Headlines: Oak tree set on fire and rare lamb quintuplets born
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There is just an 'E' left to paint before the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood is complete, says Bristol Live.A 350-year-old oak tree set on fire in Stroud and the "fight to save it" has been reported by the Stroud News & Journal. The fire is believed to have been started by books being wedged inside the trunk and set alight.The future of the Debenhams building in Taunton has been a popular story for the County Gazette as "breakthrough" talks happen with MP Gideon Amos.Work has started on 146 new homes on the Bath Press site, says Somerset Live.And there has been a 'one in a million' birth in Somerset – five lambs were born from the same ewe at a farm in Shapwick.
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There are lots of pictures of the partial lunar eclipse, with thanks to our Weather Watchers for some wonderful photos. Read more about the event here.Bristol City has had to ask its supporters to stop throwing objects, saying any form of abuse "will not be tolerated".The Festival of Archaeology is set to return to Gloucester this summer.And have ever seen your food bin contents go straight in the back of a bin lorry? Swindon Borough Council explains there are actually two compartments in there, assuring people on Facebook it is not all going in the same heap.
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Fears Reggie the dolphin is ‘targeting swimmers' after ‘scaring woman to death' as expert warns ‘it can snap'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WILD dolphin known as 'Reggie' has left swimmers terrified after reportedly targeting women in wetsuits — with experts warning the playful mammal 'could snap' at any moment. The lone bottlenose dolphin was first spotted in Lyme Bay, Dorset, on August 3 when he delighted a family by flipping onto his back and asking for belly rubs. 7 Swimmers were left shocked after a previously playful dolphin turned on them Credit: SWNS 7 Image shows the dolphin jumping on top of a woman swimming off the beach in Lyme Regis Credit: SWNS 7 Human interaction can cause dolphins to lose their natural caution, which in turn can lead to injury, aggression, or even death Credit: SWNS The clip quickly went viral and dozens of tourists flocked to the area hoping to meet the playful mammal for themselves. But excitement has now turned to alarm after experts warned Reggie could lash out at any moment. The dolphin has already been blamed for terrifying two swimmers after repeatedly leaping on top of them and pushing one woman's head under the water. In shocking footage from August 14, the frightened swimmer can be heard crying out: "It scared me to death! Oh my goodness!" before being shoved below the waves. Rhys Paterson, 32, who was out boating with his brother Gareth, said they were forced to step in and pull the women to safety. The development director, from Lyme Regis, said: "We saved two swimmers who were fairly deep, where the dolphin kept jumping on them. "The dolphin was basically drowning this woman – it kind of jumped on her back four times." He added: "People need to understand that it's not an amusement arcade. It's a wild animal. It can snap all of a sudden if it wants to." Reggie has also been seen carrying nasty gashes — thought to be from a boat's propeller. Now officials fear the growing crowds of people desperate for a close encounter are making the dolphin's behaviour worse. Orca trainer screamed 'I don't want to die' as she was ripped apart by trio of bloodthirsty killer whales The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has issued a stark warning to the public. In a Facebook post, they said: "We're increasingly concerned about a lone dolphin spotted in Lyme Bay following multiple potential marine wildlife disturbance offences. "Never swim with, touch, feed, or approach dolphins. If a dolphin approaches you, calmly leave the area." They added that human interaction can cause dolphins to lose their natural caution, which in turn can lead to injury, aggression, or even death. Jess Churchill-Bissett, MMO's head of marine conservation, said: "Repeated human interaction inevitably disrupt their natural behaviours, increasing stress and potentially altering their temperament. "Once habituated to humans, dolphins can lose their natural wariness, a change that can be fatal. "This is something we could already be seeing in Lyme Bay." Other wildlife experts have echoed the alarm. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation charity stressed: "We have to reiterate: NEVER swim with dolphins, in the wild or in captivity. It is not good for them or us. Respect their space." Liz Sandeman, co-founder of the Marine Connection charity, warned: "This is the worst case of a dolphin becoming rapidly habituated to close human interaction in 20 years in the UK." But despite repeated pleas, new videos have emerged showing paddleboarders and even young children getting within touching distance of Reggie. One horrified witness wrote online: "We went down last night and watched from the shore. 7 Dolphins, whales and porpoises are legally protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Credit: SWNS 7 Disturbing or approaching them too closely can result in six months in prison or an unlimited fine Credit: SWNS "We were shocked to see so many paddleboarders out there — around 20 — and they were all following the dolphin and not leaving him alone." Experts say bottlenose dolphins are powerful creatures that can grow up to 13ft long and weigh 650kg. Although they may appear playful, they are capable of seriously injuring people with a sudden flick of their tail or a head butt from their beak. Lucy Babey, director of programmes for charity ORCA, said: *"They are powerful marine mammals and have been known to seriously injure people, even if unintentionally. "In some cases the dolphin's behaviour has escalated and people have unfortunately been killed."* Dolphins, whales and porpoises are legally protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Disturbing or approaching them too closely can result in six months in prison or an unlimited fine. Despite the risks, holidaymakers continue to flock to Lyme Bay in the hope of swimming with the dolphin. 7 'Once habituated to humans, dolphins can lose their natural wariness, a change that can be fatal'
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Poison bait' to be used at popular Co Down beach after rodents ‘infest' shores
Residents of Millisle recently came together to clear litter and seaweed from their local beach, following a community cleanup organised earlier this month by Deborah Mann. But residents said beach continued to be plagued by large rats. Ards and North Down Borough Council has now confirmed plans to use poison and target areas where rodent activity is believed to be high. In a statement on social media, the council said: 'Following growth in the rodent population at Millisle Beach, a pest control programme will begin on Thursday 21 August and run for 2-3 weeks. "Poison bait will be used on the site to target known burrows. 'Signage will be in place to advise beach users and Council Officers will be visiting the site over the coming days to engage with beach users and give advice.' Visitors are advised to keep pets on a leash, supervise children at all times, take any food waste away and not feed the birds. The council advised contacting the Emergency Department – or a vet for pets – if accidental poisoning occurs. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph earlier this month, Deborah explained how members of the local community worked 'tirelessly' to clean up the town. A resident of Millisle for over 40 years, Deborah was prompted by her husband Gary to post a notice on Facebook to organise a village beach clean. Efforts to tidy the beach then moved on to improving the general surroundings, with John McLean (80) taking to weeding the surrounding area. However, despite their good intentions to clean up the beach, they initially received pushback from the council. Grievances were initially raised due to environmental issues and wildlife concerns 'The beach is now infested with rats. Council kept saying it is not allowed to be touched because it is an environmental issue,' she said. 'About a week later a couple of the guys decided to get together and de-weed the whole Main Street, it was also cleared of rubbish. They tirelessly worked for hours. 'A few days after that, a few professional painters gave up their time and painted a couple of derelict buildings.' Deborah added: 'I then started a GoFundMe, within two days it went from a £400 target to £3,400. Every single penny is going towards the cleaning and restoration efforts. 'The council has actually given us the bags now to help clean up.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
I've lost my family because I cheated on my wife instead of sorting out our problems
I was under a lot of work stress, and took it out on my wife DEAR DEIDRE I've lost my family because I cheated on my wife instead of sorting out our problems Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DEAR DEIDRE: I'VE lost my family and the chance of a happy future with the love of my life because of my stupidity. I cheated on my wife instead of sorting out our problems, and the woman I left her for dumped me because I didn't want kids with her. The harsh truth is, I've messed up everything and I have nobody to blame but myself. I'm an idiot and a coward, and don't know how to get my life back on track. I'm 47 and was married for 15 years. We had two daughters. But five years ago, our marriage went through a rocky patch. I was under a lot of stress at work and took it out on my wife. Instead of talking to her, I shut her out. When a work colleague ten years younger than me showed interest, I jumped into bed with her. My wife discovered our affair and kicked me out. My girlfriend took me in. But I didn't treat her as well as I should have done. Instead of learning from my past mistakes, I again failed to communicate properly. And when she said she wanted to have children with me, I said 'no way' and refused to discuss it. I was still reeling from the loss of being a full-time dad to my daughters. My girlfriend said she couldn't wait to be a mum, as she was heading for 40. She didn't have time to waste, so broke up with me. Dear Deidre: Cheating and can you get over it It was only then that I realised how much I loved her and that I did want kids with her. But it was too late. She'd moved on and started dating someone else. I still think about her all the time and want to contact her. I don't know how to move on. DEIDRE SAYS: You're learning from your mistakes, and that is the first step in moving on. Contacting your ex, who now has another partner, is looking backward rather than forward, and this won't help you – especially if she responds negatively. Your feelings for her will fade in time. Instead, look to rebuild your life and make positive changes for the future. Be the best dad you can to your daughters. Try to form a new relationship, and don't repeat the same mistakes this time. Speaking to a counsellor could also be of help to you. See my support pack, Moving On, for more advice. Get in touch with Deidre Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays. Send an email to deardeidre@ You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page. HAUNTED BY LOVER WHO LEFT WITH NO EXPLANATION DEAR DEIDRE: MANY years after the love of my life left me, I still can't move on. I can't even go to the area where she lives in case I bump into her. I don't want her back but I do want to be able to stop thinking about her. I'm 64 and was with her for 20 years. Our relationship was wonderful and other people said we were the perfect couple. But after her 40th birthday, things changed and she stopped being affectionate. One day, I came home from work to find a note saying she'd left. I was blindsided and devastated. That was 12 years ago. Since then, although I've had a few girlfriends, I've never found love again. I just can't let her go. She's always on my mind and her spectre follows me around. Birthdays and anniversaries are especially hard. How can I get her out of my system once and for all? DEIDRE SAYS: The way your ex left you was shocking. Although there were signs she wasn't happy, she never talked to you. As a result, you didn't get closure and still can't move forward. Sometimes, we have to find closure elsewhere. It would help you greatly to talk to a counsellor. My support pack, How Counselling Can Help, tells you how this process works. Also read my support pack Moving On. On significant dates, make sure you have an activity planned, so you're not focusing on your ex. SO MANY EXCUSES NOT TO COMMIT DEAR DEIDRE: I'M dying to make our relationship official, but the guy I'm seeing won't ask me to be his girlfriend. He says he wants to wait until 'the honeymoon period is over', which doesn't ring true to me. I'm starting to doubt whether he really likes me. I feel so insecure. We're both in our mid-twenties and have been dating for four months. I have begun to fall for him. When I asked him why we aren't official yet, he said it was because he's rushed into relationships in the past, and then it's gone horribly wrong. He says he wants to make sure we're right for each other first. That all sounds logical but I don't fully believe him. He can be kind and affectionate, but often makes excuses for why we can't meet and sometimes drops me for his friends. He says he likes me and sees a future for us, but I feel really anxious. DEIDRE SAYS: Whatever his reason – he may be scared of getting hurt so is keeping you at arm's length – he's not ready to be official yet and, unfortunately, you can't force him to change. What's important is that you're feeling unhappy and insecure. Perhaps you need to set yourself a time limit. If things haven't changed by then, and you're still not secure, then walk away. My support pack, Learning About Relationships, may be helpful to read. SICK OF PLAYING SECOND FIDDLE DEAR DEIDRE: MY partner is still allowing his ex to run his life. He doesn't seem to be able to say no to her ever, and I'm sick of being second best. He's been separated from his ex-wife for nine years, and yet he still won't divorce her, even though he says he loves me. If we have a row, he goes running back to her for advice. What should I do? I'm 38 and he's 49. We've been together for eight years but don't live together. Years before we met, he was married to a woman with whom he has two kids. He left her for someone else (a relationship that ended quickly). Recently, he came into some money and promised to take me on holiday. But his ex said he should treat his kids instead, and he agreed. He told me our trip was off. He pays maintenance for his kids already, and I don't resent that – it's the right thing to do. But he also gives his ex extra all the time, and that's not fair when it means I lose out. I'm not worried he's still in love with her, or that he's cheating on me, but I do feel she comes first. It's making me very unhappy and we're having lots of rows. Am I wrong to feel like this? DEIDRE SAYS: You're not in the wrong to want your long-term partner to put you first. It sounds like his ex still has a hold over him and perhaps he feels guilty about the end of their relationship. But that's not an excuse to make you feel second best. Try talking to him again and telling him how you feel. My support pack, Standing Up For Yourself, should help you to do this without making him defensive. It might also help you both to talk to a relationship counsellor. Make an appointment with
