Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

We explored Belfast through the eyes of a child, and it’s a must-do for everyone

Published

on

Belfast Live

Interactive museums, puddle jumping, pizza galore, golf, exceptional food and acting like Royalty, it was an action packed weekend exploring the city

Being a tourist in Belfast when you feel like you already know the city and surrounding areas well is a difficult task. I’ve worked in the city for almost 11 years and feel like, especially through my job, I’ve seen and experienced so much of it.

Advertisement

But Tourism NI set us the challenge of exploring Belfast as tourists with our young children, aged 7 and 4, and I have to admit, it really opened my eyes!

“Wow, look how many pink buses there are, let’s count them” ; How big does City Hall look at night? It’s class.” ‘Is that a real dinosaur fossil?‘It’s like New York mummy, look how big the buildings are?’ These are just some of the statements my children made as we explored Belfast; some made me chuckle, but it really made me look at things from their perspective.

We kicked off our weekend with lunch in Little Wing on Lisburn Road, which was a huge hit with the children and us adults alike. The food is fresh, tasty, and served with a smile by their brilliant staff, who were so attentive and ensured the children were kept entertained with colouring. They were also fascinated to watch their pizzas being crafted and put into the big wood-fired oven. It’s always a highlight for me, when you can see your food being created right in front of your eyes.

Bellies full, it was time to burn off some energy, and there was no better spot to explore than the Ulster Museum. The weather was miserable, but that didn’t stop the kids from enjoying a puddle jumping contest, walking through Botanic Gardens on the way to the museum. Thankfully, we were well equipped with wellies and waterproofs. It was even nicer to get into the warm museum and explore with a warm coffee in hand from their coffee shop.

My two had never been to the Ulster Museum before, so it was a great experience; they were particularly amazed by the giant dinosaurs and by the opportunity to examine the artefacts up close. There’s no better time to visit the Ulster Museum than this month, with the NI Science Festival running. There’s a huge programme of events for all ages, some you will need to pre-book, but they are free.

It was then time to check into our hotel for the evening. We stayed at the Clayton on Ormeau Avenue, which was a great central location in the city, the perfect base for exploring and shopping. The rooms were spacious and perfect for a family, and for being in the city centre, the noise at night was minimal, which I was pleasantly surprised by.

We were booked to dine in Fratelli’s on Friday night, and this was one of the highlights the children have talked about since. They got to enjoy the ‘Little Boars’ experience, which allowed them to create their own pizzas with a choice of two toppings. Complete with chef’s hat and apron, they set to work creating their own masterpieces, and this was such a win for us; they were happily amused at the table while we waited for our dinner without the need to reach for the emergency iPads to save the boredom. They also loved the activities on the menu to keep them occupied while their pizzas were in the oven.

Advertisement

I opted for the Chicken Parmigiana for the main, while my husband went for the steak. My main was lovely, really tasty sauce, the only downside was the size, it was huge, which meant I couldn’t finish it, but other than that it was beautiful. My husband complimented the steak as well, saying it was cooked perfectly. The kids’ pizzas were devoured, and I think that was also a testament to letting them ‘make’ them themselves; they enjoyed every bite.

Day two- more interactive museums, golf and the nicest meal ever

Advertisement

We kicked off our day with a beautiful breakfast in the Clayton hotel, everything was fresh and warm, we couldn’t fault it, the fruit and granola pots were a huge hit with us, and given how quickly they disappeared and needed replenishing by the staff on the buffet, it seems we weren’t the only fans.

From there it was off to a firm favourite of ours, and that was W5 at the Odyssey. We’ve been here a few times with the children, and I’m glad to say it’s a place they never tire of. There’s so much to explore; the interactivity of W5 is unbeatable in my eyes, not to mention the brilliant soft play and other climbing areas, which allow them to burn off some more of that energy. It’s the perfect rainy day activity, and you can honestly easily spend a few hours here, followed by lunch or a snack at the Coffee Lab. My children are huge pizza fans and couldn’t pass the pizza slice option for lunch, whilst I grabbed a ham and cheese toastie, and my husband selected the Spicy Chicken ciabatta. This was the perfect grab-and-enjoy lunch, which we needed before we headed to our next destination.

Next up was Colin Glen, a place I have visited over the years but never realised they had a Trackman golf driving range. My husband and I are big golf fans, he plays as well, whilst I don’t really, but I do love a driving range. Our son is also recently taken up the sport so he was delighted to try this one out. We were greeted by the very friendly staff who gave us some clubs and a tasty basket of treats and showed us to our bay, which we had for two hours.

Advertisement

I was surprised how brilliant this was for the kids, aside from the usual Trackman features, where you can play some of the biggest courses in the world, there are really fun interactive kids’ games and challenges which proved really popular.

We really wanted to take a walk around the lovely trails around Colin Glen, but sadly, the weather was just not on our side. We will most definitely be back; it’s a great spot to entertain the whole family for a few hours.

Advertisement

Dinner on night two was a highlight for us all. We were booked into Home, which I have eaten in before, but it was many years ago. Even as we walked through the City centre, I was struck by my kids amazement at the lights and the size of City Hall saying it looked even bigger at night, and counting many pink Metro buses they could spot, it dawned on me that I walk through the city centre so often I never notice the little things anymore, it was nice to stop and appreciate them through the eyes of a child.

Home was a hive of activity as you would expect on a Saturday night in the city but again, somewhere I felt comfortable with the children. They, too, were well cared for by the exceptional staff who attended to their every whim. Both my husband and I couldn’t pass up the steak special with a gorgeous rocket and parmesan salad, plus chips and seasonal veg. While the children had chicken goujons and chips, and what I noticed immediately was just how fresh the children’s chicken was; you could tell simply by looking at it that they were handmade.

Both our steaks were cooked to perfection, I don’t think either of us wanted it to end. The steak itself was so flavoursome that it didn’t need any sauce to enhance the experience. We of course opted to share desserts and I can also highly recommend the sticky toffee pudding, it didn’t last long!

Advertisement

Day three- A Titanic adventure and feeling like Royalty

Our final day exploring started off with a visit to Titanic Belfast, again somewhere I have been lots for work, but I’ve not done the tour since it first opened. Admittedly, I was a bit sceptical about if the children would enjoy it, but I was really impressed. The children were given their own little map at the start and they had to tick off each of the characters they spotted along the way. This was such a fun activity, and some of the characters were harder to spot than others. But the highlight was the immersive experience with the Shipyard Ride, it was incredibly real, and it really brought you back in time to experience the sights and sounds of working at H&W. The exhibition is worth a trip for this alone.

Heading for home, we had to make one final stop just outside of Belfast to visit the stunning Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Thankfully, the weather was much kinder and it was brilliant to let the children burn off some energy as we explored the stunning grounds. Despite the fact that it’s winter and a lot of the gardens aren’t blooming yet, it’s hard not to be impressed by the landscape. The children loved playing and exploring, and pretending they were King and Queen for the day at the Palace doors.

Having burnt off some energy, it was time to refuel for heading home, and we were booked in for lunch at The Parson’s Nose, which I had heard great things about but had never tried. A very cosy setting awaited us to warm up as we delved straight into the Sunday lunch menu, packed with favourites. I chose the Turkey and Ham Roulade whilst my husband went for the Roast Beef. My son had the children’s fish of the day, and my daughter had the children’s roast chicken.

We didn’t wait very long and were soon tucking into a beautiful Sunday roast, every bite was savoured! My son’s fish was huge and so fresh, he loved it, and it wasn’t at all greasy for battered fish, which was a big win in my eyes. Of course, we left a little room for dessert, and I’ve honestly never seen my chatterbox four-year-old daughter so quiet, she didn’t speak until her children’s sticky toffee pudding was devoured! We loved everything about The Parson’s Nose and will definitely revisit the next time we are in the area.

So maybe the next time you’re thinking of a weekend break, look a little closer to home and explore what’s right on our doorstep, I guarantee you’ll be impressed!

Advertisement

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Girl, 7, found dead in Doncaster pond after mum found childminder on Facebook

Published

on

Daily Record

Nyla May Bradshaw was discovered at a golf course

The mum of a seven-year-old girl tragically discovered dead at a golf course had been suggested a new childminder on Facebook just days prior to the incident, close friends have revealed.

Nyla May Bradshaw was found in a pond at Owston Hall golf course, near Doncaster, on Monday. The autistic girl had been reported missing from the village of Skellow at 9.50am on the same day.

Advertisement

Heartfelt tributes have poured in from distraught family members, including Nyla’s mum Hailey, who referred to her as her “sweet little girl”. Charlotte Emma, a close friend of Nyla’s mother, has now disclosed that Hailey had sought recommendations for a childminder from a local Facebook group and had been suggested someone professing to be an autism specialist, reports YorkshireLive.

However, within two hours, the mother reportedly received a text informing her that Nyla was missing – and she was subsequently found in the pond.

Charlotte told The Metro: “A lot of us blame ourselves because Hailey doesn’t usually leave her with anybody, she goes to a special school. But the school holidays have come up and her mum was desperate for a child minder. She’d asked a Facebook group if anybody knew of any in the area.”

Advertisement

Kieran Bradshaw, her father, has paid tribute to his “best friend” and an “amazing daughter” in a heartfelt post on Facebook. He expressed: “Sat here feeling so alone with everybody around us but not knowing what the rest of our lives look like without our little girl, noises around the house, songs coming on and adding them to her own Spotify playlist for the car, seeing a McDonald’s and wanting it calling out, Thursdays we’re baking days and having a right good song along while dancing.

“You were so loved Nyla you touched everyone’s heart that ever met you. I’ll never ever go a moment without you in my thoughts.

“You saw the world as your playground free from any worries or fears and I learnt from you in my darkest of places that your smile and outlook was something so bright and I can’t believe I’ll not hear your voice again it took a long time for you to start saying ‘I love you’ or ‘I miss you’ only a year ago. You are my best friend and my amazing daughter. I hope grandad had a balloon waiting for you when you meet him he will look after you.”

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the family with funeral expenses. The organisers stated that the family is “now facing the unimaginable pain of losing their beautiful daughter, alongside many unanswered questions and the overwhelming responsibility of arranging her funeral,” according to the fundraiser.

Advertisement

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Advocacy groups push for an end to ‘AI slop’ for kids on YouTube

Published

on

Advocacy groups push for an end to 'AI slop' for kids on YouTube

Advocacy groups and experts condemned YouTube for serving up low-quality artificial intelligence-generated videos to its most vulnerable audience: children.

In a letter to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan and Sundar Pichai, the CEO of YouTube’s parent company Google, children’s advocacy group Fairplay expresses “serious concern” about the spread of AI-generated videos on both YouTube and YouTube Kids. The letter, which was sent on Wednesday morning, was signed by more than 200 organizations and individual experts such as child psychiatrists and educators.

“This ’ AI slop ’ harms children’s development by distorting their sense of reality, overwhelming their learning processes and hijacking their attention, thereby extending time online and displacing offline activities necessary for their healthy development,” the letter reads. “These harms are particularly acute for young children.” The letter calls on YouTube to clearly label all AI-generated content and ban any AI-generated content on YouTube Kids. They also propose barring AI-generated videos from being recommended to users under 18 and implementing an option for parents to turn off AI-generated content even if their child searches for it.

The letter is signed by 135 organizations including the American Federation of Teachers and the American Counseling Association, and around 100 individual experts like “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt. The letter is part of a larger campaign from Fairplay that also includes a petition.

Advertisement

Much of this AI-generated content is fast-paced with bright colors, lively music and clickbait titles that work to grab the attention of young viewers, the letter outlines. There has been a growing movement online against AI-generated content, particularly when it looks or feels low quality or leans into the meaninglessness of “ brainrot.”

Spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle said in a statement that YouTube has “high standards for the content in YouTube Kids, including limiting AI-generated content in the app to a small set of high-quality channels.”

“We also provide parents the option to block channels. Across YouTube, we prioritize transparency when it comes to AI content, labeling content from our own AI tools, and requiring creators to disclose realistic AI content,” Bullwinkle said. “We’re always evolving our approach to stay current as the ecosystem evolves.”

YouTube’s current policy regarding AI-generated content requires creators to disclose when content that’s “realistic” is made with altered or synthetic media, including generative AI. Creators are not required to disclose when generative AI is used to create content that is clearly unrealistic, including animated videos and those with special effects.

Advertisement

YouTube said it is actively working on developing labels for YouTube Kids.

In its letter, Fairplay argues that voluntary disclosure policy and what it sees as an “extremely limited” definition of altered and synthetic content mean kids still see a flood of AI-generated videos that are not labeled as such. They also argue that many children who watch YouTube videos are not yet able to read or to comprehend something like an AI disclosure. That leaves children “to fend for themselves or their parents to play whack-a-mole,” the letter reads.

Fairplay’s campaign comes shortly after Google’s AI Futures Fund invested $1 million into Animaj, an AI animation studio that makes videos for kids and draws in staggeringly high viewership numbers, according to Bloomberg.

The campaign follows a landmark verdict in a social media addiction trial in which a California jury found that YouTube designed its platform to hook young users without concern for their well-being. Meta was also found liable on the same counts as YouTube in the same case.

Advertisement

“Pushing AI slop onto young children is just another testament to how YouTube and YouTube Kids are designed to maximize children’s time online — including babies. AI slop hypnotizes young children, making it hard for them to get off their screens and move onto essential activities like play, sleep and social interaction,” said Rachel Franz, the director of Fairplay’s Young Children Thrive Offline program, in a statement. “What’s more, YouTube’s algorithm makes it impossible for kids to avoid AI slop.”

Earlier this year, YouTube head Mohan listed out “managing AI slop” as one of the company’s priorities for 2026. In a January blog post, he wrote that the company was “actively building on our established systems that have been very successful in combatting spam and clickbait, and reducing the spread of low quality, repetitive content.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Bank of England warns 1.3m households face higher mortgages due to Iran war

Published

on

Around 1.3 million more UK households are facing a jump in their mortgage costs following the economic “shock” caused by the conflict in the Middle East, the Bank of England has warned.

The Bank’s latest financial stability report (FSR) said the UK economic outlook has “deteriorated”, increasing pressure on UK households and businesses.

It came as Sir Keir Starmer warned the coming weeks “will not be easy”, adding that “how we emerge from this crisis will define us for a generation”.

Oil and gas prices have increased sharply since the conflict began between US-Israeli forces and Iran at the end of February, with equity markets also shaken by the significant volatility.

“The shock will weigh on growth, increase inflation and tighten financial conditions,” according to the report.

Advertisement

Nevertheless, the central Bank’s financial policy committee said the UK financial system has been “resilient so far”.

It added, however, that the global macroeconomic backdrop is more unpredictable following the conflict, with this coming at a time when global risks were “already elevated”.

Giving a Downing Street press conference to address the cost of living spike caused by the war, the prime minister signalled the government would seek stronger ties with the EU as part of an attempt to mitigate the conflict’s impacts.

Sir Keir said the “volatile” international situation caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Tehran meant Britain’s “long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe and with the European Union”.

He added: “As the chancellor has rightly pointed out, Brexit did deep damage to our economy, and the opportunities to strengthen our security and cut the cost of living are simply too big to ignore.”

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Rachel Reeves has insisted that any cost of living support offered by the government will be based on household income and refused to commit to immediate support for drivers amid rising fuel costs.

Sir Keir Starmer says he will act in the national interest as he reiterates Britain will not get ‘dragged into’ the conflict in the Middle East
Sir Keir Starmer says he will act in the national interest as he reiterates Britain will not get ‘dragged into’ the conflict in the Middle East (PA Wire)

“I want to learn the lessons of the past because when Russia invaded Ukraine, the richest, the best-off third of households got more than a third of the support. That makes no sense at all”, the chancellor told the BBC on Tuesday.

The Bank of England’s report said: “This increases the possibility of large, frequent and potentially overlapping shocks, and periods of intense volatility.”

Experts at the Bank indicated there is a risk that pressure on the global economy could result in “multiple vulnerabilities” crystallising at the same time.

This would have an increased impact on financial stability and “the provision of vital financial services to UK households and businesses”.

Advertisement

The report highlighted that UK households are set to face greater financial pressure following the conflict, due to increased energy prices and elevated mortgage rates.

Last month, the Bank’s monetary policy committee held the UK interest rate – which heavily influences mortgage rates offered by lenders – at 3.75 per cent but hinted they could lift this in future due to inflationary pressures.

Banks have therefore significantly increased the mortgage rates they offer and pulled a number of products from the market.

Households are set to face greater financial pressure following the conflict in Iran
Households are set to face greater financial pressure following the conflict in Iran (Alamy/PA)

The FSR said average rates for two-year fixed-rate mortgages have increased by around 0.8 percentage points, while five-year fixed-rate mortgages have seen a roughly 0.7 percentage point rise.

Current rates indicate that about 5.2 million UK mortgage holders could face an increase in their repayments by the final quarter of 2028.

Advertisement

This compares with a prediction of 3.9 million from the Bank’s previous report before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

Typical increases in mortgage payments would “remain modest” compared to many rises seen in recent years, it added.

The Bank also reported that the total number of mortgage products available in the UK had fallen from 8,500 to 7,000.

This is nevertheless still higher than following the initial Covid-19 period and during the gilt market stress amid the 2022 mini-budget by Liz Truss’s government.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

My daughter was 12 when she was first sexually harassed

Published

on

My daughter was 12 when she was first sexually harassed
Before having a daughter, I admit I was completely oblivious to this problem (Picture: Neil G)

My daughter was on the bus home when a boy at her school began making rude gestures towards her.

Elodie told me he was egged on by his friends, who were all laughing about it. I was horrified when I heard about this – and that was just the start. 

She was just 12 when she first experienced public sexual harassment.  

Now aged 16, Elodie has told me something like this happens regularly, around once a month, and she worries about being harassed and humiliated almost every time she goes out. 

Advertisement

As her dad, this is heartbreaking to hear.

That’s why I’m incredibly pleased that the government has brought into force a law that sexual harassment in public will be considered a specific offence.

But my main concern is still raising awareness. Without this, harassment will still happen and the impact on the victim will still be felt.

I hope new laws like this can put these issues forefront in the minds of the public.

Advertisement

Before having a daughter, I admit I was completely oblivious to this problem.

Yes, I’d always felt some of the things I heard men say to girls and women were unacceptable. But what I see now really scares me – the nastiness and abusive comments are not ‘banter’, they’re controlling and hurtful. There is a real intention to cause harm behind these words. 

This Is Not Right

On November 25, 2024 Metro launched This Is Not Right, a campaign to address the relentless epidemic of violence against women.

With the help of our partners at Women’s Aid, This Is Not Right aims to shine a light on the sheer scale of this national emergency.

Advertisement

You can find more articles here, and if you want to share your story with us, you can send us an email at vaw@metro.co.uk.

Read more:

Advertisement

So many men I speak to when discussing Elodie’s experiences, like friends and family members, are shocked when I tell them what is ‘acceptable’ within the law, like making sexually explicit comments or sexually propositioning someone in public.

They think about their wives and daughters, and cannot believe so much harmful behaviour is legal, particularly when these same behaviours are specifically banned in the workplace through the Equality Act. 

And what is more devastating is that Elodie is not alone. Research from Plan International UK found 75% of girls, some as young as 12, in the UK have experienced some form of public sexual harassment.

For some girls, this is a daily occurrence that affects their walk to school, where they exercise and where they spend time with their friends. Some have even avoided school altogether. 

Advertisement
Neil - I worry for my daughter's safety on UK streets
Despite my fears, I try my best to reassure my daughter (Picture: Neil G)

I worry about Elodie experiencing public sexual harassment all the time: my fear is she’s at risk of assault, or even abduction, when walking alone. She shares my concern that a comment could quickly escalate. 

When Elodie is planning to go out, I have a real mental battle with myself. Should I raise the subject of staying safe and put this issue on the table, or leave it and hope nothing happens?

Elodie is a very level-headed young woman and I trust she is aware of the risks, so I don’t want to limit her life experiences by raising my own fears. But, of course, that doesn’t mean that I don’t sit and watch both the clock and the phone when she is away from home. 

My anxiety increases later in the day – evenings are particularly bad because I fear she could be assaulted after dark, and winter is worse again as everyone is bundled up and less aware of what’s going on around them.  

I also really worry when she’s on public transport. Anyone could sit next to her and touch her inappropriately or prevent her getting off at her stop, and my wife and I wouldn’t know until it’s too late. That fills me with dread and it’s so easy to see it happening.  

Advertisement

We often pick Elodie up when she’s been out and always check she doesn’t walk home on her own. We’ve also all agreed to use an app on her phone so we can check where she is.

But it’s a tough balancing act – she’s a young woman and we want to give her freedom. We don’t want her to feel she’s being watched all the time by her parents, and we also don’t want to worry ourselves silly as that isn’t healthy for us or Elodie. 

Despite my fears, I try my best to reassure my daughter. Until today, there was no single piece of legislation to protect girls and women from public sexual harassment

Neil - I worry for my daughter's safety on UK streets
New strong and effective legislation would send a clear signal that public sexual harassment is not OK (Picture: Neil G)

It was a law that my Elodie had a part in, and I’m so proud of my daughter and the fact she has been involved in something that will make such an important difference to girls across the country. She feels empowered by how her hard work and commitment to this issue is starting to pay off. 

. We need to do everything we can to help create a society where this kind of behaviour is seen by everyone for what it is: harmful and unacceptable.

Advertisement

As parents, we have a crucial role to play in educating both boys and girls that this kind of behaviour, far from being harmless or even a way of complimenting a girl, is always wrong. 

Men also need to model good behaviour for their sons and grandsons, as well as calling out friends or colleagues if they see them sexually harassing someone.

This has really changed how I behave when I’m out too: I’ll often try to walk in front of a woman so she can see me, instead of hearing me behind her and potentially worrying about who is there. 

No-one should feel uncomfortable going about their daily life and the long-term psychological impact on girls is severe, let alone any physical threats they may also face. All I want is for Elodie – and all girls in the UK – to feel safe. I don’t think that’s too much to ask. 

Advertisement

A version of this piece was published in April 2023

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

What Tiny Itchy Bumps On Your Hands And Feet Mean And How To Treat Them

Published

on

What Tiny Itchy Bumps On Your Hands And Feet Mean And How To Treat Them

Many years ago, it began. I noticed tiny, flesh-coloured bumps on my fingers ― they itched so badly I was tempted to bite my hand (no, really), an urge which only subsided when the little blisters finally burst and flaked.

Then, a month later, the process started again. It’s happened about once every six weeks since.

If that sounds familiar, you might be struggling with a condition called dishydrotic eczema, or pompholyx.

The writer’s finger with bumps on it, left: with cracked skin at a later stage, right

What is pompholyx?

Advertisement

It’s a cluster of small blisters that form on your hands or feet.

They’re very small, extremely itchy, and might leak fluid for the first couple of weeks (oh, good).

After the blisters burst, people with the condition are usually left with dry, scaly, potentially broken skin. This is when the risk of infection is at its highest, as the skin barrier has been broken down.

The whole process usually takes about two to three weeks, the NHS says.

Advertisement

According to the National Eczema Society, “This condition can occur at any age but is usually seen in adults under 40, and is more common in women.”

We don’t know exactly what causes it, but some people think it could flare up during times of stress, due to excess heat and sweating, and/or sensitivity to metals like nickel, cobalt or chromate.

Half of people with the condition either have atopic eczema or a family history of it too.

You should see your doctor if you think you have pompholyx, partly because symptoms like it can be caused by conditions like hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Advertisement

That’s one of the reasons why the NHS says you shouldn’t try to diagnose yourself with the condition.

How can I soothe pompholyx?

Unfortunately, the condition is chronic for most people who have it, and there’s no cure yet.

Soaking your hands in potassium permanganate if they’re weeping or oozing may help, as can using an emollient moisturiser.

Advertisement

Sometimes, a GP will perscribe steroid creams to stop the itching, though these are only used for a few weeks at a time.

If you have the condition, the NHS says you can try to:

  • wash your hands with warm (not hot or cold) water and use a moisturiser (emollient) soap substitute instead of regular soap

  • wear protective gloves (ideally with a cotton lining) when using chemicals like shampoos, cleansers and detergents

  • wear socks, tights or stockings made from cotton or silk, rather than nylon

  • wear shoes made from leather, rather than plastic or rubber

  • avoid anything you think causes your symptoms, such as cleansers or detergents.

See a GP if you have signs of pompholyx, if you suspect infection, and/or if you notice any other changes to your skin.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Rhubarb, apple and raspberry pudding with sour cream and marmalade sponge

Published

on

Rhubarb, apple and raspberry pudding with sour cream and marmalade sponge

It might seem odd to mix three fruits for this, but it’s an incredible combination. The apples give the fruit a bit more structure and the raspberries create wonderful juice, which mixes with the rhubarb and apple juice. 

As it’s only a small amount, I used fresh raspberries for it. Some of them have an astonishing flavour of violets. Mix a couple of tablespoons of marmalade into whipped cream to serve on the side, if you want to echo the marmalade in the sponge.

Requires 20 minutes macerating time

Advertisement

 

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

‘Disturbing’ true crime documentary series with ‘graphic’ warning streaming free

Published

on

Wales Online

The ‘harrowing’ true crime documentary features exclusive CCTV and bodycam footage of real murder cases

A harrowing true crime documentary with a twist is currently available to stream online at no cost, with a fresh series due for release shortly.

Killers: Caught on Camera first premiered in 2023 on the True Crime channel, running for three seasons. Following its debut, the documentary was hailed as essential viewing for true crime enthusiasts.

Advertisement

This distinctive series presents exclusive footage alongside comprehensive psychological evaluation of video and audio evidence by expert Dr Julia Shaw, which ultimately secured killers’ convictions.

Each episode examines a different case, with Killers Caught on Camera investigating disturbing murders throughout the UK and US, incorporating devastating first-hand testimonies as well as previously unseen CCTV and home surveillance combined with police bodycam recordings.

READ MORE: BBC’s ‘best’ true crime doc returns with harrowing 999 callREAD MORE: ‘Traumatic’ documentary series returns with new series as Netflix fans ‘in shock’

Advertisement

Scrutinising the suspects and their motivations, this true crime programme is ideal for genre devotees to binge-watch, though a cautionary note has been issued to potential viewers. Before watching, it’s important to be aware that the programme contains “strong language, real crime footage and graphic discussions of crimes”, reports the Mirror.

All episodes are also available to stream online via ITVX. An ITV synopsis for the first harrowing episode states: “In the UK, the dismembered body of a woman leaves a couple, obsessed by serial killers, in the frame. In the US, a hidden camera provides vital evidence to help bring justice to a family.”

The disturbing documentary has garnered a devoted following amongst true crime enthusiasts, with one viewer commenting on IMDB: “Although the scenes being shown in each episode are disturbing and graphic I am always left feeling so sad that the victims lives ended so horrifically.”

Another remarked: “A perfect true crime production for the nerdy true crime documentary viewer, so I give it a 10 of gratitude to the people that’s lost their loved ones, and in the memory to those almost 30 victims connected to this series.”

Advertisement

A third viewer noted: “Love the show, for obvious reasons its true crime stories are new well put together.” On X, one fan wrote: “@drjuliashaw excellent job on #KillersCaughtOncamera I’m learning so much from you!”

Another commented: “The Grace Millane case is insane! How do you meet someone, and they kill you on that very same day. The world we live in.”

A fourth series is scheduled to launch on the True Crime channel later this month, debuting at 10pm on 21 April. New episodes will air weekly on Tuesdays through to 23 June.

Advertisement

The series has been described as follows: “Killers: Caught on Camera is an access-driven series revealing exclusive footage and psychological analysis behind killers’ convictions in the US and UK. Combining unseen CCTV, police bodycam and mobile phone footage with expert insights, it explores how everyday interactions escalate into lethal violence.

“The series highlights high-profile cases and never-before-seen footage, uncovering stories of intimate partner violence, stalking, and familicide.

“Friends and family share memories, investigators explain how digital forensics connect cameras, data, and social media to build critical evidence. Featuring Dr. Julia Shaw, it reveals the science behind solving murder… We are all witnesses in a monitored world.”

Killers Caught on Camera can be streamed on ITVX.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr hits 179 not out against South Africa in record women’s ODI chase

Published

on

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr

New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr hit a stunning 179 not out off 139 balls to inspire her side to chase down 346 against South Africa in the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history.

Laura Wolvaardt’s 69 from 74 balls, a 91 from 90 balls by Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon’s 25-ball 52 helped South Africa post 346-6 in the second ODI of their series against the Kiwis.

Kerr came in at 21-1 in New Zealand’s reply and struck 23 fours and one six at a strike rate of 128.78 during her match-winning knock.

She was helped by Izzy Gaze, who made 68 from 48 balls, as the Kiwis made 350-8 in reaching their target with two balls to spare and levelling the series.

Advertisement

The previous highest successful chase in women’s ODI cricket was when India made 341-5 in reaching a 338 target set by Australia in their World Cup semi-final last October.

Kerr is no stranger to producing heroics, especially against South Africa, as she inspired New Zealand to victory against them in a T20 World Cup final in 2024.

She was also the ICC’s women’s cricketer of the year in 2024.

Kerr also holds the record for the highest individual innings in a women’s ODI, having hit an unbeaten 232 against Ireland when aged 17 in 2018.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Dog bites cyclist on Strensall to Haxby path – police appeal

Published

on

Dog bites cyclist on Strensall to Haxby path - police appeal

North Yorkshire Police is working to trace the animal’s owner after the incident on the bridle path from Strensall to Haxby at about 9.45am on Sunday, March 22.

The force said the cyclist was left with injuries to his leg when he was bitten while cycling past the dog.

A police spokesperson said the dog, described as a black and white collie-type breed, was one of two being walked by a woman in her 40s.

Advertisement

They said the animal bit the man on the leg as he cycled past, adding: “This bite has broke the skin and resulted in the victim having to attend hospital.”

Police are urging anyone with information about who the dog’s owner is to email peter.henderson@northyorkshire.police.uk or phone 101 and ask for PC1668 Henderson.

Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference 12260053502 when passing information to police or to Crimestoppers.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Steven Lyons: Alleged Scottish crime boss to be deported to Spain to face murder charges

Published

on

Steven Lyons: Alleged Scottish crime boss to be deported to Spain to face murder charges

An alleged Scottish crime boss is being deported from the Indonesian resort island of Bali to Spain on Wednesday, following his arrest in connection with large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering.

Authorities identified Steven Lyons, 45, as a senior figure in an international crime syndicate who had spent months on the run.

He is also alleged to be the leader of the Scotland-based Lyons crime family.

Lyons was detained on Saturday upon his arrival at Bali’s Ngurah Rai international airport from Singapore, Indonesian immigration and police authorities confirmed.

Advertisement

His arrest was triggered by an Interpol Red Notice, issued at Spain’s request, which alerts police worldwide to arrest a suspect for extradition.

Wanted in both Spain and the United Kingdom, Lyons will be flown to Spain via Doha on Wednesday evening.

Lyons is alleged to have led a transnational criminal network operating out of Cumbernauld, Scotland
Lyons is alleged to have led a transnational criminal network operating out of Cumbernauld, Scotland (AP)

Bugie Kurniawan of Bali’s immigration office said that he was handed over to Spain’s Civil Guard officers at the airport, where prosecutors in Madrid are seeking to try him on charges related to organised crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

Lyons has been on Spain’s wanted list for about two years, following a murder there in 2024. Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya said the arrest was part of a joint investigation involving Spanish and Scottish police.

According to Untung Widiyatmoko, who heads Indonesia’s branch of Interpol, Lyons is alleged to have led a transnational criminal network operating out of Cumbernauld, Scotland, and controlled narcotics trafficking routes from Spain to the UK.

Advertisement

His organised crime ring is suspected of using shell companies for money laundering in Europe and the Middle East, including in Spain, Scotland, England, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey.

Widiyatmoko said a day before Lyons’ arrest in Bali, police in Scotland and Spain carried out raids in connection with the case, with the help of Europol, a European Union law enforcement cooperation hub. Several people were arrested, while others were detained in Turkey, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.

Scottish media have reported that Lyons survived a 2006 shooting in Glasgow that killed his cousin and later moved to Spain before settling in Dubai, in the UAE.

Last May, his brother and an associate were shot and killed in a suspected gangland shooting at a beachfront bar in Fuengirola, southern Spain.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025