Connect with us

NewsBeat

Ramsbottom deli closes shop doors to set up ‘dark kitchen’

Published

on

Ramsbottom deli closes shop doors to set up 'dark kitchen'

Sasilicious, which has been serving breakfasts, lunches and takeaway meals from its shop on Bridge Street, closed on Friday, February 13.

Owner, Sas Hardman, says that its “hasn’t been an easy decision, but due to rising running costs” the shop will no longer be trading.

The mum-of-three closed her Tottington store in December last year after two and half years of trading to focus on the catering side of the business.

This week, Sas stressed that “Sasilicious isn’t going anywhere” as she plans on running it as a ‘dark kitchen’ from her home, which is being fitted out with catering equipment.

Advertisement

Owner Sas Hardman (Image: supplied)

As of Tuesday, February 17, customers will still be able to order from the full menu, with breakfast available all day and into the evening and opening hours running until around 8pm most nights.

The relaunched dark kitchen will focus on “teatime favourites” including corned beef hash, cottage pie, shepherd’s pie, lasagne, enchiladas, chilli, curry and jacket potatoes, alongside the breakfasts and deli-style dishes customers are used to.

Sharing on social media, Sas said: “Just want to say a huge thank you to every single person who has supported Sasilicious at both of the shops so far – this next chapter means I can keep doing what I love and keep feeding you all.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NewsBeat

Parents jailed over death of 2-year-old Omra Wali Jan

Published

on

Parents jailed over death of 2-year-old Omra Wali Jan

Omra Wali Jan died in February 2024 after suffering a non-accidental brain injury less than three months earlier.

This week, Morsal Mohammed Naim, 32, Omra’s mother, was sentenced to nine years in prison, after pleading guilty to child cruelty in March 2025 and then manslaughter in January.

Firooz Wali Jan, also 32, Omra’s father, was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison after also pleading guilty to child cruelty in March 2025.

Senior investigating officer Philip Reade said: “Everyone who has been involved in this case has been deeply moved by the tragic circumstances of Omra’s death.

Advertisement

“The last few months of her life must have been truly miserable, being hurt by those who were meant to care for and protect her.

Morsal Mohammed Naim (left) and Firooz Wali Jan (right) (Image: GMP)

“This has been a challenging investigation spanning more than two years, involving countless medical and forensic experts.

“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts, which have led to justice for Omra.

“Omra was so young, her parents should have been nurturing her, allowing her to grow into the child she would become. Instead, they completely neglected their moral duty to protect her.

Advertisement

“Their behaviour and attempts to mislead our investigation throughout have made this case even more horrifying, so we welcome the custodial sentences handed down today.

“The investigation team never knew Omra, but we have seen countless images of her when being cared for by others, which show a happy, smiling, beautiful child, and she is in our thoughts today and always.”

The police investigation began in November 2023, when officers responded to reports of an unresponsive young child in Levenshulme, Manchester.

Naim said that Omra had collapsed and choked whilst eating a biscuit in the living room. She was unconscious when paramedics arrived and was taken to hospital.

Advertisement

Doctors who started to treat Omra were concerned about several unexplained injuries to her body, including burns and bruising.

A brain scan showed injuries inconsistent with the account given by her mother.

Further scans showed she had a rib fracture, and experts started to suspect Omra had been shaken with her head, possibly striking a hard, solid surface.

Omra was transferred to the critical care unit whilst detectives, forensic experts and medical professionals started the painstaking work of piecing together the evidence.

Advertisement

The family address was forensically examined, accounts from neighbours and family friends were taken, and forensic examination of mobile phone devices began.

By December 6, 2023, police had the evidence to arrest Omra’s mother.

Naim was arrested on suspicion of assault and interviewed at length, where the picture was building that she was the only adult present when Omra received her head injury.

She maintained her original account but was charged two days later.

Advertisement

On February 9, 2024, Omra died in hospital after life support was withdrawn, having never regained consciousness.

Naim was further charged in connection with her death.

Omra’s father was arrested in April 2024 in relation to the burn injuries and bruising that Omra had suffered.

 Alan Richardson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Morsal Mohammed Naim not only shook her daughter to death, but then lied about what she had done.

Advertisement

“As her mother, Naim should have cared for two-year-old Omra Wali Jan, and kept her safe. Instead, she inflicted the catastrophic injuries that caused Omra’s death.

“It is a killing almost impossible to comprehend in its cruelty and sheer senselessness.

“The Crown Prosecution Service worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case to put before the court, including witness testimony, phone downloads, expert reports and medical evidence.

“The strength of the evidence led Naim to admit causing her daughter’s death in the early stages of the trial.

Advertisement

“Our thoughts are of Omra, whose young life was cut mercilessly short – and all those affected by her untimely death.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

The faces and crimes of 4 Cambridgeshire criminals jailed this week

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

These are some of those to have been locked up recently

A drug dealer who tried to drag a woman out of her car and a career shoplifter who stole more than £2,000 worth of alcohol in nine days are among the latest Cambridgeshire offenders to be sent to prison. The list of criminals also includes a prolific criminal who burgled several homes.

Advertisement

These are some of the people were jailed after appearing at courts across the region between February 6 and February 13. CambridgeshireLive regularly reports on the criminal behaviour of people in the area.

Also on the list of offenders is a thief who stole hundreds of pounds of meat, laundry products and ready meals. He’s now been banned from every Co-op and Tesco in Cambridgeshire.

Here is a rundown of some of the Cambridgeshire criminals to have been jailed in the past few days.

Prolific burglar who struck several times in a month

Lee Edwards, 40, has been sent back to prison again after being convicted of a series of crimes. His latest spree began on April 29 last year and ran until June 5. During that period, his offending included stealing a car from one house, a motorbike from another, and taking copper piping and tools from a building site.

Advertisement

He was identified and linked to the burglaries and thefts through a combination of CCTV images and forensics before being arrested in Orchard Street, Fletton, Peterborough, on June 13. Edwards, of Queen’s Walk in Fletton, Peterborough, was jailed for three years and four months after admitting two counts of burglary. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of a pedal cycle, and a further burglary, for which he received no separate penalty.

Career shoplifter who stole more than £2k of alcohol

A prolific shoplifter who repeatedly targeted shops and businesses across Cambridge has been jailed. Louis Kidd, 39, of Arrington, stole more than £2,000 worth of alcohol and £142 in cash from a business in Sussex Street between December 16 and 25.

He also broke into the Asda warehouse at the Beehive Centre and targeted Co-ops in Milton Road and Hills Road on nine occasions. Kidd was given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in April last year, banning him from entering any Co-op in Cambridgeshire.

Advertisement

At Cambridge Crown Court, he was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison. He had entered guilty pleas to nine counts of breaching a CBO, nine counts of shoplifting and six counts of burglary.

Prolific thief banned from every Co-op and Tesco in Cambridgeshire

A thief who breached a banning order to steal hundreds of pounds of meat, laundry products and ready meals has been jailed. Ashley Till was given a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) in September, banning him from entering any Co-op or Tesco in Cambridgeshire.

But between November 6 and February 1 he breached the order on 14 occasions, stealing items including steak, chocolate and laundry products from the Co-op on Milton Road and Tesco Express on Christ’s Lane. The 37-year-old, of no fixed address, also broke into a pharmacy and stole £50 of prescription medication.

Advertisement

Till was sentenced to a year in prison after pleading guilty to 14 counts of theft, 14 breaches of a CBO, bike theft and burglary.

Thug who tried dragging random woman out of her car

A convicted drug dealer who tried to drag a woman from her car outside a doctor’s surgery has been jailed. Lee Holliday, 43, ran towards the woman’s car as she was leaving the Westwood Centre, Peterborough, on July 31.

The victim stopped driving when she noticed Holliday chasing after her, thinking there might be a problem with her car. Holliday, of Welland Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, immediately opened the rear passenger door of the car and got into the back, shouting “drive, drive, they’re chasing me”.

Advertisement

When the victim refused and told him to get out, Holliday did so but walked around to the driver’s side, opened the door, and tried to grab the ignition keys and the steering wheel. Holliday put his hands around the victim’s neck, attempted to pull her out of the vehicle, ripping her shirt and necklace in the struggle. The victim’s daughter, who was close by at the time, assisted in intervening and getting Holliday away from the vehicle until police arrived.

After a trial at Cambridge Crown Court, Holliday was convicted of common assault and was jailed for two years and five months, which included the activation of a two-year suspended sentence for drug offences.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Anti-social behaviour and racist graffiti leaves Belfast apartment residents ‘traumatised’

Published

on

Belfast Live

“Most of the residents in this building are taxpayers in this country, yet they cannot feel safe and secure in their own homes.”

Ethnic minority residents living in a Belfast city centre apartment block have been left traumatised following a series of hate crime incidents.

Advertisement

Residents of the Bass Building on Alfred Street have raised serious concerns following a series of distressing incidents involving repeated trespass and anti-social behaviour by a gang of youths over recent months.

According to residents, the individuals have repeatedly gained unauthorised access to the building, causing damage and leaving rubbish in communal areas.

READ MORE: Claudia Jaczyk: Police name 23-year-old killed in crash between car and busREAD MORE: Man arrested after reports of ‘suspicious activity around homes’

Concerns escalated significantly following a recent incident in which racist graffiti was discovered on a wall inside the building. The message has caused profound distress among residents, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, who now fear for their safety in their own homes.

Advertisement

Ana Chandran, Community Advocate and Director for Projects at the Belfast Asian Women’s Academy, says these ongoing incidents have created a climate of fear and intimidation for those living in the building.

She has condemned the incident and called for urgent action: “For months, residents of this building have been subjected to intimidation and distress. The appearance of such an explicitly racist and threatening message is deeply alarming and cannot be ignored.

“We have come here to work and pay our taxes. Most of the residents in this building are taxpayers in this country, yet they cannot feel safe and secure in their own homes,” she said.

Ms Chandran called on elected representatives, statutory bodies, and community safety partners to take stronger and more coordinated action to address hate crime and protect vulnerable communities.

“Hate has no place in our society. We need clear leadership and decisive action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that residents are protected from further harm,” she said

The residents are also urging authorities to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and to work proactively with the community to prevent further incidents and restore a sense of safety and dignity for those affected.

Police say they are investigating concerns regarding recent anti-social behaviour in the Alfred Street area.

Advertisement

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We received a report on Saturday afternoon, February 14 of criminal damage to an internal wall in a residential building on the street.“It’s understood that a group of youths entered the complex, causing damage to bins and sprayed graffiti on a wall. This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime and enquiries are ongoing at this time.“We will continue to work alongside partner agencies, local representatives and the community to find collaborative and proactive solutions to address the problem. Those identified as being involved in this criminality will be brought to justice.“I would encourage anyone that witnesses or is a victim of a Hate Crime or incident to ring us on 101, report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or speak directly to your Neighbourhood Team.”

To ensure you don’t miss out on all the latest from Belfast Live, be sure to make us your preferred source on Google.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Popular Scots McDonald’s bans under-18s after string of incidents

Published

on

Daily Record

Bosses at the fast food chain’s restaurant at Glasgow’s Forge shopping centre in Parkhead is barring youngsters from coming in without an adult.

A popular Scots McDonald’s has banned kids to ensure the “safety” of customers.

Advertisement

Bosses at the fast food chain’s restaurant at Glasgow’s Forge shopping centre in Parkhead said it had been forced to stop youngsters from coming in without an adult due to concerns over anti-social behaviour.

A sign was placed on the door saying “no under 18s” after the new “temporary” ban was brought in.

The move follows similar restrictions at other McDonald’s around the country in recent years.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “At McDonald’s we have a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour, and the safety and security of anyone visiting our restaurants remains our highest priority.

Advertisement

“The decision to impose this temporary measure was not taken lightly, and our Parkhead restaurant team continues to work closely with local police, Glasgow City Council, and local youth projects to help address the wider issue of anti-social behaviour in the area.”

The McDonald’s on Helen Street in the city‘s Govan also banned teens from entering after 6pm in June amid safety fears. The franchise offered a takeaway service instead for youngsters.

In May, a restaurant at Costorphine Retail Park in Edinburgh brought in the same ban after reports of anti-social behaviour.

Advertisement

In 2023, a Highland McDonald’s also moved to ban teens at night becaue of verbal abuse targeted at its workers.

Bosses at the Fort William fast food premises said it had not been an easy decision, but it had to protect the wellbeing of staff and customers.

Last weekend a mass brawl between teenage thugs broke out in a McDonald’s in Dundee.

Police were called to the Kingsway East restaurant on Longtown Road after the alarm was raised at around 10.30pm on Saturday, February 7.

Advertisement

The shocking incident was captured in video footage as the yobs battered into each other. In the clip around a dozen school-age teenagers are heard shouting as punches are thrown between the youths.

A 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with assault as a result of the incident.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man dies after entering floodwater during police pursuit

Published

on

Wales Online

The man was found after an hours-long search but could not be saved

A man has died after he entered floodwater during a police chase in South Derbyshire. Officers had been pursuing a vehicle towing a caravan that was believed to have been stolen from Oakerthorpe, Derbyshire Police said.

During the pursuit in the early hours of Saturday, the occupants of the vehicle rammed police cars before coming to a stop near Egginton, the force added.

Advertisement

Police said both men fled the vehicle and one arrest was made a short time later. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

A second man entered the flooded Egginton Brook near the junction of Main Street and Ash Grove Lane.

After searches by police and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service over several hours, the man was recovered from the water.

He was treated by ambulance crews at the scene and taken to Royal Derby Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Advertisement

Because the death happened after police contact, the force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Formal identification of the deceased man has not yet taken place and efforts are ongoing to trace his next of kin, the force added.

Adrian Osiecki, 34, from Harnall Lane West, Coventry, has been charged with dangerous driving, including failing to stop for police and criminal damage to police vehicles; driving without insurance; driving while disqualified and theft of a caravan.

He is due to appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Advertisement

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Call the Midwife sees huge Broadchurch star join BBC show in new role

Published

on

Wales Online

Call the Midwife series 15 episode six features a Broadchurch and EastEnders star in a new guest role

Call the Midwife returns with a fresh episode on Sunday, bringing a host of compelling storylines for audiences to enjoy.

The synopsis for series 15, episode six states: “The Nonnatus team help a young father come to terms with a life-threatening diagnosis, and Trixie uncovers a mystery illness in a female wrestler.”

Advertisement

Joining the beloved BBC period medical drama for this episode is actress Charlotte Beaumont. Many viewers will recognise the 30-year-old from her numerous television appearances throughout her career.

Charlotte portrayed Tasha in EastEnders back in 2010, before securing a part in Broadchurch as Chloe Latimer. She featured in the ITV crime drama alongside Olivia Colman and David Tennant between 2013 and 2017.

The opening series, broadcast in 2013, centred on the death of 11-year-old local boy Danny Latimer and explored how grief, suspicion and media scrutiny affected the community, reports the Mirror.

Advertisement

A central element of that season was Danny’s family – his mother Beth, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, father Mark, portrayed by Andrew Buchan, and sister Chloe, portrayed by Charlotte – as it charted their bereavement and quest for justice.

Charlotte’s additional credits throughout the years include Waterloo Road, where she took on the recurring role of Kenzie Calhoun in 2015, Adelaide Scott in Death in Paradise in 2018, and a recent return to EastEnders in 2025, playing Jill.

In preview images from Sunday’s instalment, Charlotte appears as Tina Bianchi, with the character shown to be heavily pregnant in the BBC programme. In one photograph, Tina can be seen reading in bed alongside her husband, Tony Bianchi, portrayed by Steffan Rizzi. Another image shows Shelagh Turner, portrayed by Laura Main, checking Tina’s baby bump.

This follows viewers becoming emotional and worried about Sister Monica Joan, portrayed by Judy Parfitt, during last Sunday’s instalment. Sister Monica Joan has been a key character since the programme’s debut episode in 2012, with actress Judy celebrating her 90th birthday in November.

In the most recent episode, Sister Monica Joan had lost her appetite, even turning down pudding, which raised alarm at Nonnatus House, particularly when Sister Julienne, portrayed by Jenny Agutter, observed her swollen feet.

Dr Turner, portrayed by Stephen McGann, visited Sister Monica Joan at home, where he disclosed she had kidney failure, explaining that additional tests would provide more information. Sister Julienne said to Dr Turner: “This was always going to come, wasn’t it? In one form or other.”

To which Dr Turner sombrely responded: “And, when it does, it’s going to feel like the Ravens leaving the Tower of London. The end of the known world.”

Call the Midwife returns on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

British tourists warned as strong winds set to batter Canary Islands with weather alerts in place

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Everything you need to know about the weather warnings across the Canary Islands

Winds of up to 90kmh have been forecast to hit parts of the Canary Islands over the coming days as Spain’s state meteorological agency (AEMET) has issued several weather warnings.

Over the next few days the islands, a popular holiday destination, which belong to Spain but are located to the west of Africa – are affected by yellow coastal and wind warnings, issued by AEMET.

Similarly to the UK’s severe weather system implemented by the Met Office, AEMET issues weather warnings in varying severities – yellow, amber and red – and for a range of phenomenon including rain, hail, snow, wind among others.

Advertisement

Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN

A yellow warning means that there is low risk from the weather. AEMET explains that although the general population is not in danger, certain activities may be affected. The recommendation issued by the AEMET in this warning is: “Stay alert. It is advisable to regularly check the weather forecast, as some outdoor activities could be affected.”

On Sunday (February 15), there are coastal warnings around all but two of the Canary Islands – affecting La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. The same day, wind warnings are in force across El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

AEMET warns that in some of the affected areas, wind gusts could reach 90kmh (around 55mph) at its worst. Gusts of up to 90 km/h are possible in high areas and areas of typical acceleration. These warnings are set to be lifted at around 5pm on Sunday.

Advertisement

On Monday (February 16), AEMET has issued a warning for suspended dust affecting all of the Canary Islands. The warning reads: “Visibility: 3000 m. The most significant concentrations will occur above 400-500 meters.”

The warning for suspended dust will remain in place all day on Monday and into the next day, being lifted at 12pm on Tuesday (February 17).

Also known as Calima, suspended dust is caused by strong winds transporting dust particles, often leading to reduced visibility. These conditions can cause respiratory discomfort and make outdoor activities difficult.

Advertisement

Over in mainland Spain, there are several yellow weather alerts in force along the coast on Sunday for wind, rain and avalanches in the north east. The following day similar warnings are in place, plus one more severe amber alert for wind in Tarragona where gusts could reach 90kmh.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Woman’s body found in Aberdeen property as police probe ‘unexplained’ death

Published

on

Daily Record

Police were called to the incident at 4.15pm on Friday

A woman’s body has been found at a property in Aberdeen.

Advertisement

Police were called to the incident on Station Road in Dyce near Aberdeen at 4.15pm on Friday, February 13. Officers attended and a woman was found dead within.

Her death is currently being treated as unexplained. Cops, however, say there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

A report is due to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Around 4.15pm on Friday, 13 February, 2026, emergency services attended at Station Road, Dyce following the death of a woman. Her death is being treated as unexplained, however there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

Advertisement

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Over 6,000 people killed in three days as Sudanese city of Al Fashir was attacked by paramilitary group, says UN | World News

Published

on

Signs of shelling in a school where displaced people sheltered, in Al Fashir, Sudan. Pic: Reuters

More than 6,000 people were killed in three days when a Sudanese paramilitary group took control of the key city of Al Fashir last October, the United Nations has said.

The offensive by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) included widespread atrocities that amounted to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, the UN Human Rights Office said in a report.

Rights violations in the final push for the city in Sudan underscored how “persistent impunity fuels continued cycles of violence”, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk.


Sky’s Yousra Elbagir covered the fall of the city in October

Advertisement

The RSF and their allied Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, overran Al Fashir, the Sudanese army’s only remaining stronghold in Darfur, on 26 October 2025 and rampaged through the city and its surroundings.

It had previously been under siege for more than 18 months.

The UN Human Rights Office said it documented the killing of at least 4,400 people inside the city between 25 October and 27 October, while more than 1,600 were killed as they were trying to flee the RSF rampage.

The 29-page UN report detailed atrocities that it said ranged from mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, abductions for ransom, torture and ill-treatment to detention and disappearances.

Advertisement

In many cases, the attacks were ethnicity-motivated, it said.

Sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, was apparently widespread during the Al Fashir offensive, with RSF fighters and their allied militias targeting women and girls, the report added.

Smoke rises over Al Fashir last October
Image:
Smoke rises over Al Fashir last October

The RSF did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

The alleged atrocities in Al Fashir, the provincial capital of North Darfur, mirror a pattern of RSF conduct in other areas in its war against the Sudanese army, the report said.

The tribal militia turned paramilitary is known to document its own war crimes.

Advertisement

Videos of their fighters lynching women, lashing emergency responders and cheering over dead bodies have circulated online since the start of the conflict.

Yvette Cooper recently went to the Sudanese border in Chad to meet women fleeing the war in Sudan. Pic: PA
Image:
Yvette Cooper recently went to the Sudanese border in Chad to meet women fleeing the war in Sudan. Pic: PA

Read more:
1,000 days of war in Sudan
UK sanctions four paramilitary commanders over ‘mass killings’

The war began in April 2023 when a power struggle between the two sides led to open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the country.

Advertisement

The conflict created the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with parts of the nation pushed into famine.

It has also been marked by atrocities, which the International Criminal Court said it was investigating as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been accused of backing the RSF, something that an RSF intelligence officer appeared to confirm in an exclusive interview with Sky News.

But the UAE’s foreign ministry hit back at the allegations, saying: “We categorically reject any claims of providing any form of support to either warring party since the onset of the civil war.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

how cruel Victorians sent insulting cards to their unwanted suitors

Published

on

how cruel Victorians sent insulting cards to their unwanted suitors

Many people imagine the Victorians to be the stern “we are not amused” type, yet they had a pretty cruel sense of humour when it came to Valentine’s Day. While today’s lovers often exchange cute (and cheesy) cards, the Victorians loved to send insulting “vinegar Valentines”.

I first discovered this peculiar practice in 2019, when I designed a small exhibition at The Atkinson arts hub in Southport as part of a larger show about Victorian humour. Researching the cards was eye-opening and a lot of fun, and I think of them every Valentine’s Day when I look at the more sentimental and affectionate fare on sale now.

Posted to unwanted suitors or people one disliked, vinegar Valentines were cheaply produced cards with unflattering images and offensive poems. These anonymous illustrations and verses were intended to represent the unfortunate recipient and point out their flaws, as well as leaving them guessing who sent it.

The last word in bad romance, these mock valentines were particularly popular in Britain and America from the 1840s onwards. They featured many different types of caricatures.

Advertisement

Some cards focused on the recipient’s looks, exaggerating or shrinking facial features to look as unpleasant as possible. The illustration above depicts a women with squashed, unappealing features – and the accompanying verse highlighted these flaws. The rhyme, A Beanery Beauty, states:

Though nothing more homely e’er walked on two feet,

In your own mind you’re everything lovely and sweet,

That you’re not a heart-breaker’s a fact I’d impart –

You may break lots of dishes, but nary a heart.

Advertisement

The card lampoons the recipient’s presumptions that she is attractive and good-tempered. However, the verse cuts through the supposed good opinion the lady has of herself by asserting that she would never be admired enough to be loved. The line describing how she “may break lots of dishes, but nary a heart” is the zinger. Not only is the poor woman deemed unattractive, she’s clumsy too.

This chap’s bad behaviour has definitely been rumbled.
CC BY

Women were not the only recipient of Valentine’s Day hate mail – men were denigrated if considered to be unappealing flirts. A common feature of vinegar Valentines was to depict the recipient as an animal. My favourite features a snake in a blue smoking jacket with a black top hat, and a horrified lady in the background.

The accompanying poem states the man is a “rattlesnake”, hence the image, and describes the “bitter” life a lady would lead with the recipient as a spouse. It ends with the cautionary line that a lady would “not accept the ring / Or evermore ‘twould prove a sting”.

These cards were phenomenally popular and demonstrate what happens when love goes wrong. But how did Victorians actually meet their potential spouses?

Advertisement

A Victorian version of online dating

A new method of courtship in the Victorian era was placing a matrimonial advert in a newspaper or periodical. These advertisements were much like a modern-day dating profile, where readers would submit their “bio” to the paper and wait for it to be published.

One paper that regularly featured matrimonial adverts was Ally Sloper’s Half-Holiday, an illustrated weekly that focused on the leisure pursuits of the late-19th century.

An early version of the comic strip, the Half-Holiday established an enormous readership, reaching 340,000 people. Most stories followed the fictional exploits of idle schemer Ally Sloper, who skulked and sloped about the alleyways of East London in the late 19th century. The “half-holiday” referred to the half day on a Saturday when people were free to indulge in leisure activities, and which for many coincided with football matches.

Advertisement

This Victorian serial comic strip followed the fictional exploits of Ally Sloper.
British Library / WIkipedia

The dodgy Sloper was the main recurring character, but the paper also regularly featured his glamorous daughter, a music-hall actress and founder of Tootsie’s Matrimonial Agency. The paper liked to pretend their fictional characters were a genuine family, and offered real services to their readers. As the most romantic character, Tootsie Sloper was the natural figurehead for romance-seeking readers. Hopeful advertisers often described themselves as “fond of fun” and wanted their partners to be “jolly”.

Others played with humour in their ads, like the “Two Young Gentlemen” who described themselves to be “not painfully repulsive, but not precisely dangerously handsome”. Despite fears that dating adverts were full of scammers – much like catfishing today – they provided a novel way for partners to meet, and allowed regular readers the fun of speculating about the advertisers.

Victorians were not the perpetually grim-faced, serious bunch that old photographs often make out. They were fun-loving people who enjoyed playing practical jokes on one another. Matrimonial adverts allowed Victorian lovers to have more control over how they presented themselves to potential partners, and express their humour for all to see.

Vinegar Valentines were one of many ways the Victorians shared their sense of humour, while rejecting any unwanted attention. Insulting in nature, these cards were were intended to make the recipient feel foolish, much like the jokes found in comic papers at the time.

But spare a thought for the poor souls who received one of these cruel cards before the era of prepaid postage. They had to pay to receive their insults!

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025