Connect with us
DAPA Banner

NewsBeat

Rangers vs Celtic LIVE: Old Firm derby latest score, match stream and goal updates

Published

on

Rangers vs Celtic LIVE: Old Firm derby latest score, match stream and goal updates

This is the second time they have met in a domestic cup competition this season, following an extra-time thriller in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park back in November, which Martin O’Neill’s side won 3-1 against 10 men. However, they have not won any game away at Ibrox since September 2023. Follow Rangers vs Celtic live below!

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Two teenagers taken to hospital after e-bike crash in Acomb

Published

on

Two boys and man arrested on suspicion of poaching near A161

The boys, aged 15, were travelling on a green Calibre pedal bike, which had been adapted to be electrically-assisted, when they were involved in a crash with a white Fiat 500 car, shortly before 9.40pm on Saturday (April 4).

The crash took place in Danebury Drive, at its junction with Ostman Road.


Recommended reading:

Advertisement

The teenagers, both from the York area, were taken to hospital with serious injuries, where they remain in a serious, but stable condition police say.

The driver of the car, an 18-year-old woman, was injured.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “It is believed the e-bike had travelled down Ostman Road to the junction of Danebury Drive, where it was in collision with the Fiat, which had travelled from Woodlea Avenue on to Danebury Drive.

“Any witnesses to the collision, or anyone who has CCTV, dashcam footage, or relevant information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.

Advertisement

“Please email nicholas.simposon@northyorkshire.police.uk and jack.dodsworth@northyorkshire.police.uk.

“Please quote reference number 12260060016 when passing information.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

North East CEO to take on Great Wall of China charity trek

Published

on

North East CEO to take on Great Wall of China charity trek

Nichole Munro, of Atomix Educational Trust, will take on the challenge in October  to raise funds for Daisy Chain, a Teesside-based charity supporting people with autism and neurodiversity.

Ms Munro said: “The life-changing support that Daisy Chain provides to neurodivergent people matters to me personally and when I can’t help people through my role as CEO at Atomix, I really do try to help other causes.

Nichole Munro in training in more casual attire (Image: Supplied)

“I love the fact that Daisy Chain provides safe spaces and so many activities which are a lifeline for many families across Teesside.

“It’s wonderful to see the difference support makes to people and I understand how life-changing it can be.”

Advertisement

Atomix Educational Trust works with young people who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), many of whom are neurodivergent.

Nichole Munro in training in more casual attire (Image: Supplied)

The trust has chosen Daisy Chain as its charity of the year for 2026.

Ms Munro described the trek as both “exciting and slightly intimidating.”

She said: “The Great Wall of China can be seen from outer space and is 1,000 miles long – and I will be walking 200 miles of that, so I have got to get fit for it.

Advertisement

Nichole Munro in training in more casual attire (Image: Supplied)

“It’s not the tourist’s route that we are taking, it will be steep and uneven terrain we are navigating over multiple days, in both humid and colder temperatures – but even so I said ‘yes’ to the challenge because autism and neurodiversity is so close to my heart.”

She said she is determined to complete the trek and not let down the charity or herself.

Atomix Educational Trust aims to raise £5,000 through Ms Munro’s trek, with all funds going directly to Daisy Chain’s services.

She said: “Although £5,000 sounds like an awful lot of money, everyone can help by giving even a small amount, as all those little donations add up very quickly.

Advertisement

“I’m getting ready for this, as I don’t want to let myself down by being unable to complete the walk, so I’m going to start running again and to improve my fitness I’ve started to do Calisthenics for 15 minutes every day.

“There is a lot of effort that I’m going to have to put into this challenge throughout the summer!”

The trust allows staff up to three volunteering days per year, something Ms Munro says is a “huge commitment” for a small organisation but one that aligns with its values.

She said: “With more than 200 students with EHCPs within our Trust, with a mixture of neurodivergence and every kind of need that you can possibly imagine, we also live and breathe the sort of support other organisations like Daisy Chain provide every single day.

Advertisement

“As a Trust, we strive to enable everybody to achieve success – whatever that might look like to them – because success looks different to everybody.

“That’s why myself and my colleagues and students within the Trust are delighted to support Daisy Chain through this challenge – because what they do really resonates with us.”

Daisy Chain supports more than 8,000 autistic and neurodivergent people and their families across the Tees Valley.

Its services include social clubs, respite care, wellbeing support, independent living skills training, employability programmes and animal therapy.

Advertisement

Daisy Chain’s Great Wall of China Charity Trek in October will see Ms Munro and other supporters take on one of the world’s most iconic routes, covering steep, uneven ground in changing weather conditions.

To support Ms Munro’s fundraising challenge for Daisy Chain, donations can be made at https://daisychainsglobalstepschallenge.enthuse.com/pf/nichole-plummer.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Cambs couple quit police jobs to start business picking up dog poo

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

They now earn an extra £12k a year than they did working in the police force

A Cambridgeshire couple quit their jobs in the police force to set up their own business picking up dog poo. David and Shauna Wiles launched their professional dog poop cleaning business in October after leaving their £41,000 and £44,000-a-year jobs with Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

Advertisement

In April 2025, they had already set up a window cleaning business but noticed an opportunity for a side-hussle scooping poop, which is already big business in America.

The married couple, from Peterborough, believe that they are one of a small number of businesses across the UK providing this service. They say that is is mainly used by the elderly and disabled, and also includes cleaning cat litter trays.

David, 42 and Shauna, 47, say the poop-picking side of their business is set to make an extra £12,000 a year and could eventually become more profitable than their £30,000-£40,000 a year window cleaning business. The couple decided to leave the police force because of the strain of the job. David has already left, and Shauna will officially leave on April 22.

David, who worked as an emergency call handler, said: “I left the force because, for me, I felt like I was letting people down – I’m one of those who want to help people and I was finding I was struggling to do that. Some want to speak to officers that day and I’m thinking you’ll be lucky if one comes out at all because we don’t have the resources to send out.

Advertisement

“I spent 11 years with the ambulance service before that and suffered from burn out and I just thought I’ve got bigger priorities in my life like my 10-year-old daughter who I wasn’t seeing as much. I just lost faith in the job and the window cleaning and poop scooping just gives me a chance to do what I enjoy and that is making people happy.”

Shauna, a previous domestic abuse advisor, said: “I got to the point where the job was affecting my mental health given the nature of the victims and cases I was dealing with. It just became too much.”

The couple set up their window cleaning company, Nene Window Cleaning whilst they were still working part-time with the police, but they both decided that they wanted to throw themselves fully into their new business ventures. They noticed the need for poop scooping services whilst cleaning windows and noticing the mess in the gardens.

They thought that as people pay for services such as car cleaning, delivering food, cleaners and dog walkers, why not poop scooping?

Advertisement

David and Shanua have since been helping people who struggle physically with the demands of the messy garden job. The couple, who have three children and are pet owners themselves, have roughly 20 regular customers on a subscription and have privoded one-off cleans for another 30 clients.

Shauna said: “We first noticed the need while window cleaning and coming across dog poo in gardens. We found ourselves having to step around a lot but sometimes our hose would get dirty. David then did a bit of research and found this was huge business in the USA but only a handful of companies were doing the same here.

“There were only about four or five nationwide but they seemed to be low budget and amateur, which I do say with respect, but what we offer is a more full professional works. We wanted the van with signage, uniforms, all the right equipment, including disinfecting gardens afterwards – we don’t think there’s many offering the same level of service.

“We use a horse bucket, which we empty into bags which are double bagged and put into the clients wheelie bins. We did query with the council if we would need waste disposal but as long as its bagged and binned with the homeowner’s permission that is fine. We are also DBS checked and have business liability insurance – we’ve put everything into making this as professional as possible.

“We have our own dog Rufus, a Bichon Frisé crossed with a Shih-tzu, so we’re used to picking up mess and you soon get used to it. You do come across some quite neglected gardens which prove quite tricky, but you adapt.

“We set up in October but have only been fully up and running since February. Despite this we already have around 20 regular customers paying us a £50 a month subscription. It is proving very popular already and bringing in on average £1,000 a month.

“We run the window cleaning and poop scooping as two separate companies and we aim to grow and expand to the point where we are employing staff. We have disabled and elderly people as customers but the service is available to anyone. These days people have gardeners, their shopping delivered or their houses cleaned .

Advertisement

“It could just be a job you don’t like doing, and to be honest it is one of the worst jobs around the garden to do, so there’s really no shame in it. We’re also introducing a grass-cutting service too to mow your lawn once we’ve picked up the poo. Some people might frown at it – but it’s a job we’re happy to help with.”

David added: “There is a need for our services and we are helping elderly people and those with disabilities. Those people were struggling and needed our help. As a result it is really rewarding. We have seen comments saying if you can’t pick up after your dog then you shouldn’t have a dog.

“But we have found those animals are very much loved. The big thing for us was to start a business to try and improve our lives. We wanted to get out of shift work and spend more time with our family. We have realised we are genuinely helping a lot of people.

“We wear specialised PPE and footwear and use tools and disinfectant. This service didn’t exist before and we are getting great feedback from customers.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

M&S’ sweet new spring food product has shoppers saying the same thing

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Marks and Spencer has launched a new sweet, spring product that’s perfect for the Easter season – but some shoppers have been left saying the same thing after spotting it

Marks & Spencer customers have been left wondering the same thing after spotting a new spring food product, perfectly timed for the final days of the Easter season and bank holiday weekend.

With Easter Sunday here, those who haven’t yet tired of sweet indulgences and are still hankering for more seasonal fare are in for a treat. In the lead-up to the long Easter weekend, lots of retailers have rolled out themed products to help shoppers fully embrace the festivities.

Advertisement

Supermarket and shop shelves have been packed with chocolate eggs, chocolate bunnies, cakes, hot cross buns, and a great deal more, all available in an array of styles and flavours.

M&S is no exception, pulling out all the stops with an extensive spring-inspired range spanning chocolate animals – including Toby the T Rex, Ralph the Cavapoo, Sunny the Sloth and more – alongside its indulgent filled and loaded Easter eggs, and its much-loved Eggstra Gooey Eggs, which come in various flavours and are cleverly packaged to closely resemble real hens’ eggs.

The beloved British retailer continues to hold its own on the high street, renowned for its premium products across departments including fashion, accessories, homeware, food and more.

The supermarket’s Food Halls have earned considerable praise among shoppers, with new product launches regularly causing a stir across social media.

Advertisement

Its Speckled Egg Cookie Dough sparked excitement after being featured by popular food Instagram account New Foods UK with the simple caption: “New Speckled Egg Cookie Dough spotted at M&S!!”

Listed on the Marks and Spencer website as an “all-butter mix” that’s “packed with milk and white chocolate chunks and Speckled Eggs”, shoppers were eager to purchase it – though many doubted the product’s authenticity since New Foods UK posted about it on April Fool’s Day (April 1).

In the comments section, one Instagram user said: “This needs to come with a disclaimer. Real or fake”.

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Another asked: “IS THIS REAL!!!!!!????”

Advertisement

A third said: “Please be real and not an April fools”.

However, a fourth countered: “this is a normal item, why would it be April fools”.

The product is genuine and can be purchased in Marks and Spencer stores.

Before it became the retail giant so known and loved today, Marks and Spencer began life as a humble market stall, launching in Leeds during 1884.

Advertisement

The chain maintains a positive reputation thanks to its quality merchandise across numerous departments. Customers can browse the latest fashion collections and explore an extensive range of homeware, lingerie, beauty items and beyond.

Just as sought-after are its beloved Food Halls, offering both branded food and drinks alongside M&S’s own-label ranges.

The hugely popular New Foods UK has built a loyal online fanbase through its regular updates, images and videos showcasing all the newest sweet treats, snacks and more discovered in supermarkets and retail outlets across the nation.

The account, which has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers across various social media platforms, frequently posts reviews and product updates as well.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Tree removed from rail track between York and Malton

Published

on

Tree removed from rail track between York and Malton

Trains are now running after all were cancelled following a fallen tree, which had blocked the rail line between York and Malton shortly after 9.20am this morning (Sunday, April 5).


Recommended reading:


TransPennine Express said that staff had been deployed to fix the issue at midday.

Advertisement

It came after several services were cancelled to and from York.

A separate service, which had been running prior to the incident, was forced to travel back to Malton after the tree fall.

It comes after York and North Yorkshire was placed under a yellow weather warning following Storm Dave – with a separate amber warning issued to North Yorkshire.

As The Press reported, the storm caused widespread damage across the region, with multiple instances of trees blocking roads and falling on vehicles and property roofs.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Jacqueline Jossa shares Easter break with daughters after Dan Osborne split

Published

on

Daily Mirror

EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa headed to the coast for a relaxing break after it emerged that she had split from her reality star husband, Dan Osborne.

Jacqueline Jossa has shared a glimpse into a wholesome Easter getaway with her daughters, marking her first trip away since news of her split from husband Dan Osborne emerged.

The EastEnders star looked happy and healthy as she documented the family break on social media, giving fans a peek at their time by the coast of Cornwall.

Advertisement

Jacqueline revealed she had headed off to enjoy the school Easter holidays with daughters Ella, 11, and seven-year-old Mia, sharing lots of clips from their stay at a beachfront holiday park in Newquay.

Making it clear the trip wasn’t sponsored or a gift, she told followers she simply wanted to show “what an amazing time” they’d had together. One sweet video showed the trio enjoying a jam-packed break, soaking up the sunshine and making the most of the seaside location.

News of the trip comes just days after The Sun detailed how they’d “decided to make the split permanent” after trialling a period of living apart.

The couple, who married in 2017 after first meeting in 2013, share two daughters together, while Dan is also dad to son Teddy from a previous relationship.

A source close to the situation said the pair had ultimately decided to part ways after spending time apart earlier this year.

“Everyone knows they’ve had their troubles, but after spending some time apart this year, they’ve decided to make the split permanent,” the source said.

Advertisement

Jacqueline and Dan’s relationship has long been under the spotlight, with a number of allegations and rumours surrounding Dan over the years putting strain on their marriage.

Throughout their 13 years together, the couple have been plagued with multiple cheating claims. Less than a year after they married at Delamere Manor in Cheshire in 2017, the pair split, citing that they couldn’t “make each other happy”. Then in 2018 rumours surfaced that Dan had been unfaithful with Love Island alumni Gabby Allen and Alexandra Cane, who both denied the claims.

Advertisement

Recent reports claimed that it was Dan, who ended their nine-year marriage after he could no longer ‘cope’ with EastEnders star Jacqueline’s behaviour, as she struggled to move beyond his past indiscretions.

Our source adds: “They’ve been so on and off, for Dan, it never really feels over. He’ll try to come back, because in the past he always has, and it’s worked. He’s desperate for them to stay as a family and win back Jac.”

Despite previously working through their issues and attempting to move forward, it’s understood that the pair had been living increasingly separate lives in recent months.

Advertisement

While neither Jacqueline nor Dan has publicly addressed the split, those close to the actress say she is now focusing on her children and moving forward.

Single and thriving – and at the centre of some of the soap’s juiciest storylines – our source says the star is in a much better place. “Jac is going from strength to strength,” they said. “She’s getting some great leads in EastEnders now, and there’s other work coming in as well.”

And we’re told that Jac hasn’t looked back since cutting ties with Dan. “She’s going to enjoy being on her own,” our source said. “She doesn’t need to be with a man to feel validated.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Storm Dave batters UK as homes left without power

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

While weather warnings have now been lifted, authorities are advising the public to ‘remain vigilant’

While the worst of Storm Dave has passed, the aftermath continues to disrupt life across the UK this Easter Sunday.

Advertisement

Utility crews and transport officials remain in a race against time to restore services after the storm lashed the country with hurricane-force winds and unexpected snowfall. Although the Met Office was able to lift several yellow weather warnings earlier than expected as conditions stabilised, the trail of destruction left in the storm’s wake remains a significant hurdle for households and people on the move.

The sheer power of the storm was most evident in North Wales, where a peak gust of 93mph was recorded at Capel Curig.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Other regions felt the brunt of the gales as well, with Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Aberdeenshire all clocking wind speeds well above 70mph.

Advertisement

These fierce conditions resulted in localized blackouts, particularly in Scotland. Engineering teams from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are currently deployed across Skye, Caithness, and coastal Aberdeenshire to reconnect a small number of homes that remain without power following a turbulent night.

Infrastructure and transport networks are still reeling from the impact. On the west coast of Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services faced significant cancellations, while motorists across the north struggled with blocked roads caused by fallen trees.

Rail travel was also hit hard. Network Rail Scotland managed to lift most speed restrictions by mid-morning, but passengers in the north west of England were forced onto replacement buses between Manchester Piccadilly and Chester.

In East Yorkshire, the Humber Bridge was temporarily closed to high-sided vehicles before eventually reopening as the winds subsided.

Advertisement

Adding to the seasonal confusion, the storm brought a wintry chill that turned rain into snow across much of Scotland. Residents in Glasgow, Skye, and Inverclyde woke to snow flurries on Easter morning, creating treacherous driving conditions even as the wind warnings were deactivated.

Met Office spokesperson Marco Petagna noted that while the storm pulled away faster than originally predicted, the cold air left in its wake will keep temperatures below the April average for the northern half of the country.

“Storm Dave will clear north east on Sunday morning, leaving sunshine and widespread showers across the UK,” he said. “Northern areas will see the heaviest blustery showers and feel cold, while temperatures elsewhere stay closer to average for early April.”

Advertisement

As the afternoon progresses, the focus has shifted from wind damage to the risk of rising water.

Despite the return of some sunshine, one flood warning remains in place for Scotland, while England faces a combined 18 flood warnings and alerts.

Authorities are advising the public to remain vigilant near coastal areas and riverbanks, as the combination of heavy overnight rain and lingering blustery showers continues to threaten localized flooding.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Fears coastal erosion could threaten Saltburn freight railway

Published

on

Fears coastal erosion could threaten Saltburn freight railway

The Saltburn to Boulby line serves the potash mine at Boulby and the British Steel site at Skinningrove, both major employers in the area.

While the majority of the route is some way inland, it hugs the coast at Huntcliff, Saltburn with only a coastal path, forming part of the Cleveland Way, separating it from the sea.

At a recent Redcar and Cleveland Council climate and environment scrutiny committee, members warned of “cliff instability near rail assets” and questioned officers over the approach being taken.

They also called for better communication with the likes of Network Rail, which maintains rail infrastructure assets, suggesting a “structured forum” should be established with the body and other interested parties to develop current and future strategy.

Advertisement

Saltburn councillor Philip Thomson, a member of the committee, said the line was “very close to the sea”.

Saltburn ward councillor Philip Thomson. Picture/credit: Ian Cooper/Teesside Live. Free for use for all LDRS partners.Saltburn ward councillor Philip Thomson. Picture/credit: Ian Cooper/Teesside Live. Free for use for all LDRS partners.

He said: “The challenge is monitoring these things.

“The clear lay evidence is that this part of the coast, particularly coming around Huntcliff, has a large question about its longevity.

“The service to the potash line and British steelworks at Skinningrove requires a forward plan, not waiting for further slippage to be planned on the assumption it is going to happen at some time.

Advertisement

“I asked the question [about a forward plan] and the answer came back saying we will just move the path to the other side of the railway line.

“That is all very well if the railway is not to be jeopardised as well.”

Cllr Thomson said Network Rail’s (NR)position was unclear and he had asked the council’s highways department to make a formal approach to NR with a view to a report being brought back to the committee.

Philip Chisholm, from Redcar, a former councillor with Langbaurgh Borough Council – Redcar and Cleveland’s predecessor – contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service  with his concerns earlier this year.

Advertisement

Philip Chisholm. Picture/credit: Supplied. Free for use for all LDRS partners. Philip Chisholm. Picture/credit: Supplied. Free for use for all LDRS partners.

He described how the freight line “clings to the cliff edge” with the Cleveland Way being “squeezed into a narrowing space” between the railway and the sea.

Mr Chisholm also described how last year sections of the walking route had been closed after rock falls.

He said: “The underlying geology has been unstable for decades, but climate change, heavier rainfall, and accelerating coastal erosion have turned a long-term issue into an immediate risk. 

“The question is no longer whether the railway is vulnerable, but whether we are prepared to act before it is lost.”

Advertisement

Mr Chisholm said the rail link was a “working artery” supporting East Cleveland’s industrial economy and freight access was “vital” to both the steelworks at Skinningrove and the Boulby potash mine.

He said: “The loss of the line would ripple through supply chains, employment, and regional competitiveness.

“Despite the scale of the risk, there remains no clearly articulated, publicly visible strategy that convincingly secures the railway’s future.”

Mr Chisholm said essential infrastructure investment could secure a solution in the form of engineered coastal protection and “cliff stabilisation”.

Advertisement

He said: “These are not optional extras. If this line were lost to the sea, the cost of rebuilding – if rebuilding were even possible – would dwarf the cost of acting now.”

Network Rail did not respond to a request for a comment.

A Redcar and Cleveland Council spokeswoman said the coastline in question was subject to a shoreline management plan (SMP) – as with other areas of the UK – with councils and the Environment Agency working together to make assessments as part of regional coastline groups.

She said: “The main purpose of SMPs is to identify long-term policy options to manage the shoreline in a sustainable way.

Advertisement

“The [current] policy is no active intervention…and not to encourage new defences.”

The Tees Valley Combined Authority, which previously set money aside for a feasibility study looking at the potential of passenger services being reinstated to the line, also did not respond to a request for comment.

Last year Redcar and Cleveland Council said planned engineering works to divert a cliff top road at Cowbar, near Boulby, were being brought forward after coastal erosion forecasts were updated and identified a much greater risk of collapse than previously thought.

It has continued to list the issue among several ‘red risks’ included in its corporate risk register, which is reviewed twice a year.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Smith-Watkins brand bought by John Packer Musical Instruments

Published

on

Smith-Watkins brand bought by John Packer Musical Instruments

John Packer Musical Instruments, one of the UK’s largest specialist brass and woodwind retailers and manufacturers, has confirmed the acquisition of Richard Smith Musical Instruments, based in Sheriff Hutton, North Yorkshire, and the company behind the Smith-Watkins brand.

Smith-Watkins is internationally recognised for its handcrafted cornets and trumpets.

Rob Hanson, managing director of John Packer Musical Instruments, said: “It’s a huge honour to welcome the Smith-Watkins brand to the John Packer Musical Instruments family.

Advertisement

“With his groundbreaking acoustic research, Dr Richard Smith was a pioneer and the result has been outstanding musical instruments which light up concert halls, recording sessions and military parades all over the world.”

The company is now part of a family that includes other respected names such as JP Musical Instruments, Rath Trombones, Taylor Trumpets, Sterling Musical Instruments and Rudall Carte Woodwinds.

Smith-Watkins instruments will continue to be manufactured at their facility near York.

Mr Hanson said: “These beautiful instruments will continue to be handcrafted in the UK, helping strengthen the future of UK brass manufacturing, and ensuring musicians all over the world can enjoy playing Smith-Watkins for generations to come.”

Advertisement

The acquisition marks the latest chapter in a long-standing relationship between JP Musical Instruments and Richard Smith Musical Instruments, who began collaborating in 2008 on the popular JP Smith-Watkins range of trumpets and cornets.

Smith-Watkins brass instruments are used worldwide in jazz, chamber music, big bands, orchestras, and studio recordings.

The brand has a particularly strong reputation within military music.

Smith-Watkins instruments are played by bands in the British Army, Royal Marines, and Royal Air Force.

Advertisement

Their fanfare trumpets have been used at high-profile events including the Grand National, the 2011 wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, and the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Dr Richard Smith, who founded Richard Smith Musical Instruments, is a prominent figure in the world of brass instrument design.

He completed a doctoral thesis on trumpet acoustics before spending 12 years at Boosey and Hawkes as chief designer and technical manager.

During his time there, he was responsible for the Besson brass range.

Advertisement

His designs include the original trumpets played by Derek Watkins (906) and John Wallace (907), trombones used by Roy Williams and Don Lusher (937), and the Sovereign/Besson 928 cornets, which remain popular in brass and military bands worldwide.

Dr Smith said: “Seeing Smith-Watkins instruments performed on the world stage has been an honour, and it gives me great pleasure knowing they are the choice of many of the world’s leading trumpet players.

“I have known Rob Hanson for many years, and with his drive, passion and inimitable business acumen, I know he will help ensure the company can thrive and continue to reach new audiences all over the world.”

His research has been published widely in scientific journals, and he has presented papers at international conferences.

Advertisement

He has also worked with leading symphonic and session musicians across Europe, the US, and Japan.

In 2000, Dr Smith’s ‘The Soloist’ cornet was awarded Millennium Product Status by the UK Design Council.

The instrument, which features interchangeable leadpipes for varied playing conditions and genres, was recognised as a prime example of British design and innovation.

John Packer Musical Instruments has twice received the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, most recently in May 2025.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Three youths charged after major fire erupts at abandoned Aberdeen mill

Published

on

Daily Record

Emergency services were called to the abandoned Stoneywood Mill building after the alarm was raised at around 5.20pm on Sunday, March 29.

Three youths have been charged after a major fire erupted in a derelict building in Aberdeen.

Advertisement

Emergency services were called to the abandoned Stoneywood Mill building after the alarm was raised at around 5.20pm on Sunday, March 29. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) mobilised four appliances, as well as a high reach vehicle and a number of other vehicles to Stoneywood Terrace.

Crews battled the blaze for a number of hours before it was finally extinguished, with the SFRS leaving the scene at 8.30pm. Police launched an investigation and officers have now confirmed that three male youths have been charged in connection with wilful fire-raising.

The trio have been reported to Youth Justice Management. No one was injured in the fire but cops urged the public to avoid the area and residents to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

Pictures showed smoke billowing from the building as fire crews battled the inferno. Paper production factory Stoneywood Mill permanently closed its doors in 2022 and has lain empty ever since, falling into a derelict state.

Advertisement

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Three male youths have been charged in connection with wilful fire-raising in Aberdeen. Around the 5.55pm on Sunday, March 29, police received a report of a fire at a disused building on Stoneywood Terrace. The youths have been reported to Youth Justice Management.”

An SFRS spokesperson: “We were alerted at 5.21pm on Sunday March 29 following reports of a fire affecting a derelict building in the Stoneywood Terrace area of Aberdeen.

“We mobilised four appliances, a high reach vehicle, and other vehicles with crews working to extinguish a significant fire. There are no reported injuries.”

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

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025