Latest news with #Rathbone
Perth Now
a day ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Margaret River winery scores top honours at wine awards
WA's Xanadu Wines is one of four Australian wineries to score a best-in-show trophy at this year's Decanter World Wine Awards, held in London on June 18. Established by Dr John Lagan in 1977 and owned by the Rathbone family since 2005, the Margaret River mainstay earned the honour with its 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Made using grapes sourced from Timber Creek in Wilyabrup and Victory Point in Treeton, as well as a small amount of malbec from Xanadu's Stevens Road vineyard in Wallcliffe, the winning drop sells from the winery's website for $140 per bottle. Xanadu's big win capped a successful awards night for Margaret River, with the standout Australian subregion asserting its global reputation for premium cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Decanter judges commended the WA wine region, saying: 'We've known it since back in the 1960s, when (revered agricultural scientist) Dr John Gladstones first suggested that cabernet sauvignon and Margaret River might make a fruitful partnership'. Deep Woods Estate chief winemaker Julian Langworthy. Credit: Tim Campbell / RegionalHUB Xanadu's best-in-show win is the fifth by a Margaret River cabernet in the 22-year history of the wine gongs. The region also snared four platinum medals, including wins for Deep Woods Estate's 2023 Reserve Chardonnay and Gralyn Estate's Museum Rare Muscat NV, plus 18 golds. Australia boasts 80 top-scoring wines in its overall haul of 643 medals, including four best-in-show, 11 platinum and 65 gold medals. Scott and Annette Baxter owners and winemakers Gralyn Estate. Credit: Supplied / RegionalHUB The four best-in-shows is down on recent results. Australia claimed eight in 2024, and 10 in 2023 — the most for any country. The Decanter World Wine Awards are regarded as one of the world's largest and most influential wine competitions, renowned for its rigorous judging process. At this year's awards, 248 international wine experts from 35 countries judged wines from 57 countries. South Australia was the best performing region, claiming 309 medals in total, including best-in-show awards for Wirra Wirra's The 12th Man Chardonnay 2024 from the Adelaide Hills and Barossa Old Vine Company's 2022 Shiraz. Australia's other best-in-show recipient was Heathcote winery Trentham Estate's 2023 Reserve Shiraz.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'I knew Wayne Rooney when he was a teen - his true colours were clear'
Wayne Rooney took many people aback with his talent when he burst onto the scene at 16 with Everton, with a former club physio revealing the traits that marked him as a future star When Wayne Rooney broke into Everton 's first-team at the age of just 16, many were shocked by the extent of the youngster's talents. The striker quickly made his name in football with a famous late winner for Everton against Arsenal in the Premier League in October 2002 after emerging through the club's academy. Rooney's impact for his boyhood team was instant and he enjoyed two impressive breakthrough seasons in Merseyside, as well as a stunning Euro 2004 campaign with England, before leaving for Manchester United. Rooney went on to win five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a Champions League trophy at the club, becoming the side's all-time top goal scorer. He returned to Everton towards the end of his career before retiring in 2021 and moving into management with Derby County, D.C. United, Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle. It's now more than 22 years since Rooney grabbed the attention of everyone inside Goodison Park with that wonder goal against Arsenal. One person watching from the touchline that day was unsurprised by how coolly Rooney took his chance. Former Everton physio Mick Rathbone is someone who got to see first-hand what he was like behind the scenes. The ex-Birmingham, Blackburn and Preston defender opened up on the traits which made Rooney destined for the top in his memoir, The Smell of Football. Rathbone wrote: "I have had so many high spots in my career, but being able to say I worked with Wayne is probably the top one. Everybody knows about him as a player, but I was lucky enough to know him as a lad. "He is a very modest, polite young man, always courteous, always on time, hard-working, very bright and switched on. What sets these once-in-a-generation players apart from the rest? "Obviously, much of it is natural ability and athleticism but lots of players are talented and athletic. With Wayne it was those things and - contrary to what many people think - the most incredible, unflappable temperament." Rathbone said he first gained an understanding of Rooney's calm nature after observing his behaviour ahead of his first Merseyside derby match at Goodison Park in April 2003. He said the young forward's relaxed demeanour was in stark contrast to his own and a sign that he was meant to make it big. Rathbone said: "I remember about 30 minutes came into the medical room and started juggling the ball and generally larking about. He was laughing and clowning around. I couldn't believe how relaxed he was. "I was sh*****g myself, as you would no doubt expect, even though I was only the physio, because the Merseyside derby is a big, big game. "I was fascinated to get an insight into how he really felt, remembering when I was 17 years of age and about to cross the white line. That was it then, in a nutshell. Born to be great, born to play at the highest level." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
South Wales Argus
13-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Urgent action needed to break down barriers for disabled
Jenny Rathbone led a debate on the Senedd equality committee's report on tackling the disability employment gap, which found too many people face unnecessary barriers. The gap, which is the difference of employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people, stands at 31 per cent in Wales and has consistently been higher than elsewhere in Britain. Ms Rathbone said: 'We are running out of time. We must get on with it now. This is not about pay slips and productivity – it is about independence, dignity, equality of opportunity and what matters so much to the wellbeing of the individual and of society as a whole.' The Labour politician, who chairs the equality and social justice committee, told the Senedd: 'We need action this day and we need a wrecking ball to the barriers.' Conservative Altaf Hussain warned that 26 per cent of employed disabled people have not received any reasonable adjustments despite the right being enshrined in the Equality Act 2010. He pointed to research showing the average cost of adjustments was £75, saying: 'We know conclusively it's not expensive to treat disabled people properly but barriers, sadly, still exist.' Plaid Cymru's Sioned Williams warned UK ministers' proposals to cut benefits, including personal independence payment, will have a 'cataclysmic' impact on disabled people. She said: 'The specific barriers that disabled people face in accessing employment, identified in our report, must be addressed before changes to eligibility and support for disabled people are implemented.' Responding to the debate on June 11, Jane Hutt said ensuring disabled people can participate fully in society is one of the key values of the Welsh Government. She said: 'We want an inclusive approach to employment that supports disabled people to have equitable access to fulfilling and fair work.' Wales' social justice secretary highlighted an ongoing consultation on a draft 10-year disability rights plan which has been criticised for lacking concrete targets. Pressed for a timeline on incorporating the UN convention, which was an unambiguous commitment in Labour's 2021 manifesto, Ms Hutt did not provide any such timeframe.
Pembrokeshire Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Stormtroopers bring a galactic twist to 1940s big band celebration in Pembroke Dock
SENEDD Members called on the UK Government to 'get its house in order' before ploughing ahead with plans to slash welfare spending by nearly £5bn. The Senedd's equality committee urged Liz Kendall, the UK work and pensions secretary, to address barriers disabled people face in accessing employment before reforming welfare. Ms Kendall announced the biggest shake-up to the welfare system in a generation in March, including plans to tighten up the eligibility criteria for personal independence payment (Pip). In a letter to UK ministers, Jenny Rathbone, the Labour chair of the equality committee, wrote: 'We have been contacted by individuals and stakeholders expressing deep concern about the proposed changes and the impact they will have on local economies. 'We share these concerns and feel strongly that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – alongside employers and other tiers of government – must work much harder to get their houses in order before implementing reform.' Labour MS Jenny Rathbone Ms Rathbone added: 'We urge the [UK] Government to acknowledge these concerns and keep the people affected at the heart of its decision-making.' In March, her committee concluded an inquiry into the disability employment gap, warning that too many people face physical and institutional barriers to the world of work. The gap, which is the difference of employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people, stood at 30% in 2023/24 and has consistently been higher than elsewhere in Britain. Ms Rathbone wrote: 'We felt it was important to urge the UK Government to address the specific barriers disabled people face in accessing employment – identified in our report – before changes to eligibility and support for disabled people are implemented.' She called for urgent action to radically improve support for disabled people to gain and retain employment before removing entitlements. The committee criticised the DWP's 'poor performance', with delays of up to 20 weeks in accessing support through the Access to Work scheme. As many as 275,000 people in Wales receive Pip and 110,000 who receive universal credit have limited capability for work-related activity, according to the Bevan Foundation. Senedd Members on the equality committee wrote: 'The UK Government intends to introduce these changes at speed with changes to Pip and universal credit scheduled for August and November 2026 respectively. 'We do not support this timetable until progress is made to tackle barriers which contribute to the disability employment gap, with evidence that comprehensive support is in place. 'Such an approach risks raising the anchor before checking the sails and we urge the UK Government to look again at the timing and sequencing of these changes.' The committee's letter acknowledged the case for reform, with a 45% increase in the number of people claiming health-related benefits since 2018/19. 'We agree that action is needed in instances where there is evidence of perverse incentives in the current system,' wrote members of the committee. 'However, while the impact of other factors such as NHS waiting times is acknowledged, there is a risk current proposals fail to capture the complexity behind why the number of people claiming continues to grow. 'Some of the changes, as highlighted by the Resolution Foundation, appear to be primarily designed to save money and to help meet fiscal rules rather than for principled reasons.' Senedd Members added: 'Given the potential impact on Welsh individuals and communities, we call on the UK Government to ensure that spending on disability benefits is determined by the level of need and not by a desire to meet fiscal targets.' Impact assessments published by the UK Government – which were carried out on an England-and-Wales basis – were inadequate and lacked detail, according to the letter. Warning cuts will have a disproportionate impact on Wales, the letter stated: 'While the UK Government is yet to publish an impact assessment for Wales, analysis from stakeholders starkly illustrates the potential impacts of the proposed reforms…. 'Policy in Practice suggests that they will hit Wales and north-east England the hardest. It estimates that nearly 190,000 people in Wales will be affected by the reforms, with a potential financial impact of £470m. 'According to their analysis, four of the ten worst-affected local authorities in Great Britain are in Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot and Caerphilly.' Senedd Members stressed: 'Given these findings, it is critical that the UK Government gives clarity on how it anticipates Wales will be impacted.' The equality committee's letter also expressed concerns about the potential impact on children, young people and poverty rates in Wales. Criticising proposals to end health-related universal credit payments for under-22s altogether, the letter said: 'Our concerns about these changes in relation to children and to levels of child poverty are particularly acute. 'Children have no control over their circumstances and lack any means of redress. More children and young people live in poverty in the UK than any other age group. 'We recognise the need to reduce youth unemployment and economic inactivity, and its potential scaring effects. We want to see all children and young people fulfil their potential. 'However, we are concerned that these aims are undermined if rates of child poverty continue to increase as has been suggested as a result of these policy changes.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New summer train timetable brings extra services to and from Pembrokeshire
SENEDD Members called on the UK Government to 'get its house in order' before ploughing ahead with plans to slash welfare spending by nearly £5bn. The Senedd's equality committee urged Liz Kendall, the UK work and pensions secretary, to address barriers disabled people face in accessing employment before reforming welfare. Ms Kendall announced the biggest shake-up to the welfare system in a generation in March, including plans to tighten up the eligibility criteria for personal independence payment (Pip). In a letter to UK ministers, Jenny Rathbone, the Labour chair of the equality committee, wrote: 'We have been contacted by individuals and stakeholders expressing deep concern about the proposed changes and the impact they will have on local economies. 'We share these concerns and feel strongly that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – alongside employers and other tiers of government – must work much harder to get their houses in order before implementing reform.' Labour MS Jenny Rathbone Ms Rathbone added: 'We urge the [UK] Government to acknowledge these concerns and keep the people affected at the heart of its decision-making.' In March, her committee concluded an inquiry into the disability employment gap, warning that too many people face physical and institutional barriers to the world of work. The gap, which is the difference of employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people, stood at 30% in 2023/24 and has consistently been higher than elsewhere in Britain. Ms Rathbone wrote: 'We felt it was important to urge the UK Government to address the specific barriers disabled people face in accessing employment – identified in our report – before changes to eligibility and support for disabled people are implemented.' She called for urgent action to radically improve support for disabled people to gain and retain employment before removing entitlements. The committee criticised the DWP's 'poor performance', with delays of up to 20 weeks in accessing support through the Access to Work scheme. As many as 275,000 people in Wales receive Pip and 110,000 who receive universal credit have limited capability for work-related activity, according to the Bevan Foundation. Senedd Members on the equality committee wrote: 'The UK Government intends to introduce these changes at speed with changes to Pip and universal credit scheduled for August and November 2026 respectively. 'We do not support this timetable until progress is made to tackle barriers which contribute to the disability employment gap, with evidence that comprehensive support is in place. 'Such an approach risks raising the anchor before checking the sails and we urge the UK Government to look again at the timing and sequencing of these changes.' The committee's letter acknowledged the case for reform, with a 45% increase in the number of people claiming health-related benefits since 2018/19. 'We agree that action is needed in instances where there is evidence of perverse incentives in the current system,' wrote members of the committee. 'However, while the impact of other factors such as NHS waiting times is acknowledged, there is a risk current proposals fail to capture the complexity behind why the number of people claiming continues to grow. 'Some of the changes, as highlighted by the Resolution Foundation, appear to be primarily designed to save money and to help meet fiscal rules rather than for principled reasons.' Senedd Members added: 'Given the potential impact on Welsh individuals and communities, we call on the UK Government to ensure that spending on disability benefits is determined by the level of need and not by a desire to meet fiscal targets.' Impact assessments published by the UK Government – which were carried out on an England-and-Wales basis – were inadequate and lacked detail, according to the letter. Warning cuts will have a disproportionate impact on Wales, the letter stated: 'While the UK Government is yet to publish an impact assessment for Wales, analysis from stakeholders starkly illustrates the potential impacts of the proposed reforms…. 'Policy in Practice suggests that they will hit Wales and north-east England the hardest. It estimates that nearly 190,000 people in Wales will be affected by the reforms, with a potential financial impact of £470m. 'According to their analysis, four of the ten worst-affected local authorities in Great Britain are in Wales: Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot and Caerphilly.' Senedd Members stressed: 'Given these findings, it is critical that the UK Government gives clarity on how it anticipates Wales will be impacted.' The equality committee's letter also expressed concerns about the potential impact on children, young people and poverty rates in Wales. Criticising proposals to end health-related universal credit payments for under-22s altogether, the letter said: 'Our concerns about these changes in relation to children and to levels of child poverty are particularly acute. 'Children have no control over their circumstances and lack any means of redress. More children and young people live in poverty in the UK than any other age group. 'We recognise the need to reduce youth unemployment and economic inactivity, and its potential scaring effects. We want to see all children and young people fulfil their potential. 'However, we are concerned that these aims are undermined if rates of child poverty continue to increase as has been suggested as a result of these policy changes.'
