Month: December 2021

The rail operator has altered its timetable between January 4 and 28 ScotRail is cutting back its services during January as Covid-related absences are causing staff shortages. Absences have already led to some trains being cancelled in the run-up to Christmas and the rail operator has now altered its timetable between January 4 and 28. The changes mainly affect services which would normally run between Mondays and Friday in the […]

Neil Pearce, co-founder of Planets Cancer Charity, says it is essential patients “take control of what they can” as the pandemic continues to impact services A cancer charity is urging patients to focus on improving their fitness levels as the NHS contends with the ongoing challenges of Covid-19. Neil Pearce, co-founder of Planets Cancer Charity – which helps patients with pancreatic, liver, colorectal, abdominal and neuroendocrine cancer, said it was […]

Researchers have used three-dimensional computer topography scanning technology The perfectly wrapped mummified body of the Egyptian Pharaoh Amenhotep I has been seen for the first time in centuries after being digitally “unwrapped” with high-tech scanners. Researchers have previously been unwilling to uncover the ancient ruler’s body because of its beautifully decorated wrapping with flower garlands and exquisite life-like facemask inset with colourful stones. But thanks to the use of three-dimensional […]

Saijd Javid has made the announcement following ministers reviewing the latest data The Health Secretary has said no further coronavirus restrictions will be introduced in England before the new year after ministers reviewed the latest data. Sajid Javid said “people should remain cautious” and urged those marking the start of 2022 to consider testing themselves beforehand and to celebrate outside, with the Omicron variant growing so fast that it accounts […]

New Year’s Eve could be the mildest on record with temperatures as high as 15C, the Met Office has said. The previous New Year’s Eve record of 14.8C (58.64F) was set in 2011. However, this year could see that level matched, or even surpassed in some parts of the UK. Met Office Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “The record is 14.8C on New Year’s Eve and that was in 2011, temperatures […]

Australia turned in a fierce spell of new ball bowling late on the second day of the Boxing Day Test, Having bowled out Australia for a creditable 267 the tourists appeared to be on course for their best day of what has been a progressively painful series, but the final hour was the stuff of nightmares as they closed on 31 for four – still 51 behind. Bellowed on by […]

Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist for racial justice and LGBT rights, has died aged 90. Announcing the death, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said it was “another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa”. An uncompromising foe of apartheid in South Africa, Tutu worked tirelessly and peacefully for its downfall. The buoyant, blunt-spoken […]

Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard will miss the club’s next two Premier League games after testing positive for Covid-19, the club have announced. Aston Villa head coach Steven Gerrard will miss the club’s next two Premier League games after testing positive for Covid-19, the club have announced. Gerrard will not be in the dugout for the Boxing Day clash at home to Chelsea or Tuesday’s trip to Leeds. The […]

Swimmers have headed to the coast for Christmas Day dips across the country. Swimmers have headed to the coast for Christmas Day dips across the country. Donning a variety of Christmas hats, both humans and pets braved the cold waters. Congregating at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh on Christmas morning, swimmers wore full elf outfits and tutus to jump into the ocean. People also gathered at Tynemouth Beach in the North […]