Latest news with #Wilma
Edinburgh Live
22-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian mum calls for justice on pregnancy drug after its 'impact on daughter'
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 A West Lothian campaigner is calling for justice over a controversial pregnancy test drug after children have been impacted. Many women given Primodos blame it and similar drugs for causing abnormalities in babies. They have accused Labour of ignoring families, reports The Daily Record. In 2023, campaigners lost a High Court battle for compensation – leaving the claimants potentially liable for costs. Wilma Ord, 77, from Livingston, took the drug in 1970. Her daughter Kirsteen, 54, is deaf, severely asthmatic and has cerebral palsy. She said: 'My last MP was SNP Hannah Bardell who went out of her way to listen, to do everything she could but it feels like everything she did has been undone. 'The Labour Government has done nothing for us. They won't look at new evidence, they just won't listen to us.' Marie Lyon, of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests, took Primodos in the early stages of her pregnancy with daughter Sarah and has been fighting for justice ever since. She said: 'I share Wilma's frustration at the apparent lack of support from the Labour Government.' Labour MP for Livingston, Gregor Poynton, has met Wilma and has joined the campaign's All-Party Parliamentary Group of MPs. Primodos was taken off the market in 1978, but 1.5million women had taken it by that point. Manufacturer Schering, now part of Bayer, has denied a link. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. A 2020 independent review found health regulators failed patients and Primodos was responsible for 'avoidable harm'. Bayer said: 'Bayer maintains that no significant new scientific knowledge has been produced that would call into question the validity of the previous assessment of there being no link between the use of Primodos and the occurrence of such congenital anomalies.' The Department of Health said: 'The Commission on Human Medicines last year concluded that there was no new evidence to support the claims that the use of hormone tests had adverse outcomes.'
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Controversial pregnancy drug campaigners accused Labour of ignoring parents of "affected" kids
Many women given Primodos blame it and similar drugs for causing abnormalities in babies. Campaigners calling for justice over a controversial pregnancy test drug have accused Labour of ignoring families who believe their children were affected. Many women given Primodos blame it and similar drugs for causing abnormalities in babies. In 2023, campaigners lost a High Court battle for compensation – leaving the claimants potentially liable for costs. Wilma Ord, 77, of Livingston, took the drug in 1970. Her daughter Kirsteen, 54, is deaf, severely asthmatic and has cerebral palsy. She said: 'My last MP was SNP Hannah Bardell who went out of her way to listen, to do everything she could but it feels like everything she did has been undone. 'The Labour Government has done nothing for us. They won't look at new evidence, they just won't listen to us.' Marie Lyon, of the Association for Children Damaged by Hormone Pregnancy Tests, took Primodos in the early stages of her pregnancy with daughter Sarah and has been fighting for justice ever since. She said: 'I share Wilma's frustration at the apparent lack of support from the Labour Government.' Labour MP for Livingston, Gregor Poynton, has met Wilma and has joined the campaign's All-Party Parliamentary Group of MPs. Primodos was taken off the market in 1978. By that point 1.5million women had taken it. Manufacturer Schering, now part of Bayer, has denied a link. A 2020 independent review found health regulators failed patients and Primodos was responsible for 'avoidable harm'. Bayer said: 'Bayer maintains that no significant new scientific knowledge has been produced that would call into question the validity of the previous assessment of there being no link between the use of Primodos and the occurrence of such congenital anomalies.' The Department of Health said: 'The Commission on Human Medicines last year concluded that there was no new evidence to support the claims that the use of hormone tests had adverse outcomes.'
Daily Record
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scottish names included in list of 30 'old lady' names making a comeback in 2025
Selecting a name for your new-born is one of the most momentous choices a parent will ever face. Whether you're drawn to classic names or something more unique, picking out a name for your bundle of joy is no easy task. Over time, numerous names have seen their popularity wax and wane, with some becoming emblematic of the era they were most popular in. However, there are certain names that endure, consistently chosen by UK families. Lately, there's been a discernible trend towards parents opting for traditional, vintage names for their children. Names hailing from the 1950s remain a hit with families seeking originality, simplicity or timelessness. Baby naming gurus at Good Housekeeping have put together a list of the top 30 'old lady' baby names predicted to be a hit with parents this year - and three of them are Scottish titles that have an extremely endearing backstory. The list features some unusual and lesser-known options – including names inspired by American vocalists, animated characters, precious stones and even the names of our own grannies (or great-grannies). Leading the resurgence of 'old lady' baby names is Aretha, a tribute to the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. The name saw a surge in popularity during the 1960s, thanks to the American vocalist, and is forecasted to make a significant comeback in 2025. Originating from Greek, Aretha translates to 'virtuous'. Another name gaining momentum is Wilma. While many associate it with the character Wilma Flintstone from The Flintstones, the name actually has Scottish , Swedish and German origins and signifies 'resolute protection'. Last year, Wilma was listed in Pampers UK's top 190 Scottish girl names . Wilma, the short form of the German name Wilhelmina, is itself the female form of the name William, according to the baby nappy brand. Pampers said this cute and traditional Scottish girls' name means 'determined protector,' another variation of the meaning listed above. Either way, it is a name that connotes safety, strength, and fearlessness. Bonnie, of Scottish origin, is also included in the list. Fans of Bonnie and Clyde may recognise this name from the award-winning 1967 film. Bonnie means "beautiful, cheerful" and is on the list of top 100 girls names throughout the English-speaking world, according to Nameberry. Elaine is another title of Scottish origin meaning "bright, shining light" that made it into the ranking. Next, the Shakespearean name Rosalind – taken from the bard's play As You Like It – ranks fourth among the top 30 'old lady' baby girl names. Another historically inspired choice favoured by parents, this Spanish-origin name translates to 'supple horse or pretty rose'. And traditional names like Florence and Constance – ranking 21st and 30th respectively – continue to be favoured by parents-to-be . The name Florence, derived from Latin, translates to 'flourishing, prosperous'. It has consistently made its way into the top 1000 girls names since 2017. On the other hand, Constance is also a Latin-derived name meaning 'steadfastness'. It was notably the name of Oscar Wilde's spouse. Some surprising choices include Susan, a name that was in vogue during the 1950s and 1960s and continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a classic and sophisticated name. Shirley, which means 'bright meadow' and evokes memories of child star Shirley Temple, is also set to make a return.
The Herald Scotland
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish farmer who pioneered a new way of doing dairy dies
Died: March 30, 2025 Wilma Finlay, who has died aged 69, was the co-founder of Cream o' Galloway and The Ethical Dairy, two well-known farm businesses in the south-west pf Scotland which pioneered new approaches to dairy farming. She ran both with an uncompromising integrity, rooted in her commitment to environmental sustainability, animal welfare and ethical business practices. Energetic, determined and compassionate, Wilma set out to make a difference. Together with her husband David, she was instrumental in trying out a new system which keeps dairy cows and their calves together, creating Europe's largest cow-with-calf dairy and inspiring growing international interest in ethical dairy farming. Born Wilma Dunbar in 1955, she was raised near Forres in Morayshire with her older sister, Heather. Academically gifted, she studied mathematics at Edinburgh University before embarking on an industrial PhD at Aston University. However, the emerging computing industry soon called to her talents, and she thrived in the exciting commercial world of IT in the 1980s, working in Glasgow and Munich for tech companies including Comshare and Motorola. Innovative in both her professional and personal life, Wilma tried an early form of computer dating which matched her with David Finlay. The algorithm proved remarkably accurate, leading to a partnership that was notable for the compatibility of their personal values and the depth of their love. Wilma moved to Rainton Farm in Dumfries and Galloway in the early 1990s, embarking on a personal and business partnership with David that would see them create one of Scotland's most beloved tourism destinations. She decided that a 'good quality ice-cream, made from simple ingredients' would be the ideal product for the farm's rich milk, launching their new venture at the Royal Highland Show in 1994. The success of the ice-cream, combined with the farm's beautiful location, saw visitors flock to Rainton, and a woodland adventure playground was built. With its go karts, drop slide, wooden walkways and the hugely popular Go Boing bouncy nets, Cream o' Galloway Visitor Centre provided freedom, fun and cherished memories to thousands of people each year. Read more Wilma encouraged the transition of Rainton Farm to organic dairy production for both environmental and economic reasons, a process which began in 1999, shortly after she and David got married. The couple subsequently became high-profile advocates for organic and nature-based farming. Never comfortable with the standard industry practice of separating dairy cows from their newborn calves, Wilma also encouraged David to explore whether a cow-with-calf dairy farming system was viable. This led to an ambitious transformation of the farm beginning in 2008, which included the construction of a new dairy designed to allow cows and calves to remain together. Although their initial 2012 pilot failed, they persevered and tried again. The farm implemented a refined version of their cow-with-calf dairy farming system in late 2016, which eventually proved to be highly successful. One of Wilma's proudest achievements was the revival of traditional cheesemaking at Rainton, using the organic, cow-with-calf milk to produce artisan cheese, resulting in the launch of The Ethical Dairy brand in 2018. Their journey towards cow-with-calf dairy was told in A Dairy Story, a memoir co-authored by Wilma and David in 2022 which describes how they faced life's challenges together. Wilma's contributions extended beyond her own enterprises. As the founding chair of Destination Dumfries & Galloway, and a former director of Southern Uplands Partnership and Gatehouse Development Initiative, she worked tirelessly to promote the region and support other local businesses. Her service to Scottish tourism was recognised with an MBE in 2006, while the groundbreaking approach to farming that she and David developed has garnered numerous awards and international recognition, cementing their status as respected pioneers. Wilma will be remembered as warm, intelligent, and principled, a woman who set herself high standards and consistently lived up to them. She faced cancer on multiple occasions, and addressed her health issues with the same courage, resilience and pragmatism that characterised her approach to life. She was generous with her time and supportive of others, approaching challenges with integrity and determination. Her life's work stands as an enduring testament to her belief that animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and commercial success need not be mutually exclusive. In every sense, she accomplished what she set out to do, making a profound difference that will influence dairy farming for generations to come. Wilma is survived by her husband David.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane Milton postmortem: 45 tornadoes, 178 mph winds, confounding forecast
The tropical spin that bumbled off Africa on Sept. 14 did so unremarkably, a breezy pinwheel lacking both ambition and combustion. But then it merged with a trough of low pressure and absorbed a second tropical wave and sauntered across the Atlantic Ocean into the Gulf, where it grew, sputtered, recovered, and deepened into a boastful Category 5 hurricane with winds unmatched during the 2024 storm season. The system, which made landfall on Siesta Key on Oct. 10 after weakening to a Cat 3, was the last to bear the name Milton. It was the first tropical cyclone in 30 years of records to produce more than one EF3 tornado. Its staggeringly low minimum pressure of 895 mb ranked fourth-lowest on record, tying 2005's Hurricane Rita. It boiled with tornadoes, 45 in all. And from its earliest embryonic stirrings in the soupy-warm Gulf, it confounded forecasters, who nailed its track but missed when and where it would form and the magnitude of its rapid intensification. 'We saw it coming way too early and had trouble pinning it down,' said Jack Beven, senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center. 'There was a very complex weather pattern that included low pressure and a frontal system and strong shear not too far away. If things had worked out a little differently, Milton wouldn't have gotten near as strong as it did.' Hurricane season 2024: Rapid intensification forecasts improve, and then there was Otis Beven was the lead writer for the National Hurricane Center's Milton postmortem report, a routine analysis performed on every tropical cyclone that includes a review of forecast accuracy, top wind speeds, storm surge levels, damages and deaths. Beven said Milton was one of the more challenging tropical cyclones to forecast in a season that ended with 18 named storms because of how quickly it rapidly intensified. While Hurricane Beryl toppled records for its early-season ferocity, zooming to a Cat 5 on July 1 and eventually gaining wind speeds of 167 mph, Milton's top winds reached 178 mph on Oct. 7 while it was in the southwest Gulf of Mexico, now called the Gulf of America by the U.S. government. Milton gained about 90 mph in 24 hours, more than doubling the benchmark for rapid intensification. 'It had been a very long time since we saw a hurricane go below 900 mb pressure in the Atlantic,' said AccuWeather hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva. 'When a storm starts undergoing rapid intensification, the sky is the limit.' Air pressure inside a hurricane is a measure of the storm's intensity, the amount of power in the vacuum formed by winds roaring toward the eye. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 still holds the record for the lowest pressure at 888 mb. DaSilva also noted the chaotic atmosphere during Milton's reign with several weather patterns jostling in the Gulf as the season deepened into fall. Those included a trough dipping into the Gulf that intercepted Milton, DaSilva said. The trough is also an ingredient that he believes added to the tornado outbreak that hit South and Central Florida ahead of Milton's landfall. Forty-five twisters dripped out of Milton-tormented skies, gouging paths as long as 30 miles in Palm Beach County, tossing cars, shredding homes and killing six people in the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village mobile-home community in Fort Pierce. Milton's approach from the west to southwest put much of South Florida and the Treasure Coast in its dangerous right front quadrant, where the forward motion of the hurricane, combined with its twisting winds, can be more volatile. Hurricane season: 5 tips to stay sane and safe in face of frightful forecast The track also carried in moisture-rich air on south winds and gave the thunderstorms in Milton's outer rain bands ample time over heated land to spiral into daunting supercells with sucking updrafts. As daytime temperatures warmed, the atmosphere became more unstable with rapidly rising air feeding into the mix. A lingering boundary that had brought days of drenching rain ahead of Milton and westerly winds high in the atmosphere from the trough added to the atmospheric mishmash. 'There was certainly a sense of awe,' said Robert Molleda, meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service office in Miami. 'Every tornado was warned for. Every single one had several minutes of advance notice, so it was definitely a historic event.' From about 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, the NWS Miami office issued 49 tornado warnings, including the EF3 in Palm Beach County that was given the unusual label as a "potentially dangerous situation." Molleda said one meteorologist worked with the Department of Transportation to manipulate highway cameras so they could better track the tornadoes. In the end, 15 tornadoes hit the seven-county region the Miami NWS covers from Glades to Monroe counties. That more than doubled the previous record of seven in a single day. More: Hurricane Helene storm surge spared few areas along the Gulf Coast in epic, terrible event Statewide, the outbreak included three EF3 tornadoes, 6 EF2 tornadoes, 25 EF1 tornadoes and 7 EF0 tornadoes. Hurricane Beryl produced 67 tornadoes across six states and Canada. 'But that was over a three-day period,' Beven said. 'Milton produced 45 over 12 hours.' Beryl is in fifth place for tornado-producing tropical cyclones behind 2004's Ivan (118), Bulah of 1967 (115), Frances of 2004 (103) and 2005's Rita (97). Milton also sliced the Peninsula in half, entering south of Tampa Bay and leaving near Port Canaveral. On the north side of the storm, heavy rainfall — 20.4 inches near St. Petersburg — contributed to two freshwater flooding deaths. Storm surge of up to 9 feet above ground level barreled ashore from Venice south to Boca Grande, with an isolated peak of up to 10 feet near Manasota Key. But there were no tornadoes north of Milton's central track. Six months after Milton, Marcel Strunk and his wife are still putting their home in Avenir back together after its brush with the EF-3 tornado that churned through at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 9. Strunk was in South Florida for the devastating 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons but wasn't expecting a tornado from a storm making landfall more than 100 miles away. He said his wife was out shopping when the tornado warning sounded. He called her and told her not to come home. 'I stepped inside just as the tornado arrived and 10 seconds later, it was gone,' Strunk said. He said he's more aware now of what watches and warnings mean for this hurricane season. A watch means the ingredients are there for a tornado, a warning means a tornado is imminent or has already formed. Is he concerned for this hurricane season? 'What are the chances you get hit by a tornado in Florida? Very slim,' Strunk said. 'We've got that covered. Been there, done that.' Milton's death toll reached a total of 42, including 15 direct deaths, according to the NHC report. The World Meteorological Organization retired the names Beryl, Helene and Milton from the rotating list of storm names used each hurricane season because of the torment they caused. They were replaced with Brianna, Holly, and Miguel in the 2030 list of names. Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@ Help support our local journalism, subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hurricane Milton tornado outbreak part of strongest storm of 2024 season
