Latest news with #AdamKnight
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Tips on how to sleep through a heatwave as temperatures expected to soar
A new report has revealed that over half of Brits have pulled a sickie due to the roasting weather impacting their sleep - and it's only set to get worse, with temperatures expected to spike again this weekend Heatwaves are believed to cost the UK economy an average of £5.98bn each year, according to a recent study, and a significant factor is sleep. More than a third of Brits lose between one to two hours of sleep per night during a heatwave. As a result, over half of Brits have admitted to calling in sick due to the scorching weather affecting their sleep, others have arrived late or cancelled social plans. Worryingly for UK employers, the decrease in sleep quality is impacting productivity levels with the average adult losing nearly 14 hours of efficient work time during heatwaves. According to the study commissioned by BOXT, only 5 percent of UK homes are constructed to cope with the temperatures that the country is currently experiencing. Overheated Brits are also feeling the pinch financially. The research shows half of participants (57%) are splurging £150 on iced drinks and portable fans to stay cool, while a staggering 28% confessed to shelling out £300 for the same items. "We've long focused on keeping heat in but with hotter summers becoming the norm, good insulation is just as important for keeping our homes cool," said Adam Knight, lead engineer at BOXT. "Most of us are relying on temporary cooling hacks and still not sleeping well. We're seeing more hot, humid nights in the UK but our homes aren't built for it," he said. "Ask any parent with a cranky toddler after a sleepless night, or a commuter sweating through another sticky train journey. Heat affects behaviour and brain power." Despite the nationwide struggles, only 5 percent of Brits have a permanent air-conditioning unit fitted in their home and 14 percent consider the concept an American or Mediterranean 'luxury'. But it might not be as expensive as they think. You could get a unit installed with flexible finance options starting at just £30.67 a month with no deposit, says BOXT. Those who are happy to splash the cash upfront could purchase an air-conditioning unit for £2,199. Adam added: "Most people assume air conditioning is expensive or only for luxury homes – but it's more affordable than you may think. And, unlike fans or gadgets that just circulate air, proper AC cools the whole room, not just the space directly in front of you." To help struggling Brits get through their workday when temperatures rise, sleep expert and psychologist Hope Bastine has shared her top advice on how to get a good night's sleep. Heatwave hacks to improve your sleep Freeze your sheets Go for natural linen or eucalyptus fibre sheets – they wick away moisture, dry quickly and help air flow. To stay cool without soaking your bed, focus on smaller items. Stick to freezing just your pillowcase or a light throw, not the whole bedding set. Pop them in a plastic bag and freeze for 15 minutes before bed. Ditch your partner Cuddling partners and pets can be comforting but not in a heatwave – so try to sleep solo if possible. Body heat is your worst enemy on hot nights. Even one extra person in bed can raise the temp by a few degrees. Skip the cold shower before bed Instead, Hope recommends having a lukewarm shower 90 minutes before bed, which helps kickstart your body's cooling process and helps wind you down. Cut the caffeine Iced coffees might feel like a heatwave treat but caffeine is a diuretic and contributes to dehydration, one of the top causes of disturbed sleep. It also raises your body temperature, which is what you want to avoid.
ABC News
19-06-2025
- ABC News
Globally recognised Lockhart River Art Centre on verge of collapse
The future of an internationally acclaimed Indigenous art centre in Queensland is in doubt, with directors on the verge of calling in liquidators. The Lockhart River Art Centre is best known for a group of famous artists called the Lockhart River Art Gang, who have had work shown overseas. They include Rosella Namok, Adrian King, Samantha Hobson, Fiona Omeenyo, Evelyn Sandy, and the late Silas Hobson, who all emerged in the small Indigenous community on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula, about 800 kilometres from Cairns. The art centre is run by Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation, a registered charity that reports to the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. The corporation is accused of two counts of failing to lodge annual reports with the registrar, and one count of failing to lodge a general report. Solicitor Caitlin Miller, representing the corporation, on Wednesday told the Cairns Magistrates Court that "steps are being taken to … appoint a liquidator." Adam Knight, a collector and dealer of Indigenous art, said Lockhart River became iconic for its "distinct style, completely different to Indigenous art produced in other parts of Australia". He said the 30-year-old art centre's "nationally and internationally recognised artists of significance … were very, very important in the growth of Queensland Indigenous art." "There are dealers in this industry already that I know have been trying to help and buying paintings for probably more than they're worth and taking on things just to try and keep it going as long as they can," Mr Knight said. Ms Miller told the court the decision to enter liquidation was made "in the last week or so", although directors were yet to make a formal resolution. "I'm unable to provide the court with any certainty around the timing … but I understand those involved, the defendant and other professional advisers, are working quickly to make this happen," she said. The corporation has yet to enter a plea to the regulatory breaches. Magistrate Leanne Scoines adjourned the case until next month. Dorothy Hobson, a renowned local artist and local councillor on the board of the corporation, declined to comment. Mr Knight said Lockhart River Art Centre had struggled in recent years, following the deaths of some artists and the relocation of others away from the remote community. "A lot of other art centres probably have the benefit of a larger Indigenous population that comes through and fills those artistic gaps, where probably Lockhart hasn't had the luxury of that," he said. He said while global Aboriginal art sales were strong, the domestic market had lagged in the past two years in a "pretty tough economic environment". Mr Knight said the art centre was worth "millions" to the community economically and for its health benefits. In a statement, Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council CEO David Clarke said the council would "consider matters of continuity once all information is to hand on the current facility and board". "Council also understands the importance of the creative arts to our community with a long and strong history of dance and arts production," Mr Clarke said. Mr Knight said he believed it was the state and federal government's responsibility "to ensure it survives". "What's happening in the Queensland Indigenous art space is very exciting and Lockhart River has to be considered a very significant part of that," he said. "It's no time to let something like that fade away."
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Restoration work completed on Victorian theatre
A major restoration project on a Grade II-listed Victorian theatre has been completed. The eight-month work at Blackpool's Grand Theatre saw broken stone and brick work replaired and repointed and large areas of the roof replaced. The illuminated sign at the top of the building has also been fully restored for the first time since the 1970s. The funding from Arts Council England will be also be used towards making the theatre, which opened in 1894, more accessible to visitors. Chief executive Adam Knight said: "The results of these specialist restoration works are terrific and make a demonstrable positive contribution to the revitalisation of the town centre. "The capital investment has also realised a long-term ambition to recreate the much missed illuminated sign and return the theatre's famous dome and iconic pineapple finial to their former glory." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. Victorian theatre awarded £450,000 for repairs Planners give go-ahead for £500k theatre repairs Victorian theatre needs £500k of repairs Blackpool Grand Theatre
BBC News
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Restoration work completed on Victorian Blackpool Grand Theatre
A major restoration project on a Grade II-listed Victorian theatre has been eight-month work at Blackpool's Grand Theatre saw broken stone and brick work replaired and repointed and large areas of the roof illuminated sign at the top of the building has also been fully restored for the first time since the funding from Arts Council England will be also be used towards making the theatre, which opened in 1894, more accessible to visitors. Chief executive Adam Knight said: "The results of these specialist restoration works are terrific and make a demonstrable positive contribution to the revitalisation of the town centre. "The capital investment has also realised a long-term ambition to recreate the much missed illuminated sign and return the theatre's famous dome and iconic pineapple finial to their former glory." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
