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‘One Battle After Another’ wins 6 prizes including best picture at Britain’s BAFTA film awards

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'One Battle After Another' wins 6 prizes including best picture at Britain’s BAFTA film awards

LONDON (AP) — Politically charged thriller “One Battle After Another” won six prizes, including best picture, at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, building momentum ahead of Hollywood’s Academy Awards next month.

Blues-steeped vampire epic “Sinners” and gothic horror story “Frankenstein” won three awards each, while Shakespearean family tragedy “Hamnet” won two including best British film.

“One Battle After Another,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s explosive film about a group of revolutionaries in chaotic conflict with the state, won awards for directing, adapted screenplay, cinematography and editing, as well as for Sean Penn’s supporting performance as an obsessed military officer.

“This is very overwhelming and wonderful,” Anderson said as he accepted the directing prize. He paid tribute to his longstanding assistant director, Adam Somner, who died of cancer in November 2024 a few weeks into production.

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“We have a line from Nina Simone that we used in our film, ‘I know what freedom is: It’s no fear,’” the director said. “Let’s keep making things without fear. It’s a good idea.”

Bookies’ favorite Jessie Buckley won the best actress prize for playing grieving mother Agnes Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare, in “Hamnet.” Buckley, 36, is the first Irish performer to win a best actress prize at the awards, known as BAFTAs.

She dedicated her award “to the women past, present and future who taught me and continue to teach me how to do it differently.”

In a major upset, Robert Aramayo won the best actor category for his performance in “I Swear,” a fact-based British indie drama about a campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome.

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The 33-year-old British actor looked stunned and called the victory over Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet “absolutely mad.”

“I absolutely can’t believe this,” he said. “Everyone in this category blows me away.”

“Sinners” took home trophies for director Ryan Coogler’s original screenplay, the film’s musical score and for Wunmi Mosaku’s supporting actress performance as herbalist and healer Annie.

The British-Nigerian actor said that in the role she found “a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and my connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.”

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Stars and royalty

Hollywood stars and British celebrities, from Paddington Bear to the Prince and Princess of Wales, gathered at London’s Royal Festival Hall for the awards. DiCaprio, Chalamet, Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Glenn Close and Ethan Hawke were among the stars walking the red carpet before a black-tie ceremony hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales also attended, three days after William’s uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by police and held for 11 hours over allegations he sent sensitive government information to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The scandal has rocked the royal family led by King Charles III, though William and Kate remain popular standard-bearers for the monarchy. William presented an award in his role as president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Among the biggest receptions from gathered fans was for Paddington, the puppet bear who stars in a musical stage adaption of the beloved children’s classic.

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Oscars bellwether

The British prizes, officially called the EE BAFTA Film Awards, often provide hints about who will win at Hollywood’s Academy Awards, held this year on March 15. “Sinners” has a record 16 Oscar nominations, followed by “One Battle After Another” with 13.

“One Battle” went into the BAFTAs ceremony with 14 nominations. “Sinners” was just behind with 13, while “Hamnet” had 11.

Ping-pong odyssey “Marty Supreme” also had 11 nominations but went home empty=handed.

Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining of “Frankenstein” and Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value” each got eight nominations.

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“Frankenstein” took awards for production design, costume design and for the hair and makeup artists who spent 10 hours a day transforming Jacob Elordi into the movie’s monstrous creature.

“Sentimental Value” won the prize for the best film not in English.

Cumming told the audience that it had been a strong year for cinema, if not a cheerful one, with nominated films tackling themes including child death, racism and political violence:

“Watching the films this year was like taking part in a collective nervous breakdown,” he said. “It’s almost as though there are events going on in the real world that are influencing filmmakers.”

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The ceremony was more glitz than gloom, though, including a performance by Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — the voices of animated band HUNTR/X in box office juggernaut “KPop Demon Hunters” — singing the movie hit “Golden.”

Putin critic wins best documentary

The best-documentary prize went to “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” about a Russian teacher who documented the propaganda imposed on Russian schools after the invasion of Ukraine.

The film’s American director David Borenstein said that teacher Pavel Talankin had shown that “whether it’s in Russia or the streets of Minneapolis, we always face a moral choice,” referring to the protests against U.S. immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

“We need more Mr. Nobodies,” he said.

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It beat documentaries including Mstyslav Chernov’s harrowing Ukraine war portrait “2000 Meters to Andriivka, ” co-produced by The Associated Press and Frontline PBS.

Most BAFTA winners are chosen by 8,500 members of the U.K. academy of industry professionals. The Rising Star award, which is decided by public vote, went to Aramayo.

Donna Langley, the U.K.-born chairwoman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, was awarded the British Academy’s highest honor, the BAFTA fellowship.

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Associated Press writer Hilary Fox contributed to this report.

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Russell Grant’s horoscopes as Libra told creative energy leads to new connections

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Daily Record

Today’s star signs as Scorpio advised to spend time outdoors for clarity of thought.

Aries

You find yourself on your own while others expect you to take charge in a group setting. This situation may have caught you off guard and you might struggle to communicate your thoughts effectively or create the desired personal impression. Make it your intention to win over a team of moderators. Trust that your unique perspective can be a vital asset.

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Taurus

Keep your distance from people who are being difficult. Your emotions are chaotic right now. Give yourself time to see if your feelings remain the same tomorrow. If you feel a need to reach out to a family member or close friend, go with your instincts. The bonds you share will provide comfort, remindingyou that support is always within reach.

Gemini

A happy start to the day has something to do with a close relationship and this gives you a lot to be pleased about. As the warmth of connection surrounds you, relish these joyful moments. At the same time, acting on impulse later could lead to regrets. If you’re dissatisfied with your job, it would be best to hold off from quitting until you secure another position.

Cancer

Recent troubles are fading away. Even though the situation isn’t totally clear, it will be a relief to see improvements. Be cautious about believing everything you hear in private conversations at work. Take an interest in an internal training scheme. Embrace the positive changes, for they may lead to unexpected opportunities that enhance your journey.

Leo

If you’re getting into a debate, whether this relates to politics, religion or community issues, keep in mind that you might be wrong. Be respectful of differing views. The exchange of ideas can be enlightening, opening doors to a broader perspective. It won’t be a problemto delay travel plans if a relative has several valid reasons for you to stay home.

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Virgo

Career anxiety or concerns about a romantic situation are causing you to feel unsettled. Don’t let it turn into a reality when someone tries to instigate a surprise scheme. Rash actions will only worsen existing issues. Instead, focus on repairing your relationship with your partner. Embrace the opportunity for heartfelt conversations.

Libra

Your faith in a workmate or neighbour could turn out to be misplaced. Someone who said they would help you seems less keen now to carry out this promise. By the time they are ready to play their part, it will be too late to achieve anything worthwhile. The afternoon is likely to be exhausting, leaving you to question the reliability of those around you.

Scorpio

A quick change to arrangements with your partner or a close friend may lead to stress and disagreement. You might believe you’ve heard everything others have to say, but expect further verbal repercussions down the line. If you can, choose your words with care. Spending time in the garden or outdoors will be therapeutic, allowing clarity of thought.

Sagittarius

If you’re busy with home renovations or a project has begun without any planning, you may wish you had adopted a more structured strategy. Now you’re facing challenges that could disrupt your work and commitments. Is it possible to go back to square one? Trust your instincts; sometimes, a fresh perspective can lead to unexpected solutions.

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Capricron

Community activities aren’t going well. A newcomer to the scene will seem to rub other people up the wrong way. A friend’s laid-back approach makes it difficult for them to assist with practical matters. Everything feels off until the early evening, when a team effort finally starts to improve. As the day unfolds, a spark of creativity may emerge.

Aquarius

A person you barely know might suggest a money-making opportunity. It’s wise to proceed with caution. Not all relevant information is clear yet and you can’t be sure if this person is trustworthy. If you’re invited to invest in an ambitious scheme, take a momentto reconsider. Trust your instincts; sometimes a second glance reveals hidden truths.

Pisces

It’s all systems go now. A persona lplan promises to transform your lifestyle. You have complete trust that this is going to turnout as planned. Work or volunteer activities related to music, art or entertainment will be a success. In your job, a timely action or revelation will prove to be effective. The creative energy may lead to new connections.

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A11 Cambridge closed overnight due to police incident

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Cambridgeshire Live

The road was closed for five hours due to the incident

A police incident closed a major road in Cambridgeshire overnight.

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The A11 northbound was shut between the A1307 Cambridge and A1304 Six Mile Bottom due to the incident.

Cambridge Police were at the scene on the busy road.

National Highways said that the incident occurred just after 9pm on Sunday, February 22. The road remained closed for five hours.

It fully reopened just before 3am.

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A diversion route was in place as police carried out there work at the scene.

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Noah Donohoe inquest: Everything you need to know after week four of proceedings

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Belfast Live
Noah Donohoe inquest: Everything you need to know after week four of proceedings | Belfast Live

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Ministers say billions in SEND funding will make schools more inclusive

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Ministers say billions in SEND funding will make schools more inclusive

Responding to the announcement of more money targeted towards making mainstream schools more inclusive, Matt Wrack, general secretary of the union NASUWT, said: “£1.6bn over three years may sound like a lot of money, but it equates to just a few thousand pounds per setting.”

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East Belfast theatre company started in living room celebrates 10 years of creative magic

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“I love getting to see the kids develop their confidence and seeing all their friendships”

East Broadway Theatre Company

When they came up with the idea to start their own theatre company in the living room one day, Alex McKelvey and Katie-Rose Spence could never have imagined the musical magic they would create a decade on.

Both with extensive backgrounds in drama and musical theatre, the pair decided to open East Broadway Theatre Company, a dynamic performing arts organisation based in East Belfast.

Since 2016, East Broadway has been dedicated to bringing people together through creativity, confidence, and community and offering affordable tuition to young people wanting to follow their passion.

READ MORE: Comedy musical set in Belfast community centre to return to NI after two decadesREAD MORE: Lyric Theatre Belfast celebrates 75 years as cultural hub with new free exhibition ‘A House of Play’

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In their 10th year, they are kicking off celebrations with a production at the Belvoir Studio Theatre of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ – and Belfast Live popped down to see rehearsals getting underway.

Creative director Kaite-Rose and Musical Director Alex met through performing with the Belvoir Players and decided to go out on a whim and stage some things themselves.

Katie-Rose said: “Alex wanted to do a concert and around the same time, we were asked to perform at Sunflowerfest and if we could do something for kids and their families.

“The two things happened around the same time and we were like ‘oh we’ve enjoyed this, should we maybe try and make something out of it’ – 10 years later we’re here with a building and like 30 people downstairs ready to rehearse and perform.”

A charitable theatre company, East Broadway creates and produces a wide range of shows, concerts, and community performances, offering opportunities for people of all ages to develop their skills in acting, singing, and dancing.

“We started very small,” Katie-Rose continued. “It was a group of like 4 or 5 of us just that were doing small performances.

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“We had started doing classes and rehearsing in Downser Hall on the Cregagh Road and after doing the classes for a while, Alex had the idea of doing a show.

“Our first show was Jungle Book Kids and we had nin children in it all playing various parts and double rolling – just making it happen.”

From that initial small group, East Broadway has continued to grow year on year and in 2025, secured their own rehearsal space where they can teach, inspire, and perform a new generation of talented performers.

She continued: “It’s been absolutely amazing getting to see the kids that have been with us from they were four starting in the classes, now like 11 or 12 and still with us, still doing the shows.

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“I love getting to see the kids develop their confidence and seeing all their friendships – that was such a huge thing for me whenever I was wee, I had zero confidence and really struggled to make friends.

“Now watching the kids that maybe come in for their first audition or their first night, and they’re looking around and they’re terrified, just 3 weeks later having a group of friends. It does the heart good.”

Alex is in charge of all things music at the company and he has been honoured to watch a generation of young performers build their musicality over the past ten years.

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He described getting their own space last year as “phenomenal” and a “pinch me moment” for East Broadway as their work is all voluntary and couldn’t happen without the passionate team of people involved behind the scenes.

Alex said: “We have always been and always are a community theatre. We’ve got affordable drama here – when we first started, we found that things were a bit dear, especially just for the skills that we acquired when we were young people.

“We’ve seen so many people grow in confidence and become a completely different person. They’ve tried out other groups and it hasn’t worked out, but it’s just so nice that it has worked out here for them.

“When we got this space, everybody was like this is brilliant because they can call it home – we were rehearsing out of a council building for a while and then now, having our own space, it’s just brilliant.”

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Looking ahead to the next 10 years, Alex laughed: “We never thought we would get to this 10 years so it’s crazy to think.

“Katie and I had a conversation not long ago about the fact that if you said to us in 2016 while we were sitting on that sofa that would we be here in 10 years, we’d think we would have laughed in each other’s faces.”

Alex, Katie-Rose and the rest of the East Broadway team and working hard to bring their colourful performance of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat to the Belvoir Studio Theatre from 25-28th March. To buy ticket to the show, see here.

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To find out more about what East Broadway does, see here

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‘They’ve been doing it for years’ Celtic boss Martin O’Neill criticises VAR after controversial defeat

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Belfast Live

Martin O’Neill criticised VAR intervention after Auston Trusty was sent off for violent conduct in Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibs, with the defender now suspended for the Rangers clash

Martin O’Neill hit out at VAR interference following Celtic’s costly loss to Hibs. The Parkhead manager voiced his frustration after two pivotal second-half decisions swung momentum against his team in the 2-1 defeat.

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With the match level at 1-1 and under 20 minutes left on the clock, Auston Trusty received a straight red card following an altercation in the penalty area with Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath.

O’Neill revealed that referee Matthew MacDermid informed him post-match that he had originally planned merely to have a word with both players before VAR official Grant Irvine instructed him to check the pitchside screen.

After reviewing the replays, MacDermid determined Trusty had engaged in violent conduct, and Celtic’s frustration mounted when, moments later, Liam Scales tumbled in the penalty area during a corner following a shirt pull from Hibs defender Jack Iredale, reports the Daily Record.

Appeals from Celtic players, including the Irish defender, were dismissed by MacDermid, with Irvine opting not to intervene on this occasion.

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Discussing the dismissal, O’Neill stated: “Well, I’ve just had a word with the referee. He said he was just going to have a word with the two players, first of all. Then I think VAR intervened and said it was violent conduct.”

When it was suggested to O’Neill that this amounted to re-refereeing the match, he responded: “They’ve been doing it for years, so that’s not going to change.”

O’Neill then addressed the penalty incident involving Scales, commenting: “The referee, I think his words were, he didn’t hold onto him long enough, but it seems a wee bit strange. You’re grabbing someone’s shirt as he’s making a move to get the ball and holding onto his shirt. Some years ago it was a penalty. But VAR, they’ve passed that one on, so there we go.”

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Following the final whistle, O’Neill had a word with Trusty, and whilst VAR’s involvement was significant, the manager acknowledged that his centre-back’s actions were misguided given today’s standards.

He explained: “I’ve spoken to him. At the end of it all, you can’t do this. If that’s the rules now, it doesn’t matter if someone is holding onto you, in an attempt to breakaway, you can’t thrust down in the manner in which he did to get away. So I’ve been told it’s violent conduct.”

The dismissal means Trusty will miss Sunday’s Premiership fixture against Rangers at Ibrox.

Celtic previously lodged an appeal last month when the American defender received his marching orders in the 2-2 stalemate with Hearts at Tynecastle.

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Nevertheless, considering the seriousness of the infringement and the rationale O’Neill received, the boss doesn’t anticipate challenging this particular decision.

He stated: “Personally I wouldn’t have thought so. The referee has explained to me that’s what VAR said. It was violent conduct, so I don’t think anyone will change their minds on that.”

The red card and penalty came at a crucial moment for Celtic, who had been building pressure and were close to scoring what could have been a decisive 2-1 goal in the latter stages of the match.

However, they ended up losing by that very scoreline, prompting O’Neill to reflect: “We played some really fantastic football. We went in 1-1 at half time and we should probably have been in front.

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“The sending off has a big affect. We had the momentum at that stage. We had some chances second half and if you don’t put them away there’s a possibility at the other end.”

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Bee Network looking ‘very closely’ at Middlebrook link

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Bee Network looking 'very closely' at Middlebrook link

Bolton Council’s local Bee Network committee met last week for the first time in nearly two years since their first and, until now, only meeting.

It was confirmed that the committee, originally established when the buses were first being franchised, would now be held quarterly.

Nick Fairclough, interim deputy director of buses at TfGM, told councillors they had inherited the bus network from the system of private operators.

Speaking at last Monday’s meeting (February 16), he said: “The way in which that network has developed over a hundred years or more is that routes haven’t been designed with an integrated network in mind.

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“In many places, we still see buses competing with each other or competing with the train or Metrolink in other parts of the city region.

“They also don’t properly serve the needs of the modern economy in many places – they don’t adequately serve industrial sites or retail parks that are incredibly important for the economy as we have it today.”

Nick Fairclough speaks at the local Bee Network committee (Image: Bolton Council)

Mr Fairclough noted the success of the already implemented 24-hour bus services, including the 36 between Manchester and Bolton, and the 615 linking Middlebrook and Wigan.

He said: “I think where we are is that we’ve got a really strong in where the priorities are in Bolton, but we’re keen to build on that and keen to work with you to identify those.”

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Cllr David Wilkinson said: “I’m glad to see we’re looking at retail parks and industrial areas because that, to say the least, is something that has been a bugbear for 20 odd years.

“People in Westhoughton who want to work at Logistics North have to go by private transport because there’s nothing to link us there.”

He noted several new industrial and housing developments planned near Westhoughton, such as Gibfield Park, and said they would need “really improved links”.

The committee was held in Bolton Town Hall (Image: Bolton Council)

Cllr Sean Fielding said: “To see that Wigan got a connection reinstated to Middlebrook, yet we don’t have our own, and it’s in our borough – I’m sure you can appreciate that that’s incredibly frustrating for members.

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“And I support Cllr Wilkinson’s comments around ensuring that we adapt to the amount of development that is proposed to take place, particularly in the west of the borough, as it happens rather than waiting for it to happen and responding to it.”

Mr Fairclough said: “We certainly agree. I think, in terms of Middlebrook and Logistics North, we see two areas that are not currently served as well as they should be.

“Certainly our planning team is looking very closely at both of those areas now and we’re aware of the need to improve connectivity both from a jobs perspective and an access to retail perspective.”

He said that connecting new developments to the bus network early is “something we’d really like to do more of”.

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He said: “One of the benefits of local control of the bus network is that we should be able to get in early and be proactive.

“Look at what’s coming down the pipeline in terms of residential, commercial, and industrial development and try to build a market for the bus network – perhaps before everyone is moved in, in a way that wasn’t really possible in the previous commercial market.”

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Brits urged to take tennis ball with them if they’re flying

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Brits urged to take tennis ball with them if they're flying

Yep, that’s right, you’ve been advised to take a tennis ball with you.

No, not so you can serve an ace up the aisle to catch an attendant’s attention, it’s actually to avoid stiffness or aches while in the air.

It can also be used to enhance circulation, intended to be used by gently applying pressure and rolling it up and down the thighs, legs, or even shoulders, according to health experts.

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Registered osteopath and qualified sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan has recommended using a tennis ball in tandem with another teeny piece of paraphernalia.

She told The Metro: “A great tip is to find a hand towel, put the ball in the middle of it and roll it like a sausage. When you then apply pressure using the ball, it’s easier to position and will prevent it from skidding out of position, which can be painful.

“A tennis ball is small and light and can help you to apply soothing pressure to points you might otherwise not be able to reach.

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“You can even stretch your lower back in your plane seat, by crossing your legs and leaning forward, as if you’re trying to reach down to the crossed-over foot with your elbow,” she added.

Here are the primary NHS tips for managing stiffness:

1. Movement and Exercise (Most Important)

Keep Active: Regular movement is the most effective way to reduce stiffness.

Gentle Movement: Avoid staying in one position for too long. Move for short periods every hour, even if it is just a short walk.

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Low-Impact Activity: Engage in swimming, cycling, yoga, or tai chi to improve mobility without overloading joints.

Stretching: Perform daily stretches for affected muscles, moving joints through their full, comfortable range. Hold stretches for 20 to 30 seconds, repeating 2 to 3 times a day.

“Little and Often”: It is better to move gently throughout the day rather than doing one long, intense session.

2. Heat and Cold Therapy

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Heat Therapy: Use hot water bottles, heat-rub creams, or have warm baths to relax stiff muscles and joints.

Cold Therapy: Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling, especially if the stiffness is due to a recent sprain or strain.

Temperature Control: Keep warm to prevent stiffness in cold weather.

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Showers expected in NI over next few days before “mild weather” due later in the week

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There is no escaping the wet weather over the next few days but there is the prospect of a better outlook on the horizon

The Met Office have released their latest weather forecast for Northern Ireland over the next few days. Today was billed as having bright intervals and occasional blustery showers which would see windy conditions at times.

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Some heavy rains are expected on Sunday with the chance of thunder. The maximum temperature will be 11 °C as tonight sees more showers anticipated with more frequent patches of rain due across the north and west of the region. The start of the work week will bring sunny intervals with the odd shower still expected to haunt Monday. Freshening south-westerly breezes will see a maximum temperature of 12C.

READ MORE: Sarah Ferguson ‘seen for first time in weeks’ after fleeing UK following Prince Andrew arrestREAD MORE: Three people dead after ‘horrific’ crash on Armagh Road Moy

The mid-week forecast will see a cloudy outlook for Tuesday to Thursday with outbreaks of rain which will occasionally be heavy. Still, some dry spells are expected as a mild spell of weather is due to come in, according to the forecast. As the days continue to get lighter, people will be looking forward to spring eventually appearing around the corner.

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When are Thornton Hall Gardens near Darlington open this year?

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When are Thornton Hall Gardens near Darlington open this year?

The first opportunity to explore the gardens will be on Monday, May 25, when the gates open alongside a popular plant fair.

For many visitors, it marks the return of what has become a much-anticipated annual event in the County Durham countryside.

Thornton Hall Gardens (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Thornton Hall is not a visitor attraction in the traditional sense. It is a working farm, and the gardens are opened to the public just a handful of times each year.

In recent years, word-of-mouth praise and social media have quietly turned Thornton Hall into a ‘must-visit destination’ for garden lovers, history enthusiasts and those seeking a different kind of day out.

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Visitors have described it as “unexpected”, “joyfully theatrical” and “like stepping into a secret world”, a reputation that has steadily grown.

The gardens sit beside Thornton Hall itself, a Grade I listed building constructed around 1550 by Ralph Tailbois.

Thornton Hall and Gardens, near Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

One of the oldest buildings in the Borough of Darlington, the hall is a rare architectural blend of Tudor, Elizabethan, Jacobean and Georgian styles, reflecting centuries of change.

What makes the gardens particularly remarkable is that they are a relatively recent creation.

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When Michael and Sue Manners moved to Thornton Hall in 1989, the walled gardens were little more than grassy paddocks grazed by cattle.

With no formal training and no grand design, Sue began transforming the land by hand.

Thornton Hall and Gardens (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

More than 30 years later, that hands-on approach has resulted in a richly planted and characterful space.

According to its website, visitors can expect more than 100 varieties of roses, alongside collections of delphiniums, peonies and irises.

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There are secret corners with quirky sculptures and tucked-away seating, as well as a meadow, wildlife ponds and a productive vegetable garden.



Despite attracting hundreds of visitors each year, the limited opening dates give Thornton Hall a fleeting quality. Miss a date, and you may have to wait another year.

After the May 25 opening, the gardens will welcome visitors on Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17 and 24, Sunday, June 28, and Wednesday, July 1, 8 and 15.

All opening days run from 10am to 4pm.

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Admission is £10 per person, payable at the gate.

However, numbers are limited by the setting, and regular visitors advise arriving early, particularly for the first opening in May, which is expected to be especially popular.

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