It beggars belief, when you think about it, that the Queen is fulfilling the same role at the age of 96 that she first stepped into 70 years ago. Parachuted into the job earlier than anyone hoped, having lost her beloved father at 25, she has grown from young wife and mother to grandmother and now great-grandmother with the world at her feet in admiration. Through 14 prime ministers and 13 US presidents, the growth of the Commonwealth and loss of realms, she has ploughed on steadily with the same calendar of events and constitutional duties without let-up. Now, there has been a subtle, quiet tweak to those duties from Buckingham Palace itself. Out go the specific promises to always be at the State Opening of Parliament and to travel overseas, and in comes more support from her family. It was already happening in practice, of course. But for an institution that changes at a deliberately glacial pace in most things, the decision to write it down is striking. It … [Read more...] about The Queen’s revised responsibility is just reward for her magnificent reign
Garden festival opening
A pensionable age poetry presentation for the sheer purpose of pleasure
Joe Bennett is an award-winning Lyttelton-based writer, columnist and playwright OPINION: The inaugural Lyttelton Arts Festival takes place this weekend. The organisers are called Bonnie and Skye. Both those facts seem cause for celebration. Some weeks ago, when taking a break from evading the cops, Bonnie and Skye asked me if I’d like to run a workshop. “Thank you for asking, but no,” I said. “Because of my vow.” “Your vow?” READ MORE: 'It's very easy to write about sadness': How poets find inspiration in times of crisis Bill Manhire: 'The kinds of poets I dislike are the superior ones' A love of poetry inspires Nelson man to pen fifth book TS Eliot defends himself from the grave after trove of love letters are released “On reaching pensionable age,” I said, “I took a vow that, for however many years remain to me before the reaper slices through my ankles, I will do only things I want to do and not be talked into doing things I don’t.” “So what do you … [Read more...] about A pensionable age poetry presentation for the sheer purpose of pleasure
Lindsay Wagner health: Star says ‘taking deep breaths’ is key to health – is she right?
The Bionic Woman- Lindsay Wagner 1982 Sign up for FREE health tips to live a long and happy life SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Although she’s largely left the public limelight to teach acting at the American San Bernardino Valley College, she has been spotted looking healthy as ever in recent years. Back in 2020, she was seen at the Monte Carlo TV festival in a glistening outfit that matched her radiant appearance. Over the years, she has been open about the activities that have helped her stay in tip top health. Related articles Dementia: The type of fish linked to the brain condition Sean Connery suffered for ‘some time’ before death - dementia Wagner first started building the perfect … [Read more...] about Lindsay Wagner health: Star says ‘taking deep breaths’ is key to health – is she right?
Colchester’s new £100m link road approved by Essex County Council
Published 3 November 2021 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Plans to build a £100m road to enable to development of a 9,000-home garden town have been approved. The A133/A120 link road and a rapid transport system to the east of Colchester will be built with £99m of government money. Essex county councillors voted the plans through by a majority of seven. But concerns were raised about the "detrimental effect" on wildlife, ancient woodland, cultural heritage, air quality and pollution. Andrea Luxford-Vaughan from Elmstead Parish Council, which objected the link road, raised the issues and said: "There is no evidence that it is justified in a regional road capacity. "It ignores all current reviews on road building." Ms Luxford-Vaughan also said there were "no confirmed costs or timescales", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The planned … [Read more...] about Colchester’s new £100m link road approved by Essex County Council
‘I love it!’ Camilla is all smiles as she reveals secret passion to hit BBC show hosts
Royals: Camilla visits the BBC’s Tiny Happy People project Sign up for FREE royal alerts SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles travelled to Wales to officially open the BBC's new headquarters in Cardiff to the public. The Duchess of Cornwall also had the opportunity to visit Crimewatch and meet the programme's presenters. In a video of the event, Camilla admitted her "love" for the show. Related articles Meghan and Harry warned 'the Firm wins' if new Oprah chat goes ahead Camilla stuns in new photo by Kate in milestone partnership She said: "I love Crimewatch. I'm always amazed by how many crimes are actually solved." It comes as the Duchess is … [Read more...] about ‘I love it!’ Camilla is all smiles as she reveals secret passion to hit BBC show hosts
Tim McGraw’s rarely-seen daughter Maggie is mom Faith Hill’s double as she supports sister during heartfelt family reunion
July 05, 2022 - 14:51 BST Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's daughter Maggie made a rare appearance to support her sister in a new photo posted on Instagram Faith Hill and Tim McGraw 's daughters have the sweetest bond and are always there to support one another. MORE: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's daughter Gracie poses with her 'son' - but it's not what you think! This was most certainly the case last week too, when their oldest Gracie performed in Broadway. Her sister Audrey shared photos from the special event on Instagram shortly afterwards, which saw her and Maggie - who is the only sibling not to have social media - sitting in the audience waiting for Gracie's big stage moment. Loading the player... VIDEO: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw's love story In the caption alongside three images - which also showed the sisters reacting to Gracie's performance - Audrey wrote: "1) Maggie and Gracie totally ready for the photo … [Read more...] about Tim McGraw’s rarely-seen daughter Maggie is mom Faith Hill’s double as she supports sister during heartfelt family reunion
Prince Harry: I see my mother’s legacy when I look at my own children
The Duke of Sussex has described how he sees his late mother’s legacy when he looks at his own two children every day. He revealed that not a day goes by when he does not think about the mark Diana, Princess of Wales , left on both him and his brother, the Duke of Cambridge. “My mother instilled in me a drive to speak up and fight for a better world,” he said. “And now, as a husband and parent, my mother’s voice is even stronger in my life.” The Duke, 37, recorded a video message to open this year’s Diana Award ceremony, which took place virtually on what would have been the Princess’s 61st birthday, marking the 25th anniversary of her death. He said it was a “special year” and one in which he hoped people would take extra time to “not just remember how she lived but to reflect on the life she continues to lead through so many”. The award is the only charity bearing the Princess’s name and honours young people aged nine to 25 who work to improve the lives of others. ‘My … [Read more...] about Prince Harry: I see my mother’s legacy when I look at my own children
Hilton slashes 25 percent off hotel stays in UK, Europe and more in summer sale
Hilton slashes 25 percent off hotel stays in UK, Europe and more in summer sale. (Image: Hilton) This article contains affiliate links, we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Discover the best holidays and latest news with our FREE email SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Hilton has just announced that it will be discounting over 400 of its hotels in the summer sale . Last year when Hilton launched a winter sale rooms quickly booked up so don’t hesitate to book again in this year’s sale. Hilton Summer Sale Save 25% off Hilton is slashing off prices across over 400 hotels in UK, Europe, Middle East and more. Available to Hilton Honors members now and all customers from July 7, 2022, book … [Read more...] about Hilton slashes 25 percent off hotel stays in UK, Europe and more in summer sale
Megan McCubbin credits stepdad Chris Packham and partner for helping her out in tough time
Springwatch: Megan McCubbin says she loves a ‘European shag’ Sign up for FREE for the latest news from the world of showbiz SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Megan McCubbin , who is the nature-loving stepdaughter of Chris Packham , spoke candidly about her love of animals and the need to protect our wildlife in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk . The Springwatch presenter revealed that, while she had a tough time at school due to her dyslexia, it was Chris’ partner Charlotte Corney who helped her through. Related articles Phillip Schofield, wife and daughter travel to Silverstone in chopper Rylan Clark breaks silence after mum spotted with drip on Gogglebox Megan, … [Read more...] about Megan McCubbin credits stepdad Chris Packham and partner for helping her out in tough time
Smiley: Why women like men in uniform
From our "Life can be humbling" file comes this tale from Eddie Cole, of Blairsville, Georgia: "Many years ago, while stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, I was invited to a Christmas conference in Dallas by some LSU friends who were there. "Since the opening night featured a banquet, I decided to show up in my 'dress blues,' which I rarely got to use. "I thought I looked like General Patton. "Stopping at the front desk to get directions, an elderly lady asked me to help her with her bags, which I did. "When she tipped me two bits, I realized she didn't think I was a high-ranking military officer (which I wasn't!). She thought I was the hotel's bellhop!" Our condiment Glenda Cearnal says after reading our discussion of ways to pronounce mayonnaise, she recalled this incident: "When I first met my husband, a native of Houston, on our first lunch date we ordered hamburgers. "I asked for 'mynez' on mine. He looked at me, not having any idea what I had just said, … [Read more...] about Smiley: Why women like men in uniform