North America’s obesity problem has spread to its domestic cats, new research has found. The first-of-its-kind study showed that just as citizens in the US and Canada have been overeating for years, they have also been over-feeding their feline pets. The average weight of a spayed female cat went up 24 per cent between 1995 and 2005, while the increase was around 19 per cent for male cats. Researchers at Ontario Veterinary College said the problem had gone largely unnoticed because cats visit the vet less frequently than dogs and are less likely to be weighed. It is also harder to judge weight gain in a cat by eye. “As humans we know we need to strive to maintain a healthy weight, but for cats there has not been a clear definition of what that is, we simply didn’t have the data,” said Theresa Bernardo, professor of population health at the college. Her colleague, Dr Adam Campigotto, who led the research, added: “We do have concerns with obesity in … [Read more...] about US fat cats: America’s felines no longer slimline
Award-winning florist wows ahead of Win a Wedding big day
After thousands of votes were cast and our panel met Chris Thorning and Beth Cooper, they just knew that they were the real deal. Set to tie the knot in November, the couple have been slowly but surely curating their big day. This week, the loved-up pair met with Flowers by Catherine to pick some beautiful arrangements for their big day. Flowers by Catherine focuses solely on the couple who are about to get married and ensures that they receive exactly what they dream of for their big day. With a unique approach, the team uses skills and expertise to bring to life your desires and personality in flowers. As well as skillfully matching your colour scheme and taste, Flowers by Catherine uses flowers to bring to life something about the bride and groom to help celebrate them on the special day. Bride-to-be, Beth Cooper, wrote in her diary after meeting with the team and said: We had been really looking forward to today’s meeting with Flowers by Catherine. I absolutely love … [Read more...] about Award-winning florist wows ahead of Win a Wedding big day
Murdered ex-soldier Pat McCormick ‘a true friend’
Military veterans were among the hundreds of mourners who packed out a Co Down church today for the funeral of murdered former UDR and Royal Irish soldier Pat McCormick. There was standing room only at Strean Presbyterian Church in Newtownards as crowds of people gathered to bid a final emotional farewell to the father-of-four. A lone piper played and a guard of honour was formed as his coffin – draped in the UDR flag – was carried out of the church, where he had been a caretaker for a number of years.The body of Mr McCormick was recovered from a lake near Ballygowan last week after police had carried out extensive searches in recent weeks. The 55-year-old was last seen alive in the Comber area on May 30.Two people, a woman aged 26 and a man aged 21, appeared in court on July 12 charged in connection with his murder.In a touching tribute during the service, Mr McCormick’s daughter Morgan described him as a “fun, loving, very kind and a caring … [Read more...] about Murdered ex-soldier Pat McCormick ‘a true friend’
Corby’s climbing centre shuts for good
Corby's climbing centre will not re-open after a buyer for the business couldn't be found. The £250,000 centre in St Mark’s Road, near the town’s Tesco Extra, only opened on July 28 last year with a focus on the art of bouldering. In May it unexpectedly shut citing "health and safety" reasons and undisclosed financial issues.They said the closure would be temporary and only a week later said they hoped to be open again soon before announcing last month they had seen a "high level of interest" from potential buyers.But last night (Tuesday) they said the business will now be closing.In a Facebook post the climbing centre said: "We are extremely sad to announce that following a period of working extremely hard to sell the business, we have been unable to secure a sale and we’re heartbroken to say the business will be closing."We’d like to thank our staff, customers and stakeholders for the incredible support and hard work through the project and cannot … [Read more...] about Corby’s climbing centre shuts for good
Much Loved Corby shop to leave High Street
The owner of one of Corby Old Village’s most popular independent shops has announced she will be leaving the High Street. Gaye Henry, who runs Much Loved in High Street, had been told by landlord Corby Council to accept and sign a new lease or get out. But now she has been given notice that she needs to leave the Grade II listed property by the end of September. An Aladdin’s cave filled with an eclectic range of furniture, giftware and Italian fashion, the chic shop also hosts art and upholstery workshops. Gaye has run her popular business for five and a half years but was informed by the council that it would be ‘actively marketing’ the premises. She initially signed to rent the shop for four years, after which she leased the large ground floor on a rolling basis. An email from the council to Gaye said: “It is our intention is to actively market the property as a whole with a view to securing new terms ASAP. “You are welcome to put … [Read more...] about Much Loved Corby shop to leave High Street