Latest news with #WaterlooBridge
The Age
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
‘She knows the younger version of me': When two friends reunite after 50 years
Workmates in the 1960s, centenarian Iris Palmington and Moira Scully, 95, reunited when they moved into the same aged-care home in Melbourne. Now they lunch together, happy to have a friend they knew before they were 'old ladies'. Moira: My husband, Frank, and I had a newsagency in Sandringham and Iris came to work with us in the 1960s. She was in circulation and TattsLotto; I was in books and stationery. Iris was always charming and got on well with the customers. The Age was huge, especially with the weekend classifieds, and we had to deliver it to people's homes before seven in the morning. Some people would say, 'Where's my paper?' if it was just one minute past. Iris used to handle that. She always stood up for the paper boys. She worked with us for six years, but I lost track of her after that. Then, in 2018, she turns up here [at Mercy Place Fernhill]. I was so pleased! We sit together at lunchtime. She tells me I eat anything and everything. I've always been big, whereas she's tiny. I get hungry – I'm terrible! We love the same films, which is important here. We want good, frothy musicals of our era – South Pacific and High Society. We do the grizzles if there's something on that's on the more serious side. Iris chose Waterloo Bridge; it was so sad, I carried it around with me for a week. We love Friday night movies here; we're like little kids, with an interval and our plates of lollies. Iris still loves dressing up. If it's a special day, she'll have a tiara on. She always wears beads and a bit of lippie. She used to do ballet – I think she was on one of the trucks once at the Moomba Parade – and she's always spotlessly clean. Not me, I dribble a bit. But if she does dribble, she knows about it. She has a standard and wants that kept up. 'It's nice that she knows the younger version of me, that I haven't always been an old lady.' Moira Scully Iris is a passionate Carlton supporter; I barrack for Richmond. I used to watch the games but now I've got so much reading to do – I like Irish and Australian history – and I didn't anticipate the macular degeneration. I just have the football on silent so I can see the results, but Iris can tell you every jolly kick in the game. She has a little Carlton garden gnome outside her room and if he's happy, he looks outwards with his little glasses on, but if Carlton has lost, he's turned with his nose to the wall in disgrace. Carlton hasn't been doing well lately, so Iris is very cross with them. She's a goer, always ready to have fun. I'm not a talker like Iris; I'm more of a listener. We don't have the number of visitors we used to because a lot of them have gone to heaven if they're our age, and when they're gone, they're not replaced. Frank died a short time after I moved here, which was a very, very big loss. When Iris arrived, I was just pleased to have a friend here, somebody from the past. And Iris sometimes has funny stories to tell me about Frank. It's nice that she knows the younger version of me, that I haven't always been an old lady.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘She knows the younger version of me': When two friends reunite after 50 years
Workmates in the 1960s, centenarian Iris Palmington and Moira Scully, 95, reunited when they moved into the same aged-care home in Melbourne. Now they lunch together, happy to have a friend they knew before they were 'old ladies'. Moira: My husband, Frank, and I had a newsagency in Sandringham and Iris came to work with us in the 1960s. She was in circulation and TattsLotto; I was in books and stationery. Iris was always charming and got on well with the customers. The Age was huge, especially with the weekend classifieds, and we had to deliver it to people's homes before seven in the morning. Some people would say, 'Where's my paper?' if it was just one minute past. Iris used to handle that. She always stood up for the paper boys. She worked with us for six years, but I lost track of her after that. Then, in 2018, she turns up here [at Mercy Place Fernhill]. I was so pleased! We sit together at lunchtime. She tells me I eat anything and everything. I've always been big, whereas she's tiny. I get hungry – I'm terrible! We love the same films, which is important here. We want good, frothy musicals of our era – South Pacific and High Society. We do the grizzles if there's something on that's on the more serious side. Iris chose Waterloo Bridge; it was so sad, I carried it around with me for a week. We love Friday night movies here; we're like little kids, with an interval and our plates of lollies. Iris still loves dressing up. If it's a special day, she'll have a tiara on. She always wears beads and a bit of lippie. She used to do ballet – I think she was on one of the trucks once at the Moomba Parade – and she's always spotlessly clean. Not me, I dribble a bit. But if she does dribble, she knows about it. She has a standard and wants that kept up. 'It's nice that she knows the younger version of me, that I haven't always been an old lady.' Moira Scully Iris is a passionate Carlton supporter; I barrack for Richmond. I used to watch the games but now I've got so much reading to do – I like Irish and Australian history – and I didn't anticipate the macular degeneration. I just have the football on silent so I can see the results, but Iris can tell you every jolly kick in the game. She has a little Carlton garden gnome outside her room and if he's happy, he looks outwards with his little glasses on, but if Carlton has lost, he's turned with his nose to the wall in disgrace. Carlton hasn't been doing well lately, so Iris is very cross with them. She's a goer, always ready to have fun. I'm not a talker like Iris; I'm more of a listener. We don't have the number of visitors we used to because a lot of them have gone to heaven if they're our age, and when they're gone, they're not replaced. Frank died a short time after I moved here, which was a very, very big loss. When Iris arrived, I was just pleased to have a friend here, somebody from the past. And Iris sometimes has funny stories to tell me about Frank. It's nice that she knows the younger version of me, that I haven't always been an old lady.
Telegraph
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
The British Iranians cheering on Israeli bombers
He's got an Israeli badge on his black T-shirt, another Star of David on his megaphone and he's screaming 'IDF! IDF! IDF!' towards a seething crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Then Arman Yachui switches to Farsi: 'God bless Israel! Bring back the Shah!' Israel and Iran may be two countries at war, even if a ceasefire forced by Donald Trump is officially in place, but Yachui, 31, is one of a number of Iranians for Israel who believe only the Jewish state can save the country from itself – from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, and his increasingly authoritarian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who have imprisoned, tortured and killed many of their friends and family members. 'Israel is bombing the Islamic Republic, they are not bombing our country,' says Yachui, who left Iran when he was seven. 'And we need them to win.' Hamas, along with Hezbollah and the Houthis, its terrorist allies, are all proxies of the Islamic Republic and since the October 7 massacre, which sparked the Israel-Gaza war, British Iranians such as Yachui have joined hands with Jewish and Israeli communities and become like family. It is not just because they share the same enemy, but also because a victory for Israel could mean a victory for them. So, at every pro-Palestinian demonstration, they join Israel supporters in a counter-demonstration organised by a group called Stop the Hate. It was no exception last weekend. In a crowd near Waterloo Bridge, central London, on Saturday, Iranians outnumbered Israelis – even though just a day earlier, anti-regime activists outside the Iranian Embassy had been physically attacked. Waving not only Union flags and Israeli flags but also pre-Revolution Iranian insignia, they stood in protest against a much larger anti-Israel march that included demonstrators holding up pictures of the Ayatollah and placards reading 'No surrender' and 'Choose the right side of history.' 'There are so many of them and they have no idea what is really going on,' says Yachui, of the pro-Palestinians who create a bottleneck when they reach the counter-demonstration to scream 'shame on you' and 'murderers.' He shakes his head: 'They are supporting terrorism and they don't even realise it.' Paris Abdy, a teacher, was four during Ayatollah Khomeini's Islamic Revolution of 1979 and remembers how 'everything changed.' 'The cartoons I used to watch on television were suddenly stopped. I was at a school run by English nuns, and then suddenly I wasn't allowed to go anymore. 'I was arrested three times – for wearing lipstick, for wearing nail varnish and for being in an ice cream parlour with the younger members of my family. 'I met Sas [my husband] at a party – we were both rebels – and he said, 'I can't stand it anymore, we have to leave.'' Like many diaspora Iranians, she began attending demonstrations in 2022 after the murder of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish Iranian killed by the morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly. Her death sparked a wave of 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests both inside Iran and abroad. But, while these demonstrations briefly promised a real revolution against the increasing authoritarianism of the IRGC and police – especially towards women – they ultimately led to a horrendous backlash, with up to 1,000 people killed. For Iranians further afield, however, the protests provided a glimmer of hope. 'The young people in Iran are so brave, they are amazing,' says Abdy. 'They are fighting for [a better future], and I want to get our country back for them too.' Sporting a placard saying 'Make Iran Persia Again' Anahita, a 49-year-old pharmacist who left Iran 21 years ago after her mother's uncle and cousin were both murdered, says her family and friends in Iran welcome Israel's attack. 'Israel is bombing the invaders of my country – the Islamic Republic,' she says. 'They all feel the same as I do and are happy that Israel is bombing them. Freedom has a price. They are ready to pay that price.' Almost all the pro-Israel demonstrators are royalists hoping that Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, will lead a new Iran. Raised mainly in America, he has promised to turn Iran into a true democracy. He has also supported the Israeli action and, in recent days, has implored the Iranian people to rise up. The monarchists often cite the historical relationship between Jews and Iranians dating back 2,500 years – before the birth of either Mohammed or Jesus – when the Persian king Cyrus the Great freed his kingdom's Jewish slaves and returned them to Jerusalem in 539 BC. Jews have lived in Iran for thousands of years, and it is one of the few Middle Eastern countries to still have a Jewish community – around 10,000 people, down from a peak of 150,000. Unlike with Arab states, there is no territorial dispute – Israel and Iran had diplomatic and trade ties until 1979. But, since the Islamic Revolution the country's rulers have stoked an anti-Israel fervour, leading to the establishment of a clock in central Tehran counting down the days to Israel's destruction (in 2040). The clock was bombed by the Israeli Air Force earlier this week. However, other Iranians in the UK oppose Israel and its actions, even if they are also anti-regime. Cat, a pro-Israel activist who lived in Iran until she was 15 and uses her popular Instagram account to speak up for Israeli actions, says she is often criticised for her stance by other Iranians. 'You don't get the serial killer next door to come and help' Cat introduces me to one friend, Ali, 52, who disagrees with her stance passionately. He believes reforms will come from a more moderate Iranian government allied with but not completely run by the Ayatollah. 'Every single Iranian who has been [hanged] and executed in the last 46 years breaks my heart; our country has been run by a murderous regime, but when you have a murder problem, you don't get the serial killer next door to come and help,' he says. 'The Zionist Benjamin Netanyahu is a genocidal man who is just trying to create chaos. He wants to turn Iran into Libya.' He adds: 'I'd rather the IRGC stayed in power than have Israel bombing the country. I'd rather Iran solved its own problems. We don't need outside influences coming in and killing people.' It is certainly true that the Israeli and American attacks may not have done enough to ferment internal revolution, even though Israel went as far as bombing the doors to the prison where critics of the regime were being kept. Within hours of the ceasefire, the IRGC was reported to be rounding up – and even executing – those it claimed were Mossad collaborators. Potkin Azarmehr, an Iranian-British journalist, says one of the problems facing opponents of the IRGC is that the opposition is divided. 'In some ways the reason why the regime has lasted for so long is that its opponents refuse to come together,' he says. 'Khomeini was able to create a revolution because he had a network of mosques and so he had an apparatus to take power. But while there are lots of opposition expats calling themselves political actors, all they do is talk and host conferences.' He believes Pahlavi is the only real opposition figure who commands at least some respect within Iran, but, of course, some see him as a traitor for siding with Israel and as a stranger who has spent most of his life abroad. 'He is probably the most popular amongst the Iranian opposition because of who he is and the nostalgia people have towards his parentage, but he doesn't have a network behind him.' 'Symbolic moments' Azarmehr adds that the Israeli and American actions, while they did some work in dismantling the power of the IRGC, were not enough. 'People on the ground are a little bit despondent,' he says. 'They are worried that if they come out on the streets against the regime, there will be a massacre like Iran has never seen before.' Niyak Ghorbani, a prominent Iranian dissident, 39, who has been arrested 11 times by British police for brandishing a sign saying 'Hamas are terrorists' in the middle of pro-Palestine demonstrations, talks excitedly of a new dawn for Iran. But speaking to The Telegraph after the ceasefire was announced, he too worried that the unfinished job had only made things worse. 'Israel's strikes weren't just military operations; they were symbolic moments. They sent a message to the Iranian people: We will not protect your killers. We stand with you.' He is bitterly disappointed that the action has stopped. 'A ceasefire with the terrorist regime of the Islamic Republic reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of its true nature,' he says angrily. 'In recent weeks, Iranians who simply 'liked' pro-Israel posts on social media have received threatening messages. Let's be clear, the Islamic Republic will take revenge for its fallen commanders not by attacking military targets but by targeting civilians – first in Iran and then once again in Israel and the West.'
Edinburgh Live
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Famous sites you had no idea were designed and built by women
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The LEGO Group has launched a new campaign, She Built That to inspire society and girls to see themselves as inspiring builders, creators and innovators. A new rendition of Run DMC It's Like That hit brings together stars from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, showing how girls are shaping the world around them. The LEGO Group adorned famous London landmarks with Brick Plaques celebrating the women that created them. The She Built That campaign comes as stats show parents are five times more likely to associate the term 'building' with 'masculinity' (59%) over 'femininity' (10%). Paying homage to the unsung builders of the world, the plaques appear at multiple iconic sites: London landmark Unsung builder(s) Waterloo Bridge Also known as 'The Ladies Bridge' - built by an estimated workforce of 65% women London Aquatics Centre Co-designed by Zaha Hadid The London Eye Co-designed by Julia Barfield The Supreme Court The refurbishment was co-designed by Elsie Owusu Beyond the iconic female-built structures that were commemorated, other notable buildings in the UK include The Shard, of which Roma Agrawal was the Structural Engineer, The Lyric Theatre in Belfast, of which Sheila O'Donnell was an instrumental architect, and The Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) in Machynlleth, Wales, of which Linda Stevens was the Project Architect. Roma Agrawal, Structural Engineer of Crystal Palace Station and diversity campaigner for women in engineering, said: 'We might not realise it, but young girls are building all the time, even when we think they're not! Whether it's through the development of physical motor skills or creating new games in their head – all these moments aid in growing their building capabilities. As a society, it's crucial that we work together to ensure that girls continue developing this skillset into their adult lives. 'LEGO play was an integral part of my childhood and provided a great foundation for the learning that led to my career. That's why I'm delighted that the LEGO Group is shining the light on the girls that kept building into their womanhood.' Kuran Sharma, Head of Marketing for the UK & Ireland at the LEGO Group, said: 'Our mission to change stereotypes around building starts with showing everyone how women are already shaping the world around them in incredible ways. We hope girls and women will see our Brick Plaques and listen to our new anthem, and be empowered to 'build' in whatever way feels good to them.' Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons and Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels said: 'Run DMC has always stood for breaking barriers and inspiring change. We're excited to see our classic anthem reimagined as 'She Built That', celebrating the creativity and innovation of girls everywhere. Just as we pushed the limits of hip-hop, we want to inspire a world where every girl recognizes her building power.' The LEGO Group is hosting an immersive pop-up at London's Southbank Centre this aummer. Young girls will be able to take part in a She Built That two-day event, filled with dancing, music, and building. Special brick plaques and prizes will also be awarded to young builders at the event to recognise the next generation of female builders.
Wales Online
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Famous sites you had no idea were designed and built by women
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The LEGO Group has launched a new campaign, She Built That to inspire society and girls to see themselves as inspiring builders, creators and innovators. A new rendition of Run DMC It's Like That hit brings together stars from Gen Z and Gen Alpha, showing how girls are shaping the world around them. The LEGO Group adorned famous London landmarks with Brick Plaques celebrating the women that created them. The She Built That campaign comes as stats show parents are five times more likely to associate the term 'building' with 'masculinity' (59%) over 'femininity' (10%). Paying homage to the unsung builders of the world, the plaques appear at multiple iconic sites: London landmark Unsung builder(s) Waterloo Bridge Also known as 'The Ladies Bridge' - built by an estimated workforce of 65% women London Aquatics Centre Co-designed by Zaha Hadid The London Eye Co-designed by Julia Barfield The Supreme Court The refurbishment was co-designed by Elsie Owusu Beyond the iconic female-built structures that were commemorated, other notable buildings in the UK include The Shard, of which Roma Agrawal was the Structural Engineer, The Lyric Theatre in Belfast, of which Sheila O'Donnell was an instrumental architect, and The Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE) in Machynlleth, Wales, of which Linda Stevens was the Project Architect. Roma Agrawal, Structural Engineer of Crystal Palace Station and diversity campaigner for women in engineering, said: 'We might not realise it, but young girls are building all the time, even when we think they're not! Whether it's through the development of physical motor skills or creating new games in their head – all these moments aid in growing their building capabilities. As a society, it's crucial that we work together to ensure that girls continue developing this skillset into their adult lives. 'LEGO play was an integral part of my childhood and provided a great foundation for the learning that led to my career. That's why I'm delighted that the LEGO Group is shining the light on the girls that kept building into their womanhood.' Kuran Sharma, Head of Marketing for the UK & Ireland at the LEGO Group, said: 'Our mission to change stereotypes around building starts with showing everyone how women are already shaping the world around them in incredible ways. We hope girls and women will see our Brick Plaques and listen to our new anthem, and be empowered to 'build' in whatever way feels good to them.' Joseph 'Rev Run' Simmons and Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels said: 'Run DMC has always stood for breaking barriers and inspiring change. We're excited to see our classic anthem reimagined as 'She Built That', celebrating the creativity and innovation of girls everywhere. Just as we pushed the limits of hip-hop, we want to inspire a world where every girl recognizes her building power.' The LEGO Group is hosting an immersive pop-up at London's Southbank Centre this aummer. Young girls will be able to take part in a She Built That two-day event, filled with dancing, music, and building. Special brick plaques and prizes will also be awarded to young builders at the event to recognise the next generation of female builders.
