Latest news with #Northants
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Middlesex closing in on victory over Northants
Rothesay County Championship Division Two, Northwood (day three) Middlesex 625-8 dec: Holden 151, Williamson 114, Du Plooy 105, Cracknell 73; Zaib 3-70 Northamptonshire 261 & 64-3: Sales 26; Higgins 2-19 Northants (2 pts) trail Middlesex (8 pts) by 300 runs with seven wickets remaining Match scorecard Ryan Higgins moved to the top of Middlesex's wicket-taking chart for the season as his side closed in on victory over Northamptonshire at Merchant Taylors' School. Higgins finished with 4-51, with Noah Cornwell taking 3-48 as the visitors were made to follow on 364 behind – and the medium-pacer then grabbed two quick top-order wickets second time around to further improve his season's tally to 32. Northamptonshire stumbled to 64-3 at stumps and their plight would have been deeper but for rain stoppages and Saif Zaib's first-innings 82, which made him the county's first player to register 1,000 first-class runs in a season since Ben Duckett in 2016. Zaib was almost the fastest to that landmark across the Championship circuit, but the 27-year-old narrowly missed out to Surrey's Dom Sibley, who got there just 15 minutes earlier at Scarborough. Middlesex rotated their seam quartet when the visitors resumed on 126-4, but their spin options were limited after Zafar Gohar, tumbling to deal with George Bartlett's cover drive, landed awkwardly on his shoulder and had to leave the field. Bartlett, having steered Tom Helm neatly through gully for four, repeated the stroke later in the over and picked out the fielder this time, but Zaib continued to progress steadily as he built a partnership with Rob Keogh. Keogh, who had injured a finger while fielding on day one, did well to withstand a couple of Helm deliveries that rose sharply down the slope and helped Zaib to add 55 before Cornwell had him caught down the leg side. The left-hander went on to pass 50 for the ninth time in this season's Championship, ushering Northamptonshire's total beyond 200 before rain arrived to send the players off for an early lunch. Dom Leech provided spirited support, finding the boundary four times in his knock of 22 while Zaib capitalised on successive short balls from Leus du Plooy, pulling the slow left-armer for six and four. Higgins broke the seventh-wicket stand of 64 with two dismissals in as many deliveries, with Leech caught top-edging a hook before Ben Sanderson was lbw without scoring to leave the visitors eight down. A more persistent spell of rain held up play for the next hour and a half – but it took just three balls for Cornwell to wrap up Northamptonshire's first innings, knocking out Zaib's off stump with one that seamed back before cleaning up Yuzvendra Chahal with a yorker. After another weather-affected delay, Higgins reclaimed centre stage, winning what looked like a borderline lbw decision against Ricardo Vasconcelos and castling Aadi Sharma next ball to leave the visitors reeling at 10-2. James Sales began redressing the balance with a series of positive shots in his knock of 26, but he attempted one too many and lost his middle stump to Toby Roland-Jones. Stand-in skipper Lewis McManus remained defiant, punching Helm off the back foot to the fence to reach 21 not out before the light deteriorated sufficiently for the umpires to bring play to a close. Report supplied by ECB Reporters' Network, supported by Rothesay Get cricket news sent straight to your phone
The Guardian
22-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
‘Magical': butterfly sightings across the UK this summer
'I spend my time recording and photographing wildlife and am the Northants county recorder for diptera (true flies). In the last couple of weeks, I've taken photos of some common butterflies in the woods around here including brimstones (pictured), large skippers and gatekeepers. They are typical of this area and of the midlands as a whole.' John, Rothwell Photograph: John/Guardian Community 'I live in the countryside and it's been an incredible year for butterflies – we've seen marbled whites, tortoiseshells (pictured), red admirals and ringlets. I always think of an entry in The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady where she says she turned a corner into a lane and walked into a cloud of meadow browns. It makes me sad that this almost never happens these days, though this year, walking past butterfly-friendly plants, there have been small clouds of gatekeepers and meadow browns and it's magical.' Charlotte, West Yorkshire Photograph: Charlotte/Guardian Community A hairstreak butterfly: 'This year has been much better for butterflies and I try and take part in the big butterfly count. The number of bigger butterflies seem to have been reasonable but I think the dry conditions have meant some of the food plants like black knapweed have suffered. I was in Castleton recently and stood watching a buddleia covered in different butterflies such as red admirals and small tortoiseshells – it's been a while since I'd seen so many butterflies in one place.' Chris, South Yorkshire Photograph: Chris/Guardian Community 'Visiting nature reserves such as Bradfield Woods, Strumpshaw Fen and canoeing on the broads we have seen lots of butterflies this year. This photo of a Swallowtail was at How Hill in Norfolk.' Phil, Suffolk Photograph: Phil /Guardian Community 'So far this year I have seen 31 butterfly species within 30 miles of Bath, and I expect to see several more by the end of the summer. Some species like small tortoiseshell have not fared well but others have. Marsh fritillaries bred at their only known North Somerset site for the first time in six years, and wandering individuals turned up in some strange place around Bath and Bristol, miles from any suitable habitat. In woodland areas, Silver-washed fritillaries (pictured) seem to be doing well and I've found them drinking in the mud by springs and streams in the dry weather.' Mike, Bath Photograph: Mike/Guardian Community 'After last year being so bleak for butterflies, it's good to see many more this summer. Brimstones, orange tips and whites have all been seen in numbers, followed by a much better year for peacocks and red admirals. Small tortoiseshells, that used to be everywhere once upon a time, still seem to be struggling but at least more sightings this year. Pictured is a marbled white seen near the chalk pit of the old railway line in Kiplincotes.' Steph, East Yorkshire Photograph: Steph/Guardian Community 'This was quite an unusual sighting. The purple emperor is usually seen around the tops of large oaks, this male was seen at the top of the Malvern Hills.' Ian, Worcestershire Photograph: Ian/Guardian Community 'I have a rather wild garden with a pond and as many insect friendly plants as I can fit in. Last year I saw a few butterflies, this year there have been clouds of butterflies and many day-flying moths. Most of the common species like gatekeepers (pictured) have visited but no blues yet.' Will Cave, 63, GP, South Somerset Photograph: Will Cave/Guardian Community 'Summer for me means getting out and photographing dragonflies and butterflies. On a recent trip to Suffolk I visited a number of nature reserves and was pleased to see lots of butterflies about this year. Favourites include a silver-studded blue on Westleton Heath (pictured), a green-veined white at Minsmere and a comma at Hen Reedbeds.' Alan, Cambridge Photograph: Alan/Guardian Community
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Vintage Aston Martin from the 60s so rare only a handful were ever made hits the market for eye-watering price
A RARE vintage Aston Martin has hit the market for a staggering price. The super rare Aston is described as a classic grand tourer and could be yours for a whopping £250,000. 5 5 The 1966 DB6 Mk1 Vantage comes fitted with a manual ZF gearbox. Finished in silver originally, the vintage motor has now been refinished in slate grey. The new colour perfectly compliments the rare motor's stylish black leather interior. The DB6 is to be sold at auction by Iconic Auctioneers at Silverstone, Northants on Saturday August 23. Well looked after by its previous owner, the Aston has clocked up just a few thousand miles since 1991. It has only logged 68,733 miles in total and a full restoration of the vintage car was completed in 2010. Its listing states: "The car was fully restored between 2008 and 2010 by Aston Workshop and Pugsley & Lewis with a colour change to slate grey. "More recently, the ZF gearbox was fully overhauled and there is correspondence from the Aston Martin factory thanking the owner for allowing his DB6 to be used for assessing a new gear set design for the ZF 'box. "EJX 342D was purchased by our vendor from the Aston Workshop in October 2017 with an indicated mileage of 68,733 from new, with less than 5,000 of these added since 1991. "Recent maintenance includes a full service by Hilton and Moss in July 2023 (£10,000) including renewing rear seals, new hubs, electric window refurb and new tyres. Fully restored first edition of iconic Ford motor to be auctioned for huge price after £130k spent on its renovation "Later attention in February 2025 by Farringtons of Knutsford included a full service and the wheel arches and under body were ice blasted and then retreated. "The car is supplied with its V5C, history file, a quantity of expired MOTs dating back to 1991 and the current MOT valid until 2nd April 2026. "While this attractive Aston would make an impressive addition to any collection and would surely be welcome at prestigious classic car events anywhere, we can't help feeling that its best years are still ahead. "Make no mistake, these are now rare cars. "The factory only produced 268 Mk1 DB6 Saloons to a Vantage specification and very few of these were fitted with the manual 5-speed gearbox - the ultimate incarnation. "This is a great opportunity to own a classic Aston which is totally usable and a delight to drive." An initial estimated price of £200,000 - £250,000 has been listed for the super rare vintage motor. Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal. Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week. Here's what you need to know before attending an auction: Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand. Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly. Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups. Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly. Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it. Key phrases to look out for: 'No major mechanical faults' – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine. 'Specified faults' – the auctioneer will read out specific faults. 'Sold as seen' – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale. 'Sold with a warranted mileage' - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check. 5 5 5
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Ducati motorbiker arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving after collision left e-scooter rider dead
A Ducati motorbiker has been arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving after a crash with an e-scooter rider, which left her dead. A woman in her 30s was killed in the collision in Corby, Northants on Saturday afternoon after her scooter was hit by the powerful grey vehicle. Emergency services arrived on the scene shortly after the incident at around 4.45pm and arrested a man in his 50s when they got there. A pathologist is to carry out a post mortem examination on the woman's body and an inquest will be opened and adjourned at a later date. A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: 'The incident happened in Jubilee Avenue at about 4.45pm. 'Sadly, the rider of the e-scooter, a woman in her 30s, died at the scene. 'The rider of the Ducati, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail pending further inquiries. 'Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have CCTV or dash cam footage of the collision.'
News.com.au
27-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Luxe hotel hits market for just $2 — but there's a catch
A luxury hotel in the UK has hit the market for an insane price of £1 ($A2) after a property developer forked out £3.2 million ($A6.7 million) into the doomed renovation of the building. Na'im Payman splashed £2.2 million ($A4.6 million) on The Royal Hotel in Kettering, Northants in 2020. He also another million pounds ($A2.1 million) revamping the site. The businessman has now run out of funding to complete the project, turning the complex into a wedding venue, restaurant, nightclub and café. Now, property-hunters have been given an opportunity to buy the historic landmark for the 'unprecedented' guide price of just ($A2) — with no reserve. During its 147 year history, the 43-bedroom hotel has hosted the likes of Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens. The hotel features a grand ballroom, a billiard room with a stunning glass dome, former bar and multiple function spaces. However, there is one catch — potential buyers have been warned it will cost at least another $A2.1 million to finish the project Mr Payman started. 'It is with great regret that we're selling the Royal Hotel in Kettering,' Mr Payman told SWNS as reported by the New York Post. 'This hotel has held a particularly special place in my heart, given its prominent role in the town and the deep affection the local community has for it. 'I had truly hoped we would be able to restore it in a way that honoured its legacy and served as a catalyst for the revitalisation of Kettering's town centre. 'To date, we have invested nearly $1.4 million ($A2.1 million) in refurbishing parts of the property, identifying features of historical significance, preparing applications and drawings to bring our vision to life, and fine-tuning the branding and digital identity. 'This included plans for a boutique cinema — especially timely following the recent closure of the Odeon — and in response to strong community demand for such a facility. 'The property showed great promise as a popular venue for weddings and events, complete with a mini-spa, bridal salon, co-working spaces, café and restaurant. 'Unfortunately, despite my best efforts over the past year, I have been unable to secure the remaining funds required to complete the project. 'We had an investor willing to lend £3 million ($A6.1 million) but they pulled out, so we have run out of time and money. 'As a result, I have had to make the very difficult decision to sell. 'I sincerely hope that someone who shares our vision for the future of the Royal Hotel will step forward to purchase the property and carry the project through, rather than see it converted into apartments. 'To support this, we are more than happy to share all drawings and heritage reports we have developed, in order to assist the new owners in delivering this project both swiftly and successfully. 'I anticipate it would still cost at least £1 million ($A2.1 million) to see the vision through and hope potential buyers will see the amazing potential it still holds.' The hotel was rebuilt in 1878 by the Duke of Buccleuch, who sold it to brewers Pickering, Phipps and Co in 1896. Charles Dickens stayed in the hotel in 1835 as a reporter for the Morning Chronicle covering the Northamptonshire elections. The hotel's name changed in 1844 when Queen Victoria stopped in room 12 on her way to Stamford, Lincs. Previously used by the Home Office to house migrants, building work started on the ballroom to transform it back to its former glory. All the bedrooms were stripped back to allow the interiors to be remodelled with attempts to preserve the historically important Victorian architectural features. As well as a large basement nightclub, the hotel has commercial storefronts and a café facing the Market Place. Estate agents Howsold say on their property listing: 'A truly unique opportunity to acquire and re-imagine one of Kettering's most iconic buildings. 'The Royal Hotel, a Grade II listed, late-Victorian landmark, is now available for purchase, offering a substantial footprint in the town's primary commercial centre. 'With proposed architectural plans available, the Royal Hotel offers the chance to create a modern hotel and premier events venue, restoring a treasured piece of local heritage to its former glory.' The auction takes place on July 31 and offers can be made online.
