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Younger drivers are more likely than older age groups to favour a subscription service for cars over ownership, according to new research from Deloitte. Key Findings: Gen Z and millennials more likely than others to favour car subscription service over ownership model One in five consumers of all ages (18%) prefer car subscription service and this interest increases among 18-34-year-olds (28%); Nearly a third (32%) of consumers say they would consider purchasing insurance directly from the manufacturer if given the option; Nearly three quarters of consumers (71%) say they expect to spend less than £30,000 for a new or used vehicle; 46% worried about the lack of public electric chargers. Based on responses from over 1,500 UK consumers, Deloitte’s Global Automotive Consumer Study found that whilst over half of consumers (52%) show no interest in car subscription models, one in five consumers of all ages (18%) were in favour and this interest increases significantly among 18-34-year-olds (28%). Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, said: “Vehicle subscriptions appeal to younger consumers because they provide flexibility and choice. They offer the advantages of having your own personal vehicle without the disadvantages of ownership." “Subscriptions also create a sustainable business model for used cars – increasing vehicle usage and giving consumers the choice to pause their membership when they don’t need their car.” When asked about buying a car, affordability remains a priority for consumers, with 80% who expect to pay less than £400 a month in a subscription for their next used or new vehicle. Meanwhile, nearly a third (32%) of consumers say they would consider purchasing insurance directly from the manufacturer if given the option. Of those consumers, nearly half (46%) said the primary benefit for this would be convenience, with 41% citing cost savings over current providers. Hamilton added: “Car manufacturers and dealers are looking at additional and new potential profit streams including bringing insurance products and subscriptions services inhouse, signalling potential disruption to the current business model." “For consumers, convenience, cost, and flexibility continue to be the most important characteristics when making decisions on their vehicles.” Interest in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is softening – less than one in ten (9%) said they would prefer a new and used BEV as their next car, down from 11% last year. Recent sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders also shows that some car manufacturers are starting to lag behind their zero emission vehicle targets, which requires at least 22% of new cars to be zero-emission in 2024. More than half (57%) of consumers say that the most significant impact on their decision to purchase a BEV is lower fuel costs. Price remains a key barrier to adoption of BEVs, with nearly three quarters of consumers (71%) saying they expect to spend less than £30,000 for a new or used vehicle. Driving range is also prioritised when making the switch to electric, with a third of consumers (34%) who expect a fully charged BEV to have a driving range of at least 400 miles. Charging infrastructure continues to be a key concern for consumers, with 46% worried about the lack of public electric chargers. Hamilton commented: “One of the biggest issues in the uptake of BEVs alongside charging is affordability, and until we see schemes targeting this specific area, such as used car salary sacrifice arrangements to help stimulate growth, this will continue to deter consumers from making the switch to electric." “For those with access to charging stations, there is a desire for a more convenient payment mechanism, with 66% signalling they would prefer to pay with credit or debit card." “The availability of charging infrastructure however remains an issue, particularly for customers without access to off-street parking. For BEVs to integrate further into everyday life, greater accessibility to public charging points is required. It also needs to be easier for customers to make use of those charging points already in place.”

A partnership between Surrey County Council, Metrobus (Go Ahead), West Sussex County Council, Kent County Council and London Gatwick has won a bid for funding to launch a new fleet of 43 hydrogen powered buses. The Department for Transport has awarded the partnership over £10 million, which combined with £11.6 million from Metrobus (Go Ahead) and almost £3 million from the other partners brings the total for the project to over £24 million. Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said, “I am delighted that we have been successful in our joint bid to fund 43 new hydrogen powered buses. This is great news for Surrey residents and for everyone else travelling in and out of the three counties." “This is part of our continued commitment to make our buses greener following previous investment including £32.3m for more ultra-low and zero emission buses and £6.3m for more ultra-low and zero emission community transport minibuses. A further £9m is being invested in bus priority measures to ensure Surrey buses turn up on time, and £1.4m in improving information for passengers at bus stops." “We also recently launched the Surrey LINK card which gives young people half-price bus travel and expanded our on-demand Surrey Connect bus services to cover areas where there are no fixed bus routes, giving more options to travel by bus for our residents.” The buses will operate across a wide area of Surrey, Sussex and Kent to connect rural areas with local towns and London Gatwick. Destinations will include Caterham, Dorking, Redhill, Burgess Hill, Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Worthing, Brighton, and Tunbridge Wells. When fully operational, it will be one of the biggest fleets of hydrogen powered buses in the country and the only one operating in rural areas. Nick Hill, Commercial Director, Metrobus said, “We are delighted to be awarded match funding from the government’s ZEBRA 2 fund for 43 new hydrogen buses making our hydrogen fleet one of the biggest in the country. Our contribution to this project is £11.6 million which we consider to be a critical investment in providing zero emission buses on the Metrobus network for our customers." “Buses are one of the most sustainable ways to travel. Hydrogen buses release zero emissions at the tailpipe, helping to reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone." “This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership working by putting the transport needs of local people first.”

Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is proud to announce its latest contributions to the community, focusing on supporting educational and social growth in two Glasgow primary schools, and a youth sports coaching programme. With grants totaling £3,000, the Trust is funding initiatives at St Mary's Primary School in Maryhill, St Joseph’s Primary School near Glasgow City Centre and Winning Scotland, a charity that builds confidence and resilience in Scotland's children and young people. St Joseph’s Primary School, located close to Glasgow City Centre, will receive a grant of £1,000. towards the creation of a school library, a project designed to develop a love of reading among young people. Recognizing the school's diverse linguistic background, with 32 languages spoken among its students, the grant will help purchase books in various languages and essential library furniture. Ciara Lynch, from St Joseph’s Primary expressed the school’s gratitude for the donation. “Reading is crucial for learning and development and yet many children are missing out on the joy of reading and the benefits it brings; we don’t want our young people to miss this opportunity.” "We have 32 different languages spoken in our school so we want to buy books in a range of languages to suit this diverse community; this will have a great impact on our school and young people. A further £500 grant will go to St Mary’s Primary School in Maryhill. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on families by supporting the costs associated with the Primary 7 prom, leavers' day out, and the traditional leavers' hoodies. Located in a deprived area of Maryhill, the grant ensures that every child can participate in these significant milestones without financial stress on their families. Kerry Finn, of the St. Mary’s Primary School Parent Council said the donation would make the P7’s last weeks of primary school memorable ones. She said, “I would like to thank the whole team at Allied Vehicles for helping the P7s at St Mary's Primary with costs for leaver events. This will help our families and the children will have an amazing sendoff thanks to Allied Vehicles.” Winning Scotland is a charity that builds confidence and resilience in Scotland's children and young people. The Trust has approved a grant of £1,500 to enhance delivery of a physical activity focused project called ‘On Our Marks’. On Our Marks improves the health, confidence, and life skills of 300 children in Primary 1 and 2 in 10 north Glasgow primary schools - Barlornock, Barmulloch, Chirnsyde, Elmvale, Miltonbank, Saracen, St Catherine’s, St Martin’s, St Monica’s and St Teresa's. The funds from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will help to mentor and train young sports coaches recruited from sports students at Glasgow Kelvin College. As well as providing a sustainable source of physical activity provision in the local schools, this approach increases the practical knowledge, delivery experience and employability skills of the students, helping them to build networks in their local area and boost future employment prospects. Richard Orr, Director of Partnerships at Winning Scotland thanked the Trust for its support, saying, “We’re thrilled that this support from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will enable us to continue building our training and mentoring relationship with Glasgow Kelvin College." "Supporting sports students to deliver the On Our Marks physical activity project in local primary schools has multiple benefits – helping children stay fit and healthy, developing the employability skills of students and creating opportunities in the local community.” Gerry Facenna, owner and founder of Allied Vehicles, said of the donations, "We're delighted to support these vital educational and social initiatives in Glasgow's schools and communities. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is committed to making a positive impact, and it makes me very proud to see our contributions help foster a love of reading, support meaningful school milestones, and promote health and resilience among young people."

Delivery of the new Halifax Leisure Centre has moved a step forward, as the latest designs have been submitted for planning approval. Calderdale Council has refined the designs to ensure the project is financially sustainable whilst delivering fantastic new leisure facilities in a central location, which are accessible and affordable, support people’s health and wellbeing, boost the local economy and contribute to climate action. The revised plans take into account all opportunities to reduce costs in the context of national inflation pressures. They include: 1. A six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, a learner pool with a viewing and seating area, a refurbished eight-court sports hall, a 120-station fitness suite, two multi-functional studios, a dedicated cycling studio, a children’s soft play and adventure area, a tag game arena and a café and community area. 2. A wet changing village and a Changing Places facility for disabled people, and separate dry change facilities for sports hall and gym use. 3. Energy-efficient, sustainable features to contribute to Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan and the borough’s target for net zero carbon emissions by 2038. For example, air source heat pumps to provide energy-efficient, low-carbon heat. The design updates will be considered as part of a ‘non-material amendment’ to the existing planning application. Subject to approval, the designs will then be developed in more detail. CouncillorTim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Moving forward with the Halifax Leisure Centre plans highlights our ongoing commitment to an ambitious future for the town. One where more people can be active and healthy in modern, energy-efficient leisure facilities, which add to the wider regeneration that’s helping Halifax to thrive." “We have balanced this level of ambition with work on cost reduction to keep most of the original designs the same, but with some tweaks that will enable us to deliver this exciting project within the available budget, given the significant financial pressures facing all councils.” Councillor Jenny Lynn, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, added: “We know how important it is to have great leisure facilities in Halifax that all our diverse communities can use and afford." “We are confident that the updated designs for the new Leisure Centre uphold the Active Calderdale mission to get more people active more often, supporting the clear link between physical activity and health and wellbeing, and reducing inequalities.” Calderdale Council was awarded £12.2 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the development of the new Halifax Leisure Centre.

The 2024 Bournemouth Area Hotel Association (BAHA) Recognition Awards have officially been launched. Those in the industry will find out who the winners are at a ceremony to be held at Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel in October. The awards celebrate the loyalty and hard work of all staff members across the industry from every level. NFU Mutual New Forest, IOW & Bournemouth agency has been secured as the headline sponsor for the awards. Darren Seward from the agency said: “We are NFU Mutual’s largest hospitality agency in the UK. This sponsorship allows us to give a bit back to the sector. With us, insurance is personal and we understand the issues that hospitality faces." “We look after B&Bs and cafes right through to some of the biggest hotels in the area.” Prior to the official launch at the Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch, Tim Seward, outgoing BAHA chair, handed over the reins to Rosie Radwell at the AGM. He gave an overview of his four years in the hot seat which saw the industry devastated by the Covid pandemic. And latterly a lack of workers and cost of living crisis has put extra pressure on the hospitality sector in the conurbation. Despite the challenging conditions, it was heard how BAHA has been instrumental in delivering government-funded projects. These include staff training, defibrillators being put in hotels, marketing campaigns and the youth mobility scheme to help increase the number hospitality staff. Tim said: “I am proud of what we have achieved together as a committee over the last four years. We are now facing a further challenge with the cost of living; however, we are working collaboratively on solutions to help our industry’s future." “Although we have had many challenges as hoteliers, BAHA has led the way in what I understand has been the biggest journey the association has seen for a number of years, and we should all be proud of what we have accomplished.” New chair Rosie, who runs the Marsham Court Hotel, said: “The committee members volunteer a lot of their time to make the area better for all and the work they have all accomplished over the last four years, under Tim Seward’s leadership, has been immense." “Looking forward, we will continue to build on the work that has been accomplished and will begin exciting new projects. NFU Mutual Bournemouth have agreed to be our sole headline sponsor for the next three years for the BAHA Recognition Awards, which shows what importance they place on them.” Rosie said things she would be focusing on include collaborating with the Destination Management Board (DMB), the four Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and BCP Council - and for the hotel industry to lead the way towards an Accommodation BID. She also wants to create an events calendar for the BCP area, to work more closely with the wider region and make sure it is represented through a Local Visitor Economy Programme (LVEP), and to continue to promote the industry to young people as a career. BAHA’s officers for 2024/25 are: • Chair: Rosie Radwell, Marsham Court Hotel • Vice Chair: Theo Iakimov, Miramar Hotel • Vice Chair: Michael Matthews, Hilton Hotel Bournemouth • President: David Bailey, Hospitality professional • Past Chair: Tim Seward, Holiday Inn Bournemouth • Treasurer: Zoe Westwood The committee for 2024/25 are: • Jacqueline Entwistle, Real Recruitment Solutions • Sandra Graham, Trethowans Solicitors • Tim Lloyd, Captain’s Club Christchurch • Des Simmons, Bournecoast • Andrew Slaney, East Cliff Cottage • Mike Harrison, Hospitality Professional • Darren Seward, NFU Mutual • Carlo De Rosa, Ibis Styles • Eytan Krips, Hotel Collingwood • Dr C. Giousmpasoglou (Babis), Bournemouth University • Claire Clarke, Bournemouth & Poole College • James Dixon-Box, Marsham Court Hotel

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has confirmed his retirement from international rugby with 101 caps for England and 15 years of loyal service. The 37-year-old, who has a record 369 Quins appearances, has called time on his Test career after five matches for England during this year’s Guinness Six Nations, including his 100th cap in the 23-22 win over Ireland. Born in Leeds, Care made his England debut at the age of 21, replacing Richard Wigglesworth in the 37-20 defeat to New Zealand in June 2008. A regular in the England squad over the next decade, Care won the Six Nations in 2011, before helping England to the Grand Slam in 2016 and Six Nations title in 2017. He was also a key part of the touring squad that whitewashed Australia in the summer of 2016. Care also featured at two Rugby World Cups, earning selection for England in 2015, before being called-up to the 2023 World Cup in France, making six appearances and helping Steve Borthwick’s side to the World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Retiring as just the sixth men’s player to achieve 100 caps for England, Care hangs up his international boots with 15 tries from his 15 years, alongside three drop-goals. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard commented: “We’re incredibly proud of Danny and everything he has achieved for England. He’s been the ultimate professional for the past 15 years and worked extremely hard to fight his way back to achieve 101 caps. It’s a huge testament to his character, hard work and professionalism and we congratulate him on a fantastic England career and look forward to his continued impact at Quins.”

This March, Manchester based HMG Paints will be supporting local charity Francis House Children’s Hospice as they look to raise funds for their Easter Chick Knit Campaign. The campaign see’s thousands of handcrafted Easter chicks, each filled with a delicious Creme Egg, sold to raise funds for Francis House. Every Year at Francis House, supporters and volunteers of this campaign gather from across the UK to help knit thousands of chicks and bunnies. Each chick is personally hand-crafted,and crème egg sized surprise is inserted into each and every chick. Each bespoke gift is paired with a chocolate egg and donate the Easter-themed pairing to supermarkets, businesses, and local individuals. This heart-warming initiative aims to raise vital funds to support children and young adults with life limiting conditions. Discussing the event, Francis House said: “Every year, thousands of little woolly chicks, and bunnies flock into Francis House, knitted by crafty supporters from across the world. The chicks are filled with a donated chocolate egg each and sold in schools, stores, and businesses all across Greater Manchester to raise funds for the hospice.” Leading independent paint manufacturer HMG Paints, is honoured to support this meaningful event, helping to contribute to the success of the Easter Chick Knit fundraiser. As a company deeply rooted in the Manchester community, HMG often get involved with their community and support those in need. Members of the team are delighted to support the campaign this year and the team have gladly donated a generous 192 eggs to the cause. Speaking on their involvement within the Chick Knit Campaign, HMG’s Gracienne Ikin, Business Development Manager stated “HMG are so pleased to be involved with the Easter Chick appeal with Francis House once again this year. It really brings the festive Easter spirit to the factory at HMG when we sell the chocolate filled, knitted chicks and bunnies. We are delighted to be able to support Francis House and this particular appeal is a really easy and fun way to get involved and raise vital funds.” To date, thanks to the work of hundreds of supporters, tens of thousands of knitted chicks were sold via various outlets, raising over £51,500 and allowing many businesses to join hands in fundraising for the Easter season. With the fundraising charity looking for varied venues to sell their chicks knits, HMG, Collyhurst will further commit to this event; purchasing chicks and bunnies to sell across the independent paint factory throughout March. Francis houses look to sell each ‘standard chick or bunny’ for a minimum of £2, as well as providing the option of supplying an ‘accessorised chick’ for £3. With limited time left to get involved with this year’s event, HMG encourage all to get involved with this incredible event dedicated to making a positive impact. For more information about the Easter Chick Knit fundraiser and how you can get involved, please visit: Easter Chick Knit - Francis House

Williams Racing is thrilled to announce the arrival of its first-ever Fan Zone in Japan close to the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.   As excitement builds for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, fans will have the unique opportunity starting from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 April, to immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1 at the Williams Racing Fan Zone. The free-to-enter event offers unmatched access to get closer to the action and be a part of the Williams Racing team.   During the week, fans will have the opportunity to: Meet F1 drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant and Team Principal James Vowles. The full line-up of appearance times during the week and how you can register to meet them will be available at williamsf1.com  closer to the event. See the Williams Racing FW46 show car up close. Get behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art esports simulator to test your driving skills around the Suzuka Circuit. Learn more about the team’s partners with Komatsu’s digger simulator and MyProtein’s batak challenge. Buy team merchandise, including limited edition collections. Fans who download and register on the Williams Racing app will have access to the latest event information and the chance to win exclusive prizes.   Location:             Zero Base, 2-5-8 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Dates:                   Monday 1 April to Sunday 7 April Opening Hours:    Monday-Friday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm                               Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm                               Sunday: 10:00am to 8:00pm   Tokyo marks the second stop of the team’s 2024 Fan Zone World tour which includes a total of nine locations across the F1 season. Since 2022, Williams Racing Fan Zones have offered unparalleled access to supporters, attracting thousands of fans across the globe.   Logan Sargeant, Williams Racing Driver: “It’s great that we’re able to bring our Fan Zone to Tokyo this year ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Tokyo is one of my favourite cities, and I loved experiencing it for the first-time last year. I know the fans are super passionate about the sport, so to be able to give them the chance to be a part of the team, even if they can’t make it to the race in Suzuka is special. I can’t wait to see their support at the Fan Zone in Shibuya”.

The successes came thick and fast on day two of the 2024 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships as Archie Atkinson delivered a stunning individual pursuit ride to take the rainbow jersey, while the women’s tandem 1km time-trial saw the British pairings fighting it out, with Lizzi Jordan and Danni Khan taking the top spot. The women’s tandem time-trial saw three British pairings qualify in the top four places, heading into the evening’s final vying for some silverware. Last year’s bronze medallist Lizzi Jordan and debutant pilot Danni Khan clocked the quickest qualifying time with 1:07.85, just ahead of defending champions and teammates Sophie Unwin and Jenny Holl. In a nail-biting final, Jordan and Khan held their own and delivered a blistering ride, beating Unwin and Holl’s time by just over half a second to earn their first set of rainbow stripes as a pair. Unwin and Holl secured their first medal of the championships with the silver, while Lora Fachie and pilot Corrine Hall just missed out, finishing in fourth place overall. On the win, Jordan said: “It’s really special. It’s our first race together so to be on the top of the podium is incredible – we never would have dreamt of it. It’s really exciting and hopefully this is the start of a successful journey for me and Danni. We’ve set off on a bit of a high so hopefully we’ll keep it up!" Khan added: “It’s incredible and the last few weeks have been really turbulent as we’ve both had illnesses. We had a lot of doubt over what our form would be like so to be able to piece it together, back up both rides and come away with a gold medal is amazing." "We can literally count the number of sessions we’ve done together on our hands so for our first world championships together in a Paralympic year is definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment!" Archie Atkinson delivered a blistering time of 4:23.270 in the men’s C4 individual pursuit qualifying ride, almost six seconds faster than the defending world champion Kevin le Cunff, who he went on to catch in the gold medal ride off where he delivered another show-stopping performance. Teammate Jody Cundy unfortunately did not finish his ride but will return on Saturday to defend his title in the men’s 1km time-trial. After his win, Atkinson said: “I’m pretty ecstatic to be a world champ, particularly in a Paralympic event too. A lot of hard work has gone in the past four or five months since moving onto the programme fully so it’s really nice that’s paid off." "I was extremely nervous for the qualification because after getting a big PB at nationals, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it again at worlds. It’s a big event and you have riders like Kevin [le Cunff] against you and you want to perform. It feels really special and it’s my first year on the GB squad so to get that time in a Paralympic year is quite exciting.” After a strong performance in the women’s C1 500m time-trial, Katie Toft claimed the silver medal, clocking a time of 48.348 to secure her second medal of the championships. Daphne Schrager put down a strong time of 44.035 seconds in the women’s C2 500m time-trial, coming third fastest and heading comfortably into the evening’s final but just missed out on a medal to finish fourth. Teammate Amelia Cass finished seventh with a time of 48.673. In the women’s omnium flying 200m qualifier, Kadeena Cox powered to the fastest time in the C4 category with 12.120, while Morgan Newberry rode a respectable time of 14.126 seconds to kick off the C5 omnium in 10th place. In the men’s equivalent, Jaco Van Gass clocked 10.989 to sit in second, one place ahead of teammate Fin Graham with a time of 11.579 in the C3 class. Matt Robertson sprinted his way to fourth in the C2 event, while Ryan Taylor finished in ninth. In the men’s C5 individual pursuit qualifiers, Will Bjergfelt laid down a time of 4:32.051 to finish eighth, with teammate Blaine Hunt just behind in ninth on a time of 4:32.292. After two days of competition, Great Britain now has four gold and four silver medals and sits at the top of the medal table, with three more days of competition to go. Photo credit SWPix.

Wakefield Council has received £446,587 of funding from Art Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund to create its new children’s library and museum space. The Council is currently developing the former British Home Stores (BHS) building in Wakefield city centre into a new library and museum. The new children’s library and family interactive museum gallery will sit at the heart of the proposed ground floor space and will form a unique and transformative experience for local families and visitors. Mark Lynam, Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director for Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth, said: “We have ambitious plans to deliver a transformational experience for children and families through a joint libraries and museums children’s space in the new building." “Equal opportunities and access are at the heart of the design concepts for this space. It will cater for those with sensory and physical disabilities as well as providing activities which appeal to a variety of genders and ages.” Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England, said: “I’m delighted that Wakefield’s new children’s library and museum has received support from the Libraries Improvement Fund for its children and family area." “We know the importance of literacy in developing skills and extending horizons and having this facility on their local high street will make a huge difference to the lives of people in the community." “That they will also be able to enjoy other creative activities, engage in role play and theatre while exploring the museum and local stories is fantastic. I look forward to seeing the project develop and eventually visiting the sensory Rhubarb Patch!” The space will be split into themed areas, encouraging a wide range of play styles to promote a love of reading, engagement with museum collections and stories of Wakefield district. Initial designs include a sensory Rhubarb Patch for under 3’s to play in, a role play shop, a building area, stage, and puppet theatre. There will also be a craft activity area and a focus area with computers and reference books. And plenty of soft seating and quiet areas to read throughout. The Libraries Improvement Fund is designed to enable library services across England to invest in a range of projects to upgrade buildings and technology, so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them. The wider design and build project for the BHS building is funded jointly by the Levelling Up Fund and the Council.

Funerals can now be held in a stunning location among Dorset’s Purbeck Hills thanks to an exclusive partnership. Kingston Country Courtyard has partnered with Douch Family Funeral Directors to offer its 16th century barn for services. Magnificent views from the location look out over Corfe Castle to Poole Harbour beyond. With people’s expectations of funerals developing, this partnership provides a memorable location for final farewells. Kingston Country Courtyard is a hotel with fine dining and hosts a variety of events. Its facilities are now available for those organising funerals through any of Douch Family Funeral Directors’ branches. Malcolm Green, manager of the James Smith branch in Swanage, said: “People’s expectations and choices are changing. This has accelerated since Covid and our new partnership offers people a place where the service and wake can be held in the same, stunning place." "The burial or cremation will usually take place privately at a separate location either after or before the funeral and this is becoming a more common choice. Many people request that their funerals be held in a specific place and we aim to cater for them." “The facilities at Kingston Country Courtyard are superb including audio-visual equipment. While James Smith and the Albert Marsh branches are closest we expect clients from all our branches to be interested in holding a funeral at this location.” Tony Edwards, director of Kingston Country Courtyard, said: “We host a variety of events and welcome the partnership with the funeral group. Our 16th century barn can accommodate gatherings of 140 seated or 175 for a buffet. We have 26 rooms and our location is between Swanage and Wareham in the Purbeck Hills.” Douch Family Funeral Directors has branches in Wimborne, Parkstone, Swanage, Wareham, Blandford, Corfe Mullen and Ferndown. Malcolm Green from James Smith Funeral Directors in Swanage, Emma Byron from Albert Marsh Funeral Directors in Wareham and Tony Edwards, director of Kingston Country Courtyard.

Every year in the UK, about 2,000 dogs are stolen. That's roughly 5 dogs taken from their owners every day. These statistics not only highlight the alarming numbers of dog thefts but also emphasise the emotional distress for families and their beloved pets. Each stolen dog represents not just a loss of property, but a loss of companionship, trust, love and security. These numbers show the urgent need for joint efforts to raise awareness, implement stronger legislation, and empower pet owners with the knowledge to protect their furry friends from such devastating incidents. James Whitten, Marketing Manager at petGuard says: “It is every pet owner’s worst fear. The thought of our beloved pets being stolen from us doesn’t bear thinking about but is a nightmare that more and more pet owners are experiencing.” Leading pet insurer petGuard wants to spread awareness about the surge in dog theft and new laws being introduced to tackle this ongoing issue. Dog theft has been on the rise in the UK In 2023, there were 2,290 cases of dog theft recorded across the UK, with 359 of them happening in London alone. This marks an alarming 6% increase compared to the previous year. Sadly, only a small number of stolen dogs have been reunited with their owners. It highlights the urgent need for action to address the growing problem of dog theft and improve the chances of pets being returned to their families. What will the new law do to tackle dog theft? Under the proposed changes, the government will introduce a new ‘pet abduction’ offence which will mean that pet theft is no longer treated as loss of property. Instead, the new Pet Abduction Bill law shows that pets mean far more to their owners than property. According to GOV.uk , under the proposed Pet Abduction Bill individuals convicted of pet theft could be sentenced to a maximum of five years along with a monetary penalty. This new law was presented to the House of Commons in December 2023 and its second reading took place in January this year. The new Pet Abduction Bill will also looks to make identifying and tracking cases of pet theft easier by introducing new microchipping requirements for dogs and making microchipping compulsory for cats too. “There are many steps you can take to keep your dog safe. At petGuard, we’re serious about providing cover for your beloved companion“ adds Whitten."