It follows strike action by consultants and specialist doctors last week
Resident doctors across Northern Ireland are to take part in a 24-hour walkout over pay.
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The strike will start at 7am on Monday and go on until 6.59am on Tuesday.
Resident doctors in hospitals and GP surgeries will stage the action amid a demand for full pay restoration.
It follows strike action by consultants and specialist doctors last week.
The British Medical Association (BMA), a trade union and professional organisation which speaks for doctors, said that all doctors in Northern Ireland are in dispute with the Department of Health.
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They said GPs are still in dispute with the department over the imposition of the 2025/26 General Medical Services (GMS) contract.
Dr Steven Montgomery, chairman of BMA’s Northern Ireland resident doctors committee (NIRDC), said they feel they have been left with no choice other than to strike.
“Pay erosion for resident doctors still sits at up to 20% since 2008 and we lag behind our colleagues in the rest of the UK and in the south of Ireland on pay,” he said.
“Add to that, growing patient numbers without the necessary number of doctors needed to meet this demand and pressure, alongside younger doctors looking to leave the health service to work elsewhere for better pay and working conditions.
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“It is unfortunately a perfect storm for our health service.”
He added: “What does it say about our health service when all branches of practice in medicine are in dispute with the government?
“The health minister can bury his head in the sand about this problem all he wants but the numbers speak for themselves: there are not enough doctors to treat our growing, ageing population as our waiting list crisis demonstrates.
“We also know that over half of penultimate and final year medical students studying in Northern Ireland are either planning to leave the country or are undecided once they finish their foundation training, with poor pay cited as the main reason.
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“These medical students – and us as resident doctors – are the future consultants, GPs and SAS (Specialty, Associate Specialist, and Specialist) doctors that the Department of Health is dependent upon to meet growing patient numbers and implement its plans for a neighbourhood model of care.”
Dr Montgomery has urged Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to “engage in meaningful negotiations towards pay restoration”.
“It is unacceptable that doctors – frontline health care staff – have been once again forced into the position of taking strike action to be heard, while government sits on its hands, counts on our goodwill and delayed pay uplifts to keep the health service going. This cannot continue,” he said.
“We join our consultant and specialist doctor colleagues in calling on government to step in and resolve this dispute with a credible offer to avert strike action and solve these disputes without delay.”
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The Department of Health has been contacted for a response.
Videos circulating online show the toys, which are soft and easy to squeeze, being heated to make them even softer.
But experts warn this causes pressure to build inside the squishy, increasing the risk it may explode and release the hot gel inside that can stick to the skin and cause severe burns.
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The Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow has treated six children with injuries linked to the trend in the past eight months, with some needing skin grafts.
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Eight-year-old Joseph from Clackmannanshire, who needed weeks of treatment and a skin graft after a heated squishy toy burst across his chest and hand (Picture: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde/PA Wire)
One of those injured was eight-year-old Joseph Erskine, from Clackmannanshire, who needed weeks of treatment and a skin graft after a toy burst across his chest and hand in May.
His mother Stephanie Ewing said: ‘My husband and I were home. We were sitting in the living room next door when Joseph came in holding a towel to his face.
‘He had already wiped off the burning gel which had also taken off his skin. He was saying that his squishy burnt him and we initially thought he meant a chemical burn. Then he told us that he had put it in the microwave.
‘We were shocked as it had never crossed our minds that he would do that with a toy. He has never used the microwave before.
‘One of us had heated something earlier and so the clock was already set at 40 seconds. Joseph just hit start.
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‘It was that quick and easy for him.’
Specialist burns staff at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow are warning families about the dangers of a growing online trend(Picture: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde/PA Wire)
She said Joseph had seen the trend online and she urged parents to chat about it with their children and discourage them from doing something similar.
She added: ‘Joseph’s burn wouldn’t heal on its own and required a graft, where skin was taken from his thigh and applied to his chest.
‘He is normally such an active and sporty child with six clubs per week, but all of that is on hold until he heals.’
Her son must now avoid direct sunlight to the graft area for two years, which she said will be ‘tricky over the summer months’.
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11-year-old Scarlet Rowe from North Ayrshire, was treated for burns to her face and eyelid after a similar incident in May soon after she received a squishy toy.
Her mother Gina said: ‘We didn’t realise what had happened at first, it just looked like slime on her face. It was only after a few minutes we realised it had been heated and was burning her skin.
‘The swelling was so bad that we weren’t sure what the outcome would be.
‘Thankfully, no graft was required but it is so close to her eye that this could have been a lot worse.
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11-year-old Scarlet Rowe who was treated for burns to her face and eyelid (Picture: PA)
‘These toys are very popular and easy to buy, but we had no idea about the risks. We had only bought them that day.’
Burns specialists said injuries caused by heated squishy toys can be particularly severe because the gel inside can remain extremely hot and get stuck to the skin, prolonging the burn.
Sharon Ramsay, a burns nurse at the RHC, said: ‘Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing number of children with preventable injuries linked to this trend.
‘When these toys are heated, the contents can explode and stick to the skin, causing deep burns.
‘These injuries can be very serious and may require long-term treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
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‘In some cases, children are left with permanent scarring. We strongly urge parents and carers to speak to their children about the risks.’
Healing and recovery from burns can take weeks or months and children who suffer them often need ongoing care including dressings, physiotherapy and scar management.
Perhaps you might even blink twice as you spot Freddie Mercury having a mooch around Tynemouth Market. Even rock stars have to do something to unwind before a big gig.
Some of you might be shouting at paper, ‘Why man there’s nee way Bono would be at the Fish Quay’…well, let me explain.
Today, you can indeed see a galaxy of stars, including the ones I have mentioned, at Percy Park RFC in North Shields, for…drum roll…. Fake Festival.
As the blurb to the gig says, ‘Rock to the magic of the superstars, without the supersonic ticket price’.
Just a quick glance through the North East listings alone, tribute acts have never been more popular. The Bootleg Beatles are heading to Sunderland’s Keel Square on Friday, August 28, with support from Not The Rolling Stones.
Wherever in the region you live, it looks like you’ll not have to wait long before a top notch tribute act trundles into town.
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‘What about South Shields?’ Definitely South Shields. You can enjoy Talon – The Best Of Eagles or The Fleetwood Mac Legacy, both at The Customs House Theatre this autumn.
‘Any chance of Whitney or Phil Collins coming to Darlo Alfie?’ Got you covered. Coming soon to The Hippodrome, Seriously Collins – The Tribute to Phil Collins & Genesis, and in September, Queen of the Night; A Tribute To Whitney Houston.
And finally, later this month at Middlesbrough Town Hall you can catch Sabbotage (Black Sabbath Tribute) and Jimmy Nail….oh, that is actually the real Jimmy Nail, (well worth a watch by the way!!)
My own personal favourites, and I think this should be a prerequisite to being allowed on the tribute circuit, are the ones with brilliantly clever, puntastic names, Robbing Williams, Fake That, Lindesfaren’t (thanks to Ray Laidlaw for that one) and all the way from Wales, ABBA-gavenney (I made that one up).
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The Three Tonnes Pub, Sherrif Hill in Gateshead, is renowned for the best named array of doppelgangers and musical mimics. I love seeing the chalk board outside, advertising Gateshead Pie Festival with Bon Geordie providing entertainment.
The one I read as I cycled past the other day nearly had me falling off my bike. Inappropriate for a family newspaper but still laugh out loud funny. The less serious they take themselves, the more eccentrically British the genre is.
We know they are not the real thing, they know they are not the real thing, and yet for a couple of hours everyone agrees to suspend disbelief and sing along anyway.
ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes turned singing impersonations into primetime family entertainment and working men’s clubs have long welcomed turns who could shape shift into one of their heroes.
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What has changed is the scale (and sometimes the price). As I’ve mentioned, some tribute shows now tour major theatres and dominate the programming in many provincial art centres.
Some play outdoor festivals the size of which the original artists might not have even played to. Of course, we go because they may be the nearest some of us ever get to seeing the original acts perform live.
Tribute acts offer nostalgia without the eye-watering ticket prices, familiar songs without the stadium queues and security checks and a chance to relive a favourite era with our pals.
So if you spot Bono admiring a fresh catch at the Fish Quay or Dave Grohl waiting for the Metro, say ‘break a leg’, from me. Tell them I have been paying tribute to…the tributes!
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Facts and Footnotes
Björn Again, was formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1988 and have performed together much longer than Abba did.
Stars in Their Eyes, was originally hosted by Leslie Crowther and later Matthew Kelly.
The Bootleg Beatles were formed by London cast members of Beatlemania, following the final show of the West End musical in 1980.
“The review will also examine improvements and reforms that can be made to the non-domestic rates system, seeking independent advice and working closely with business to ensure the system works well, and to provide the clarity, the confidence, the incentive and the transparency businesses need.”
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Full Moon in Aries tooday brings a practical edge. Now is the time to knuckle down as hard work will pay off.
Aries, Taurus and Scorpio, something you needed to happen will come into fruition today. The long game is finally rewarding you.
Productivity and connestions with others are at a high, so keep expanding your circle. Keep set on your vision, but don’t write off new bonds.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Monday June 29, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
The Full Moon in your sector of worldly responsibilities can see you looking to get a better work-life balance, not just today but over the next fortnight. It may be that home and family strands have taken precedence of late and you may need to refocus on your career. Then again providing additional support for older relatives, or children can show up more now too.
Your practical side sees you like to express yourself with a purpose. If you have been enjoying a lot of interaction locally or online this has likely proved enjoyable, but you may have felt a bit scattered. Seeing the big picture is important or you might start to feel you are being distracted by trivia. Today’s lunation, and Mercury’s about turn, makes it a good time reappraise.
Your brilliant guide planet, Mercury, starts the second of its three Retrogrades this year today, in your sector of cash, just as the Sun and the Moon clash activating this very area too. Look to squeeze more from your resources. Be canny with purchases but most of all just anticipate that the flow of money, be it or out, will require extra scrutiny to ward off any mix ups.
An idea you have been working on for some while, is close to reaching a point where it can really take off, if you have really tied down the details. However, today’s Full Moon in Capricorn, could tease into the open over the next two weeks, that someone close to you, is not sure of what you plan. It’ll be important to break everything down in detail to reassure them.
The earthy Capricorn lunation asks you not to let your wellness routines slip. With such a lot of energy in a more sensitive area, including communicator, Mercury which retraces its steps from now, you may not feel quite as energised as you. Other people’s moods and needs can also feel more demanding and can leave you feeling more drained. Say no, where needed.
Your razor-sharp ruler Mercury begins its rewind in your sector of friendship and sociability, just as today’s Full Moon impacts that area too. Last minute changes around meet up’s, dates, gatherings are all possible in the next three weeks, but you can also rethink some of your long-term plans. It may prove tricky to keep of the people happy all of the time though, Virgo.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
You have been able to raise your profile in recent weeks, and likely forge contacts with some influential people. However, until any deal is signed, be as alert as you can, as their needs may shift, or your availability. You could with today’s potent Capricorn Moon phase also reconsider if you do want a higher profile role, as it may require a lot of personal sacrifices.
With your traditional ruler Mars, having now moved to your sector of revelations, the next six weeks can be a time when your talent for unravelling mysteries is heightened. Equally someone could show up on your cosmic radar who you find hard to ignore, and possibly hard to resist! Just be mindful that not all exchanges for the next few weeks, will be clear though,
Setting your boundaries more firmly, will come more clearly over the weeks ahead, which is good, and particularly around where you buy or sell things. Erratic energies can show up now Mercury, the planet of communication is retrograde, so being clear around the T&C’s, whether you are promoting items, or purchasing them, is essential, Archer.
The Full Moon in your sign, can be make you much more conscious of any relationship where you feel less sure. Although there is a big cluster of helpful energy in your sector of connections, think of quality over quantity. Although one alliance may look promising, with the messenger planet now in reverse, crossed wires are likely, however promising a tie seems.
Focusing on life’s daily practicalities is something we all have to do, but the thing is, when we do, we can get so caught up in the minutiae it is harder to see the big picture. And if your tireless industry and consciousness is leaving little room for your own personal needs, and the time to gather your thoughts, you may get weary. Take a moment for you now, Aquarius.
Whatever or whoever you are most passionate about at this time Pisces, do you feel that this or they fit into your future plan, in a way you are really sure of? If you have any doubts, the next two or three weeks ask you to not make drastic moves, but just to double check, you are sure. So, your time management may need some adjusting to what really is right for you.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a £5million Regional Obesity Management Service for Northern Ireland.
A new obesity service is to initially focus on individuals with the highest clinical need.
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Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced a £5 million Regional Obesity Management Service (ROMS) for Northern Ireland.
It comes as obesity is identified as one of the region’s biggest public health issues, with 65% of adults living with obesity or excess weight.
Weight loss medication for adult patients will be among approaches in ROMS which is expected to be rolled out in early autumn 2026.
The Department of Health said it will focus on those people with the highest clinical need to optimise health benefits.
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Mr Nesbitt said the new service will help improve the lives of many people.
“Obesity is a significant public health issue and those living with being overweight or obese are at a higher risk of a range of major health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers,” he said.
“This service aligns with my vision for the future of Health and Social Care (HSC), shifting left and bringing care closer to people’s front doors, as set out in my recently published neighbourhood model of health and wellbeing.”
Mr Nesbitt said obesity disproportionately affects those from disadvantaged communities (68%) compared to the least disadvantaged (62%).
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“The shift from treating ill health to helping people stay well will support longer, healthier, and more active lives, bringing Northern Ireland in line with the rest of the UK and improving health outcomes,” he added.
ROMS is planned to be implemented alongside the new Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme (OPIP) which received a £7 million share of an £85million envelope from the UK Government and pharmaceutical company, Lilly, and will be delivered in partnership with the community and voluntary sector.
Delivery of OPIP will commence in August with implementation of the ROMS beginning in autumn 2026, with an initial focus on individuals with the highest clinical need.
“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life.”
The Princess of Wales has issued an update and spoken out about how cancer ‘profoundly affects every aspect of life’ following her own experience with the illness.
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The future Queen was the first royal to completed the Three Peaks Challenge in a feat of endurance to raise money for a cancer charity and ‘explore life beyond diagnosis’. She revealed in a social media message that she had successfully taken on the trek, not only as a physical endeavour but ‘to give something back’ and raise vital awareness.
Princess Kate climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – within 24 hours this weekend, starting on Saturday evening (June 27).
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She carried out the challenge solo, supported on route by Mountain Rescue, and was greeted at the end by the Prince of Wales and her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and brother James Middleton.
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Kensington Palace said they believed the expedition was a royal first, with the princess being the first member of the royal family to complete the challenge.
The princess, who was pictured smiling broadly at the summit of Ben Nevis on Saturday evening dressed in a cagoule, with a cap on and her hood up, and trekking poles on her back, wrote: “I have taken on the National Three Peaks Challenge, not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back.
“The Royal Marsden is a place that holds great meaning for me and whose care and expertise are life changing for so many people. Through this challenge, I want to raise awareness for the deeper impact of serious illness and the importance of holistic healthcare.”
The princess, in the photograph at the misty summit, could be seen wearing her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which belonged to William’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, during the challenge.
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Sharing her own experience of cancer, she spoke of how she personally understood that the illness can affect every aspect of someone’s life. The princess added: “Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in this country hear the words no one wants to hear.
“What follows is a path that tests every part of who we are: physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The challenges ripple outwards, touching families, friendships, work and the quiet moments we spend alone with our thoughts.
“Cancer doesn’t just affect the body. It changes how you think and feel and profoundly affects every aspect of life. I know this personally.” Kate trekked for 23 miles, with a total ascent of more than 10,000 feet, and a driving distance of 462 miles between locations.
She was treated for cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has launched a specially designed fundraising page for people across the nation to donate. Money raised will be used to help more people with cancer to benefit from holistic care.
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Kate had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early in 2024, for which she underwent chemotherapy, and she announced she was in remission 17 months ago in January 2025. She has gradually returned to royal duties, including supporting the King at state visits to the UK and returning to international travel with a working trip to Italy in May this year.
The princess, who has long campaigned over the importance of spending time outdoors, wrote: “In the end, bravery isn’t just about pushing forward. It is about knowing how to stay grounded, connected and present, no matter the terrain, or landscape you are walking through.
“Together, we can stand alongside everyone navigating life with cancer, ensuring no one faces this disease feeling unseen or unsupported. Please know you are not alone.”
Kate, who signed her personal message with a “C”, also wrote of the benefit of holistic therapies, adding: “We have an opportunity to reshape what the future of holistic cancer care looks like, enabling more people, nationwide, to access the kind of personalised support that can help make a meaningful difference during and after medical treatment.”
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Money raised will also support research into how holistic care can best work alongside clinical cancer treatments to help patients, with the goal of creating a blueprint for change, so the supportive care becomes a standard part of cancer treatment nationally.
Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The princess’s commitment to The Royal Marsden stems from a deep empathy for those facing similar challenges, and we are immensely grateful for this generous support that will make a difference to the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.”
Yorkshire has plenty of National Trust sites that can easily be reached from York for a family day trip.
From impressive ancient ruins and manor houses to enjoying a traditional cream tea in one of the National Trust cafés, there are so many things to see and do at each spot no matter what kind of day trip you are looking for.
If you are struggling to decide which one is best to visit, here are the top five National Trust sites close to York.
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The five best National Trust sites in and around York
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
This UNESCO World Heritage Site mixes both medieval and 18th-century architecture with the “atmospheric” abbey ruins and “elegant” water garden that was designed by John Aislabie.
The site is described as being “a uniquely blended landscape full of secrets, curiosities, and breath-taking views”.
After walking around the abbey ruins and lakes and cascades in the water garden, you might be able to spot some red, sika or fallow deer in the deer park.
Beningbrough Hall
Found just outside of the city of York, Beningbrough features a country house with a collection of contemporary and traditional artwork to explore as well as selected items that tell the story of the people “who have shaped Beningborough”.
If the weather is nice, you will want to walk around the eight acres of formal gardens that contain historic trees and herbaceous borders as well as a walled garden with fruits growing all throughout the year.
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To keep children happy, there is a wilderness play area with climbing frames, slides, and swings for them to let off some steam.
Nunnington Hall
At Nunnington Hall, you can walk around the exhibitions found on the top floor of the house and admire the “fascinating combination of renovation and re-purpose” that helps to create both an “atmospheric and comfortable home”.
The hall is surrounded by a garden that runs alongside the river Rye where you’ll find colourful peacocks and flowers that keep the garden looking bright through every season.
If you fancy something to eat while visiting the hall, you can head to the tea room overlooking the garden where you can treat yourself to a scone or lunch.
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Goddards
Described as “a hidden garden on the edge of York”, Goddards is the garden found next to the former home of the Terry family, who created the Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
The five-acre garden has a formal terrace, wildlife pond, herbaceous borders, and a historic glasshouse on the edge of the York racecourse and if you pay close attention, you will be able to spot the Terry factory clock tower from the paddock orchard.
There is also a small kiosk where you can find hot and cold drinks as well as small snacks you can enjoy while overlooking the garden or finding a bench to relax on.
Treasurer’s House
You don’t have to leave the city of York to visit a National Trust property with the Treasurer’s House found in the middle of the city.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Druski will make history as the youngest host of the BET Awards on Sunday, where Lauryn Hill and Teyana Taylor will be honored along with stars such as Cardi B, Doechii and Queen Latifah who are expected to take the stage.
Druski will surpass Kevin Hart, who previously held the distinction as the BET Award’s youngest host when he emceed in 2011.
The 31-year-old comedian and digital creator will host the ceremony live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. EDT.
Who is nominated?
Cardi B leads this year’s BET Awards with six nominations, while Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist earned five nods each. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean and Latto follow with four nominations apiece.
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The album of the year race includes Cardi B’s “Am I the Drama?,” Clipse’s “Let God Sort Em Out,” J. Cole’s “The Fall-Off,” Leon Thomas’ “Mutt Deluxe: Heel,” Mariah the Scientist’s “Hearts Sold Separately,” Tyler, the Creator’s “Don’t Tap the Glass,” Bruno Mars’ “The Romantic,” and Wale’s “everything is a lot.”
Several of the year’s biggest hits are also in contention for song of the year, including Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Leon Thomas’ “Mutt,” Doechii’s “Denial Is a River,” and Mariah the Scientist’s “Burning Blue.”
Who are the show’s performers?
The first wave of performers includes Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I. and The War And Treaty.
Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte returns as the show’s announcer.
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Who will host the show?
Druski is expected to bring his improvisational style and internet-born comedy to the BET Awards stage.
He became one of entertainment’s fastest-rising stars through his viral sketches before expanding into sold-out comedy tours and collaborations with artists including Drake and Snoop Dogg, as well as appearances alongside figures like Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet.
“I grew up watching the BET Awards,” Druski said. “To know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history. But I’m still bringing my brand of comedy to the stage.”
Who will receive special honors?
Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award, which recognizes pioneers whose work has remained culturally essential across generations. She first emerged as a member of the Fugees before releasing her landmark solo debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” a genre-defying album that became one of the most influential recordings in hip-hop and R&B history.
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BET called Hill “the very definition of a living legend,” crediting her with reshaping music while inspiring generations of artists.
Taylor, who starred in “One Battle After Another,” will receive the Icon of the Year Award, recognizing a creative force whose influence is shaping culture today. She has evolved from a multiplatinum recording artist into an award-winning actor, director, producer and choreographer.
Music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award for her groundbreaking leadership and lasting impact on the music industry.
Rhone made history as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation. During a career spanning decades, she helped develop artists including Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Erykah Badu, Kid Cudi, Future, Travis Scott and Giveon.
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Are there any other standout nominees?
The awards will feature award categories including the Pulse Award for creator and content series and the Fashion Vanguard Award for cultural impact in fashion.
Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones
Tributes have been paid to a former Cambridge University lecturer among the death and funeral notices this week. Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements.
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Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.
Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling our helpful team on 01482 908084.
Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.
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Death Notices
(Jethro) of Thriplow, Royston passed peacefully to rest at home on Saturday 9th May 2026 aged 77 years. A loving husband to Jennifer, wonderful Dad to Conrad, Natasha, Hayley, Zoey, and Jade. A much loved Brother and a special Grandad and Great Grandad. Funeral service to be held at 10:15am, Cambridge City Cemetery and Crematorium, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge on Friday 3rd July 2026 West Chapel followed by burial. Family flowers only please, donations if desired in Geoffrey’s memory may be made payable to Cancer Research UK and left at the service or forwarded to Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309
Of Histon, sadly passed away on 3rd June aged 91 years. Devoted husband of the late Mary, dearly loved dad to Pete, Mark, Christopher and to daughter-in-law Debbie. Granddad to Matthew, Lewis, Claire, Samuel, Annabel and Oliver. Forever in our hearts. Funeral service to be held at Cambridge City Crematorium (West Chapel) on Monday 6th July at 1.15pm. Family flowers only please, however if desired donations to the British Heart Foundation. Weyman Funerals 26 Abbey Walk Cambridge CB1 2QJ
Passed away peacefully at home on Saturday 13th June 2026 aged 98 years. Loving husband of the late Sylvia – now reunited. And a much loved father. Donations in memory of Kurt are being gifted to MIND and may be forwarded to Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309.
Passed away peacefully on the 8th June 2026, aged 90. Loving mother to Adam, Sara and Catherine, loving grandmother and great grandmother, sadly missed. Funeral service to take place at St. Etheldreda’s Roman Catholic Church, Ely on Wednesday 8th July 2026 at 11:00am. Donations in memory of Eileen are being taken for Motor Neuron Disease. All enquiries to Ely Funeral Service, 30 Forehill, Ely, CB7 4AF. Tel: 01353 880555
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(Dick) Dr. Richard Ernest McConnel (Dick McConnel) has died at the age of 78 in Bottisham England on 13 June 2026. Richard was born 27 September 1947 in Wellington, New Zealand to parents Major Bertie Augustus McConnel and Edith Emma Hall McConnel He was head prefect and dux at Heretaunga College in 1965 and was selected a Rhodes Scholar at Canterbury University in New Zealand in 1970. He attended Oxford University and was a member of Merton College. He achieved a Doctorate in Philosophy and studied structural engineering. Richard went on to work on the Melbourne Bridge Project following the Royal commissioned investigation into its collapse. He later moved to Wurzburg Germany to work for a large construction and civil engineering firm where he specialized in bridge construction and integrity. Richard accepted a lectureship at the University of Cambridge in 1979. He was a respected expert in structural steelwork, space grids, and lattice domes, having authored academic publications and reference books such as “Space Grid Structures”. Throughout his tenure, he served as a University Lecturer in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge and was a long-time Fellow, Tutor, and Director of Studies at St John’s College Cambridge. He is celebrated as the driving force behind the establishment of the Cambridge University Rugby League Football Club, and among the College’s historic and competitive crews of the Lady Margaret Boat Club’s “Fellows Boat”. He was an avid supporter, and served as the Senior Treasurer, for University of Cambridge Sport Syndicate. During the last 20+ years of his life Richard was part of the village of Great Wilbraham Cambridgeshire, lived part-time in the US with his partner, enjoyed sailing in the UK and Europe, and visited New Zealand often. He is survived by his sons James McConnel, Charles Scanlan and preceded by their mother Sue Scanlan; survived by his daughters Hester McConnel and Helena McConnel and their mother Gail Baglow; his sister Frances Forsyth and brothers Owen McConnel and Stephen McConnel; and his partner Teri Willey. He will be remembered and missed by many many more.
of Oakington, passed away peacefully, on June 12th 2026 aged 92 years. Beloved Husband of the late Megan, Dearly loved Dad of John. Mr and Mrs Milton and John did the Oakington Christmas lights display on their house for 30 years, raising money for Magpas Air Ambulance. Funeral Service to take place at Cambridge City Crematorium, West Chapel, on Monday July 6th 2026 at 11.15 am. No flowers, Donations if desired made payable to Magpas Air Ambulance, may be left at the service or sent c/o F W Cook Funeral Service, 49 Church Street, Willingham, Cambs, CB24 5HS
of Balsham, Passed away peacefully at Arthur Rank Hospice on Thursday 4th June 2026, aged 82 years. Beloved husband of Jenny, much loved dad of David and Lisa and an adored grandad of Luke. Funeral Service At Balsham Parish Church on Wednesday 8th July at 2.00pm, followed by Private Interment. Family flowers only please, but if wished donations for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity may be sent c/o H. J. Paintin Ltd, 43 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4HS.
Passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 4th June 2026 aged 73 years. Loving Mum to Kerry, Martyn and Laura and Nana to 9 grandchildren. The funeral service will take place at Cambridge City Crematorium (West Chapel) followed by interment on Tuesday 30th June 2026 at 10:15. This will also be live-streamed for anybody unable to attend. Please contact the family directly for these details. Family flowers only please. Donations are being collected in memory of Carol and can be made online via her In Memory profile at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255
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In Memoriams
(nee Buttriss) Fourteen long years since 22nd June 2012 when your golden heart stopped beating. Daph I miss you so much but you left me with great memories of our love, your wonderful smiles and the time we spent together. Rest in peace my love until we meet again on Coniston Water. Your loving husband Ron and son David.
26 June 2021 Mum, Loving you is easy, We do it every day, Missing you is a heartache, That never goes away. You were always someone special, Someone kind and true, Who will never be forgotten, For we thought the world of you. Loving you always, Sherryl and Bill
To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.
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