every baby shower is the tradition of gift-giving. In this article, we’ll delve into the delightful art of gifting at baby showers and uncover why these gifts matter so much. So, whether you’re a seasoned baby shower attendee or a soon-to-be parent, come along on this journey to discover the true significance of those lovingly wrapped presents.

The Significance of Baby Shower Gifts

Baby shower gifts hold a special place in our hearts for a good reason. They’re not just items; they’re expressions of love, support, and excitement for the new parents. Picture this: a room filled with laughter, games, and smiles as friends and family gather to celebrate the imminent arrival of a precious baby. Amidst the festivities, the exchange of gifts is a poignant reminder of the community’s shared joy and anticipation. It’s more than just a present; it’s a symbol of the journey ahead and the love that surrounds it.

Strengthening Bonds Through Gifting

There’s an undeniable emotional connection that comes with both giving and receiving baby shower gifts. As the gift-giver, you have the pleasure of choosing something special, something that you believe will make the new parents’ journey a bit easier or more delightful. As the expectant parents, receiving these tokens of affection from loved ones reinforces the bonds that tie your hearts together. These gifts carry the warmth and thoughtfulness of your relationships and create lasting memories.

The Joy of Choosing the Perfect Gift

Now, let’s talk about the delightful process of choosing the perfect baby shower gift. It’s a joyful endeavor that allows you to express your care and thoughtfulness. The thrill of finding that one item that perfectly captures your sentiments is unmatched. Whether it’s a personalized baby blanket, a charming mobile, or a heartfelt letter, the act of selecting a gift is an art in itself.

Although we have to admit for some people, buying the perfect gift can be difficult. This can be because you simply don’t know what to get or because of the parents you’re buying for. Perhaps they’re even having twins and you don’t know what they’ll need. Well, you can enjoy the blog from Viola Grace if you’re looking for baby shower gifts for twins and beyond. They’ll be something you can buy that will be perfect for the special moment.

The Practical Side of Baby Shower Gifts

Beyond the sentimental value, baby shower gifts serve a practical purpose. Parenthood can be an exhilarating yet daunting journey, and every little bit helps. From diapers to strollers, cribs to cute onesies, these gifts provide invaluable assistance in preparing for the baby’s arrival. They ease the financial burden and offer a helping hand during a time of change and adjustment. This is particularly true if they’re a first-time parent. It’s easy to forget to buy things for the new baby or you don’t have the funds to. So, this is when you can do your part and help them out.

Acknowledging the New Beginnings

Baby shower gifts have another superpower – they mark the beginning of a new chapter. These presents often become cherished keepsakes, treasured for years to come. Each time a parent looks at that baby blanket or uses that baby monitor, they’re reminded of the love and excitement that surrounded their child’s arrival. These gifts become symbols of a fresh start, filled with dreams and possibilities.

The Evolution of Baby Shower Gift-Giving

While the essence of baby shower gifts remains constant, the nature of these presents has evolved over time. Baby showers, as we know them today, have their roots in ancient traditions. Back then, gifts were often simple tokens of good luck. Nowadays, the gift landscape is diverse, featuring everything from high-tech baby gadgets to eco-friendly and sustainable options. It’s a reflection of our changing times and values.

In some cases, people have started creating baby shower wish lists. This means that they’ll list the items they’d like guests to buy. The idea is that you can choose one that’s within your budget and you’d like to gift. Then, you know that the parents will enjoy receiving it. Some people like this idea since it means that you don’t have to hunt high and low for a present.

Modern Trends in Baby Shower Gifts

Speaking of modern times, let’s explore some of the trends in baby shower gifts. Gender-neutral gifts are gaining popularity, reflecting our evolving views on gender roles. Plus, not everybody finds out the sex of the baby before they’re born. So, you can be left trying to get a gift for a child who you don’t know is male or female. Thankfully, gender-neutral gifts solve this problem.

Sustainable and eco-conscious presents are also making their mark, as we become more aware of our environmental impact. This is something to be mindful of especially if you’re giving to parents who care about the environment. When you support their passions, this is going to be noticed and appreciated.

And, of course, personalized gifts continue to charm us with their uniqueness and thoughtfulness. From custom baby onesies to handcrafted nursery decorations, there’s a world of options to choose from. There’s no doubt that this can have a huge impact on the receiver, and they’ll see how much effort you’ve gone to.

Baby shower gifts aren’t just trinkets; they are tokens of love, support, and celebration. They strengthen bonds, provide practical assistance, and mark the beginning of an incredible journey. They’ve evolved over time to reflect our values, and the choices are more diverse than ever.

So, the next time you attend a baby shower or plan your own, remember that these gifts are more than just items – they’re a beautiful expression of the love and anticipation that surrounds the arrival of a new life.

Inventive Developer Fills Void Left by Half-Life with ‘The Time Plague’

Gaming

Sam Allcock

17/10/2023

Inventive Developer Fills Void Left by Half-Life with ‘The Time Plague’

Experienced solo VR software developer, John Thornewill, was captivated by Half-Life: Alyx but grew frustrated with the lack of similar experiences once he completed it. With no apparent sequel in sight, he took matters into his own hands and embarked on creating his own immersive VR adventure.

The challenge, however, was the limited budget at his disposal. Undeterred, John pioneered a groundbreaking development method known as “The Infinity Engine,” designed to empower small teams to craft high-quality games at a fraction of the traditional cost.

His inaugural project, “The Time Plague,” seamlessly blends the narrative excellence of games like Uncharted with the visually striking steampunk aesthetics of Bioshock. To enhance the game’s immersion, John incorporated procedurally generated elements, elevating the player’s experience.

“The Time Plague” was brought to life by Red Nought Limited, a company founded in August 2022 to harness John Thornewill’s innovative technology, previously untapped in other endeavors. Red Nought Games serves as the publishing arm, responsible for distributing games developed using the team’s groundbreaking engines.

John’s pioneering techniques have significantly shortened the development timeline for intricate VR adventure games. These methods streamline repetitive content generation, such as visual landscapes, and automate the training of non-player characters, enabling John to channel his efforts into the most critical design elements, including the core storyline and script.

The game’s narrative serves as a continuation of H.G. Wells’ timeless novel, “The Time Machine.” While John held a deep appreciation for the original work, he sensed an untapped potential for further storytelling, especially considering the abrupt conclusion of the classic. This new chapter introduces characters inspired by the literary works of other Victorian-era authors.

Anticipated for Early Access release in late 2023, “The Time Plague” aims to cultivate a community of users who will contribute to refining the game’s storyline and gameplay elements. The full release is slated for early 2024.

For more information about “The Time Plague” and to stay updated on developments, visit https://thetimeplague.com.

Tribute

Tragic incident

Home from home

Design scheme

Bathroom vanities: The cornerstone of timeless elegance

Choose neutral colours and versatile designs

Rimless toilets: Hygienic and timeless choice

Invest in high quality rimless toilet

Quality hardware and fittings

Timeless lighting fixtures

Consider multifunctional bathroom furniture

Conclusion

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