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London Irish Centre Lights Up Green to Honour Shane MacGowan

London Irish Centre Lights Up Green to Honour Shane MacGowan

Mourners Gathered in Camden to Celebrate the Legacy of the Late Pogues Frontman

London Irish Centre Lights Up Green to Honour Shane MacGowan

Mourners Gathered in Camden to Celebrate the Legacy of the Late Pogues Frontman

Category: Entertainment

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the London Irish Centre to pay their respects to Shane MacGowan, the iconic frontman of The Pogues, who passed away on Thursday. The fully-booked, free-of-charge event was a heartfelt tribute to the man who “gave the London Irish an identity,” with guests lighting up the centre in green in a fitting homage.

The night was filled with performances of The Pogues’ greatest hits by a tribute band, while a montage of photographs from the band’s history played on a projector in the background. Guests penned messages of tribute on sticky notes, and many sang along to MacGowan’s songs in the dance hall, celebrating the spirit of his music.

Maggie Erangey, 50, from Custom House, East London, shared her fond memories of MacGowan’s spontaneous performances in Cork, where he would casually play in pubs without even taking the stage. “It was just, ‘oh, there’s Shane and the gang’,” she recalled. “I’m more upset about his passing than I am about my uncle’s death,” she said, emotional over the loss of an artist who had such a deep connection with the Irish diaspora.

Philomena Costigan, 60, from County Tipperary, waved her county’s flag in tribute outside the building. She described MacGowan as a legend for the Irish community, writing: “He took our music and brought it back to us, he voiced our fear and brought us to tears. He made us feel pride when we faced derision.”

Ann Corrigan, from Muswell Hill, shared how MacGowan’s music spoke deeply to the second-generation Irish community in London, while Tony Dordy, 73, a long-time Camden resident, reflected on MacGowan’s lasting impact, saying: “He made a lot of people happy. He’s a legend, he will never be forgotten.”

UK Faces Freezing Temperatures and Snowfall as Cold Weather Hits

UK Faces Freezing Temperatures and Snowfall as Cold Weather Hits

Warnings Issued for Snow and Ice, with London Expecting Frost and Freezing Fog

The UK is bracing for another spell of freezing temperatures this weekend, with widespread frost, freezing fog, and the possibility of snow in several areas. London will experience temperatures dipping to -4°C overnight, leading to a significant frost. The cold spell will continue into Saturday, with fog patches expected to clear slowly and a dry day ahead, though light winds and occasional bright spells are forecast.

Sunday will bring unsettled conditions, with rain spreading across the south and a brief chance of snow in higher areas. While the south will see milder conditions in the coming days, northern regions are expected to stay cold, with coastal areas possibly experiencing showers.

Several yellow weather warnings have been issued, particularly for snow and ice across northern Scotland, Glasgow, Carlisle, and parts of north-west England. Another warning covers areas from above Newcastle to below Essex and Kent. Although London is not under any official snow warnings, the capital saw its first snowfall of the season on Friday morning, following a low of -3.4°C the previous night.

BBC Weather predicts sleet showers in parts of south London over the weekend, with Accuweather forecasting a 31% chance of snow in the city. The Met Office has urged the public to monitor local forecasts, as weather conditions may change unexpectedly.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has activated emergency cold weather protocols in response to the freezing temperatures. This includes opening emergency accommodation for those sleeping rough across the capital. Charities and local authorities are working together to support vulnerable individuals during this cold period.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Andy Page explained that a low-pressure system is influencing southern parts of the UK, bringing more unsettled weather by the weekend. While temperatures are expected to rise slightly by Monday, uncertainty remains over how far north the milder air will reach. For now, cold weather will persist, especially in areas away from the southwest.

Women and Children Still at Risk Due to Probation Service Failings, Says Coroner

Women and Children Still at Risk Due to Probation Service Failings, Says Coroner

Concerns Over Inadequate Management of Dangerous Offenders Following Killamarsh Murders

A senior coroner has raised alarms about the ongoing risk to women and children due to the Probation Service’s inadequate management of dangerous offenders. This follows the inquests into the horrific murders committed by Damien Bendall in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, in 2021, where his failures were linked to the deaths of his partner, her children, and a friend.

Damien Bendall was sentenced to a whole life order in December 2022 for murdering Terri Harris, her children John Paul and Lacey Bennett, and Lacey’s friend Connie Gent. The inquests revealed that the Probation Service and Capita PLC’s handling of Bendall contributed to the killings, highlighting 57 significant failings, including his assessment as posing a low risk to partners and children despite a history of violent offences.

Peter Nieto, the senior coroner, issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report after the inquests, expressing serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Probation Service’s offender management system. Nieto stated that the service’s ability to record and assess the risk of dangerous offenders was “insufficient,” with domestic abuse and child safeguarding checks often incomplete or missing.

The coroner questioned whether the Probation Service understood the gravity of the issue, noting that safeguarding failures were not treated as disciplinary matters and could lead to disastrous outcomes for public safety. The inquest revealed that Bendall, despite a violent history, was supervised by overworked and inexperienced probation staff, with key risk assessments and domestic abuse concerns overlooked.

Bendall had previously been involved in violent incidents, including the assault of a partner and possible child sexual abuse, but this was not adequately recorded or flagged for future evaluations. Nieto’s report also criticised the confusing systems used to document offenders, further complicating the management of high-risk individuals.

The Probation Service has since pledged to address these failings by improving training, mandating domestic abuse and child safeguarding checks, and enhancing information-sharing. However, the coroner’s report has been forwarded to the Justice Secretary and the Chief Probation Officer, who are required to respond within 56 days on the actions taken to prevent similar incidents.

The report also highlighted a failure by Capita PLC to report a threatening comment made by Bendall during the fitting of his electronic curfew tag, where he stated he would murder his partner and children if their relationship deteriorated. Additionally, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was criticised for not documenting Bendall’s missed drug and alcohol treatment appointments, a condition of his suspended sentence.

The findings call for urgent reforms in offender management to protect vulnerable individuals from future harm.

Romance Fraudster Sentenced to 11 Years for Conning Women Out of £100,000

Romance Fraudster Sentenced to 11 Years for Conning Women Out of £100,000

Fraudster Used Fake Identities to Deceive Victims Over Several Years

A man who tricked at least 10 women into giving him a total of £100,000 through fraudulent romantic relationships has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. David Checkley, 65, was convicted of 19 fraud charges and one theft charge following a lengthy investigation.

Between February 2017 and February 2021, Checkley targeted women aged 40 to 70, using online dating platforms to establish fake personas. He presented himself as a fighter pilot, a Vietnam War veteran, a successful architect, and someone with powerful connections, even claiming his ex-wife was an American billionaire.

According to the Metropolitan Police, Checkley convinced his victims he was an intelligent and affluent man, before persuading them to lend him money for various fabricated reasons, such as urgent home repairs or a rare opportunity to purchase a discounted Rolex. One victim, who had been in a relationship with Checkley for five years, was unaware of his deceitful activities.

Checkley, operating under the alias David Cohen, was finally apprehended in June 2021 after several women reported him to the authorities. Despite being on holiday in Ibiza when officers raided his home in St Albans, he was arrested upon his return.

A subsequent investigation uncovered evidence linking Checkley to his fraudulent schemes, including receipts for expensive jewellery, a brochure for a luxurious mansion, and documents showing he had purchased a £7,250 Rolex watch using a victim’s funds. Additionally, investigators found two new Harley Davidson motorbikes and several high-end vehicles parked at his property.

Detective Superintendent John Roch of the Metropolitan Police’s Economic Crime Team stated, “Checkley was a systematic fraudster who manipulated the trust of his victims in the most callous way. He is a fantasist who lived a lie, and it is vital that individuals like him are brought to justice.” He also praised the victims for coming forward, highlighting the emotional and financial toll such crimes take on individuals.

The sentence marks a significant step in holding romance fraudsters accountable and offers some closure to the women affected by Checkley’s actions.

Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United: Onana’s Errors Prove Costly in Champions League Setback

Galatasaray 3-3 Manchester United: Onana’s Errors Prove Costly in Champions League Setback

United’s Last-16 Hopes on the Brink After Thrilling Istanbul Draw

Manchester United’s chances of progressing to the Champions League knockout stages were dealt a heavy blow after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in Istanbul. Erik ten Hag’s side squandered two separate two-goal leads, with goalkeeper Andre Onana’s blunders proving costly in a game that now leaves their fate out of their own hands.

United, currently bottom of Group A, now face an uphill battle to qualify for the last-16. If FC Copenhagen pull off an unlikely victory against Bayern Munich, United’s hopes will be extinguished, but should they defeat Bayern at Old Trafford on December 12, they will still need Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw in Denmark on the same night to sneak through as runners-up.

On a night of torrential rain and stormy conditions in Istanbul, which saw the Uefa Youth League game earlier in the day disrupted, Onana’s poor performance was a defining moment. The Cameroon goalkeeper made two costly mistakes, first allowing Hakim Ziyech to score from a free-kick to reduce the deficit to 2-1, and later misjudging another free-kick from the Chelsea loanee that put Galatasaray level at 3-3.

The match began with a perfect start for United, as they took a 2-0 lead through Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes in the opening 18 minutes. However, their advantage evaporated after Onana’s errors, with Galatasaray pulling one back through Ziyech’s set-piece and later equalising after a well-taken strike from substitute Kerem Akturkoglu.

Despite further chances at both ends, including a late effort from Fernandes that hit the post and a crucial save from Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to deny Facundo Pellistri, United could not manage a fourth goal. The result leaves them in a precarious position, as they head into their final group-stage game needing a miracle to secure their place in the next round.

King Hosts Global Business and Finance Leaders at Buckingham Palace

King Hosts Global Business and Finance Leaders at Buckingham Palace

Reception Marks Conclusion of UK’s Global Investment Summit, Attended by Industry Giants

King Charles welcomed influential figures from the global business and finance sectors at a Buckingham Palace reception, celebrating the UK’s Global Investment Summit. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak introduced the King to notable attendees, including Blackstone’s Stephen A Schwarzman, JP Morgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon, and Makoto Uchida from Nissan.

In the White Drawing Room, Charles also engaged with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, chair of Newcastle United and governor of Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund, and Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Mr Sunak highlighted Microsoft’s investment to bolster AI infrastructure in the UK while presenting Microsoft UK’s Clare Barclay to the King.

Other prominent business leaders, such as Goldman Sachs’ David Solomon, Bank of America’s Bernard Mensah, and Dame Anne Richards from Fidelity International, were introduced. Later, Charles mingled with additional industry executives and financial leaders in the Palace’s Picture Gallery, joined by senior government officials, including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Home Secretary James Cleverly.

The reception followed the Global Investment Summit, hosted earlier at Hampton Court Palace, where Mr Sunak emphasised the UK’s favourable business tax environment. The event, aimed at boosting investment and job creation, saw commitments of £29.5 billion in new UK projects, further solidifying Britain’s status as a premier global investment destination.

Fulham Face Wolves in Key Premier League Clash Tonight

Fulham Face Wolves in Key Premier League Clash Tonight

Craven Cottage Hosts Crucial Monday Night Fixture as Fulham Seek to Bounce Back

Fulham are set to welcome Wolves to Craven Cottage this evening for a Premier League encounter under the Monday night lights. Marco Silva’s squad has struggled to replicate the form of last season and is looking to recover from two recent defeats. While the team sits comfortably away from the relegation zone, maintaining that distance requires crucial home wins, especially against teams with similar ambitions.

Wolves, a side known for their resilience, pose a formidable challenge. Victory tonight would be vital for Fulham’s hopes of staying clear of the relegation threat.

Viewing Details
TV Coverage: The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage begins at 6:30pm GMT, with the kick-off scheduled for 8:00pm GMT.
Streaming: Sky subscribers can watch via the Sky Go app or website for live streaming.

Jamie Lynn Spears Reflects on Daughter’s Near-Death Quad Bike Accident

Jamie Lynn Spears Reflects on Daughter’s Near-Death Quad Bike Accident

The singer and actress shared her emotional story on I’m A Celebrity, recounting how faith became a pillar after her daughter’s recovery.

During Monday’s episode of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Jamie Lynn Spears recounted the harrowing 2017 incident in which her daughter Maddie nearly drowned in a freak quad bike accident. Spears explained that Maddie, then eight or nine, became trapped under the vehicle in their pond, with Spears and her family frantically trying to save her until emergency responders arrived.

Spears described the desperate moments when they couldn’t free Maddie, fearing the worst as sirens approached. Maddie was unresponsive and intubated by emergency workers, but a pulse was eventually found. The ordeal, which saw Maddie recovering fully after being airlifted to the hospital, was a turning point for Spears, prompting her to embrace Catholicism.

Reflecting on the miracle, Spears said, “How could I ever complain about anything ever again? I was given the biggest gift you could ever be given.”

In a lighter segment of the episode, Spears revealed her older sister, pop icon Britney Spears, once had crawfish specially delivered overnight from Louisiana to satisfy her craving for the seafood, even during her Las Vegas residency.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! airs again Tuesday at 9pm on ITV.

Starmer Open to Elgin Marbles Loan Deal with Greece

Starmer Open to Elgin Marbles Loan Deal with Greece

Labour leader reportedly willing to support agreement allowing temporary return of sculptures to Athens

Reports suggest that Sir Keir Starmer would not oppose a potential loan arrangement involving the temporary return of the Elgin Marbles to Athens. The sculptures, removed from Greece by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century, have been a long-standing point of contention, with Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis advocating for their repatriation.

Mitsotakis is expected to address the issue in upcoming meetings with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer in London. According to the Financial Times, Starmer, whose Holborn & St Pancras constituency houses the British Museum, will reportedly express Labour’s willingness to support a mutually agreed loan deal between the museum and the Greek government, while maintaining the current legal framework. The 1963 British Museum Act restricts the permanent transfer of items from its collection.

British Museum chairman George Osborne has previously explored arrangements for displaying the Elgin Marbles in Greece under such a loan scheme. Prime Minister Sunak reaffirmed in March that there are no plans to alter the law governing the sculptures’ status.

Catherine Tate Joins David Tennant in New Doctor Who Adventures

Catherine Tate Joins David Tennant in New Doctor Who Adventures

Tate reprises Donna Noble, reuniting with Tennant for special 60th anniversary episodes

Catherine Tate and David Tennant have reprised their roles as Donna Noble and the Doctor for Doctor Who, stepping back into the Tardis in a major return for the franchise’s 60th anniversary. Tate’s character Donna, who was the Doctor’s companion, originally had her memory wiped in a 2008 episode to save her life after absorbing the “power of the Time Lords.” Tennant, portraying the 10th Doctor at the time, last appeared regularly between 2005 and 2010 but made a surprise return as the 14th Doctor after Jodie Whittaker’s final episode in 2022.

In a new episode titled The Star Beast, Donna’s daughter Rose, portrayed by Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney, crosses paths with the Doctor and her mother. Despite encountering a UFO, Donna fails to recognise the Doctor due to her previous memory wipe. Donna’s husband, played by Shaun Temple, and Jacqueline King as Sylvia Noble also make a return, adding depth to the story’s emotional stakes.

The episode introduces a fluffy alien called the Meep, voiced by Miriam Margolyes, and brings back memories of Wilfred “Wilf” Mott, played by the late Bernard Cribbins. In a poignant exchange, the Doctor expresses sorrow for Wilf’s absence, adding further emotional weight to the storyline.

As events unfold, Donna joins the Doctor in the Tardis, willing to sacrifice herself to protect her daughter. In a significant twist, the Doctor restores Donna’s memories without jeopardising her safety, thanks to the Time Lord’s genderfluid nature, allowing Donna and Rose to share the knowledge safely. The newly revealed, larger Tardis even features a coffee machine but quickly catches fire, setting up more unpredictable adventures.

The special episode is the first of three celebrating Doctor Who’s anniversary, followed by Wild Blue Yonder on December 2 and The Giggle on December 9. Both Tennant and Tate have previously made comebacks, including during the 50th-anniversary special The Day Of The Doctor. Acclaimed showrunner Russell T Davies also returns for this series. Ncuti Gatwa will step into the role of the 15th Doctor during the festive season, bringing a fresh era to the beloved series.