Wine of the week: The King’s Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2016
One thing you're always guaranteed of when buying a Brent Marris wine is a good story. A descendent from the noble De Marisco family, whose members variously fell in and out of "favour" with the English monarchy in the 12th and 13th centuries, he named his Sauvignon Blanc bottle "The King's Favour" because it was Marlborough's favourite grape and represents a time of the King's favour. Not unlike other bottles, such as the King’s Wrath Pinot Noir which was named after outlaw William de Marisco - the...
PMQs: NHS Mental healthcare shortages left vulnerable young woman with MRSA and open wounds in private ward
A shocking indictment of mental healthcare failings and farming out mental health patients to private hospitals emerged in PMQs today, as Louise Haigh asked about a damning report into mental health services in her Sheffield constituency. The MP for Sheffield, Heeley, revealed that a young constituent affected by mental healthcare shortages had been discovered placed in a private ward with “MRSA with open wounds." Prime Minister’s Questions heard from the Labour MP that: "NHS England commission child and adult mental health beds...
Chris Evans says it’s right that public know about BBC stars’ salaries
Star DJ Chris Evans has admitted the gap between the lowest paid and people like himself at the BBC is unfair. The admission came on the day BBC bosses were forced by the Government to reveal what stars are paid. Evans is expected to head the wage-list getting up to £3 million for TV work and his Radio 2 breakfast show. A list of 96 on-air presenters, entertainers and actors who earn more than £150,000 a year will today be...
The pharmacy: your friendly, neighbourhood drug dealer
Madeline* has a busy day ahead of her. She must get her two children to school on time, drop her cat – which is suffering with kidney problems – to the vet and then get to her job at a high-profile marketing agency where she serves as an account director. She has reports due, calls to make, clients to meet. And, of course, in between all of this – somewhere – she must find time to visit the four or...
Man jailed for harassing sister after shooting her pet donkey dead with hunting rifle
A 60-year-old man has been jailed for harassing his sister after shooting her pet DONKEY with a hunting rifle. Darrel Duffill was previously caged for blasting the animal in the head at a smallholding in Cornwall. The 10-year-old donkey, named Claude, was found by his sister, Carolyn Jones, lying in a pool of blood in a stable. At the time, Duffill lived in a cabin on land close to the town of Looe and committed the offence, which is classed...
Incredible pics of an Osprey diving into a Scottish Loch
Plunging into a Scottish loch, this majestic Osprey emerges triumphant with a big fish supper. These spectacular pictures capture the moments the majestic bird of prey folds its wings and plunges down into the water. The pics were taken by former poacher turned wildlife photographer Bill Doherty. The 62 year old, from Ashington in Northumberland has been photographing the iconic birds for the last eight years. An Osprey fishing on a private loch near Aviemore, Highland. Bill, who is now...
Google searches for anxiety soar – and it could be down to this one factor
New analysis of Google data has revealed searches for anxiety and its symptoms have increased significantly over the past decade - and it could be down to one factor. The research suggests people are turning to the internet and its resources to help deal with this mental health condition in greater numbers, with noticeable spikes around terrorist incidents. The latest NHS Psychiatric Morbidity Survey indicates that around 15 per cent of the UK population (some nine million people) suffer from...
Non-league in London: St Albans City FC
St Albans City FC (nicknamed "The Mighty Saints") was founded in 1908 and plays its home matches at Clarence Park stadium which is situated in a Victorian park, about 800 yards from the city centre, and a 5 minute walk from the City train station (which is just 18 minutes from Kings Cross - St Pancras). The club currently competes in the National League South (previously known as the Conference South) in the sixth tier of the English football pyramid....
Rural bus stop “one of most dangerous places in Britain” after venomous spiders infestation
A woman says her local bus stop has become one of the most dangerous in Britain after being infested with venomous false widow spiders. Disabled Helen Day, 39, says she has seen at least five of them and fears more will arrive as they breed. (c) Martin Cooper The 50p-sized spiders - a cousin to the black widow - are identifiable by the distinct skull-like markings on their abdomen. They are Britain's most venomous species and deliver a painful bite...