Latest news with #Felixstowe
BBC News
13 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Dogs threatening Landguard Nature Reserve birds, says ranger
Dogs roaming off their leads have been threatening ground-nesting birds at a nature reserve, a ranger has Washington, is a ranger at Landguard Nature Reserve in Felixstowe, Suffolk, where birds such as ringed plover nest. The nature reserve is calling for dog owners to read warning signs and learn which areas they can walk safely after some birds were driven off the Washington urged people to give the birds space and said it was "heartbreaking" to see them being disturbed. "We've seen a huge increase in the number of dog walkers on site, probably as a result of the lockdowns and Covid, but also I'm sure as a result of the increased development all over Suffolk," Ms Washington explained."Unfortunately there are those that choose not to read the signs, or not to take our advice, and allow their dogs to just run free." 'Exhausted' Ms Washington said there was clear signage for where dogs could and could not be disturbances had meant the birds were moving away from their nests, meaning they had less chances to feed or mate and their eggs were also threatened."It's quite heartbreaking to watch the birds struggle," Ms Washington continued."Each time that a nest fails due to disturbance or predation, because of course predation occurs, they do try again."But before they try again they have to rebuild their breeding condition and then they have to find a nest site again, lay their eggs, incubate the eggs, so they're using more and more energy as the season progresses."They might try two or three times, occasionally four times, by the end of the breeding season they are exhausted." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The depiction of Indian royalty in popular media continues to be off the mark: Radhikaraje Gaekwad
Radhikaraje Gaekwad I don't want to talk too much about The Royals. All I will say is that the show is not at all well-researched. The onscreen depiction of royalty in India has been off the mark all the time, and the depiction (of Indian royalty) in popular media continues to be off the mark. Too much importance is always given to decadent lifestyles and profligacy. It feels as if royal families are living only in the past-that's the kind of general overview that all of them (movies and shows) have. It's as if royals are just squandering away wealth and not doing anything at all. There is nothing covering royalty as it is today. These portrayals are not at all realistic. The west has always been fascinated about Indian royalty-the lifestyle and riches. Unfortunately, that has become the overarching story of royalty. If you look at a show like Downton Abbey, apart from talking about the privileges, it also highlights the challenges of being royalty in today's times. However, the onscreen portrayals of royalty in India only talk about the exploitation of legacy. In reality, a lot of royal family members are going back to their roots and working with communities. This has been a politically motivated narrative right from the time of independence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Felixstowe: If You Were Born Between 1940-1975 You Could Be Eligible For This Life Cover Reassured Get Quote Undo The 'real' royals are making a difference, including several ladies of the house. There are so many examples. Princess Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil of Bhavnagar is working at the grassroots, doing exemplary work to restore and retain the heritage of Bhavnagar. Princess Vaishnavi Kumari of Kishangarh is playing a key role in reviving art, while Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur is also doing exemplary work with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation. Many of them have studied abroad and come back to work at the grassroots. Everyone has a great sense of responsibility and pride for their roots. They are taking care of it because nobody else can do it. We rarely talk about the contribution of royalty. My father, MK Dr Ranjitsinh Jhala (author, conservationist, and former IAS officer), was one of the earliest royal family members to give up a comfortable life and work as a government servant. We only hear about the jewels of Jam Saheb, but nobody talks about the exquisite cricketer that Ranjitsinhji was, or about his contribution in putting cricket on the map of India, organising cricket camps in Jamnagar etc. Even today, our most prestigious domestic cricket tournament (Ranji Trophy) is named after him. It did not suit the political class to talk about the contribution of royalty, what they did for the people. I am happy that my daughter Padmajaraje has started young and she is doing social work at Shri Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya, donating over 8,000 footwear to the needy so far. The narrative of how Indian royalty aligned with the British and exploited the subjects-this has been a very systematic, thought-out narrative, to club colonialism and royalty in one bracket. There's no doubt there were alliances and associations with the British. However, how politics and diplomacy work is complex. If I talk about Baroda, it maintained decorum with the British to run the state without hindrance, even if the royals did not like it at a personal level. One has to understand that the royals were not there just for decorative purposes, they had to run the administration too. We only see what the media has shown us, but people don't understand the complexity of the situation. Also, royal families have never spoken up about themselves. Creating this stereotype about royalty always suited the political class. In reality, states had to engage with the British to run their kingdom. For centuries of royalty, there will be some incompetent, decadent people ('bad royal apples'). But states were run by royals for 400-500 years. To say how a large part of the country was run for hundreds of years and the entire royalty of India was rubbish-that is really overstating it. The perception will change only if history is documented more evenly. It's also up to us (royals) to document our own history because nobody has collated what different states did in their tenure. More awareness needs to be created and it's important for people to put their authentic stories out there. One has to be prepared for backlash too. After my recent post, there was a backlash in the comments section. It's because a particular mindset has been created for so many years about royalty. I am optimistic about the Museum of Royal Kingdoms (near the Statue of Unity, which will depict the history of India's erstwhile kingdoms). We need such spaces that may be able to tell stories of Indian royalty more sensitively and authentically. I must say that the government is making an effort. For this museum, the team has got in touch with royal families for their documented history. I hope it comes out the way one expects it to. ( Radhikaraje Gaekwad is a member of the Baroda royal family, and trustee and vice president, Shri Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya (MCSU), which has been empowering women and marginalised communities) -As told to Soumitra Das One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Steve Wright denies attempting to kidnap woman in Felixstowe
Steve Wright has denied attempting to kidnap a woman as she walked home from a nightclub more than 25 years woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was in Felixstowe, Suffolk, when the alleged attack took place on 18 September Wright, 67, appeared via video link at the Old Bailey accused of acting "unlawfully or by force" to carry out the is due to stand trial on 2 February 2026, where he also faces charges of kidnapping and murdering another woman - which he denies. That related to the death of 17-year-old Victoria Hall, who disappeared while on her way home from a night out in Felixstowe in the early hours of 19 September body was found 25 miles (40km) away by a dog walker in a ditch in Creeting St Peter, near Stowmarket, five days later on 24 Wright, formerly of London Road, Ipswich, spoke only to enter a not guilty plea to the attempted kidnap on was alleged he "unlawfully and by force attempted to take or carry away [the woman] against her will".Mr Justice Bennathan said a pre-trial review would be held in October. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major British bank with 23million customers is axing NINE branches in just days – is one going near you?
HIGH streets are set to lose nine bank branches this month as a pooular banking group is making a series of closures. The shutdowns are set to take place over the coming days, and could affect millions of customers. 1 The bank currently has 614 branches across the UK, but more closures are imminent. Halifax, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, will close nine bank branches between June 2 and June 5. This marks the latest phase in the bank's ongoing review of its branch network. It is scheduled to close a total of 61 branches by March 2026. The first three branches in the current round of closures will close on Monday, June 2. The first affected locations are Felixstowe, Gainsborough, and Kingsbury. A further five closures are expected later this month, with additional branches across the country set to shut their doors in the coming weeks. The decision comes after an increased numbe of customers opt for online and mobile banking services. Halifax explained that the affected branches have experienced a steady decline in footfall in recent years. The banking sector has responded to changing customer behaviour, as more people choose digital banking options over traditional branch visits. Fresh wave of bank branches set to close for good in June "Over 20 million customers are using our apps for on-demand access to their money, and customers have more choice and flexibility than ever for their day-to-day banking," a Halifax spokesman said. The bank added that customers retain access to multiple banking channels beyond the closing branches. "Alongside our apps, customers can also use telephone banking, visit a community banker or use any Halifax, Lloyds or Bank of Scotland branch, giving access to many more branches," the rep said. Halifax customers can also conduct everyday banking at over 11,000 Post Office branches and have the option to visit a Banking Hub for their banking needs. The nine Halifax branches closing in the coming days are spread across England and Wales. What Halifax branches are closing this month? Felixstowe - June 2 Gainsborough - June 2 Kingsbury - June 2 Horsforth - June 3 Launceston - June 3 Letchworth - June 3 Bournemouth - June 4 Leek - June 4 Mold - June 5 On June 3, three more branches will shut in Horsforth, Launceston, and Letchworth. While two additional closures are scheduled for June 4, affecting branches in Bournemouth and Leek. And the final closure of the week will take place on June 5 in Mold, Wales. Lloyds have also announced a series of closures, with 18 branches affected.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Felixstowe Youth charity Level Two takes over art gallery
Young artists are taking over a High Street gallery for a Two Youth Project in Felixstowe offers a wide range of support and activities for 7 to 11 year olds in the town and surrounding 13, said: "I use the music studio and also do painting in the art room. I've been able to focus more at school, and it breaks up my week better."Their artwork is being displayed in 142 Gallery, with money from any sales supporting the charity. Libby, 12, said she enjoyed going to sessions run by the project."The drama sessions have helped a lot with my confidence and I've met quite a few new people through Level Two as well, and I've got a few more friends," she 8, has been using bubble wrap to create textured patterns on her colour paintings."I like to make things with all the stuff in the art room and to make my own music," she said. Youth worker Megan Pilcher said: "We are passionate about creating opportunities for young people that remove luck and allow anyone to participate. "Following the success from last year we are thrilled to be able to host 142 Gallery again and showcase the talent of young people in Felixstowe."This artwork is a collection of young people's creations across all different ages." A variety of different mediums have been used such as paint, ink, clay, pencil and photography. Level Two has also worked with other local arts groups, such as Hamilton MAS and Paint 2 the People to host artist-led workshops. The exhibition runs until 28 May at 142 Gallery, Hamilton Road, gallery opening times are 10:00 to 16:00 BST Thursday to Tuesday and 10:00 to 13:00 on Wednesday. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
