A reader looks back at the video games he’s played recently, and all the different things he’s done in them, and recommends variety above all in gaming.

Some games have it all. Story, character, art, style, innovation, user experience, graphics, world building, online support, and last but not least you can pet the dog.

Producing this smorgasbord of content, in this modern era, is an undertaking of epic proportions. A juggling act involving a unicycle on a tight rope, a bowling ball, some sort of live reptile, and a firing squad aimed directly at your Steam recommendations page.

Deliver and risk scrutiny on every choice you made. Under deliver and become bombarded with ‘DLC/co-op/patch when?’ questions. Over-deliver and suddenly your game is bloated and overly complicated.

There’s not much incentive to test new waters when every choice seems like a bad one.

Gamers tend to have more varied and eclectic tastes when it comes to genres than any other medium.

In music you generally only know pop and you are unlikely to listen to much, if any, jazz.

In film, horror fans might not really care what’s new in the romcom listings this month.

Gamers on the other hand demand variety.

This year alone I’ve managed a trading card emporium, a tiny bookmobile, a retro video rental, a late night convenience store, and a cafe for anthropomorphic gatekeepers with a taste for umami.

I’ve been to space and the bowels of the earth for both business and pleasure. I’ve saved a whole world a dozen times and the universe itself at least twice.

I’ve jetwashed/cleaned/decorated/built/exorcised hundreds of houses, as well as shooting thousands of bullets/balls/spells/arrows/decks of cards indiscriminately at any other beings in range.

I’ve reached peak efficiency in my world-spanning factories but also spent hours snoozing in class.

I’ve weirdly been to so many different incarnations of Tokyo this year I’ve lost count.

In sports I’ve won a (legally distinct) summer international cup, taken my League Two side to the Champions League finals, raced around the world in every type of car you can imagine, and hit a hole in one at the Masters.

If my gaming recommendations were a Spotify playlist it would just be called ‘500 years of vaguely similar noises in no particular order.’

All this to say that pretty much any gamer can (and will) pick up any game and have some level of valid opinion on the content. For better or worse.

More importantly, should my opinion matter to you in the slightest? No. No it shouldn’t. If I leave a glowing five star review on a game will it be the greatest game you’ve ever played? Probably not. If anything, it’ll probably give you a worse experience for hyping it up too much or simply because I have a soft spot for that particular genre of game.

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This brings me in a very roundabout way to Mixtape by indie devs Beethoven and Dinosaur.

I haven’t even played the game and (based on the reviews) feel like it’s already a foregone conclusion that it’ll be a masterpiece or the biggest four hour pile of slop I’ve ever sat through.

I’d be quite content to just say it’s not for me and move on but… I really, really enjoyed The Artful Escape.

Beethoven and Dinosaur’s space-themed, rock opera synth… experience from 2021, in my unprofessional and biased opinion, was a good game. You hold right to walk right (and occasionally play an electric guitar) and watch a pretty light show for three hours. That was pretty much the whole kit and caboodle. Artful Escape even got remarkably good reviews across critics and the gaming community.

There were, of course, those that didn’t appreciate the vision. It was ‘dull’ or ‘underwhelming’, a school art project that has no business being a game.

The negativity wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) hold back the musically rooted Aussie studio from doubling down on their vibe ‘em-up aesthetic with Mixtape. A sublime 80s pop soundtrack with an angst-ridden teen moving left to right in the background, like a jumping dinosaur because your internet is down.

I’ll give Mixtape a go this weekend and I’m fairly certain I’ll be able to say, ‘It was good if you like that sort of thing’ or ‘It wasn’t for me but I get why others would enjoy it’.

Realistically what else could I say? I could say that about every game/film/album I’ve ever encountered.

Will I feel the need to leave a scathing/glowing review telling everyone else how their opinion is wrong by dumping on them from a very great height? Probably not.

Will I get upset because the main character is a specific gender/race or drinks a brand of cola different to me? No of course not, I’m an adult.

Will I continue to play any genre of game that vaguely appeals to me because it’s my time and my money. Yes. You’re damn right I will.

By reader Jay

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

Just contact us at gamecentral@metro.co.uk or use our Submit Stuff page and you won’t need to send an email.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Burrows, who helped create volumes of laughter as director of more than a thousand episodes of such classic television comedies as “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “Friends” and “Will and Grace,” died Friday. He was 85.

His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, saying he “passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family.” No location or cause of death was provided.

Burrows spent his career behind the camera specializing in situation comedies. Few viewers recognized him or knew his name, other than to see it flash quickly on the screen in the opening credits. But they knew his work.

Burrows got his start in television relatively late at age 35 in 1974, directing episodes of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Laverne & Shirley.”

He co-created “Cheers,” directing 243 of the 273 episodes, as well as all 246 episodes of “Will and Grace.”

He also helmed multiple episodes of such hits as “Frasier,” “Friends” and “Mike & Molly,” and the pilots of “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.”

“When I direct a television show, I try to reach that sweet spot where the best script meets the best performance and the best chemistry between performers,” Burrows wrote in his 2022 memoir “Directed by James Burrows.” ”Hitting that exact moment, where these factors land in combination, results in the sweetest and most enduring laugh.”

His family said, “Burrows understood that great comedy was never simply about laughter. It was about humanity, connection, and truth. That understanding became the foundation of a career that forever changed television.

“But beyond his remarkable achievements, Burrows will be remembered for something even greater: his kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in the people around him. He possessed a rare ability to make everyone better and was known for remembering every person he met by name, making colleagues at every level feel seen, valued, and appreciated,” the family statement said.

The majority of Burrows’ shows aired on NBC, whose “Must See TV” slogan promoted its Thursday night lineup in the early 1990s that included “Friends” and “Frasier.”

“Jimmy Burrows was the man behind the curtain. He knew how to make us laugh, what buttons to push and was the absolute master of getting the most out of every joke,” NBC said in a statement. “His loss to the television comedy world is immeasurable. Every time you have a smile on your face watching ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ ’Taxi, ‘Cheers,’ ‘Will & Grace,’ ‘Friends’ and countless others, think of Jimmy and know he made all our lives funnier.”

Born James Edward Burrows on Dec. 30, 1940, in Los Angeles, he moved to New York when he was 5 years old. He spent five years in the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus until his voice started to change. He attended LaGuardia High School of Music & Art.

His father was writer, director and producer Abe Burrows, whose Broadway hits included “Guys and Dolls” and “Can-Can.” The elder Burrows also mentored Larry Gelbart, future creator and producer of the TV show “M(asterisk)A(asterisk)S(asterisk)H.”

The younger Burrows spent hours of his youth in theaters and studios watching his father work, dining with him at such famed New York haunts as Sardi’s and Gallagher’s and meeting celebrities who attended his father’s New Year’s Eve parties.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, Burrows attended the graduate program of the Yale School of Drama, where his classmates included actor-comedian Robert Klein, playwright John Guare and film director John Badham.

At Yale, he was required to take directing classes and he got hooked.

Burrows’ first sitcom experience was as Burl Ives’ dialogue coach on “O.K. Crackerby!” which was directed by his father and ran for one season on ABC in 1965.

From there, he was an assistant on “The Patty Duke Show.” He moved back to New York and worked for Broadway producers Lee Guber, Frank Ford and Shelly Gross. He first met actor Moore while working on the Broadway production of “Holly Golightly,” an adaptation of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” that was directed by his father.

Burrows eventually worked as a stage manager for various road productions, where he met such actors as Hugh O’Brien, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Julie Harris.

By 1974, after working in dinner theater and summer stock, he turned on his television and saw Moore’s eponymous TV show. He wrote her a letter asking if there was any opening “small or smaller” at her production company that he could fill, according to his memoir.

Moore’s husband and business partner, Grant Tinker, invited Burrows to Los Angeles to direct an episode of the comedy. He apprenticed for MTM Enterprises, which had four sitcoms on the air at the same time.

Burrows cited his theater background for learning how to give actors direction and block out scenes. He’s credited for being one of the first sitcom directors to increase the typical multi-camera television shoot from three to four cameras.

The common thread between Burrows’ shows were the bonds between friends and unrelated families, whether it was the motley crew of regulars meeting at the bar in “Cheers” or the drivers working toward a better life in “Taxi” or the 20-somethings sharing the same apartment building in “Friends.”

“The best sitcoms transcend the screen and reach out and grab the audience by the throat and by the heart,” Burrows wrote in his memoir.

He relished discovering new acting talent while directing more than 75 pilots that were picked up as series.

“Having directed over a thousand shows means that almost any night you can turn on your television or go online and find a show that I directed. I’m very proud of that,” he wrote in his memoir.

In 2019, Burrows was an executive producer on live productions of “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons” with famous actors re-creating episodes of those 1970s comedies.

“Jimmy was the greatest comedic television director in the history of the medium,” his agent Rick Rosen said in a statement. “He directed the most iconic, defining shows of generations. Always a gentleman, it was an absolute honor to represent him.”

Burrows was married in 1997 to Debbie Easton, whom he met when she worked as a hairstylist on “Frasier.” Daughters Kat Schatzow, Ellie Gluck and Maggie Burrows, who followed her father into directing, are from his first marriage to Linda Solomon, who died in 2004. His stepdaughter Paris is from his wife’s previous marriage. He has a sister, Laurie Burrows Grad, and seven grandchildren.

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If the heatwave has you craving crystal-clear waters and a bed by the pool, now is a great time to book with Club Med

Club Med has officially launched an exciting array of last minute summer holiday deals, offering spontaneous travellers up to 15% off all-inclusive getaways. Designed for those ready to pack their bags immediately, this limited-time promotion is serving up sunshine, golden beaches and luxury for less.

Holiday hunters will need to act fast though, as availability is limited across selected dates and resorts. To keep the momentum going, Club Med will be adding brand-new departure deals every single Friday.

Best known for its premium all-inclusive holidays, Club Med offers dreamy escapes to beautiful destinations around the world. Each deal combines upscale accommodation with gourmet dining, endless activities and childcare into a single upfront price, making it easier to relax and enjoy a well-deserved break.

READ MORE: Dog-friendly £25 all-inclusive Lancashire holiday with unlimited costa, food and drinks

READ MORE: Jet2 launches flights from Manchester Airport to brand new holiday destination

From the sun-drenched coastal resorts of Europe to the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean, we’ve rounded up some of the best resorts for a last minute holiday you’ll never forget.

Club Med Magna, Marbella

The 12-acre Club Med Magna Marbella is a sun-drenched resort perfectly positioned for accessing central Marbella. Guests can enjoy relaxing around the family lagoon pool and the adults-only Zen Zone or take on any of the many activities like padel tennis.

The resort also boasts impressive dining options at the elegant Suenos restaurant and the Tierra Gourmet Lounge which serves local delicacies like jamón ibérico. There is also a choice of four different bars in which to enjoy a holiday tipple.

As the sun drenched beaches of Marbella remain a top choice for British holidaymakers, travellers can also find discounted Spanish breaks with up to £600 through TUI. There are also budget-friendly last-minute breaks available for under £500 with Love Holidays.

TripAdvisor reviewers overwhelmingly praise the resort, with one hailing it as ‘THE family destination’. One guest said: “Our stay was simply amazing, everything is thoughtfully designed with families in mind. Our 4-year-old absolutely loved the kids’ club… the food was exceptional. There were so many spaces to explore with our children, and a great range of sports and activities to enjoy – paddle, tennis, Pilates and more.”

Another visitor did note that the setting was an “Isolated village, without much personality, but hotel nevertheless of good quality, made for sport and sun.” Overall however, the general consensus echoed this review saying: “Very good experience at Club Med Magna Marbella. Everything was perfect, buffet, kids club and entertainment.”

Save up to 15% on a last minute holiday

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Travel dates are available until July, with new deals added every Friday

Club Med Da Balaia, Algarve

Situated atop the renowned red cliffs of the Algarve, Club Med Da Balaia is a golfer’s dream destination. Guests can also enjoy relaxing by the distinctive natural eco-pool or take on any of the many activities like flying trapeze and archery.

The resort also boasts impressive dining options at the Balaïa Restaurant and the casual lounge, which serves genuine Portuguese cuisine paired with breathtaking sea views. There is also an on-site spa for tailored treatments and plenty of pampering.

Algarve is another popular holiday hotspot for Brits looking for a break. Right now, Love Holidays has last-minute, room-only Portugal stays from £119 per person, while Golf Breaks offers carefully curated getaways for fans of the green.

Back at Club Med, TripAdvisor reviewers overwhelmingly praise the resort, with one saying:: “Our stay at Club Med La Balaia was simply fantastic from start to finish. Set in a stunning location overlooking a beautiful, family-friendly beach, the resort offers the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.”

While one guest noted the pool was “ok, maybe a bit warmer may have been ideal,” the general consensus echoed this review: “We had an absolutely wonderful week at Club Med de Da Balaia…three young children, parents and grandmother. Everything was there for a successful holiday: sunny weather and beautiful surroundings.”

Cefalù, Sicily

The flagship Exclusive Collection Cefalù is a luxury resort perfectly positioned on the iconic Italian island of Sicily. Guests can enjoy relaxing in the renovated 18th-century palazzo lounge or take on any of the many activities like sunset yoga and Europe’s first stand-up paddleboarding school.

Following an action-packed day, the resort boasts impressive dining options to satisfy every appetite. Visitors are then treated to a delectable Sicilian-inspired menu that perfectly captures the authentic flavours of the region.

Travellers unlucky enough to miss out on a Club Med stay could try booking a break to Italy with British Airways Holidays instead. Alternatively, Citalia offers a range of specially selected tours and holidays in the region.

Guest reviewers overwhelmingly praise the resort, with one hailing it as a ‘magical place’ where “the food is to die for’. They also praise the stunning views and say that just being 10-15 minutes away from Cefalu town in Sicily ‘is something very special.”

While one guest noted that unlike some other Club Med locations there was “no show at happy hour, no barbecue, no themed evening.” Most however enjoyed their stay with another adding: “We had an absolutely exceptional time at Club Med de Céfalù! The setting is simply magical: breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, elegant architecture perfectly integrated with nature, and a serene atmosphere that immediately invites relaxation.”

Club Med Palmiye, Turkey

Located south of Antalya near the Taurus mountains, Club Med Palmiye is a coastal resort situated along a Mediterranean beach. Guests can choose to relax by the family pool or the adults-only Zen pool, or participate in various activities such as flying trapeze and wakeboarding.

For dining, the resort offers several options to suit different tastes. Visitors can eat Turkish cuisine in a restaurant featuring a duck pond moat. There is also a lively beach bar to visit as the sun goes down.

The southern coast of Turkey offers affordable fun and balmy weather. Some other great deals to the region include all-inclusive holidays with On The Beach. Elsewhere, Mr & Mrs Smith offers carefully curated tours of the region.

As you would expect from Club Med, the Palmiye resort has also received a wealth of glowing reviews on Tripadvisor. One said: “A great place for early birds and those who like to do a lot of different activities, to learn tennis and padel, circus trapeze, sailing basics and waterski.”

While one guest noted minor frustrations with “long lines” for waterskiing, the general consensus echoed the feeling of a perfect family escape. Another returning visitor declared: “We came here after 2 years again it was a good experience so we come again, and we will come every year.”

For those considering a long-distance getaway, the Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic proves particularly attractive to families. An ideal option for summer breaks, it showcases Club Med’s largest water park, featuring over 20 slides and splash areas, plus an opulent spa.

Boasting a 4.4-star rating on TripAdvisor, visitors praise the stunning beach and the skilled instructors who assist families in learning new activities such as golf and tennis. Meanwhile, the Club Med resort in Marrakech has been characterised as a ‘magical destination’ where guests can exchange unpredictable weather for golden sunsets, vibrant souks and the captivating aroma of spices drifting through the streets.

To find out more about last-minute getaways with Club Med, click here to save 15%.

Malton architect Philip Thompson urged other drivers to remember that crashes have consequences and not to drive as though it was a “video game”.

Both he and his passengers say that though the physical injuries they suffered when Benjamin James Swift, now 21, crashed into their Land Rover Defender have healed, the psychological effects remain.  

They have never been back as a family to the stately home they were trying to reach on July 7, 2024.

They were at York Crown Court to see Swift convicted unanimously of causing serious injury to Mr Thompson by dangerous driving.

“I am so relieved I got onto the grass verge,” said Mr Thompson of the crash after the verdict. “Nobody was killed. It could have been far worse.”

He and his front seat passenger, Jacqueline Bell, told the jury how he swerved to the left and slammed on the brakes in a vain bid to avoid the Porsche Boxster zigzagging across the road in front of them after Swift lost control at 80mph.

There was a fence along the road that prevented the Land Rover leaving the road completely.

Mr Thompson said the crash has changed the way he drives and that he is now anxious when behind the wheel.

“I will pull over if I see someone is driving fast until they are past.  Some people drive as though it’s a video game. Crashes have consequences.”

Because of his work, Mr Thompson has to drive in the Castle Howard area. 

“I need to drive that road,” he said. “The first time I drove it (after the crash) was nerve-wracking but I thought, I have to do it.”

Mr Thompson said he was “gobsmacked” when Swift decided, despite appearing to be sorry for the crash at the scene, to deny dangerous driving and have a trial.  

That decision meant the case was delayed by a year after Swift’s first appearance in court and that Mr Thompson and his family had to relive their experiences on the southern approach to Castle Howard in front of the jury.

Other drivers, unconnected with Mr Thompson and his family, also gave evidence against Swift about the manner of his driving.

“It’s been hanging over us for two years,” said Mr Thompson. “I am really thankful that they came forward as they did and showed their public spirit.”

Recorder Geraldine Kelly said the evidence against Swift had been “overwhelming”.

The Half Moon Public House, at 86 New Elvet, is a Grade II-listed building with origins dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Although it blends naturally into one of Durham’s best-known streets, the building has a rich history behind its painted brick frontage.

It is also known to fans of George Gently, the BBC series starring Martin Shaw as Inspector George Gently, after appearing on screen as part of the show’s North East backdrop.

The Half Moon Inn, Durham (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

The drama, set in the 1960s, made use of real locations across the region to capture the look and atmosphere of the period.

The official Historic England list entry records the building as a “house, now public house and workshop”.

It was first listed on March 10, 1988, in recognition of its architectural and historic interest.

Historic England describes the building as having 17th and 18th-century origins, with a 19th-century public house front.

The Half Moon’s history is not limited to its New Elvet frontage.

The list entry also describes rear wings built from sandstone rubble and brick, along with a former joiner’s shop extension.

Inside, the pub retains notable historic features, including a mahogany semi-circular bar with fittings and a matching chimney.

Inspector George Gently (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

For pub historians and heritage enthusiasts, that surviving interior makes the Half Moon more than just another city centre drinking spot.

Its appearance in George Gently adds another chapter to that story.

The BBC drama became known for using North East streets, pubs and towns to evoke the atmosphere of the 1960s.

In Durham, the Half Moon offered the kind of authentic setting that could not easily be recreated on a studio set.

Today, it remains a working pub as well as a listed building.

For regulars, it is a familiar place for a drink in the city centre and for visitors, it is a chance to step inside a building with centuries of history.

And for fans of George Gently, it offers a real Durham location with a connection to one of the North East’s best-known television dramas.

With its Grade II listing and small-screen claim to fame, the Half Moon Public House remains one of New Elvet’s most interesting historic buildings.

A train driver has tragically died and dozens of passengers have been injured after two East Midlands Railway passenger trains collided near Bedford in Bedfordshire on Friday afternoon

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A train driver has died and scores of passengers were left with serious injuries after two passenger trains collided near Bedford.

The crash involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, with one rear-ending the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.

One passenger recalled being “flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke”.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed the train driver had been killed, with 11 people sustaining “very serious” injuries and a further 22 seriously hurt.

All those in the most critical condition have since been taken to hospital for treatment.

A further 56 people suffered minor injuries and were treated either at the scene or upon arrival at hospital.

While the majority of carriages from both southbound trains remained on the tracks, at least one carriage came off the rails during the collision.

The two services involved were the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm service from Nottingham, both bound for London St Pancras.

Passenger Pete Knapp painted a harrowing picture of people “crying, screaming” and noted that some appeared to have sustained significant injuries.

The 40 year old told the Press Association: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.

“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”

Dr Knapp recounted seeing people with “life-threatening, major injuries, minor injuries” as well as “people with bandages, people who couldn’t see straight”, while others, including himself, remained standing.

He said: “I’ve got blood all over my trousers and my back hurts like hell but I’m all right.”

He noted that he had not felt the train slowing before the collision, although other passengers reported that they had.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as “hugely concerning” and said he is “grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident”.

Air ambulance helicopters touched down at the scene following the collision, which took place just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6.

A sizeable convoy of emergency vehicles lined a rural road as rescue crews and passengers gathered in a neighbouring field.

Members of the public were urged to keep away from the crash site, while both Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital appealed to people to avoid their emergency departments “unless they have a genuine medical emergency” as they managed the unfolding incident. EMR services to and from London remained cancelled for the rest of the day.

Digital train tracking systems confirmed that the rolling stock involved in the collision comprised a class 360 and a class 810, with the front of the former striking the rear of the latter.

EMR began introducing class 810 trains last December, while class 360 models have been in operation for at least two decades.

A spokesperson for Network Rail, the body responsible for overseeing Britain’s railway infrastructure, said: “We are supporting the efforts of emergency services on scene and our thoughts are with everyone involved.”

Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), confirmed that the person who lost their life in the collision near Bedford was the driver of one of the trains.

He said: “We are devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died as a result of today’s crash between Luton and Bedford. The thoughts of RMT are with their family, friends, colleagues and the Aslef trade union at this awful time.”

Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of the driver who died in the crash near Bedford today and with the passengers who were injured in the accident.

“We want to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly, to help those on board, and are still at the scene.”

Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch attended the scene to begin gathering evidence. This latest incident follows a collision between two trains in mid-Wales in October 2024, which claimed the life of one passenger and left four others with serious injuries.

That crash marked Britain’s first fatal multi-train accident in more than twenty-five years.

The duke, who stepped down from the working monarchy in 2020, has levelled a barrage of accusations at the King, his stepmother the Queen, brother the Prince of Wales and sister-in-law the Princess of Wales in his Oprah interview, Netflix documentary, interviews and his autobiography Spare since moving to the US.

A NEW book shines the light on the legendary York company that brought us the KitKat – and how it survived crisis after crisis along the way.

Rowntree’s – The Early History has been written by Paul Chrystal.

The book charts the fascinating story behind the birth and development of Rowntree’s.

The Rowntree family, especially Henry and his younger Joseph Rowntree, is, along with Fry’s, Cadbury’s, Mars and Terry’s, synonymous with the birth and growth of the chocolate industry in Britain.

Rowntree’s book by Paul Chrystal

The book explores the rise of Rowntree’s through chapters on the early history of the company, contemporary York, the relationship between Quakers and chocolate, and the Tuke family – without whom there would have been no Rowntree’s, and no KitKats.

Henry, it is usually forgotten, was the founder of Rowntree’s – he made the momentous decision to sign the deal with the Tukes and, in the book, we join him in those very early days of the fledgling company.

Henry Rowntree

Readers will see how he helped it through some very dark, and sometimes humorous, times in what was then a very shambolic set up – cash strapped and making it up as the company lurched from crisis to crisis.

Read more:

It was Joseph, his elder brother, who became the driving force to eventual global success, mixing his hectic business life with acts of compassion and a benevolent management model.

All of this paved the way for decent wages, pensions, insurance and mutual respect in the workplace.

York’s Pavement in the late 19th century showing the Rowntree’s grocer shop

Charity work extended beyond the factories to lift workers and others out of the slums of York to a life in a healthy model village called New Earswick, to provide a good social life, green spaces and gardens, swimming pool and education for children and adults.

Recommended reading:

The book also examines Joseph’s relentless industrial espionage, the effect on the Rowntree’s of the Irish Potato Famine, racism, lethal exploding bananas, the advances in chocolate production methods and 20th century rivals in the domestic and export markets, and mergers and acquisitions.

Promoting Rowntree’s on the river. Photo supplied

Rowntree’s active role in the two world wars is also covered along with the struggle Joseph Rowntree had accepting the importance of advertising which competitors were exploiting to the full.

Altogether the book gives fascinating biographies of two exceptional and driven brothers who came together to form one of our greatest companies – producing some of our best loved confectionery products.

The book can be purchased directly through Pen & Sword and major bookshops, priced at £15.99.

Fun KitKat facts

The world-famous chocolate bar was first made in York in 1935.

Today, the York factory makes up to four million KitKat bars every day.

It is available in more than 85 countries and with more than five billion bars sold annually, KitKat is Nestlé’s leading confectionery brand.

Scotland’s Group match with Morocco was played on a knife-edge the entire match, but they were left furious when they were not awarded a penalty

ITV referee analyst Christina Unkel believes Scotland should have been awarded a penalty in their World Cup defeat to Morocco. Steve Clarke’s side were beaten 1-0 by the Africa Cup of Nations winners in Boston.

They struggled to create any real opportunities against the North Africans, who were good value for their win with Ismael Saibari grabbing the game’s only goal in the second minute. However, the Scots were denied a clear penalty in the eyes of Unkel.

McTominay charged into the 18-yard box when he was tackled from behind by Neil El Aynaoui. It was deemed by VAR that the Moroccan midfielder got a touch on the ball, but replays suggested otherwise.

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Unkel was convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when the Napoli ace was bundled over. She said: “The first thing you’re looking for as VAR is any touch on that ball and the answer is no.

“We saw that second replay there and exactly what I was looking for, there was no contact on that ball. There is a trip up from behind, contact on the left lower leg.

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“For this, I do think there is a missed incident from the var to recommend a penalty as well as the referee to not make a decision on penalty. I know this referee is calling a more physical game but it is a very clear penalty in my opinion.”

Ally McCoist, who was commentating for ITV, also believed his countrymen should have earned a penalty. He said: “I did say when I watched it second time there is a challenge on the left leg. But I did say I’m enjoying the referee allowing the game to go. However, Christina is right, he did get that one wrong.”

McTominay looked shocked as his appeals were waved away before furiously protesting. Roy Keane, however, was less than convinced it was a penalty. He said: “I don’t think it was a penalty. As simple as that. He was kind of looking to go down. I think he was looking to go down. There’s a difference.”

Fellow ITV pundit Ange Postecoglou also agreed with Keane, saying: “The Moroccan penalty gets his leg out, but I don’t think that’s enough to be a penalty. He does get across him, but not for a penalty, I think he was going down anyway.”

McTominay was furious when the Uzbekistani official Ilgiz Tantashev did not point to the spot. That was not the only time they believed they deserved a penalty.

Early in the second half, John McGinn appeared to be brought down by the same player when he broke into the penalty area. While there also appeared to be little contact with the ball, it was also deemed not enough to be a penalty.

The defeat leaves Scotland with work to do to advance to the knockouts, with their final group match against one of the tournament favourites, Brazil, next Wednesday.

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