Latest news with #TeessideUniversity
BBC News
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Middlesbrough residential parking permit charges paused
A council has halted its policy to implement resident parking permit would have seen affected residents in Middlesbrough pay £25 for an initial permit and £40 for any additional ones, as a way of helping to cover the £360,000 annual cost of operating resident parking Peter Gavigan said the council was able to pause the plan, which was set to come into effect from April, because of the authority's "impressive" financial confirmed the change of policy at a full council meeting on Wednesday, where he also stated his intention to recommend the charges be "fully removed". There are currently 12 resident parking zones across Middlesbrough and the new proposals were originally passed as part of the 2024/25 budget setting Rachel Foster said the charges would "severely" affect the wellbeing and financial position of residents. Council's 'stronger position' According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Gavigan told the meeting that as a result of the council's financial turnaround it was "now in a stronger position to look again at some of the difficult decisions"."One of those is the introduction of charges for resident parking permits," he said."I will bring a report forward to the executive in the near future, with the recommendation that they are fully removed."The council outlined the resident parking zones were currently in operation largely focused on areas close to the town centre, Teesside University and James Cook Hospital.A digital permit system, Easipermit, was also in development and would go ahead as planned to modernise the service and reduce costs through a more efficient application and enforcement process, the council explained. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Three inspirational speakers to take the stage at County Durham event
Three inspirational guest speakers will take the stage at a special event in County Durham to mark International Women's Day. Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, will host the event, titled 'A World of Inspiration', at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on March 8. The speakers include Nigerian-born Doncaster artist, curator, and advisor Chinwe Russell; Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, a multi-disciplinary scholar at Teesside University; and Sarah Price, head of Locomotion at the Science Museum Group. Artist Jilly Johnson working on her portrait of Elsie Marley (Image: DCC) The event will also feature two new exhibitions - '20 Historical Women Who Changed The World' and 'Inspirational Women of Durham'. The first exhibition, displayed in Bishop Auckland Town Hall's main gallery, provides an insight into the lives of women whose work has significantly impacted the contemporary world. This collection, from Chinwe Russell, includes well-known figures such as Marie Curie, Elizabeth I, and Florence Nightingale, along with many lesser-known women whose works continue to shape people's daily lives. Artist Chinwe Russell, who is a guest speaker (Image: DCC) The second exhibition, 'Inspirational Women of Durham', will be displayed in the venue's Strong Room gallery space. It features five larger-than-life portraits of women from County Durham who have been inspirational within their communities. These include the county's current Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, and 18th-century pub landlady Elsie Marley, who inspired a song that is still sung today. The portraits were created by artist Jilly Johnson with help from the team at Durham County Council's heritage and registration venue, The Story. : A portrait of Nwanyeruwa, a Nigerian advocate for women's rights in the early 20th Century, by Chinwe Russell (Image: DCC) The exhibition also includes a soundscape by Marie Gardiner featuring the voices of County Durham women. Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council's cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "International Women's Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the achievements of women who have shaped the world in which we live today. "But it's not just about looking back; it's about looking forward and considering how we can continue to strive for gender equality. "It's about inspiring people of all genders to follow their dreams and shining a light on the opportunities that exist. "The speakers taking part in this event bring a wealth of experience and unique perspectives, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to Bishop Auckland Town Hall." Chinwe Russell, one of the speakers, is a renowned artistic visionary and industry leader who captivates audiences with her distinctive, emotionally evocative, big, bold narrative art. She is a force in the community, passionately advocating for active involvement in the visual arts. Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, another speaker, is a professor of art and public policy at Teesside University. Her work investigates the complexities of gender, identity, and representation through a unique combination of research, artistic practice, and curatorial projects. Sarah Price, the third speaker, has been head of Locomotion in Shildon since August 2018. In the last six years, she has led the transformation of the museum, including a wide range of capital projects. She is committed to ensuring that Locomotion becomes a place of inspiration for young and old alike, particularly this year as people all over the world celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The event, 'A World of Inspiration', starts at 10am on March 8, with tickets priced at £3. The exhibitions, '20 Historical Women Who Changed The World' and 'Inspirational Women of Durham', will run from March 1 to May 24. For more information about Bishop Auckland Town Hall's galleries and exhibitions, visit their website.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ramadan volunteers to give food to students
Volunteers will give out hundreds of food parcels to hungry students during Ramadan. Businessman Imran Bahar handed out more than 100 packages a day in Middlesbrough when he did the same thing last year, saying: "You can see in their eyes that [students] are struggling." The National Union of Students (NUS) said students "clearly need more money in their pockets" and that the number of students using food banks had doubled to 14%. The Department of Education said it was taking steps to offer more financial support to students. Mr Bahar said students in Middlesbrough town centre, especially those from other countries and poor backgrounds, were struggling to find work and to eat. "It's difficult for them to even find a job, there aren't enough jobs here," he said. He and his 11-year-old daughter Zaira handed out meals for three days a week during the religious period last year, and often gave out between 100 and120 packs a day. Mr Bahar said they had "massive queues" last year. "It kind of humbles you," he said, adding: "It shows how important food actually is." Ramadan is expected to begin on 28 February and will end on 30 March. What are Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan and how do Muslims mark them? NUS President Amira Campbell said students from working class and low-income backgrounds were "more likely to be going hungry and skipping meals". She said international students were only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week and received no maintenance support from the government. Student money expert at Save the Student Tom Allingham said no single institution could solve the problem. Its latest survey found 9% of respondents had used a food bank in the last 12 months. Mr Allingham said: "While this was down on the previous year, it's still far too high, and yet another indicator that the cost of living crisis is lingering on for students." Teesside University, whose main campus is in Middlesbrough, said it was actually seeing a decrease in the number of students accessing its existing support there and in the community. A university spokesperson said: "We recognise that across all sectors of society the cost of living crisis is having an impact, and applaud any efforts to help disadvantaged people and support community cohesion." A Department for Education spokesperson said the government would "fix the foundations of higher education to deliver change for students". They said maximum loans would be increased in line with inflation to support students with living costs. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. What is Eid al-Fitr and how do Muslims celebrate it? Students cut back on food as cost of living soars National Union of Students Save The Student Teesside University
The Independent
13-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
7 tips for wearing bright colours over 70
Should you wear bright, attention-grabbing clothes as you get older? Of course you should – but bear in mind that skin tone and hair colour change as we age, the same colours that suited you in your 20s might look different on you in your 70s. It may be tempting to opt for softer tones if you feel like you want to fade into the background. But that's definitely not the case for everyone, and wearing bright colours can help draw attention and lift your mood, which may be just what the doctor ordered. 'Societal norms traditionally have dictated a more muted palette for an older person, with pastels and neutral shades appealing to [them] due to their association with classic design trends,' explains Lynne Hugill, principal lecturer in fashion at Teesside University. 'But there are plenty of examples of colour being worn with confidence in the over-70s. A brighter palette for our clothing can lift our moods – confidence can be a more liberating approach to celebrate ageing rather than the societal perception of a reduced visibility as we get older.' So what's the best way to do it? 1. Bear colour psychology in mind Hugill says: 'Colour psychology suggests our preferences and emotional responses to colours change as we age. Older people may prefer warmer tones which are easier to see, and may be averse to neon or high contrast in colour due to sensitivity to brightness. 'Blues and greens can give calming and restful properties, helping with stress and anxiety, while yellows and oranges are associated with warmth and happiness, combating feelings of loneliness.' 2. Wear bright accessories Fashion expert and stylist Oriona Robb says bringing a splash of colour to your look doesn't mean you have to replace all your muted garments. 'Incorporating bright colours into your wardrobe doesn't mean overhauling your entire style. Start by introducing vibrant accessories like scarves or necklaces to add a pop of colour, and pair bright pieces with neutral tones to create a balanced look. 'Remember, the goal is to find shades that make you feel confident and comfortable, reflecting your personal style.' 3. Regularly review your wardrobe The colours and styles that suited you when you were young may not look right when you're older, Hugill points out. 'As we age, our hair colour and complexion naturally change, just as our body shape and personal style evolve over the years,' she says. 'What suited us in our youth may no longer complement our features or reflect our personality as we grow older.' Greying hair, changes in skin tone, and shifts in body proportions can influence how different colours and styles look, and she adds: 'Our lifestyle, career, and confidence levels may also impact our fashion choices. Regularly reviewing our wardrobe is essential to make sure our clothing and colour choices complement our appearance and reflect our changing identity.' 4. No more than three colours per outfit According to a new study by British clothing retailer Joules, 64% of Brits want to add more colour and pattern to their wardrobes, but more than half (58%) feel nervous about doing it, and half (50%) don't know where to start. Joules has teamed up with colour expert Charlotte Elizabeth, who advises: 'Always stick to no more than three colours when building an outfit, and as a general rule, you want to learn how to recognise cool from warm colours and don't mix them as they won't create harmony or a balanced, stylish look. 'If you're new to wearing colour, start by building your wardrobe around your core neutrals and then add a pop of colour to create a stylish look.' 5. Don't be frightened to be bright Fashion expert Fausta Urte Geigaite says that as we age our eyes may perceive colours differently, with some shades appearing more muted, while others seem to pop with unexpected intensity. 'I usually tell my affected clients this change is a big opportunity,' she says. 'Many women over 70 gravitate towards softer pastels, fearing bolder shades will appear too much. But I argue the opposite – I believe a carefully chosen bright can be incredibly empowering.' She suggests using the colours in your wardrobe as a form of visual storytelling, explaining: 'A vibrant coral or a rich teal can communicate a sense of vitality and self-assuredness, defying the often-stereotyped image of older women. 'Don't be afraid to experiment – try unexpected combinations and see what resonates. It all comes down to discovering the colours that make you feel alive and not just the ones that match a textbook definition of beauty.' 6. Consider contrast Geigaite argues that traditional skin tone 'rules' become less rigid as we mature, and points out: 'Wrinkles and age spots add texture and depth to the skin, creating a beautiful tapestry that interacts with colour in unique ways. 'Instead of focusing on matching your skin, I advise that you consider the contrast. A bold colour can create a striking contrast against silver hair or a naturally paler complexion, resulting in a look that's both sophisticated and undeniably chic.' 7. Take inspiration from colourful celebrities Hugill points out the British designer Dame Zandra Rhodes continues to wear vivid pink hair and colourful outfits, and says the late American fashion designer Iris Apfel, who died last year at the age of 102, was still a fashion icon in her 90s, famous for her bold, eclectic style featuring bright hues and statement accessories. 'It could be argued that these personalities wearing extravagant bright colours are expressing their fashion identity and making themselves stand out,' says Hugill. 'Queen Elizabeth II also frequently wore bright coats and hats, making a stylish statement while ensuring the public, no matter where they were in a crowd, could see her.' And Robb adds: 'Embracing bright colours can be both flattering and uplifting – actress Helen Mirren, for instance, has been noted for her vibrant wardrobe choices, demonstrating that bold colours can be both elegant and age-appropriate.' Tu Cobalt Blazer, £25 Oliver Bonas Orange Carved Faux Fur £98
