Latest news with #BenCooper
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Sandbach man gave up being a chef to become a blacksmith
A former chef who changed careers to become a blacksmith has said he has never been Cooper runs the Great Oak Forge in Sandbach, Cheshire, and has been a blacksmith for almost a could be considered a dying art, as there are fewer than 500 trainees looking to take up the profession according to national charity Heritage Mr Cooper - who makes gates, railings, sculptures and garden structures – said there was plenty of demand for experience days. "I discovered blacksmithing by accident," he said."I started doing it and it was the right thing for me to do so I took an impulsive decision and completely changed careers."He said it was a "huge gamble" but that it felt like the right thing to do. "For us it's on an upward trajectory all the time," he said in response to those who describe it as a dying days helped connect people with the craft, he said, and added another aspect to the blacksmith Ethan Lewis, 23, previously trained as a builder but was inspired after attending one of the experience days."As soon as I had my first go of it [I thought] this was it, this is amazing," he said."You just kind of forget about everything and hyper-focus on this one thing and then at the end of it you've got something amazing." Read more Cheshire stories from the BBC and follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Guns and Hoses game raises $31,000 for Bright Futures Joplin
The eighth annual Guns and Hoses benefit basketball game between the Joplin Police Department and the Joplin Fire Department raised $31,000 for Bright Futures Joplin. The game is the organization's largest annual fundraiser Event proceeds go toward Bright Futures' Snack Pack program, which provides weekend food to the Joplin School District's food-insecure students, as well as various student needs such as clothing, shoes, school supplies and more. 'This year's game was extra special because we got to recognize the volunteers who make so much of what we do possible,' Bright Futures Joplin executive director Amanda Stone said in a statement. 'In our 15 years at Bright Futures, we've come to know so many selfless people who have been incredibly generous with their time. We really couldn't do all we do for our students without their help, and we are beyond grateful.' Proceeds raised will also continue to fund the Cpl. Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed Memorial Scholarships, established by Bright Futures Joplin in 2022 in honor of the Joplin police officers killed in the line of duty. The scholarships from the fund will be awarded later this year to two Joplin High School graduates majoring in criminal justice at Missouri Southern State University. The Bright Futures framework was started in Joplin in 2010, and has since been implemented in more than 70 communities nationwide. More details about the program and its initiatives are available at brightfutures The game was held May 3 at Kaminsky Gym at Joplin High School. The Joplin Police Department claimed the victory 57-56.
USA Today
26-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF names Panthers' most potent free-agent signing of the offseason
PFF names Panthers' most potent free-agent signing of the offseason One of the Carolina Panthers' smaller free-agent signings could prove to be one of their biggest boons in 2025. Ben Cooper of Pro Football Focus recently named each NFL team's free-agent signing with the most upside for the upcoming season. He tabs running back Rico Dowdle for the Panthers, who may now have quite the dynamic duo in their backfield. Cooper writes: While the Panthers made several splash signings, big contracts leave little room for upside. Dowdle will make just $3 million in base salary in 2025 after establishing himself as a top-16 running back in yards after contact per attempt (3.28), 10-plus-yard runs (26) and missed tackles forced (45) last season. Dowdle likely won't supplant Chuba Hubbard, but they could form a valuable one-two punch as Bryce Young looks to build on a promising end to his second NFL season. Dowdle and the Panthers, back on March 12, agreed to a one-year pact worth approximately $2.7 million. Per Over The Cap, the contract includes $3.5 million in performance incentives—which could bring the deal up to a little over $6 million. The Asheville, N.C. native is fresh off his most productive pro campaign, where he amassed a career-high 1,079 rushing yards for the Dallas Cowboys.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Memorials and fundraisers honor Joplin police officers lost in the line of duty
JOPLIN, Mo. — Three years ago on this date, it was a day many Joplin area residents remember all too well. It's the day a suspect shot Joplin police officer Jake Reed and corporal Ben Cooper. Remembering JPD's Ofc. Jake Reed and Cpl. Ben Cooper A memorial bench was put where it happened later that year. As you can see, people still stop by and place flowers, notes, and other items by it. Cooper was killed that day, and Reed was taken off life support the next day. Officer Rick Hirshey was also shot and wounded by the suspect after a pursuit. Moments later, Captain William Davis fatally shot the suspect. There have been, and there continue to be, numerous fundraisers and memorials for both Cooper and Reed. Both men have bridges in Joplin with their names attached to them. Bridge dedication honors Corporal Ben Cooper There were also memorial scholarships established in both of their names. Ones that have and continue to help Joplin area students pursue a degree in criminal justice at Missouri Southern. Bridging Generations: Fallen Officer Jake Reed's legacy lives on A fundraiser nine weeks from today will help those scholarship funds. The annual 'Guns and Hoses' charity basketball game. It's put on by Bright Futures Joplin and pits members of the Joplin Police Department against Joplin firefighters. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Khaleej Times
03-03-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Staggered dismissals, shorter hours mark first full school day of Ramadan
Monday marked the first full school day after Ramadan began on March 1. Some UAE schools implemented staggered dismissals on the first day to make it more convenient for families to pick up children, as the roads typically experience congestion during drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. Ben Cooper, Primary Principal, GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, said, 'The first day always comes with adjustments, but overall, it was smooth and successful. Families are settling into the new routine, and the delayed start helps younger students manage their mornings. We have a staggered dismissal to ease traffic, allowing parents to pick up students more conveniently.' Copper added, 'Attendance was relatively normal, though punctuality adjustments were made to accommodate Ramadan traffic. We've extended registration times slightly to support families adapting to the new schedule.' Most schools have adapted to a shorter school day, 8am-1pm, with staff working 7.30am-1.30pm in line with Ramadan hours. During this period, schools are prioritising revision and reinforcement rather than introducing new lessons. Cooper added, 'Lessons are more focused on consolidation and review rather than introducing new topics. Despite shorter lessons, we continue to offer a broad curriculum, including PE and specialist subjects like swimming, ensuring students remain active, while efficient transitions between lessons help maximise learning time.' Mohammedali Kottakkulam, Principal, The Central School Dubai, said, "We implemented a few key changes during Ramadan. Being a two-shift school, we have implemented reduced school hours for both shifts. There are arrangements for students to perform their Zuhr prayer in the school. We have taken great care to ensure all religious activities take place smoothly and students spend quality time in for it." Late start but gates open early Some schools have opted for a later start but are opening gates early to accommodate working parents. Albie Huyser, Principal/CEO, GEMS Founders School – Masdar City, said, 'In accordance with ADEK regulations, we have adapted our school timings to support our fasting families. Although school starts at 9am, we open our gates just after 8am to accommodate families who need to drop off their children at school before work. 'Students still enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum, and we have adapted PE lessons that still offer fun physical activity but also take into consideration the wellbeing of our students who fast.' Huyser reiterated that they also had impressive attendance across all year groups, with students excited to talk about their experiences and observance of fasting. 'We had a wonderful first day, starting with a whole-school Ramadan assembly that set the tone for the rest of the day. Our parents and students are very happy to be back in school, with no issues raised,' added Huyser. Institutions conduct examinations Meanwhile, certain Indian curriculum schools are holding their final or board examinations. Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-Principal, Credence High School, Dubai, said, 'Our administration shared the updated Ramadan schedule with all stakeholders last week. Today, students and staff dispersed at noon as per the new schedule. Our students diligently participated in their scheduled final exam assessments, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence.' She added, 'Oention that our attendance on the first day was outstanding, with students and staff arriving on time, demonstrating their commitment to a successful and productive school year. We have not encountered any significant challenges thus far and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition throughout the remainder of the holy month.' Mohammedali Kottakkulam said, "As the school is conducting year-end examinations, the student strength is full, with the only exemption being medical leave. There was an unusual rush on the roads, leading to a few school buses reaching late school due to the shift in timing. Students using public transport also faced delays as they had to adjust to the new system due to the Ramadan change. We expect this to settle down soon, as today was the first day. The school is committed to smooth functioning during this period."
