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BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Bromsgrove man's daily 5K runs to help construction workers talk
A Bromsgrove man has been running 5km every day in May to raise awareness of mental health issues in the construction Baker is raising funds for the Project 7,000 - The Lost City campaign, which is raising awareness of the high rate of suicide in the construction project's name is based on the premise that the 7,000 construction workers who have taken their own lives over the past decade could have built a Baker said he had struggled with mental health issues and addiction, particularly during the pandemic, but working in construction had saved him, and he wanted to send a message to other men that it's "OK to talk". 'It can get easier' Four weeks into the challenge, Mr Baker said his legs were "a little bit sore".He said: "I've struggled massively with my own poor mental health, specifically through Covid. I struggled with addiction."He said working in the building industry helped him to recover, adding: "I wasn't actually in construction at the time, and I believe construction has actually saved me and had the opposite effect."Mr Baker said it was important to break down the stigma about talking, adding: "It's okay to talk and do you know what – when you do talk about your problems and you open up, it can get easier for you." Mr Baker said there was support available for people, including The Band of Builders, the national construction charity, which offers a 24/7 support helpline via text. He said Construction Sport , a charity set up to offer sporting opportunities across the industry, also ran events to help organisation creates opportunities for construction workers to have downtime from tools, laptops and stress, and address their mental Baker said he had received a huge amount of support for his challenge, with people sending messages of encouragement and "talking and opening up about the way that they potentially felt".The runner has raised nearly £1,600 and is aiming to get to £2,000 before the end of the month. If you have been affected by this story or would like support then you can find organisations which offer help and information at the BBC Action Line. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Telegraph
03-04-2025
- Telegraph
The ultimate foodie guide to Jersey
For an island measuring just nine miles by five, Jersey's food scene is seriously impressive. Its shores are washed by the crisp waters of the English Channel, its fertile land thrives all year round, whatever the weather, and its producers are committed to working with nature to ensure both sustainability and quality. Whether you're eating at a beachside crab shack or a Michelin-starred restaurant, you'll discover island produce taking centre stage and chefs who are inspired by their surroundings. The terroir in Jersey is unique, and traditional farming methods, such as vraic (the process of using seaweed as fertiliser), enhance and influence the flavour and texture of the fruit and vegetables grown here. The nutrient-rich shallows around the island yield world-class catches, from sweet Jersey crab to fresh saline oysters, from tender scallops to briny lobster. And succulent, grass-fed lamb and beef come from the pedigree herds of sheep and cows that are reared on farms around the island. The pure-breed Jersey milk cows graze on verdant grass too, supplying local dairies with rich and creamy milk. The countryside farm shops are overflowing with sunshine-yellow Jersey butter and golden double cream and fermented yoghurts, as well as some of the richest ice cream you will ever taste. Many of these dairy wonders never leave these shores, so it's worth the pilgrimage to experience them for yourself. Those with a sweet tooth shouldn't miss out on the chance to savour the famous Jersey black butter. It's not a dairy product, as you might expect, but rather a dark and treacly apple preserve, made by simmering local cider apples for hours with spices and sugar. Whether you spread it on bread or use it to accompany a local cheese, it is an absolute treat – and the popularity of this Jersey classic can be witnessed first-hand at the annual Black Butter Festival. If you'd prefer a more familiar sugary delight, there's no shortage of that all-time classic, Jersey fudge. Jersey's thriving food scene is not just about the delicious dishes and superb produce. It's also deeply rooted in community and heritage. The island's culinary traditions are kept alive by the passionate farmers, fishermen and artisans who have worked together to preserve them for generations. Their dedication to quality and sustainability ensures that every bite tells a story – not only of the fresh, local ingredients but also of the people who pour their heart and soul into producing it. 'Working directly with local producers is the only way to get great products,' says Joe Baker, the chef at Pêtchi Restaurant & Bar in St Helier, which specialises in native produce cooked over fire. 'Justin and James at Anneville Farm provide us with amazing organic vegetables, Three Oaks Vineries sends us incredible tomatoes, our hand-dived scallops come from Toby Woolley and Leo Scholefield, while Will at the Fresh Fish Company brings us lobsters and crabs.' Baker describes himself as 'fastidious' about sourcing and preparing the 'absolute best products'. 'But I then deliver them in a relaxed way with everything cooked over wood and coals. It's a very engaging and real way of cooking that celebrates the ingredient in its purest form. Hopefully that honesty comes through,' he adds. Leyton Hunnisett and Gabby Mason, partners at Jade-S Fisheries, grew up enjoying the freshness of Jersey's produce. It's why they are committed to fishing sustainably, supporting Jersey's small fishing fleet and showcasing the island's incredible variety of seafood to the world. 'We absolutely love Jersey crabs,' says Mason. 'The spider crabs are some of the sweetest, juiciest crab meat you'll ever try. It comes in fresh, six days a week, and we cook it in our own beach café, Driftwood at Archirondel Beach. 'When it's mackerel season, we go out most days. The flavour is so different when you cook it straight off the boat. We can have it off the boat and on a plate in five minutes.' A relaxed approach to food and eating out is another part of the appeal of Jersey and its laid-back lifestyle. You can enjoy a gelato at Woodlands Farm's Potato Shack cafe or sip on a refined cuppa brewed with Jersey Fine Tea, while gazing at their dairy herd. You could pick up some Jersey Royal potatoes or other seasonal produce on your travels, leaving your money in the farm's honesty box. Throughout the island, you'll see honesty boxes along the roadside. Known locally as 'hedge veg', they offer produce from local farms, such as Anneville Farm or Master Farms, from Jersey Royals and new-season asparagus to orchard fruits. Apple trees are abundant on the island, which explains why cider is another Jersey specialty. One to look out for is the Normandy-style cider made from local apples by La Robeline Cider. The family-owned business also opens its barn as a restaurant from April to September, serving wood-fired local produce. In another example of relaxed dining, seafood supplier Faulkner Fisheries also hosts outdoor barbecues, which always draw a crowd. It cooks up island-plucked seafood accompanied with Jersey Royals and homemade Jersey garlic butter from a converted German bunker in L'Étacq overlooking St Ouen's Bay. No matter what time of year you visit Jersey, you'll be greeted by a rich and diverse food scene that captures the timeless essence and rich textures of this unique island. Jersey – where sea meets soul Imagine an island that blends rich history, stunning seascapes and an exceptional culinary scene. One that brims with beauty and year-round adventures, and is closer than you think. Whether you're looking for a food-filled escape, to unearth hidden history or an active break, Jersey offers it all and so much more.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Debate continues over traffic on SF Great Hightway
SAN FRANCISCO - One week since San Francisco's Great Highway was closed to make way for a park, the closure remains controversial. Now, both sides of the issue are looking to see how traffic patterns have changed since the closure. The signs are clear that the southern portion of The Great Highway running along San Francisco's west side is now closed. While the closure was controversial, now supporters and opponents of plans to transform the four-lane highway into a park are now debating how it will impact traffic. On the Nextdoor app, some neighbors are complaining, saying traffic that should be on The Great Highway is instead speeding down residential streets. "I've lived on La Playa since February of 1992," said Joe Baker, who lives just off the Great Highway and says the impact of the road's closure has been clear. "That traffic now being diverted down La Playa Street and down lower Great Highway, those cars are running right through those stop signs," Baker said. "Those cars are not slowing down for speed bumps." Supporters of The Great Highway say they have data backing up their position that traffic has settled into a similar flow seen before the pandemic, highlighting posts they gathered that say the traffic nightmare that some had predicted never materialized. Catherine Unertl lives on 45th Avenue, just a few blocks from the Great Highway and said she's seen a modest increase in traffic. "I think during rush hour, there's a little bit more traffic than would ordinarily be on the highway," said Unertl. "But, most of the day, it feels just like it did a week ago." Commuters are learning to navigate the closure of The Great Highway. KTVU watched as vehicles traveling northbound on The Great Highway turned onto Sloat Boulevard, and then made a U-turn to head north on The Lower Great Highway and 48th Avenue, which run parallel to The Great Highway. Refugio Haro said before it closed, the Great Highway was his preferred route to get to work. "With the Great Highway you used to go 35 miles per hour to get to one end to the other," said Haro. "It was a beautiful drive." He takes the detour up 48th Avenue and says it has added a few minutes to his drive, but says overall it hasn't made a major impact on his morning commute. "It's a little slower because of all the cars trying to figure out which way to go," said Haro. People are still learning how to navigate around this closure, and traffic patterns are still developing.
BBC News
30-01-2025
- General
- BBC News
Redditch Borough Council to invest £500k to tackle damp and mould
A council will invest £500,000 into creating a team to deal with damp and mould in its team at Redditch Borough Council will be made up of seven officers, including builders and agreed to release the money from the budget at a meeting on well as tackling damp and mould, it is hoped the team will help reduce response times to homes with issues. Living in mouldy properties can cause respiratory illnesses, allergies and asthma, and can sometimes be authority said the work and the team would ensure it was compliant with Awaab's Law, which sees social landlords given a strict window to investigate and fix damp and added that it was "ahead of the curve" in regards to the government's target to reduce non-decency in homes by 50% by 2030. Reducing waiting times Under a revised renters' rights bill, Labour is looking to extend Awaab's Law to cover private Bill Hartnett said the council wanted to prove that it took the issue seriously."Damp and mould is not unique to Redditch but we do have a variety of properties including bungalows, apartments and four bedroom homes all of different ages.""By bringing the experts in house, we will save money and reduce waiting times for our customers."Council leader Joe Baker added: "As a landlord the council has a responsibility to make sure our tenants have the safe and clean homes which is their fundamental right.""We pledged to recognise this right in our manifesto and once again, with help from our tenants to ensure their houses can breathe, we are delivering to make damp and mould a thing of the past." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
