Latest news with #NewYearHonours
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Basil Newby: Blackpool's pioneering drag bar owner to retire
One of Blackpool's most well-known figures on the nightclub scene who became a pioneering cabaret drag bar owner has revealed he is to Newby has been a major business leader in the town's nightlife scene for more than 45 years, first opening the town's Flamingo Club in went on to open Funny Girls in 1994 and received an MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list in 2014 for services to business and the lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender as he now approaches his 75th birthday, Mr Newby said: "After a lot of soul-searching and sleepless nights, I know now is the time for me to bow out gracefully and retire". "I want to see the Redwood Forests in California, the Northern Lights and many more things before I'm too old," he said."Close family members have health problems and I need to spend more quality time with them so it really is right for me." He said it was also a "joint decision" with Ian, his partner of more than 40 years."Although I still love Funny Girls, it needs new blood to take it forward for another 30 years," he said "nothing will change for the next few months" and "it could be three months or even three years before the right person comes along that I feel is the one I trust to take it on".Mr Newby opened the Flamingo on Talbot Road as Blackpool's first gay club in 1979. It was demolished in 2007 but Funny Girls, in the former Odeon building on Dickson Road, is still going strong and marked its 30th anniversary last year. He said he was partly inspired to open it to make a protest against Section 28 - a law passed in 1988 by Margaret Thatcher's government, which banned councils and schools from "promoting homosexuality"."At that time I was going for licensing and getting knocked back," Mr Newby said."Eventually I went to the courts and got one, and I got this idea for Funny Girls in my head."I wanted it to be for everyone, no matter what colour, creed or sexuality."He said he is "still passionate about Funny Girls and I'll only sell it to the right people, I just love the place".He added: "I've dedicated my life to the gay community and loved every minute of it,' he added. "But I know it's just the right time to call it a day." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Weekend wine guide: The European labels worth discovering
Reminder, this is a Premium article and requires a subscription to read. Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech. A taste of Europe. Photo / Getty Images Michael Cooper has 45 wine books and several literary awards to his credit. In the 2004 New Year Honours, Michael was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. One of this country's leading wine importers, Vintners New Zealand, traces its roots to the early 1980s. A group of Auckland businessmen, frustrated by the lack of good-quality overseas wines in a heavily protected market, formed a consortium to source their own wine. To defray some of the import costs, they launched a company to sell the wines in the local market. Known initially as Kitchener Wines, and later as Concerto Merchants, it is now called Vintners and distributes wines from New Zealand and overseas. The European labels below are worth discovering. Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Reserve 2023 ★★★★½ Instantly appealing, this French dry white is blended from varieties rare in New Zealand – grenache blanc, marsanne, roussanne and viognier. Mouthfilling and dry, it has well-ripened stonefruit flavours, fresh and deep, and a slightly oily richness. (13.5% alc/vol) $32 Nivarius Rioja Tempranillo Blanco 2023 ★★★★ Full of youthful vigour, this characterful Spanish wine is from a white mutation of the Rioja region's red grape, tempranillo. Grown at 700m above sea level and handled in tanks and oak barrels, it is full-bodied, with a touch of tannin and strong, peachy, gently spicy flavours, dry and lingering. (13.5% alc/vol) $28 La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2024 ★★★½ A huge seller internationally, this pale pink French rosé is lively and medium-bodied, with peach, strawberry and spice flavours, offering very easy drinking. (12.5% alc/vol) $20 Méditéo 2024 ★★★★ From southeastern France, this bright, light pink rosé is delicious in its youth. Buoyantly fruity, it has very satisfying depth of flavour, dry and sustained. (12% alc/vol) $22 Terras Lusas Adega de Redondo 2021 ★★★½ Bargain-priced, this is a good, honest Portuguese red. Fragrant, with raisiny aromas, it's slightly gutsy, with a berryish, spicy flavour, earthy notes and a good tannin backbone. It's drinking well now. (13.5% alc/vol) $17 La Vielle Ferme Rouge 2023 ★★★★ If you enjoy pinot noir, try this characterful French blend of carignan, cinsault, grenache and syrah. Deeply coloured, it is full-bodied and vibrantly fruity, with generous flavours of red berries and spices, ripe and well-rounded. (13.5% alc/vol) $25 Château Pradeaux 2023 ★★★★ Already drinking well, this is a very moreish red Bordeaux. Merlot-based, with dark, purple-flushed colour, it is mouthfilling, with lush, vibrant blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, a hint of chocolate, and gentle tannins. Very harmonious. (13% alc/vol) $30 Wine of the week Tocado Garnacha 2022 ★★★½ This Spanish red offers top value. Bright ruby, it is mouthfilling and smooth, with generous, ripe plum, berry, spice and liquorice flavours. A good, all-purpose red. (13.5% alc/vol) $14-$15
Otago Daily Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Long-forgotten fund to aid nurses
A long-forgotten fund aims to support the professional development of nurses in the region. The fund consists of a sum of money Kit McGuire — a local nurse who died in 1973 — left as a legacy to support nurses after her death. Miss McGuire was born in Timaru in 1896. She attended Timaru South School before embarking on a career in psychiatric nursing, graduating from Sunnyside Hospital in 1927 and returning to Timaru after her parents died. Settling in the family home she had dedicated herself to healthcare, working part-time as a public nurse and, for a time, as a private nurse to Doctors S. Fraser and W. H. Unwin. She was a member of the New Zealand Registered Nurses Association and played an integral role in supervising state nursing examinations at Timaru Public Hospital for 22 years. However, it was her leadership as the Matron of the South Canterbury Health Camp for 28 years that made a lasting impact, helping countless children achieve better health. Miss McGuire was appointed MBE in the 1960 New Year Honours for services to community and the Children's Health Camp. When the Nursing Association South Canterbury Branch was dissolved in 1988, among it was a scholarship in her name. The trustees of the Kit McGuire Trust resettled the funds with the Aoraki Foundation last year, to establish the Kit McGuire Nursing Fund. The new fund would carry on the purpose of the trust, to advance nursing and specifically the education and professional development of nurses in their third year of training who resided in the Aoraki region. Once the fund reaches $50,000 it will be used to award an annual scholarship to a South Canterbury nurse in their third year of training. The fund was at $41,250 and a group of South Canterbury nurses were considering ways to top the fund up to the level needed for distribution. Fundraising spokeswoman Anna Wheeler said the independent account had been discovered last year. She said she hoped the fund would create some energy around nursing. "And celebrate the role nursing contributed to health in South Canterbury. "The primary purpose of the funding was to advance nursing and specifically education and professional development of nurses who reside in the Aoraki region. "The priority within this purpose would support a nurse in training in their third year of a bachelor of nursing," she said. It would not be linked to any type of nursing — such as hospital care, aged care or primary care — but rather the wider profession. She said a high proportion of nurses start and stay in South Canterbury for their entire nursing career, which fitted with what she imagined about Miss McGuire. "What I imagine is that Kit was a real community nurse. The story around it is forever."
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
WPP names Microsoft's Cindy Rose as next CEO
WPP has appointed Cindy Rose as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, effective September 1, 2025. Rose succeeds Mark Read who will step down as CEO on the same date. Read will continue to work with Cindy to support the transition until the end of the year. Rose has extensive experience as a leader in the technology, telecommunications, media, entertainment and creative industries gained at world-leading brands. She has spent the last nine years in senior leadership positions at Microsoft where she is currently Chief Operating Officer, Global Enterprise. In this role she helps the world's largest companies use digital technology and AI to drive business transformation. Before being appointed to her current Microsoft role in March 2023, Rose was President of Microsoft Western Europe and CEO of Microsoft UK. Other previous roles include managing director of the UK consumer business at Vodafone and executive director of Digital Entertainment and Media Sales at Virgin Media. She also spent 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, ultimately as senior vice president and managing director of Disney Interactive Media Group, EMEA. Rose has been a non-executive director on the WPP Board since 2019. She is a graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School, and an Advisory Board Member at Imperial College Business School in London and McLaren Racing. Rose has British and American citizenship and will be based in both London and New York. She was awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year Honours in recognition of her services to UK technology. Philip Jansen, Chair of WPP, said, 'Cindy is an outstanding and inspirational business leader with extensive experience at some of the world's most recognised companies and a track record of growing large-scale businesses. She has led multi-billion-dollar operations across the UK, EMEA and globally, built enduring client relationships and delivered growth in both enterprise and consumer environments.' Jansen further added, 'Cindy has supported the digital transformation of large enterprises around the world – including embracing AI to create new customer experiences, business models and revenue streams. Her expertise in this landscape will be hugely valuable to WPP as the industry navigates fundamental changes and macroeconomic uncertainty. Cindy's appointment follows a thorough selection process that considered both internal and external candidates. As an existing Board member she understands our business and the needs of our clients, and we look forward to working with her in her new role as CEO. Jansen also acknowledged outgoing CEO Mark's significant contributions to modernising the company. He, ' I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to Mark for his tireless commitment during more than 30 years with WPP and in particular the progress he has made to modernise, simplify and transform the company over the last seven years as CEO. On behalf of the Board and the company as a whole I wish him all the very best for the future.' On the appointment, Rose said, 'WPP is a company I know and love – not only from my six years on the Board but as a client and partner for many years before that – and I couldn't be happier or more excited to be appointed as CEO. I began my career in the creative industries and this feels like coming home. There are so many opportunities ahead for WPP. We have and continue to build market-leading AI capabilities, alongside an unrivalled reputation for creative excellence and a preeminent client list. WPP has the most brilliant, talented, creative people and I can't wait to write the company's next chapter together.I am grateful to Mark for his many contributions to the business over the years and I look forward to working together to ensure a smooth handover.' Mark Read said, 'Having worked closely with Cindy for the last six years, I am delighted to see her appointed as CEO of WPP. From her time on the Board, she has real insight into our business and knows many of our clients, people and partners around the world. She brings deep experience of technology and AI and its transformational impact on business, and has successfully run large global organisations with talent at their core. After seven years as CEO, I know that I am leaving WPP in excellent hands.'
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sir Paul McCartney leads tributes to 'incredible' Oldham artist
Music legend Sir Paul McCartney has led tributes to 'dear friend' Sir Brian Clarke, following his death aged 71. The Oldham-born artist worked with stained glass during an esteemed 50-year career, having painted his first window aged 17. From humble beginnings, Sir Brian went on to achieve global recognition for his work, before being knighted in the 2024 New Year Honours. READ MORE: The 'controversial' plan to build 1,500 homes 'near new tram stop' on greenbelt READ MORE: 'Lack of toilets could cause conflict in HMO': Police tell planners who turn down application He is best known for his work at the Al Faisaliyah Centre in Riyadh, the Royal Mosque of King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and the Stamford Cone in Connecticut, USA - a 14-metre-high, stained glass pavilion. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here Sir Brian also designed the cover for Sir Paul McCartney's 1982 solo album Tug of War, with the former Beatles star paying tribute to the late artist in a moving Instagram post. He said: 'Brian Clarke was a dear friend of our family whom we had known for years. Sadly, he passed away recently but we all have lovely memories of the times we had together. We always laughed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul McCartney (@paulmccartney) "Brian often had some great artistic endeavours to show or talk to us about. He made some stained glass windows for us and did a great collaboration with Linda using her photographs to make stained glass pictures out of. "He was commissioned to make stained glass for Bahrain Airport (Concordia), Stansted Airport (a collaboration with Sir Norman Foster), and Queen Victoria Street Arcade in Leeds, and these are just some of the works he was famous for. "Ever since I met him in the 70s with Robert Fraser the art dealer, we always had the best times together. We will all miss him but have fond memories of him to cherish and his incredible artwork to remind us of Brian himself." Sir Brian was born into a working class family, with his father Edward working as a miner, and his mother Lilian working at a cotton mill. He was described by London's Heni gallery, which showcased much of his work, as the 'most important artist working in stained glass'. A statement from Heni announcing his death read: "A visionary artist and cherished friend, he will be missed.' Sir Brian created stained glass for commemorative works including the Holocaust Memorial Synagogue (Neue Synagogue) in Darmstadt, Germany, and also designed an artwork in 2010 for the Papal Chapel of the Apostolic Nunciature in London, for Pope Benedict XVI's state visit to the United Kingdom. He was also patron of the Brian Clarke Church of England Academy, in Oldham, which was named after him. A statement from the school said: "We're deeply saddened to share the news that Sir Brian Clarke, our school's patron and namesake, passed away on July 1, 2025. "Sir Brian was more than a world-renowned artist - he was a kind, generous soul who never forgot his Oldham roots. He believed in young people, in creativity, and in the power of education to change lives. "That's why he gave his name to our school, and why he gave so much of himself to support it. Even our school badge was designed by Sir Brian. "One of the most beautiful gifts he left us is the stunning stained glass window that now stands proudly in our school. Just this week, it formed the backdrop to our science celebration event with another proud Oldhamer, Professor Brian Cox - a moment that brought together science, art, and inspiration. Remembering Sir Brian ClarkeWe're deeply saddened to share the news that Sir Brian Clarke, our school's patron and namesake, passed away on 1st July more — BrianClarkeAcademy (@BrianClarkeAcad) July 4, 2025 "Sir Brian was given an honourable mention during the event, and it felt right. His presence was felt in the light, the colour, and the spirit of the day. "As we head into our fourth year of students, we know how lucky we are to be part of something so special. Our school is thriving - full of energy, ambition, and hope - and Sir Brian's legacy is woven into everything we do. "We'll miss his warmth, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in what young people can achieve. But we'll carry his light forward, every day. Thank you, Sir Brian. You'll always be part of our story." Other celebrities to pay tribute to the artist included TV presenter and pianist Jools Holland, who said Sir Brian was an 'extraordinary and dear man' in a post on Instagram. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE As his knighthood was announced, Sir Brian told PA: "I'm feeling very surprised and grateful really. It's wonderful to get noticed for one's work, but to get honoured for it too is really very encouraging."
