Latest news with #BellInn
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Girl, 14, fighting for her life after being struck by car near village pub – as man arrested over ‘drink driving'
A 14-YEAR-OLD girl has been left fighting for her life after being struck by a car in a quiet village. The horror collision happened just Friday just after midnight in Yatton Keynell, near somerset. Police said man has since been arrested in connection with the incident which saw the youth run down outside The Bell Inn. Wiltshire Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward as they investigate the horror crash. The teen girl was left fighting for her life by the smash with paramedics rushing her to hospital to receive treatment. A man in his 30s from Gloucestershire was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing injury by dangerous driving. The suspect is currently in police custody as officers launch a probe into the horror. A spokesperson said: "A 14-year-old girl sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car in the High Street, Yatton Keynell at about 12.15am in the early hours this morning. "She is currently receiving hospital treatment and her next of kin have been informed. "The driver, a man in his 30s from Wick in Gloucestershire, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing injury by dangerous driving. "He is currently in police custody. Any witnesses to the collision or anyone with dash cam footage is asked to contact the serious collision investigation team on 01225 694597 quoting log number 006 of today's date (15/08) or email SCIT@ 1
The Sun
08-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Fury as 400-year-old UK pub shuts forever after needing £2,000 a day to survive in ‘perfect storm'
A HISTORIC UK pub has shut for good after needing £2,000 a day just to survive leaving locals furious. The centuries old village pub in North Devon has closed its doors for the final time as the owners blame rising costs and a lack of support. 2 2 The Bell Inn in Monkleigh has served the local community for more than 400 years. It shut up shop on Monday, July 29, after the current leaseholder announced the closure on Facebook. They described the decision as one they "never wanted to make". In an emotional farewell, they wrote: "How do you say goodbye to a place that's been at the heart of the village for four centuries? "Today will be our final day of trading at The Bell Inn. "A perfect storm of soaring rent, rising insurance and alcohol costs, plus essential structural repairs leaves us with no suitable option.' Bosses claimed they needed to take £1,500-£2,000 a day just to break even. But with falling footfall and the rising cost of essentials, keeping the pub open wasn't realistic. Roy and Sally Goodger, the pub's owners, say they were blindsided by the closure having leased the business to a new tenant earlier this year with hopes of a revival. Speaking from a family visit in Scotland, Roy told DevonLive: "We had a call from the wife's brother-in-law to say they saw a post from The Bell Inn, and if we knew anything about it – and we didn't.' Pub chain collapses into administration as SIX sites shut their doors for good and 159 job losses He added that the financial situation at the pub had become increasingly difficult, even before they left the day-to-day running of the business last year. The insurance, which was once £3,000 annually, had jumped to £10,500 while energy bills and wholesale costs also surged. Roy said it wasn't just The Bell who has struggled either as pubs across the country "are losing a fortune". 'When we took over in 2019, the price of a pint of local ale was £3.50. If the pub increased prices in-line with costs, a pint would be £10 now, which of course is completely unrealistic," he said. The couple originally took on The Bell after Roy's building career was cut short by injury. They had to take on nearly all the work on themselves just to keep it going with Sally saying they "didn't take a wage" once from the pub. Roy would cook and Sally would run front-of-house with minimal part-time help. Sally now helps run another pub in Ipswich but they said they had no regrets running The Bell but acknowledged the reality facing the sector. It's another blow to rural communities in Devon as locals from nearby villages whose own pubs have already shut often made the trip to The Bell. The future of the Grade-II listed pub is now uncertain but Roy said a reopening was "unlikely" unless costs come down. As for what needs to change, both Roy and Sally point toward a lack of government support with Sally suggesting an adjustment to VAT like in other countries. "They do it in France and Germany to help hospitality during difficult time - but it's fallen on deaf ears for a long time.' What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why can't Stilton make Stilton?
The famous blue cheese it gave its name to is known throughout the world, but despite years of local protests, the Cambridgeshire village of Stilton is still not allowed to produce it. The history of Stilton is more controversial you might think. A battle over what the name can and can't be applied to has been rumbling for years. So, as a former MP raises the subject again, what's in a name and what could the future hold for this fought-over foodstuff? It was thought that the famous cheese was named after the village of Stilton, just south of Peterborough, not because it was made there, but because it was sold at The Bell Inn there. However, some historians have claimed the cheese did, in fact, originate in the village in the 18th Century. In 2011, Stilton resident and local historian Richard Landy claimed to have documents that could potentially prove the cheese was first produced there. Mr Landy told the BBC at the time: "I stumbled across a reference to a recipe on the internet that had been sent to Richard Bradley, the first professor of botany at Cambridge University. "This recipe was not only earlier than any previous recipe that had been published, but it also says that the cheese was produced in the village of Stilton." The conversation continues to this day, with residents and a former MP calling for a change in the law to allow the cheese to be made in the village. A row about the origins of Stilton and who can make it has been rumbling for years. The Stilton Cheesemakers' Association achieved Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for blue Stilton from the European Commission in 1996. This meant that only cheese produced in three counties - Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire - could be called Stilton. Despite Brexit, the legal protection continues. Stilton is one of just a few products that enjoy this status. Many English regional cheeses, such as Lancashire, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester, are not protected. While Stilton continues to have special protection, it is not the only British food or drink product to enjoy this. Scotch Whisky, for example, can only be produced, unsurprisingly, in Scotland, and even within that there are tightly controlled regions. For instance, Campbeltown whiskies can only come from a specific part of the Kintyre peninsula, while Islay whiskies must be from the island of the same name. And although you can find a pastry-encrusted snack of meat, potato and vegetables almost anywhere these days, a true Cornish Pasty must originate from Cornwall. The same applies to another famous meat and pastry product. If your pork pie is not from the Leicestershire town, it cannot be called a Melton Mowbray. Similarly, if your oyster does not come from Pembrokeshire, then it does not qualify as a Pembrokeshire Rock Oyster. The annual cheese-rolling event in the Cambridgeshire village dates back to the 1950s. The tradition was started by four publicans who were thinking of ways to generate income after Stilton was bypassed by the A1 in 1959, Adam Leon, one of its organisers previously told the BBC. The event was paused for seven years because organisers said it was no longer seen as "cool", but it returned in 2024. You would be forgiven for thinking a cheese-rolling festival would involve the dairy product itself. However, 12in (30cm) sections of an old telegraph pole are painted to look like a cheese. To participate, all teams must consist of four members, and the "cheeses" must be rolled by hand. Each team member has to roll the cheese at least once during the race, which takes place on on a course of about 30m (100ft) in length. Typically, people have taken part wearing fancy dress, and in the past teams of nuns, Smurfs and even a tribute to rock band Kiss have participated. Former Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire, Shailesh Vara, is one of the people who have been voicing their opinions on the cheese's origins. Mr Vara, who lost his seat to Labour's Sam Carling in July 2024, said: "Stilton cheese was historically made in the village, and I know there has been a bit of dispute about that. "But the historical evidence that I have seen in the case that the cheese was made here." He added that Mr Leon, described by Mr Vara as a "local entrepreneur", had started "making efforts to make sure that we start making cheese locally again". He said: "I am in conversation with Adam and the villagers have my support, and whatever conversations they want to have with me, I am always available." According to Mr Vara, now the UK has left the European Union there is less protection on where Stilton can be produced. "That protection is no more, so we can now start making cheese. I am looking for it to be made again," he added. The UK Protected Food Names Association, however, maintains that English law protects Stilton, and that any change would undermine the cheese-making industry. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Village hosts historical cheese rolling festival Cheese rolling returns to Stilton after seven years Cheese rolling cancelled as 'no longer cool' Stilton Cheese
BBC News
01-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Why can't Stilton make Stilton cheese?
The famous blue cheese it gave its name to is known throughout the world, but despite years of local protests, the Cambridgeshire village of Stilton is still not allowed to produce history of Stilton is more controversial you might think. A battle over what the name can and can't be applied to has been rumbling for as a former MP raises the subject again, what's in a name and what could the future hold for this fought-over foodstuff? How did Stilton cheese get its name? It was thought that the famous cheese was named after the village of Stilton, just south of Peterborough, not because it was made there, but because it was sold at The Bell Inn some historians have claimed the cheese did, in fact, originate in the village in the 18th 2011, Stilton resident and local historian Richard Landy claimed to have documents that could potentially prove the cheese was first produced Landy told the BBC at the time: "I stumbled across a reference to a recipe on the internet that had been sent to Richard Bradley, the first professor of botany at Cambridge University."This recipe was not only earlier than any previous recipe that had been published, but it also says that the cheese was produced in the village of Stilton."The conversation continues to this day, with residents and a former MP calling for a change in the law to allow the cheese to be made in the village. What rules prevent it from being made in Stilton? A row about the origins of Stilton and who can make it has been rumbling for Stilton Cheesemakers' Association achieved Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for blue Stilton from the European Commission in meant that only cheese produced in three counties - Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire - could be called Brexit, the legal protection continues. Stilton is one of just a few products that enjoy this status. Many English regional cheeses, such as Lancashire, Red Leicester and Double Gloucester, are not protected. What other foods have protected status? While Stilton continues to have special protection, it is not the only British food or drink product to enjoy Whisky, for example, can only be produced, unsurprisingly, in Scotland, and even within that there are tightly controlled regions. For instance, Campbeltown whiskies can only come from a specific part of the Kintyre peninsula, while Islay whiskies must be from the island of the same name. And although you can find a pastry-encrusted snack of meat, potato and vegetables almost anywhere these days, a true Cornish Pasty must originate from same applies to another famous meat and pastry product. If your pork pie is not from the Leicestershire town, it cannot be called a Melton Mowbray. Similarly, if your oyster does not come from Pembrokeshire, then it does not qualify as a Pembrokeshire Rock Oyster. What is the Stilton Cheese Rolling Festival? The annual cheese-rolling event in the Cambridgeshire village dates back to the tradition was started by four publicans who were thinking of ways to generate income after Stilton was bypassed by the A1 in 1959, Adam Leon, one of its organisers previously told the BBC. The event was paused for seven years because organisers said it was no longer seen as "cool", but it returned in 2024. You would be forgiven for thinking a cheese-rolling festival would involve the dairy product 12in (30cm) sections of an old telegraph pole are painted to look like a participate, all teams must consist of four members, and the "cheeses" must be rolled by team member has to roll the cheese at least once during the race, which takes place on on a course of about 30m (100ft) in length. Typically, people have taken part wearing fancy dress, and in the past teams of nuns, Smurfs and even a tribute to rock band Kiss have participated. Could Stilton ever make Stilton once again? Former Conservative MP for North West Cambridgeshire, Shailesh Vara, is one of the people who have been voicing their opinions on the cheese's Vara, who lost his seat to Labour's Sam Carling in July 2024, said: "Stilton cheese was historically made in the village, and I know there has been a bit of dispute about that."But the historical evidence that I have seen in the case that the cheese was made here."He added that Mr Leon, described by Mr Vara as a "local entrepreneur", had started "making efforts to make sure that we start making cheese locally again". He said: "I am in conversation with Adam and the villagers have my support, and whatever conversations they want to have with me, I am always available." According to Mr Vara, now the UK has left the European Union there is less protection on where Stilton can be produced. "That protection is no more, so we can now start making cheese. I am looking for it to be made again," he UK Protected Food Names Association, however, maintains that English law protects Stilton, and that any change would undermine the cheese-making industry. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Irish Examiner
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Armagh keeper Ethan Rafferty defeats brother Colm in first leg of Ulster senior bowling final
Armagh's Ethan Rafferty may be the busiest sportsman in Ireland. Fresh from defying Derry with four vital saves in the All-Ireland football championship, he hopped on the Knappagh road to defeat his brother and All-Ireland champion, Colm, in the first leg of the Ulster senior bowling final. A massive third throw to Knappagh angles gave him the edge and he led in seven to the planting corner. He upped the ante from there to Farley's where he was a bowl ahead. He was two clear at the plum trees. He was soon almost three in front and had it wrapped up before the Condy corner. That win gives him a head-start in the best-of-three final. The line-up for the Munster senior championship semi-finals will be resolved next weekend. On Friday David Murphy plays James O'Donovan at Newcestown; Michael Bohane and Arthur McDonagh meet at Baile Bhuirne on Sunday and cousins Gary Daly and Patrick Flood are scheduled to play at Grenagh on Sunday. The winners join Aidan Murphy in the semi-finals. Read More Maurice Brosnan: Eight observations from the Gaelic football championship Juliet Murphy secured her place in the Munster intermediate final by virtue of a last show win over Ellen Sexton at Clondrohid. The lead changing hands several times to Tierbg cross. They matched each other in the shots to light past the black house and onto the rough surface past the Bell Inn. Murphy broke the deadlock with a massive bowl towards Goff's lane, which gave her a bowl of odds. What looked an unassailable lead was almost wiped out when she missed the line with her second last. Sexton was not able to do enough in her last throw to turn the tide. Anthony Crowley produced a brilliant last shot to deny Dermot McCarthy in the Cork city junior B final at Whitechurch. Crowley led by five metres after two each to Kelly's. McCarthy had his first fore bowl after three more to the wall. Crowley got a poor next bowl and McCarthy extended his lead to Boula lane. He held the lead in the next three to Downey's. McCarthy then hit a purple patch with three huge bowls to the farm, which put him a bowl of odds clear. Crowley fought back with a big bowl towards the devil's bend, which significantly clipped McCarthy's lead. He followed with two big shots to Hegarty's to regain the lead by ten metres for the last shot. McCarthy producing a super last shot past the line. Crowley showed maturity and equanimity by responding with a better one to take the title. Brendan O'Neill raised a bowl on John Butler after four shots in the Mid-Cork junior B final at Castletownkenneigh. He held that past Pyne's corner. Butler wiped out most of the lead with a huge bowl to light at the netting. It went to dramatic last shot when O'Neill's last bowl stopped on the line. Butler closed with a great shot, which O'Neill beat by just five metres, thanks to a rub. Michael Desmond and Cillian Kelleher will meet in the Gaeltacht junior B final. Desmond led Darren Oliver from the off at Clondrohid. He had almost a bowl at the Bell Inn and almost two at the novice line. Kelleher beat Liam Murphy by almost a bowl at Macroom. Murphy won all the early shots, holding off strong play from Kelleher to Mulcahy's. Kelleher led from there, going a bowl up at Kelleher's lane. Murphy had the lead under a bowl after two huge shots to the layby and after two more past the novice line the lead was back to 30m. Murphy erred with his next one and Kelleher took a decisive lead by opening the last bend. Last year's All-Ireland junior A champion, Michael Murphy, is making a smooth transition to intermediate. He came out well on top over Wayne Callanan in their championship tie at Firmount. He was just fore after three each to the start of the straight. Callanan then hit a bad patch which left him a bowl behind. Murphy powered on to consolidate his bowl of odds at the end of the straight. He was two bowls clear entering the final quarter and he put it to bed with two brilliant throws past the grotto. Alex O'Donovan is the South-West champion, he beat Ger Connolly by a bowl in the final at Shannonvale. In the Munster junior A championship, former champion, Andrew O'Callaghan beat Timmy Murphy in the last shot at Kilcorney in Zone B. Form player, David Hegarty, had the same margin over Noel O'Regan at the Marsh Road in Zone C.
