
This England: With a couple of kookies…
A portrait of David Bowie took the artist Ed Chapman 180 hours to make – out of biscuits. The mosaicist created images of the 'Heroes' singer for McVitie's, which is celebrating 100 years of the Chocolate Digestive. He used more than 1,000 of the treats to fashion the faces of icons including Trevor McDonald and Judi Dench out of whole biscuits, fragments and crumbs. His works go on show 2-5 May at McVitie's Chocolate Digestives Experience in Regent Street, London.
Wales Online (Amanda Welles)
Suite oblivion
A sofa dumped in a Gloucestershire village has become an unexpected tourist attraction – with fans taking photos and giving Tripadvisor reviews. The two-seater was abandoned on waste ground in Lydbrook, but photographer Alex Elton-Wall saw potential in the forlorn furniture – and has since taken the portraits of more than 150 locals. 'It's taken on a life of its own,' Alex said, but he expects the fly-tipped seat will soon be disposed of properly. 'All good things come to an end,' he said.
Metro (Daragh Brady)
Forced to eat crow
The owner of a cockerel that awoke neighbours early has been ordered to pay nearly £4,000. Harold Brown let the bird make 'unacceptable levels of noise' disturbing their sleep 'from as early as 5am each day,' said New Forest District Council. Mr Brown's bid to quash a conviction for non-compliance was dismissed at Southampton Crown Court.
BBC (Michael Meadowcroft)
Each entry that appears in the New Statesman receives a £5 book token. Send your entries to comp@newstatesman.co.uk
[See also: This England: One previous owner]
Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe
Related
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
BBC Death in Paradise's Kris Marshall reunites with Love Actually co-star in new series
Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall has opened up on an unexpected reunion with his Love Actually co-star in the upcoming series of the hit detective drama. Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall has whipped up excitement amongst his followers by teasing a delightful on-set reunion with an old Love Actually cast mate in the incoming series. Whilst previewing the brand new instalments of Beyond Paradise down under, the actor playing the affable lead detective revealed this tantalising nugget during an interview. Jubilantly speaking on The Project last Sunday, Marshall unveiled that Abdul Salis - who portrayed his close companion Tony in Love Actually - has graced the enigmatic show with a special appearance, reports the Mirror. The 52-year-old celebrity was visibly thrilled about encountering Salis anew, despite it being more than two decades since they last acted together. "I had only seen him once in 24 years," he disclosed with sense of wistfulness. Contemplating the fortuitous twists often found in acting careers, he reflected poetically: "It's a beautiful thing about being an actor. You pick up where you left off. It's kind of symbiotic. I love it." With unmistakable glee about rekindling camaraderie with a former colleague, Marshall added: "So, he came in and did a guest thing and we're all a bit older and, you know, we're not very much wiser. We're all good." Although tight-lipped regarding the intricacies of Salis's role, Marshall couldn't help but insinuate, possibly exonerating Abdul's character from any foul play. With a suggestive tone, he began: "I don't think he's..." before giving himself to laughter, ensuring audiences stay in the dark for what Wales Online describes as a cheeky manoeuvre to avoid spoilers. Abdul has certainly left his mark, having portrayed paramedic Curtis Cooper on 'Casualty', and gracing screens with roles in renowned series such as 'Doctor Who', 'Father Brown', and most recently adding 'The Wheel of Time' to his burgeoning filmography. Kris and Sally Breton have recently offered insights into their new series, drawing from their real-life parenting to mirror the foster care experiences of their characters. While unpacking the intricacies of DI Humphrey Goodman and Martha Lloyd's foray into foster care, Kris revealed to HELLO!: "Parenting is often three steps forward, two steps back, and when you think you're winning, the rug gets pulled out from underneath you." Sally echoed those complexities by sharing reflections from her own life: "I understood getting it wrong. I understand thinking right, I'm getting somewhere, and then the next day, there's a new problem or another worry you've got on the shelf." She elaborated on the perpetual challenges of parenting, stating: "I understand that you never get to a point where you think: 'I've got this', and then absolutely haven't. And that is parenting in my experience." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.


Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Glastonbury Festival-goers issued urgent alert ahead of June 25
With several UK festivals, including Glastonbury, only a few weeks away, doctors warn that a contagious infection is set to spread at events As Britain prepares for festival season, with events all across the UK - from Glastonbury and Wireless, to Reading and Leeds and Latitude - hundreds of thousands are getting ready to pack tents, glitter, and sunglasses. However, many may be unprepared for an unexpected issue: conjunctivitis. GP Nisa Aslam from Goldeneyecare—a line of pharmacy drops and ointments designed to treat conditions such as conjunctivitis, styes, and blepharitis—is urging festival-goers to monitor their ocular health. "Festivals can be a hotbed for eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye)," she warned. "Late nights, communal sleeping arrangements, inadequate hygiene, dehydration, and the use of glittery eye makeup and false lashes can create the ideal conditions for eye irritation and infection." But it's not just bacteria that attendees need to be wary of - those with allergies are also at risk. Around half the UK population experiences hay fever symptoms. When these affect the eyes, it's referred to as Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis," the health expert explained, reports Wales Online. "Grass pollen is the most common cause, and peaks in summer, right when festivals are in full swing," she explained. "Itchy, watery eyes are more likely to be rubbed - which increases the chance of introducing harmful bacteria. Dehydration is also common at festivals and that can create dry eyes that make them more susceptible to incoming bacteria and pathogens." Contact lens users are at additional risk. With four million Brits relying on lenses, the absence of adequate hygiene facilities, such as clean showers and lavatories, presents a considerable hazard. "Contact lenses are magnets for dust and grime," Dr Aslam warns. "Wearing them in dirty settings, or failing to remove them after an evening out, significantly heightens the peril of infections." Glastonbury is the biggest outdoor music festival in the UK, and it is set to begin on June 25, 2025, at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Hygiene at Glastonbury Festival can become challenging amidst vast crowds and the outdoor environment. Despite cleanliness efforts by organisers, not all situations can ensure hygiene perfection, particularly in areas like toilets and showers. People often express concerns about long wait times, insufficient facilities, and the possibility of inadequate cleanliness in toilets. Shower availability might be limited, and queues can be quite long. Additionally, muddy conditions, dust, and close proximity to others can squash attempts to remain clean. The Glastonbury Festival's website underlines its commitment to providing facilities like toilets, showers, and hand sanitisers. Despite equipping attendees with ample hygiene amenities, including 850 wash basins, standpipes with quality-tested drinkable water, and hand sanitisers, the sheer scale of the festival and large crowds can make maintaining good hygiene a bit tricky. Festival-goers are encouraged to bring essentials such as wet wipes, hand sanitiser, and portable collapsible buckets for personal washing. On-site food stalls are held to strict hygiene standards to ensure safety. Somerset Council has even pitched in with advice on curbing disease transmission, offering tips on measles prevention and STD testing. Last year, Professor Trudi Grant, Executive Director for Public and Population Health for Somerset Council and Somerset Integrated Care Board, said: "Keeping yourself safe over the Glastonbury weekend is paramount. Most health risks can be avoided by taking simple steps to help protect yourself and others. "Regular good hygiene can help prevent the spread of most germs and infections, and remembering to keep yourself cool and avoid excess alcohol can help keep you safe during periods of hot weather. We are encouraging everyone who attends the festival to take some basic steps to protect themselves and others so they can enjoy the festival and other events safely and responsibly this summer." How to keep clear of conjunctivitis at a crowded event: The NHS says: "Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment. Conjunctivitis is also known as red or pink eye. It usually affects both eyes and makes them: red, burn or feel gritty, produce pus that sticks to lashes, itch and water." To combat conjunctivitis symptoms, begin with cleaning your eyelids using freshly boiled cooled water and a clean cotton wool pad for each eye, gently wiping away any encrusted discharge. Additionally, placing a cool flannel over your eyes for several minutes can provide relief. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eyes have fully recovered. A pharmacist can provide assistance with conjunctivitis. They can offer guidance and suggest eyedrops or antihistamines to alleviate your symptoms. It's vital for festival attendees to be aware of potential hygiene issues and take steps to stay as clean and healthy as possible. GP Nisa Aslam shares her top five tips to help party-goers safeguard their eyes from potentially painful eye infections without dampening the festival spirit. GP Nisa Aslam's top five tips 1. Don't share makeup The GP advises: "Share the music, not your mascara. Exchanging eyeliner or false lashes is a quick route to eye infections like pink eye." 2. Rethink your lenses "Consider sporting some trendy glasses for the weekend instead. If you must wear lenses, choose daily disposables - and always cleanse your hands before inserting them," she added. 3. Pack a first-aid kit "If you do contract an eye infection, address it immediately." The GP suggests eye drops or ointment that contains propamidine isethionate and dibrompropamidine isethionate - antiseptics (not antibiotics). These aid in inhibiting bacterial growth and multiplication, thereby controlling the number of bacteria causing an infection. 4. Use glitter wisely The GP warned: "Stick to body glitter. Even sparkly or metallic eye makeup should be used with caution, as they contain tiny specks of glitter that can cause irritation that could lead to infection if they fall into the eye. If you wear contact lenses, this could be even worse." 5. Wash your hands Dr Aslam stressed the importance of keeping your hands away from your eyes, especially at festivals. "Festivals aren't the cleanest places," she pointed out. "Avoid touching your eyes, and if you must wipe them, use a clean tissue and bin it straight after."


Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Death in Paradise's Kris Marshall teases reunion with former co-star
Death in Paradise star teased a surprise reunion with a former co-star in the latest series of the hit BBC detective show Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall has delighted fans by sharing an unexpected reunion with a Love Actually co-star in the upcoming season. The actor, who plays the charismatic lead detective, hinted at this exciting development while promoting the fresh episodes of Beyond Paradise in Australia. On The Project this Sunday, Kris joyously announced that Abdul Salis, known as his steadfast pal Tony from 'Love Actually', has popped up for a guest spot in the mystery-laden drama. The 52 year old star couldn't hide his elation at crossing paths with Abdul once again, confessing it's been over two decades since their last encounter. "I had only seen him once in 24 years," shared a nostalgic Kris. Reflecting on the serendipitous nature of his profession, he mused: "It's a beautiful thing about being an actor. You pick up where you left off. It's kind of symbiotic. I love it." With evident happiness about reuniting with an old mate, Kris added: "So, he came in and did a guest thing and we're all a bit older and, you know, we're not very much wiser. We're all good." While keeping specifics under wraps about Abdul's role, Kris couldn't resist dropping a hint that possibly clears his former co-star's character from suspicion. Kris teasingly began: "I don't think he's..." before dissolving into laughter, making it clear he wouldn't divulge any spoilers, reports Wales Online. Abdul has also made a mark with roles like paramedic Curtis Cooper in 'Casualty', along with appearances in other acclaimed series including ' Doctor Who ', 'Father Brown', and rounding out his résumé with 'The Wheel of Time'. Kris and Sally Breton offered a sneak peek into the upcoming series, paralleling their real-life parenting experiences with their characters' foster parenting journey in the show. While discussing DI Humphrey Goodman and Martha Lloyd's venture into foster care, Kris disclosed to HELLO!: "Parenting is often three steps forward, two steps back, and when you think you're winning, the rug gets pulled out from underneath you." Sally shared a similar sentiment, reflecting on her personal experiences: "I understood getting it wrong. I understand thinking right, I'm getting somewhere, and then the next day, there's a new problem or another worry you've got on the shelf." She added, speaking from the trenches of parenting: "I understand that you never get to a point where you think: 'I've got this', and then absolutely haven't. And that is parenting in my experience." Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.