The World Conker Championships took place at the Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick, Northamptonshire, with over 200 people turning up in fancy dress to participate. The aim of the competition was to smash an opponent’s conker, which was threaded onto a string and swung at the opponent’s nut. All participants had to follow a strict set… Continue reading Hundreds go bonkers for conkers at World Conker Championships
Category: UK News
Family 'marvel' at WW2 hero as he turns 105
Tony Johnson, a 105-year-old World War Two veteran, is known for his fierce independence and sharp mind in his hometown of Worsley, Greater Manchester. Despite having celebrated his 105th birthday, the war hero was seen cheerfully flipping through the pages of the Daily Mail, which he purchased for just over £2,000 in the 1960s. Johnson… Continue reading Family 'marvel' at WW2 hero as he turns 105
Mortgage rates unlikely to return to low levels, says Lloyds boss
Lloyds Bank CEO, Charlie Nunn, has said it is “unlikely” that the cost of borrowing money to buy a home will return to the low levels seen over the past decade. While the bank expects mortgage rates to continue to come down, this reduction is unlikely to reach the near-zero rates observed during the 2010s.… Continue reading Mortgage rates unlikely to return to low levels, says Lloyds boss
Grand Central Station: Trains start running from Belfast station
After more than three months, rail services have begun running at Belfast’s new Grand Central Station following safety authorities providing the green light. The station, which cost £340m to build, includes eight railway platforms and 26 bus stands, and will serve as the “largest integrated travel hub on the island of Ireland”, according to public… Continue reading Grand Central Station: Trains start running from Belfast station
Barking: Murder investigation launched after man in his 30s shot
In the early hours of Sunday morning, a man was fatally shot in east London, which has resulted in a murder investigation being launched. At around 04:35 BST, the Metropolitan Police was called to Linton Road in Barking after reports of a man injured. Upon arriving, officers and the London Ambulance Service discovered a man… Continue reading Barking: Murder investigation launched after man in his 30s shot
Budget rule change could mean fewer tax rises
The UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is facing the task of finding £22bn to cover the deficit in the public purse while also pledging to end austerity and invest in vital areas such as hospitals and roads. One way in which Reeves could achieve this involves the government’s borrowing limits, which play a central role in… Continue reading Budget rule change could mean fewer tax rises
Folklore is thriving on social media, says Charlie Cooper
Folklore has found a new home on social media, according to actor and writer Charlie Cooper. Cooper, who grew up surrounded by local traditions and ghost stories in Gloucestershire, is the host of a new BBC series exploring myths across the UK. He says there is now a “resurgence” among young people who are interested… Continue reading Folklore is thriving on social media, says Charlie Cooper
Leaves on the line? Meet man responsible for keeping rails clear
As autumn arrives, so too does the dreaded phrase “train cancelled due to leaves on the line.” Rob Cummings, Northern’s seasonal performance improvement manager, is responsible for ensuring railway lines are free of fallen leaves. He combines high-tech and more traditional solutions to prevent delays, including water, sand, and even lemon juice. Cummings has spent… Continue reading Leaves on the line? Meet man responsible for keeping rails clear
One man's campaign against his 'anti-fun' city
A man in Chichester has launched a campaign to address what he perceives as a “fun deficit” in his city. Operating under the pseudonym of the Chichester Anti-Recreation Partnership (Carp), he has erected spoof signs around the central district to make people laugh and raise awareness of the issues facing the community. According to Carp,… Continue reading One man's campaign against his 'anti-fun' city
A5 Watling Street: Why do vehicles keep hitting this railway bridge?
A railway bridge in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has been struck by a high vehicle for the 13th time in 2024. The A5 Watling Street bridge was previously awarded the title of “most bashed” in Britain after being hit 25 times between 2019 and 2020, with 88 crashes in total between 2017 and September 2022. Network Rail… Continue reading A5 Watling Street: Why do vehicles keep hitting this railway bridge?