The organiser of a brand-new food festival held over the weekend at Galtres Park (the former Pickering Showground) has proclaimed it a fantastic weekend, after thousands of people enjoyed cookery demonstrations, live music and a whole array of foods, drinks and other products.’

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during book signing pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

The event marked the work of Mark Brayshaw of Rockin’ Horse Promotions, who had previously helped organised Malton’s Food Lovers Festival.

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during his food demo pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

Mark said: “We have had a fantastic weekend, with the weather mostly kind to us, inspirational food demonstrations by Yorkshire’s own James Martin and a host of local chefs, the Grand Prix and live entertainment in the bar.

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during his food demo pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

“The response we’ve received has been really positive, with many calls for this to become an annual fixture in Yorkshire’s event calendar.”

Pickering ..Flavours Festival…Chef James Martin during his food demo pic Richard Ponter (Image: Richard Ponter)

In his demonstrations on Saturday, James Martin showed how it is possible to make a three-course meal from scratch in just 30 minutes, with a menu featuring deep-fried soft-shell crabs, barbecue lamb chops and finishing with a lemon Swiss roll topped with strawberries and raspberries.

Whilst cooking, he regaled the audiences with stories of his times in kitchens with top chefs, honing his skills. Some of his techniques had also been picked up from fellow chefs with whom he’d shared a Saturday morning TV screen.

On Sunday, local chefs took to the stage for free demonstrations, including Gilly Robinson from The Cook’s Place, Ollie Farrar from Malton’s Forty Six, Richie Stamp-Mason from Tofoo & Co, Kathryn Bumby from The Yorkshire Pasta Company and master pâtissier, Florian Poirot.

Flavours of Yorkshire is the first of three events Mark has been working on with the team at Galtres Park to organise this year.

Earlier this year, he travelled to China to source pyrotechnics for a fireworks spectacular taking place on Saturday 7 November.

Planning is also underway for Pickering Snowglobe, a giant indoor Christmas market for the first week in December – completely protected from the elements, but full of festive cheer, gift ideas and food.

For more information, please visit rhp-events.co.uk

An expect has shared how best to help birds in your garden in July

Households across the UK are being told to leave two common fruits on their lawns or bird tables this summer. It is now one of the most significant periods of the year for birds in our gardens, with sparrows, starlings, blackbirds, robins and many other British favourites feeding their newly hatched young during the summer months.

To help birds through the peak summer season, gardeners are being encouraged to leave two fruits out on lawns, as well as on bird tables, alongside fresh water.

According to the RSPB, gardeners should put out a variety of foods for different birds at different times of year, though seeds are no longer recommended during summer, and flat bird tables should be avoided. You can, however, continue to leave out suet and mealworms as well as fresh fruit.

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Other garden experts also highlight just how vital summer bird feeding is. According to CJ Wildlife, birds require greater energy in summer to help nourish their young, and it is no longer the case that people should only put food out in winter or spring, reports the Express.

The experts said: “Not long ago, many believed that garden birds should only be fed during the winter months. However, long-term studies have shown that offering food to garden birds year-round is beneficial, supporting declining species and allowing you to learn more about your garden visitors.

“Feeding wild birds during the summer helps busy parents top up feeders and provide all the natural food their young need. Well-stocked bird feeders can be a lifeline for young birds as they learn how and where to find food locally.

“Bird populations are at their highest in the summer, so a regular supply of quality food helps birds get the energy they need amid increased competition for natural foods.”

However, if you’re looking for a quick and affordable way to support birds, you can leave out two types of fruit — apples and pears, sliced up and placed on the lawn, a bird table or feeder.

The RSPB says: “You can put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don’t use anything mouldy or salty, though, and if you have a dog, don’t put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them.

“Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds.”

Different birds feed in different spots — some prefer to “ground feed” rather than visit a hanging bird feeder.

The RSPB says: “Blackbirds are too large to access most hanging bird feeders. To attract them to your garden, it’s best to put out food on a bird table or scatter it on the ground.”

The same applies to sparrows, dunnocks and doves, which also favour ground feeding, though they tend to eat seeds.

If placing food on the ground, however, ensure it is positioned in an open area, well away from hedges or anywhere a cat could lurk. Birds will not feed in spots where they feel exposed to predators such as cats, or where they might be put at risk by having to feed close to potential hiding places.

If you do utilise a bird table, make certain to clean it regularly with hot, soapy water if it has a flat surface. This is because the RSPB recently withdrew flat, open bird tables from sale while it examines whether these types of feeders might be contributing to the transmission of disease.

The RSPB added: “Bird feeder hygiene is very important. Brush off debris every time you put out fresh food and scrub feeders with mild disinfectant solution weekly.”

A road in Cardiff is blocked on Monday morning after a vehicle has erupted into flames.

Bus services have been diverted and there are traffic delays after a Land Rover Discovery type car burst into flames on Tyndall Street, near Cardiff city centre.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene and pictures and video from the scene show the car engulfed in flames.

Follow our blog below for live updates.

There are several differences between the videos, including the man’s clothing. In the original clip shared by the news site, he is wearing a grey, patterned, long-sleeved jumper under the life vest. However, the clip shared on social media shows what appears to be another vest under his life vest that has the same grey pattern with a dark long-sleeve top underneath it.

David Kelly tragically passed away when a ‘relaxing holiday turned into a nightmare’ and he fell unwell at the airport.

A Scottish dad has died after suddenly taking seriously ill shortly before flying home from a holiday in Turkey. David Kelly, from Barrhead in Renfrewshire, was due to fly home with his wife, Dawn, when his health rapidly deteriorated.

The joiner was rushed from the airport to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma in the intensive care unit. As reported by Need To Know, devoted Dawn stayed at his bedside in the Turkish hospital while David, 59, fought for his life.

After four weeks, on June 8, dad-of-two David was repatriated to Scotland aboard a specialist flying intensive care unit. He was taken to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

He received “outstanding” care fron hospital staff but, tragically, he passed away on June 18, surrounded by his loved ones.

A fundraiser has been set up with the permission of David’s family, who are having to deal with the costs of his emergency medical care in Turkey as well as his funeral costs.

Posting on the GoFundMe page, Christine Adams said: “What was meant to be a relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare that none of us could have imagined.

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“Just hours before his flight home, David suddenly became seriously unwell at the airport. Within a matter of hours, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to intensive care.

“Placed into an induced coma and kept alive by life support, David was fighting for his life thousands of miles from home.

“For four long weeks, his devoted wife, Dawn, remained by his side in a Turkish hospital, never leaving him as he battled with incredible strength and courage.”

Speaking about his return home, Chrstine added: “On June 8, David was finally repatriated to Scotland aboard a specialist flying intensive care unit.

“He continued his fight while receiving outstanding care from the dedicated staff in the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. Despite everyone’s best efforts, our warrior David passed away peacefully on 18 June, surrounded by his loving family.”

His family later announced the devastating news through his business’ Facebook page, Barrhead Joinery.

They said: “We would like to share the devastating news that sadly after fighting as hard as he could that our loveable, amazing David Kelly passed away on Thursday, June 18.

“Barrhead Joinery will now cease trading, as a family we’d like to thank you all for the work you all have given David over the years. Lots of love from his wife Dawn, and daughters Gemma & Sophie.”

David was described as a “much-loved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend”.

Christine said: “He was someone who was always there to lend a hand, offer support, and put others before himself. Now it is our turn to be there for those he loved most.”

Tributes have also poured in from members of the local community.

Noreen McHugh wrote: “I am devastated to hear this sad news about Davie. He was an excellent professional who I counted on over the years.

“But upmost a wonderful human being who was always friendly and honest. My sincerest condolences to you and your daughters. A huge loss for you all. RIP Davie, you will be sorely missed.”

Another person added: “So sorry to hear this very sad news. David did some work for me when I moved into my home in Newton Mearns some years ago.

“Such a lovely, lovely man. Sending you all my heartfelt condolences. x”

As well as supporting David’s family through this difficuly time, the fundraiser aims to make a donation to both Kidney Research UK in his memory and to the ICU at the Roayl Alexandra Hospital, after the care they showed the dad in his final days.

To donate, click HERE.

There is a simple way to ensure you get a good result

Fried eggs make a wonderful addition to a full English breakfast, a filling lunch, or a substantial dinner. They are a staple of numerous dishes, from salads and burgers to crowning a croque Madame or completing a noodle stir-fry.

Eggs can be prepared with a gently set, slightly runny yolk, crisped at the edges, or turned over-easy. That said, fried eggs don’t always turn out quite as good as we’d like.

While they rank amongst the easiest foods to make, various elements can affect the final outcome. Hens’ eggs tend to be more manageable to cook than ducks’ eggs, making them the favoured option for most.

To prevent ending up with a flat, thin fried egg, choosing the freshest eggs possible is crucial. BBC Good Food said: “The fresher an egg, the stronger the proteins are in the white, which means the egg will form into a neater shape in the frying pan.”

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“Old eggs will spread out very thinly.” It is certainly worth checking you are using the freshest batch before you start, as older eggs can produce underwhelming results.

Eggs can be fried in any type of fat, though it’s best to choose one that suits the flavour you’re aiming for. When making a full English, use the remaining bacon fat or a knob of butter.

For more indulgent dishes, choose olive or rapeseed oil. When frying eggs for a nasi goreng or dhal, coconut oil contributes a touch of flavour.

How to make a fried egg

Ingredients

• One fresh egg at room temperature
• One small knob of butter or one tbsp oil

Method

If using butter, warm it in your frying pan until it melts but before it begins to brown. For oil, simply heat it in the frying pan.

Crack the egg onto a small plate or saucer. Be sure not to crack it directly into the pan as the shell could end up in your food.

Gently slide your egg from the plate or saucer into the pan.

Place a lid on top and leave it for three minutes over a low heat. Check that the white has set.

If it hasn’t, allow it to cook for a further 30 seconds before checking once more.

The whites should be fully set while the yolk remains gloriously runny. Season the egg to taste and serve.

Another component that generates heat on your phone is its display, especially when at full brightness. When your phone is being used in bright sunlight, it will kick into a so-called High Brightness Mode (HBM) that consumes more power and generates more heat.

To toggle the Auto-Brightness setting off, head into Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text on iPhone, or Settings > Display on Android.

You can then manually turn the brightness down using the drop-down Control Centre/Quick Settings menu without your phone fighting against you and turning it back up.

Turn it off as much as possible

Using your phone is guaranteed to generate heat, so in the event that your phone becomes uncomfortably warm to the touch, turning it off for a while will maximise the cooling process.

Otherwise, consider activating Aeroplane mode for a while. This will switch off heat-generating elements like Wi-Fi, mobile connectivity and Bluetooth. It’s also possible to turn these off separately in your phone’s Control Centre/Quick Settings menu if you need one or more to remain active.

Never put your phone in the fridge

When your phone becomes too hot to touch, it might be tempting to try to cool it down as quickly as possible. You might see some recommendations to place the phone in your fridge. Do not do this.

Questions of hygiene aside (do you really want your mucky phone anywhere near your fresh food?), there’s a chance this could actively damage your phone. Sudden changes in temperature can be bad for phones, while the rapid cooling process could conceivably cause condensation to form within the handset.

Gradual, natural cooling is a much safer idea. Find the coolest spot wherever you are, follow the above guidance, and leave your phone there for a spell. If you want to help it on its way, regular cooling fans can be a big help in drawing heat away from a phone.

The Government has accepted recommendations from the School Teachers’ Review Body (STRB) to award teachers a 3.5 per cent pay rise from September, followed by a further 3 per centincrease from September 2027.

However, the Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that schools will be expected to fund the first 1 per cent of each pay award from their existing budgets, with additional government funding covering the remainder.

Robert Poole, assistant district secretary of the Bolton District of the National Education Union, welcomed the pay rise but warned that the funding arrangements would place schools under even greater financial pressure.

He said: “The offer of a 3.5 per cent pay rise is a positive but limited step forward and reflects the union’s success in campaigning for fair pay restoration for teachers.

“However, we remain concerned that schools will be expected to partially fund the rises.

“The decision to force schools to fund the first 1% of the award from their existing budgets is a devastating blow.

“School budgets in Bolton are already stretched to breaking point after years of systemic underfunding.

“Expecting headteachers to find this extra money puts them in an impossible position, inevitably forcing choices that could result in cuts to essential resources, a reduction in support staff, or larger class sizes.

“Because of this, the National Education Union is quite rightly keeping all options on the table.

“If the Government fails to fully fund this rise, industrial action remains a possibility to protect both our profession and the quality of education in Bolton.”

The NEU, the UK’s largest teaching union, has previously warned it could formally ballot members for strike action later this year if ministers failed to deliver a fully funded, above-inflation pay settlement.

Following Wednesday’s announcement, an NEU spokesperson said the union was “considering all options”.

Teachers’ union NASUWT also said “all options, including possible industrial action, remain on the table”.

The Government announced that schools will receive an additional £1.8 billion over the next two years to help fund pay rises for teachers and support staff, while colleges and further education providers will receive a further £485 million over the same period.

Nationally, NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said schools would still be expected to find around £460 million from existing budgets despite the additional funding.

He said a partially funded settlement would continue to place pressure on schools already struggling financially.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the settlement, describing it as a “multi-year deal” backed by significant investment that recognises teachers’ dedication while giving schools greater certainty over pay and budgets.

The pay awards are above the current rate of UK inflation, which stood at 2.8% in May.

So what can I do instead?

Any other tips?