Latest news with #AstonMartins
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hundreds celebrate life of 19-year-old Jack Constable from Norton Fitzwarren
HUNDREDS of people celebrated the life of 19-year-old Jack Constable at a "beautiful" funeral last month, with his parents announcing a memorial fund in his honour. Over 425 people turned out to pay their respects to Jack, from Norton Fitzwarren, who died on April 10 after an 18-month fight with extremely rare Ewing Sarcoma cancer. The service was held at Taunton Crematorium on May 9, with Silk Mills Road temporarily closed as a funeral procession led by 16 supercars travelled through Taunton, marking Jack's "passion for cars" — including Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Aston Martins, and McLarens. Katie Constable, Jack's mother, said: "It was such an amazing funeral, it was just lovely that everyone was there who should have been. On arrival at the crematorium, it was truly overwhelming as so many people had travelled from every direction to support us and, more importantly, to show their respect for Jack and the battle he endured with dignity and grace — including my best friend from Oz. Jack loved our family and his friends and everyone that supported us, he made everyone laugh with his quirky way, and constantly checked in on all around him." She added: "Jack's four best friends and two cousins were pallbearers and carried him into his favourite drum and bass tune, Sweet Carolina. His other besties walked Jack in, and his beautiful girlfriend Poppy walked behind." There were "no dry eyes" at Jack's final goodbye, which included a rendition of All Things Bright And Beautiful and readings from his girlfriend, Poppy Charles, 19, and friends Kira, Dave, and Fin. Katie wishes to share a "special thank you" to trumpeter Elliott Coles, who performed a "wonderful solo of Amazing Grace". The service was then shown "35 pics of Jack's wonderful fulfilled life with everyone that mattered". Jack's adored dogs, two Blue Staffies, Ivy and Olive, attended the ceremony. In his honour, Jack's parents are launching The Jack Constable Memory Fund, which will be the only UK charity dedicated to raising funds for the fight against Ewing Sarcoma cancer. Jack's charity will become his "legacy for eternity", Katie said. Donations can be made at with fundraising events planned. Jack's parents, Katie and Jeremy Constable, said: "As the days and weeks pass, our hearts still in pieces with an emptiness never to be filled, we realise that keeping busy is the wisest option and still with so many wonderful friends holding fundraising events which will now go into The Jack Constable Memory Fund once up and running. "This charity is super important as it will be the only Ewing sarcoma charity in the UK. Jem, myself and the incredible people we have surrounding us will forever more raise money to help other families not feel the pain from broken hearts as we are having to. So please help us with any ideas, and let's together continue to help others as this would be what our super kind-hearted son would want. "We are grateful for all the money raised that helped Jack beyond words during his 18-month battle, and let's pull together and help as many others as possible."
Press and Journal
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Press and Journal
Thainstone Centre: From top-class cattle to classic cars
It's not just livestock that goes under the hammer at Thainstone Centre, near Inverurie. Thainstone Specialist Auctions (TSA), a division of ANM Group recently hosted a timed online auction of classic and collectable vehicles. And there were some splendid-looking lots up for grabs. Top-selling prices included a 2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Auto, which fetched £16,750. Despite its advanced age, the well-loved car – similar to the Aston Martins famously driven by secret agent James Bond – had only 30,247 miles on the clock. Also in the five-figure bracket in the online auction was a vintage 1964 Ford Thames Trader truck, which sold for £10,750. An even older vehicle, a 1962 Ford Zephyr, had plenty of classic car appeal. The successful bidder paid £9,400. Meanwhile, a 2000 Bentley Arnage Red Label Auto fetched £8,000. And a 2003 Mini Cooper with just 27,742 miles on the clock sold for £3,500. Elsewhere in the auction, a 2006 Volkswagen Beetle TDI converted pick-up went for £3,200. Neil Simpson, head of business development and strategy, TSA, said 'Interest from across the UK and a strong presence of buyers in the north-east highlights continued demand for good quality, clean classics.' All but one of the lots sold on the day, with many exceeding their reserves. Neil added: 'By utilising our online bidding platform and marketing channels we were able to reach the right audience and deliver a successful sale.' TSA is one of the UK's leading commercial auctioneers. Thainstone-based ANM is one of Scotland's largest producer-owned co-operatives. Its auction venues are best known for sales of top-class cattle and sheep. One of the group's key achievements in recent years has been to diversify long-established livestock operations into an organisation spanning multiple business activities. ANM's portfolio also includes livestock marketing, plant, machinery and equipment auctions and valuations, rural and commercial property interests, hospitality and events. Regular online vehicle auctions are held fortnightly on Thursday evenings from 6pm.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Is THIS what a Russian spy looks like? Intel agency releases handy guide on how to spot a Putin operative in your midst
Scroll down to find out how to spot a spy in your midst SPY NEXT DOOR Is THIS what a Russian spy looks like? Intel agency releases handy guide on how to spot a Putin operative in your midst Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN you think of a spy, you might imagine trench coats and secret dossiers, or perhaps the more glamorous image of vodka martinis and Aston Martins. But one Baltic nation has taken a more practical approach, issuing a handy guide on how its citizens can spot Russian operatives lurking in their midst. 6 Federal security service officers guarding the Russian President Vladimir Putin Credit: Alamy 6 The aftermath of a Russian firestorm in Ukraine's Sumy region Credit: AP 6 Some of the characteristics to look out for in a spy One of Latvia's intelligence services has put out a list of telltale signs to help its population sniff out spies. An unkempt appearance and "insufficient hygiene" are listed as some of the top characteristics to look out for - a far cry from the crisp dinner jackets sported by James Bond. But don't expect all Russian spies in the Baltic state to look like they have been sleeping in a bush. A military-style haircut is also a possible indicator that you might be face-to-face with a secret agent. Perhaps unsurprisingly, asking nosy and intrusive questions of locals is also listed as something to look out for. And tourists who have little knowledge of the area but are surprisingly well-prepared for the great outdoors - such as with medical kits or radios - are also a big red flag. The Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has issued the list of characteristics this week to urge its citizens to be alert to threats and regional tensions. The agency said: "The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt to the environment and circumstances in which reconnaissance-saboteur groups are used. "Their members may not visually correspond to the classic reconnaissance-saboteur profile." Such Russian spies might also hang around near sensitive sights - or sleep in remote areas despite showing little interest in nature. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters But the agency warned citizens not to get their hands dirty with vigilante spy work - and to leave any action to the professionals. They made clear that if any suspicions are flagged, the police and military should take it from there. The agency said: "If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' 6 Wreckage of an MH17 plane shot down by Russia Credit: AP 6 Fire blazes at the site of the wreckage Credit: AP This comes as tensions between NATO countries and Russia continue to soar over Putin's barbaric and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Sweden and Finland - both of which joined NATO since 2022 - have been busily issuing booklets on how to survive a war or other disaster. Norway has also published a book with advice for such a scenario. The book reads: "We live in an increasingly turbulent world. "Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war — can impact us." Several instances of sabotage and arson across the west have been attributed to Russia by senior figures - although the Kremlin denies involvement. Russian and Ukrainian officials met for direct talks today for the first time in three years in Turkey. But even if a ceasefire is agreed, a top security think tank warns Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027. And the International Institute for Strategic Studies has cautioned Putin could deploy his army onto a "war footing" and try to test NATO's Article 5 mutual defence agreement.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Is THIS what a Russian spy looks like? Intel agency releases handy guide on how to spot a Putin operative in your midst
WHEN you think of a spy, you might imagine trench coats and secret dossiers, or perhaps the more glamorous image of vodka martinis and Aston Martins. But one Baltic nation has taken a more practical approach, issuing a handy guide on how its citizens can spot Russian operatives lurking in their midst. Advertisement 6 Federal security service officers guarding the Russian President Vladimir Putin Credit: Alamy 6 The aftermath of a Russian firestorm in Ukraine's Sumy region Credit: AP 6 Some of the characteristics to look out for in a spy One of Latvia's intelligence services has put out a list of telltale signs to help its population sniff out spies. An unkempt appearance and "insufficient hygiene" are listed as some of the top characteristics to look out for - a far cry from the crisp dinner jackets sported by James Bond. But don't expect all Russian spies in the Baltic state to look like they have been sleeping in a bush. A military-style haircut is also a possible indicator that you might be face-to-face with a secret agent. Advertisement read more in world news Perhaps unsurprisingly, asking nosy and intrusive questions of locals is also listed as something to look out for. And tourists who have little knowledge of the area but are surprisingly well-prepared for the great outdoors - such as with medical kits or radios - are also a big red flag. The Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has issued the list of characteristics this week to urge its citizens to be alert to threats and regional tensions. The agency said: "The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt to the environment and circumstances in which reconnaissance-saboteur groups are used. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun "Their members may not visually correspond to the classic reconnaissance-saboteur profile." Such Russian spies might also hang around near sensitive sights - or sleep in remote areas despite showing little interest in nature. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters But the agency warned citizens not to get their hands dirty with vigilante spy work - and to leave any action to the professionals. They made clear that if any suspicions are flagged, the police and military should take it from there. Advertisement The agency said: "If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police , special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' 6 Wreckage of an MH17 plane shot down by Russia Credit: AP 6 Fire blazes at the site of the wreckage Credit: AP Advertisement This comes as tensions between NATO countries and Russia continue to soar over Putin's barbaric and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Sweden and Finland - both of which joined NATO since 2022 - have been busily issuing booklets on how to survive a war or other disaster. Norway has also published a book with advice for such a scenario. The book reads: "We live in an increasingly turbulent world. Advertisement "Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather , pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war — can impact us." Several instances of sabotage and arson across the west have been attributed to Russia by senior figures - although the Kremlin denies involvement. But even if a ceasefire is agreed, Advertisement And the International Institute for Strategic Studies has cautioned Putin could deploy his army onto a "war footing" and try to test NATO's Article 5 mutual defence agreement. 6 Russian President Vladimir Putin Credit: Alamy
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Apple Launches CarPlay Ultra With New Ways for Drivers to Customize
Apple has chosen Aston Martin for the launch of launch of CarPlay Ultra, a more integrated version of its iPhone-compatible automobile operating system. New Aston Martins will include the system and existing cars will get it in a few weeks. The world's biggest tech company says it's partnered with other automakers to include versions of CarPlay Ultra tuned to their systems and vehicle models, including Kia, Hyundai and Genesis. Apple is calling CarPlay Ultra its next-generation in-car experience. "It provides information for all of the driver's screens, including real-time content and gauges in the instrument cluster, while reflecting the automaker's look and feel and offering drivers a customizable experience," Apple said in a blog post Thursday. It's been a long road from Apple's initial preview of "next-generation CarPlay" in 2022 to Thursday's announcement of an automaker finally going forward with the Apple infotainment vision, according to CNET car expert Antuan Goodwin. "I've spoken with many automakers that -- while excited to give drivers the choice to use Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto) for navigation, media playback and communications -- have been hesitant to give over their entire dashboard experience to a third-party partner," Goodwin said. "Automakers and their designers tend to see the dashboard and technology as one of the best ways to differentiate their cars from their competitors." In its blog post, Apple showed off multiple themes for Aston Martin instrument panels that can display maps, music album covers or lane information alongside the speedometer and tachometer. The main infotainment screen shows AC and seat temperature controls in addition to the familiar apps available on current CarPlay systems. If touchscreen controls don't appeal, don't worry -- drivers can still use physical buttons or even Siri voice controls for the same functions. Goodwin notes that Aston Martin makes sense for the first implementation of CarPlay Ultra. It's a smaller automaker that's not a part of a major car corporation, so it already depends on licensed technology for the infotainment in its cars -- previously from Mercedes-Benz. Apple is using CarPlay Ultra to introduce widgets to its auto system that can provide gauge-cluster information. There are also more ways to change the look of the interface than before. "Custom themes are crafted in close collaboration between Apple and the automaker's design team, resulting in experiences that feel tailor-made for each vehicle," Apple said. "Drivers can also personalize the colors and wallpapers of themes to match their individual tastes." CarPlay Ultra is compatible with the iPhone 12 and newer phones running iOS 18.5 or later.
