The Grade II listed Welsh Presbyterian Church on Princes Road, Toxteth was once the tallest building in the city

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No applications have been lodged for a Liverpool church that developers pledged to restore “to its former glory”. The Welsh Presbyterian Church on Princes Road, Toxteth, remains in a dilapidated state and roofless following three decades of abandonment.

Once Liverpool’s tallest structure, the church was purchased by private developers in 2022, who vowed to “transform the Welsh Church into a space that can be treasured by the community for generations to come”. Those remarks were made following the collapse of a substantial section of the temporary roof in 2023.

Since that time, no planning applications have been submitted by the developers, Audsley Holdings Ltd, who utilised the building as security for a loan last year, according to publicly accessible records.

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Local residents said the structure is “pure danger” as they worry the Grade II listed church, with its 200ft spire, will collapse.

‘It’s disgusting they’ve let it get to that state’, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The ‘Welsh Cathedral’ sits at the entrance to the south of the city, standing guard over the broad boulevard that cuts through the centre of Toxteth. Tourist coaches travel along the Beatles trail daily.

A substantial opening in the temporary roof can be seen from a considerable distance back towards Princes Park. Stained glass windows are shattered, walls are deteriorating, weeds force gaps between blocks of Welsh granite, and rat holes are evident in the walls of the Sunday school at the rear of the church. Mary Thompson, 74, who has resided behind the church for decades, said: “It’s disgusting they’ve let it get to that state; it’s being used as a dumping ground, it’s a complete eyesore, and it’s such a shame.

“It’s pure danger as well, the structure is rotting. They will need to flatten it, which is such a shame for such a beautiful building.”

Neighbour Lillian Langton, 90, told the ECHO: “It’s going to fall down, and if the steeple goes down it will land in the middle of the road. Nothing’s been done.”

Another resident told the ECHO: “The church was lovely inside when the Brotherhood was there. It was beautiful. The Welsh Cathedral, built by the Welsh people who came to this area and were so important. If this was in another area, Allerton or Woolton, it wouldn’t be allowed to be left like that.

“It’s sad that it’s been left to wrack and ruin. People used to come down and take the Welsh granite away. It’s a beautiful building and something needs to be done about it; but this is Liverpool 8 – that’s the way it goes here.

“When friends visit me they ask why there’s a derelict church at the end of the row of houses.”

Brotherhood of the Cross and Star

The church was sold in 1982 to the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, a Nigerian religious movement that identifies itself as a “Kingdom founded on the rule of love” and a “physical manifestation” of a new form of “theocratic government” outlined in the bible. Followers believed the founder, Olumba Olumba Obu, to be a God incarnate.

Its website states: “The Head of this Government is His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords. He is the Leader of The Unified Universal Theocratic Council and The Head of Administration of BCS Worldwide.”

The Brotherhood was established by Olumba Olumba Obu in 1956, with the first UK chapter being set up in London in 1974. The Brotherhood still operates two churches in London and one in Moss Side, Manchester, but the Welsh church has been vacant since around 1992.

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In 2002, the council issued an urgent works notice to the Brotherhood due to concerns that part of the church might collapse. In 2005, £100,000 worth of work was undertaken using funds from the £1m pot allocated to Liverpool’s conservation department by the Northwest Development Agency. The Brotherhood was then asked to reimburse the money.

In 2008, The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star was taken to court by Liverpool City Council to recover a £345,000 sum owed to the city for repairs made to the church.

That same year, the council considered issuing a repairs notice to the owners, giving them two months to commence repairs or risk losing their ownership.

The church paid £380,000 to the council in 2009. Later that year, the Brotherhood agreed to sell the building to the council for £50,000 – the amount it would cost the council in legal fees to acquire it under a compulsory purchase order.

The ECHO contacted the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star’s office in London this week. The phone rings out before a voice over the crackling line invites the caller to leave a message. There are a few beeps before a robotic voice says ‘memory full’, and the call disconnects.

The ECHO received no response to its emails to the Brotherhood.

Merseyside Building Heritage Trust

In 2013, the church was sold to Merseyside Building Preservation Trust (MBPT) for £1. Feasibility studies were undertaken, and a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund was planned for full restoration works in 2015.

The Trust had been involved in efforts to save the church for two decades. However, by 2015, plans for full restoration had been abandoned. The Trust was working with Baltic Creative on a £7m development that would see the shell restored and a three or four-storey “timber pod” built in the body of the church to host creative businesses.

Nothing materialised from the plans. In 2018, proposals were submitted by Stephen Yip to transform the church into a hub for his KIND charity for disadvantaged and deprived children. But the scheme collapsed partly because of failure to secure funding from the Government’s Levelling Up fund for regeneration projects around the country. Mr Yip commented at the time: “Our plans for the old church were amazing and would have won awards. This is a 153-year-old building which has been derelict for so long. We were going to give it back to the city.

“The church has been part of my life. I was pushed past it when I was a child in a pram, and I’ve pushed my own kids past it in their prams. I’m heartbroken about it. This was going to be our legacy to the city, but now it won’t be.”

The Church was purchased by Audsley Holdings in 2022.

The ECHO has attempted to contact Merseyside Building Preservation Trust for comment but has received no response.

Audsley Holdings

The directors of Audsley Holdings comprise doctors from Manchester and St Helens alongside directors of local hotel businesses. The company has yet to lodge a single planning application with Liverpool City Council concerning the site, four years after acquiring the church.

Neighbour Janet Dainton recalls the roof collapsing in high winds in 2023. She remarked: “All the other churches are done up. If something was done with it it would be great. It could be a community centre.” Following the collapse, Dr Mustafa Rabia, the public representative of the group, stated: “Following interest from residents in the area, we wanted to assure those local to the former Welsh Presbyterian Church that we are currently working closely with our teams of expert surveyors and architects on how we can best preserve this Liverpool landmark. As a building that has historic links with the community and is associated with the personal stories of many, it is vital that this site is restored to its former glory and we are privileged to be able to take on this work as its new guardians.

“It is true that the building, recently acquired by ourselves, is in a fragile state due to years of neglect, having been unoccupied for over 20 years. However, with the help of our expert partners and with significant investment from us, it is our aim to transform the Welsh Church into a space that can be treasured by the community for generations to come. We are approaching the final stages of our proposals, in preparation for presentation to Liverpool City Council. It is our aim to engage with local community groups throughout this planning process and we look forward to sharing our thoughts on the future of the former Welsh Presbyterian Church with the people of the city.”

The ECHO has made several attempts to contact the directors of the firm. Audsley Holdings previously communicated with the ECHO through a PR agency.

When approached, the agency confirmed it no longer acts for the company and did not possess contact information for the directors. The directors have relocated from addresses in Merseyside identified through publicly accessible records.

Numerous telephone numbers discovered by the ECHO for the directors are no longer in service. No reply has been received from those that remain active.

The company’s registered office is that of an accountancy practice in the city centre. The ECHO hand-delivered correspondence to this location and was given assurance it would be forwarded to the firm’s directors, but to date no response has been received.

‘This is catastrophic for the community’

Sonia Bassey MBE, who runs L8 Matters Community Land Trust, told the ECHO: “It’s in a prime location in Liverpool 8, and the land value alone must be in the millions. Audsley Holdings have had it for four years and they’ve done nothing to it.

“I suspect they are waiting for it to fall down and I’m not aware of any enforcement that’s being imposed in the current situation. The roof has now completely gone.

“The building was gifted to the Merseyside Building Preservation Trust for £1, and it shouldn’t have been allowed to be sold to a private developer; it should have come back to the community.” Sonia commented: “I’m not aware of any consultation or activity they’ve undertaken in the community. They say they want it to be for community use, but I’m not aware of any consultation engagement that they’ve undertaken with the local community about plans or what they would propose it would be.

“I don’t think anyone’s seen any plans or any aspirations for the site, or any visuals of what it could look like. It’s a massive shame that the Welsh heritage is going to be destroyed when that building is lost.

“There’s such a history around that building and its congregation. For it then to just disappear because it’s fallen down would just be really wrong.”

A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council stated: “The former Welsh Presbyterian Church on Princes Road is a privately owned, Grade II listed building. The council does not own the site.

“We understand local concerns about the former Welsh Presbyterian Church and continue to monitor the building’s condition closely and are in contact with the owner regarding repairs.

“Previous proposals to bring the building back into use did secure planning permission, but were not taken forward after full funding could not be secured.

“The building was disposed of by the Council 13 years ago to the Merseyside Building Preservation Trust – an independent not‐for‐profit organisation whose purpose is to save and restore historic buildings that are at risk. As a charity, it does not operate to generate profit for shareholders.

“The site is now in the ownership of a private developer, who has previously indicated an intention to bring forward new proposals. However, no new planning application has been submitted to the council at this time.

“The council will assess any future proposals in line with planning and listed building legislation and will continue to take appropriate action where necessary in relation to public safety.

“The council’s priority now is to work positively with the current owner to find a sustainable solution.”

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Fans of Gavin & Stacey will recognise the iconic seaside loaction

With miles of heritage coastline, waymarked trails, ocean views, and cosy café stops the Vale of Glamorgan is a brilliant place for short walks. A marked and numbered Vale Trails series will take you through coastal and countryside routes with the most scenic views and historical features.

The Vale has an abundance of short coastal walks thanks to its unique heritage coast with Jurassic features. Stretching from Aberthaw to Porthcawl the Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers walkers 14 miles of unspoilt coastline via waymarked trails that wind through small villages, rural farmland, and sprawling beaches.

When I crave ocean views, ice cream, and a timeless beach-town vibe my favourite stroll is from the Cold Knap in Barry to Jackson’s Bay, which passes through a famous filming location.

If you’re up for a longer adventure tackle the Vale’s seven-mile park and seaside walk, known as Vale Trail Four, starting at Limpert Bay car park. But for a leisurely wander this shorter route is ideal.

The journey from Cold Knap to Jackson’s Bay along the Wales Coast Path covers about 2.5 to three miles and takes about an hour or so. Along the way you’ll pass Watchtower Bay, the lively Barry Island, and the rugged headland of Nell’s Point.

Gavin & Stacey fans will be delighted as the walk takes you right past Barry Island. Cap off your stroll with a spin at Nessa’s slot machines and a treat from Marco’s cafe where you can get an affordable bacon bap and a coffee.

The walk starts at the Cold Knap car park in Barry (CF62 6TF), near Knap Gardens and beach, providing easy access to the Wales Coastal Path. Parking charges at this location have been suspended until spring 2026 so for now it’s free to park there but make sure you check when you visit.

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Here the pebble beach meets the mighty Bristol Channel which is home to the world’s second-highest tidal range, rising and falling an impressive 12-14m.

Just behind the beach you’ll find the lovely Knap Gardens. These Grade II-listed grounds feature a harp-shaped lake where ducks and swans glide and there’s also a fresh new skatepark, a lively model boat club, and winding coastal paths leading toward Porthkerry Park.

This area once buzzed with swimmers at Knap Lido, which opened in 1926 as one of the UK’s largest outdoor pools. Its golden era lasted until the 1980s when sun-soaked European getaways and heated pools drew crowds elsewhere.

The lido closed its doors in 1996 and, despite passionate local protests, demolition began in 2004. Many still dream of its return as a beloved swimming spot.

Plod onwards to Watchtower Bay, which is one of the quieter beaches in the Barry Island area. At high tide the pebble beach here is flanked by rocks on one side and low-rise cliffs. When the tide recedes a vast expanse of sand is exposed that you can walk across

The old watch house still stands on the beach having been built in the 1860s to keep watch over the harbour. It serves as a reminder of the area’s seafaring days when the port bustled with life in the 16th and 17th centuries.

From here wander on to Barry Island and Whitmore Beach, which has a lively mix of shops, cafés, and arcades. Don’t miss the legendary Marco’s, made famous by Gavin & Stacey.

The Welsh Italian family-owned café is a thriving local business with many tourists and fans of the programme flocking to take selfies, feast on bacon baps, and enjoy proper cups of tea.

Some of the show’s most memorable scenes were shot in Barry Island including classic moments outside Stacey’s house and the retro amusement park where the characters bonded over chips and banter.

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The show’s enduring popularity draws fans from near and far eager to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters and relive scenes brought to life on screen.

Nessa, the show’s hilarious multitasker with multiple jobs, is best known for operating the slot machines on the Island. Fans can step right up to Nessa’s Slots located along the seafront.

The arcade now doubles as a treasure trove of Gavin & Stacey merchandise so you can play and shop in one go. Look for it on the Western Promenade of Barry Island.

Fans also used to make a pilgrimage to Boofy’s, which often had queues out its doors and as featured in the background of countless episodes of Gavin & Stacey.

Sadly the chippy closed “for good” in the new year after 25 years on Barry’s seafront. Locals and regulars were devastated to hear the news, claiming Barry “wouldn’t be the same” without Boofy’s famous fish and chips.

However it’s just been replaced by Farnham’s with customers able to get the first taste of their award-winning fish and chips in the spring sunshine. The team said they have “always” wanted to open a shop on Barry Island.

The announcement comes after Farnham’s at Fontygary was one of four Welsh fish and chip shops named among the best in the UK on a prestigious list published annually by a fish-and-chip magazine. Fry Magazine announced their top 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways in Britain in January and Farnham’s made the cut.

Fancy a detour? Head to Trinity Street where the terraced houses served as the location of Gwen and Stacey’s home. Just up the road you’ll find Uncle Bryn’s house too.

From Barry Island follow the coast past a row of colourful beach huts winding around Nell’s Point and onward to Jackson’s Bay.

This sandy bay is sheltered from the wind, offers unspoilt coastal views, is dog-friendly all year round, and features public toilets, a small coffee shack, and a wood-fired sauna.

Just beyond Barry Yacht Club and the lifeboat station the Knotty Yachty hut awaits inside the club railings ready to serve up coffee and tasty snacks.

At the hut you can treat yourself to a local coffee from the Welsh Coffee Co, grab your dog an indulgent puppuccino, or pick up a piping hot panini.

The hut also serves tea, hot chocolates, smoothies, milkshakes, pastries, cakes, hot dogs, sausage rolls, and pasties. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 2.30pm during the off-peak season and from 8.30am to 4.30pm during peak seasons. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.

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The sandy bay is also the perfect place for a dip in the sea (if you like cold water that is) as you can warm up after in Môr a sawna. This wood-burning sauna seats up to 10 people and offers epic views of both the beach and harbour and is well worth a visit.

If you fancy paddleboarding here you can book a session with Island SUP, an ASI-accredited stand-up paddleboarding school and club operating at Jackson’s Bay, Whitmore Bay, and the Water Activity Centre.

Led by UK champion Kerry Baker they offer lessons, coastal adventures, and club sessions for all levels on the sheltered waters of Jackson’s Bay.

From Jackson’s Bay choose to continue your journey or retrace your steps back to Cold Knap after a lovely coastal adventure.

Planning a short walk in the Vale of Glamorgan

Serious hikers should consider using a detailed OS Explorer map to find walking routes and public rights of way in the Vale. You can also download the AllTrails app to help you find your way.

Remember to also bring water for long walks. Download the Refill Wales App to find locations where you can fill your reusable water bottle with tap water for free.

Want to walk with pals? Join Ramblers Cymru for group walks across Wales with like-minded hikers.

Midfielder Kenny McLean believes the experience against high-calibre opposition will stand Scotland in good stead before this summer’s World Cup.

The Scots have been drawn in Group C with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.

They take on Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday in the second of their March friendlies.

“A disappointing result. It’s good to get these challenges, we’re trying to prepare as well as we can for a big summer ahead,” said Norwich City’s McLean.

“We’ll try to get better and that’s what we’ll try to do again on Tuesday. The shape was decent enough at times.

“The second half was a bit better out of possession, but I think we could have been a bit more threatening at the top end of the pitch.

“Japan are a really good team, they press you really well, but that’s what we’re going to come up against in the summer.

“There’s an expectation now and we want those expectations on us. We want to reach a new level.”

Despite the positive noises from Clarke, former Scotland striker Billy Dodds says Scotland have to improve on Tuesday and then again before they head across the Atlantic.

After the Ivory Coast fixture, Scotland will play Curacao on 30 May and one other unnamed opponent before the World Cup.

“The boys trying to push their way in will be most frustrated because they need a team to perform to their best,” Dodds said.

“We must get a win at some point to get momentum and maybe that’s why we’ve chosen Curacao as the last fixture at home. But I would like us to play better against Ivory Coast and solve a few problems.

“We’re down because there was nothing for the crowd to get up for. It was flat. There was industry and effort but no X-factor.”

Said by, well, me — but with all the enthusiasm of someone who’s discovered the joy of hi-vis and never looked back.

I’ve always been the type to wake up early. My mum still loves telling the story of how toddler me would burst into her room at 5am, just after she’d finally settled my newborn brother. Some habits, it seems, never change.

But for years, my early rises were spent doing things that were, frankly, a bit selfish. Running, gym sessions, walking the dogs, all good and all healthy, but all for me. I wanted to give something back.

Volunteering at parkrun wasn’t really part of the plan. I was a regular runner, yes, but a hi-vis hero? That felt like a role for someone far more organised and less chaotic.

Then my running club held a parkrun takeover early last year. I missed out on the core roles, but there was space for pacers — and if there’s one thing I’ll happily do, it’s try and pace a race.

And that was it. I was hooked.

There’s something exhilarating about having a group tucked in behind you, chasing their PBs, and knowing your encouragement might be the nudge that gets them there.

Suddenly, I’d fallen headfirst into a community that’s both wonderfully chaotic and strangely soothing. A weekly ritual that belongs to everyone.

The first thing you notice is the colour: that unmistakable hi-vis pink. Pulling it on feels faintly ridiculous and official at the same time. You’re no longer just a spectator, you’re part of the machine.

Me as a pink hi-vis hero at Darlington parkrun (Image: The Northern Echo)

The clappers, the cheerers, the barcode scanners, the course-checkers. The ones who keep everything moving.

That’s the magic of it.

When you volunteer, you see people at their absolute best.

Nervous first-timers hovering at the back (pretending they don’t care about their time). Older runners gliding past with enviable ease. Parents pushing buggies and still managing a breathless “thank you!” as they go by.

Regulars who know the course better than their morning commute.

As a marshal, you become a tiny landmark in their morning. At my spot, the three trees, I clap and shout, “Well done, great running!” to every person who runs past. And without fail, everyone calls back, “Thanks, marshal!” as if I’ve done far more than wave enthusiastically.

But for them, I have done something. I’ve shown up. I’ve helped make it happen.

And in return, I get this sense of belonging that’s hard to find anywhere else.

My favourite moment is the tail walker’s appearance in the distance, a sign that the morning is winding down. That’s when volunteers close ranks, cones are collected, signs are stacked and packed away.

It’s truly local life stitched together by people who might never meet if it weren’t for these Saturday mornings.

Volunteering at parkrun has taught me something unexpected. Community isn’t built on grand gestures. It’s built on turning up.

Again and again. In drizzle, in sunshine, in frost. With a smile, a cheer, and a vague point in the direction runners should go.

And honestly? I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend.

Darlington parkrun is held at South Park every Saturday at 9am.

Junior parkrun is held every Sunday at 9am.

First timers briefing is held at 8.50am, and there is always a friendly face in a pink hi-vis willing to offer a helping hand for anyone new and nervous about attending.

Christian Pulisic couldn’t figure out teammates from opposing Belgians in a friendly with kit confusion.

“That can’t happen. It was a bit strange,” the U.S. star said after Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Belgium.

The U.S. wore its new Nike jerseys with red and white horizontal stripes that resemble a waving flag, an apparent homage to American jerseys at the 1994 World Cup with vertical red-and-white stripes.

Belgium had on its new Adidas road jerseys with a background of a light color called Frozen Blue mixed with pink and black trim, a tribute to surrealist artist René Magritte.

“It definitely was a little bit difficult whenever you do like a quick glance to tell which was which. It was almost like a 50-50 thing,” American midfielder Weston McKennie said. “So you definitely have to maybe take a little more time on the ball before you made a decision or play one touch to a player.”

Both teams exchanged uniform plans well ahead of the match, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation, and the outfits were cleared before the game by the match officials.

Belgium’s home jersey in a solid red while the U.S.’s other is dark blue with a subtle star pattern and red trim, which it plans to wear for Tuesday’s friendly against Portugal.

While the flawed fashions became apparent during the first half, neither team had different sets of jerseys on site they could switch to at the break.

Decisions could depend on shorts — the U.S. wore blue and Belgium white. The Americans had white socks and the Belgians blue.

Players hadn’t been concerned about the game’s sartorial aspects.

“I didn’t know until we took off the pre-match, whatever, shirts and then saw it and I was like — everyone was a bit shocked,” Pulisic said. “A lot of times you get the ball, you look up, you can’t really lock in on something. You only can base it off the color of the shirt. That’s how it works. And when it’s very similar, it’s difficult.”

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

This week, March moves into April and Venus moves into Taurus, while the Full Moon beams in the sign of Libra.

Basically, a lot of Venus activity which puts the spotlight on money, love and pleasure.

It’s time to have a good time, to enjoy your life, to spend and indulge and fall in love.

Make your lifestyle feel like a movie this week, small touches and embellishes that make you look and feel good, attractive, luxurious, and taken care of.

How you treat yourself teaches others how to treat you, so set a great example and your relationships will also improve!

What money, love or pleasure message do the tarot cards have for you this week?

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot card for Aries for this week: Judgement

Meaning: The greatest pleasure is in feeling comfortable, happy and confident in your own skin! An easy conscience, a sense of pride and self-worth, and a bit of a buzz to be seen; this is how you’re moving this week, Aries, and it feels good.

Judgement has you taking great pleasure in who you’ve become. It’s not been easy and you’ve overcome many issues and risen to many occasions. You are impressive! So, pat yourself on the back, put a smile on your face and greet the world with authentic confidence and curiosity… lots of new opportunities are ready to meet you!

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: The Wheel of Fortune

Meaning: Venus is your ruling planet, so when she’s highly active, it gifts you with magical superpowers and energy. Use it well! The Wheel of Fortune grants you the opening to make a major change and have it go your way.

If you could change anything in your life, what would it be? The chances of success, if you start this now, are very high. It’s a portal through which you can step, entering a new era and chapter with things much more how you wish they could be. There’s always a side effect or two of change, so be prepared for the unexpected as well.

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: The World

Meaning: What an invitation the cosmos is offering to you this week, Gemini! The world, and everything in it… where do you want to go and what do you want to achieve? Things have been coming to a head in your realm, many endings and natural conclusions and missions completed. So, it’s time to look and plan ahead and feel excited about your future.

If anyone can dance in rhythm with the world’s energies and dynamic flows, it’s you. Be flexible, be fun, be open-hearted, because you’re ready to leap into another new stream and learn to swim all over again. You can go anywhere and do anything!

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: Seven of Swords

Meaning: Make sure that your home, inner circle, workspace and playtime zones are fuss, clutter, and bad vibe-free. And if not, take steps this week to oust the stuff that bothers you. Get rid!

You are clearing the way for a splendid spring and summer. This is your magical time of year so you don’t want any flies in your ointment, thorns in your side, blemishes on your canvas.

You have a great instinct for self protection and defence, deploy it now and scan your surrounds. What comes up on the radar? This is a week to declutter and oust the things dragging you down. Be free!

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: Page of Cups

Meaning: Your inner child is awake and giving you hints, nudges and signs which can guide you towards the true pleasures and heartfelt passions you’re ready to use as a leading light in your life. Full circle – all the way back to who you authentically are, and always have been.

Creativity, play, and friendship are strong themes right now. You want to enjoy yourself, wholesomely and peacefully, in a flow of goodwill and happiness. Look to people, places and activities that make you feel this way and have a connection to something from your childhood memory box. This is the pathway to happiness.

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: Page of Coins

Meaning: You love learning, it’s literally a lifelong pleasure, as your planetary ruler is Mercury, the eternal student and intellectual. So, treat yourself this week to a new book, documentary series, course, lecture, class, TED talk, podcast or workshop. Get involved actively with something you want to learn how to do or to understand more deeply.

Feed your powerful mind. Invest in your own ongoing education and you will always feel fulfilled and creative. What we put into our mind matters. You know this more than anyone, and you’re about to curate some beautiful content.

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: Knight of Swords

Meaning: You are Venus’s child, so her presence everywhere this week makes you feel strong and powerful, like you have cosmic backing… and you do, of course!

The Knight of Swords is another ally in your quest for control, authority and power. So this is a major week of laying down the right foundations, righting wrongs, pushing back, challenging a status quo that doesn’t serve or suit you, and putting your priorities first.

Be pushy. Be demanding. Venus gifts you with all the charm and powers of persuasion you need, and this Knight brings you the force and resilience. Put together, you’re unstoppable right now!

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 Devil

Meaning: Scorpios find love and pleasure in strange places. Forgive me, but you are the mad bad and dangerous to know one of the zodiac’s 12 characters (and we all love you for it). The Devil is with you this week suggesting you’re going to be tempted by some illicit or secret or slightly naughty activity… and it’s up to you if you deem this as naughty or nice!

We are all responsible for our own actions and their consequences. If you’re willing to own the choices you make and their follow up impacts then you do you! Get on and find your pleasures wherever they arise. It might be a wild week, Scorpio.

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: The High Priestess

Meaning: Intuitive, psychic and instinctive energy is supporting and flowing around you this week, Sagittarius, so follow your heart, listen to your inner voice, and obey your gut. This is not a rational or mental time, it’s about your instincts. You may feel like spending time alone, that’s okay, seek solitude and tune into the messages meant for you, decompress and unwind.

You may feel compelled to do or say something strange, and that’s okay; be amongst trusted folk and express what comes, say how you truly feel. You may have a bright, shining, gleaming idea that must be executed… and you should do it. There are gifts from the cosmos coming your way this week, don’t waste them.

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: The Chariot

Meaning: You will be investing time, possibly money, and energy into the notion of movement this week. And it will pay off handsomely, because this investment is about a bigger purpose or mission in your life. It may involve buying a vehicle, moving house, looking at relocating, going on a magical journey, booking a holiday to look forward to, or thinking about your position in your career (spatially and life-stage).

Place matters. Our environment dictates our mood more than anything else. So make sure you’re in the right place for you, or heading that way! Build the surrounds and experience of the world that supports a healthy, fulfilled, peaceful you.

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: Nine of Coins

Meaning: This influx of lovely Venus energy this week marks a real turning point for you, Aquarius. You are going to rebuild, repair and restore things that have felt missing, broken or obsolete.

The Nine of Coins charts a long-term and sustainable walk back to your best life and selfhood, small acts of positivity and self care and useful challenge every day that lift your mood, spirits and opportunity. We all design and create our own lives. So make decisions that lift you, open doors, and create positive feeling. It all starts here.

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: Four of Cups

Meaning: A fatigue or mood of boredom and complacency is going to lift and evaporate this week, leaving you feeling lighter and brighter, optimistic about your future and grateful for the life you already lead – which is the sweet spot of joy for most folk. I don’t know what caused your malaise, but it ends here.

Refocus on all you already have access to, enjoy doing, and are blessed with. You are already so wealthy in opportunity and advantage, you just need to see it, name it, and use it more. Imagine an outsider reviewed your life, what would they be most impressed with and jealous of? That all belongs to you already!

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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More and more Gen Zs and Millennials are hiring UK holiday homes in order to dress up together, away from the scrutiny of their parents, partners and society at large

“It’s difficult playing at your house. You’re trying to get in the mood to slay a vampire, and then someone’s boyfriend comes in to get a snack.”

It’s a problem we’ve all had. Or at least, those of us who are among the growing number of British Dungeons and Dragons players who are swapping sunbeds in Lanzarote for a cottage in the Lake District, and trading their piña colada for a couple of D4s and an orc costume.

Driven by “cosy crime” hits such as The Traitors and Agatha Christie adaptations, one in four Brits and half of Gen Z have booked a staycation specifically to host a murder mystery, games night, or TV-themed weekend with friends or family, according to an exclusive cottages.com study.

An early adopter of this trend is young Millennial Georgia Johnson, who has just celebrated a decade of leaving the boyfriends behind in London and heading to somewhere secluded to roll dice.

“We’ve been to Valencia twice, a place in Kent, a friend’s house in Bath and up to the Lake District,” the North London DnD player explained.

For Georgia and her costume-clad pals, getting away from it all really helps to set the mood.

“One time, we knew we were going to have a fortune telling, so we put out loads of tarot cards and dice and had a candlelit session,” she explained.

“Cottages.com has spooky castles and chapels you can stay in, and a button that shows you a nearby pub. Generally, you get up, DnD, have lunch at a pub, come back, more DnD, then around midnight it can get a bit silly and hazy. At the moment, we are playing Curse of Strahd, which is modelled on Dracula. We are hoping to go to Whitby to finish the game. We want candles lit and spooky music.”

For the uninitiated, it’d be easy to overlook the ubiquity of role-playing games like DnD, or consign them to the ‘80s fad bin’ only recently revived by a starring role in Stranger Things.

In fact, they’ve been growing in popularity for years and continue to reach new peaks. 52 years after its invention, DnD has 13.7 million active players. One study suggests that interest in tabletop role-playing games has increased by roughly 85% since 2020. This purple patch extends to Nottingham-based Warhammer, which was worth £4.7bn at the end of 2024.

For many gentler souls, such games are a fantastic way of expressing oneself creatively. Among Georgia’s clan is Ben, an office worker during the week who dons a moustache and becomes “officer of the post” Derbert Clifton-Brown at the weekend.

He is joined by creative Kash, who has purchased ears specifically designed for people of colour, and Oliver, who likes to paint himself green.

Before the crew started travelling to play, Georgia’s mum walked in on them in the act. “She said she would’ve rather found us having an orgy,” the 33-year-old said.

Another great RPG lover is James Mackenzie-Thorpe. Not only has he travelled across the UK to enjoy weekend sessions with his friends, but he has also brought dozens of DnDers to a unique tourist attraction.

“My first day working at Kents Caverns I heard some colleagues talking DnD. I asked if I could play, but there was no work group. Later on, I woke up from a dream and thought I should write an adventure set in the caves. So I wrote it and played it with a group of five, in the caves. It went really well. Then another group. Then we decided to do it for the public. Now, for three years, I’ve run DnD in the cave for the general public,” James explained.

Kents Caverns are a network of prehistoric caves in Torquay, Devon, that lie beneath the hotel that inspired Fawlty Towers. James takes tours by day and hosts quests by night.

And he puts a lot of effort into it, paying for maps to be professionally painted and bringing rechargeable lanterns to light up the skull-lined caves.

“It’s been a tremendous amount of fun. You never know what you’re going to get with each group. We’ve had people travelling from Cornwall and Somerset. One group had been playing with each other online during Covid. They had never met in real life before they came and played with me in the caves. They booked an Airbnb and stayed together,” he said.

For James, the real joy of DnD comes in seeing people express themselves freely, which traveling to a cottage or heading underground can help some do.

“We have a young member who has been four or five times to play in the caves. They’re non-binary and are just starting to come to terms with that. To see everyone really take that person in hand, to really help that person come out of their shell, it makes me really proud,” he said.

According to historians, in 1839, Muhammad Ali Shah gave 3.6m rupees – considered a vast sum in those days – to the East India Company, then a British trading enterprise, on the condition that it would be responsible for maintaining the monuments built by the Awadh nawabs, while the kitchen would continue to run on the interest earned from the fund.

GRAPEVINE, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s was the unofficial guest of honor at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where hundreds of right-wing activists from around the country hailed him as Republicans’ clear choice for U.S. Senate.

He met with supporters behind closed doors, gave the keynote address at the Ronald Reagan dinner and held court during a private reception where people lined up for handshakes and photos. Audiences cheered for Paxton and booed any mention of Sen. John Cornyn, Paxton’s opponent in the May 26 runoff.

If Paxton wins the nomination, it will be because of support from his party’s fervent grassroots base. That rock-solid foundation rescued Paxton’s political career after he was impeached — but acquitted — for corruption charges by the Texas Legislature three years ago.

“I want you to know, there’s only one reason I got through all that, and it’s by the grace of God,” he said in his Friday night speech as a wave of applause rolled through the hall. “He absolutely delivered me, and he used to people of Texas to deliver me.”

Neither Paxton nor Cornyn won enough votes in the March 3 primary to clinch the nomination outright. Although Cornyn has raised far more money and is backed by the party establishment in Washington, Paxton’s well-honed survival skills could lead him to victory.

The winner will face Democrat James Talarico, a state lawmaker, in what will be one of the most closely watched Senate races as Republicans try to retain their grip of Congress.

Cornyn did not attend CPAC, which was held at a resort and convention center near Dallas. Paxton was the overwhelming favorite in CPAC’s straw poll, beating Cornyn by more than three to one, and he won the organization’s endorsement.

‘There’s got to be a change’

President Donald Trump promised that he would endorse either Paxton or Cornyn weeks ago, but no announcement ever came. Paxton, however, has had no trouble proving his bona fides with the party’s right wing.

“The real benefit of Paxton is that he is more an ally of Trump,” said Luke Brown, a 21-year-old college student from Amarillo, Texas. “There’s got to be a change for newer conservatives.

He added that, “I have respect for Cornyn. I just think it’s time for someone more conservative.”

Although Cornyn finished first in the primary, which also included Rep. Wesley Hunt, Paxton swiftly appealed to Trump by embracing legislation known as the SAVE Act, which would mean new, strict proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. The proposal is a priority for the president, but it has stalled in the Senate because Republican leaders do not want to lift the filibuster.

Paxton said he would consider stepping aside if the legislation passed and accused Cornyn of being a “coward.” About a week later, Cornyn reversed his position on the filibuster and wrote in an op-ed that “I support whatever changes to Senate rules that may prove necessary.”

‘Too little too late’

Paxton crowed about the shift during his reception on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, John Cornyn has never been focused on this issue until right now, when I called him out on it,” he told supporters.

Cornyn’s campaign noted that the senator is an original co-sponsor of the voting legislation.

“Ken Paxton has lied to his staff, to taxpayers, to his colleagues and to his own family, so it should be not a surprise he’s lying here too,” said Matt Mackowiak, a senior adviser to Cornyn’s campaign.

Joe Ropar, a 72-year-old defense contractor who attended CPAC, described Paxton’s maneuvering as “brilliant.”

“Cornyn’s trying to change his stripes now,” Ropar said. “It’s too little too late.”

While Cornyn did not attend CPAC, which was held at a resort and convention center near Dallas, Paxton was extolled by speakers throughout the event.

“Ken Paxton is emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement across the nation,” said Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser who hosts the “War Room” podcast, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Earlier Friday, CPAC senior fellow Mercedes Schlapp polled the crowd. Asking for a show of support for Paxton, there was a roar of cheers. When she asked about Cornyn, there was a light ripple of boos.

‘Time for a change’

Paxton reminded conservatives here of another connection with Trump: They both have portrayed themselves as the victims of political persecution. While Paxton was impeached and acquitted once, Trump went through the process twice during his first term.

Some conservative Republicans hold other grudges against Cornyn. They remember his early criticism of Trump’s proposal for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border in 2016, his co-sponsoring of gun control legislation after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022, and his dismissive remarks about Trump’s comeback campaign in 2024.

Retired music teacher Valerie Burge, 58, said she voted for Cornyn in the primary because of his long service.

“But I’m not sure about the runoff,” she said. “It might be time for something new.”

Barbara Palmer, a 65-year-old lawyer, said Cornyn had simply been in office for too long. He has been a judge, state supreme court justice and state attorney general, and now he wants a fifth term as senator.

“It’s just time for a change,” Palmer said.

Three staff members from Lisneal College are taking on a 100Km trek in memory of their friend, former teacher Sharon Street

Staff members from Lisneal College are set to cross 100Km of the Sahara Desert in memory of their beloved colleague Sharon Street.

Former teacher Sharon Street passed away last year and spent the last few weeks of her life at Foyle Hospice with her friends Lorna Alexander, Ernest Hanna and Irene Pender now hoping they can raise money for the vital facility in her memory. This Easter the trio will cross a section of the Sahara Desert with Sharon asking them to donate the funds they have raised to the hospice.

They will fly out to Morocco for nine nights on Easter Sunday for the 100Km trek and have been training since last year in order to prepare themselves for the challenge.

Lorna said:“Our beautiful friend Sharon had 5 years of a horrendous journey with cancer. However, we knew she was comfortable at Foyle Hospice – she told us she was ready to die and that speaks volumes of the care she received. We told her about doing a trek to raise funds and she was delighted – she said it was an amazing idea! Our initial target was £1000 but we have exceeded that and are now over £5k which we are absolutely delighted with – if we can keep the donations coming, we would be so grateful.”

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She continued: “We have been training since last year, going out after work every Friday and completing 10 miles by walking the two bridges. We are definitely prepared and really looking forward to completing the trek.“I feel really excited and nervous as this is totally outside of my comfort zone – I have never camped before or done anything like it! The trip is organised by Kandoo Adventures and there will also be three others joining us on our journey from America, Norway and Holland.”

Lorna stressed the importance of their fundraising initiative saying: “The three of us feel it is very important to support Foyle Hospice because the care and support is amazing – in Sharon’s case, her children were able to spend precious time with her. The service is priceless to families.”

“Throughout our trek, we will be keeping Sharon’s memory alive, especially when times get tough – we have been described as the three musketeers! As a team, we are strong-minded people and we will be supporting one another to get through it.

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