Latest news with #Dewberry
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Virgin Active bans trans women from female changing rooms after Apprentice winner threatens legal action
It comes after the landmark Supreme Court ruling on trans women earlier this year TRANSWOMEN have been banned from using female changing rooms by Virgin Active after a TV star threatened legal action. The gym chain yesterday sent an email to members informing them of the "important update" to "club rules". 5 Virgin Active announced the 'update' to members yesterday Credit: Alamy 5 Michelle Dewberry slammed the gym's policy and threatened legal action Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement 5 Members, including political commentator Owen Jones, shared the email on social media Credit: owenjonesjourno/x GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry, 45 - who won the second season of BBC's The Apprentice - had previously announced she'd cancelled her membership after "seeing a man in the female changing rooms". Her lawyers sent the chain a letter threatening legal action in February. It comes after the Supreme Court ruled in April that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex. Advertisement Virgin Active's email - which has been widely shared online - said: "To comply with the law, we have had to update our Club Rules so that our changing rooms and bathroom facilities are designated according to biological sex. "While this decision was outside of our control, it is legally binding on our business - as well as other gyms, leisure centres and similar facilities across the UK." On the website, under Section 8 of the Virgin Active Club Rules, it states "by law, our members and visitors who use a changing room marked as 'male' or 'female' must select the one that matches their biological sex". Ms Dewberry said in a post on X today: "Women: Never stop standing up for yourselves. Advertisement "If not for you, then for your daughters and granddaughters. Organisations: Disregard us women at your peril… The law is the law and no ideology is above it." She'd said following the incident: "Whatever happened to our right to a single-sex changing space? "If you are among the minority of woman [sic] who are comfortable sharing your single-sex changing room with adult males, I completely respect that. "But what about the majority of us who aren't?" A Virgin Active spokesperson at the time said: "In accordance with UK law and industry guidance, we respect the choice of our members to use the changing room facilities based on the gender they identify with. Advertisement "We support and respect all our members and their safety and privacy remains our highest priority. We continue to ensure our policies remain legal, fair and inclusive." In March, Ms Dewberry, shared a screenshot of Virgin Active's response to her email that was seeking a policy clarification. The company's reply read: "The changing rooms are split between female and male, with children attending up to the age of eight-years-old of a different gender. "For the female changing rooms in particular, this would cover females of all ages, boys up to the age of eight, transgender females, and non-binary members." The Equality and Humanity Rights Commission (EHCR) in 2022 said it is legal for gyms to limit such communal spaces to a single-sex if a gender-neutral changing room is also provided for trans people. Advertisement In light of the Supreme Court's ruling, the EHCR is set to confirm and submit updated guidance in the coming weeks. The Sun has contacted Virgin Active for comment. 5 Ms Dewberry cancelled her membership following the incident Credit: MichelleDewbs/x
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama football 2025 season preview, predictions: Kam Dewberry
When it comes to instant impact transfer portal additions this season, there are likely few that stick out more for the Alabama Crimson Tide than offensive lineman Kam Dewberry. Tasked with replacing one of the greatest offensive guards in Alabama football history in Tyler Booker, Dewberry is a player that the Crimson Tide landed in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason, coming to Tuscaloosa after multiple seasons within the SEC at Texas A&M. With this move across the conference, Dewberry is now expected to step in immediately to fill a major hole along the Crimson Tide's offensive front, bringing experience and proven production in hopes to help replace Booker. Here is a look at everything you need to know about Alabama's newest offensive lineman, Kam Dewberry. Kam Dewberry player information Kam Dewberry career stats Coming to Alabama from Texas A&M, Dewberry was a multi-year starter in College Station who had made an impact since his freshman season back in 2022. Across the past three seasons, Dewberry has appeared in 32 games at the collegiate level, and was a 2022 Freshman All-America selection. Kam Dewberry 2024 stats Last season, Dewberry saw action in 12 games for the Aggies, 10 of which came along the offensive line. A majority of Dewberry's appearances a year ago came at left guard. Kam Dewberry recruiting ranking Coming out of high school, Dewberry was considered as the nation's No. 64 overall prospect in the 2022 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. A four-star recruit, Dewberry was also ranked as the No. 3 interior offensive lineman in the class, as well as the No. 10 overall player in the state of Texas where he attended Atascocita High School. Prior to arriving at Alabama, Dewberry was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 219 overall player in the transfer portal this past offseason. Dewberry was also considered a three-star prospect in the portal, and committed to Alabama back in Dec. 2024. Kam Dewberry 2025 season outlook As we enter fall camp, Dewberry is likely the favorite to takeover as Alabama's starting left guard for the departed Tyler Booker. However, that starting spot one could argue is not exactly a given entering the fall, as Dewberry will still have to go win the job in camp over others such as Geno VanDeMark. Regardless as to whether that happens or not, it still feels likely the Texas A&M transfer will see a significant amount of action this upcoming season, starting at some point at left guard. As to when that could happen, do not be surprised if Dewberry is a starter from day one at Alabama, and for the Texas A&M transfer to be a key member of the Crimson Tide's offensive front throughout the fall. Kam Dewberry 2025 season prediction Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Swatchbox Launches Second Life Samples™ to Help AEC Firms Reduce Material Sample Waste by Up to 90%
ELGIN, Ill., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Swatchbox, the leading material sample platform for architects and designers, has introduced a first-of-its-kind circular sampling program that has shown a reduction in material sample waste by up to 90% in participating architecture and design firms. The program, called Second Life Samples™, facilitates the take-back and reuse of material samples from architecture and design firms, diverting usable materials from landfills and placing them back into circulation for use by other building professionals. Since its launch in 2018, Swatchbox has provided free return services for samples ordered from the Swatchbox platform. The launch of Second Life Samples expands this service to include any material samples in complete, undamaged condition, whether they came from Swatchbox or somewhere else. This opens the door for firms to sustainably recirculate any material stored in their sample libraries that they no longer need for reference. Returned samples are analyzed and graded using a proprietary process that includes an AI visual engine to assess material condition and assign identifying information such as brand name, product line, and SKU. Once processed, the samples are stocked in Swatchbox fulfillment centers and made available on the Swatchbox platform for use by other architects and designers, restoring their value and diverting them from landfills. Unlabeled, discontinued, or lightly worn samples are made available to students and educators. Any material that is not recoverable due to damage is then processed through Swatchbox recycling partners. Swatchbox has completed a private beta of the program with key architecture and design partners in the U.S. and the U.K., including Gensler, Perkins + Will, Dewberry, and other practices. "For the first time, AEC professionals have a responsible, circular solution for the piles of color swatches, carpet squares, roof tiles, hardware kits, and other samples that end up cluttering their studios without any pathway to recycle or reuse them," said Jenni Betancourt, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Dewberry. "With the Swatchbox Second Life Samples program, we've eliminated sample waste almost entirely from our offices." "At Swatchbox, we're architects first, and we're reshaping how the industry thinks about material sampling," said Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Swatchbox parent Anguleris. "Second Life strikes at a problem we know well: waste. Today, we're closing the loop on the sampling problem. Architects can now design smarter, move faster, and build a better world without sacrificing sustainability for innovation." Participation in the Swatchbox Second Life Samples program can contribute to AEC firms' progress toward sustainability certifications, such as LEED (USGBC), AIA 2030 Commitment, Living Building Challenge, and WELL Building Standard. The Second Life Samples program is open to Swatchbox firm partners throughout the U.S. and U.K. To learn more about the program and to apply to participate, visit About SwatchboxSwatchbox®, an Anguleris® brand, is the leading global platform for architects and designers to discover and request material samples—faster and more sustainably than ever before. With an expansive selection of samples for both interior and exteriors, lightning-fast shipping, and the most comprehensive sample reuse program in the world, Swatchbox is redefining material discovery and selection in the AEC industry. Architects and designers can explore Swatchbox at or download the Swatchbox Mobile App at Media ContactUpSpring646.722.8146anguleris@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Swatchbox Sign in to access your portfolio
Telegraph
07-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The Body Shop is back with five perfumes. There is one standout star
If nostalgia were a smell, it would be The Body Shop's Dewberry or White Musk. With its responsibly-sourced ingredients and packaging, the brand was decades ahead of its time. When the environmental and human rights campaigner Anita Roddick founded it in a backstreet shop in Brighton in 1976, she encouraged customers to bring their bottles back to be refilled in store to reduce plastic waste (and also because they physically didn't have enough bottles to meet demand). Roddick's vision and products were a hit worldwide (remember the bath pearls and probably the first place you ever saw a loofah?) and within a few years the products were a household name, and uniquely at that time, many were used by men and women. However, a nosedive in profits in recent years saw the struggling retailer go into administration early last year. It was bought out of administration in September by a consortium led by British cosmetics tycoon Mike Jatania, who announced a £2 million profit in its first three months under his ownership; he recently announced that they were 'back for good'. Part of the focus of the new Body Shop seems to be a re-focus on what they were always good at: fragrance. But don't expect the little bottles of hippie perfume oils lots of us queued up for in the 80s. The new fragrance collection, which they began in 2022, focusses on single note floral perfumes. As a legacy to the brand's heritage, it takes care to research and only use responsibly and sustainably sourced ingredients. There are five fragrances in total – Full Rose, Full Iris, Full Orange Blossom, Full Ylang Ylang and the latest, Full Magnolia, £42 each. My initial thoughts They're beautifully crafted. My go-to perfume would usually be something classic from Guerlain or Chanel, or if all fails, I love the fresh, splashiness of Dior' s Eau Sauvage, but I have to say these fragrances stand up to my classics and feel like a real find. They smell expensive – and are a refreshing change from the many overpowering ouds and leathery perfumes out there today. It feels rare to find a perfume like this for under £50. I agree with fragrance expert Alice du Parcq who tells me, 'If you want something minimalist but with beautifully crafted ingredients blended well, these are worth checking out. A lot of time and effort has gone into them and finding a credible, affordable fragrance that lasts well on the skin is hard to find. They are a lovely pocket friendly addition to any spring fragrance wardrobe.' Using the whole flower Du Parcq likes the concept that each fragrance uses the entire flower, not just the petals, 'The stalks, the earth, the leaves are all used which give the fragrance a bit more depth,' she says. I like how each bottle has engraved on the back with the origin of the main ingredient. For example, hand-picked roses from Grasse for the Full Rose or iris stems from the South of France for the Full Iris. Noteworthy is the Full Orange Blossom, which if you're a fan of Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino, you'll appreciate this uplifting citrussy spritz. Like another British perfume brand, Floral Street, the Body Shop's choice to focus on florals is a clever one. Floral perfumes are big sellers – Jo Malone's English Pear and Freesia, Miss Dior, Gucci Flora Orchid and Marc Jacob's Daisy are some of the best sellers worldwide. And to keep the price point down in today's climate is another plus. The standout star The newest one, Full Magnolia, has a lovely green (almost rhubarb) quality to it, but the standout for me is the Full Iris which has a crisp dryness. A lot of irissy perfumes can end up being too creamy but as du Parcq says, 'this one isn't too buttery or too green and steamy. It's a lovely place in between. Chanel 19 Poudre is one of the most classic, powdery iris fragrances out there and wearing it feels like putting on a pair of icy cool silk pyjamas. Full Iris has the same cooling feeling.' Whether these fragrance can sustain the revival of the Body Shop will remain to be seen, but trying these fragrances has reminded me of other British fragrance brands like Ffern, Olfactive O and To the Fairest, who all make accessible perfumes for under £100. In today's world where Gen Z are happy to splurge on an expensive retinol or complex skincare product to give them glass-like skin, will they appreciate the appeal of a beautifully crafted fragrance for under £50? Maybe the Body Shop are targeting its original audience which in my case, I am reeled in.
Telegraph
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
How to smell ‘rock and roll', according to Duran Duran
What did the Eighties smell like? If you were a teenager, either Anais Anais (girls), Dewberry (girls on a budget) or Drakkar Noir (boys). Like Eighties fashion, Eighties perfume was very OTT. Everybody reeked of something, not all of it pleasant. There was no opportunity to smell like your favourite singer, actor or band; celebrity fragrance, was yet become a highly lucrative global phenomenon. But for Britain's vast army of Duran Duran fans, a new scent is set to prove that good things come to those who wait. Even if they've had to wait 45 years. What does Duran Duran smell like? After decades of fond imaginings, Durannies (as their fans were called) are about to find out. Not content with selling 100 million records worldwide, scoring 18 American hit singles and 21 UK Top Ten songs, winning eight lifetime achievement awards, two Grammys, two Brits and two Ivor Novellos, Birmingham's most famous export (Duran Duran was formed by Brummies Nick Rhodes and John Taylor in 1978) have launched two scents that aim to bottle the band's essence, in partnership with luxury Italian perfume house, Xerjoff. Scent is notoriously hard to describe, but Simon Le Bon, 66, is having a go. 'It's got that moodiness and I think it's quite romantic. But it's got a kind of tough side to it as well. It reminds me of going to a really great night club, and meeting somebody fabulous,' is how he describes Black Moonlight, a heavy mix of bergamot and mandarin with notes of saffron, hazelnut and jasmine. 'I'm not very good at remembering the names of the actual things that are in them, like tonka bean and oud,' he adds. 'We talked about what we liked, and I took quite a lead in that, because I'm very, very olfactory driven.' The second scent, Neo Rio, he describes as having a 'tropical feel'. 'It's fruity, isn't it. It makes me think of opening the windows and letting a bright summer morning into your room, when the birds are really shouting at you. It's got that vibe. It's very in your face. But it's also very complex.' 'We've always liked the idea of doing things outside of the band, in the art, fashion and design world,' adds Nick Rhodes, 62, the band's keyboardist turned photographer. 'We love the idea of being able to excite a new sense – in this case, being smell – because we've mostly spent our careers with sound and visuals. We looked at it as though the project was what we would have done if we'd been a band of perfumers. The process was absolutely fascinating. We all knew the different things we liked. And just like when we're writing songs, everybody's pulling in completely different directions. Somebody wants something that's really joyful and uplifting, and somebody else wants something dark and moody and more musky. So that's exactly how the atom got split.' Better to launch two scents than cause dissent. What would they say the Eighties smelled like? 'I think they're probably a little off after all this time,' quips Rhodes. 'I'd be very careful. People often forget that the 1980s actually began as a very dark period, particularly in Britain. Politically, it was a catastrophe. And so, as young teenagers, it was fairly natural that our instinct was to get away from this. 'Let's make something positive. Let's make our own brightness.' A lot of the 1980s came out of that, if you look at fashion, film, art. So yes, there's certainly a nod towards that period. But the fragrance itself feels very modern.' Both miss the excesses of Eighties fashion. 'It's always difficult when you're part of something to try to be objective,' says Rhodes. 'But if I look at other people's things from the 1980s, rather than ours, I realise at this distance what a remarkable decade it was for invention and creativity.' 'There was so much freedom, and absolute, unrestrained imagination – people just taking any ideas that they had in the back of their minds and making it into something wearable,' says Le Bon. 'People would be telling stories through how they dressed. Modern fashion has become more understated, restrained and less willing to give that much away about oneself. [Social media] tends to encourage people to stay in the middle with everybody else. You don't want to stand out, or stick your head up above the parapet. Whereas in the Eighties, that's all we ever did. We stuck our necks up as far as they could go.' How would he describe his own style now? 'That's like trying to bite my own teeth. I have an incredible stylist in the house with me, in the shape of Yasmin Le Bon. I always look to her for advice, and I've picked up a lot of her style over the years. Look, I'm a grandfather now. But I'm not called granddad. I'm called boomba. All capital letters: B-O-O-M-B-A-H - exclamation mark,' he says, spelling it out. He and his eternally beautiful model wife Yasmin, 60, have been married for 40 years, an achievement in anyone's books, never mind in the capricious world of celebrity. Instagram yet to have been invented, they met in that time-honoured eighties pop star tradition, whereby he saw her photo in a magazine and married her a year later (in 1985). They share three daughters, and have just welcomed their second grandchild. Rhodes, meanwhile, has one daughter, whose mother is the US department store heiress Julie Anne Friedman. Duran Duran are embarking on a European tour this summer, but don't expect them to play Glastonbury. 'Look, we're really up for it, but we're not going to play the disco tent on a Saturday afternoon,' says Le Bon. So it's the Pyramid stage or nothing? 'Well, exactly. You said it.' Who would their dream surprise guest be? 'I'd love to do something with Charlie XCX,' says Le Bon. Brat is a great album.' Brat summer might be over, but Duran Duran seem keen to hard launch Brat Halloween. Their most recent album, Danse Macabre (2023) is Halloween-themed: so, too, is their 'interactive' perfume launch. Held in 'Lost City' (aka a mysterious new events space in London's West End), the dress-code is Peak Eighties, with guests instructed to 'come glam, wear black or red, no heels, no perfume, be silent upon arrival'. Less Eighties is the command to place our phones in a locked pouch. It soon becomes clear that the 'no heels' edict is on account of the narrow, dimly lit metal stairs leading down to a series of tiny rooms, to which guests are admitted six at a time. In the first room, Simon Le Bon is sitting dolorously at a bureau writing notes with a fountain pen. In the second one, John Taylor is simulating a threesome, which is to say he's reclining on a bed while two twentysomethings in front of him pretend to kiss. In the third room, a 'priest' asks us to repent our sins, before escorting us to another room, where Nick Rhodes takes our photograph (a reference to Girls On Film? Who knows?). Finally, after being held in another tiny room for crowd control reasons, a woman dressed as a bird asks us if we've ever been to paradise. 'You will now,' she says, flinging open the double doors to a bigger room that reeks of Black Moonlight. Whether guests are in paradise or purgatory will depend on their taste in perfume, but you've got to give the boys ten out of ten for effort. It might not smell like teen spirit (the band are all in their sixties now), but it definitely smells pleasantly of candied fig, rum, maple syrup and tonka bean - with a base note of money.
