“What we’re trying to do in the exhibition is not show that she was borrowing motifs from surrealists or artists,” Lydia Caston, Exhibition Project Curator, told me during a speedy but splendid preview ahead of the opening. “She was really a catalyst in the movement, an inspiration, and also a collector of art. She was really leading in that area.”

Plans were approved for the centre in 2021, but they have been scaled back due to rising costs

Plans to build a new activity centre at a popular park have been scaled back as building costs have “soared”. In 2021, plans were approved for Nene Park Trust to create a new indoor activity and climbing centre at Lakeside in Ferry Meadows, Peterborough.

The centre was proposed to include an Olympic-standard climbing facility and all-weather indoor activity centre. It was also expected to create up to 31 new jobs.

Despite planning permission being approved, the Nene Park Trust have had to scale back the plans for the centre due to rising costs. A trust spokesperson said: “We originally received planning permission to create a new activity centre at Lakeside in Ferry Meadows in 2021 but since then construction costs have soared, the economy has changed – and so too has the climbing market.

“We will shortly be submitting revised plans for a smaller, less expensive building which will still deliver the indoor leisure facilities that our visitors want to see and we’re excited to move this project forward.”

The spokesperson added: “Unfortunately, in the current economic climate, funding for this sort of project has been difficult to raise and with construction costs rising too we have been unable to progress our original plans. We are now seeking to amend our plans so that we can finally build the activity centre.”

In its revised plans, the all-weather sporting venue is proposed to be 30 percent smaller. The climbing tower will also be shorter, as it is proposed to be 22m high compared to 34m high in the previous plans. A small café is also proposed.

The trust seeks to add an indoor activity centre to the park to encourage more people to go there during the colder months. The trust spokesperson said: “Typically, Ferry Meadows is quieter during the winter months, and the new indoor activity centre will encourage visitors year-round, in all weathers.

“The development of the new centre forms part of our commitment to improve the Park, allowing us to better deliver on our charitable objectives, and to offer a unique fitness experience to our visitors.”

The trust expects to see a 10 percent increase in visitors to the park throughout the year once the centre is open. If its revised plans are approved, the trust hopes to begin to build the centre in autumn of this year. The centre could be open by autumn 2027.

The full bank holiday schedule for 2026 has been confirmed, with officials having to move one key date

With only two bank holidays left in 2025, you might already be planning your well-earned breaks for the forthcoming year. These public holidays don’t always fall on the same dates, as they’re largely influenced by movable events such as Easter and weekends.

The public is being notified of a significant change in the dates for 2026 – with Boxing Day moving. In 2025, Boxing Day falls on December 26 – however, in 2026 it will shift to December 28 as a ‘substitute day’ because the 26th is a Saturday.

Regrettably, there are currently no new plans to add extra bank holidays to the eight already scheduled in England and Wales for 2026, due to a lack of significant national celebrations on the horizon. However, many Brits will be pleased to know that the first one of 2026 will be on January 1, which isn’t too far away.

Following this, the next holidays will take place on April 3 for Good Friday, then April 6 for Easter Monday. These dates are notably different from the seasonal holidays in 2025, with Good Friday having been on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21.

The remaining five bank holidays in England and Wales will then occur in May, August and December of 2026. A detailed list of their exact dates is provided below:, reports the Liverpool Echo, reports Essex Live.

England and Wales bank holidays for 2026:

• January 1, Thursday, New Year’s Day
• April 3, Friday, Good Friday
• April 6, Monday, Easter Monday
• May 4, Monday, Early May bank holiday
• May 25, Monday, Spring bank holiday
• August 31, Monday, Summer bank holiday
• December 25, Friday, Christmas Day
• December 28, Monday, Boxing Day (substitute day)

The Boxing Day bank holiday in 2026 has been designated as a ‘substitute day’ due to the actual holiday falling on a weekend. Employers are not required to provide paid leave on these substitute days or bank holidays, so it’s advisable to check beforehand.

Further guidance on GOV.UK explains: “If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday. Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays. Bank holidays might affect how and when your benefits are paid.”

Scottish residents will have nine bank holidays in 2026, while those living in Northern Ireland will get 10. This difference is largely due to additional celebrations and commemorations, such as St Patrick’s Day and St Andrew’s Day.

Bank holidays for Scotland in 2026 include:

• January 1, Thursday, New Year’s Day
• January 2, Friday, 2nd January
• April 3, Friday, Good Friday
• May 4, Monday, Early May bank holiday
• May 25, Monday, Spring bank holiday
• August 3, Monday, Summer bank holiday
• November 30, Monday, St Andrew’s Day
• December 25, Friday, Christmas Day
• December 28, Monday, Boxing Day (substitute day)

For Northern Ireland, the 2026 bank holidays are:

• January 1, Thursday, New Year’s Day
• March 17, Tuesday, St Patrick’s Day
• April 3, Friday, Good Friday
• April 6, Monday, Easter Monday
• May 4, Monday, Early May bank holiday
• May 25, Monday, Spring bank holiday
• July 13, Monday, Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
• August 31, Monday, Summer bank holiday
• December 25, Friday, Christmas Day
• December 28, Monday, Boxing Day (substitute day)

Forward planners can also begin looking at their 2027 bank holidays, as the Government has already published its forthcoming schedule. More details are available on the Government’s website.

Air Canada’s CEO has apologized after politicians called for his resignation over his English-only message of condolence after Sunday’s deadly crash in New York.

Chief executive Michael Rousseau has been criticized for the four-minute condolence video posted online that included only two French words, “bonjour” and “merci.”

“I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada’s employees, who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism despite the events of the past few days,” Rousseau said in a statement.

“Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve.”

Quebec’s premier called on the airline executive to resign on Wednesday.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it showed a lack of compassion and judgment and said he look forward to hearing more from Air Canada’s board of directors.

Antoine Forest, one of the two pilots killed in the crash at LaGuardia Airport, was a French-speaking Quebecer. Forest and Mackenzie Gunther died when the Air Canada Jazz flight they were landing at LaGuardia collided with a fire truck on the runway Sunday evening.

Canada’s largest airline is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, where French is the primary language. Rousseau has been criticized for not speaking French previously. He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles.

Carney noted that Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages.

Quebec’s identity has been contentious since the 1760s when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France. Quebec is about 80% French-speaking.

Quebec Premier François Legault noted that when Rousseau was appointed president of the airline in February 2021, he promised to learn French.

The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has received hundreds of complaints about Rousseau’s video.

“Back in November 2021, less than a year after he was appointed CEO of Air Canada, one of his first major speeches in his role triggered a strong controversy among Francophones, as the speech was almost exclusively in English,” said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.

“At the time, in response to that controversy, Rousseau apologized and pledged to learn French. He did later take French lessons but, as the new controversy suggests, it was probably not very successful to say the least.”

Jason Kenney, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, said he would rather the CEO of Canada’s flagship carrier focus his scarce time on safety and reliability than language training.

Michael O’Neill’s men face four-time world champions Italy in their own back yard in Bergamo on Thursday night.

Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream is still alive, but faces a huge challenge tonight in the play-off semi-final.

Michael O’Neill’s men face four-time world champions Italy in their own back yard in Bergamo on Thursday night.

The good news is that the Azzurri are not the force of old and have not qualified for the last two World Cup tournaments – falling at this very hurdle on both occasions.

That will give Northern Ireland hope, but the loss of key players like Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard is a monumental blow to O’Neill and the travelling fans.

The winners will face the winners of the Wales v Bosnia-Herz tie next week to see who goes to the World Cup this summer.

Here is everything you need to know about the game..

When is the game?

Italy face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off on Thursday, March 26 at 7.45pm

Where is the game?

The game is in Bergamo at the 25,000-seater New Balance Arena, known as the Stadio di Bergamo.

Is the game on TV?

Yes, viewers in Northern Ireland can watch the game live on BBC 1. British viewers outside NI must tune in to BBC Three to watch the game.

Is the game being streamed?

A free live stream is available on BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport.

Is there any other coverage?

Yes, Belfast Live Sport will be running a live blog on the crunch game

Probable teams

NI: P Charles; Spencer, McNair, Brown, Hume; Galbraith, S Charles, McCann, Price, Donley, Charles.

ITALY: Donnarumma; Calafiori, Mancini, Bastoni; Palestra, Locatelli, Tonali, Barella, DiMarco; Kean, Retegui

Quotes corner

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso: “We’ve analysed seven or eight games — and I think that Northern Ireland’s main characteristic is this: a team that strongly believes in everything they do, that attacks you on second balls, they like to play vertically.

“They consistently throw the ball into the box, playing 70 and 80 yard passes with eight or nine players with an incredible hunger to score. They play on second balls, they know how to handle them, and we have to be good at that.

“They’re certainly a team that when they get the ball in the air, whether from set pieces or crosses, are incredible, because they have an incredible ruthlessness in this area, and these are Northern Ireland’s main qualities.

“We have to be ready, both physically and mentally, to face players who will be frothing at the mouth.

“Northern Ireland’s players fight for every ball as if it is the last ball of their lives. You have to understand it well, you have to know how to suffer.

Michael O’Neill: We are the team with everything to gain. They are the team with everything to lose. Their players will have to deal with that.

“The pressure of managing Italy is a lot different from the pressure of managing Northern Ireland.

“I have admiration for Gennaro coming in and taking the job when he did, after the previous manager left after two games.

“His results have been good, he’s had five wins and then a defeat in their last game, in Milan against Norway, 4-1.

“That’s the last game that they’ve played and it’s difficult because you can carry that result for a period of time.”

Match odds

Italy 2/7

Draw (90 minutes) 9/2

Northern Ireland 10/1

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Councillor Fiona Miller, who was first elected to serve the Washington East ward on Sunderland City Council in 2011, announced her resignation as a Labour councillor at a full council meeting on Wednesday, March 25.

The long-serving Washington councillor, and former deputy cabinet member on the local authority, said she was now a “Green Party member and wished to move to the opposition side”.

In a separate statement this week, Cllr Miller outlined the reasons behind her move to the Green Party and hit out at the Labour Government.

“I can no longer in good conscience support a Government that feathers its own nest and silences those who speak out,” she said.

“I am joining the Green Party because they represent real hope for
Sunderland.

“I will continue to fight for publicly owned water and transport, and to protect our residents from corporate environmental damage.”

Richard Bradley, secretary of Sunderland Green Party, confirmed Cllr Miller would be standing as a Green Party candidate in the May 2026 local elections.

Richard Bradley, Secretary Of Sunderland Green Party

“We are delighted to welcome Fiona. She has been an excellent councillor for her residents and we hope will be elected for another three years,” he said.

“Her decision proves that the ‘politics of old’ is failing. The Green Party is now the natural home for those dedicated to social justice, local democracy, and the environment.”

The announcement comes ahead of Sunderland City Council’s “all-out” local elections on Thursday, May 7, with all 75 seats up for grabs on the Labour-run authority following a review of the city’s electoral wards.

Sunderland Green Party secretary Mr Bradley added that the Green Party is planning to “field green candidates in every ward in the upcoming election”.

When contacted for comment, a Labour spokesperson said: “Cllr Miller’s resignation is regrettable, but Sunderland Labour will continue the important work of delivering for our city.

“Under Labour, Sunderland is a city on the up – from the £1.85 billion to fund the expansion of the Metro, to securing funding for the Crown Works Studio, and the regeneration we have seen across the city centre, we will keep focusing on getting the work done to keep our city going in the right direction.”

When we think about preparing for a healthy pregnancy and baby, most advice focuses on women. Such advice might include good nutrition, taking dietary supplements, avoiding alcohol or smoking and managing their medications and health conditions. But growing evidence shows that men’s health also plays a vitally important role in pregnancy and child development.

In a new review of research on health before pregnancy and parenthood (referred to as “preconception health”), we found that the health and life experiences of boys and men can have important influences on pregnancy outcomes and the wellbeing of future children in several ways.

To understand the role of men’s preconception health, we reviewed studies published from 2000 to 2025 from fields including medicine, biology, psychology and social science. Rather than focusing only on the period just before pregnancy, we looked at research examining how men’s health and experiences throughout their lives – from their own time in the womb through to adolescence and adulthood – can affect families later on.

The research explored factors such as men’s physical health, their health-related behaviour, mental health, environmental exposures and social conditions. This included how fathers influence their partner’s health and the family environment their children grow up in.

This broader perspective shows that men’s influence on pregnancy and child outcomes goes far beyond simply providing half of the baby’s genetic inheritance.

The affect of men’s health

As set out in our review, one important pathway through which a father’s health can affect both pregnancy outcomes and the infant’s health is through sperm health.

Factors such as age, the father’s nutrition, whether he smokes, is overweight or obese, has an unhealthy alcohol intake, experiences stress and his level of exposure to pollution or chemicals can all influence so-called non-coding nucleic acid (RNA) signals carried in sperm. These signals can affect how genes act in the early stages of the baby’s development, which can subsequently impact long-term health outcomes in children.

For example, one study of over 500,000 couples found higher odds of birth defects (including cleft lip, digestive tract anomalies and congenital heart disease) when fathers reported drinking alcohol before pregnancy.

Older father’s age (particularly those who conceived a child after the age of 35) is also linked with both risk of birth complications as well as a child’s likelihood of being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. These links are stronger than those seen with a mother’s age.

Research involving millions of fathers and children has additionally shown that depression in fathers is linked with higher risks of depression in their children.

Some research even suggests that experiences earlier in life may play a role. For example, studies have linked nutrition and environmental exposures such as food shortage or abundance during boys’ pre-teen years with health outcomes in the next generation.

But biology is only part of the picture, as described in our review.

Men also influence pregnancy through their relationships with their partners. Supportive partners are consistently linked with healthier pregnancies. Women who feel supported are more likely to attend antenatal appointments, avoid smoking or alcohol, maintain healthier diets and experience lower levels of stress and depression during pregnancy.

These factors matter because a mother’s mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy are closely linked to children’s emotional, cognitive and physical development.

Another pathway is through parenting. A father’s mental health, stress levels and childhood experiences can influence how he interacts with his children after birth.

For example, men who experienced adversity growing up – such as poverty, neglect or trauma – are more likely to experience anxiety or depression later in life. This can affect family relationships and parenting.

This means that experiences during a boy’s childhood can have ripple effects decades later, shaping the environment his own children grow up in.

What this means for families

Taken together, the evidence from our review shows the importance of shared responsibility for pregnancy and parenthood.

Improving men’s health before pregnancy benefits not only men themselves but also their partners and future children. Yet most health advice about preparing for pregnancy still focuses almost entirely on women. In many countries, there is little information or support available for men who want to prepare for fatherhood.

Raising awareness is an important first step. Research shows that many men want to be involved in planning for pregnancy and supporting their partners – but they often don’t realise how their own health may influence outcomes.

For men who hope to become fathers, general health guidance needs to be followed: avoid smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress and seek medical advice for ongoing health conditions. Just as important, strong and supportive relationships between partners can help create healthier environments for future parenthood.

Our review suggests it’s time to rethink how we approach preparing for pregnancy. Instead of focusing only on women before pregnancy, a more effective approach should involve supporting the health and wellbeing of both boys and girls throughout their lives.

This includes addressing wider social factors such as education, mental health support, economic stability and childhood adversity. Experiences early in life shape later health behaviour and relationships, influencing the next generation.

Most healthcare systems are also simply not designed to support father’s involvement in preparation for pregnancy and parenthood. But men need to be included in conversations about reproductive health and couples should be supported to approach pregnancy preparation together.

More research is still needed to better understand the biological and social pathways linking men’s health to pregnancy and child outcomes. But our review makes one message clear: the health of the next generation does not begin with pregnancy – it begins much earlier, in the early lives and wellbeing of both parents.