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Photo credit: Susie Allnutt ITVX and Snowed-In Productions have announced that production is underway for the new six-part drama, Joan, starring Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, The Staircase) in the title role. The series will be produced with The CW Network, USA in association with All3Media International. The series takes inspiration from the fascinating life of Joan Hannington, a notorious jewel thief, and is written by the acclaimed screenwriter Anna Symon (The Essex Serpent and Mrs Wilson) with Helen Black writing episode four. BAFTA award-winning director Richard Laxton (Rain Dogs, The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe, Mrs Wilson) brings to life this exhilarating yet emotional story set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1980s - an era known for its bold fashion trends, iconic music and cultural shifts. The series opens with Joan, a fiery and uncompromising woman in her twenties who is deeply scarred and vulnerable. She is a devoted mother to her six-year-old daughter, Kelly, but is trapped in a disastrous marriage with a violent criminal named Gary. When Gary goes on the run, Joan seizes the opportunity to create a new life for herself and her daughter. Adopting new identities and making new acquaintances along the way, Joan becomes a masterful jewel thief. She embarks on a thrilling, high-stakes journey that challenges her every limit, driven by her desire to care for her daughter and create a secure home for them both. Through her sharp intelligence, charm, and talent for impersonation and performance, we follow the twists and turns in Joan’s life, the ups and downs, the heartache and the joy that makes this story so compelling to follow. Sophie Turner stars alongside Frank Dillane (The Essex Serpent, Fear the Walking Dead, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince), as Boisie, a London antique dealer. Kirsty J. Curtis (Match Not Found, Harlots), plays Nancy, Joan's older sister and a salon worker while Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (I May Destroy You, Top Boy) portrays Albie, an old acquaintance of Boisie who’s made a new life in Spain with his wife Val, played by Laura Aikman (The Split, Gavin & Stacey). Other actors joining the series include Nick Blood (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Safe), Jack Greenlees (Strike, Harlots), Alex Blake (The Crown, Chernobyl), Caroline Faber (Grantchester, Berlin Station) and Dorothy Atkinson(The Gold, Stonehouse). Joan is an exciting new series, executive produced by Ruth Kenley-Letts (Stonehouse, The Midwich Cuckoos, Strike), CEO of Snowed-In Productions, Jenny Van Der Lande (Strike, You Don’t Know Me, Too Close) Creative Director of Snowed-In, Neil Blair (The Midwich Cuckoos, Strike, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore) Chairman of Snowed-In, Richard Laxton and Anna Symon. Paul Frift (Anansi Boys, Deep State, Good Omens) is the producer. Joan has been commissioned for ITVX by Head of Drama Polly Hill. All3Media International will be responsible for the international distribution of the drama. The series is produced in association with All3Media International and The CW Network, USA.

Photo credit: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves Photography Five winners of the Hickstead Derby are among the entrants for this year’s class, which takes place on Sunday 25 June at the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, West Sussex. Reigning champion Shane Breen returns with his 2022 winner Can Ya Makan, in the hope of securing a back-to-back victory. He also brings rising star Scarteen, who impressed in Hamburg when finishing second in one of their Derby qualifiers. His brother Trevor Breen is another who knows exactly what it takes to win Hickstead’s most iconic class, having been victorious in 2014 (Adventure De Kannan) and 2015 (Loughnatousa WB). He brings Gonzalo, who finished fourth in last year’s Longines King George V Gold Cup. William Funnell is in with a shout of making history if he can secure a fifth Derby win. Five riders share the record with four wins apiece, and Funnell has an excellent chance of bettering this, having already won in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2018. His ride Equine America Billy Diamo made his Hickstead Derby debut last summer, winning Friday’s Derby Trial before going on to finish in 11th place in the Al Shira’aa Derby. Guy Williams last won the Derby in 2010, but he’s consistently been in the placings in the years since. His Puissance specialist Mr Blue Sky UK would certainly be a popular winner with the Derby crowd, and he’s another who has jumped well round the challenging track on a number of occasions. In 2016 William Whitaker became the third member of his famous family to lift the Boomerang Trophy, following in the footsteps of his uncles John and Michael. He finished sixth with Flamboyant III in 2022, in what was the horse’s first attempt at the class, so they could well be ones to watch in this year’s renewal. Plenty of other riders on the entries list have come close to winning the Al Shira’aa Derby. Dermott Lennon has been placed many times, and last year he finished joint second with Gelvins Touch following a great round for four faults. Brazil’s Carlos Mota Ribas had a great show at last year’s Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting, finishing runner up in both the Speed Derby and the Derby itself. His rides Trix and Night Secret Z were both on good form in Hamburg, and it would be no surprise to see Carlos feature in the prizemoney again at Hickstead. Olympic rider Holly Smith has had a number of good rounds in the Al Shira’aa Derby, including finishing runner-up to William Funnell in 2018, and sixth equal in both 2019 and 2022. Alongside Holly in joint-sixth last summer were Irish talents Michael Duffy and Jordan Coyle, and both could be in the reckoning once more in this year’s class. Other names to look out for include Ireland’s David Simpson, and British riders Robert Whitaker and Graham Gillespie, all of whom have been placed in the Derby. Riders have to qualify for the Al Shira’aa Derby in Friday’s Agria Derby Trial. A world ranking class in its own right, it often highlights some new contenders each year for Sunday’s showcase class. Tickets are on sale now from www.hickstead.co.uk. The action from the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (22-25 June) will be livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.TV and Hickstead.TV.

A recent survey of 2,000 adults revealed a stark lack of knowledge around adult vitamin intake, including where to source them. While just 12 per cent claimed they are very familiar with the sources of Vitamin D, only 38 per cent realise that late April to September are the months you can get Vitamin D from sunlight. A further one in 10 adults admitted to feeling as or more anxious about their health this coming winter. And less than one in five (16 per cent) were aware vitamin D can be found in red meat, while just a tenth were could name mushrooms as a source. More than half (55 per cent) were also clueless about how much of each vitamin they should be taking in every day. The research was commissioned by Warburtons to highlight its Half and Half range. Dr Zoe Williams, who helped the development of the report, said: “Addressing Vitamin D deficiency in the UK is clearly of importance to the nation’s health so it’s great to see Warburtons raising the issue with this report. It really highlights how much there is to do to increase the public’s knowledge about Vitamin D. Just expecting people to buy over the counter supplements is not sufficient action, especially since those most affected are the least likely to be able to do so.” “More focus needs to be put on education, free access to vitamin D supplementation and fortification of foods, like the Warburtons Half White,Half Wholemeal loaf. These are three very important easily accessible solutions in helping to reduce the deficiency levels in the UK.” The study also found 29 per cent of adults believe wearing sunscreen can stop the production of vitamin D in the body – which is incorrect. It also emerged that one in 10 adults believe vitamins are responsible for providing the body with energy – and just under a tenth strongly agree that ‘the more vitamins you take, the better.' Warburtons’ chairman, Jonathan Warburton, said: “The findings of our report have shown just how important it is to ensure the nation is receiving the right levels of vitamin D. We hope the findings of the study and the insight from healthcare professionals will help shine a light on this important issue, helping us all respond to one of the most challenging and unresolved issues of the pandemic – how we create a healthier, more resilient nation in the days, months and years ahead.”

Yorkshire Cricket is proud to announce that it has signed the Muslim Athlete Charter, continuing its commitment to equity, and diversity and inclusion for all. The charter – also referred to as the Nujum Sports' charter – is a commitment to recognise the needs of Muslim cricketers, fans and staff within the game and is part of our wider focus on delivering equity and diversity at all levels of the sport. Yorkshire Cricket joins more than 75 sports clubs and organisations who have signed the Nujum Sports' charter since it was first enacted in June 2021, including the RFL, the Premier League, and the Football Association of Wales. Stephen Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer at Yorkshire Cricket, said: “We believe this is an important and positive step for the Yorkshire Family and is integral to supporting the work we already do in building a sport that is equal for all." “By understanding the faith and cultural needs of our Muslim players, staff and fans, we can help to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated." “We would encourage all our Leagues and Clubs to find out more about the Muslim Athlete Charter and to seek to adopt its principles. The signing of the Muslim Athlete Charter is one of many initiatives Yorkshire Cricket is committed to in order to support equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the Club and reflect Yorkshire’s rich and vibrant community.” Nujum Sports aims to promote a culture of educational excellence for Muslim athletes, supporting sports clubs, local and national organisations and national sporting bodies through training workshops and educational sessions. The charter seeks to 'challenge organisations' to make progress in supporting Muslim sportsmen and women, with signatories pledging to 'create positive change.' There are 10 points contained within the charter, such as providing space for non-consumption of alcohol, including during celebrations, the provision of appropriate places to pray, halal food, and accommodating staff and players who are fasting during Ramadan. Through signing the charter the Club, who have been working with Nujum Sports for over a year, are now fully accredited and will continue to work with the organisation to help Yorkshire Cricket strengthen its voice and zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination. Mo Hussain, Yorkshire County Cricket Club's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, said: “The pledge is another step in fulfilling our commitment to becoming a truly inclusive Club. “Alongside our multifaith space, providing non-alcohol family stands, and provision of halal food, our player changing spaces have also been upgraded to ensure the religious and cultural needs of our players can be met." “We have been working closely with Nujum Sports for more than a year and look forward to developing this relationship further.” Earlier this year as part of the collaboration Yorkshire CCC and Northern Diamonds coaching teams and first team players took part in an educational workshop hosted by Nujum Sports. Ebadur Rahman, the Chief Executive Officer for Nujum Sports, said: “On signing the charter, Yorkshire Cricket is joining a positive movement of solidarity, equality and recognition of the contribution Muslims make in their respective clubs and teams. Nujum is here to support professional clubs and their players to contribute positively to their equality and diversity agenda." “We are here to help them aspire to be even more inclusive and build on the passion and love we have four our respective clubs, players and fans.” For more information please visit their website here . Photo credit: SWPix.com

ITV1 and ITVX unveils the title of groundbreaking new dating show as My Mum, Your Dad hosted by Davina McCall. The brand new series from Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, previously known as ‘The Romance Retreat’, is set to air on ITV1 and ITVX this autumn. A dating show with a difference for the whole family, My Mum, Your Dad follows a group of single parents who have been nominated by their grown-up kids for a second chance at love. Across 10 hour-long episodes, audiences will be able to follow the single parents, from all over the UK, and all walks of life, as they live together at a stunning country house retreat with one objective: to find true love. But there’s a twist - unbeknownst to the parents, their kids will be watching their every move from a nearby location called ‘The Bunker’. It is there in the surveillance room that they’ll be able to witness all the action of their parents’ journeys to find love, plus get the opportunity to play matchmaker and decide their mum or dad’s dating fate. From humorous moments to heartwarming confessions, the kids will see their parents in a whole new light as they are presented with opportunities to select who they’ll be matched with on one-to-one dates, and who may join the family celebrations for years to come. Get the tissues at the ready as we witness the highs and the lows, the tears and the funny moments, of finding love again. My Mum, Your Dad will be produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios. The series is Executive Produced by Ami Jackson and Ros Coward, with Paul Hepplewhite as Series Producer. It was commissioned for ITV by Director of Reality Commissioning Paul Mortimer and Commissioning Editor of Reality TV Amanda Stavri. ITV Studios handles international distribution. Host Davina McCall, commented: “Thank goodness the secret is finally out! I’ve been bursting to tell!!! I’m so so excited to host My Mum, Your Dad - this show will have you so invested in the people in it. Fascinating, vibrant individuals who have lived incredible lives already, with a million life lessons under their belts, as they search for their perfect life partner. But also with the juiciest twist of any show I’ve ever worked on.” Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality and Acquisitions commented: “My Mum, Your Dad is set to be a relationship show with a difference, as we follow the emotional and inspiring journeys of single parents looking to find love once more. Packed full of heart and humour, we’re really excited to be bringing this brand new format to ITV1’s mainstream audience. With Davina at the helm, this will be a grown-up iteration of a series in the dating genre that, thus far, has largely been the preserve of younger viewers.” Richard Cowles, Managing Director of Lifted Entertainment, said: “At Lifted, we revolutionised the dating format with Love Island, but dating isn't just about young people. We can't wait to launch this new dating format in the UK, this time with a very different cast of singles. They may come from a different age bracket but they share the same, simple aim, to fall in love. And for single parents the stakes are even higher. We're delighted to have Davina at the helm teasing out these hugely relatable stories in a heartwarming and entertaining way.” My Mum, Your Dad was created by father and daughter Haley and Greg Daniels.

Parravanis, an ever-popular ice cream business established in 1898 by Giuseppe Parravani, is celebrating its 125th year anniversary this February. The business has managed to thrive through time and is now one of the most beloved local ice cream brands in the UK. Despite battling through several life-changing recessions, the brand has stood the test of time and Parravanis Ice Cream has been made in the same way, using the same recipes and traditional methods since 1898. Today, the business has a wide customer base over Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex and currently makes a range of over 30 premium ice creams and sorbets, limited-period seasonal flavours, freshly made ice cream for weddings and events and specially commissioned recipe combinations and patisseries from hand-picked partners. The oldest independent ice cream maker in East Anglia is committed to using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods that have been passed down through five generations since 1898. All partners and suppliers are carefully selected for the quality of their ingredients and their commitment to supporting a locally-made ethos. General Manager, Adrian Nichols, said: “We feel our success in reaching this incredible milestone is down to using local ingredients and traditional methods handed down through five generations, from 1898 when Giuseppe Parravani started it. Although we use modern equipment which speeds up the ice cream-making process, the ingredients, methods, and recipes very much remain the same today.” To celebrate the special milestone, Parravanis released a limited edition Premium Local Strawberries & Cream flavour, only available from the 6th of March until the 30th of September 2023, with home delivery anywhere in the UK. Parravani’s is proud to be celebrating 125 years of serving ice cream and looks forward to many more years of providing delicious, handmade treats to customers across the UK.

Seven regal roses have been handpicked by David Austin ahead of this summer’s historic coronation. The 6th May 2023 is a date that will go down in British history, so it seemed fitting to mark it in a way that’s symbolic and special with a little help from a great British brand. Ahead of King Charles III’s early summer coronation, David Austin Roses shares its commemorative collection of seven garden roses. Composed of seven English shrub roses, there’s a royal story behind each and every stem. David Austin commented: “There is something in the act of planting a rose in your garden to honour this moment in history that we find particularly reflective. Perhaps it’s the metaphor of putting down roots, the promise of growth and the hope of bloom and glory.” “Whichever regal rose speaks to you most, bedding it into your garden this May is the perfect time for it establish, ready to flower come summertime.” The Coronation Collections By David Austin Roses comprises: 1. ROYAL JUBILEE Named for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee Introduced in 2012 Character Notes : Chalice-shaped blooms in a deep pink with paler pink undersides and a rich, fruity fragrance 2. ELIZABETH® Named in memory of The late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Introduced in 2022 Character Notes : Large apple blossom pink rosettes surrounded by petals in blush white and a sweet scent of lemon sherbet and Old Rose 3. PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OF KENT® Named for Princess Alexandra, cousin to Queen Elizabeth II and both a keen gardener and great lover of roses Introduced in 2007 Character Notes : Unusually large bright pink flowers with a fresh Tea fragrance that evolves into lemon with hints of blackcurrants 4. WILLIAM AND CATHERINE Named for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their wedding day Introduced in 2011 Character Notes : Shallow cups of white, full-petalled blooms with a pure myrrh scent 5. PRINCESS ANNE Named for Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal Introduced in 2010 Character Notes : Large and fragrant rich pink clusters with thick and polished foliage 6. ANNE BOLEYN Named for the second of Henry VIII’s six wives Introduced in 1999 Character Notes : Sprays of cupped rosette blooms in a pretty mid-pink tone 7. ENGLAND’S ROSE Named in recognition of the birthplace of the English Rose Introduced in 2010 Character Notes : Glowing pink petals with a button eye and spicy Old Rose fragrance

The latest induction hob from Falcon Foodservice Equipment takes its inspiration from many chefs’ most popular gas appliance, the solid top. Launched at HRC 23, the Falcon Induction Solid Top delivers the best of both worlds – combining the usability, versatility and power of a gas solid top with the energy efficiency, controllability, easy cleaning and safety of induction. The Induction Solid Top puts the chef in charge with five temperature zones, allowing flexibility, speed of cooking and multi-pot cooking. Just like a gas solid top, the induction hob can handle any size of pan and the tough 6mm ceramic glass means they can be slid across from zone to zone. Versatile, controllable and sustainable, it’s perfect for chefs AND the planet! Sustainability is at the top of Falcon’s product development programme and the Solid Top is just one of three induction products on show. The company will also display a selection of its hydrogen-powered prime cooking appliances as well as the latest in its range of energy-efficient electric chargrills. Falcon is exhibiting with sister company Williams Refrigeration and the two companies will showcase kitchen solutions – such as ‘the ultimate fry station’, which will feature a Falcon high performance fryer and chip scuttle alongside the Williams Fry Station drawer unit. Expert personnel will be on hand throughout the show to offer advice on all aspects of prime cooking, with a focus on sustainability and the drive to more energy-efficient kitchens. Falcon is the market-leading UK manufacturer of professional cooking equipment and is the UK distributor for Lainox combination ovens. The company combines a reputation for performance, reliability and innovation with a history going back over 200 years. Today Falcon supplies foodservice operators throughout the catering industry, exporting around the globe. Its comprehensive product portfolio is backed by award-winning customer support. Visit their website here for more information.

A new ‘Space City Leicester’ cluster has been launched in Leicester that will create one of the largest and most connected Enterprise Zones for space-related activities in the UK. Space City Leicester represents up to £233 million of investment in new and planned facilities on the former Pioneer Park development to the north of Leicester city centre. This includes the University of Leicester’s science and innovation hub Space Park Leicester, the award-winning National Space Centre visitor attraction and the flexible working space and high-tech business incubator facilities at Dock and Dock 2. Workspace will be expanded in the near future to include Dock 3 innovation workspace, and newer industrial and business incubator facilities at Abbey Court. Space City Leicester is dedicated to space research, production, manufacture and development, and will make Leicester a key part of the UK’s Space Spine. The cluster will also be home to non-space related knowledge economy businesses, those working towards decarbonisation, innovative start-ups and established businesses looking for grow on space. The Space City Leicester partnership includes DOCK, Leicester City Council, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), National Space Centre, Space Park Leicester and the University of Leicester. Space City is part of the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone. Research scientists at the University of Leicester have a long and distinguished record of discovery in space science with around 300 academics and researchers working on space and Earth observation, one of the largest groups in the UK. Every single year since 1967 has seen a Leicester-built instrument operating in space and their work today includes x-ray and observational astronomy, radio and space plasma physics (including space weather) and planetary science and instrumentation development. Building upon the heritage and space-science excellence of the University of Leicester, Space Park Leicester is a world-leading space and Earth observation cluster that has built a collaborative community of industry, academics and students working together to drive growth in the space sector. Space Park Leicester is forecast to contribute £750 million per year to the UK space sector over the next decade and is expected to support more than 2,500 direct and indirect jobs in the East Midlands. The launch of Space City comes as Space Park Leicester, the city’s hub for space research and innovation, marks the first anniversary of its opening. The new Space City Leicester cluster will be promoted to an international audience for the first time at the world’s leading real estate event, MIPIM in Cannes, France from 14-17 March 2023. Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Space City Leicester has put our city firmly on the map for research production and manufacture in the space industry, but the good news doesn’t end there as further expansion is planned to meet the demand from businesses keen to locate here from the UK and overseas.” President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester Professor Nishan Canagarajah said: “This is the launchpad for an exciting new chapter in our city’s space history. From its beginnings 60 years ago at the University, we have grown space activity to unlock its huge potential to advance learning, to stimulate inward investment, innovation and growth and to address the challenging problems of our time. Space City Leicester is exciting, it is bold and it is built upon a heritage of success. I would like to thank all our supporters, industrial partners, LLEP and the Leicester City Council for their steadfast commitment to this ambitious endeavor.” Andy Reed OBE, Co-Chair, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), said: “Space City Leicester combines world-leading expertise with major assets such as Space Park Leicester and the National Space Centre to boldly build on what we have here in Leicester and Leicestershire.” “It will create a world-leading cluster of research and development that will bring growth, investment, and many hundreds of jobs to our region.”

Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has relieved the Club of its outstanding debts to its parent company, King Power International. Over £194M in loans and related interest has been capitalised into equity issued to King Power International Co Limited (KPI), which is wholly owned by the Srivaddhanaprabha family. These loans have been provided by KPI to the Club over the last four years to fund the construction of the Club’s world-class new training ground at Seagrave and to continue to support the Club’s investments into its squad and Women’s football during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their conversion into equity serves to strengthen the Club’s balance sheet, reduce its interest costs, and provide further evidence of King Power International’s commitment to supporting the Club’s long-term sustainability. It is the second time such a process has been undertaken since the family took ownership of Leicester City in 2010, having completed a £103M debt-to-equity transfer in 2013. In both cases it has ensured that all existing shareholder investment in the Club will not be carried forward as debt. Leicester City Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “Maintaining long-term stability is vital for sustainable growth and a fundamental principle that has always guided our investments in the Club’s future. We want to make sure we continue on that path from the strongest, most secure financial footing.” “I believe with all my heart in Leicester City and what the Club can achieve for our fans, our people and our communities – in Leicester, Thailand and around the world. The faith they continue to place in us to run their Club responsibly with ambition and integrity guides our decision making and remains vital to us building on one of the most successful eras in the Club’s history.” Leicester City was acquired by the Srivaddhanaprabha family in 2010 and quickly made part of its King Power Group, which supported the Club’s rise from the Championship to the Premier League. As well as overseeing unprecedented success on the pitch – including winning the Premier League in 2016, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2021 and embarking on three memorable European campaigns – the Srivaddhanaprabha family have transformed the Club off it. Our state-of-the-art new training facility in Seagrave, north Leicestershire was opened in December 2020, providing a world-class facility both for our Men’s First Team and for future generations of young players on the development pathway through the Club’s Academy. LCFC Women was launched earlier in the same year, with the team winning promotion to the top flight of the women’s game in their first professional season. Under King Power ownership, the Club has continually strived to be a force for good in its communities, supporting valued causes throughout Leicestershire through the establishment of its charitable foundation in 2012. It was renamed the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation after the Club’s late Chairman and patriarch, in whose name it continues to support some of the most disadvantaged in our communities.

This week, Purple House Clinic (PHC) – a private psychology clinic – is set to open Leicester’s first specialised neurodiverse assessment centre. The new facility will provide a number of services, including assessments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning difficulties (Educational Psychology), and sensory difficulties (Occupational Therapy), in a bid to tackle the overwhelming demand for assessments in the Leicestershire area. “We are excited to announce the launch of our second PHC here in Leicester. Since 2018, we have provided individualised, easy-to-access psychological services to adults and children across Leicestershire. Our team of 22 associate clinicians have helped with various assessments and mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety, phobias, PTSD, complex trauma and personality issues,” said Vicki Edwards, the Director of Purple House Clinic Leicester. “With the pandemic and increased awareness of mental health issues, the requirement for our services has skyrocketed. In 2022 we saw 410 patients from the surrounding area – the majority of which wanted neurodiverse assessments – an increase of 52% from the previous year.” “This emphasises how important our services are to the local community here in Leicester. By opening a second clinic dedicated to neurodiverse assessment, we aim to help reduce waiting times for people already looking in the area and provide a viable alternative to using NHS services.” The news of the centre will come as a relief to many people in Leicestershire, particularly when the number of patients who rely on NHS services received their first care contact within 13 weeks rose from 6,928 to 8,973, a rise of 30% between 2021-20221. This is a troubling national statistic when you consider around 1-7 people in the UK are predicted to be neurodiverse (have ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and Tourette’s syndrome)2. “In Leicester, our most popular service is definitely the specialist assessments for neurodiversity. We have noticed our waiting list was getting longer and longer due to increased patient demand, so we decided it was time to open a new clinic. This means we can now carry out even more specialist assessment services and ultimately help more people receive the right diagnosis and treatment faster.” “Inside the new clinic, we have two psychiatry rooms for assessments, treatments and follow-ups. We also have a psychological assessment room and a variety of areas for family, individual, couple and adult therapies. As well as all this, we are looking to bring in four more psychiatrists and four clinical psychologists to add to our fantastic team of qualified clinicians.” As well as offering individual support to adults and children, PHC also provides training, workshops and lectures to organisations on subjects related to mental health, psychology and child development, as well as providing consultancy and clinical supervision services. Purple House Clinic’s neurodiverse assessment clinic is located at The Crescent, King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RX.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club is pleased to announce homegrown batsman Sam Evans has signed a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season. The 25-year-old cemented himself as a first team regular in red-ball cricket at the beginning of the 2021 season, after a blistering start saw him register three centuries in as many matches, including a career-best 138 at The Oval against Surrey. His battling spirit with bat in hand was best exemplified at Durham at the start of the 2022 season, when the opener grinded out a 254-ball 77 not out to save the game on the final day at Chester-le-Street. After a stint out of the side in the middle of the 2022 summer, Evans returned strongly to finish the Championship campaign with two half-centuries in his final three matches. Collectively, the Leicester-born batsman has accrued 1,482 runs across 35 first-class and List A matches, and was afforded the proud honour of captaining his home county for the high-profile four-day fixture against India in June. A product of the academy at Grace Road, Evans joined the pathway setup at Under 11 level, before signing his first Leicestershire contract and debuting in the summer of 2017. It followed an impressive run as a student in the Loughborough MCCU side, including a score of 114 against Northamptonshire in just his second first-class innings. Evans has spent the winter Down Under, turning out for Melbourne-based side Kingston Hawthorn CC, where he has topped the club’s run charts with 461 at an average just shy of 42. Discussing his extension, Evans said: “Every time I walk out onto the pitch for my hometown club, it’s a dream come true. It’s a feeling that will never get old. I love playing with this group. We’re in a really positive place to push for success this season and make our fans proud.” Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, added: “Sam is a true clubman. He’s very popular in the dressing room and this deal represents another opportunity for him to firmly establish himself in both red-ball and white-ball cricket.” Evans is the latest Fox to commit his future to the club, joining Chris Wright, Nick Welch, Will Davis, Wiaan Mulder and Naveen-ul-Haq in extending his stay with Leicestershire into 2023. Photo credit: John Mallett