Latest news with #SarahCox
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Survey shows 18% volunteer rate across Scotland amid changing trends
As Volunteers' Week approaches (2nd to 8th June), Ansvar Insurance is calling attention to the changing face of volunteering and what it means for charities and not-for-profit organisations. With digital opportunities rising and the volunteer demographic shifting, understanding these trends is key to supporting and protecting the vital work of volunteers across Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... According to the latest Scottish Household Survey (released in November 2024), 18% of respondents stated they had taken part in formal volunteering at least once in 2023. The traditional image of volunteering is being redefined. More opportunities are emerging that allow individuals to contribute remotely, utilising digital platforms to support causes they care about. This shift demands new skill sets from volunteers, with digital literacy becoming increasingly valued. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the survey shows that a large proportion of volunteers nationally are aged 35 and over, nfp Research's Time for Good Volunteering Report (released in April 2025) highlights a rise in youth volunteering across the UK, with participation among 16 to 24-year-olds rising from 21% in 2012 to 34% in 2024. Survey shows 18% volunteer rate across Scotland amid changing trends Sarah Cox, Managing Director of Ansvar, an expert insurer in the charity and not-for-profit sectors, commented: 'Volunteering today is no longer just about shaking a bucket or manning a stall, and this presents both opportunities and challenges for charities. There is an increase in digital and flexible volunteering roles, which opens up opportunities for more people – but it also creates new considerations for managing volunteers safely and effectively.' An increase in remote volunteering opportunities does mean charities need to review their existing risk management strategies. Issues such as data protection for volunteers handling sensitive information remotely, ensuring a safe working environment for home-based volunteers and the potential for cyber security breaches now need to be considered. Public liability factors may also evolve as volunteers engage in activities online or in different settings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Charities need to adapt their insurance policies to reflect these evolving volunteer roles,' added Sarah Cox. 'For instance, ensuring that employers' liability covers remote volunteers and that cyber liability is adequate in an increasingly digital environment is crucial. Clear guidelines and communication with volunteers about their roles and responsibilities are also vital for effective risk management.' Ansvar also encourages charities to reframe how they promote volunteering opportunities. From content creation and fundraising strategy to befriending services and logistics, today's roles are diverse, skills-based and accessible to all ages. Sarah Cox concluded:
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'We have events that hold a place in our heart' -new series starring Bolton presenter
Bolton TV presenter and radio broadcaster Sara Cox will be starring in a new series bringing alive people's most special memories - in miniature form. The eight-part BBC Daytime series will celebrate 'cherished memories and moments of time' in The Marvellous Miniatures Workshop. Professional model makers will bring places, people and iconic moments in time back to life via miniature models. The Bolton-born presenter said that she "can't wait" to find out the backstory behind each model. She said: "We all have life events that hold a special place in our heart, so I'm absolutely thrilled we are going to be recreating cherished memories and moments in time using the astonishing skills of our miniaturists. "This show taps into our fascination with the tiny, from fantasy film to classic literature and as a naturally very nosey person, I personally can't wait to find out the beautiful backstory that inspires each creation." Sarah Cox will present the new show The special one-off models will celebrate cherished and emotional family stories, as well as cultural heritage around events, design and fashions. Whether it is a life event, a snap-shot of mid-century design or a memory tied to trends of the past, these models say the BBC will serve as "tiny yet powerful windows into the way things were". To ensure the models are as authentic as possible, the miniaturists must embark on an investigative journey to uncover the personal stories behind each request, as well as dig into historical and cultural references to craft them as true and realistic as possible. Production company MGM Alternative will use the latest technology and microscopic cameras to get up close and personal, capturing the minute details and craft that goes into creating these special models. Have a story? Get in touch at The artists will also have to dig into historical and cultural references to make sure that they are as "true and realistic as possible". Rachel Platt, commissioning editor for BBC Daytime, said: 'Many of us will remember our first set of building blocks, train set, or dolls house, so what a thrill to have one of those miniature worlds created around your own special memory. 'Combining the nation's love of model-making with stories that are at once deeply personal and wonderfully relatable, each episode of this genuinely delightful series will be full of emotion, nostalgia - and exceptional skill.' READ MORE: Channel 4 launches Handcuffed fronted by Jonathan Ross READ MORE: Open air 'Wind in the Willows' production set for Ramsbottom READ MORE: Bolton presenter Sara Cox asks whether Facebook friends are real friends in new TV series Audiences will be taken on an emotional journey from start to finish, from meeting the people who want to capture their special moment, their background on why it's so important to them, to the research that goes into getting every detail correct. There will be challenges along the way, from identifying accurate furnishing colours and materials from over half a century ago, to recreating interiors and buildings that have long since been derelict. At the end of each episode is the big reveal; Have the miniaturists faithfully re-created the place of so many memories - and the reaction when childhood memories are recreated. Dom Bird, SVP at MGM Alternative UK, said: 'MGM is delighted to be growing our slate of BBC programmes in 2025, with this original new series combining deeply personal stories and incredible craftsmanship with joyous surprises and reveals. 'These perfect replicas will bring back to life those locations that changed and shaped people's lives, while the models will be small, the heart and joy in this series promises to be huge.'
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Iconic Wallace and Gromit character lands spin-off movie – but there's a catch
AN Iconic Wallace and Gromit spin-off character has landed another spin-off movie. However, for fans hoping to see Wallace and Gromit following the success of their Christmas flick, Vengeance Most Fowl, they will be left disappointed. 4 Shaun the Sheep has landed his THIRD movie but there will be no appearances from the much-loved Wallace and Gromit. Aardman Animation has confirmed that Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, is in the works for release this Halloween. The movie will be produced in association with StudioCanal with Sky on board as UK distributor. Teasers for the flick reveal that the residents of Messy Bottom will be looking forward to a spooky and fun-filled Halloween but the clumsy Farmer soon wreaks havoc and trashes the beloved pumpkin patch. Shaun will then try to help and will don his best mad scientist hat to come up with a solution. But things are sure to go awry when Shaun is involved. When things spiral, a wild beast will soon be roaming around the woodlands. Sarah Cox, the chief creative director at Aardman, said of the new flick: 'Shaun the Sheep is an iconic character, beloved by viewers of all ages around the world. 'In our new animated movie, we bring family-friendly thrills to this light-hearted, spooky Halloween adventure. "Expect smashed pumpkins, wayward science, and a wild hairy beast on the loose in Mossy Bottom – all delivered with the Flock's trademark joyous comedy.' The previous instalment's director Steve Cox will be back to direct the movie. StudioCanal's Anna Marsh and Ron Halpern added: 'We have taken such pride in establishing Shaun the Sheep and the flock as a cinematic must for audiences across the globe and in this – our third feature film in the franchise – we have a tantalising seasonal hook in Halloween with thrills, spills, surprises, a touch of science and characters old and new. "We cannot wait to reveal more of this highly anticipated family treat in the coming months. "It's a genuine pleasure to be back in partnership with Aardman for Shaun's very welcome return to the big screen.' Wallace and Gromit: Films and TV Series Beloved animated characters Wallace and Gromit made their first appearance in 1989. Over the following decades, they have become ingrained in popular culture and have won prestigious awards. Let's take a look at their extensive filmography. Films A Grand Day Out (1989): The pair's very first adventure, a short film which premiered at an animation festival in Bristol. It was broadcast on Channel 4 on Christmas Day 1990. It was also the first time that Last of the Summer Wine actor Peter Sallis voiced Wallace. The Wrong Trousers (1993): This second short film premiered in 1993 and introduced the villain Feathers McGraw. It won the Academy Award for Best Short Film. A Close Shave (1995): The duo's third short film which also featured the debut of Shaun, the future title character of Shaun the Sheep. Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005): The first feature-length Wallace and Gromit film, which featured the voices of Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Peter Kay alongside that of Peter Sallis as Wallace. This film's critical acclaim included winning a number of awards, namely the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008): The fourth Wallace and Gromit short film. This was a murder mystery which starred Peter Sallis, Ben Whitehead, Sally Lindsay and Geraldine McEwan. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024): The second feature length Wallace and Gromit film. It features the return of Feathers McGraw and is also the first full film performance for Ben Whitehead as Wallace. He previously shared the role with Peter Sallis in A Matter of Loaf and Death. TV series Wallace and Gromit's Cracking Contraptions (2002): A series of ten stop-motion animation shorts of approximately one to three minutes each. All ten shorts were aired on BBC One. Wallace and Gromit's World of Invention (2010): A science-themed miniseries and Peter Sallis' last acting project before his retirement. Sallis died in 2017, at the age of 96. 4 4
The Guardian
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Aardman announces third Shaun the Sheep movie: The Beast of Mossy Bottom
A Halloween-themed third Shaun the Sheep film is in the works from Aardman Animations, following hot on the heels of the success of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. 'Expect smashed pumpkins, wayward science, and a wild hairy beast,' said Sarah Cox, chief creative director of Aardman, about the film, which launches international sales via studio StudioCanal at Cannes next week, but has already been acquired by Sky for UK distribution. 'Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom sees the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm looking forward to Halloween – until the clumsy farmer trashes the flock's beloved pumpkin patch!' runs a synopsis for the film. 'When Shaun turns mad scientist to fix the problem, things rapidly spiral out of control … With the farmer missing and a wild beast roaming the woods of Mossingham, all the ingredients are in place for a monstrously fun family adventure.' Shaun the Sheep and some of his flock first appeared in the 1995 Wallace & Gromit film A Close Shave. Six TV series have followed – with a seventh reportedly due later this year – as well as a spin-off show for pre-schoolers, Timmy Time. The two big-screen outings, 2015's The Shaun the Sheep Movie and 2019's A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon were both considerable hits, with the first in particular also attracting glowing reviews. Even more than Wallace & Gromit or Aardman's other key property, Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep has been a massive international export, thanks to the absence of dialogue and the easily comprehensible family dynamics. The TV show is broadcast in more than 170 territories worldwide, and there is a Shaun the Sheep theme park in Japan. Nick Park will serve as one of the executive producers of the new film, while the writers and directors are graduates of the likes of Vengeance Most Fowl, The Shaun the Sheep Movie and Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas. Halloween is a frequent touchstone for Aardman, which used it as the setting for 2005's Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. One of the most recent episodes of Shaun the Sheep, Pumpkin Peril, sees the flock trying to save the farmer's prized patch from a ghostly monster which devours them at night – and turns out to be some enthusiastic snails. 'Shaun the Sheep is an iconic character, beloved by viewers of all ages around the world. In our new animated movie, we bring family-friendly thrills to this light-hearted, spooky Halloween adventure,' said Cox As well as winning two Baftas and being nominated for an Oscar, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl broke festive viewing records, after debuting on BBC One on Christmas Day, and on Netflix shortly after.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tri-county government aims to make rural roads safer and easier to travel
MCCLELLANVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) -The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments hosted an open house Monday night to get public input on their Rural Long Range Transportation plan. The council of governments heard from residents about how they can make transportation in rural areas easier and safer. The council has held open houses on the rural long-range transportation plan in different rural areas across the low country. Monday night in Mcclellanville officials asked the community to identify problems and develop priorities for their transportation plan funding over the next 20 years. 'We're looking at roadways, we're looking at bike and pedestrian we're looking at transit needs or any elements of roadway safety that communities are really challenged by,' said Sarah Cox, the senior transportation planner of the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments. One topic that came up often was the dangers of getting onto highway 17. 'Highway 17 to me is one of the most dangerous highways in the country. When I came here tonight it took me 3 minutes to get on the highway,' said Leland McClellan, a Mclellanville resident. The agency hosted 4 community meetings before the holidays and are hosting another 4 this week into next. 'Some feedback we did get was some of those higher traveled intersections, there's increased traffic volumes and the possibility, if warranted, to put in traffic signals or improving the overall geometry of certain intersections to make it safe,' said Cox. They're also gathering data through an online survey, asking residents questions like: what are the major transportation issues you face in the rural areas of the tri-county region? And what do you think are the most effective ways of improving transportation in the region. The council will host an additional meeting on Tuesday in Saint George, another on Wednesday in Berkeley County at the cross-community center and again next week in Hollywood. Members of the council say they hope to wrap up their planning by this summer. You can take the survey here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
