Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one

Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling the team on 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

Phyllis Rose ALDERTON

Of Cambridge. Passed peacefully to rest at home on Sunday 1st February 2026, aged 86 years. Beloved wife to Gerald (Tony). Much loved Mum to Susan and John. Nanna and Nanny to 9 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. Funeral service to be held at 11:15am, Newmarket Road Cemetery Chapel on Monday 2nd March 2026, followed by burial. Family flowers only, donations if desired made payable to Arthur Rank Hospice may be left at the service or forwarded to:- Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309.

Sidney BUCHS

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Buchs, Sidney of Great Bradley, formerly director of Abbott Travel at Cambridge and Newmarket, died peacefully age 90 at Brampton Manor after a lengthy illness on 26 February 2026. Donations please to East Anglia Air Ambulance c/o Southgate Funeral Directors, Newmarket CB8 8AG.

June Elizabeth COATES

Formerly of Newmarket. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 17th February 2026, aged 92 years. Beloved wife to the late Neville and a much loved mother to the late Andrew, Graeme and wife Tammy. Funeral service to be held at The Brinkley Woodland Cemetery on Friday 6th March at 2:00pm. Family flowers only please. All Enquiries sent care of Southgate of Newmarket Funeral Directors, 25 Duchess Drive, Newmarket, CB8 8AG. T: 01638 662480.

Stuart Leslie EDEN

Of Sevenoaks, Kent, sadly passed away from a heart attack on 12th February 2026 aged 65. Stuart was born in 1960 to Fred and Brenda Eden and grew up in Soham, Cambridgeshire. After living in Manchester and London, Stuart moved to Sevenoaks in 1998, where he remained until he died. He will be sadly missed by his children, Eleanor and Joseph Eden, sisters Karen, Wendy and Melanie, and many long-time friends, including his former wife, Judith. Stuart will be remembered for his sharp wit, his love of spirited debate, his dedication to his work, and his great taste in music. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday 10th March at 2.00pm at Kent & Sussex Crematorium (Cemetery Chapel), Tunbridge Wells. Stuart’s family would like to thank the emergency responders who cared for him in his final moments. Donations in lieu of flowers directly to the British Heart Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Elizabeth (Betty) GOUGH (Nèe St Ledger)

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Risby Park Nursing Home, Bury St Edmunds on Monday 9th February 2026, aged 86 years. Betty (formerly of Bourn, Cambridgeshire and New Ross, County Wexford), beloved Wife of the late Matt Gough, Mum to Matt, Stephen (deceased) and Sandra. Grandma to Lewis & Ruby, will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. The Funeral Service will be held at 2.30pm on Monday 9th March at St Helena & St Mary Church, Bourn, followed by a committal in the Churchyard. Flowers welcome. Alternatively, donations may be made to Risby Park Nursing Home via Betty’s online donation page at www.peasgoodandskeats.co.uk or sent c/o 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA 01223 415255

Richard HUNT

Of Cherry Hinton, Cambridge. Passed away peacefully on Monday 9th February 2026 at Addenbrookes Hospital, aged 85 years. Devoted Husband. Dearly loved Father and Grandfather. Richard shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Thursday 12th March at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston at 10:30am followed by the committal at The Arbory Trust Woodland Burial Ground. Donations, if desired, to the benefit of EACH may be made online via Richard’s personal InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk All other enquiries to:- 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255

Josef IWANKO

Of Sawston. Beloved husband of Felicity, much loved dad to Dak and Sophie, brother to Michael and Ann, loved brother-in-law and uncle. Passed away in Addenbrookes Hospital on Sunday 8th February 2026 after an illness bravely fought. Aged 74 years. Service at Cam Valley Crematorium on Thursday 5th March at 11.00am. Donations in memory of Josef for SARCOMA UK can be made via his ‘In Memory’ page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk or sent to: c/o Peasgood & Skeates 48a High Street, Sawston CB22 3BG.

David KING

Of Cambridge. Passed away on Friday 30th January 2026 at home, aged 85 Years. Devoted Husband to Chrissie. Dearly loved Father to Kevin and Paula and Step-Father to Steve and Michelle. Treasured Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Pops. Dave shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Friday 6th March at Cambridge City Crematorium, West Chapel at 11:15am. Donations, if desired, to the benefit of Dementia UK may be made at the service or online via Dave’s personal InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk. All other enquiries to 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255

Raymond OSLAND (Ray)

(Ray) Suddenly at home on Monday 9th February 2026, aged 80 years. Husband of the late Diane, much loved dad of Amanda, Paul, Ian and Helen, and a loving grandad. Funeral service to be held at Cambridge Crematorium East Chapel on Tuesday 10th March at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations may be made at the service for the British Heart Foundation. Enquiries c/o Weyman Funeral Service, 26, Abbey Walk, Cambridge CB1 2QJ

Keith Stephen TABER

Emeritus Professor of Science Education, Homerton College, Cambridge died at home on 29th January 2026, aged 65 years. Devoted husband of the late Philippa, cherished son of Roy (deceased) and Phyllis, brother to Karen. Keith’s funeral service takes place at Cambourne Church (CB23 6AF) on Friday 6th March at 2.00pm. All enquiries please c/o Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road St Neots PE19 2BX Tel (01480) 471001

Mrs Pat TURNER

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Funeral on Monday 2nd March at 10:30 am in Cambridge Crematorium, East Chapel. Floral tributes can be sent to Co-op Funeralcare 34 James Street, CB1 1HX. Bright flowers please, no lilies. Donations, if so desired, can be made to Alzheimer’s Society. Please wear bright clothing, no black, as per Pat’s wishes.

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.

The Garden Coffee House can be found in Hexham, Northumberland and is known for being a “delightful” spot for lunch.

It’s situated on Hallgate and just some of the iconic toasty fillings on its menu, according to its Google profile, include the likes of BBQ pulled pork, honey ham, pesto and mozzarella, and kimchi cheese.

Hexham Restaurants shares: “The Garden Coffee House is quaint coffee house located just down from the old goal, in central Hexham.

“They serve legendary toasties with the most amazing cheese pull (If you know, you know!) & some slightly healthier options on their menu too! As well as a great range of drinks including matcha!”

Northumberland cafe with ‘best’ cheese toasties and coffee in the North East

Meanwhile, in a TikTok video, foodie account @evesalwayseating_ said The Garden Coffee House has the “best” cheese toasties and coffees in the North East.

Eve revealed: “It’s a little hidden gem nestled away in Hexham.”

The content creator added: “It just has the most stunning interior, everything that’s displayed on the counters, like the cakes, looked unreal.”

Eve shared that she tried the pistachio latte and it was “insane”.

@evesalwayseating_ continued: “Moving on to food, soup, salad and toastie is just a bit of a combo so we got the soup of the day which was like a herby broccoli one and we both got a toastie, just look at the cheese pull, this was sensational.”

After also trying a carrot cake, Eve said “not a crumb was left behind”.

Other customers have also raved about the cafe over on Tripadvisor, where it currently has a 4.7/5 rating.

This visitor wrote: “Highly recommend the garden cafe for a toastie when visiting Hexham. High quality toasties with a great cheese pull in nice quickly quaint surroundings. Nice staff.”

‘The menu is carefully thought out with really delicious offerings’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

One person commented: “We discovered this cafe through their fun socials and visited it today for the first time on a day trip from SW Scotland. We were not disappointed!

“A lovely welcome to a warm and buzzy room, dogs included. Vintage vibe, delicious soup and toasties. Reasonable prices. The bread comes from a local bakery, The Grateful Bread Bakery – excellent.

“All in all a delightful place for lunch. We will go back!”

Someone else posted: “Wrote a really positive Google review for this cafe recently but have been again since and felt the need to promote it again as had another really enjoyable lunch.

Recommended reading:

“The menu is carefully thought out with really delicious offerings; not your standard boring cafe food. I stuck with the ‘special’ Honey Whipped Ice Latte (so good it deserves its own 5 stars) and then I also had the Parma Ham, Fig and Pistachio loaded Sourdough. So tasty!

“Had a portion of chips on the side and they were the best fries I’ve had for a while. Well worth visiting this little gem of a place.”

The Garden Coffee House in Hexham is open seven days a week, 9am until 4pm Monday – Saturday and 10am until 4pm on a Sunday.

Will you be making a visit to this “hidden gem” Northumberland cafe? Let us know in the comments below.

Pope Leo XIV has broken his silence following the attacks on Saturday

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Pope Leo XIV has urged for “peace,” calling for world leaders to stop the “cycle of violence” following the Israeli-US missile strikes that led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Further retaliation strikes were launched by Iran with the Pope expressing “deep concern” in what he called a “tumultuous time”. The Express reports he added: “Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.

“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions, I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss!”

The Holy Father also prayed for nations during the weekly address at St. Peter’s Square and urged to revisit diplomatic solutions in order to secure peace.

“May diplomacy recover its role and may the good of peoples be promoted, peoples who long for peaceful coexistence founded on justice,’ he noted, ‘And let us continue to pray for peace.”

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The first American-born pope has previously voiced concern over the Trump administration’s foreign policy, warning of a “zeal for war” following U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

His most recent comments come as tensions in the region sharply escalated following the joint U.S.–Israeli operation targeting Iranian leadership and military sites. Washington has defended the strikes as necessary for security, while Tehran has vowed retaliation, raising fears the conflict could spread across the wider Middle East.

The pontiff did not name any country directly but urged leaders to recognise the humanitarian consequences of further escalation. He warned that ordinary civilians would bear the heaviest cost if fighting continues.

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Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before leaving the pitch injured in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over the weekend, and now their next match has been called off due to the ongoing air strikes

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have had their Asian Champions League Two quarter-final clash against Al-Wasl postponed due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. It comes after US President Donald Trump launched an operation against Iran over the weekend.

Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed by a US and Israeli air strike. The attacks have had a knock-on impact, with Iran responding with attacks on US and Israeli military bases in the Middle East.

That has led the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to confirm the postponement of matches, including the Champions League round of 16 games scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The Asian Champions League Two, quarter-finals which were due to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, ahve also been postponed, with Al Nassr impacted.

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The Saudi side were due to take on the United Arab Emirates club Al-Wasl in their quarter-final clash in Dubai. But that will now not go ahead, with a rescheduled date not yet confirmed.

In a statement, the AFC said: “In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2-3, 2026, will now be rescheduled.

“Additionally, the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League quarter-final first-leg matches involving teams in the West Region, originally scheduled to be played between March 3 and 4, 2026, are also postponed until further notice.

“Matches involving clubs from the East Region across all of the AFC’s club competitions will proceed as originally scheduled.

“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans.”

It comes as Ronaldo, Al Nassr, and Portugal all sweat over his fitness after suffering an injury during the club’s 3-1 win over Al Fahya on Saturday. The forward signalled to the bench before being replaced in the 81st minute.

Following the match, Al Nassr boss Jorge Jesus gave an update on Ronaldo, who was spotted with an ice pack on the back of his knee. “Ronaldo suffered muscle fatigue, and the medical staff will urgently perform the necessary tests to determine his condition,” he told reporters.

Ronaldo’s withdrawal came after he missed a penalty earlier in the game. The match’s postponement could now give him more time to recover.

Games taking place in the East of the region, including Gamba Asaka vs Eatchaburi FC, Bangkok United vs Tampines Rovers, are due to go ahead as planned.

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Lord of the Flies is coming to an end but the BBC has confirmed what will be taking its place in the Sunday night TV schedule.

As Lord of the Flies approaches its climactic conclusion, viewers are already pondering their next viewing choice.

The BBC‘s adaptation of William Golding’s seminal novel Lord of the Flies will draw to a close this evening, Sunday 1 March, bringing the first-ever television version to an end.

Following a catastrophic plane crash, 30 boys find themselves marooned on an uninhabited island, attempting to survive and maintain harmony amongst themselves.

However, troublemaker Jack (portrayed by Lox Pratt) has different plans, with the youngsters soon splitting into factions and becoming hostile towards one another.

With just one final episode remaining on BBC One, audiences are wondering what will occupy the Sunday evening slot in the broadcasting schedule.

Four years have elapsed since The Capture series two burst onto screens, but at last, the BBC has announced that the Holliday Grainger-fronted drama will return for a third series.

Launching on Sunday 8 March at 9pm, the six-episode thriller begins a year after Rachel Carey (portrayed by Holliday Grainger) transmitted a live deepfake of a government minister to the nation.

In doing so, she revealed Correction, the UK intelligence service’s covert video manipulation operation, and now faces the challenge of rebuilding public confidence.

The official synopsis further reads: “Amidst an inquiry into the unlawful use of Correction, Carey has become Acting Commander of Counter Terrorism Command, determined to regain the public’s trust in surveillance technology through the new Operation Veritas camera system.

“And then it happens: a brutal and exceptionally well-coordinated act of terror aimed right at the heart of the British establishment that leaves behind just one witness.

“The more Carey investigates, the deeper she is drawn into an unfolding geopolitical crisis that infects the British political establishment, the security services, and the media.

“The conspiracy reaches deep into the State, but just who is pulling the strings?”

As anticipated, Grainger reprises her role as Rachel Carey, with one of her other recent dramas, The Stolen Girl, currently airing on ITV on Wednesdays.

Grainger is once again accompanied by Black Mirror’s Paapa Essiedu as Isaac Turner, Obsession star Indira Varma as BBC News presenter Khadija Khan and The Forsyte Saga’s Ben Miles as Danny Hart.

Other returning cast members include Lia Williams as Gemma Garland, Ginny Holder as DI Nadia Latif and Ron Perlman as CIA Agent Frank Napier.

A host of new faces will also be introduced, such as Game of Thrones’ Joe Dempsie, Holby City’s Hugh Quarshie and Good Omens star Jonathan Aris.

Standing in for Lord of the Flies, The Capture’s third season will broadcast a fresh episode each Sunday evening leading up to its climactic finale, scheduled for Sunday, 12 April.

The Capture premieres on Sunday, March 8, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

With two weeks to go until the Academy Awards, the 32nd Actor Awards on Sunday will be the final pre-Oscars showdown for “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners.”

Formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the newly renamed Actor Awards are one of the most closely watched precursors. Actors make up the largest slice of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and their choices at the Actor Awards often align.

The ceremony, presented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, will be streamed live on Netflix beginning at 8 p.m. EST. Kristen Bell is hosting.

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” comes in the heavy favorite, having won at the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs and at Saturday’s Producers Guild Awards. The film comes in with a record seven nominations and is seen as the most likely winner of the night’s top award, best ensemble.

The four other nominees for best ensemble are: “Sinners,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme” and “Frankenstein.” If Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” upsets “One Battle After Another” on Sunday night, it would add a late dose of unpredictability to Oscars.

But many of the categories already feel up for grabs.

Timothée Chalamet, who last year won best male actor from the actors guild for “A Complete Unknown,” had been seen as the favorite for his performance in “Marty Supreme.” But the surprise winner at the BAFTAs, Robert Aramayo, showed how hard to pin down the category is. The other nominees are: Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”) and Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”).

If Chalamet wins, he’d be the first to win the award in back to back years.

Jessie Buckley is the favorite in the best female actor category. The other nominees are: Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”), Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”) and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”).

The supporting awards are especially hard to predict. The best supporting female actor nominees are: Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Sinners”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked: For Good”), Amy Madigan (“Weapons”) and Odessa A’zion (“Marty Supreme”). The male nominees are: Sean Penn (“One Battle After Another”), Benicio Del Toro (“One Battle After Another”), Miles Caton (“Sinners”), Jacob Elordi (“Frankenstein”) and Paul Mescal (“Hamnet”).

Harrison Ford will receive the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award, which will be presented to him by Woody Harrelson.

ROSEMEAD, Calif. (AP) — Katherine Nguyen stood with hands folded and head bowed at the altar of a Buddhist temple in Southern California.

Before her were tooth and finger bone relics believed to belong to Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism who is said to have attained enlightenment in India about 2,500 years ago.

“To be able to see the Buddha, to get close to him and feel the energy — it’s very special for a Buddhist,” Nguyen said.

Every Lunar New Year, the Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead, California, publicly displays what it calls the “10,000 Buddha Relics,” though the actual number contained in several glass display cases and miniature stupas or reliquaries is far larger, according to the temple’s founder, Master YongHua.

The collection prominently features bones and teeth believed to have come from the bodies of the Buddha, his relatives and disciples. It also includes numerous shariras — colorful pearl- or crystal-like objects said to have been culled from the cremated ashes of Buddhist masters and the Buddha.

Relics in Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity are venerated as links to the saints or Christ, while Buddhist relics are primarily seen as living, active sources of blessings imbued with supernatural qualities. It’s believed they can appear on their own, grow or even multiply, which is how Buddhists often explain the mystery of why there are so many spread across the world. Relics of the Buddha or revered monks are typically enshrined in a stupa — a sacred, dome-shaped monument that Buddhists also use for meditation and pilgrimage.

Belief in relics is a matter of faith

At the Rosemead temple, the teeth and finger bone relics are significantly larger than those in the average human body. YongHua said that’s because they have “grown” over the years. The tooth relic, he said, produces “baby shariras,” the multicolored crystals believed to have multiplied and filled several containers in their exhibit.

Most Buddhist sects acknowledge the spiritual significance of relics even if some teachers have tried to shift the focus to Buddha’s teachings that emphasize mindfulness and kindness. Relics can be found in every country where Buddhism has a deep history: India, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand. In temple and monastic settings, the authenticity of these items is rarely questioned; spiritual leaders avoid subjecting them to scientific tests over worries that it might strip them of what makes them extraordinary.

Over the years, there have been many reports of fake tooth and bone relics as well as manufactured acrylic shariras flooding markets in Asia and online shopping platforms, often sold with falsified authenticity certificates.

Singapore’s Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum houses a tooth relic said to have been recovered from the Buddha’s funeral pyre in a giant stupa fashioned from 705 pounds (320 kilograms) of gold. That relic came under scrutiny in 2007 after dental experts pointed out that the 3-inch (7.5 centimeter) tooth’s characteristics were incompatible with the dimensions of a human tooth and most likely belonged to a cow or a buffalo. The temple’s abbot, the Venerable Shi Fazhao, said at the time that he had never questioned its authenticity and “if you believe it’s real, it’s real.”

YongHua says the main purpose of the relics donated to the Rosemead temple about 14 years ago by a collector is to inspire faith. He has no doubts about their ethereal nature.

“I have seen them multiply with my own eyes,” he said. “They move on their own, they levitate. … I’ve seen people get cured of various ailments just by being in their presence.”

John Strong, professor emeritus of religion at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, wrote the book “Relics of the Buddha” in 2004. He said the earliest accounts of Buddha’s funeral are found in Pali texts dating from about the 2nd century B.C.E. Later commentaries describe the relics that came out of the Buddha’s ashes as glittering jewels — some as small as mustard seeds and others resembling gems or golden nuggets.

Theories abound about what generates these relics and why, Strong said, adding that they do serve the important purpose of connecting Buddhists to the Buddha, who is “essentially absent” because he became enlightened and liberated from the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation.

Relics are signs of a spiritually realized yogi

Geshe Tenzin Zopa, a Tibetan monk and educator, said relics are “the most precious, most sacred, most powerful holy objects in our understanding.” As a young monk in Nepal, he believes he saw his teacher, Geshe Lama Konchog — who was recognized as a realized yogi by the Dalai Lama — generate relics as his body was being cremated. The guru died in October 2001.

Zopa said he observed pearl-like relics popping out of the crematorium “like popcorn.” He said senior monks advised that the structure be sealed and left undisturbed for three days. When they returned, disciples found hundreds of relics and to their shock, the guru’s intact heart, tongue and eyes, Zopa said.

“I’d never seen anything like that in my life. It was truly a miracle,” he said. It’s widely believed the relics later multiplied; most are enshrined in a memorial stupa at Kopan monastery in Nepal.

For students of yogis, looking for relics in cremains is not a morbid fascination, but an act of unshakeable faith and an expectation that their guru would leave behind a message — a physical sign of their spiritual realization, Zopa said. They’re not easy to produce either.

“We believe that the relics are left behind due to the kindness of these holy gurus for the sake of us sentient beings to collect merit and purify ourselves,” Zopa said. “One has to make very strong and extensive prayers and preserve pure morality for many lifetimes in order to create the causes that produce relics.”

Not all Buddhist teachers view relics the same way

In Southern California, at the U.S. headquarters for the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, the Venerable Hui Ze explained that their founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, taught his followers not to solely focus on relics.

“Our venerable master emphasized Humanistic Buddhism — how we can bring Buddha’s teachings into our daily lives with good thoughts, words and actions,” said Hui Ze. “He instructed us that relics should not distract us from the path to liberation.”

The order’s headquarters in Taiwan houses a Buddha tooth relic gifted to Hsing Yun by a lama, Kunga Dorje Rinpoche, who carried the sacred object as he fled Tibet in 1968 and safeguarded it for three decades. Hui Ze said he was moved by the relic the moment he saw it.

“I had this really intimate experience and felt like I had connected with the Buddha who was here 2,600 years ago, and that connection is priceless,” he said.

Hsing Yun had instructed disciples not to look for relics in his ashes. He died Feb. 5, 2023, at age 95. Following the master’s cremation, his disciples sifted through the cremains and found several colorful, pearly relics.

But in deference to the master’s wishes, they’ve been left in the ashes to be spread across the order’s dozen centers across five continents.

Hsing Yun’s ashes containing the relics will be enshrined in the Southern California headquarters during a ceremony on March 21.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

BBC Lord of the Flies is almost over with just one more intense episode of the survival thriller left to air.

As Lord of the Flies gears up for its grand finale, fans’ thoughts have already turned to what to watch next.

BBC ’s adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel of the same name will conclude tonight, Sunday, March 1, marking the end of its first-ever TV adaptation.

After a deadly plane crash, the only survivors are 30 boys who find themselves stranded on a deserted island who do their best to survive and co-habit peacefully.

But trouble-maker Jack (played by Lox Pratt) has other ideas with the youngster soon divided into tribes and turning against one another.

There is just one more episode left to be released on BBC One so viewers are curious to know what will fill the Sunday night void in the television schedule.

Four years have gone by since The Capture season two exploded onto our screens but finally, the BBC has confirmed the Holliday Grainger-led drama will be back for series three.

Debuting on Sunday, March 8, at 9pm, the six-part thriller kicks off a year after Rachel Carey (played by Holliday Grainger) broadcast a live deepfake of a government minister to the nation.

In doing so, she exposed Correction, the UK’s intelligence service’s clandestine video manipulation programme and now it’s her job to try and earn the public’s trust again.

The official synopsis continues: “Amidst an inquiry into the unlawful use of Correction, Carey has become Acting Commander of Counter Terrorism Command, determined to regain the public’s trust in surveillance technology through the new Operation Veritas camera system.

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“And then it happens: a brutal and exceptionally well-coordinated act of terror aimed right at the heart of the British establishment that leaves behind just one witness.

“The more Carey investigates, the deeper she is drawn into an unfolding geopolitical crisis that infects the British political establishment, the security services, and the media.

“The conspiracy reaches deep into the State, but just who is pulling the strings?”

As expected, Grainger returns as Rachel Carey as the star has one of her other most recent dramas, The Stolen Girl, air on Wednesdays on ITV.

Grainger is once again joined by Black Mirror ’s Paapa Essiedu as Isaac Turner, Obsession star Indira Varm as BBC News presenter Khadija Khan and The Forsyte Saga’s Ben Miles as Danny Hart.

Other returning cast members include Lia Williams as Gemma Garland, Ginny Holder as DI Nadia Latif and Ron Perlman as CIA Agent Frank Napier.

There will be a number of new faces introduced as well, like Game of Thrones’ Joe Dempsie, Holby City’s Hugh Quarshie and Good Omens star Jonathan Aris.

Filling in for Lord of the Flies, The Capture season three will air a new episode every Sunday night until its grand finale which is expected to air on Sunday, April 12.

The Capture season three premieres on Sunday, March 8, at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The town is only 30 minutes from from Cambridge on the train

Spring is nearly here and there is one town that’s an easy train ride from Cambridge with beautiful lavender fields to explore. With the warmer weather getting closer, you may be looking for some pretty places to walk to admire what spring has to offer.

The Hertfordshire town of Hitchin – only a 30-minute train ride from Cambridge – has large fields of lavender that make it unique. Hitchin’s Lavender is set on the rolling slopes of Wilbury Hills.

It has become known for its stunning views and picturesque walks in the warmer weather. For people who love the camera, the fields are also the perfect place for a photo opportunity.

As well as walking through the fields, there is a tearoom and dining area to enjoy a snack and drink. Hitchin has a lot of other things on offer as well as its landmark lavender fields.

It is a quaint market town with lots of history at its doorstep, as the town dates back to around the seventh century. It also has strong royal links, as the late Queen Mother was born in nearby St Paul’s Walden.

One of the town’s best features is its market. Hitchin market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the region, and features over 150 stalls. It is held on several days of the week.

Buildings throughout the town are made up of stunning architecture that is fine to admire. The old market square is made up of Italianate-style buildings.

The town’s church, St Mary’s Church, is majorly formed of materials from the 14th and 15th century. Hitchin also offers a great shopping experience, with a wide range of independent shops and boutiques in the town.

There are also a number of popular high street brands to shop at. After a long day of shopping, there is also every cuisine you can think of on offer in Hitchin to enjoy a bite to eat and drink at.

The Planning Inspectorate has upheld an appeal brought by Mark and Benjamin Fitton, from the Half Moon Inn, in Sharow, near Ripon, and quashed the notice served by North Yorkshire Council.

The council had issued the enforcement notice in 2024, alleging an unauthorised change of use from a public house to a house.

It required the owners to cease residential use and reinstate the primary use as a pub, with three months to comply.

However, Inspector Chris Baxter concluded that the residential use of the entire building had continued for at least four years before the notice was issued, meaning it was immune from enforcement action.

Under planning law, councils cannot take enforcement action against a change of use to a single dwellinghouse if it has been continuous for four years prior to the notice being served.

In reaching his decision, the inspector considered ten sworn statutory declarations from the appellants and family members, as well as photographs and written statements.

The declarations described how the building had been used as a sole residence since November 2019, with daily living activities taking place throughout the property.

Mr Baxter said in his conclusion: “From the evidence before me, I am satisfied on the balance of probability that the public house use ceased before 25 April 2020 and that since then the whole of the appeal property has been used as a single dwelling for a continuous period of four years.”

Commenting on the appeal decision, Mark Fitton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “After decades of business failure, it was obvious that the Half Moon would never reopen as a pub.

“The council has wasted a great deal of public money, spending years fighting a battle that it was never going to win.”

Planning applications to change the use of the pub into a home have been refused on several occasions in recent years.

A new application has recently been filed with the council in the wake of the appeal decision.

A community group has been campaigning for the pub to be reopened since 2021, with a survey of local residents revealing widespread support for the proposal.