Latest news with #Leslie
West Australian
15 hours ago
- West Australian
Mother's plea after daughter survives head-on crash in the Pilbara
Michelle Leslie was on the other side of Australia in Ipswich, Queensland, watching her nephew's AFL match when she received the news her daughter was involved in a head-on collision near Roebourne. Jasmine Whitfield, 24, was in the car with friends when the Toyota Prado collided with a Toyota HiLux on North West Coastal Highway on May 23, claiming the lives of both drivers, 29-year-old Dakota Tahi Tahi and a 21-year-old man. 'I was just in shock when I heard the news,' Ms Leslie said. 'I was panicking, just in disbelief, all the emotions — my family were with me when I received the call. Not knowing if she was all right was what made it harder. 'The crash happened that afternoon. We didn't find out until night time. 'Our deepest love and condolences for Dakota's family.' Ms Leslie is calling for financial support through GoFundMe , so she can be at her daughter's side during her recovery in the trauma unit at Royal Perth Hospital. 'It's hard because I don't have leave from work, so this is why we've put the GoFundMe out, to raise funds just to help with Jasmine; if she needs things and getting me to and from the hospital. Accommodation is a big factor too, it's expensive,' she said. 'Any help I can get, we both really appreciate this, because I'm going to extend my stay from four weeks to 10-12 weeks to be with Jasmine through all of her appointments. 'I've got no income coming in, as of next week.' Three other female passengers in the Prado were injured, including 19-year-old Manawa Hinaki, who was also flown to Royal Perth Hospital with critical injuries. The collision brings the number of road deaths between Karratha and Roebourne to four in 2025 so far, compared with two in 2024. Teenagers Dennis Hicks, 16, and Ethan Howard, 17, died in a motorbike crash near Cleaverville Road in March this year. The Pilbara community is now calling for better safety measures on the highway. In a statement, a Main Roads spokesperson said in recent years, they had delivered a range of upgrades to improve safety on North West Coastal Highway, including two overtaking lanes, widening, and installing an audible edge and centre lines on the 38km section between Roebourne and Karratha. 'When travelling on regional roads, it's critical all road users plan ahead, manage fatigue and distractions, and be aware of the road conditions when travelling long distances,' the spokesperson said. 'As with all fatal crashes, a police investigation will be undertaken. 'In accordance with Main Roads' crash investigation policy, the agency will also undertake its own fatal crash investigation to determine if any road environment factors contributed to the severity of this crash.' Pilbara District Acting Supt Matt Froude urged all motorists to drive safely at all times. 'We continue to remind motorists to always drive safely on our roads right across the State, and keep in mind the wellbeing of others,' he said. 'WA Police continue to see crashes from drivers that fall victim to the 'fatal five' across the State, which continue to be overrepresented in fatal and serious crashes. 'These are speeding, impaired driving (alcohol/drugs), non-use of restraints/helmets, distracted driving (use of mobile phones), and fatigue. 'Our officers do not want to knock on your door to deliver devastating and life-changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads. Please take care on our roads so everyone can arrive at their destination safely.'
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Families angry over £7k a year cross-border care funding gap
Relatives spoke out after learning Denbighshire County Council pays £7,000 a year less per person towards providing care in a care home than their counterparts a short hop across the water in Conwy. One elderly couple caught up in the postcode lottery of funding are Leslie and Megan Smallwood. Leslie, 90, a retired quantity surveyor, and Megan, 86, a former maths teacher, live at The Old Deanery Care Home in St Asaph. They moved there in February last year from their family home at Caerwys in Flintshire, with that property now up for sale. Their daughter Yvonne Harding, a community nurse who lives in Heswall on the Wirral, said: 'Having this difference in fees from one council to another is fundamentally unfair. MORE NEWS: 'It seems to me Conwy are valuing the care sector, and I applaud that. 'We can't fault the home in its care, but it's about meeting the true cost of that care.' Rosemary Holland's brother Andrew Truelove, 61, is a resident at St David's Residential Home in Rhyl. Her father John Truelove had been a resident at the home until his death in September last year. Rosemary, who lives in Conwy, used to work in the care sector and said she has huge concerns about the financial challenges the industry was facing. She urged Denbighshire County Council to at least match the fees paid by Conwy County Borough Council. She said that would ensure all care home residents received an equal level of care – and would stop staff leaving homes in Denbighshire for better pay at care homes across the river in Conwy. Rosemary said: 'I just feel that Denbighshire needs to sort themselves out and pay the extra. 'They need to, because what Denbighshire is doing is affecting the residents. 'I have real concerns about the way social services in Denbighshire is working with residents, because it feels like they are not working for the residents, they are working to try to keep costs down.' The span of the Grade II listed Foryd Bridge can mean a huge difference in funding for care homes on opposite banks of the mouth of the River Clwyd. Care Forum Wales also hit out describing the funding gap as a 'shameful disparity is grossly unjust because it discriminates against older vulnerable people.' Thea Brain, North Wales Policy Advisor for CFW, said: 'This is about the entitlement of the individual. Why is someone who lives in Conwy worth more than someone who lives in Denbighshire? 'When you press this issue with the people at Denbighshire County Council they give very vague answers pointing to the differences in settlement for each local authority but that doesn't account for these huge differences in the figures. 'When you look into this you are left with the unacceptable conclusion that this is just a matter of political priority.' CFW Chair Mario Kreft said: 'It's astonishing that a Labour-controlled council like Denbighshire is ignoring Welsh Labour Government advice and is promoting such inequality in Wales. 'Those making these decisions should consider positions.' Denbighshire County Council funds about 382 placements across 85 care homes. The total projected cost for older people's residential and nursing care during 2025/26 is £15.2 million. A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: "In setting its 2025/2026 care fees, Denbighshire County Council consulted with care providers across the county and took into consideration the main concerns raised, which were the increase in Real Living Wage and the impact of the changes to National Insurance. Each Local Authority has a different funding settlement and therefore has to strike a very delicate balance of navigating challenging financial constraints and ensuring that we are maintaining a sustainable future for the care sector in Denbighshire. "Denbighshire currently funds approximately 382 placements across 85 care homes. The total projected cost for older people's residential and nursing care during 2025/26 is £15.2 million. "With social care making up nearly a third of the average Council Tax bill in Denbighshire, it is vital that we take a fair and sustainable approach to funding care within Denbighshire."
Otago Daily Times
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Costumes key to society's next show
South Otago Theatrical Society president/wardrobe manager Marion Leslie looks through some of the 120-plus costumes her team are preparing for the society's latest show next weekend. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON The costume takes centre stage in a new South Otago show next week. South Otago Theatrical Society's team of seamstresses — led by wardrobe manager Marion Leslie — have been busy nipping and tucking more than 120 costumes for the society's latest production, Not Quite a Fashion Show, on June 7 and 8. It is being staged to showcase both the group's talented youngsters and its wardrobe of more than 5000 items accumulated over 50 years-plus. Mrs Leslie said the wardrobe was "organised chaos" at present. "We moved the whole wardrobe out to the theatre in March so we could do some refurbishments, and we're still gradually moving stuff back in while also picking and preparing costumes for the show. "It may look a bit chaotic, but we know where everything is — more or less." She said the production was a fashion show "with a difference". "This isn't just a straight catwalk production. There's a lot of humour in the presentation, and our young actors are using the costumes as inspiration for song and movement." It had been a lot of fun in rehearsal, "and I know our audiences will love it". Mrs Leslie said the wardrobe was a community resource, and well used for parties, heritage events and more. "Often we'll get someone coming in saying, 'I want to be a Blues Brother'. Then they'll leave as Ace Ventura or a dwarf from The Lord of the Rings. "I love seeing people get excited and inspired to experiment when they see how much we have here." She said the society's seamstresses were past masters at artful reinvention. "There's a huge recycling aspect. For example, a 1950s ballgown could become Mad King George's ornate jacket." The theatre had an extensive range of period costumes thanks to community donations from "grandma's wardrobe". "We're always expanding the collection. We're working on movie costumes at present. "It's all done on the smell of half an oily rag."
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida's Gulf Coast readies for hurricane season after 4 storms in 2 years
Leslie and Frank Hall had just rebuilt their home on the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Idalia in 2023 when they watched in horror as Hurricane Helene — a monster of a storm — barreled into their coastal community last September and wiped out their house and business. Hurricane season 2025: How to create a budget-friendly hurricane go-bag Hurricane season 2025: Should you evacuate? Storm surge and evacuation zones explained Hurricane season 2025: Warm tropical waters fuel rapid intensification of storms Hurricane season 2025: Understanding tropical weather watches, warnings and the cone Hurricane season 2025: What is the Saffir-Simpson intensity scale? It was a staggering one-two punch for the couple and thousands of other Taylor County residents, who had just gotten back on their feet from Idalia. Making matters worse, Helene — which destroyed hundreds of homes and caused more than $50 million of damage in Taylor County — came nearly two months after Hurricane Debbie plowed into Florida's Big Bend last August causing extensive flooding and days-long power outages. Idalia also hit Taylor County in August 2023, causing nearly $100 million in damage. Now, Leslie Hall is not looking forward to this year's hurricane season, which starts June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. 'I'm very nervous,' she said. 'If a hurricane hits us again, there will be no coming back from that. We have used every bit of money that we had trying to rebuild [from Idalia and Helene]. … Mother Nature cannot be that cruel.' The early storm forecasts all show a good chance of a hurricane hitting the United States this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60% chance of an 'above average' hurricane season this year with between 13 and 19 storms forming in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Of those storms, six to 10 will be hurricanes, including three to five as major hurricanes. A major hurricane is a Category 3 or higher and has sustained wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour. Weather experts at Colorado State University in their April forecast also showed an above-average storm season, with 17 named storms, of which nine will become hurricanes, including four reaching major strength. Forecasters there give a 51% chance that a major hurricane will strike the country's mainland. Like the Halls, many Gulf Coast residents are anxious that after four hurricanes in two years — Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton — another storm could deal a devastating blow to their small coastal communities, which have long relied on economies of fishing, scalloping, canoeing and visitors. Hurricanes and tropical storms thrive in warm waters. And waters in the eastern subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean are warmer than normal for this time of year. But the good news is they are cooler than a year ago. And that means we could be in for a less intense hurricane season than 2024, according to meteorologists. 'Yes, it is good news that they are not as warm as last year,' said Levi Silvers, a research scientist for the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Colorado State University. 'But last year was literally off the charts. And I'm surprised that last year was not as bad or as brutal as we expected.' Still, Silvers cautioned the April forecast calls for an 'above average' hurricane season and Florida residents should be well prepared. 'We're expecting a season of somewhere in between last year (with 18 named storms) and normal (of 14.5 named storms),' he said. The chance of a hurricane making landfall on the Gulf Coast between Cedar Key and Brownsville, Texas, is 33%, slightly higher than the 27% average, according to the CSU report. In coastal Central Florida: There is a 46% probability of a named storm striking Volusia County, but just a 3% chance it would be a major hurricane. In Brevard County, there is a 51% probability of a storm impact and a 7% chance it would be a major hurricane. But after two years of devastation, Taylor County faces one of the lowest probabilities of a storm impact among Florida's coastal counties — with a 43% chance of a named storm striking, and just a 1% of it being a major hurricane. Does that mean that Florida's Big Bend region is likely in the clear this year from a hurricane striking? 'The chances of that happening are pretty low, but they are not zero,' Silvers said about a storm hitting the Big Bend. 'But if I was playing poker, I would not bet against it. Residents of the Caribbean and Gulf always need to be aware and be prepared. Even getting one major storm is a life-changing event.' CSU meteorologists will release additional forecasts through the hurricane season. Those later forecasts, Silvers said, tend to be more accurate regarding the number of storms and intensities because of changing weather patterns, wind shear and dust in the atmosphere. In Sarasota County, Milton — a powerful Category 3 hurricane — struck Siesta Key last October, killing 42 people in Florida and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage. Much of the damage was from deadly tornadoes along Milton's path across the state. 'The central and northern part of our island really took the brunt,' said Howard Tipton, town manager of Longboat Key. Surprisingly, it was Helene, not Milton, that caused much of the damage on Longboat Key, he said. That's because of Helene's storm surge of up to 8 feet that inundated older properties built decades ago at ground level. More than 90 homes were destroyed on Longboat Key. Tipton recalled sitting in Town Hall last September as Helene stormed across the Gulf dozens of miles away. 'When I saw a wall of saltwater go down the road, I thought: 'This is not good,'' he said. 'I was unable to leave Town Hall. My vehicle was totaled. … A storm doesn't have to be close to have a significant impact. Helene was 125 miles from our coast. But it was the worst storm we had in a hundred years.' In Taylor County, officials have launched promotional and advertising campaigns to lure visitors, especially for the scalloping season which runs June 15 through September 1. The county recently held fishing tournaments that have led to hotel rooms being booked in Perry. 'We're bouncing back,' said Dawn Perez, executive director of the county's Tourism Development Council. 'There is some fear. But we're keeping our spirits up. We want everyone to know, we're open for business.' Taylor County Commissioner Michael Newman agreed. 'We've had some awful experiences,' he said. 'But we've seen some good things, such as our churches and nonprofits helping with our recovery. … We don't look past the sense that many of our residents are still struggling with their recovery. But we're thankful to be in this place.' Since Helene, the Halls have been renting a home while continuing to pay the mortgage on their destroyed house. They recently restarted their business Spring Warrior Fish Camp and Charter in Perry and have rooms ready to book for the scalloping season, a heavy tourist draw in Taylor County. But rebuilding their home will be a challenge as a new structure will have to be built at least 18 feet higher, a cost they can't afford and they are still waiting for money from FEMA. But Leslie Hall is optimistic. 'We are ready and open for business,' she said.
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Rose Leslie says she and husband Kit Harington ‘do not feel famous at all'
The 38-year-old Scottish actress played Ygritte in the fantasy HBO series, with Harington as her primary love interest, Jon Snow. 'I don't mean to be insincere at all, but I don't think we are in the spotlight,' she told Tatler magazine. 'It's not something that we independently or together chase. We are fortunate whereby if there are projects we do that galvanise attention then that's amazing – but I don't think we feel famous at all.' The actress has filmed scenes of a sexual nature during her career, including the famous Game Of Thrones cave scene with Harington, and said somebody recently approached her and remarked on a nude scene she had filmed. 'I had someone come up to me and be like 'I know you – I've seen your tits',' she said. 'And I was like 'You have?' And he was like 'Yeah, I've seen your tits.' 'But I suppose, if you put yourself out there, then what can you expect?' Leslie and Harrington, who live in Suffolk, married in 2018 and have two children. 'Suffolk is really our base now,' she said. 'I think the catalyst for us to really feel like this is home is nursery and our wish for our children to kind of see this as home.' A post shared by Tatler (@tatlermagazine) The couple married at Rayne Church in Kirkton of Rayne in Aberdeenshire and held their reception at Leslie's 12th century family castle. Guests at the wedding included Game Of Thrones stars Peter Dinklage, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner and Emilia Clarke. 'God, I felt so elated that day,' Leslie said. 'It was the culmination of being married to the love of my life, in the home that I was incredibly happy in, bringing all my friends to Scotland – and the joy of that day was just fantastic.' Asked if they will permit their children to watch Game Of Thrones, she said: 'I don't think it's our decision. 'I think if they wish to see Mum and Dad do their thing – I mean, I'm not talking about the cave scene (a raunchy scene between their characters), I'd rather not – but the other scenes and whatnot…' Leslie, who is also known for her roles in Death On The Nile and Downton Abbey, will star in an adaptation of William Somerset Maugham's play The Constant Wife at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from June. – Read the full feature in the July issue of Tatler, available via digital download and on newsstands from Thursday June 5.
