People
By Community Correspondent IN a UK first, a luxury care home group has published an interactive book containing the musical memories of the people living in its five homes – and charities are set to benefit from the sales. Magical Musical Memories is the name of the book, which is a
Business
By Community Correspondent Bristol Airport has launched the second cohort of its Take Off Programme, a training and skills initiative designed to help young people aged 18-24 take the next step into employment. This follows on from the success of the first Take Off Programme ‘Soaring to Success’ where five
People
By Disabilities Editor, Ellise Hollie-Hayward At just 28 years old, Somerset’s own Steph Chamberlain has already defied the odds and is now inspiring others with her creative journey into pottery. Steph Chamberlain is 28 years old and from Somerset, although she was born in Wandsworth, London. She moved to
Science
By Science Correspondent A landmark study combining artificial intelligence and genetics has, for the first time, revealed the complex biology behind the development of the human fovea—the tiny pit at the back of the eye responsible for sharp central vision used in reading, recognising faces, and driving. Researchers from
People
By Community Correspondent Carol Dyer from Gosport is preparing for an extraordinary journey this September, travelling with her 18-year-old son Caleb and her 81-year-old father Neil Salter to Jinja, Uganda, with Christian disability charity Through the Roof. They are going on a mission for our Wheels for the World project
Mental Health
By Mental Health Correspondent The transformational power of listening has been highlighted in a new animation that captures the real voices and mental health experiences of a group of mums and mums-to-be. Drawing from the award-winning Ways to Wellness Maternal Mental Health Services prototype, the film has been co-created by
Science
By Science Correspondent Dogs may understand more than just commands—they might also grasp the purpose of objects, much like human infants. In a study published September 18 in Current Biology, researchers show that some dogs can categorize toys by function, such as pulling or fetching, even when the toys
Animals
By Animals Correspondent Woburn Safari Park is inviting animal lovers to help name four otter pups, born this summer to proud parents Beatrix and Kovu! These Asian short-clawed otters, are the smallest of all otter species, and are native to wetlands across Asia, including Vietnam. Sadly, they’re listed as
People
By Charities Correspondent A CITY restaurant has celebrated more than a decade of serving up food from around the globe while raising thousands of pounds for local charities. COSMO Derby, an all-you-can-eat world banqueting restaurant located on London Road, marked its 12th birthday by holding a charity event that raised
News
By Community Correspondent The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)1 is thrilled to announce the rediscovery of Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)2 in Cwm Idwal, a glacial cirque in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). The fern was found by naturalist, author and mountain leader Jim Langley, more than
People
By Community Correspondent A former employee of The Leprosy Mission has completed the gruelling London–Edinburgh–London cycling challenge—this time, entirely solo. Chris Macqueen, a father-of-two from Uxbridge, set out on the endurance ride at the start of August, joining the official event that draws over 2,000 riders
Health,
By Health Correspondent Hands-free AI technology that gives doctors more time to see their patients has been piloted at St George’s in the largest, most extensive trial of its kind. Tech trialled in the emergency department halved the time it took clinicians to do paperwork, saving each an additional
Science
By Science Correspondent A new study shows that helping others just a few hours a week can significantly slow cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults. Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Massachusetts Boston found that both formal volunteering and informal helping—such as
Schools
By Education Correspondent Evergreen Primary Academy’s Year 5 pupils have officially begun their exciting journey as part of the Mini Police programme. Resplendent in their smart new uniforms, complete with hats and high-visibility jackets, the children are eager to make a positive difference in their local community. Over the
Animals
By Jill Dando News There were celebrations in Westminster today (11 September) as Poykee, a 13-year-old Keeshond, owned by Sarah Edwards, Labour MP for Tamworth, emerged victorious after being crowned the winner at the Westminster Dog of the Year competition. The annual competition, organised by The Kennel Club and Dogs
Animals
By Animals Correspondent An African elephant at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset has received specialist dental treatment to protect his tusk - with a world-renowned dentist called in for the job - showing how specialist care is key to modern zoo conservation. Keepers recently spotted a small