Latest news with #BenBirchall
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
16 per cent of pupils have skipped school after being 'priced out the system'
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are being forced to skip school because their parents cannot afford meals, uniforms and trips, according to a new study. The survey, which was commissioned by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), found that 16% of children of secondary school age have skipped a day of school because they did not have something they needed. This figure increased to 26% for children eligible for free school meals. The Government has been urged to expand the free school meals scheme across England (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire) The charity is calling for the Government to expand the free school meals scheme to more families across England. The poll of some 1700 school children between the ages of 11 and 18 found that 47% of those who missed days of school did so because they did not have the right uniform. It was also found that 26% had missed school because they did not have enough money to attend school trips. A member of staff at a secondary school in Scotland told researchers: 'We sometimes receive calls to the school to say a certain pupil can't come in today because they maybe only have one uniform and that's in the washing and it's not dry, so they'll be off today.' A secondary school pupil in England said: 'I miss (out on) enrichment week and trips, it's too much (money).' The issue was highlighted by teachers and students (Image: PA) Sainsbury's set to axe three key services in UK stores 'by early summer' UK facing youth unemployment crisis as young people not prepared for work Asda urgently recalls item in which a child could become 'tangled or trapped in' Kate Anstey, head of education at CPAG, said: 'Children in poverty aren't getting the real deal at school because they don't have money to participate – or even get to the school gates. 'From not being able to afford meals or uniform to poor mental health, lack of money at home means young people are missing school – effectively priced out of the system. 'Government must do more to support living standards for families so kids aren't locked out of learning – including scrapping the two-child limit and expanding eligibility for free school meals.' A Government spokesperson said: 'We are determined to reduce child poverty through wide-ranging action as part of our Child Poverty Taskforce, breaking the unfair link between background and opportunity. 'This Government has inherited a system with baked-in inequalities, which we're tackling head-on through our Plan for Change by rolling out free breakfast clubs in every primary, providing mental health support in every school, and investing over £3 billion in Pupil Premium to support those children who need it most. 'Through our Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are also changing the law to limit the number of branded items schools can require, which alongside free breakfast clubs could put £500 a year back into working parents' pockets.'
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
Lynx Likely to Predate on Sheep and Lambs If Reintroduced, Study Finds
Lynx are likely to prey on sheep and lambs if they are reintroduced in Scotland but could bring environmental and economic benefits, according to a report. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion found sheep and other small livestock in or near wooded areas are more vulnerable to such predation. It suggested an effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as 'necessary components' of any framework to manage the issue. The report also found lynx could have a 'significant' impact on gamebirds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. But it found there is 'sufficient quantity and quality of habitat' in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. The report said the predators, while not a 'silver bullet,' could help with deer population control and could help other species. Related Stories 2/17/2025 1/11/2025 The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters, and tourism operators. The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse, and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators,' particularly foxes. Lynx kittens at Wild Place Project in Bristol, England, in an undated file photo. Ben Birchall/PA The report acknowledged there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' However, it noted lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods.' It also noted that despite their elusive nature, the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said, 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
North Wales Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Gloucestershire cheese rolling race won again by German YouTuber Tom Kopke
Brave competitors sprinted, tripped and tumbled down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth to try and win the 8lb double Gloucester. The recent dry weather had made the racetrack harder and slower but more dangerous for the competitors who were cheered on by thousands of spectators. The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries (Ben Birchall/PA) The winner of the first men's downhill race was German Tom Kopke, 23, from Munich, who retained the title he won last year. 'It was crazy. This year was different,' Mr Kopke, who runs his own YouTube channel said. 'Last year the hill was muddy and this year it was dry and dangerous and people got injured. 'I shut off my brain and went for it. 'All the people at the top said they were going to steal my title but this is mine. German Tom Kopke, 23, retained the title he won last year (Ben Birchall/PA) 'I worked for this. I risked my life for this. It's my cheese. Back to back.' Rebel cheese rollers have been staging their own unofficial event after health and safety fears caused the official competition to be cancelled in 2010. The cheese is chased 200 yards down the 1:2 gradient Cooper's Hill at Brockworth. After a year's hiatus, when police warned against the use of a real cheese, the imitation lightweight foam cheese was replaced with the genuine article. Long-time cheese-maker Rod Smart, who has produced cheese for the chase for more than 25 years, once again provided the wheels for this year's event. Brave competitors sprinted, tripped and tumbled down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth (Ben Birchall/PA) Four cheeses weighing about 3kg each and three smaller ones, weighing about 1.5kg, are used. The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring. The official event was cancelled after more than 15,000 people turned up as spectators to watch the 2009 competition. Since then, it has been held unofficially with the police keeping a watchful eye. Local roads have been closed up to two-and-a-half miles around the slope. Recent dry conditions made this year's race particularly dangerous (Ben Birchall/PA) Some competitors travelled from across the world to take part in the series of madcap races, which attracted TV crews from around the world. The second men's race was won by Luke Preece, from Gloucester, who flew down the hill race dressed in a Superman costume. 'I am absolutely buzzed, amazing… the adrenaline,' he said afterwards. 'My dad did it, I can't believe it, it's amazing.' The women's race was won by Ava Sender Logan, 20, who was racing for the Refugee Community Kitchen, which supports displaced people in northern France and homeless people in London and Edinburgh. Participants chased the cheese 200 yards down the hill (Ben Birchall/PA) 'This is my first time,' the university student, from London, said. 'I thought it was such a tradition, and I will probably feel it tomorrow. 'I can't believe it, I can't believe it. 'It felt quite long coming down and then I hit my head. I'm down, that's what matters. I'm fine.' The final men's downhill race was won by Byron Smith, 33, from New Zealand, who had to settle for second place last year. 'It feels great, yeah,' he said. 'I did it last year and came second in my heat and I thought I could do it this year and I did. 'I ran as fast as I could and tried to get back up and this year I did.'
South Wales Argus
26-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Gloucestershire cheese rolling race won again by German YouTuber Tom Kopke
Brave competitors sprinted, tripped and tumbled down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth to try and win the 8lb double Gloucester. The recent dry weather had made the racetrack harder and slower but more dangerous for the competitors who were cheered on by thousands of spectators. The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries (Ben Birchall/PA) The winner of the first men's downhill race was German Tom Kopke, 23, from Munich, who retained the title he won last year. 'It was crazy. This year was different,' Mr Kopke, who runs his own YouTube channel said. 'Last year the hill was muddy and this year it was dry and dangerous and people got injured. 'I shut off my brain and went for it. 'All the people at the top said they were going to steal my title but this is mine. German Tom Kopke, 23, retained the title he won last year (Ben Birchall/PA) 'I worked for this. I risked my life for this. It's my cheese. Back to back.' Rebel cheese rollers have been staging their own unofficial event after health and safety fears caused the official competition to be cancelled in 2010. The cheese is chased 200 yards down the 1:2 gradient Cooper's Hill at Brockworth. After a year's hiatus, when police warned against the use of a real cheese, the imitation lightweight foam cheese was replaced with the genuine article. Long-time cheese-maker Rod Smart, who has produced cheese for the chase for more than 25 years, once again provided the wheels for this year's event. Brave competitors sprinted, tripped and tumbled down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth (Ben Birchall/PA) Four cheeses weighing about 3kg each and three smaller ones, weighing about 1.5kg, are used. The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring. The official event was cancelled after more than 15,000 people turned up as spectators to watch the 2009 competition. Since then, it has been held unofficially with the police keeping a watchful eye. Local roads have been closed up to two-and-a-half miles around the slope. Recent dry conditions made this year's race particularly dangerous (Ben Birchall/PA) Some competitors travelled from across the world to take part in the series of madcap races, which attracted TV crews from around the world. The second men's race was won by Luke Preece, from Gloucester, who flew down the hill race dressed in a Superman costume. 'I am absolutely buzzed, amazing… the adrenaline,' he said afterwards. 'My dad did it, I can't believe it, it's amazing.' The women's race was won by Ava Sender Logan, 20, who was racing for the Refugee Community Kitchen, which supports displaced people in northern France and homeless people in London and Edinburgh. Participants chased the cheese 200 yards down the hill (Ben Birchall/PA) 'This is my first time,' the university student, from London, said. 'I thought it was such a tradition, and I will probably feel it tomorrow. 'I can't believe it, I can't believe it. 'It felt quite long coming down and then I hit my head. I'm down, that's what matters. I'm fine.' The final men's downhill race was won by Byron Smith, 33, from New Zealand, who had to settle for second place last year. 'It feels great, yeah,' he said. 'I did it last year and came second in my heat and I thought I could do it this year and I did. 'I ran as fast as I could and tried to get back up and this year I did.'
Glasgow Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Gloucestershire cheese rolling race won again by German YouTuber Tom Kopke
Brave competitors sprinted, tripped and tumbled down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth to try and win the 8lb double Gloucester. The recent dry weather had made the racetrack harder and slower but more dangerous for the competitors who were cheered on by thousands of spectators. The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries (Ben Birchall/PA) The winner of the first men's downhill race was German Tom Kopke, 23, from Munich, who retained the title he won last year. 'It was crazy. This year was different,' Mr Kopke, who runs his own YouTube channel said. 'Last year the hill was muddy and this year it was dry and dangerous and people got injured. 'I shut off my brain and went for it. 'All the people at the top said they were going to steal my title but this is mine. German Tom Kopke, 23, retained the title he won last year (Ben Birchall/PA) 'I worked for this. I risked my life for this. It's my cheese. Back to back.' Rebel cheese rollers have been staging their own unofficial event after health and safety fears caused the official competition to be cancelled in 2010. The cheese is chased 200 yards down the 1:2 gradient Cooper's Hill at Brockworth. After a year's hiatus, when police warned against the use of a real cheese, the imitation lightweight foam cheese was replaced with the genuine article. Long-time cheese-maker Rod Smart, who has produced cheese for the chase for more than 25 years, once again provided the wheels for this year's event. Brave competitors sprinted, tripped and tumbled down Cooper's Hill in Brockworth (Ben Birchall/PA) Four cheeses weighing about 3kg each and three smaller ones, weighing about 1.5kg, are used. The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring. The official event was cancelled after more than 15,000 people turned up as spectators to watch the 2009 competition. Since then, it has been held unofficially with the police keeping a watchful eye. Local roads have been closed up to two-and-a-half miles around the slope. Recent dry conditions made this year's race particularly dangerous (Ben Birchall/PA) Some competitors travelled from across the world to take part in the series of madcap races, which attracted TV crews from around the world. The second men's race was won by Luke Preece, from Gloucester, who flew down the hill race dressed in a Superman costume. 'I am absolutely buzzed, amazing… the adrenaline,' he said afterwards. 'My dad did it, I can't believe it, it's amazing.' The women's race was won by Ava Sender Logan, 20, who was racing for the Refugee Community Kitchen, which supports displaced people in northern France and homeless people in London and Edinburgh. Participants chased the cheese 200 yards down the hill (Ben Birchall/PA) 'This is my first time,' the university student, from London, said. 'I thought it was such a tradition, and I will probably feel it tomorrow. 'I can't believe it, I can't believe it. 'It felt quite long coming down and then I hit my head. I'm down, that's what matters. I'm fine.' The final men's downhill race was won by Byron Smith, 33, from New Zealand, who had to settle for second place last year. 'It feels great, yeah,' he said. 'I did it last year and came second in my heat and I thought I could do it this year and I did. 'I ran as fast as I could and tried to get back up and this year I did.'
