Latest news with #GCCC
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Devastation' following death of David 'Syd' Lawrence
Friends and colleagues have spoken of their "devastation" following the death of former cricketer David "Syd" Lawrence MBE. Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2024. Advertisement Earlier this month, the 61-year-old, from Gloucester, said he was "incredibly proud" to be appointed an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to cricket. Mark Alleyne, head coach at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) said: "When you come to moments like this, as sad as it is, at least we know one thing that he lived a very full and colourful life." MND is a rare, degenerative condition that affects the brain and nerves. There is no cure. Peter Matthews is the chair of GCCC [BBC] Peter Matthews, chair of GCCC, said a minute's silence was held at the start of Sunday's home match against Derbyshire to commemorate the "desperately sad" passing of Lawrence. Advertisement "Because of the nature of [MND], you know it's going to happen at some stage, but it's still a shock," Mr Matthews said. He credited Lawrence's "wonderful legacy" both on and off the field. "He always gave everything. He was a brilliant cricketer. "He broke down barriers, he was so obviously himself, he exuded confidence, but obviously he was a really genuine man alongside that confidence. "He was a wonderful president. While of course his body was failing him, the tragedy in some respects of motor neurone disease is that the brain doesn't fail you, so he was always there to give ideas and provide insight to me as a relatively new chair," Mr Matthews added. Neil Priscott described Lawrence as an "icon" [BBC] Neil Priscott, chief executive officer of GCCC, described Lawrence's work with the club as "transformational". Advertisement "He brought in life, that energy and that infectious spirit. He brought that in his presidency in day one. "He wanted us to reach out to communities far and wide, push ourselves, do more, find the next generation of talent and that infectiousness sort of carried everyone with him. "Syd's been an icon for this club on the field and off it. "We absolutely want to continue that legacy and do that in his honour." David Graveney was Lawrence's first captain [BBC] David Graveney, vice chairman of GCCC, was Lawrence's first captain. At the start of Lawrence's career, Mr Graveney watched him develop from a county bowler to an international star. Advertisement "His legacy to the game is in many, many forms. "The fact he was the first English-born black person to play for England was a thing he was very proud of and he was the first black president of the cricket club - another thing he was really proud of. "He shows that actually it doesn't matter what your background is, if you apply yourself then the sky's the limit," Mr Graveney said. Andy Brassington first met Lawrence when he was 16 years old [BBC] Andy Brassington is a former cricketer and friend of Lawrence. He visited Lawrence on Saturday and was with him just an hour before he passed away. "It's been a terrible illness. He's taken it head on, like he does with everything Advertisement "To see him in the state he was in then, there was a lot of relief when they called me to say he'd passed on because it wasn't a good place to be for him. "He's probably in a better place now, that's for sure," Mr Brassington said. He added that the cricketing world will look after Lawrence's wife and son and will carry on his legacy. "He's been brave, he's a very proud man, his appearance is everything to him, yet he put himself in the shop window to show people how this disease can tear your body apart. "He's given hope to people. We all need heroes, we all need idols and Syd was there for so many people. Advertisement "I always say time is the greatest gift you can give anybody and Syd gave a lot of people a lot of time," said Mr Brassington. Lawrence was a former fast bowler for England and Gloucestershire [Getty Images] Lawrence established himself as a "club icon" throughout his 16-year career, becoming known for his "thunderous run-up, fearless fast bowling and ever-present energy", his family said in a statement. He played five Test Matches for England and took 625 wickets in 280 matches before his cricket career was cut short by injury in 1992. In 2022, Lawrence was appointed president of GCCC - a position he held up until his death. Throughout his final year, Lawrence appeared at many charity events to raise awareness of MND. Advertisement Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Related Internet Links
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
David 'Syd' Lawrence: 'devastation' among friends after his death
Friends and colleagues have spoken of their "devastation" following the death of former cricketer David "Syd" Lawrence MBE. Lawrence, the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2024. Earlier this month, the 61-year-old, from Gloucester, said he was "incredibly proud" to be appointed an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to cricket. Mark Alleyne, head coach at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) said: "When you come to moments like this, as sad as it is, at least we know one thing that he lived a very full and colourful life." MND is a rare, degenerative condition that affects the brain and nerves. There is no cure. Peter Matthews, chair of GCCC, said a minute's silence was held at the start of Sunday's home match against Derbyshire to commemorate the "desperately sad" passing of Lawrence."Because of the nature of [MND], you know it's going to happen at some stage, but it's still a shock," Mr Matthews credited Lawrence's "wonderful legacy" both on and off the field. "He always gave everything. He was a brilliant cricketer."He broke down barriers, he was so obviously himself, he exuded confidence, but obviously he was a really genuine man alongside that confidence."He was a wonderful president. While of course his body was failing him, the tragedy in some respects of motor neurone disease is that the brain doesn't fail you, so he was always there to give ideas and provide insight to me as a relatively new chair," Mr Matthews added. Neil Priscott, chief executive officer of GCCC, described Lawrence's work with the club as "transformational". "He brought in life, that energy and that infectious spirit. He brought that in his presidency in day one. "He wanted us to reach out to communities far and wide, push ourselves, do more, find the next generation of talent and that infectiousness sort of carried everyone with him."Syd's been an icon for this club on the field and off it. "We absolutely want to continue that legacy and do that in his honour." David Graveney, vice chairman of GCCC, was Lawrence's first captain. At the start of Lawrence's career, Mr Graveney watched him develop from a county bowler to an international star. "His legacy to the game is in many, many forms. "The fact he was the first English-born black person to play for England was a thing he was very proud of and he was the first black president of the cricket club - another thing he was really proud of. "He shows that actually it doesn't matter what your background is, if you apply yourself then the sky's the limit," Mr Graveney said. Andy Brassington is a former cricketer and friend of Lawrence. He visited Lawrence on Saturday and was with him just an hour before he passed away. "It's been a terrible illness. He's taken it head on, like he does with everything"To see him in the state he was in then, there was a lot of relief when they called me to say he'd passed on because it wasn't a good place to be for him. "He's probably in a better place now, that's for sure," Mr Brassington said. He added that the cricketing world will look after Lawrence's wife and son and will carry on his legacy. "He's been brave, he's a very proud man, his appearance is everything to him, yet he put himself in the shop window to show people how this disease can tear your body apart. "He's given hope to people. We all need heroes, we all need idols and Syd was there for so many people. "I always say time is the greatest gift you can give anybody and Syd gave a lot of people a lot of time," said Mr Brassington. Lawrence established himself as a "club icon" throughout his 16-year career, becoming known for his "thunderous run-up, fearless fast bowling and ever-present energy", his family said in a statement. He played five Test Matches for England and took 625 wickets in 280 matches before his cricket career was cut short by injury in 2022, Lawrence was appointed president of GCCC - a position he held up until his his final year, Lawrence appeared at many charity events to raise awareness of MND.
ABC News
27-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Batteries behind rise in garbage truck fires on the Gold Coast
Flaming piles of garbage are being dumped on Gold Coast streets as the city's rubbish trucks catch fire because of batteries thrown in household waste. Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) says it has recorded seven truck fires in May, the worst month on record for the city's garbage collectors. Each was sparked by incorrectly disposed batteries, which forced trucks to dump entire loads to ensure the fire did not consume the whole vehicle. Queensland Fire Department Superintendent Mark Halverson said all batteries, even the dead AAAs from the TV remote, were capable of starting fires if they were crushed or compacted in garbage collection trucks. "Even if a battery appears to be flat, there's almost always some amount of energy that remains within it," he said. "When that energy becomes exposed, there's obviously a lot of other combustibles in the truck and plenty of oxygen, so a very good opportunity for a fire to commence." Mr Halverson said fire departments across the world had reported an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries as the use of the technology skyrockets in rechargeable devices, including e-scooters and e-bikes. He said fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were known to re-ignite after a fire had been put out. "Sometimes that might be in a matter of minutes, it can be hours, and it certainly can even be a number of days later," he said. He said that due to the risk, a load of garbage dumped on the street because of a battery fire had to be treated with extra care, even once it was wet and smouldering. "It's not a case of just calling another [garbage] truck and putting it back in there." GCCC's Water, Waste and Energy Committee chair councillor Shelley Curtis said as well as the expense and inconvenience caused by a bin truck having to dump its load because of fire, driver safety was the council's main concern. "I'm a mother … and bin truck drivers are right up there with superheroes so we need to do everything to protect those men and women who deliver this service for our community," Cr Curtis said. "It's critical and they are awesome people." Cr Curtis said GCCC had not ruled out fining people for putting "contaminated waste in the wrong bins". "Obviously, we don't want to go that far because a lot of the time it just comes down to not understanding what can go in which bin," she said. "But disposing of your batteries should not be through your household bins, they really need to go through a recycling drop-off point." Battery recycling bins are located at many major supermarkets, with other locations listed on Australia's official battery recycling scheme B-cycle.
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Record Breaking Enrollment at Newman University HERE Paves Way for New Majors
GARDEN CITY, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Newman University launched its HERE bachelor's degree program in 2024 to combat the higher education desert in Southwest Kansas and is celebrating its first round of graduates of this innovative program this month. The HERE program began by offering four bachelor's degree majors to graduates of local community colleges and due to its overwhelming support with 55 students enrolling so far, has expanded its program to include a total of ten degree tracks. 'We are thrilled with the interest we have received for HERE from the Southwest Kansas community, and congratulate our first bachelor's degree class graduating this month,' said Vice President Academic Affairs at Newman University, Alden Stout. 'Our five new degree offerings for Fall 2025 are going to bring even more opportunity to students wanting a career path that will benefit their communities and the world beyond.' Bachelor's degrees offered through the Newman HERE program now include Agricultural Technology Management, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Business, Computer Science, Computer Science with a focus in Cyber Security, Certified Financial Planning, Data Science, Education, Game Development and Nursing. Newman HERE has offices and staff conveniently located near Garden City Community College offering students opportunities to meet with advisors to ensure they can find a path to a degree that fits their individual needs and career goals. All students who graduate from Dodge City, Garden City or Seward County Community College automatically receive a $20,000 scholarship towards their bachelor's degree, in addition to federal and state grants that have the potential to be matched by Newman. About Newman: Founded in 1933, Newman University is grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all activities designed to educate their minds and inspire their spirits. With new courses offered at Garden City Community College, Newman hopes to bring the same to residents of Garden City. The main campus is in Wichita, Kansas with outreach sites in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Kansas, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Newman is a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ United States Region. About GCCC: Founded in 1919, Garden City Community College (GCCC) has served the public longer than any other community college in Kansas. GCCC is the senior leader in community college education for Kansas, with a tradition of preparing people of all ages from diverse backgrounds for success in their lives and careers. The mission of GCCC is to help each student become a positive contributor to the economic and social well-being of society. GCCC offers opportunities for every individual through our shared vision of becoming the premier educational nexus to progress and world-class learning in a dynamic environment. From here, you can go anywhere.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Record Breaking Enrollment at Newman University HERE Paves Way for New Majors
With 27 graduates this academic year, Newman University expands its offerings to students in Southwest Kansas. GARDEN CITY, Kan., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Newman University launched its HERE bachelor's degree program in 2024 to combat the higher education desert in Southwest Kansas and is celebrating its first round of graduates of this innovative program this month. The HERE program began by offering four bachelor's degree majors to graduates of local community colleges and due to its overwhelming support with 55 students enrolling so far, has expanded its program to include a total of ten degree tracks. "We are thrilled with the interest we have received for HERE from the Southwest Kansas community, and congratulate our first bachelor's degree class graduating this month," said Vice President Academic Affairs at Newman University, Alden Stout. "Our five new degree offerings for Fall 2025 are going to bring even more opportunity to students wanting a career path that will benefit their communities and the world beyond." Bachelor's degrees offered through the Newman HERE program now include Agricultural Technology Management, Applied Artificial Intelligence, Business, Computer Science, Computer Science with a focus in Cyber Security, Certified Financial Planning, Data Science, Education, Game Development and Nursing. Newman HERE has offices and staff conveniently located near Garden City Community College offering students opportunities to meet with advisors to ensure they can find a path to a degree that fits their individual needs and career goals. All students who graduate from Dodge City, Garden City or Seward County Community College automatically receive a $20,000 scholarship towards their bachelor's degree, in addition to federal and state grants that have the potential to be matched by Newman. About Newman: Founded in 1933, Newman University is grounded in Catholic values and traditions, yet is respectful of all activities designed to educate their minds and inspire their spirits. With new courses offered at Garden City Community College, Newman hopes to bring the same to residents of Garden City. The main campus is in Wichita, Kansas with outreach sites in Southeast Kansas, Southwest Kansas, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Newman is a sponsored ministry of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ United States Region. About GCCC: Founded in 1919, Garden City Community College (GCCC) has served the public longer than any other community college in Kansas. GCCC is the senior leader in community college education for Kansas, with a tradition of preparing people of all ages from diverse backgrounds for success in their lives and careers. The mission of GCCC is to help each student become a positive contributor to the economic and social well-being of society. GCCC offers opportunities for every individual through our shared vision of becoming the premier educational nexus to progress and world-class learning in a dynamic environment. From here, you can go anywhere. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Information:Master Plan CommunicationsAshton Maxfieldashton@ 949.289.6493OrEmme Rothbergemme@ 214.642.2928 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
