He was from Arizona, and went on to explain how people in the US don’t fall over themselves to apologise all the time like we do.

It’s true – we Brits are always keen to say sorry, often when it isn’t our fault. An hour previously I had said sorry to a woman who flung her backpack in my face while barging across a crowded rail platform – a ‘sorry’ hotspot. “Why did you apologise to her?” my husband asked.

He says sorry far less than I do, but then he is half Dutch, so maybe that explains it. I’m 100 per cent British and I apologise for almost everything. If someone steps on my foot I’ll say sorry. If someone lets a door slam in my face I’ll say sorry. In public settings I will often say: “Sorry, is this seat taken?,” when it clearly isn’t.

It drives my husband mad. “Sorry, but I bought these raspberries yesterday and they are all black underneath” I said while returning them to a supermarket last week. He told me: “Why are you sorry – they sold you rotten produce, you are entitled to return them.”

He’s always telling me to stop over-apologising for things that are not my fault.

I even apologise when I call helplines. “I’m sorry to bother you,” I will ask, while speaking with customer services.

British people say sorry on average nine times a day, according to research carried out last year by Babbel, a German language learning app. I would put the true figure at double that, for me at least.

In her book of English culture, Watching the English, social anthropologist Kate Fox identified a uniquely ‘English sorry reflex’. As part of her research she deliberately bumped into hundreds of people and intentionally jumped queues in towns and cities across England to record reactions. She encouraged colleagues to do the same while overseas, for comparison.

Fox found that around 80 per cent of English victims said sorry, even though the collisions were clearly her fault. Compared to when tourists from other countries were bumped, the difference was marked. Fox points out that only the Japanese have a similar culture, often leaving foreigners baffled by the constant apologies.

Saying sorry is definitely more a woman thing. In my experience females apologise far more often, and for far more trivial things. I believe it’s a sign of low self-confidence. We want to leave a good impression with others, so cover our backs by apologising. But in reality it works the other way, people don’t tend to respect those who constantly say sorry. They see us as weak, especially in the workplace.

But, of course, it’s a vital word in polite society. The well-known saying ‘Never explain, never apologise’ – attributed to the 19th-century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli – would make for a very unlikeable person.

Nowadays, politicians and others in high office are constantly being asked to say sorry.

Saying sorry is also a way of protecting ourselves, avoiding potential conflict. We live in hostile times, on a planet populated by many rude, aggressive people and the desire to avoid that at all cost is lodged within our consciousness.

Online, there’s no shortage of analysis over why we British apologise so often, and a host of theories as to why we do it. There’s no definitive answer, so if you expected to find one in this column, I’m sorry.

Mohammad Bashir, aged 31 and from Shaftsbury Road in Manchester, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday (June 5) and pleaded guilty to preparing terrorist acts.

On August 14, 2025, Bashir drove Jihad Al-Shamie – the now-dead Manchester synagogue terrorist – to the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, for hostile reconnaissance.

Jonathan Polnay KC, prosecuting, said: “In these circumstances, the court could pass a sentence on Bashir that reflects the seriousness of the offending behaviour.”

Al-Shamie later killed Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby at Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on October 2.

Al-Shamie, 35, drove a Kia Picanto into the synagogue gates before attacking worshippers with a knife while wearing a fake suicide belt.

He was shot dead at the scene by armed police.

Bashir was arrested at Manchester Airport on November 27 but was not charged in connection with the synagogue attack.

He had denied the terrorism charge, as well as three counts of disseminating terrorist material in a WhatsApp group in November and December 2024.

Mr Polnay said these lesser charges formed the background to the more serious offence Bashir has now admitted.

He said he had received a basis of plea from the defence that would be considered by prosecutors.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said: “very serious charge”.

She ordered a pre-sentence report and set a two-day sentencing hearing at Manchester Crown Court for July 20 and 21.

Bashir was remanded into custody.

His plea was entered one month before his trial was due to begin in Manchester on July 6.

Northern Echo readers have helped to raise thousands for St Cuthbert’s Hospice after we issued a rallying call for support for George Stafford on his challenge.

In total, more than £6,171 has been donated after George walked 1.3miles from the Travellers Rest to Greenways Court care home in Consett in memory of his late wife and daughter-in-law.

Instead of putting his feet up and relaxing to celebrate turning 100, he decided to use the occasion to give back to the home that made his daughter-in-law’s final weeks more bearable.

George Stafford, 100, from Consett has raised around £5,000 in total for St Cuthbert’s Hospice (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Judith died there in 2022, aged 66, from oesophageal cancer.

Sponsorship monies collected from the home and by his son Gary totalled just over £1,100, and the GoFundMe page set up has raised just under £5,000.

Alex Lloyd, Community Fundraiser at the Hospice said: “When we were first contacted by George’s care team at Greenways Court, we were so amazed to hear of his plans for his celebration challenge.

“Seeing him complete the walk, in a far faster time than expected, is just a true testament to his determination. To raise such a huge sum in Judith’s memory is heart-warming. These funds will do so much to help support other families who need our care now, and in the future.”

St Cuthbert’s Hospice receives just 42 per cent of its funding from central government.

Alex added: “Every single donation we receive helps the Hospice in its mission to make every day count for those who need our care.

“Without fabulous fundraisers like George and the amazing community who came together to support him, we simply couldn’t continue to provide our care. He’s a true inspiration and we’re so grateful to him for his support.”

George halfway through his walk (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Children of Delves Lane Primary School waved him off on the walk with banners and birthday cards (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

George said after finishing the walk: “It probably means as much to my son Gary as it does me because they made her last weeks that much more bearable and hopefully this money will make a big difference to a lot of families.”

His son Gary Stafford, 67, added : “I am just so proud of him, he’s done so well.”

George said it had “brought some tears” seeing familiar faces cheering him on along the route, as well as all children from Delves Lane Primary School, where he once taught, who created banners and birthday cards to support him at the start of the walk and again as he passed the school.

“It was tough but all completely worth it”, George said.

George on his walk linked with his son Gary and the home’s activity coordinator Tracy (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

George had previously explained his motivation, saying: “I didn’t really plan it, I just woke up one morning and thought that it was something I wanted to do. If it’s good enough for Captain Tom, it’s good enough for me!”

His son, Gary, said the family was overwhelmed by the public response.

100 year old George Stafford at the start of his charity walk from The Travellers Rest in Consett to Greenways Court Care Home also in the Delves Lane area of Consett. Children from Delves Lane Primary School see him on his way (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

He said: “My wife spent her last three weeks there and the staff were brilliant. She had also been in for respite care before that, and she was desperate to get back when we knew she was close to the end.

“I still go down a couple of times a year with flowers and chocolates because of what they did for our family meant so much.

“This is my dad’s way of helping other people and giving something back to St Cuthbert’s Hospice after they did so much for us.”

‘Barry embodied the values of service, kindness, faith, friendship, leadership and community spirit’

Tributes have been paid to a highly-respected Co Tyrone primary school teacher following his sudden passing

Barry Conroy, Principal of St Oliver Plunkett Primary School and Nursery Unit, Beragh, has passed away bringing much sadness to his family, friends and wider community who he had shown “unwavering commitment” to.

Tributes have been paid to the teacher following his passing with many noting his dedication to his pupils and community and was heavily involved in his local GAA club Beragh Red Knights.

In a statement online, The Chair of Board of Governors of St Oliver Plunkett Primary School and Nursery Unit said: “It is with deep sadness that we, the Staff, Pupils and Board of Governors, confirm the sudden passing of Master Barry Conroy, Principal of St Oliver Plunkett Primary School and Nursery Unit, Beragh.

“Barry was a highly respected and dedicated leader who served our school for 27 years as teacher then principal. Throughout that time, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pupils, staff and the wider community.

“His leadership was characterised by his living out of the School Ethos – Caring, Sharing and Learning every day of his career. Barry’s commitment made a lasting impact on the lives of pupils, past and present.

“It is fitting that last Friday’s note ended with this quote “We continue to carry our loved ones with us in our hearts and their memory remains always alive within us – Pope Leo”

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“The Education Authority’s Critical Incident Response Team and CCMS are in attendance at school to provide support to pupils and staff.

“Arrangements regarding Barry’s funeral will be communicated when appropriate.”

Beragh Red Knights GAA paid tribute to their long time member who has played and coached for the club who influenced people across the local community with his dedication, kindness and leadership.

It said in a statement online: “It is with profound sadness that everyone at Beragh Red Knights GAA learned this morning of the untimely passing of our dear friend and club stalwart, Barry Conroy.

“Barry devoted so much of his life to our club and community. As a former player, Club Secretary for 13 years, and current manager of our U16 Ladies team, he gave very generously of his time, energy and commitment, always placing others before himself.

His skills on the football fields of his beloved Tyrone saw Barry win an All-Ireland Vocational Schools medal with St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley, in 1993, and in 2000 he was a member of the Red Knights Championship and League double-winning team. His exemplary administrative skills were recognised by Tyrone GAA when he was recruited to become a member of the Youth Committee in 2007 and the Competitions Control Committee in 2008. He also participated in the Thír Eoghain Cumann na mBunscol Committee for many years.

“His contribution to Beragh Red Knights and Tyrone GAA has been immense, and his loss will be felt deeply throughout every corner of our club and far beyond.

“Beyond the GAA, Barry was a highly respected school principal at St Oliver Plunkett’s, Beragh. His dedication to young people, education, staff and community life touched countless families across our parish.

“Most importantly, Barry was a devoted husband to Fiona (née McCann) and a loving father to Aoibhe, Tomás and Cliodhna, all of whom are valued members of our club family. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with Fiona, the children, Barry’s mother and father, John and Christina, brother Justin (Donna), sister Julie (Francis), his nieces and nephews, the wider Conroy and McCann families, friends, work colleagues, and all who had the great privilege of knowing him.

“Barry embodied the values of service, kindness, faith, friendship, leadership and community spirit. His presence enriched our club and our parish, and his legacy will live on for many years through the countless lives he influenced and through the generations of young people he encouraged, supported and inspired.

“All club activities are cancelled until after Barry’s funeral. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course.”

Sinn Fein MLA Órfhlaith Begley said: “A community in mourning today as we come to terms with the deeply sad news of the passing of Barry Conroy.

“Barry was at the heart of St Oliver Plunkett’s, and whenever I visited the school, he always offered a warm welcome and a friendly presence.

“A highly respected figure in the local community and a committed Gael with Beragh Red Knights.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the pupils, staff, governors, and the entire Beragh community as they come to terms with such a profound loss.

“Rest in peace, Barry.”

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Vatican City has become a popular destination for Illinois dignitaries since Chicago native Robert Prevost ascended to the papacy last year, now known as Pope Leo XIV. While many have arrived bearing gifts, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs presented the pontiff with a unique offering: a certificate to reclaim $8.65 of his own money.

Leaders from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to Governor JB Pritzker have visited, bringing tokens like Chicago-brewed “Da Pope” beer, city-sourced giardiniera, an Illini No. 14 jersey and Chicago White Sox gear.

Frerichs’ gift, however, was perhaps the most on-brand. He delivered the certificate for Pope Leo XIV to recover $8.65 from a now-closed PayPal account.

This sum had been held in Illinois’ unclaimed property account, which Frerichs administers, and he has been working to return it.

“We found this money last year after he became pope,” Frerichs told Capitol News Illinois in a phone call Thursday morning while still in Italy. “We reached out to the local archdiocese trying to get him to claim it, and it fell through the cracks.”

Plan B? “Well, let’s deliver it in person,” he said.

That opportunity came to fruition on Wednesday.

He was invited to accompany a delegation organized by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and he and his wife Erica decided to make it a personal trip. He was raised Lutheran, she’s Catholic.

They paid for the trip personally, he said, using no campaign or state funds.

“My wife and I came together and made it a bit of a longer trip,” he said. “But I figured when I had the opportunity to meet the pope, you would take it.”

He also gifted the pontiff a commemorative Abraham Lincoln coin from a leftover supply the treasurer’s office had minted years ago, and a book about Chicago history. Erica Frerichs brought some of her family’s rosaries for the pope to bless.

As for the $8.65, Frerichs acknowledged that it’s garnered good press. It’s an election year, and Frerichs is slated to face Max Solomon in the general election, who won the GOP nod as a write-in candidate.

But his marketing of unclaimed property is nothing new.

“We know when people hear about our unclaimed property department, when they see an example of a real person getting money, more people visit our website, and when more people visit our website, we return more money,” he said. “Part of the reason we have smashed records on unclaimed property is because of how we market it differently.”

Frerichs first became treasurer in 2015, and his office has since returned more than $2.5 billion to more than 2.5 million people. That means Pope Leo’s PayPal windfall accounts for roughly 0.00000034% of the money returned.

“Some of them are amazing,” he said of the returns of unclaimed property. “We have an $11 million return, which is the largest in U.S. history. We’ve had million-dollar returns, half million. And some for only $8.65 actually probably will be the most memorable ones of my time in office.”

Upon receipt of the certificate from Frerichs, the pope chuckled and shared a now oft-repeated anecdote about calling his bank to close an account, only to be hung up on when revealing himself to be Pope Leo.

“It’s a true, slightly modified, but true story,” the pope can be heard saying in a video of the interaction. “A bank in Illinois.”

Frerichs told CNI he “completely understood that.”

He shared an anecdote from a few years back, when he had an issue with a bank that threatened to turn a sum of money over to the state’s unclaimed property administrator.

“I said, ‘Sure, go ahead and do that,’ and they said, ‘Sir, we don’t think you understand, it’ll be more work to claim it from your state’s unclaimed property administrator than to do what we’re asking you to do,’” he said.

“And I said, ‘No, I think I understand our state’s unclaimed property pretty well, go ahead and send it. … You’ll be sending it to me, because I am the state’s unclaimed property administrator,’” he said. “And then there was a pause, and they said, ‘Let me get a manager.’”

So, what’s next for Pope Leo?

“He just has to give us an address to mail the check to,” Frerichs said.

Any Illinoisan can check to see if they have unclaimed property on the treasurer’s website, icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/.

Nearly 1,700 runners took to the streets of Bolton this evening as the Ironman Night Run returned to launch a packed weekend of sporting action in the town.

Participants gathered in Bolton town centre to tackle either a 5km or 10km route, setting off from Le Mans Crescent at 7pm to the sound of an air horn..

Crowds turned up to cheer on loved ones (Image: NQ)

The event, which serves as the traditional curtain-raiser to Ironman weekend, saw runners race through the town centre before finishing in Victoria Square, where crowds gathered to cheer them home.

Harry Moxham was the first runner across the finish line in the 5km race, recording a time of 16 minutes and 14 seconds.

Harry won the 5k this year (Image: NQ)

Rachel Sidebotham was the first female finisher in the 5km, crossing the line in 19 minutes and 13 seconds to claim her third consecutive Night Run title after winning in 2024 and 2025.

Three in a row for Rachel! (Image: NQ)

She said: “I’m tired.

“I’ve been doing it a while now but, yeah, it feels amazing to win for a third time in a row.

“There’s been lots of training and it’s paid off.”

Alex Lowe claimed victory in the men’s 10km race with a time of 34 minutes and 13 seconds.

Alex won the 10k for his first ever Bolton night run (Image: NQ)

The Bolton runner said: “I’m from Bolton so it’s always special winning a hometown race.

“This is my first time doing the Night Run as well.

“Training has just been consistent – 50 miles a week and having a good group of people by your side spurs you on.

“I run for Horwich Harriers so they’re great – up the Horwich.”

Georgia Elizabeth Heath was the first female finisher in the 10km race, completing the course in 42 minutes and 27 seconds.

Elizabeth was all smiles after her women’s 10k win (Image: NQ)

The Mayor Mohammed Iqbal and Mayoress Sayda , joined organisers in handing out medals to runners after the event.

Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton handed out medals to the runners (Image: NQ)

The Night Run marks the start of Bolton’s Ironman weekend, with the world’s largest IronKids event set to take place on Saturday (June 6) involving around 6,000 participants before Ironman 70.3 returns on Sunday (June 7).

Jhané, Kristen and Matt went head to head to impress MasterChef judges Grace Dent and Anna Haugh

The winner of MasterChef 2026 has officially been crowned.

Judges Grace Dent and Anna Haugh have spent weeks testing 48 of the nation’s best amateur cooks, with just three having made it to the final.

Hoping to make it into the MasterChef hall of fame, Jhané, Kristen and Matt went head to head.

Who won MasterChef 2026?

Jhané was crowned winner of MasterChef 2026.

Speechless, Jhané was heard saying “What? This is ridiculous,” as she was hugged by her two co-competitors, while Anna commented on how difficult the decision had been.

After her win, Jhané said: “This is incredible.”

Anna praised the “magic in her fingertips”, while Grace hailed Jhané’s “gift for communicating things she’s got inside of her onto a plate”.

She added: “Jhané is an incredible talent, and I can’t wait to see what she does in the future.”

Jhané also said: “To anyone watching this, you can genuinely put anything you put your mind to.

“One foot in front of the other, and you end up with a trophy!”

After making it into the final four, alongside Antos who was eliminated just before the final, Jhané had said: “It’s so surreal to be able to call myself a MasterChef finalist! At the start of the show I just wanted to get an apron, now I’m in the final four.

“It has taken so much hard work to get here, I’ve learned so much throughout the competition and made so many new friends along the way. I feel like I’ve pushed my cooking to a whole new level and I’m not ready for it to end.”

Kristen added: “Making the final four is surreal. At each stage of the competition, I could only focus on the challenge that was in front of me.

“Reaching this stage, getting to know my fellow finalists so well, having more time with the judges and mentor chefs has been extraordinary.”

Matt also said: “It feels amazing! Particularly knowing that we’re heading to Antigua. Every single time you get through you think that the competition can’t surprise you any more and then they drop that you’re heading off to the Caribbean!

“It’s been such a brilliant journey so far and I feel very lucky to be able to continue into finals week. I don’t want it to end.”

The BBC competition has faced a significant shake-up in recent months, after scandals left both Gregg Wallace and John Torode axed from the programme.

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It was later confirmed Grace would be joined by Anna, and she’ll now appear alongside Giorgio Locatelli on Celebrity MasterChef, which has already been filmed.

He said joining the show was “a real honour”, adding: “I can’t wait for you to see what our celebrity contestants bring to the kitchen, as we are really putting their culinary skills to the test in this series.”

MasterChef is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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Six postcodes from the region won £1,000 each in recent draws, with cash prizes going to residents in Middlesbrough, Guisborough, Wynyard, Sunderland, Hexham, and Borrowby in North Yorkshire.

The People’s Postcode Lottery is a subscription lottery which aims to raise money for charities while also bringing cash prizes to homes across the UK.

Players enter using their postcode as a ticket and pay £12.50 a month to take part in each draw.

It unveils daily prizes for postcodes across the UK, including £30,000 jackpots for every winning ticket in a postcode on weekends, and £1,000 prizes for 20 different postcodes every day.

The lottery not only gives cash prizes but also helps raise funds for charities in the UK and beyond.

To date, players have raised more than £1.7 billion for thousands of charities and community projects, with winners changing every day.

Featured in the list of supported charities are Maggie’s, Dogs Trust and the NSPCC, who have all benefited from funding.

The Postcode Lottery winners and prize amounts this week are:

• TS6 9RG – Middlesbrough – £1,000
• TS14 7DY – Guisborough – £1,000
• TS22 5SZ – Wynyard – £1,000
• SR4 7QL – Sunderland – £1,000
• NE46 3SA – Hexham – £1,000
• YO7 4AW – Borrowby, North Yorkshire – £1,000

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were ordered to shelter inside the Dragon spacecraft today due to a worsening air leak.

NASA said the issue is affecting part of the station’s Russian segment – the Zvezda service module transfer tunnel – a narrow, pressurised passageway at the back of the ISS.

This area has suffered from cracks and leaks which have worsened over time since 2019, forcing NASA to classify it as the station’s highest-level safety risk.

A crew member had been attempting repairs today while astronauts were told prepare for a possible evacuation if the situation deteriorated further.

Around two hours later, NASA paused repair efforts and said crew members sheltering on the Dragon spacecraft have been told to return to the ISS.

NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens said Russia’s cosmonauts trying to fix the problem had paused their attempts while “more measurements and data is assessed.”

She said: “We look forward to working with Roscosmos on a collaborative approach to address the leaks.”

Russia’s Roscosmos space agency said earlier that two leaks had been identified on board the ISS – and that one has already been fixed – according to the country’s Interfax news outlet.

The full impact of the air leak remains unclear.