Living in a village is one of the most peaceful lifestyles – but it still has its drawbacks

The age-old debate of city versus village life is one that is hotly contested. Are you someone who craves the fast-paced city or do you prefer the serene peace of the countryside? I have lived in a rural village on the Cambridgeshire border all my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Living in Therfield, I have become accustomed to the charms of living in a village. But having spent a lot of my time commuting to Cambridge, I can see why some people are put off by the idea of rural living.

I used to commute to Cambridge around three times a week, and although the train journey can take as little as 15 minutes, the whole commute takes much longer in reality. I start by driving around 10 minutes to the station and then paying just over £10 for a full day of parking.

Once that is all sorted, it is a matter of waiting for the train. Sometimes I have waited for more than an hour due to delays.

In Therfield, you have two options when it comes to modes of transport – walking or driving. So, best believe, I began learning to drive the moment I turned 17. People from Cambridge truly are spoiled when it comes to transport. I’d be beyond happy to have regular trains, or better yet, a train station I could actually walk to.

For those who have never lived in a village, and have only heard rumours, there is one I have learned to be true. Neighbours do actually bring baked goods to your door, and pop round for a chat on a regular basis. Everyone really does know everyone within our tight-knit community, and more often than not I see and speak to my fellow residents every day.

Therfield, alongside many other villages, is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and lots of wildlife can be spotted waddling around. Yes, I said waddle – because the number of ducks you find crossing the roads is endearing.

Being in the countryside means being able to silence the noise of a bustling city and relax in the beauty of the idyllic views. On a sunny day, a walk along the public footpaths circling around the village can lift your mood, especially if you finish at The Fox and Duck for a drink and a meal afterwards.

This pub really holds the village together and acts as the perfect meeting point to spend time with the community. They serve both classic pub-grub and a la carte food. In the summer especially, it can get really busy, with regular entertainment and events taking place outside on the green.

Therfield hosts an annual village fete filled with many different stalls, a raffle, and usually involves activities like a coconut shy and welly-wanging. After the fete, the majority of locals walk over to the pub and indulge in some drinks and party the night away.

As well as a pub, the village is home to a preschool and a primary school which I attended. For me, growing up in a village allowed me to make close friends from a young age. Some of my fondest memories are knocking on my friend’s doors after school and playing silly games out on the green.

As much as these things are all lovely, I would still like to have a post office, or even just a small shop that I can walk to for essential items. My nearest supermarket is Tesco in the nearby town of Royston. This takes me over 10 minutes to drive to, and by the time I get back home, it’s somehow been over an hour.

In Cambridge, you may not have baked goods brought to you on a regular basis, but you do have everything you could possibly wish for right on your doorstep. From supermarkets to do your food shop and easy access to GPs, to independent shops like Lilac Rose or Podarok.

Whether it’s traditional pub grub at The Pint Shop or Bread & Meat, often referred to as having the “best sandwiches”, or even a scone drowned in jam at La Patissier, Cambridge has a cuisine for every need. There are still plenty of places I haven’t tried and tested yet.

The city is also home to some fantastic shops to explore and I enjoy visiting the Lion Yard and Grand Arcade for the variety of shops. This includes New Look, Sports Direct, and Hotel Chocolat – but brace yourself to splash the cash, especially on parking.

On a shopping trip to Cambridge, I can sometimes spend four hours there roaming around and I used to opt to park in the Grand Arcade car park. On a Saturday, up to four hours would cost me £18.90, which is pretty steep. Now, I choose to use the Park and Ride in Trumpington. It is free to park here for up to 18 hours, and you only have to pay £4 for a adult return ticket to the city centre.

The other thing about the city centre that sometimes leaves me feeling frustrated is the crowds of people that often block the footpaths. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck behind a slow walker, especially if you are a fast-paced walker like me!

Although I have my grumbles about Therfield, it is a gorgeous place to live, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else but the countryside. I will continue to enjoy my long walks in a remote area and enjoy food being brought to my house – as well as trips to Cambridge for shopping and socialising.

Beermaker BrewDog, which makes craft beer such as Punk IPA and Elvis Juice, could be up for sale.

The move comes months after the Scottish-based brewer announced its beers were taken off the taps at almost 2,000 pubs across the UK.

Before that, the brewery also announced the closure of 10 of its bars in July last year, citing ‘ongoing industry challenges’ such as rising costs.

Consultants have since been called in to help look for new investors, which could result in significant changes for BrewDog.

One point of concern was job security for its staff at Ellon in Aberdeenshire after the company announced the closure of its distilling brands.

BrewDog, which was founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie, have appointed consultants AlixPartners to oversee a sale process.

The brewery said it wanted to focus more on its beer products, but maintained that there has been no formal decision to sell the company.

It described the current economic climate as ‘challenging’, which was cited as a factor in considering a sale process.

A spokesperson for BrewDog said: ‘As with many businesses operating in a challenging economic climate and facing sustained macro headwinds, we regularly review our options with a focus on the long-term strength and sustainability of the company.

‘Following a year of decisive action in 2025, which saw a focus on costs and operating efficiencies, we have appointed AlixPartners to support a structured and competitive process to evaluate the next phase of investment for the business.

‘This is a deliberate and disciplined step with a focus on strengthening the long-term future of the BrewDog brand and its operations.’

The spokesperson described the company as a ‘world-class consumer brand’, adding that it is rated the number one independent brewer in the UK.

They said: ‘We believe that this combination will attract substantial interest, though no final decisions have been made.

‘Our breweries, bars, and venues continue to operate as normal. We will not comment on any further speculation.’

BrewDog operates 72 bars globally and owns four breweries.

The company gained popularity in the 2010s as pub goers craved independent beers and IPAs.

The brand gained a reputation for its bold marketing stunts, such as driving a tank through London.

It received an unexpectedly bad reputation after a school teacher was spotted drinking what was thought to be a can of BrewDog Punk IPA on the job.

Watt stepped down as BrewDog’s CEO in May 2024 after 17 years, handing over to chief operating officer James Arrow.

Arrow then stepped down from the role in March this year due to ‘personal reasons’, and James Taylor took over.

Watt is still ‘captain and co-founder’ at BrewDog, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Steve Borthwick’s confident side brushed aside woeful Wales 48-7 at Twickenham last weekend to make it 12 Test victories in a row, though are arguably without a real statement away victory during that impressive run. Scotland, meanwhile, will be desperate to ease the pressure on Gregor Townsend and bounce back from a shock 18-15 defeat by Italy, when they were caught out during a slow start before the weather conditions in Rome became almost unplayable.

A driving instructor has clarified the meaning of a “confusing” road sign in a bid to help learners – and even accomplished motorists – to fully understand these mandatory instruction signs on UK roads

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A driving instructor has clarified the meaning of a potentially “confusing” road sign to assist those learning to drive in passing their theory tests. There are hundreds of road signs on UK roads, all endorsed by the Highway Code.

Traffic signs serve to issue orders, provide warnings or directions, supply information and notify of road works. Despite many drivers encountering them daily, with such a multitude of signs to remember, it’s understandable that some people might need a little reminder of their significance.

Annie is a professional driving instructor who has garnered a loyal following on social media, where she simplifies driving regulations and shares easy-to-grasp tips and tricks to help learners recall what they need to know to stay safe on the road.

In a recent TikTok video, Annie drew attention to a blue circular sign with a white arrow inside, pointing downwards and to the left.

Seated in the passenger seat of a moving car, she addressed the camera directly and began: “Do you know what this sign means? Well, it’s a circle shaped sign, that means it’s an order. It’s a blue circle shaped sign, that means it tells us what we must do.”

Annie went on to say: “Now, the arrow is pointing down and towards the left so when we drive past this sign, we must pass it on the left side of the road. We can’t pass it on the right hand side of the road; we’ll be driving in the wrong lane.”

She then provided a useful mnemonic to help people remember the importance of circular signs. Annie said: “So all circle signs are orders and the ones with an arrow are telling us what we must do – think, ‘blue, must do’. Hope that helps.”

Another method to recall this is that the word “order” begins with an O, which mirrors the shape of these signs.

As the footage continued, Annie turned her camera round to capture the road ahead while approaching a roundabout. She went on: “So here’s another example of the blue circle sign – this one says you must pass on the left.”

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Upon turning left to join the roundabout, another blue circular sign appeared on the central island.

The driving instructor continued: “This one says you must turn left. Turn left now, you can only turn left onto this roundabout. So, blue circle signs tell you what you must do – blue must do.”

She then invited viewers to share which other road signs they “get confused with” so she could produce videos offering advice and guidance.

In the caption, Annie simply wrote: “Blue circle signs give mandatory instructions.”

Meanwhile in the comments section, people expressed their appreciation for the video, with some even revealing how Annie’s information had helped them in passing their theory tests.

More than 200 children have been killed amid the brutal crackdown on protests across Iran.

The demonstrations first erupted in December over economic hardship before swelling into widespread protests calling for regime change.

Officials estimate that more than 5,000 people were killed in the worst domestic unrest since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said at least 216 children have been killed, while hundreds more children were detained and taken away from their families.

Bahar Ghandehari, director of advocacy at CHRI described the killing of innocent children as enabling the ‘gravest of crimes to be committed with impunity’.

He added: ‘Hundreds of children are dead. Hundreds more are in detention and at grave risk of terrible abuses in state custody.

‘This is a human rights emergency.

‘The international community must urgently apply coordinated diplomatic and political pressure to demand the immediate release of all detained children and launch independent investigations to ensure accountability for their killings.’

The Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations said the children’s dreams, aspiration and futures were ‘taken by bullets, deprivation and systemic violence’.

In a statement, the association said: ‘Their deaths are not isolated tragedies; they are the result of a deliberate policy that has rendered childhood, education, and life itself expendable.

‘After extinguishing their lives, the authorities tried to erase their memory: banning the mention of their names, carrying out secret burials, and denying the truth of their killing.’

Protests began on December 28 in Tehran amid the collapse of the rial, Iran’s currency, which spread across the country.

On January 8, authorities in Tehran shut down internet and phone access before gunshots by government forces echoed through the city as the mass demonstrations threatened to topple the regime.

In the 48 days since the start of the protests, 7,008 protesters have been killed, according to the latest figures from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

It reported that 219 children were killed and around 11,730 deaths remain under review.

The killing of hundreds of children comes just weeks after a 23-year-old fashion student was shot in the head at close range after joining protests on January 8.

A shopkeeper was on the brink of being executed after he was detained during mass protests last month.

Erfan Soltani, 26, faced the death penalty in Iran for his role in the anti-regime protests, but was released on bail.

This week, the US military shot down an Iranian drone after it ‘aggressively’ approached an American aircraft carrier.

A F-35 US fighter jet shot down the Iranian Shahed-139 drone as it was flying towards the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.

The latest drone strike comes amid US President Donald Trump’s mounting threats to Iran in a bid to negotiate with the country.

Trump and his national security team have been weighing a range of potential responses against Iran, including cyber-attacks and direct strikes by the US or Israel.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Isabel, who has played Victoria Sugden in Emmerdale for nearly 20 years, has welcomed an adorable baby girl with her husband, Adam Whitehead.

The soap star is currently taking a break from the ITV soap, having filmed her final scenes in December before they were aired this week.

Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins gives birth to first child

The 32-year-old actress shared a post with fans on Instagram to reveal the happy news.

She shared a short video first showing the star ready to give birth, followed by audio of the baby crying, captioned: “And then we heard you”, with a pink love heart emoji.

The video said: “On February 11 at 1.02am. Georgie Grace Whitehead. 11.02.26. 8lbs 5oz.”

It ended with a Polaroid of the soap star cuddling her newborn in bed.

Partner Adam wrote in the comments: “The best birthday present I could ever imagine.”

Fellow Emmerdale stars rushed to congratulate the pair following the joyful news.

On-screen family member Danny Miller (Aaron Dingle) said: “Congratulations, you three!! So happy for you all.”

I’m a Celeb star, Lisa Riley (Mandy Dingle), wrote: “Congratulations, what amazing news. Love to you all. Love and hugs.”

Lawrence Robb (Mackenzie Boyd) simply said: “Beautiful.”

The actress first announced her pregnancy in August last year, just months after she married Adam Whitehead.

Has Victoria Sugden left Emmerdale for good?

Isabel Hodgins is taking a break from the ITV show; however has confirmed she will be coming back in the future.

Her exit storyline from Emmerdale due to her maternity leave was revealed in January.

Victoria shockingly killed her serial killer brother, John, as he tried to kidnap her during the Corriedale crossover event.

After this, she was blackmailed by Joe Tate, who forced her and Robert to sign over their share of the farm to stop her from going to prison.

The final scenes of Isabel’s character aired on Thursday (February 12), leaving the village, but telling her brother Robert that she would be back.

On taking a break from the show, Isabel said she “felt ready” .

An emotional departure 😢 #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/z8OLRBLUOJ

— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) February 12, 2026

Speaking to The Sun , she said: “I thought I would be really emotional when I filmed my final scenes.

“Emmerdale is all I have ever known. But pregnancy does funny things to you and the truth is I felt ready not to have to film on Emmerdale!

“I live in Manchester and I’ve been driving over to Leeds to film. By the end, I felt exhausted and I knew it was time to have a rest before the baby arrives.”

She added: “They told me it was up to me when I come back to the soap, which is lovely.

“I’ve been in Emmerdale for 19 years and it’s been a huge part of my life. Everyone has been so nice.”

She added: “I am in my own baby bubble now.

“I will be back in time but now it’s time to be with my baby and Adam. We can’t wait to be parents.”

Emmerdale airs every weekday at 8pm on ITV1 and STV1, with episodes available at 7am on ITVX.

What do you think will come of Victoria Sugden? Let us know in the comments.

In a bid to ease anticipated disruptions due to rail engineering works, a video has been put out by LNER – in partnership with East Midlands Railway – explaining to travellers how to make the most of planned rail replacement services that will be in use between Peterborough and Bedford.

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The upcoming engineering work will be take place tomorrow (February 15) and next weekend – February 21 and February 22 – with no direct access from London King’s Cross to Peterborough on these dates.

This change will result in very busy EMR services to and from London St Pancras – often with standing room only, and queuing systems in place.

The video highlights an alternative route using rail replacement services – connecting customers between Peterborough and Bedford for onward train services to and from East Coast Main Line stations such as York.

Customers who have purchased tickets for EMR or CrossCountry services via Sheffield or Nottingham on these dates can use LNER services. There is no need to change or buy new tickets.

For updates, visit lner.co.uk, eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk, or check National Rail Enquiries.

Police were called to the scene in the city centre after a report of ‘concern for a woman’ on Clyde Street at around 3.05am on Saturday.

A woman was taken to hospital after an incident near the River Clyde in Glasgow in the early hours of the morning.

Police were called to the scene in the city centre after a report of “concern for a woman” on Clyde Street at around 3.05am on Saturday.

Exact details of the incident and the woman’s condition are unknown.

Police Scotland said officers were still on the scene on Saturday afternoon as enquiries are carried out.

It is understood that an area has been cordoned off.

Officers are continuing to investigate the disturbance, writes Glasgow Live.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.05am on Saturday, 14 February, 2026, we were called to a report of concern for a woman in the Clyde Street area of Glasgow. The woman attended hospital.