Search Results

Breakfast, often hailed as the most important meal of the day, plays a crucial role in shaping our overall well-being. The significance of breakfast extends far beyond the ritual of starting the day with food. It has profound effects on physical health, cognitive function, and even emotional stability. Let's take a look at the importance of breakfast and why making it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine can set the tone for a healthier, more productive life. Fuel For The Body Breakfast is aptly named, as it literally means "breaking the fast" that our bodies go through during the night. Overnight, as you sleep, your body continues to burn calories for essential functions. Skipping breakfast can disrupt this process, leaving you with lower energy levels and potential overeating later in the day. A Nutrient Boost A well-balanced breakfast provides essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fibre, and proteins. Incorporating fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can jumpstart your day with a nutritional advantage. These nutrients are vital for maintaining a healthy body weight, supporting immune function, and promoting strong bones. Brainpower And Concentration For students and professionals alike, breakfast can be the secret weapon for a productive day. Studies have consistently shown that a nutritious morning meal enhances cognitive function, memory, and concentration. This is particularly important for children and teenagers, as their developing brains rely heavily on the energy derived from breakfast. Weight Management Paradoxically, eating breakfast can aid in weight management. When you skip breakfast, you're more likely to experience intense hunger later in the day, which often leads to overeating or making unhealthy food choices. By contrast, a balanced breakfast can help control your appetite and prevent excessive calorie intake. Mood And Emotional Well-Being The influence of breakfast extends to our emotional state as well. Missing this essential meal can lead to irritability and mood swings, impacting not only your well-being but also those around you. A good breakfast can help stabilise blood sugar levels, ensuring a more even-keeled mood throughout the day. Social And Cultural Significance: Beyond the nutritional aspect, breakfast has significant social and cultural importance. It is often a time for family bonding, sharing stories, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility before the hustle and bustle of the day. Many cultures have unique breakfast traditions that reflect their heritage and values. In a world that often seems to be moving at an ever-increasing pace, breakfast offers a moment of respite and nourishment. Its importance, however, goes beyond the morning ritual; it sets the stage for a day of physical vitality, mental alertness, and emotional stability. So, next time you contemplate skipping breakfast in favor of a few extra minutes of sleep or a hurried morning, remember the manifold benefits of this humble meal. A nutritious breakfast can be the cornerstone of a healthier, happier life.

Justin Grace, Men’s Sprint Podium Potential Coach for the Great Britain Cycling Team, has today announced that he will be stepping down from the role after nine and a half years with the team. Having made his name in the coaching world, working initially with his home nation of New Zealand followed by the French team, Justin brought his proven methods and experience to GBCT in 2014. Since then, he has played a key role in the development of the world class track sprint programme, supporting the likes of Sir Jason Kenny and the men’s team sprint squad, Becky James and Katy Marchant to seven Olympic medals between them. Grace’s most recent role has seen him working within the GBCT pathway, nurturing and developing Britain’s future track stars to national and international success, including coaching the men’s team sprint to the under-23 European track team sprint title in 2022. Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE, said: “Over his time with GBCT Justin has been influential in his work across all levels of the programme, from podium superstars to the stars of tomorrow. He has been a great asset to the team over many years and we have benefitted hugely from his work in our pathway, supporting Britain’s future talent, building riders’ abilities on the bike as well equipping them with the off-bike skills that will prepare them for careers as elite athletes." “Justin has been a popular and valued member of the team for almost a decade, during which the team has enjoyed incredible success and I want to thank him for his important contribution to the programme and wish him well in his next role.” Justin Grace, Men’s Sprint Podium Potential Coach, said: “My nine and a half years with the Great Britain Cycling Team has flown by, and like most people involved in high performance sport, I have felt joy, cheers, sweated and cried during this time." "To have worked with the world’s best athletes and staff has been a privilege and to have been able to nurture many athletes across the pathway into world class racers and coach some of those to their greatest career achievements has been a great honour.” Justin Grace will leave his role on 26 February 2024 following the British National Track Championships in Manchester to join USA Cycling as Sprint Talent and Pathway Coach.

A former Williams test driver, Jonathan reunites with the team after building and managing his own historic Formula 1 events company where he acquired and restored historic cars. Stepping into this new role, Jonathan will lead Williams Heritage to connect the team’s rich history – including nine constructors’ world championships, seven drivers’ championships and 114 race wins – with the present. Williams Heritage was created in 2014 to manage, preserve, and celebrate Williams Racing’s iconic legacy, which spans almost half a century and includes some of the sport’s most impressive machinery. The team maintains a fleet of cars dating from the team’s first Formula 1 season as a constructor in 1978 to cars of this current generation, and supports the running of heritage cars at events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Jonathan has a personal connection to Williams’ past, having served as test driver in 2008 when Nico Rosberg guided the FW30 to podium finishes in Australia and Singapore. His professional racing career has included competing in the Le Mans 24hrs and GT1 World Championship as well as Historic F1. Jonathan Kennard, Heritage Director: "I am honoured to be joining Williams Racing, and it is an immense privilege to lead the Heritage Team. My extensive involvement in racing, both as a driver and in historics, has prepared me well for this role. I look forward to maximising the opportunities within our world-class operation and collection." Sven Smeets, Sporting Director: “We’re delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Williams Heritage team. His background is very impressive and gives him a unique perspective on how to make the most of our collection. Jonathan’s role will be pivotal in honouring the team’s decorated history, allowing us to take inspiration from the innovation and passion that has defined us throughout the years.”

Red Roses international Sadia Kabeya extending her Loughborough Lightning contract highlights the Club’s intention to retain its top talent, says Head Coach Nathan Smith. Flanker Kabeya, capped 13 times by England, has become the latest Lightning player to commit to a new deal after announcements this week confirming that Cath O’Donnell, Lilli Ives Campion and Bo Westcombe-Evans had all also extended their contracts. The 21-year-old joined in 2021, making her debut against former club Wasps, and has gone on to make 37 appearances for Loughborough, scoring 12 tries. After playing age-grade rugby for her country, Kabeya made her senior England debut in the 2021 autumn internationals against Canada. “First and for most, retaining a world-class talent like Sadia shows the intention of Loughborough Lightning moving forward,” said Smith. “Her performances speak for themselves." “I don’t feel that she is anywhere near the potential she could reach, and it is really important to keep these kinds of players, because it shows we are moving forward, and we are really lucky to have her." “Defensively, Sadia is exceptional, which is something she has improved on over the last six months. Her tackle selection has also improved, she is extremely dominant in that area of the game, and a strong ball carrier going forward. She is the full package.” Kabeya’s performances in her debut season at Lightning earned her the Rugby Players’ Association Allianz Premier 15s Player of the Year in 2022, and she was part of the Red Roses squad for the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Her displays in England’s 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam – when she made 65 tackles, carried 53 times and beat 16 defenders – were recognised with the RPA’s England Women’s Player of the Year Award. After missing out on last autumn’s inaugural WXV1 tournament in New Zealand due to injury, Kabeya returned to Lightning duty and hit the ground running in the 2023/24 campaign. Despite playing in only six of the eight rounds so far, she tops the league’s dominant tackles (12) and average tackles per game (20.1) charts and has made the fourth most tackles (109). “I feel like I have come on leaps and bounds as a player while at Lightning and I still have so much more to learn,” said Kabeya. “I’ve gone on to get a few caps for England, and I put that down to my progression from being at Lightning." “Nathan has been great since he has come in. He really solidifies what he wants from us a team and he has put that into action. He is also really invested with the team and really invested with the players. Personally, he is there for one-to-one stuff, talking about things that I want to work on and it’s always good to have a hands-on coach.” Kabeya, who is in the second year of a degree in Sports Science with Coaching and Physical Education at Loughborough University, scored her first tries of the current season when she bagged a brace against Trailfinders Women in Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby Round 9. Red Roses Head Coach John Mitchell named her as one of five Lightning players involved in a three-day training camp held this week at St George’s Park ahead of the Six Nations. “Having loads of internationals throughout the side, shows our strength as a team,” added Kabeya. “The way we play is inviting for other players of different nations to come and play here and that is credit to the Lightning coaching team.” Lightning are not back in action until Saturday 10 February when Leicester Tigers are the visitors to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens (kick-off: 2pm). Focusing on the Club’s aims for the second half of the season, Kabeya said: “We are targeting that top four. The start of the season was a bit rocky for us but things are starting to click with a few new players coming into the squad and a new coaching staff." “We are now getting into gear and coming off the back of a few good wins. So, we are definitely targeting a top four spot, but taking it game by game.”

A prestigious event at London’s House of Commons this week marked the launch of a national awards campaign to celebrate some the country’s most inspirational female achievers. The sixth – and biggest - Ladies First Professional Development Awards, will highlight success stories as well as raise funds for The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund at its awards ceremony in the summer. The Awards are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington. A host of new categories are among the 20 being contested this year, including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership Award. The gongs also honour, among others, Start-up of the Year, Excellence In Technology and Innovation, Excellence In Health and Wellbeing, Charity/Community Champion, Campaign of the Year, Family Business of the Year, Business Resilience Award and Business Woman of the Year, as well as seeing the return of the popular men’s category, Man of the Year. Guests at the launch event, heard from host and speaker Colleen Fletcher, Coventry’s first female MP for 36 years – and last year’s recipient of The Ladies First Lifetime Achievement Award. Colleen served on Coventry City Council for 13 years from 1992 and as an MP for nine years. She is also Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Blood Cancer; Cancer; Homelessness; Mental Health; and Pancreatic Cancer, causes close to her heart. Recently announcing her intention to step down from Westminster at the next general election, she said: “I think awards are very important. They make people feel valued and it’s important that as many people as possible hear these women’s stories.” This year’s awards are also supporting The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, funded in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients. The awards are sponsored by Janine Edwards Wealth Management in Berkswell and Midlands-based recruitment agency Pertemps and headed up by Ladies First’s Tracey McAtamney and her newly-appointed co-director, Karen Massey. Tracey has herself been recognised nationally for her work with the networking group as well as her charity The Surviving Bereavement Foundation, which provides practical and emotional support for those coping with loss. Tracey said: “Every year we look forward to championing women who deserve recognition but who don’t go looking for the spotlight, so we want to shine it on them." "This year’s awards are going to be the Ladies First’s biggest and brightest celebration of these women yet and we’re incredibly excited to be partnering with such amazing individuals such as Colleen and Stine, who set the tone perfectly at the launch day, along with the incredible setting of The House of Commons.” Finalists will be invited to an independent judging day at Mallory Court in Leamington on April 8th before the glittering awards night at IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club on June 13th. Closing date for nominations is March 12th. For further information about how to nominate, visit:

Huddersfield-based walking group “We In Front” is to be the subject of a forthcoming BBC Radio 4 programme. A fixture of the Radio 4 schedule, “Ramblings” stars popular presenter Clare Balding joining notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside. The 30-minute show, featuring a walk to the top of Huddersfield’s Castle Hill, will be broadcast at 3.00 on Thursday 15 February. 18 members of the group joined Clare for the brisk 3 hour jaunt along muddy tracks and bridleways, on one of the few dry days of this Winter. They were rewarded at the top with a bracing breeze and panoramic views of West Yorkshire. They finished off with a West Indian style picnic and a calypso sing-song by some of the many musicians who make up We In Front. We In Front began life in 2020 in the depths of the Covid Lockdown. Lowerhouses resident Errol Hamlet (69) was bored and frustrated but was inspired to see a neighbour taking advantage of her 60 minutes outdoors with vigorous walking. He’d never before seen the point of walking for its own sake, but once he started he felt like he didn’t want to stop. Soon he was attracting the attention of fellow West Indian friends and, as lockdown eased, Errol found he had a team of hiking converts around him. They walked and walked, often going astray as they plunged off-road into the fields and thickets around Huddersfield. But they figured that as long as they stayed within sight of Castle Hill, they could never get completely lost. Since then they’ve grown to a membership of over thirty, and they walk 4 times a week, catering for people of all abilities from flat rambles to scaling the most rugged terrain in the Pennines. They reckon they are probably the most active group of West Indian pensioners walking anywhere in the UK. Whilst still drawing most of its membership from the Windrush Generation, the group includes walkers of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Says Errol Hamlet: “I used to have severe joint problems and could barely get down the street. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, but since I took up regular walking in this atmosphere of laughter and music, I’ve felt like I’m born again. It was lovely to host Clare Balding, and a great endorsement of what we’ve achieved.” Group Secretary Cynthia Matheson added: “I’ve lived in Huddersfield all my life but it’s only since I joined We In Front that I’ve realised what a lovely area we live in. It’s given me the confidence to explore the countryside around us, and now every time we go out it’s like a new adventure.” Before leaving Clare Balding said to Errol: “I loved being part of your group. I'm quite jealous because you go out walking so much. But next time I'm in the area I'll know you'll be out there, so I'll come and find you.”

Seven in ten people say they are not confident the UK will meet its 2050 net zero milestone, according to a new survey of nearly 6,000 adults. The findings come from the latest State of the State, an annual report on attitudes to government and public services published by Deloitte and Reform, an independent think tank. This year’s report, which includes a survey by Ipsos UK, has a special focus on the country’s path to net zero, exploring levels of public confidence in the UK’s progress, its ability to meet its net zero commitments and their own willingness to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Confidence levels in whether the UK will reach its target for achieving net zero emissions across the economy by 2050 were low – only 23% said they are very or fairly confident the UK will meet the target while 70% said the opposite. The research found that younger people are significantly more likely than older age groups to believe the goal will be met (although still pessimistic overall). A third of 16-34-year-olds (33%) surveyed are confident about reaching net zero targets, compared to just 13% of the 55-64 age group and 14% of the 65-75 age group. Achieving Net Zero A third pointed to recycling and reducing household waste (35%) as making the biggest difference to people having a more sustainable lifestyle, the top priority from a list of 11 different options. Changes such as flying less (16%) or buying an electric car instead of a petrol or diesel (16%) are much further down the public’s priority list. A fifth (21%) of the public said they would change their shopping habits (such as sticking to seasonal produce). When asked which actions they might personally take, people aged 55-75 are more likely to say they plan to recycle more (58%), drive less (24%) and fly less (20%) compared to other age groups. Whereas younger people, aged 16-34, are more likely than older groups to say they will switch to a more environmentally friendly way of heating their home (16%). There are also some sizable differences by gender, with women being more likely than men to say they expect to change their lifestyles in several measures; over half of the women surveyed (56%) said they would recycle and reduce household waste more, compared to 44% of men who would do the same. When asked about which actions government could take to have the biggest impact on emissions, the top answer was to switch energy use away from fossil fuels (45%). In contrast, when asked about what they personally would do, only 16% of the public said they plan to use more environmentally friendly methods of heating their own homes, such as replacing gas boilers with heat pumps or using more insulation. Other priority actions the government could take included the encouragement of greener transport (29%), but when asked if they are likely to buy an electric car instead of petrol or diesel – only 12% of people said they are likely to do so in the next couple of years. Jayson Hadley, UK head of government and public services at Deloitte, said: “Our survey outlined two conclusions about the general public mood on achieving net zero: it's a priority, but not something they expect will massively change their lifestyles." “It’s also notable that bigger actions involving individual changes of behaviour are much lower down the public’s list. However, the cost of living crisis may be having an impact here because many of the measures people can take require money." “All of this suggests there is more work to do in order to convince the public that net zero is achievable and that this relies on their participation. There needs to be a broader shift towards more sustainable lifestyles and environmentally conscious public policy, if the UK is to make its transition to a greener economy.” Public Concern Grows For Immigration, Infrastructure & NHS Waiting Lists For the second year running, the cost of living crisis is the public’s top concern, with nearly eight in ten people (78%) citing it as a priority for improvement in the next few years. The next biggest issue for the public is the NHS, where worries about waiting lists have grown from 66% in the previous survey (September 2022) to 73% now. The issues the public believe will get worse in the next few years also include NHS waiting lists, with 59% of the public saying this, followed by the cost of living (55%) and housing (53%). Other notable shifts since last year’s State of the State are around immigration and the country’s infrastructure. The percentage of the public who want to see improvements in how the UK controls its borders has risen in the past year from 37% to 43%, and the percentage concerned about the UK’s infrastructure has risen from 29% to 36%. On tax and spending, the survey found that the UK public’s attitude is split. Three in ten (31%) said the UK should aim for lower taxes and lower public spending, but only 17% think that will happen in the next few years. In contrast 30% would favour higher taxes to fund higher public spending and similar (31%) expect this government to do this. Charlotte Pickles, Director at Reform, said: “The public are deeply concerned about the state of public services, but most worrying for politicians, not only is there a sense that things are getting worse, the public do not believe things will improve any time soon. Yet at the same time, there is little appetite for more spending. That’s a difficult circle for any government to square.” Public Priorities Remain Consistent Across The Nations Overall, across the nations in the UK, people in Scotland (30%) and Wales (24%) are slightly more optimistic about their government’s ability to deliver on net zero, compared to the UK government. The majority however are still not confident the goals will be met, according to the survey. The top two priorities of cost of living and NHS waiting lists are consistent across the four nations, but there are some differences on other areas. Most notable of all are that concerns around crime (48%) and immigration (45%) are significantly higher in England than the UK average. In Scotland the third biggest concerns are housing, growth and climate change (all 46%), in Wales the third issue is jobs and economy (48%) and in Northern Ireland it is social care for the elderly and vulnerable (49%).

Gulf Oil International Ltd. and Williams Racing are celebrating another prestigious award for their iconic 2023 brand partnership which put the look of the Williams Formula 1 car into fans’ hands. The Gulf x Williams Livery Campaign – which saw fans pick the dynamic ‘Bolder than Bold’ livery used at three Grands Prix last year – was named Brand of the Year at The Race Media awards yesterday. It is the second award for the ground-breaking project, which was also crowned Brand Partnership of the Year in December at the 36th edition of the Autosport Awards. The Race Media Awards ceremony was held in London, celebrating the achievements of media and marketing across all categories of two and four-wheel motorsports. The Brand of the Year award recognised campaigns that have maximised impact and influence, pushing the brand forward and bringing innovative ideas to motorsport. The voting panel highlighted the fan engagement element which formed the foundations of the Gulf x Williams project, allowing fans to vote for the livery that adorned the FW45 during the Singapore, Japan, and Qatar Grands Prix. In line with Gulf and Williams’ commitment to give fans unrivalled access to Formula 1, votes opened in May 2023, running multiple rounds which saw ‘Bolder than Bold’ crowned victorious after 180,000 votes from supporters worldwide. The orange-on-blue design honoured Gulf’s legacy in motorsport and brought a fresh twist to represent a modern era for the two brands. The campaign triumphed at the independent The Race Media Awards after impressing a panel of expert judges from across the industry: Team GB Marketing Strategist Claudia Mestre, Spotify Entertainment CDO for EMEA Mags Zielinska-Banks, and Sky Sports F1 Reporter Ted Kravitz. James Bower, Commercial Director: “We’re proud to see the partnership between Gulf and Williams Racing recognised for Brand of the Year at The Race Media Awards. Not only did the project showcase these two iconic brands across three key markets, but it also engaged a global audience through digital and social activations. We look forward to building on this momentum with successful activations in partnership with Gulf in the future.” Sacha Davis, Vice President of Marketing, Gulf Oil International: “We are delighted that our partnership campaign has been recognised by The Race Media Awards. We continue to champion Gulf’s rich heritage in motorsport while placing our fans at the heart of what we do. Without their support this would not have been possible. Thank you to Williams Racing, it has been great to be with them on this journey over the past year, and we are excited for the future.”

Final preparations are underway for Business South’s popular Local Produce Trade Show 2024. The showcase event for delicious food and drink produced across the region will take place on 6th February 2024 at the Hilton at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton. The aim is to bring together buyers from the cruise industry, hospitality and beyond to feast their eyes on the very best locally produced food and drink. Since it started in 2007, the event has generated many thousands of pounds of sales for local producers and allowed buyers to proudly fly the flag for the region. The event, which is organised by Business South, and sponsored by Cavendish Ships Stores, Carnival UK, First Stop Catering and Hygiene Supplies, Hampshire Fare, Hilton at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton & Region Hoteliers Association, Alecta Technical Solutions, Enterprise South and Surrey Hills Enterprises, aims to support the local and rural economies whilst developing food and drink supply chains. There will be a chef’s panel in the morning focusing on issues affecting the hospitality industry and how local producers can get their items on the menus of leading hotels and restaurants. The panel discussion will be hosted by Charlotte Thomson, First Stop Catering & Hygiene Supplies and Andrew Cole, Cavendish Ship Stores and will feature: • Andrew Gault Executive Head Chef, Steree Pub Co • Jamie Holmes, Executive Head Chef, Hilton at the Utilita Bowl • Matt Whitfield, Executive Chef, Ideal Collection • Oliver Biggs, Director Chef, Forte Kitchen • Simon Hartnett, Executive Head Chef, Queens Hotel Portsmouth • Martin Dawkins, The Rustic Chef • Jacob Rowley, Head Chef Oakley Hall Leigh Sara Timberlake, Business South Group CEO, explained: “The Local Produce Trade Show is a highlight of our year and we are proud to champion the important part our local producers play in the prosperity of the region." “It has been gratifying to see business being done and everything from cheese and beer to locally smoked trout appearing on the menus of cruise ships and top local restaurants as a direct result of this show.” In a bid to promote hospitality and catering as a chosen career path, a skills panel is being held in the afternoon. This will be facilitated by Andrew Cole, Director, Cavendish Stores Ltd, and Natash Dochniak, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare. Students from local FE colleges attending the session will also get to enjoy a kitchen tour at the Hilton at the Utilita and they will receive a goody bag. The skills panel will include: • Andrew Gault Executive Head Chef, Street Pub Co • Jamie Holmes, Executive Head Chef, Hilton at the Utilita Bowl • Darragh Ryan, Sous Chef, 36 On The Quay and Masterchef the Professionals 2023 • Dawn Harrison, Head Teacher, St Francis Church of England Primary School, Chandlers Ford • Emma Hunt, first generation farmer, Dandys Ford Dairy, Romsey • James Wills, Private Chef & Caterer, Founder of Blackboard Canteen • Herbert Berger, Retired Michelin Chef • Cait Salanson, Founder and MD, The Little Kitchen Company More than 60 local producers will be taking part in 2024 and the ever-popular chef’s panel, with top names from the regional culinary scene, will also make a welcome return. Natasha Dochniak, Commercial Manager, Hampshire Fare, the county food, drink and craft group, said: “The Local Produce Trade Show is an essential date in our members’ diaries, kickstarting their year with vital connections being made between producers and buyers from the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors." “This year Hampshire Fare not only assisted with putting together the Chefs’ Panel which covers a wide variety of hospitality venues, from city centre bistros to luxury hotels across the region, but we also established a new Skills Panel." “The aim was to inspire those coming into the industry with a range of speakers and diverse experiences. The line-up includes a first-generation farmer and runs from a young chef who appeared on the last series of MasterChef through to a retired Michelin starred chef.” Andrew Cole, Managing Director of Cavendish Ships Stores Ltd, said: “Cavendish has long been a sponsor of the Local Produce Trade Show and each year I’m amazed by the breadth and superb quality of F&B products that are available right on our doorstep. Being able to offer our discerning customers such desirable products, and to do so more sustainably, is a must-do strategy for Cavendish.” Charlotte Thomson, General Manager at First Stop Catering and Hygiene Supplies, said: “First Stop are proud to be sponsoring the local Produce Trade Show for 2024. “First Stop have attended every LPTS from the start and thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere, the great business connections made, all the amazing local produce on show and especially the fantastic, passionate suppliers. A wonderful event and we are really looking forward to 2024’s show.”

Winter is often thought of as the most magical time of the year. This is especially true for photographers willing to brave the cold, as winter unveils a picturesque canvas. As the weather gets colder, frostier, and sometimes even the snowflakes start to fall, there is no better time to venture outdoors and capture the magnificent landscapes. The beauty of winter is full of photography ideas and endless possibilities for photographers eager to experiment with their craft and create captivating visual narratives.  James Whitten, Marketing Manager at photoGuard says: “The great thing about wintertime is that there are endless ideas to experiment with in order to create some stunning photographs." Leading camera equipment insurer photoGuard shares their favourite concepts for the cold and useful tips and techniques that are needed to capture them. Natural winter light A frosty morning can provide some incredible natural lighting to set the scene with. The low light of a winter’s day can be the perfect backdrop, and a light dusting of frost can turn almost any object into a photo that grabs attention. Frost-covered trees, cobwebs and even leaves can make for idyllic images. Snow and frost can reflect back to the camera, which could mean the scene ends up underexposed, leaving a tint to the image. To avoid this, photographers should have a play around with adding more exposure and configuring the histogram on the DSLR. The histogram is a graph that, when displayed on the camera, will show how well exposed the picture is. Ideally, a good shot will have the graph on the histogram touching both sides of the screen. Frozen water If wanting to get creative, experimenting with shots of frozen lakes, rivers and other water featured can be a great idea. An icy pond or even a puddle can cast a reflection that can split the scene in two, mirroring the landscape and in turn making for a breathtaking picture. Tips to protect the kit in winter It is crucial to keep the costly camera kit protected in winter. Before heading out, ensure to pack all accessories needed to make the most of the winter scene. For the freezing temperatures, a tripod might be needed to steady the camera while taking photos. Lens cloths and other cleaning materials may also come in handy to wipe away any dirt or moisture from the lens, as will a rain cover to keep the camera dry. The camera’s batteries can also lose charge faster in the cold weather, so it may also be worth keeping a spare set of batteries. “While the drop in temperature brings more opportunities to get creative with your camera, it can also lead to an increased risk of something going wrong. At photoGuard, we’re serious about providing cover to photographers of all abilities” adds Whitten.

Foodies from across the area gathered to mark the launch of a new pilot TV show championing local businesses in Leamington, last week. More than 70 people turned out to the event, at 1 Mill Street, where plans were unveiled for Bia’s Kitchen Show – the passion project of self-taught chef and entrepreneur Bianca Rodrigues. The show promises to highlight some of the best of the area’s foodie scene when it is streamed to audiences twice monthly on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. It is an extension to the successful Bia’s Kitchen brand and will feature local independent chefs and restaurateurs cooking signature dishes as well as Bianca’s own top tips and recipes. Bianca's commented: “I'm over the moon at the success of the launch party. The evening was a great achievement and allowed people to understand the unique concept which is to create a platform to shout about the talented independent people from the food industry out there, who work their socks off." “In a fun way we can let people learn more about them and support their business, after all, customers who are familiar with your story tend to feel a stronger connection to your business." “We are also very interested in hearing from any businesses who would like to get involved in sponsorship of the show, which is going to continue to grow its following.” In her first four episodes Bianca was joined by Shamin Uddin, who runs The Paprika Club Indian restaurant in Leamington; Emily Hodgson, of Emi’s Little Bakery based in Leamington; Tatiana Kostova, of Tropical Brazil Foods in Coventry; and weight management coach Nikki Ryan from Leamington. The show marks the latest chapter on a journey of reinvention for the 43-year-old Brazilian-born mum-of-three, who walked away from a high-flying career in marketing in Rio de Janeiro – after falling in love with a Leamington man and resettling in Cubbington in 2009. Despite huge transition in her life, the one constant has been her passion for cooking. She started cooking for friends, hosted cooking classes in Warwick and even a pop-up restaurant in Kenilworth. Buoyed by the positive feedback - and a win on Channel Four’s Couples Come Dine With Me TV show - she launched herself as a private chef and reignited her entrepreneurial spirit with successful businesses - Fresh to Freeze, a pre-cooked food delivery business which thrived throughout the pandemic – and Bia’s Kitchen. Now she is looking forward to sharing her passion with the wider adopted community she has come to love. Next up for the Bia’s Kitchen Show spotlight are Banh mi ca phe Vietnamese street food; Scratch Cook Social, a new pop-up dining and personal chef business and Mari-Carmen, Specialist women's Health & Fitness coach, all based in Leamington. Bianca is already planning the release of the first in a series of books later this year, compiling some of her guests’ best recipes, the profits from which will support two causes close to her heart – post-natal depression and mental health.

Harlequins have named their matchday squad for Friday's Gallagher Premiership fixture against Leicester Tigers at a sold-out Stoop (KO 19:45 - Live on TNT Sports). The squad features several changes following the 47-19 win over Ulster, with five players unavailable due to the Six Nations, alongside the return of Jarrod Evans and Cadan Murley, and a potential debut for loan signing Arthur Clark. In the pack, Fin Baxter starts at loosehead prop alongside Jack Walker at hooker and Will Collier at tighthead. Joe Launchbury captains Quins for the first time, joining Irne Herbst at second-row. George Hammond shifts to blindside flanker to partner Will Evans at openside and James Chisholm at number eight. In the backs, Max Green makes his first start at scrum-half, alongside the returning Jarrod Evans. Andre Esterhuizen and Will Joseph reignite their centre combination, with Louis Lynagh on the left wing and Nick David on the right. Tyrone Green continues at fullback. Amongst the Impact Players, there's returns for prop Santiago Garcia Botta, scrum-half Lewis Gjaltema and fly-half Will Edwards. Second-row Arthur Clark, who joined the Club on loan from Gloucester, is in line for his debut, with Cadan Murley making his return from injury. Director of Rugby Billy Millard commented: "It's never an easy match against Leicester but the group have worked hard this week and we're looking forward to the challenge on Friday night. With several changes required this week it's excited to welcome back some boys from injury and reward others with an opportunity." Harlequins Starting XV : 1. Fin Baxter 2. Jack Walker 3. Will Collier 4. Joe Launchbury (Captain) 5. Irne Herbst 6. George Hammond 7. Will Evans 8. James Chisholm 9. Max Green 10. Jarrod Evans 11. Louis Lynagh 12. Andre Esterhuizen 13. Will Joseph 14. Nick David 15. Tyrone Green Impact Players : 16. Sam Riley 17. Santiago Garcia Botta 18. Dillon Lewis 19. Arthur Clark 20. Archie White 21. Lewis Gjaltema 22. Will Edwards 23. Cadan Murley Not Available for Selection (injury): Luke Northmore, Jack Kenningham, Dino Lamb, Stephan Lewies, Will Porter International Duty : Joe Marler, Chandler Cunningham-South, Alex Dombrandt, Danny Care, Marcus Smith, Oscar Beard