The newest polpette-slinger on the block, CeCe’s, is the latest restaurant from the Public House Group (Fat Badger, The Hero and so on). Meatballs are a standalone dish here and served al sugo, plump and traditional and a little coarse. The dish is a starter rather than a main course, sitting with other big hitters such as mozzarella in carozza and sea bream carpaccio.

Since his passing, his niece has been passionate about raising awareness of what happened to him.

Six years ago today, March 23, Northern Ireland along with rest of the UK entered the first national lockdown to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The pandemic catapulted Northern Ireland along with the rest of the world into a new way of living but it also brought waves of heartache to thousands of families.

As the first deaths from coronavirus began to be recorded in early 2020, heartbroken families were forced to mourn the loss of loved ones in a very different way and faced an unnatural grieving process.

READ MORE: Divided Stormont led to ‘chaotic’ Covid response, public inquiry findsREAD MORE: ‘I was collateral damage’ – woman left disabled after Covid vaccine speaks out

Covid restrictions also saw families separated from their loved ones in hospitals and residential care facilities while attendances were also severely restricted for funerals.

Every death left behind a grieving family and friends and since then many of those impacted have chosen to speak openly about the loss of their loved ones, both young and old.

Raymond McAleese from Glenavy was just 52 when he passed away at Antrim Area Hospital in September 2021. He died within a week of contracting the virus.

His niece Lauren Mallon, 26, says her uncle “had no human rights in life or death” and since his passing, the young Co Antrim woman has been passionate about raising awareness of what happened to him.

But she also said she feels her uncle was “written off” as a recovery prospect because he had Down’s Syndrome and that the most vulnerable like Raymond were “let down” during the pandemic.

Speaking to Belfast Live to mark the sixth anniversary of lockdown, Lauren shared fond memories of her much-loved uncle who had lived with her family for most of his life before moving into care for what turned out to be his final two years.

Lauren said: “He had Down’s Syndrome, but it was definitely not a defining feature of his life. In many ways he thought he was normal and I suppose that’s because we treated him like he was normal. To us he was no different and we never knew him any differently to what he was.”

She added: “You can’t explain a pandemic to someone with a learning difficulty because to him it’s like: ‘what do you mean? you’re not sick, I’m not sick, why?’ so it was just really difficult for him to comprehend.

“He loved seeing us. The first thing he always did was give you a big hug, and he would have been giggling and laughing. He was always so excited to see everybody so not having that contact during lockdown was a really difficult time for everybody.”

In September 2021, Lauren’s mother Paulette was informed that her brother had contracted Covid and was being moved from his care home to hospital.

Lauren recalled: “They moved him to hospital and they put him into A&E and my mum had to go down actually and sit with him for a while because he couldn’t understand that he couldn’t walk about. A couple of days went by and he seemed to be doing OK.

“They started to talk about, right, he does have Covid but he’s on oxygen and if we can keep his levels pretty stable, we can give him oxygen in his care home so we could move him back.

“But then they said, ‘oh no he’s really, really unwell’. My mum was very concerned at that point and she just remembers saying ‘do you mean he’s dying, is that what you’re trying to tell me? They said ‘yes at this point it’s unlikely that we think he’d recover’ so then it was really just a waiting game for the inevitable.”

Lauren added: “He died on Sunday, September 26 2021 at 6:29 in the morning. My mum’s parking ticket for the hospital was dated or time stamped 6:31 so she missed him by two minutes because of how rapid it was at the end.

“Definitely the communication there was not what it should have been and it’s something that we struggled with then because everything was so sudden towards the end.

“When we reflected on it, we realised there were several things in that experience that were just really not right and I mean all my life I’ve been an advocate for him. I never really appreciated it until he was gone.”

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Lauren is a member of the Northern Ireland Covid Bereaved Families for Justice (NICBFFJ), a group campaigning for accountability on decisions made locally in response to the pandemic.

She said: “I think in a large way the world has moved on from Covid and we all just think ‘oh it was back then’ but for so many families like mine, it’s still an ongoing experience.

“Being around other families that understand that and want to listen – it’s not that your family and your friends don’t want to listen, but I think everyone moves on – it’s nice to be around people that actually are sort of still stuck in that moment.”

The inquiry into the crisis this week said the ‘stay home, protect the NHS, save lives slogans’ used during the Covid-19 pandemic “sent the message that healthcare was closed”.

The message, which was created by Cabinet Office officials without input from health leaders, was part of the reason people were “deterred” from accessing healthcare during the pandemic, according to the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry findings.

Inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett said UK healthcare systems “teetered on the brink of total collapse” and coped “but only just”.

Her latest 387-page report says the devastating impact on the NHS was “unsurprising” given the “parlous state” the service was in at the start of the crisis.

The inquiry was formally launched in July 2022.

A report published in November last year found chaos at the heart of government and a failure to take Covid-19 seriously cost 23,000 lives in the first wave of the pandemic.

Lauren added: “Being part of the inquiry has been eye opening in a lot of ways to understand exactly what went on and the impact of it on people’s lives.

“It’s definitely been a good thing for me to channel some of that feeling of injustice into getting some answers, not just for me, but for other families and people involved.

“A lot of people are saying that those in charge at the time did the best they could with what they had but I think from hearing a lot of the evidence out of the inquiry, perhaps that wasn’t the case, and there needs to be lessons learned here.

“This is a great opportunity for us all to learn for any kind of emergency, not just a global pandemic, so a lot of the work now that we’re doing here in Northern Ireland is to reform some of those civil contingency plans.

“What we really want is people to say is ‘OK, we could have done that better, and here’s how we’re going to do it’. That’s all we really want because we can’t bring back our loved ones, they are gone.

“As much as what happened to my uncle Raymond was terrible, I don’t want his life to be defined by his death either. He was so much more than that and so being able to share his story and tell little stories about him and the things that he did, it’s an honour and a privilege and something that I feel very proud to do.

“Anytime that I think about him I just think he’s probably up there going, ‘go on, you’ve got this’.”

Video: Justin Kernoghan

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The Cambridgeshire town has seen crime rates increase over the last 12 months, with residents reporting incidents ranging from knifepoint robberies to town centre assaults and anti-social behaviour

A Cambridgeshire town is being plagued by drunken men and violent youngsters, leaving residents too frightened to venture out after dark. Locals say the situation is deteriorating and are deeply concerned about what lies ahead.

Wisbech, a market town in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire, has seen a surge in crime over the last 12 months. Residents have reported a range of incidents, from knifepoint robberies and town centre assaults to drug-related offences. Intimidating groups of youths are reportedly cycling through the town, whilst intoxicated homeless individuals hurl abuse at passers-by.

“I definitely wouldn’t come into the town at night,” Derek Logan told the Daily Express. His partner Gemma agreed with him

Mr Logan added: “I’ve heard some horror stories about the knives that people carry around here. That’s a big issue and makes you feel scared. There’s been stabbings and robberies recently,” reports the Express.

The 57-year-old and his partner, aged 42, were both born in Wisbech. Mr Logan said: “I don’t feel safe coming into the town to shop. I was born and raised here, but it’s changed a hell of a lot recently. I definitely wouldn’t come into the town centre after dark.

“Definitely not. It’s not safe. A 14-year-old got stabbed a couple of years ago. Luckily he was wearing a backpack and it took the impact so he was ok.”

According to official figures, Wisbech, with a population of approximately 27,000, recorded 3,084 reported crimes during the 12 months leading up to January 2026. This equates to a crime rate of 116.2 per 1,000 residents, marking it as the highest amongst medium-sized towns across Cambridgeshire.

In contrast, neighbouring Huntingdon recorded a rate of 84.44 whilst St Neots stood at 58.74. The national average sits at 72 per 1,000 people.

Violence and sexual offences were the most frequently reported crimes in Wisbech, with 1,357 incidents logged during the 12-month period. This represented a 2% increase compared to the previous year.

New Drove, situated off Weasenham Lane, saw the highest number of crimes in Wisbech with 270 offences recorded in total, averaging 22.5 per month. Theft accounted for the majority of these crimes at 84.1%, whilst burglary represented 11.1% of offences.

Geoff Scott, who relocated to Wisbech from Clacton-on-Sea nine years ago, is concerned that crime is worsening in the town. He recently cautioned his wife against visiting the shop after dark.

He said: “It’s getting worse here. I don’t go into the town centre after dark, whereas I used to.

“Last night my Mrs wanted to nip to Asda at 6.30pm, but I said no as it was dark. I told her she wasn’t going. It’s scary after dark here. It’s got out of hand over the last year or so I would say.”

According to Mr Scott, there has been a spate of recent knifepoint robberies in the town centre. He’s also heard of youths carrying knives and threatening residents.

“My main concern is like everyone else’s,” he continued. “We need to feel safe in our home and at the moment we don’t.”

The rising crime rate in Wisbech is also taking its toll on local businesses, with some traders believing that recent incidents have directly reduced footfall in the town, dealing a significant blow to their livelihoods.

Neil Bullen, who co-owns Evisons clothes shop on the High Street with his wife Becky, says he has witnessed criminal activity from his shop window on a number of occasions, and believes the majority of offences occur after dark.

“I’ve seen a bit going on in town and around the marketplace. I think the worst things happen at night, usually,” the 59-year-old explained. “You see kids in groups riding around on their bikes. It can be intimidating for the locals. You don’t know what they’re up to.

“The older generation in Wisbech will be able to remember how things used to be here. Sadly, now a lot of older people don’t feel safe coming into the town centre.”

Mr Bullen claims that customers visiting his shop report “they don’t feel safe” around the town any longer. This, he believes, is having a direct impact on footfall.

Mrs Bullen added: “There are various issues in the town. A lot of shops have closed recently which means less people are coming into Wisbech.

“This means that anti-social behaviour actually stands out more as when people do come in that’s all they say. There aren’t crowds of people to hide what happens. The kids might feel like they can get away with it as the place is deserted. There’s no one to report them.”

Mackenzie Miller and Emma Plumb have both allegedly been victims of crimes committed in Wisbech over recent months.

Ms Plumb, 45, was reportedly assaulted by an intoxicated man in an unprovoked attack whilst Mr Miller, a 62 year old wheelchair user, was targeted by a group of young men. Both incidents were reported to police.

“I got assaulted a couple of months ago in the town centre. It was random and a drunk man came up to me and grabbed me. Luckily there was a security guard and they intervened,” Ms Plumb explained. “It gets scarier after dark, I’d say. I wouldn’t come here any more at night. It’s not what you want for the place where you live. You want to feel safe coming into your town at any time.”

Mr Miller added: “There’s often drunk blokes in the town centre shouting at people and making threats. A couple of months ago I was sitting here and a group of lads kept kicking their ball at my chair. They thought it was funny and there’s nothing I could do really. I just had to leave.

“The main issues I’ve seen have come from the school kids. They just ride around on bikes being a nuisance. Anti-social behaviour is an issue.”

Just last month, a man was jailed for over a year for his role in a violent altercation that erupted outside a Wisbech pub just days before Christmas. Kyle Harris, 36, attacked a man outside the Wheatshead Inn on December 23, leaving the victim requiring hospital treatment.

Cambridge Crown Court was told how Harris became embroiled in a dispute with another man before repeatedly punching him and stamping on him whilst he lay unconscious. Police condemned his behaviour as “shameful”, stating “there is no place for violence like this in Wisbech.”

Separately, another man was handed a custodial sentence at the end of last year for stalking and sexual assault offences. Kehinde Quadri, 49, was imprisoned for one year after pleading guilty to three counts of stalking and one count of sexual assault. Peterborough Crown Court heard how he stalked a woman and her partner on two separate occasions in Wisbech town centre, standing outside a coffee shop and staring through the window at the pair.

In a further incident, Quadri approached a woman as she was walking her children to school, reaching into her bag before grabbing her two children and hugging them forcefully.

In response to the rising number of offences in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire Police have introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle criminal behaviour. The town is also now patrolled by the Wisbech Town Wardens, who began their duties on January 5 this year.

One PSPO makes it an offence to carry open alcohol in Tillery Fields, St Peter’s Church Gardens, and the memorial garden in The Crescent, whilst authorised officers have been granted powers to address alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in Wisbech town centre.

A separate PSPO has resulted in the closure of the passageway connecting Norfolk Street and West Street. The alleyway, which had become a hotspot for criminal activity, has been shut to “help reduce anti-social behaviour”, according to Fenland District Council.

Daniel Short, one of the newly appointed Wisbech Town Wardens, has identified street drinkers as the primary concern in the town. The town centre is also troubled by groups of youths on bicycles, who are suspected of dealing drugs. “We’re here for people’s safety and to cut down anti-social behaviour in the town. We also help the homeless and deal with street drinkers in the PSPO areas,” he tells the Express. “I think we help give a presence to make sure people feel safe in their town again.

“The town council has had a number of worrying complaints recently that people don’t feel safe to come into the centre. That’s why they’ve hired us.”

He continues: “These things haven’t always been an issue in Wisbech. It’s very much a recent thing. That’s why they’ve got us to do what we do. There’s been more and more complaints recently about people feeling unsafe in the town.”

Since beginning his position in January, Mr Short has received numerous compliments from residents who say his presence, together with fellow Wisbech Warden, Evelina Jakovleva, has made them feel more secure.

Ms Jakovleva added: “We’ve spoken with shop owners who think we’ve helped them too. A worker in TG Jones said there’s been a drop in shoplifters in the last few months. That’s been a real issue in the town centre previously.”

Neighbourhood Sergeant Lee Lombardo said: “We recognise the concerns raised by residents in Wisbech, and we understand that issues such as antisocial behaviour, drug misuse and associated criminality can have a real impact on how safe people feel in their own community. Tackling these problems remains one of our top priorities.

“We’ve increased proactive patrols in and around the town centre, with both uniformed officers and PCSOs spending more time on foot to provide visibility, reassurance and a quick response to incidents. These patrols are supported by targeted operations to crackdown on drugrelated crime and persistent antisocial behaviour.

“We’re also working closely with partners including Fenland District Council, local businesses, housing providers and community groups to identify the root causes of issues and put long term solutions in place after dealing with incidents. Where necessary, we use enforcement tools such as Community Protection Notices and Warnings, Criminal Behaviour Orders and closure powers to deal with persistent offenders.

“Whilst there is always more work to do, the public can be assured that we are committed to improving safety in the town centre and will continue to use every tool available to us to make Wisbech a safer place for everyone.

“We also encourage members of the public to report any concerns, suspicious behaviour or incidents to us, as this information is vital in helping us target resources, identify offenders and tackle issues early.”

A huge wall of water and debris swept down the Teesta valley in the eastern Himalayas on October 3 2023, causing widespread devastation and the tragic loss of over 50 people. This powerful flood in India was the result of a landslide which caused a glacial lake higher up the valley to spill over. This phenomenon is known as a glacial lake outburst flood, or GLOF.

In a 2025 study of glacial lakes across the Bolivian Andes, my colleagues and I found that 11 are highly susceptible to producing potentially hazardous GLOFs. Such lakes are increasing in size and number as glaciers retreat around the world. In Bolivia, we saw 60 new lakes form in just six years.

Over the same six-year period, glaciers in the region shrank rapidly. If they continue to melt at the same rate, Bolivia will be entirely ice free by the 2080s. Unfortunately, this is likely to be a conservative estimate.

We modelled the shape of the land surface underneath the existing ice to predict where lakes might form in future. We found more than 50 potential lake sites. Further monitoring will ascertain which of these emerging lakes might pose a risk to downstream populations or infrastructure.

In our study, we used high resolution satellite imagery to monitor glaciers and glacial lakes across the Bolivian Andes. We mapped glacier and lake boundaries at annual intervals between 2016 and 2022.

Bolivia is home to nearly one-fifth of the world’s tropical glaciers. These glaciers are important in their own right, particularly during the dry season, when meltwater provides essential supplies for human consumption, agriculture and industry. Glaciers also play a role in the cultural life and heritage of Indigenous peoples in this region.

We found an alarming rate of shrinkage among these glaciers. Between 2016 and 2022, the total surface area of glaciers in Bolivia decreased by nearly 10% – at an average rate of almost two square miles per year. If these glaciers continue to retreat at the same rate, there will be none left in the region by the 2080s.

Yet this represents a best case scenario. As glaciers get smaller, they shrink more rapidly, so the rate of decline will probably increase over time.

Such rapid deglaciation not only threatens water security but may also damage ecosystems. In the Andes, high-altitude wetlands known as “bofedales” store vast amounts of carbon and help absorb water too. Should they dry out as a result of decreasing water availability, they may release the carbon they have been storing – driving further warming of the atmosphere.

As glaciers melted and shrank across the region, the number and size of glacial lakes increased. Around 60 new lakes formed over the course of the study period. Many of these lakes were small and would be unlikely to produce a GLOF capable of doing significant damage, but 120 were considered large enough to represent a potential hazard.

We analysed these lakes in order to assess their susceptibility to producing a GLOF and found that 11 were worthy of further investigation. For example, ascertaining the potential consequences on downstream populations of an outburst flood from one of these lakes could help to inform future monitoring and mitigation efforts.

To reduce the risk of future catastrophe, local communities can prepare in a range of ways. That includes the physical construction of spillways and diversion canals, strategic land-use planning and the design of flood-resistant infrastructure. Disaster preparedness also requires social measures, such as education and awareness raising so that residents understand clearly communicated evacuation plans or early warning systems.

Modelling the hollows

Using existing global glacier thickness data combined with our findings, we created a digital model representing the shape of the land surface underneath the ice. Glaciers are immensely powerful erosive agents and can carve deep hollows into the bedrock that they travel over. As the ice retreats, these hollows often fill with water and become lakes.

We found 55 potential future lake sites. Not all of these lakes will definitely form. Shallow depressions may fill with sediment instead of water while deeper ones may be drained by gorges which can’t be detected by modelling because they’re just too narrow for the tech to find. Models would be even more reliable with access to higher resolution datasets which are not currently available for the Bolivian Andes.

Future lakes across Bolivia may represent important sources of water – partially offsetting the consequences of losing glacial meltwater. Nevertheless, these lakes may be susceptible to producing GLOFs, so rapid and sustained international action to reduce the effect of climate change on the world’s glaciated regions is critical.

Hato, now 20, felt a slow starter in those early days under Maresca and when he did get opportunities did often look short of confidence. “It takes time,” Rosenior insists, though. “He’s a young player who’s come through at Ajax, captained Ajax at 17 years old. Then he comes to a massive club, different league, different culture. It takes time to bed in. And so in terms of what has happened before me, there are loads of different contextual things.”

Khoresh Ameni, 19, was caught waving the weapon on CCTV and was later found in possession of cannabis.

A teenager swung a machete at a group of people outside a hotel in Cardiff city centre and was caught on CCTV. When he was arrested and searched by police, he was found in possession of cannabis.

Khoresh Ameni, 19, armed himself with the weapon on December 7 last year and became involved in an incident outside the Ibis hotel in Churchill Way. The police were called and CCTV was viewed which showed the defendant waving the machete at four people.

A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday heard Ameni was later arrested and was found in possession of a cannabis joint. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The footage revealed some of the other men involved in the incident were also armed.

The defendant was taken to Cardiff Bay police station and was interviewed but he answered “no comment” to all questions.

Ameni, of Churchill Way, later pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and possession of a class B drug.

The court heard he has one previous conviction for offences including section 18 wounding and possession of a bladed article.

Prosecutor Ben Jones said the defendant was sentenced to a detention and training order for 20 months, which he is now in breach of.

In mitigation, Kevin Seal said his client had been unable to work due to his immigration status and had become alienated from his family, but he is hoping to move to the Midlands to stay with an uncle.

The defence barrister said Ameni suffered trauma during his childhood, which left him unable to cope with day to day life and resorting to violence when facing conflict.

Sentencing, Recorder Paul Lewis KC said: “The way you’re going, you are going to face longer and longer and longer periods of custody.

“Your behaviour at the moment poses a risk of violence in the future. It’s in your hands if you continue down that path or not.”

Ameni was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

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As spring gets underway, the effects of the season will be impacting your mood, energy levels, appetites and creativity.

To help get you in the swing of things, be outside — and let the outside into your home — as much as possible.

Start to rise and fall with the changing light levels of the daily circadian rhythm, adjust to the changing mood and tempo of each day in this wonderful, fertile season.

Make moves that align with where you should be heading. Do things that are good for you. Embrace the wonderful magic of spring.

Let’s draw a tarot card to ask what your step towards growth and fulfilling your potential could be this week.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for this week: The Tower

Meaning: Spring is like your era of being a superhero. It plays to your strengths, amplifies your skills and charges your energy to maximum levels. So let’s be bold and do something big, okay?

The Tower asks you to smash down something that is false, fading or negative in your life. It’s something you know all too well but have perhaps felt powerless to tackle before. Now, though, you can do it, you can face it and overcome it.

There’s an element of home truth here, of saying what has not been said, of accepting a hard truth, of letting something die off or leave as a result. And good riddance. You will feel nothing but relief and freedom. Get to it, Aries!

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Queen of Wands

Meaning: The Queen of Wands is the queen of spring itself — Wands links to this season, while she is all about adventure, purpose, dynamic and bold moves, creativity, feeling fulfilled and in flow with what you’re doing and building.

Be her. Let this energy and power flow through you and galvanise you to make power moves this week that a ‘winter version’ of you would only dream of! Everything will fall into place and come to you naturally, everything will feel like it’s meant to be. See your life as an adventure and you as the main character.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot card for Gemini for this week: Ace of Swords

Meaning: Spring is a truthful season because you can’t build on fallow ground; you can’t pretend something is what it’s not, if you want results and growth and creation from it. So say what’s really going on, how you truly feel, what drives you, where you need to get to, what help you expect from others, what rewards and results are in play.

Be honest. Start off on the right foot in all of your new enterprises and ideas. Don’t bow to what you think others want. Put your needs out there to be met. There may be compromises and shifts to adapt to, but that’s okay. What matters is that they know what you’re all about and are working with the full, authentic you that makes all the magic happen!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot card for Cancer for this week: The Chariot

Meaning: The Chariot is your sign’s tarot card so this is a major week for you. Purpose, movement, change, progression. Thinking about where you’re heading and making power moves to get there faster and easier.

When you’re activated and galvanised by a mission, you are literally unstoppable. You have all the powers of persuasion, creativity, and force to push through any agenda. And you are truly activated this week.

If you’re thinking of holidaying, travelling, moving, changing home or location or buying a new vehicle then this is the week to do it. Put your back into getting someplace good. Things will move fast.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot card for Leo for this week: Ace of Coins

Meaning: Spring is a planting season, a time to sow seeds you want to nurture and see come to fruition in the year ahead. The Ace of Coins makes this doubly true for you, Leo, and it’s an invitation to put down promising new ideas, pitches, investments and schemes that serve your health, wealth, work and home.

What you start now will carry you through 2026. What you decide is a priority now will become the influencer of your future self and life. So choose wisely and shrewdly. What really matters? That is what you need to tend to.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot card for Virgo for this week: Ten of Wands

Meaning: You are switched on and working hard all year round, Virgo, you rarely step back and take a time out. So, this spring, the Ten of Wands suggests maybe you take a load off and relax more. Most of the hard work is done. You didn’t slack off all winter, you kept the home fires burning and the plates all spinning.

Now the air is lighter and brighter, take your R and R. Restore and repair. Relax and rejuvenate. Breathe deeply, walk out, sleep deeply, eat well, be calm and mindful. Take up a new hobby. Take time off. Be good and kind to yourself, you’ve earned it.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot card for Libra for this week: Judgement

Meaning: Now the days are lighter and the air is sweeter, you can look in the mirror and see a clearer picture of yourself. Judgement asks you to sit back and take stock this week of all that’s changed, happened, impacted you, ended and begun.

It’s been a lot since the start of winter, right? You have changed, my friend, and you’re ready to notice where, how and why. You’re ready to acknowledge that some routines or priorities may need revisiting too. You will bring clarity to your personal development ideas this week and feel settled in your new selfhood.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: The Hermit

Meaning: Spring’s lighter nights mean you get longer to be awake and alert and thinking about things. The Hermit is a call to enlightenment, a call to reflection and research, a call to discovery. What’s on your mind? What do you wish to learn, seek or understand?

Use the extra hours to invest in a project that you haven’t previously had time or energy for, but that truly matters to you. Use the extra daylight to read, study and meditate in nature. What you come to understand this spring will be game-changing, and potentially alter the very way you even think about your own life and its purpose and meaning. Deeply philosophical and moving insights lie in store. Go find them out.  

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: Queen of Cups

Meaning: Blissful and emotive and healing days lie ahead. Stroll into them with high hopes and good graces. You are being led by spirit guides, energies, unseen forces and intuition, and working with your moods in the moment, rather than pushing or forcing actions that don’t align.

You’ll notice new thoughts and emotions coming through and how they change your energy levels and interactions. You’ll learn when you’re at your best, and why. You’ll notice what needs to change in your environment or routine for you to feel good. You’ll have deep, meaningful and personal conversations with folk that open up new ideas to you. You are going to be like the heartfelt Queen of Cups this week – enjoy the vibes.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Three of Swords

Meaning: I write this watching my gardener cutting back the shrubbery and trees, getting rid of dead, dying, poisoned, overgrown foliage. And it makes me think of this card — the Three of Swords is permission to surgically remove whatever pains you or stops you from growing in your realm; self-talk that undercuts your confidence, jealous or controlling folk, roles or chores that drag your mood down, places that feel flat or draining, and connections that are one way or unfair.

Notice the thorns in your side. And then, methodically, one by one, pick them out and cast them away. You deserve better.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Ace of Cups

Meaning: This is a fertility card, which feels very apt for spring. So if you’re thinking of starting or growing your family, then this is a great omen. It can also mean a new relationship — romance or deep friendship — lies ahead. Maybe a new passion project or creative role. Maybe a lovely pet or houseplant, even!

Something new will be ‘birthed’ into your life this week and will make all the difference. Immediate attraction, love, respect and warmth. It’s a good feeling and you can make it last if you nurture and protect this fledgling bond. Prioritise relationships and creativity this week.  

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot card for Pisces for this week: The Devil

Meaning: Spring is a season of fertility, lust, growth and awakening… and here comes The Devil card to make sure your desires are well and truly leading the way!

Do what thou wilt, Pisces. But know the consequences and be ready to own them, if you’re going to do something risky. Think through your options and their knock-on impacts. Project onto a ‘future you’ handling all the next steps or outcomes. Still look good? If so, crack on. If not, think twice. Better safe than sorry, sometimes.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

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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Dr Punam says her mum’s trusted golden milk recipe is delicious and easy to make

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A doctor who regularly features on BBC Morning Live has a beverage she relies on for enhancing her wellbeing. Not only is it tasty, but she credits it with “healing powers” that can bolster the immune system.

Dr Punam Krishan, a Glasgow-based GP, prepares her “mum’s trusted golden milk” to fight off colds and flu. She describes it as “a healing hug in a mug.”

Dr Krishan has explained how to create this soothing drink, with the recipe outlined below. Whilst any variety of milk can be used, she favours cow’s milk for this preparation.

Discussing the ingredients, she emphasises their “healing properties,” which render this beverage particularly advantageous when you’re feeling unwell, reports Surrey Live.

She explained: “My mum used to give us this drink throughout winter to nourish our immune systems and we always took it whenever we were poorly. Haldi Doodh (golden milk) is super easy to make and if you like those wholesome Indian chai flavours, you will love this.”

Dr Punam’s ‘golden milk’ – complete recipe

The recipe serves one cup. She notes: “My kids love this, I love this. Genuinely, it tastes divine.”

Ingredients

• Cardamom 2-3 de-shelled
• Pinch of aniseed
• Some ginger (can use ground ginger if you don’t have fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Tablespoon of honey
• Touch of black pepper to season at end

Method

1. Grind your cardamom pods and aniseed and add to your milk of choice
2. Add in ginger
3. Let it come to simmer
4. Add in your turmeric, cinnamon and honey
5. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble away for a couple of mins after to let the flavours of the spices blend in
6. Sieve and sprinkle some black pepper and cinnamon on top

Emma, 41, from Coleraine, experienced a migraine attack during labour after being migraine-free for 42 weeks of pregnancy, battling intense pain from both the attack and childbirth.

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A Co Derry woman has detailed the relentless pain she endured throughout labour as she battled both intense contractions and an agonising migraine.

Migraine is a complicated neurological disorder, characterised by symptoms that may include severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, alongside heightened sensitivity to light and sound.

Hormonal fluctuations can affect migraine experiences, with many people observing that hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle can provoke an attack. During pregnancy, however, hormones such as oestrogen increase, and for many this leads to a reduction in migraine symptoms. In fact, as many as 9 in 10 women report an improvement in their migraine by the final stages of pregnancy.

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Emma, 41, who has experienced migraine since the age of 11, initially found relief from her symptoms when she first fell pregnant.

“During my first pregnancy, my migraine attacks vanished into oblivion from the outset of those pink lines appearing; an unexpected but very welcome bonus to an already exciting time,” she said.

“I began to relax into it and appreciate the reprieve – almost 42 weeks with no head pain, dizziness, eye pain, aura. I then learnt an important lesson: a migraine-free pregnancy does not always guarantee a migraine-free birth.

“I headed to the hospital to be induced, and before long the familiar dizziness and bright dancing squiggles that mark the start of the migraine aura stage for me moved across my line of sight in the delivery room.

“It hadn’t dawned on me just how overwhelming the environment would prove; the heightened anxiety of being in hospital, combined with the harsh lighting, constant noise, and sheer number of people crammed into such a confined area. For someone living with migraine, it was an absolute nightmare scenario.”

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Staff dimmed the lights to create as dark an atmosphere as possible, whilst Emma was provided with both a hot water bottle – as warmth can ease tense neck muscles – and a fan to maintain a comfortable temperature. She struggled through the relentless pain of the migraine attack alongside the extraordinarily intense ordeal of childbirth.

“Following over 24 hours of labour, my gorgeous baby boy arrived at 03:09, and the overwhelming joy momentarily eclipsed both the head pain and accompanying migraine symptoms; every moment of agony had been worthwhile.

“Regrettably, complications after delivery left my iron levels dangerously depleted, which extended the duration of symptoms – and the unexpectedly prolonged hospital stay, with its noise pollution, fluorescent lighting, frequent medical observations and severely restricted sleep, only intensified migraine’s impact. Fortunately, once discharged, the attack subsided, and the episodes ceased once more whilst breastfeeding – the additional respite was particularly appreciated, especially during the postnatal period.”

Since then, Emma has welcomed two more children, and fortunately her later labours weren’t impacted by migraine, though she approached them far better equipped, drawing on insights from her initial experience to inform her birth plan and what she packed for hospital.

“Sadly, one of those children is now a teenager who also experiences migraine, meaning I’m now learning to support the condition from a different perspective,” Emma added.

“For anyone else managing migraine whilst preparing for childbirth, my recommendation would be to consider which tools and support mechanisms you might want available, should they be required. I remain eternally grateful to the exceptional midwife who did absolutely everything possible to make the experience as bearable as she could (even facilitating a dimly lit room throughout, right up to delivery).”

Debbie Shipley, Head of Information and Support Services at The Migraine Trust, explains: “We know there is a strong link between hormonal changes and migraine, and during pregnancy, key hormones oestrogen and progesterone rise. Quite often, this results in an improvement in migraine, as we don’t see the sharp pre-menstrual dip in oestrogen that can be a trigger for many.

“But we know that not everyone experiences migraine in the same way, and as well as the hormonal changes occurring during birth, there is the additional exposure to factors that can trigger migraine (like harsh hospital lighting, being in a high stress situation a and exhaustion).”

Should you require assistance or information regarding migraines and pregnancy, The Migraine Trust offers a wealth of resources, including a helpline. You can get in touch either by phone or online.

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