Latest news with #NewYearHonours
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic former Reading owner set for Q&A session at popular town centre venue
Sir John Madejski OBE will reflect on his time as owner of Reading FC at an exclusive Q&A event at the Purple Turtle on Tuesday, July 15, starting at 7.30pm. He will also discuss the new Reading FC ownership. Advertisement A Q&A will be followed by questions from the audience and there will be a chance to meet the former owner. Sir John became chairman in 1990 and, after the club had a new stadium built in his name, Reading went on to play in the Premier League for three seasons. He relinquished control of the club in 2012 and became honorary life president, and remains a staunch supporter of the club at the age of 84. He is also Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire and was knighted in the 2009 New Year Honours, for charitable services. The Purple Turtle in Gun Street, Reading, has hosted a number of Q&A events with former Reading stars and the Q&A with former manager Steve Coppell in April was a sell out. Advertisement The venue will host a Q&A with former Reading striker and manager Jimmy Quinn on Sunday, June 22, starting at 5.30pm - and is also in talks with current owner Rob Couhig about hosting a Q&A with him. Tickets for the Q&A with Sir John Madejski are £10 each, with a limited number of meet and greet tickets available at £17.50. Ticket information for the Sir John Madejski Q&A and other Q&A events at the Purple Turtle is available by sending a WhatsApp or text message to 07842 627548.
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Weekend wine guide: Villa Maria's stellar Cellar Selection
The Cellar Selection offers a magnetic combination of quality and value. 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. With their familiar gold labels, Villa Maria's widely available, mid-priced Cellar Selection wines have for decades offered a magnetic combination of quality and value. The company's ownership changed nearly four years ago, and 2022 and 2023 were both tricky vintages in Hawke's Bay. Are the wines still delivering great value? Priced above Villa Maria's Private Bin range, which despite the name is made in huge volumes, and below the top-tier Reserve and Single Vineyard wines, the Cellar Selection white wines retail in the $16-$20 range and the reds at slightly more than $20. At those prices, they are well worth buying. Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Gris 2024 ★★★★ Bargain-priced, this vigorous, slightly off-dry wine was grown in the Awatere Valley. Full-bodied, it has generous peach and pear flavours, slightly spicy notes and fresh acidity, with a sliver of sweetness that gives easy-drinking charm. Already drinking well, it should be at its best mid-2026+. (13.5% alc/vol) $16-$20 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2023 ★★★½ From a wet growing season, this full-bodied, smooth wine was fermented and lees-aged in stainless steel tanks and oak barriques. Bright, light lemon/green, with a slightly creamy bouquet, it is dry, with lively, peachy, gently toasty flavours, woven with fresh acidity and considerable complexity. (13.5% alc/vol) $16-$20 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Noir Rosé 2024 ★★★★ This bright, pale pink wine is fresh, light-bodied and very lively, with delicate strawberry and watermelon flavours, crisp and basically dry. Full of youthful drive, it's currently delicious. (12.5% alc/vol) $16-$20 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay Syrah 2022 ★★★★ This youthful, graceful red delivers good value. Full-coloured, it is a fragrant medium-to-full-bodied wine with very good depth of vibrant plum and black pepper flavours, a distinct touch of complexity and a smooth, harmonious, lingering finish. (12.5% alc/vol) $20-$22 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023 ★★★½ Priced right, this ruby-hued red was aged in French oak barriques. Mouthfilling and supple, it is still youthful, with fresh, lively cherry, plum and spice flavours, savoury notes adding complexity and very good depth, vigour and harmony. (13.5% alc/vol) $22-$26 Wine of the week: Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024 ★★★★ This great-value, strongly varietal wine was fermented and lees-aged in tanks. Bright, light lemon/green, it is highly aromatic, vibrant and tangy. Balancing ripe, passionfruit-like flavours with green capsicum-evoking notes, it shows very good vigour and intensity. (12.5% alc/vol) $16-$20
The Courier
5 days ago
- General
- The Courier
Tribute to 'honest and hardworking' Auchtermuchty firefighter and joiner Eddie Kotlewski MBE who's died at 71
Eddie Kotlewski, MBE, a respected Auchtermuchty businessman, retained firefighter, and joiner who dedicated his life to serving his community, has died suddenly at the age of 71 – just one day after celebrating his golden wedding anniversary with family. He passed away unexpectedly on April 21, having spent the previous day with his wife Helen, children and grandchildren for a special family gathering to mark 50 years of marriage. The joy of that occasion made the news of his death all the more shocking for those who knew and loved him. Eddie is perhaps best remembered in firefighting circles for leading a pioneering fire safety initiative in 1992. This followed the tragic death of an elderly resident in Auchtermuchty's first fire fatality in many years. He was deeply moved and convinced the loss could have been prevented by a simple smoke alarm, so he sprang into action. With the support of the firemaster John White – who also passed away recently – he launched a locally funded campaign to provide and install free smoke detectors in the homes of senior citizens across Auchtermuchty, Strathmiglo and Dunshalt. His efforts led to 837 homes being visited and 168 alarms fitted, well ahead of formal community fire safety programmes. Eddie was awarded the MBE in the 1997 New Year Honours, in recognition of his work. He received the honour from the Queen at Buckingham Palace – lightening the moment with his trademark humour by offering her a quote to repair the palace roof, which had been in the news that week. Her Majesty responded with a smile. Paying tribute to his dad, son Gavin, himself a Station Commander within the fire service, said: 'He was a quiet, honest hardworking man who provided for his family and was glad when they were happy. 'He was always on the go whether it was the joinery or the fire service and yet when he came into the house, he was pleased to see his sons and Helen. He was content at home.' Born on March 14 1954, at 9 High Road, Auchtermuchty, Eddie was the sixth of nine children born to Violet and Anthony Kotlewski. He attended school in Auchtermuchty before studying at Bell Baxter High School in Cupar. Teenage Eddie joined the Air Training Corps and won medals for boxing and rugby. He had a lifelong love for aviation and would often attend the Leuchars airshow. Eddie apprenticed with his father in construction when he left school, erecting garages and sheds. In 1972, aged just 18, he joined Fife Fire & Rescue Service as a retained firefighter – the same year he met Helen, who worked in the office. They married in Glenrothes on April 26 1975. The couple settled in 'Muchty where Eddie rebuilt the couple's first home on Cupar Road, then took on another project on the High Street. He later renovated an old warehouse into three homes for himself and his brothers, David and Fraser – all fellow firefighters. His construction company, Gleneden Construction Ltd, was founded in 1977, with Helen working alongside him in the office. As well as David, Fraser and Gavin serving at the same time in the fire service, Tony and Fraser also worked for him as joiners. He also employed neighbours and fellow firefighters, always ensuring cover at the fire station was maintained. Eddie had a remarkable memory for every building project he worked on. One day, he parked in a quiet field on the outskirts of Auchtermuchty, admiring the view. That land became Westbank – six bespoke houses built to capture that vista. He and Helen moved into the final one, No. 35, in 2001. He built a conservatory so they could enjoy the view each day. Eddie joined Fife Fire & Rescue Service as a retained firefighter at Auchtermuchty Fire Station on July 10 1972, aged 18. He served for 14.5 years before being promoted to Leading Firefighter on January 1 1987. On November 4 1989, he was promoted to Sub Officer, assuming command of the station. Morale and performance soared under his leadership. He was particularly skilled at staying calm under pressure and managing difficult incidents while supporting his team – both seasoned and new recruits alike. He lived with severe rheumatoid arthritis from 1991. Despite constant pain, he remained resilient and active. He was always thinking, solving problems, and quietly persevering. Eddie and Helen had two sons, Gavin and Jon who now have their own families. Being a grandad brought Eddie immense joy. Eddie was always a calm, content presence at home – a man who gave fully of himself and found happiness in quiet, steady things. He was also deeply interested in politics and current affairs, often listening to Talk Radio. In retirement, Eddie and Helen bought a home in Fort Myers, Florida which they had for 20 years. He bought a boat and was happiest on the water, watching hawks circle overhead and chatting with neighbours Cathy and Bill, who became close friends. He loved seeing wildlife – alligators, bears, and even a pair of panthers that once wandered past the house. Eddie also loved animals – especially his dogs. Muttley the dachshund became a family pet in an unconventional way: Eddie was working for a client who had a litter, and his 'fee' was one of the pups. Over time, Muttley became as much Violet and Anthony's dog as his own. Later came Ellie, who went everywhere in the van – once locking herself inside it, to Eddie's great amusement and frustration. Eddie had to break into his own van to get the dog out. In recent years, he enjoyed visits from Gavin's dog Ruby. Eddie could 'fix anything', and if he didn't know how, he'd find a way. He and Helen travelled widely – to China, where they dined with former Prime Minister Ted Heath through a mutual friend, to Mauritius, Canada, and on cruises across the Atlantic to New York before heading to Florida. Eddie is survived by wife Helen, sons Gavin and Jon and grand children Evan, Hamish, Lewis, Rhys, Maddy, Max, Rosie and Blair. He was also a dear brother and uncle.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jeff Stelling admitted 'low point of my career' involved Chris Kamara correction
Jeff Stelling once had the tables turned on him by Chris Kamara (Image: Getty Images) It's been two years to the day since football fans bid farewell to Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling. The broadcasting giant, 70, hosted a special edition of Soccer Saturday on the final day of the 2022/23 season before calling it quits after 25 memorable years. The Hartlepool United fanatic first took on the role in 1998. What followed was over two decades of laughs, drama and expert insight, all marshalled in style thanks to Stelling's first-class skills as a presenter. While the peerless Stelling was often the man making the jokes at the expense of his studio pundits, he once confessed that a swift role-reversal was one of the 'lowest points' of his Soccer Saturday tenure. While many of Soccer Saturday's pundits became household names, it's safe to say none drew the limelight, and love from viewers, as much as Chris Kamara did. Often hailed as Stelling's partner in crime, the duo whipped up many iconic moments together over the years. While Kamara had a reputation for making the odd gaffe, he took great pride in getting one over on Stelling back in October 2016, to the presenter's dismay. The now 67-year-old was covering West Ham's home tie with Sunderland when he noticed that his esteemed host had strayed into a rare blunder. "Let's go and find out what's happening at Upton Park. West Ham nil Sunderland nil, does this look like it's going to end in deadlock to you Chris Kamara?," Stelling probed. Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling worked together for over two decades (Image: DAILY MIRROR) Chris Kamara and Jeff Stelling are known to be good friends on and off the TV (Image: X/@chris_kammy) Kamara quickly replied: "The London Stadium you mean Jeff? Get it right... come on." Stelling, reeling from the realisation that he'd forgotten that the Hammers had actually left Upton Park a few months prior, didn't take the correction particularly well. "That's the low point in my career," he quipped. "Chris Kamara telling me to get it right. Unbelievable Kammy." The pair's on-screen chemistry also helped gift supporters one of UK sports' most comical moments. Football fans will no doubt recall Stelling yelling in typical animated fashion: "There's been a red card at Fratton Park, but for who Chris Kamara?," Famously, this was then met by Kamara, with an oblivious, yet hilarious response of: "I don't know Jeff, has there? I must have missed that." Stelling initially announced he was stepping down at the end of the 2021/22 season, but went back on his decision and opted to stay for one more year. He has since been heard on radio, and was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to sport, broadcasting and charity. Kamara meanwhile stepped down from his role on Soccer Saturday at the end of 2021/22 football season after working on Soccer Saturday for 24 years. Months prior to his exit, he revealed that "live TV might have to take a back seat" as he opened up on his diagnosis with apraxia of speech. At the time, Stelling showed his class by sending a touching tribute to Kamara, saying: 'Kammy you still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all of your reports on Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal, keep going!" Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson to be honoured at Windsor Castle
She is among those who will be honoured on Tuesday. Also due to attend the investiture ceremony is former F1 driver and Sky Sports broadcaster Martin Brundle, 65, who was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list. Meanwhile, retired Merseyside Police detective chief superintendent Mark Baker, who investigated the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, will receive a King's Police Medal (KPM). Nine-year-old Olivia was fatally shot by drug dealer Thomas Cashman, who was later sentenced to life with a minimum term of 42 years in April 2023. Gail and Jason O'Shea, from Brentwood, Essex, will also be honoured, having been made MBEs for charitable services to terminally and seriously ill children after co-founding Wipe Away Those Tears.
