Latest news with #Cotswold
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Remember when town was invaded with colour and cheer?
Wimborne was transformed into a colourful mix of music, dance, and ancient traditions in June 2005 as hundreds of brightly dressed Morris dancers, bedecked with a cascade of colourful ribbons, jingling bells, and jaunty feathers, jigged and reeled through its streets for the annual folk festival. In a joyous invasion, more than a thousand dancers and musicians, armed to the teeth with polished sticks and crisp cotton handkerchiefs, descended upon the town for three days of spectacular pageantry and heartfelt community spirit. The air, thick with the scent of summer and the sound of laughter, pulsed with the rhythmic clash of wood on wood and the melodic swell of accordions, fiddles, and flutes. Teams of dancers, some having journeyed from as far afield as the rolling hills of Scotland and the emerald shores of Ireland, wowed the bustling crowds with their stunning synchronised routines and spectacular, time-honoured costumes. From the intricate, handkerchief-waving Cotswold style to the robust, stick-clashing Border Morris with its performers in vivid 'tatter' jackets, the diverse traditions of this uniquely English art form were on full display. The jangling bells, historically believed to ward off evil spirits, provided a percussive soundtrack to the dancers' movements, while the fluttering ribbons and feathers added a splash of theatricality to the proceedings. 'It's very traditional and what we want to encourage is the family atmosphere,' explained festival committee member Maria Bisp at the time, her voice filled with a passion for the event. Read more: Would you like to see a return of the 500ft 'Bournemouth Eye'? The rise and fall of Tucktonia - Dorset's 'greatest little Britain' When tragedy struck one of Bournemouth's oldest pubs 'We want to attract lots of young people to the festival because we hope that they will continue the traditions and help preserve our unique heritage.' This commitment to nurturing the next generation of folk enthusiasts was evident in the numerous workshops and interactive sessions held throughout the weekend, inviting festival-goers of all ages to try their hand at a Morris jig or learn a traditional folk song. The festival's roots run deep in the community. Brian founded the festival 45 years ago, spurred by a desire to share his love for folk culture and to support a cause close to the nation's heart. With a loan of just £395 from the local branch of the Royal British Legion, given on the condition that any profits would be donated to the Legion's Poppy Appeal, Mr Bisp embarked on his mission. The Poppy Appeal, a symbol of remembrance and a vital source of support for armed forces personnel and their families since the end of the First World War, found a fitting partner in the community-focused festival. That first event was a resounding success, doubling the initial investment, and the festival has flourished ever since, growing into a cornerstone of the UK's folk calendar. And their efforts undoubtedly paid off. Beyond the captivating street performances, the festival celebrated the very best of English and Celtic folk music in a series of live concerts at the Allendale Community Centre. The line-up was a who's who of the folk world, featuring the intricate melodies of top Irish bands like Lúnasa and Flook, and the soulful tunes of Mise. The Allendale also played host to the wonderful Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, the poignant storytelling of Colum Sands, and the energetic rhythms of Welsh trio Hoover the Dog. Read more: Pictures show the historic bridge which connects Christchurch and Bournemouth Bournemouth wave pool will never be forgotten The event that lit up Bournemouth but vanished without a trace Local talent was also given a platform to shine, with rousing performances from Four Hand Reel and Paul Burke's band. For many, a highlight was the sensational performance of one of the finest voices in the folk world, Roy Bailey. His career, hailed as representing the very soul of folk's working-class ideals, resonated deeply with the appreciative audience, his songs weaving tales of struggle, hope, and humanity. As evening descended, the Queen Elizabeth School became a whirlwind of energy as Whapweasel and Random provided the foot-stomping music for a lively Ceilidh, getting everyone, from seasoned dancers to enthusiastic novices, in the mood for dancing. Throughout the weekend, the town centre was a feast for the senses. Street entertainers captivated onlookers with their dazzling skills, while colourful stalls offered a treasure trove of goods, from ethnic clothes and intricate jewellery to handcrafted rugs and an array of musical instruments.
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: Kate Middleton's former boss wins his three-year battle to host weddings at his £12million Cotswolds estate
Fashion tycoon John Robinson, who employed Kate Middleton before she wed Prince William, has won a three-year battle to host weddings at his Cotswolds estate. The multi-millionaire founder of fashion chain Jigsaw had to overcome objections from locals about noise pollution and congested roads. He was given four months' notice in 2022 to stop hosting events at his £12 million property, Euridge Manor. But, after a nine-day public inquiry, Robinson, 77, has been granted permission to continue hosting events on the sprawling 450-acre estate, where Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson exchanged vows with rugby player Will Owen. 'Euridge Manor Weddings is delighted at the grant of planning permission,' a spokesman says. When Robinson bought Euridge Manor Farm in 1980, it covered 200 acres, with a five-bedroom farmhouse, outbuildings and three cottages. But the tycoon extended the estate, purchasing 250 acres of surrounding land, and building an orangery with two bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool. He married now ex-wife Belle at Euridge in 2004. After their divorce in 2014, Robinson registered company Euridge Manor Weddings Incorporated and began hosting ceremonies. Neighbours complained about traffic, music and firework displays lasting into the small hours and said the estate did not have permission for 'change of use' in order to host weddings. After two planning applications and an appeal, planning permission has now been granted subject to a range of conditions to control noise and address highway safety concerns. No cut prices for Stella's clan You might think the name McCartney would open doors and curry favours – especially for a relation of Sir Paul. But comedienne Sophie McCartney, a cousin of the former Beatle, says it doesn't cut any ice with Sir Paul's daughter, fashion designer Stella. 'When I was younger, my Nana took me to Paris because I wanted to be a fashion designer as I was doing textiles GCSE,' says Sophie. 'We went to go and see Stella. She was at Chloe at the time. I did get some sunglasses and a Chloe [bag]. But that's it. 'But no I've never had any Stella McCartney discount. 'I'd take 25 (per cent).' Lily's friends get a wake-up call as star says she ranks them Anyone receiving unexpected FaceTime calls from Lily Allen for catch-up chats perhaps shouldn't feel too honoured or excited – until they've worked out its duration and the interval since the last one. 'I create lists of people who I like in order of how much I like them,' the pop singer, 40, reveals. 'I send that list to my assistant and ask her to schedule the time for me to have FaceTimes with them.' In March, I revealed that Lily's husband, Stranger Things star David Harbour, had been having an affair with a colleague. 'David cheated on Lily,' an associate told me. 'They met on a movie they did together.' Having been a pop star herself in the 1980s and '90s, Cathy Dennis went on to compose hits for Kylie Minogue, with Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Britney Spears (Toxic) and Katy Perry (I Kissed a Girl). Now, however, she's fed up with writing for others. 'I am done with that,' says Dennis, 56. 'There have been many [recording] sessions where I've been asked to get into a box and one day I just think, 'No, no more'. I will continue to write, but I am not writing music in the same way.' Duckface is a punchy guest She knocked Hugh Grant's character flat out after being jilted in Four Weddings And A Funeral, and 'duckface' Anna Chancellor is almost as pugnacious in real life. The actress, 60, admits she lost her cool at Arizona's Grand Canyon. 'I behaved quite badly,' she tells Travel Secrets podcast. 'I booked a '1930s cabin' – when I got in there I was like, 'This is s***'. I said, 'You need to relocate me'. I'm capable of kicking up a fuss.' The Ritz played a key role in King Charles's life when he and Camilla Parker Bowles were pictured leaving the London hotel in 1999 in their first public appearance together as a couple. And His Majesty was, I hear, quick to get in touch earlier this year when The Ritz was awarded fine dining's coveted accolade. 'I got a nice little letter from King Charles, congratulating me on getting two Michelin stars,' John Williams, executive chef at The Ritz, tells me at the National Restaurant Awards, where The Ritz was crowned best in the UK. GP error? You can blame Lesley! Opera singer Lesley Garrett was a panellist on ITV's Loose Women for four years, but her husband, retired GP Peter Christian, intervened. '[It's] the only time he's ever asked me to stop doing something,' she reveals. 'He said, 'At the surgery I've got ten minutes with each patient. And eight minutes is taken up with what you've said the day before. I'm worried I'm going to misdiagnose somebody, so please could you stop?' Tamara still has very bad habits! Former 'It-girl' Tamara Beckwith's wild partying days aren't completely behind her if this picture is anything to go by. Tamara, 55, attended the fancy dress tenth wedding anniversary party of Sofia Barattieri Weinstein, co-chair of the London Air Ambulance, and her husband, Brian Weinstein, in Sicily at the weekend. Beckwith can be seen surrounded by fellow partygoers dressed as priests and nuns in these pictures she shared online. 'It was a spectacular example of when friends show how much they love their hosts,' says Tamara, who is married to Italian businessman Giorgio Veroni. 'Incredible dresses, head-dresses, naughty lace, brocades and enchanted gardens filled with candlelight.'
Scotsman
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Backpacker wins £5m home near Jeremy Clarkson's Farm
This video More videos A 'Clarkson's Farm' fan has won a £5m Cotswold's house - making him Jeremy's neighbour. Keep up with the latest new videos with the Shots! Newsletter. 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... Anthony Martin, 25, scooped the keys to a 17th century home - near Clarkson's Farm. Anthony had been staying in a hostel when he discovered he had won the £5m Omaze home in the Cotswolds, and said he had never even considered owning 'a garden shed'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jeremy Clarkson is my new crazy! The former deck hand said the big win is 'surreal'. He added: 'I've been watching Clarkson's Farm and I can't believe he's going to be my neighbour now, it's just crazy.' Anthony Martin & sister Misha at their Omaze £5m Cotswolds home. | Mark Field Photography / Omaze / The luxurious five-bedroom property has period features plus a heated outdoor pool all surrounded by glorious countryside 'At 25 I hadn't even considered owning so much as a garden shed yet, but now my first property is a £5 million house - it's so surreal." Used to sleeping below deck Anthony, who was born in Asia and currently lives with family in Cambridgeshire, bought his £5 million winning entry for just £25 as part of his Omaze subscription, which he only started last month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Green house at the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Cotswolds. | Omaze / SWNS He has been working as a deckhand on yachts for the past year and said he is 'more used to sleeping below deck in cramped bunk beds, rather than mansions'. Backpacker scoops Omaze house He added: 'I was backpacking in Spain when Omaze got in touch to tell me I'd won something. I didn't have any credit on my phone, so I didn't see any of the missed calls or emails at first, but when I eventually topped up and saw all the messages, I started to think I might have won something pretty decent'. The luxurious property, the star prize of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Cotswolds, comes mortgage free and with all legal fees covered. Interior at the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Cotswolds. | Omaze / SWNS Anthony has also been given a whopping £250,000 in cash, to help him settle in, and can decide to either live in the house, rent it out for a supplementary income or sell it whenever he wishes to become a cash multi-millionaire. The house also comes with £180,000 worth of furnishings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Rental value for Omaze house If Anthony chooses to rent it out, local estate agents estimate that the property could achieve a long-term rental value of between £13,000 and £18,000 per month. Interior at the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Cotswolds. | Omaze / SWNS Positioned with a desirable south facing aspect, the house is flooded with natural light throughout, enhancing the sense of space and warmth throughout the property. The alluring period features include classic mullion windows, exposed wooden beams and original fireplaces. £4.2 million raised for Guide Dogs As well as making Anthony a multimillionaire, the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Cotswolds, raised £4.2 million for Guide Dogs. Over two million people in the UK are living with sight loss—a number projected to double by 2050. From childhood through to adulthood, Guide Dogs' expert staff, volunteers and life-changing guide dogs transform the lives of people with vision impairments; providing confidence and ultimately enabling people with sight loss to live the life they choose. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andrew Lennox, CEO at Guide Dogs said: "We are truly overwhelmed that an incredible £4.2 million has been raised for Guide Dogs through the Omaze Million Pound House Draw. David Bradley, Guide Dogs Ambassador with trainee guide dog Viola at the latest Omaze Million Pound House Draw in Cotswolds. | Mark Field Photography / Omaze / "Every day, 250 people in the UK begin to lose their sight—that's one person every six minutes. Without the right support, sight loss can be profoundly isolating. Thanks to the generosity of the Omaze community, we can provide life-changing services that empower people with a vision impairment to live the life they choose. "The money raised will fund 1,350 puppies during their first eight weeks of life and cover the cost of expert care to their mums and dads. It will also fund a year's worth of food for all 3,200 working guide dogs. James Oakes, President of Omaze, said: 'Everyone at Omaze is over the moon that Anthony has won this spectacular house in the Cotswolds, whilst also contributing to our huge raise for Guide Dogs.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Enter Omaze Sussex prize draw
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Loose Women cuts sparked outburst of lazy misogyny from – mainly male – trolls who have NO IDEA why show's so important
I WAS walking (some might say roaming) around Cotswold Wildlife Park when a young woman pushing a pram approached me. 'I just want to thank you and the other Loose Women,' she said. 'I was feeling very isolated and depressed as a new mum, and it was hearing all your stories that made me realise my feelings weren't unusual. 7 7 'You saved my life. You feel like friends.' And there, in a nutshell, is what the long-running ITV daytime show Loose Women means to its immensely loyal, core audience which, aside from stay-at-home mums and office workers on their lunch break, includes people living with disability, shift workers, students, and the elderly — many of whom live alone and like the company the show brings. Earlier this year, the programme won a Royal Television Society award for its Facing It Together campaign against domestic violence, and was nominated for a Bafta too. Unexpurgated bile So, when it was announced that one of the precious few, all-female shows was being cut back to 30 weeks a year to save money for, among other things, more sport, the snooty reaction from some quarters was immensely disappointing. One male commentator for a broadsheet casually dismissed Loose Women — on air for 25 years — as a 'gabfest'. Clearly he hadn't seen the episode when Janet Street Porter turned to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and demanded: 'Why do you hate pensioners?' Or when I took a clearly uncomfortable Sir Keir Starmer to task over why his drink with Labour colleagues in Durham during a Covid lockdown was any different to Boris Johnson's 'Partygate'. Or when a squirming Nigel Farage was put on the spot and declared afterwards 'that was one of the scariest things I've ever done.' We are not a political show and, yes, we have a good laugh too — often talking about lighthearted subjects such as, among other things, how to stack a dishwasher correctly, wardrobe malfunctions, and the key to growing excellent tomatoes. But we always cover the day's main news stories, as well as important topics such as, among many other things, miscarriage, post-natal depression, menopause, midlife female invisibility (oh the irony) and breast cancer awareness. Katie Price reignites bitter Loose Women feud seven years after panel exit, ranting 'I hated that show' It's primarily debate 'through a female lens' but if you have a problem with that, then may I humbly suggest that the problem is you. Perhaps it's simply part of the casual misogyny that pollutes so much of public discourse these days. On Loose Women, the panellists have all achieved success in their fields of acting, singing, journalism, podcasting, presenting and athletics, and range in age from 25 to 85-year old TV legend Gloria Hunniford. All interesting, funny women with wisdom to impart and great stories to tell, yet dismissed by some as though all we're doing is gossiping over the garden wall after pegging out our washing. Similarly, unlike shows involving primarily male presenters, we're plagued by regular reports about 'cat fights' (yawn) backstage. It's nonsense but hey, why let the facts get in the way of clickbait? What surprises me is the amount of keyboard warriors who swallow it hook, line and sinker, then use it as an excuse to post unexpurgated bile about a programme that, judging by their factual inaccuracies, they have rarely, if ever, watched. In the Wild West of online message boards, the panellists who are under 40 are sometimes trolled as 'bimbos' or 'airheads' while the older ones like me are called 'old hags' or 'fishwives' by people who really should know better. And sadly, some of them are women. 'Deeply depressing' We try to laugh about it backstage, but I do wonder where this constant denigration of the female gender is leading us. Thankfully, there are still plenty of allies out there. Radio 4's Woman's Hour questioned why it's female-centric programming that's being cut, and Richard Osman put up a spirited defence of ITV's 'successful' daytime shows on the podcast The Rest Is Entertainment. 7 7 Journalist Bryony Gordon, writing about the cutbacks to Loose Women and Lorraine, said: 'I find it deeply depressing in a world that sometimes feels as though it's going backwards when it comes to the visibility of women's issues. 'These shows might feel like trifling entertainment to those who don't watch them, but the reality is they provide a much-needed space for important subjects that would otherwise be ignored. 'I've seen first-hand how engaged the viewers of both shows are, and how passionate the presenters and production staff are when it comes to their work.' Indeed. And it's the dedicated staff behind the scenes, rather than the on-screen freelancers, who will bear the brunt of the job losses that come with both shows being cut back to term-time viewing only. Look, if a commentator sits and watches a week of Loose Women and decides, quite genuinely, that they found it devoid of any enjoyment, I would fight to defend their right to say so. But so much of what I read, day in, day out, are just lazy, anti- female tropes that simply add fuel to the fire of the modern-day misogyny being stoked by the likes of Andrew Tate. It's just one of those things that ITV has to make programme cuts for business reasons, but let's not use it as yet another excuse to treat women's viewpoints as irrelevant. Nige straight to the point FOR anyone still baffled by the Reform party's rapid rise in the polls, it's not rocket science. It's because it's fronted by Nigel Farage who, when asked a question, seemingly gives a straight answer. Lots of voters have become sick of hearing variations of the following from other politicians. 'I'm really glad you've asked that question, so let me be clear. I'm not going to speculate . . .' Er, right. So you're actually saying nothing at all, then. Mind you, how many of Farage's bold solutions would actually become reality if he ever got into power is debatable. Longevity secret NONAGENARIANS Desmond Morris and Sir David Attenborough are old friends from their days presenting rival zoo shows. When asked about their longevity (Desmond is 97, David, below, is 99), the former replied: 'Neither of us have done anything to ensure a long life. 'We don't go to the gymnasium. We eat and drink what we feel like. 'The reason we're still here is because we both still ask questions about the world. 'We're still inquisitive and we're both still working as hard as we ever have. 'If we couldn't work, I don't think we'd last.' And there, straight from the mouths of two legends, is the best example of why having regular work (if you're able to do so and can actually find it) is so good for your mental and physical health. Mothers know why Lila sizes up Kate LILA Moss has admitted that she raids the wardrobe of mum Kate. Well if your mother was a supermodel, you would, wouldn't you? But equally, this scenario will be familiar to anyone with an adult daughter. Both of mine are exactly the same height, dress and shoe size as me. And quite frankly, it's a wonder I'm not permanently naked.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I went to Clarkson's Farm ahead of season 4 - I left after 5 mins with huge complaint'
'I went to Clarkson's Farm ahead of season 4 - I left after 5 mins with huge complaint' Clarkson's Farm is back on Amazon Prime for its fourth season and fans are keen to see where the hit show is filmed - but one person who went to the farm has shared their huge complaint The entire car park was taken up by a huge queue (Image: Sasha Morris/ Express ) With the successful return of Clarkson's Farm for its fourth series on Amazon Prime, it's no wonder fans are eager to visit the location where it all takes place. The farm is situated just outside Burford, a picturesque village in Oxfordshire, known for its iconic Cotswold stone and abundance of cafes, making it an ideal spot for those journeying from afar and looking to spend the day. Given the rare heatwave sweeping across the UK, Head of Showbiz for Sasha Morris decided to do exactly that and made her way to Clarkson's Farm. Her first impression? Well, she was taken aback by the sheer number of people who had descended upon the farm. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Arriving shortly after it opened to visitors, she found the queue already winding back towards the main entrance, with parking attendants estimating at least an hour's wait before gaining entry to the farm shop. They mentioned that such queues were a regular occurrence every weekend, with Jeremy Clarkson's popularity soaring as fans are keen to sample the produce featured in the hit Amazon series. Sasha had anticipated a larger venue, but with lengthy queues even for the portable toilets, it seemed like her morning would be spent mostly waiting for a brief glimpse of what the farm interior was like. One pair in the queue disclosed that they had journeyed an hour and a half from Tamworth, setting off early to beat the crowds. Their motivation for visiting was Jeremy Clarkson's renowned Hawkstone beer, with plans to stock up before heading back home. Article continues below However, another couple who had travelled over an hour from Bristol were less enthused by what they encountered. They had visited the farm shop out of curiosity but decided to leave upon seeing the lengthy queue. Clarkson's Farm is said to always have huge queues (Image: Sasha Morris/ Express ) The farm has a small shop and a seating area for tea and cake, but options are apparently somewhat limited, particularly for those hoping to maximise their visit after a long drive and waiting just to see the famous site. Sasha said: "I found myself sharing the sentiments of the Bristol couple – the sun was blazing, and it hardly seemed worthwhile to queue for an hour just to explore the small shop and then queue again for a hot drink and cake. One could be enjoying the splendid weather in a pub garden in Burford or Lechlade instead. "After standing in the queue for a mere five minutes, I opted to head ten minutes down the road to the Farmer's Dog instead." Undoubtedly, both Clarkson and Amazon must be over the moon with the series' success in recent years, boasting sky-high ratings and an ever-growing range of products launched by the television personality. His Hawkstone beer and cider have been a resounding hit, not to mention his honey and jam. However, it shocked Sasha that he could capitalise on this even further, perhaps he could even consider an expansion of the shop to accommodate the throngs of visitors drawn to the TV hotspot. It seems like a no-brainer – he'd have more scope to sell additional products, possibly extend the food section enabling visitors to spend their entire day there, ensuring they don't feel their trip has been in vain. Watch Clarkson's Farm on Amazon now. Article continues below
