Tallulah Bradford died six days after being involved in a horror incident at Chalkwell Park in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Her loved ones have now paid tribute to the ‘beautiful’ 18-year-old
Tributes have been paid to a teenage girl who sadly died this week following a horror incident at a seaside park.
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The incident happened in the Chalkwell Park area of Southend-On-Sea in Essex in the early hours of Saturday, June 13, where the woman suffered severe injuries and was rushed to hospital. Essex Police have said that two teenagers aged 17 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and they have been bailed.
The force is appealing for witnesses to come forward to help in the investigation, saying that there were a large crowd of young people in the area at the time of the incident.
The latest statement form Essex Police on the incident reads: ” “A teenager seriously injured following an incident involving a vehicle in Southend has, sadly, now died. We had been called to the Chalkwell Park area at around 12.30am on Saturday 13 June to reports a group of people to have taken unauthorised control of a small articulated loading vehicle.
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“An 18 year-old woman had sustained significant injuries following an incident in the Chalkwell Park. She was taken to hospital but, sadly, has since died and officers are continuing to support her family. Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
“An 18 year-old man from Westcliff and a 17 year-old boy arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving remain on bail until September. We know there were a large number of young people in the area at the time, and we believe some may have witnessed what happened. We need anyone who has information and who we’ve not already spoken with to come forward.”
The force added: “You can contact us by submitting a report on our website or via our 24/7 Live Chat service at www.essex.police.uk, or by calling 101 quoting incident 39 of 13 June.”
A GoFundMe page has since been launched in her memory. The fundraiser, which set out to raise £4,500, was created to support Tallulah’s family. A family friend wrote on the page: “Full of love, laughter, and kindness, Tallulah touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She brought so much joy to her family and friends, and her memory will be cherished forever.”
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It added: “Tallulah was deeply loved, and she will never be forgotten. Her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her, especially in the hearts of her mum Jayde, and her brother, Lennon and her grandparents, aunties and uncles.”
Over £18,000 has already been raised for Jayde and her family.
You can donate to the fundraiser by clicking here.
The season might have finished nearly a month ago and the World Cup might be in full swing but that doesn’t mean life is quiet at Manchester City.
From transfers and contracts to pre-season and the fixtures, there has been plenty going on at the Etihad. We have every base covered and as part of our coverage we are holding regular Q&A sessions with our chief City writer Simon Bajkowski. The day of the week it comes out on may change depending on what City’s schedule looks like, but essentially this is your chance to get an answer on anything you want – simply pop your question here at any time of the week and Simon will pick them all up and wrap everything up in one place.
With Simon having been on holiday for the past two weeks after a hectic season following the Blues, Alex James is stepping into his shoes for this week’s Q&A. This week has questions on Enzo Maresca, Elliot Anderson, transfer targets and City expectations.
Is Elliot – Tonali both on summer signing list? Does City plan to move for both not one as back up? Sam
Hi Sam. Before I get into the questions I’ll just start with a disclaimer! While I cover City here at the MEN, I am very much the support act to Simon – think of me as more of a Scott Carson vibes man – so I’ll do my best to answer what I can but it may not be to the same level of depth and detail!
Anyway, now that’s out of the way, this is one question I can answer. Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali are both of interest to City this summer. As we all know the Blues have had two offers for Anderson knocked back and are now weighing up whether to return with another bid or bide their time in the negotiation process. There remains a belief that a deal for the Nottingham Forest man can be done.
As for Tonali, City view him as an additional option rather than a Plan B if Anderson doesn’t come off. Any prospective move for the Newcastle man is not dependent on what happens with Anderson so there is a chance City could land both this summer, although that would likely cost them upwards of £200million.
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What’s the latest on Elliot Anderson deal and Enzo Maresca announcement? Sami
When is the here we go for Maresca? Anas Aminu Ismail
When is our new coachcoming? Chigozie orisakwe
So I have grouped these together. We’ve wrapped Anderson up above but in terms of Maresca the short answer is there is no update. The talks between City and Chelsea have taken far longer to resolve than anyone anticipated, certainly City hoped to have things wrapped up by now. But there is no suggestion that it won’t happen. It remains very much a when rather than an if and hopefully an official announcement comes in the next week or two. But given the delay over the past few weeks I would be reluctant to put a timescale on it!
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Hi, With Savinho seemingly close to leaving, are there any concrete winger targets City are working on? Could strong World Cup performances influence the club’s shortlist? Also, is one winger signing enough when Doku and Semenyo appear to be the only specialist wingers in the squad? TJ
Hi TJ. City want a winger this summer. That position, along with central midfield and right back are the areas of the squad the Blues are seeking to strengthen. Things have gone a bit quiet on the Savinho front but Spurs remain very much interested and feel there is a deal to be done, while City will sell the Brazilian at the right place with around £60million expected to be the agreed fee. City will look to replace Savinho should he depart. In terms of names of who might come in. . . I don’t have any! If and when the Savinho deal is done, then expect the state of play on who could replace him to become clearer.
Any news on why it’s taking so long to announce our new manager/head coach? Looking forward to your you tube content at talking city next season? Is the team optimistic about city’s charge or teams like spurs Liverpool and man utd would be an issue for our rise due to their unpredictability? What’s your team’s view on the latest hikes of player prices . It all started with neymar a long time ago but adam wharton is now also valued at 100mil i had a talk worth my mates this is going to criple finances and clubs because football doesn’t make too much profit for such bizarre investments in transfers and wages .in my opinion PSR rules should have also included a strict guideline or law for players price and salary inflation i think thats all in my mind for now. Kwanele Habana
Thanks Kwanele! A lot to unpick here, we’ve answered the Maresca one already and we’re looking forward to offering more You Tube content next season as well – it’s something we are hoping will provide an extra layer to our coverage.
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In terms of City’s optimism. . . the Blues expect to challenge for the title. The departure of Pep Guardiola is obviously a huge change but it’s one City have known would have been coming at some point and behind the scenes they have actively tried to ensure that this moment is as seamless as possible. The Blues do not want, or expect, a dramatic drop off like Manchester United experienced when Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Whether City hit the ground running under Maresca remains to be seen but the powers that be will want to be competing for the title. Arsenal will rightly begin as favourites but with Liverpool under a new manager, Spurs having a lot of work to do and United now having the added burden of Champions League football, there is nothing for the Blues to fear.
Onto the transfer fees, unfortunately that is the way football is now. The £100m player seemed fanciful not too long ago (or is that just me showing my age) but now there’s a whole host of players who move for that amount. You are right in saying it is mad money, and you reference Adam Wharton, who is one of English football’s brightest talents and, when you factor in his ability, his age, his proven Premier League quality, his contract length and his potential, it is easy to see why Palace rate him in that £100m bracket. That is just the going rate and I can’t see it dropping any time soon, particularly while the Premier League continues to generate huge and clubs are able to deliver record revenues as a result.
Thousands of Man City fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.
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Get ready for a new week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Solstice has passed and we are into full summer now, with Mars moving into Gemini and a Mercury Retrograde on the horizon.
Feels like a good week to get organised before they kick in and stir things up, and get all your priorities established, lined up and scheduled for action.
When you’ve got your to-do list spot on, you just feel more on top of things — and actually, in the mood to have fun, because you can see the glimmers of time available and feel like you deserve a treat.
What needs organising in your realm this week? Let the tarot guide you…
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
Get some help from an organised pal (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aries for this week: Page of Wands
Meaning: You need some help getting organised. In fact, you need to organise how you get organised, right now. Aries are not known for schedules and to-do lists, so you need to find a Capricorn, Virgo or Gemini who can give you the head start on how to approach a jumble of tasks and ideas and turn them into something achievable, streamlined and robust.
See this not as a chore but an experiment. Imagine how much you could get done, succeed in, and have the pleasure of experiencing if you planned your time to the best of your ability? Get to it.
A little leeway can make a big difference (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Eight of Cups
Meaning: You’re pretty organised at heart as you like to wield control over your life. The only thing to change this coming week, and through summer, is to leave more ‘wriggle room’ when you’re embarking on something big.
Make extra time to be late, delayed, presented with an unforeseen treat or unmissable activity, consider a better option, pursue a fresh opening that wasn’t there before. Put this ‘wriggle room’ into everything you’ve got going on and you will get way way more out of it, even if it’s just arriving more relaxed and refreshed. There are surprises ahead. Create space for them to land in your daily life.
Something major arrives in your realm this week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Gemini for this week: The Sun
Meaning: You are organising your summer holidays, and beyond! That’s not frivolous — travels, trips and vacations take a lot of work and sorting out, and better to do prior to a Mercury Retrograde than during, right? You’re well aware of Mercury’s tricks, bring ruled by that planet yourself.
This is going to be a good week. The change of season enlivens and energises you, and you’re ready for adventures, escapades and creative projects. Love, success and achievement are all on the cards for you, so the sky’s the limit. Look out for lovely Leos, golden invitations, new career openings and almost too-good-to-be-true offers… anything is possible.
Give yourself a pat on the back (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Cancer for this week: Strength
Meaning: Look back and smile at how far you’ve come and how brave you are now about dealing with things you might once have side-stepped or scuttled under a rock to avoid. The crab is a courageous creature! And you’re out there, pincers up, handling your business and sorting out what needs attention. Every confident step you take, proactive move you make, and challenge you rise to meet only serves to make you feel stronger, better, bigger, and more capable. It’s all a win/win.
Make this a week of celebrating your resilience and success, of dealing with things you don’t want to drag along into your sign’s season. It’s Cancer season — be your full, amazing self!
Now’s the time to get set for summer and your season (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Leo for this week: Five of Swords
Meaning: Summer is your most powerful season. You are ruled by the Sun in astrology, the source of warmth and light in the Universe (fittingly) and it’s your zodiac season come the end of July. So please use this week to iron out any and all squabbles, rifts or misunderstandings in your realm that are bothering you come 4am; you know, the conversations you replay over and over, the questions you never asked, the things you said that might’ve landed wrongly.
Iron it all out. Do what you need to do to restore clarity, understanding and goodwill, so you can enter summer on an absolute high, on the crest of a wave of friendship and fellowship. You’re a people person. Pay attention to your people this week.
You’ll reap what you sow now, well into the coming months (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Virgo for this week: Ace of Coins
Meaning: Organised? You are never anything but organised, Virgo, so you don’t really need to do this homework before summer begins. Instead, look to this week as a place to plant new seeds that can grow through summer and beyond — even into 2027.
The Ace of Coins invites you to put new projects, chores, ambitions, tasks, targets and ideas in motion, especially relating to health, wealth, work and home. What can you begin that is a long-term project with magnificent potential and rewarding results? It will take steady investment and consistent action, but you’re up for it. The results are worthwhile. This starts here.
Meaning: Your social life is always busy — being ruled by Venus you are wonderful company, a charming lover, and an easygoing presence in all circles. You move effortlessly around many different territories.
The Ten of Cups wants you to plan your social life with care this summer. Don’t just go with the flow, think about who you want to prioritise, and put that intent into action, into your actual plans each week. Don’t be ‘done to’ and swept into other folks’ stories… write your own. And if romance or your partner is top of the list, then make it like that in real life. Summer is a time of love and passion, maybe this is your calling this year.
Get your schedule in order and the good times will follow (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: Eight of Wands
Meaning: Catch up on all of your correspondence and invitations and summer events already known of. Get this planned in over the coming months and see how it’s shaping up. What looks clustered or busy? What could be condensed and pulled together into one? What looks like a good window for a holiday or an extended break?
You are going to be busy and in demand this summer, so take a peek at the known factors and assess where and when is a good time to add more… or try and avoid. Social success, good holidays, and happy times do take planning and forethought, this is your window of time to do that.
Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: The Wheel of Fortune
Meaning: The Wheel of Fortune is so your card, Sagittarius, reflecting your spontaneous, courageous and devil-may-care attitude to life. You go where you please, plans can change at a moment’s notice if a better option arises (which it often does because you’re lucky and attractive) and there’s no reason this summer will be any different, So, forget organisation and just be openminded, as ever. Things will turn out fine.
Know that whatever you think is coming along this season may well turn into something completely different. That might faze other folk, but you’re okay with it, going with the flow, taking what’s given in the moment and enjoying every second of it. Power to you!
It’s not what you expected, but it works (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Eight of Cups
Meaning: Sometimes it’s all about timing, right? And this card signals that the time is right to return to a lost opportunity, a broken relationship, a forgotten pastime, or a failed attempt, and try again. Do this before the end of the week, because it might be the making of your summer.
Even if the attempt doesn’t land exactly as you hope, something will shake loose from the tree of opportunity and land in your lap, and it is that fruit which is the one you were always meant to pick. So, shake that tree! Use this week to circle back to things you didn’t fulfil that once meant a lot. Try again. Something better is coming along as a result.
Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Ten of Coins
Meaning: Feels like this summer is a foundational time for you, a ground in which to sow new seeds that you’re going to be invested in for the coming decade. As such, it’s a good idea to use a long-term lens when evaluating what you spend time and energy on, and what you prioritise.
This is the lens that will dictate what decisions you take this summer, so spend this week reflecting on your long-term plans, ambitions, ideals and steps. Create a vision! Consider what, therefore, is needed and useful this year, what action would create the right foundation or platform… and make that your goal for the season.
What would make your summer one to remember? (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Knight of Wands
Meaning: Adventures are coming your way, and summer 2026 is going to be epic! Your homework this week? Simply start daydreaming, imagining, researching, and inviting. Set wheels in motion, serve balls to willing players, activate your ideas in real life.
No overthinking or heavy schedules, just act on things that pop into your mind as ‘that’d be great or fun!’ and kick the idea over to someone who can collaborate, help, action it, or just bounce the idea around some more. Spontaneous, uplifting things are going to start unfolding from here, and you just need an open mind, a clear space in your diary, and the confidence to say yes, I’m in!
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.
It’s never as simple as you think (Picture: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)
‘I’ve decided to give sex work a go!’ the message read.
My chest sagged, for I knew I was about to be pummelled for information by a friend who imagined my job was immensely easy, the money quick, the rewards limitless.
Which can be true, with the right mindset.
Soon, however, her opening remark was qualified. ‘Obviously, though, I can’t show my face, because of my other work. And my boyfriend, my mum, the kids….’
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Well, obviously.
‘And I don’t want to actually meet men, because, you know, as a woman, I’m worried about my safety.’
‘And I don’t really want to degrade myself by showing any other body parts either, you know, the private bits. But I understand I can make money just by selling pictures of feet?’
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Women think selling feet pictures is enough, but for most this won’t result in big earnings(Picture: Getty Images)
You can. But there are millions of women in your predicament trying that very trick.
Feet content is already the highest revenue generator year on year for porn site Clips4Sale, with countless creators putting up their prices by 56% for things like boot worship and 36% for dirty feet. Put simply, the market is already saturated.
Then you saunter into the scene, waving your newly pedicured trotters vaguely near your phone, feeling thrilled by your own daring, and expect to be a millionaire by sunset? Sister, dream on.
Sometimes the kinkier ones ask to sit in on my own sessions, perhaps give a feeble, misjudged blow to a gentle regular’s kidney, then expect gratitude, a slice of the fee, and me to provide them with more work.
Give a girl a client, she’ll eat for a day; teach a girl to net a client, she’ll eat for life. And I do try to guide them, really I do. Advertise, market yourself, get your own clients, practise walloping a pillow, I urge!
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But no. They prefer to turn up at my house and simper at how easy I make it all seem. They want the money I earn without running any of the risks, doing any of the work, or spending decades building up contacts and knowledge, a reputation for delivering on my promises.
Kinksters are slow to trust, reasonably: their lives are in your hands.
And underneath my girlfriends’ pleas for help all I hear is: ‘Obviously, I’m far too valuable and important to degrade myself with any of the disgusting risky muck you undertake, but I really want all the money you have, and this irresolvable conundrum is now your problem, so tell me how to fix it.’
Sorry. I can’t. I realise now how lucky I was to begin sex work so young, when I had nothing to lose, no proper job, no kids, no boyfriend, and to come from such a low social class I suffered no parental expectations either.
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Women are scared of meeting clients face-to-face for fear of violence (Picture: Getty Images/Image Source)
My family were never respectable, thank goodness. How the dreadful strain of respectability wears a decent girl down.
Occasionally, however, being bold, and brave, and admitting who you are and what you’ve done, can earn you some grudging respect from the respectable world, too. Why, it even scored me a column in Metro, and a place on the reality show Nobody’s Fool.
You must decide what you want more than anything. If it’s money, and you’re a woman, sex work isn’t a bad option: but it does involve closing off a lot of other options.
For me, it is money, and I regret nothing.
Still, becoming a sex worker reminds me of the Little Mermaid who chose to walk, for love’s sake, every step agony. You must completely surrender any hope of a normal life. It will be painful, and in the first few months, it won’t feel worth it; you’ll make almost no money at all.
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Even with my help: you’ll be just another lonely lady screaming into the abyss, begging the abyss to scream back at you.
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Newly released video from an officer’s body camera and a surveillance camera at a Texas running track captures the moments after a teenage athlete fatally stabbed another teen from a rival team in the stadium bleachers during a high school meet last year.
Karmelo Anthony, 19, was convicted of murder on June 10 in the death of Austin Metcalf, 17, and sentenced to 35 years in prison. A jury rejected Anthony’s claims of self-defense. The videos were included in a batch of evidence released by the Collin County court following the conclusion of the trial.
The surveillance video shows the track and bleachers on a rainy day. Suddenly a figure wearing a gray sweatshirt is seen popping up from behind a yellow tent and then running down the steps. The video has no sound.
He got to the bottom of the bleachers, tripped and fell on the ground, and then kept running along the edge of the fencing that separates the bleachers from the running track. He stopped briefly, turned to look at what appeared to be someone chasing him, and then kept running.
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After making his way part way around the track, he was joined by an unidentified person. They stopped to talk and then hugged. They started walking again and were joined by another person. After talking more, Anthony walked toward the fence where he appeared to meet up with a police officer.
The officer put him in handcuffs and walked him toward the police cruiser. Anthony obeyed the officer’s commands and then started crying.
“He put his hands on me,” Anthony said in a broken voice. “I told him not to. He put his hands on me.”
The officers escorted him to the police cruiser and placed him inside.
Recently, Stylist described “parachute friends” – mates who seem to drop back into your life only when they need something from you.
That might take the form of one-sided emotional support, physical help, or an unreciprocated confidence boost. Whatever the demands are, they can feel never-ending and leave you wondering if you’re being taken advantage of.
HuffPost UK spoke to BACP member, head counsellor and behavioural science researcher at Cardamom Counselling, Ragini Jha, for signs you might have one of these friends.
We also asked what to do if you suspect one of your pals meets the criteria.
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How can I tell if I have a “parachute friend”?
Jha told us that some signs might include the following:
They only text when something’s going wrong in their life – never to share good news or just check in.
They mirror your energy in person but never initiate that warmth themselves.
They’re great listeners in the moment but never reference what you told them later, like it didn’t register.
They cancel on you but show up reliably for people higher in their social hierarchy.
Conversations end abruptly once their immediate need is resolved.
They’re warm and present during a crisis (yours) but disappear once things stabilise, almost like they need the drama to stay engaged.
What should I do if I think I have a “parachute friend”?
The counsellor said that you could try a two-week “experiment”, the counsellor advised.
This isn’t meant so much as a way of testing your friendship as it is a means of looking at the patterns your communication typically takes.
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“Stop initiating entirely and just observe what happens,” Jha suggested.
If you notice a trend you don’t like after that, or if you already think you’ve spotted habits that leave you unhappy with the relationship, address it.
Don’t begin with accusations, though, as that can leave your friend feeling attacked and defensive.
“Avoid leading with the pattern itself [by saying things like] ’you only talk to me when…”, the expert said.
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“Instead, try naming what you want going forward: ‘I’d love it if we caught up more, I would love to tell you some positive updates.’”
If naming the issue and allowing your friend to come to greater alignment with you doesn’t seem to redress the issue, Jha said: “If the imbalance is causing real hurt, it’s worth checking whether you’re seeking from this person something that’s better met elsewhere (a partner, a therapist, other friends)”.
Kerry’s defence of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship lives on after a crushing win over Armagh at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney.
The Kingdom picked the perfect moments to score key goals, ensuring a facile win against Armagh in a manner eerily similar to last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final win over the same opposition.
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Kieran McGeeney’s side actually started the brighter of the two teams and took a deserved three-point lead when Cian McConville sent one over the black spot in the 10th minute.
Moments later, and David Clifford was rounding Ethan Rafferty before finishing soccer style following an excellent pass from Dylan Casey.
The Ulster Champions went about regrouping, and would have been the happier of the two sides as they trailed by just three points with seconds ticking down towards the first half buzzer, especially seeing as they were playing into a stiff breeze.
With goalkeeper Ethan Rafferty up the field, Armagh worked towards a buzzer-beater to sicken Kerry before the interval. Instead, Jarly Óg Burns’ pass went to the deck, and two passes later, Paul Geaney was kicking into an empty net to make it a six-point game.
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Disappointment for Armagh: They’re second meltdown at the buzzer in six days after Sam Mulroy’s epic winner for Louth last Sunday.
Geezer’s charges needed a response. Instead, Kerry took the game away from the 2024 All-Ireland champions, and when Joe O’Connor blasted home in the 45th minute, it was all but over.
Armagh tried gainfully, but Kerry kept them at arm’s reach down the stretch to take home the comfortable win, with Keuth Evans’ lovely dink down the stretch adding further gloss to the scoreline.
It’ll be the end of the road for many of those men in orange, but for Kerry, it’s another step closer to Sam Maguire, and they will be the team that everyone wants to avoid in Monday’s quarter-final draw.
Carole Grace, 70, of Thornaby, has dedicated 40 years to Stagecoach, having first worked in the industry during the 1970s before returning in 1986.
She began her career in 1976 as a bus conductress, later qualifying as a driver.
After six years, she left to raise her son and returned to Stagecoach at its Stockton depot once he started full-time school.
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Ms Grace said: “I first started my life on the buses as a conductress and after a few months passed my test and went driving.
“Over the years I’ve been fortunate to experience a number of different roles.
“I enjoyed representing colleagues and later working in the training department as a driving instructor, helping others build their careers in the industry.
“I still enjoy driving today, especially with the introduction of the new electric buses.
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“No two days are the same and I’ve always enjoyed the banter with customers and colleagues.
“I’ve had some great laughs along the way and made many lasting friendships.”
Throughout her career, she has taken on several responsibilities, including serving as a union representative, employee representative on the ESOP committee, non-executive director, and driving instructor.
Malcolm Bell, operations manager at Stagecoach’s Stockton depot, praised her dedication and long-standing commitment.
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Mr Bell said: “Carole is a well-respected, dedicated employee here at Stockton and is liked by all of her colleagues.
“We are incredibly grateful for her loyalty and contribution over four decades and she is a credit to our depot.
“Reaching 40 years of service is a fantastic achievement and reflects Carole’s commitment to both our customers and her colleagues.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone with her and thank her for everything she has contributed to Stagecoach over the years.”
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Ms Grace said she still finds joy in the everyday routine of driving, particularly with the introduction of new electric vehicles.
She said her career has offered her many opportunities to learn, grow, and support others within the industry, and she continues to value the connections she’s made along the way.
She has helped to support and develop future generations of drivers.
She remains a valued member of the Stockton team and a familiar face to passengers across Teesside.
Members meet every Sunday for what they describe as “Dadventures” at locations across Northern Ireland
A Belfast-based group that supports fathers through outdoor activities and peer support is marking Father’s Day with a special camping weekend to help young dads strengthen their relationships with their children.
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DadBods NI, which was established in 2022, is hosting the event this weekend, culminating in a family walk at Crawfordsburn Country Park on Sunday.
The organisation was founded to encourage fathers to spend quality time with their children and has grown from a small walking group into a charity supporting dads from across Belfast and beyond. Members meet every Sunday for what they describe as “Dadventures” at locations across Northern Ireland.
Founder Col Bignell said the group had evolved significantly since its beginnings.
“We’re just a group of dads that started out as a simple walk on a Sunday, and we’ve since developed into a charity,” he said.
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“We’ve found that we have built better bonds with our children through this group. We’ve really connected and become a community which has really had positive impacts on our mental health.
“This weekend we decided to organise a DadBods camp and will be having a full family walk on Sunday at Crawfordsburn to celebrate Father’s Day.”
The group recently received its first major funding award through Save the Children Northern Ireland’s Innovation Fund, which awarded grants of £5,000 to 10 community projects as part of work with the Eastside Early Learning Community.
DadBods NI plans to use the funding to develop a series of workshops designed to build skills and confidence among new fathers.
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Group member Philip Brady, who will lead the workshops, said becoming a parent can often feel isolating.
“I’m a dad, I have a one-and-a-half-year-old little boy and I know the importance of building that connection with him,” he said.
“I want to help other dads build their confidence and connections because it’s hard to do in isolation. Being a dad can be lonely at times and wanting to do your best while you’re working or whatever that looks like for you, it’s really important to have that community.”
The new programme is intended to provide practical support and create opportunities for fathers to connect with others facing similar challenges, while continuing the organisation’s focus on strengthening family relationships and supporting mental wellbeing.
And here in Bolton, there is no shortage of beaches within easy reach of the town, a short drive or train journey away, with one named the best in the country by experts.
The Daily Mail on Saturday named Southport in its popular travel section, put together by travel writers and experts.
Travel writer Rob Crossan chose the beach, stating at low tide the beach stretches so far, it creates one of the “most immense, widescreen coastal views in Britain.”
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The beach was named alongside those in Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.
Southport really does offer something for everyone, including the traditional seaside fun.
Visit Southport states: “With long sandy beaches and a coast-line that stretches 22 miles across Sefton, you can soak up the panoramic view of golden sands and admire the beauty of the coast!
“Southport beach has one of the most unique natural environments in the country.”
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“If you enjoy walking you will fall in love with the paths and trails through the dunes.
“Southport beach is a place where sea and sand are in harmony with nature and countryside – a rare combination that will bring enjoyment for young and old alike!
“If you fancy a spot of traditional seaside fun, a trip down memory lane where nostalgic feelings come flooding back, you can guarantee Southport has it all.
“From beach-combing with the little ones to collect shells or guided historic walks along the coast.”
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Southport beach is only a 10 minute walk from the local train station.
A simple task done in June could have a big impact
Talya Honebeek Content Editor – Spare Time and Alex Evans Deputy Audience Editor
04:34, 21 Jun 2026
Households are being urged to pour mouthwash into their washing machines for an important reason this June.
A cleaning expert from an appliance repair firm has shared the unusual tip in a bid to help eliminate bacteria and reduce unpleasant smells during your laundry cycle.
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Washing machines, despite being regularly filled with hot water and detergent, do build up dirt, grime and germs over time and can even become prone to mould.
Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance repair specialist at Domestic and General, suggests that adding a splash of mouthwash directly into the detergent drawer is an inexpensive and simple way to maintain your washing machine’s cleanliness, and that this ‘maintenance wash’ should be performed every three months.
He explained: “Your washing machine should be deeply cleaned every one to three months to prevent bacteria, mould, and detergent build-up. However, you should perform a maintenance wash once a month; this involves running a hot, empty cycle with a dedicated washing machine cleaner. If you don’t have a dedicated cleaner, white vinegar or baking soda are good alternatives.”
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“Mouthwash can also be used to clean your washing machine. Pour half a cup of alcohol-based mouthwash directly into the drum or the detergent drawer, and run an empty cycle. This allows the antiseptic properties to kill bacteria, sanitise the drum, and leave it smelling fresh. For best results, pair this with cleaning the detergent drawer and filter as these are often the quickest places to get dirty.
“You can also try disinfecting your laundry load with mouthwash. Using mouthwash on clothes with stubborn odours, like activewear and socks, can help to remove lingering smells and bacteria.
“Make sure you use a colourless option to prevent staining your clothes or the washing machine’s interior.
“Using mouthwash in moderation should not damage your washing machine, but it’s important not to use too much at a time as this can lead to excessive suds and even overflow if it reacts with your detergent.
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“An overflowing machine can cause internal damage and costly faults, so remember to keep an eye on your laundry cycle when you use this cleaning hack. Having washing machine insurance in place can provide peace of mind and help cover any unexpected costs should something go wrong.
“Additionally, high alcohol content in some mouthwashes can degrade certain fabrics, so it’s best not to use this tip on delicate clothing.”
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