Khumalo Family Says Ndodana Tshuma’s Relatives Have Not Apologised After UK Triple Murder Tragedy
The family of Zandile Nothabo Khumalo and her two daughters has voiced its disappointment over the absence of Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma’s relatives at a time they expected a gesture of sympathy and remorse.
Relatives said they were hoping Tshuma’s family would visit them following the deaths of Zandile, Natalie and Nala, who were killed in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, in the United Kingdom, last month.
Also Read: Family Launches GoFundMe To Bring Nothabo Khumalo And Daughters Home To Zimbabwe
Family Wanted Cultural Gesture
Addressing mourners at the funeral service held at Brethren in Christ Church in New Lobengula on Tuesday, Khumalo family representative Dr Ntsika Dakamela said Tshuma’s relatives had not reached out to offer condolences.
He said the family had expected a traditional gesture where Tshuma’s relatives would visit the Khumalo home and express their sorrow over the tragedy.
“According to our culture, they were supposed to come to the gate, kneel down and say they were sorry because what happened was not of their doing,” Dr Dakamela said.
Concerns Raised Over Lack Of Communication
Dr Dakamela said the family chose to speak publicly to prevent misunderstandings and speculation surrounding the issue.
He said the Khumalo family had been waiting for the visit but received no communication from Tshuma’s relatives.
“We don’t want people to speculate. We expected them to come, but they did not. They took it lightly,” he said.
Mother And Daughters Buried Together
Zandile, 42, and her daughters Natalie, 15, and Nala, five, were laid to rest side by side at Old Luveve Cemetery.
The burial followed a memorial service at Brethren in Christ Church, where family members and friends gathered to honour their lives.
Tshuma Remains In Custody
Tshuma, who is Zandile’s husband and the father of Natalie and Nala, remains detained in South Africa.
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Khumalo Family Says Ndodana Tshuma’s Relatives Have Not Apologised After UK Triple Murder Tragedy
Attempted rapist jailed after vulnerable woman escaped attack in Northampton
A 41-year-old man has been jailed after he was found guilty of attempting to rape a vulnerable woman in Northampton.Bishan Shiekh approached a vulnerable woman inside a property in Northampton and attempted to rape her, Northamptonshire Police have said.A police spokesperson said: “Thankfully she managed to get away and the offence was reported to Northamptonshire Police.“Shiekh was arrested and subsequently charged with one count of attempted rape, taking the case to a trial which started on April 28 this year at Northampton Crown Court and lasted for five days.Bishan Shiekh“At the end, the jury found him guilty,” the spokesperson added.Shiekh returned to the same court last month where he was sentenced to seven years in prison with another two on extended licence, police said.Detective Sergeant Liz Jeeves, from Northamptonshire Police’s SOLAR Team, said: “This was a frightening and traumatic experience for the survivor of this incident, who showed great courage throughout the investigation and court process. Thanks to the dedication of the officer in the case, DC Adam Smart, the strength of the evidence presented, and the bravery of this woman, Bishan Shiekh has now been held accountable for his actions.“Violence against women and girls remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police, and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who commit these offences. We take every report of sexual violence extremely seriously, thoroughly investigating allegations, supporting victims and doing everything we can to bring offenders to justice.“We hope this sentence provides reassurance that reports of this nature will be acted upon and that anyone who has experienced sexual violence feels able to come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to, supported and your report will be investigated.”If you have experienced sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, please come forward by calling 101 or via the online reporting tool on the police website.Continue Reading
Could heatwaves make your supermarket shop more expensive?
A supply chain involves a small number of stages, from a product being made until it gets to the shops for people to buy.If you take a loaf of bread as an example, first the grain is grown, harvested, milled and stored until it is ready to be taken to a factory.Those ingredients are used to bake and package the bread, which is taken to warehouses before eventually ending up on supermarket shelves.Each stage of that process will incur expenses such as transport and storage, and rising costs at any step could end up in the product you buy being more expensive.Last week, farmers and flour producers said they were adapting to the challenges of dealing with the earliest harvest for 50 years.And the National Farmers’ Union has warned there could be a shortage of certain food products if current drought conditions continue.More from Cambridgeshire:”One week of hot weather will not make a loaf of bread more expensive,” says Prof Manoj Dora, director of the Centre for Intelligent Supply Chains at Anglia Ruskin University, which has campuses in Cambridgeshire and Essex.But he says prices could rise if supplies of crops run out, largely because of how it would affect the very beginning of the supply chain.”We may see that meat, milk, eggs, and chicken will be impacted by [a lack of] animal feed,” he says.”Across different food products, prices could surge if we do not manage these things immediately.”Dora describes the UK’s supply chain as “resilient” so the effects of the heatwave may not be felt immediately.”We need to start thinking of the long term by reconfiguring our supply chain in terms of locations and transportation, and by supporting the farmers,” he adds.
The big questions at Anfield: why is Liverpool enduring a worrying summer? | Goal.com
Friendly matches rarely tell the whole story about a team’s level, yet what Liverpool are going through during their pre-season raises plenty of question marks. The attacking flashes have been promising. The defensive gaps, though, are glaring, and they have pushed manager Andoni Iraola into a public admission that problems need fixing before the season starts.Those comments landed after Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in Chicago, laying bare the reality of the team’s preparation period, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation “BBC”.The Spanish manager said: “It is clear that this is not the result we were hoping for, but it was perhaps the most useful friendly for us. It was useful in a positive way in the first half, and in a negative way in the second half. We learned a lot, and we will draw important conclusions from it to address some of the problems.”A defensive crisis imposes itselfOne file demands urgent intervention above all others: the defensive line. Across their three matches in the United States, Liverpool conceded six goals. Four of them came against Leeds inside just 25 minutes of the second half.Liverpool started that match with a back line of Jeremie Frimpong, Luke Chambers, Ivayne Ndoicoi and Milos Kerkez, before finishing it with Calvin Ramsay, Mour Tala Ndiaye, Ndoicoi and Kostas Tsimikas.A similar young defence had kept a clean sheet against Wrexham days earlier. Against a Premier League side like Leeds, and a striker of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s calibre, the fragility of the system was exposed.A clear lack of depthMilos Kerkez stands alone among the defensive options as a genuine candidate to start the season. Virgil van Dijk has returned to training, yet the team still suffer from an obvious lack of defensive depth, less than three weeks before their Premier League opener against Newcastle United.Fuelling Iraola’s concerns are the absences of Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, while new signing Jeremie Jacquet has not played a single minute on the American tour, working instead through a special programme to reintegrate him gradually.More than once, the manager has confirmed that his team suffer a “numerical shortage” at the back, a situation that worsened after Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté departed.Jacquet and Leoni carry great potential, but neither has proven himself yet. Gomez’s recurring injury record makes leaning on him alone a big risk.The management is aware of the scale of the crisisSporting director Richard Hughes made a point of watching the friendlies in Nashville and New York. He missed the Leeds match, but he knows exactly how deep the crisis runs.Liverpool need to sign a new centre-back at the very least, and perhaps a right-back too, especially with the return of Conor Bradley still distant.Last season Arne Slot was forced to play Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, a scenario the club have no wish to repeat. They would rather bring in a player with real experience.When asked about his position for the new season, Szoboszlai said: “You have to ask the manager, not me. I played in more than one position last season. I hope to play in midfield, but if the manager needs me at right-back I will do the job with great pleasure.”The team lacks leadersFormer Liverpool captain Phil Thompson, speaking to “BBC Sport”, insisted the team need players with a leadership personality.He said: “When Jürgen Klopp won the league, the team included leadership figures like Jordan Henderson and James Milner, alongside Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Mohamed Salah, and even Trent Alexander-Arnold.”He added: “Today this aspect has declined, and that is why the team need new players to take on responsibility. The dressing room needs strong characters to impose discipline, especially during difficult periods.”He concluded: “At the moment there is only Virgil and Alisson, so a player like Dominik Szoboszlai must step up and take on greater responsibilities.”Midfield: relative stabilityThe midfield tells a different story. Liverpool possess a strong group including Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, and both Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have signed new contracts this year.Iraola hopes to recover the best version of Mac Allister, who fell short of expectations last season. Curtis Jones, meanwhile, is close to a move to Inter, with Liverpool willing to sell him for around 35 million pounds sterling.That decision also ties into the future of young Trey Nyoni, who caught the eye during pre-season. Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic have both returned to training, while Harvey Elliott’s future remains unresolved.Liverpool had also enquired about Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder, but the competition for his signature looks strong.Barcola the first targetThe attacking line remains a candidate for a new arrival in the coming period. After failing to sign Yan Diomandé, Liverpool’s management have made Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola their first target.The club had already signed Victor Muñoz from Osasuna for 34 million pounds sterling.Barcola is not viewed as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, yet signing him would be a huge deal, especially with Paris Saint-Germain valuing the player at around 145 million pounds sterling.Liverpool are preparing an offer approaching 100 million pounds sterling. The player welcomes a move to “Anfield”, but so far there are no official negotiations between the two clubs.Talents awaiting their chanceRio Ngumoha, 17, is expected to be given greater playing minutes over the coming season. He looked more comfortable on the left against Leeds, though he can play on both wings, which suits Iraola’s philosophy.Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both made an encouraging start to pre-season. Federico Chiesa’s future is unsettled, as he wants to stay and fight for his place despite links with a return to the Italian league.Kieran Morrison, 19, proved himself on the American tour after scoring the team’s first goals of the Iraola era. He is likely to go out on loan for more experience, like a number of other young players.Gakpo’s future and a final signalTottenham had shown their interest in Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool have no intention of giving up the Dutch forward, especially with four years still left on his contract and his ability to fill several attacking positions.Keeping Gakpo also makes sense given the long-term absence of Hugo Ekitike, out with an Achilles tendon rupture.Watching on at the Leeds match was Mike Gordon, president of the Fenway Sports Group and the man effectively responsible for running the club. He saw for himself how the optimism of the first half curdled into great concern after the second-half collapse.Between the ambitions and the awaited signings, the message inside “Anfield” is clear. Liverpool still need new reinforcements if they want to enter the race for every title next season.
Health centre plans move forward and other recent Staffordshire planning applications
Staffordshire County Council has submitted a planning application to Lichfield District Council for the new facilityPlans for a new health centre in Burntwood have moved forward.Staffordshire County Council has submitted a planning application to Lichfield District Council for the new facility on land south of Milestone Way.Local services are currently provided at Salters Meadow Health Centre, a temporary facility on the Burntwood Leisure Centre site and the Darwin Medical Practice branch site in Chasetown. The proposed new health centre is intended to replace these facilities and will also house NHS community-based health services if planning permission is granted.How the new health centre in Burntwood may look | Image: Staffordshire County CoucnilThe county council has worked with NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board and Entrust on the proposals. The planning application also proposes sports pitches/open space and seeks outline consent for a care home.Staffordshire County Council leader Martin Murray said: “It’s fantastic news that the plans have now formally been submitted for the new health centre in Burntwood. This means so much to the community and will be an invaluable asset for years to come.“We know there’s an urgency to seeing this facility up and running and people can be assured we’ll work with our partners to move things forward as quickly as the process allows. The project has remained on schedule, so I’d like to commend everyone involved.“With such an important project, community liaison has been vital, and local county councillor Robin Hall has made huge efforts here to engage with the delivery team on behalf of residents. Robin has actively monitored progress and continued to have detailed discussions with the team to keep delivery on track.“We’re committed as a county council to ensuring our residents receive all the support they need to remain healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. This project is demonstration of how we’re working with our partners to achieve the very best for our communities.”Other planning applications published or validated by some Staffordshire councils in recent days:26/42495/T5N: TPO (Tree Preservation Order) 172 1991: Cherry – dismantle to as close to ground level as reasonably practicable on land opposite Silkmore Lane, Stafford26/42521/PIP: Development of between one and five net dwellings on land opposite 194 Northwood Lane, Clayton26/42464/LDC: Lawful Development Certificate – existing commercial storage on land rear of 18 The Green, Milford26/42254/LDCPP: Lawful Development Certificate Proposed – drop front kerb to the front, hardstanding to the front of the dwellinghouse, wall mounted electric charging unit less than 0.2 cubic metres at 12 Lister Grove, Stallington, ST11 9TS26/42186/HOU: Demolish existing car port. Proposed two-storey side and single-storey rear extension and porch at 1 The Village, Pershall Lane, Eccleshall, ST21 6NE26/42052/COU: Change of use from vacant land to class E and class D8 at Whitehouse Farm, Eccleshall Road, Norton BridgeCannock Chase District CouncilCH/26/205: Installation of internally illuminated totem sign at the former Globe Inn, East Cannock Road, Hednesford, WS12 1LZCH/26/215: Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of application CH/24/093 (erection of two dwellings, conversion of existing single principal dwelling to two dwellings, conversion of existing barns to one dwelling and extensions and alterations to existing amenity land) to allow for changes to Plot 4 at Rokholt Manor, 123 New Penkridge Road, Cannock, WS11 1HNCH/26/220: Lawful Development Certificate for proposed single-storey rear extension at 3 Cleeton Street, Heath Hayes, Cannock, WS12 3HBCH/19/201/ZA: Application to discharge condition 5 (development phasing) pursuant to CH/19/201 (outline planning application for the creation of development platform and the demolition of existing office building, environmental centre, and security gatehouse, site clearance, remediation and phased mixed-use development comprising up to 2,300 new dwellings and residential units, up to 1.2 ha of mixed-use, up to five ha of employment, a school (all through school or one two-form entry primary school, formal and informal publicly accessible open space, key infrastructure including new adoptable roads within the site and the provision of a new primary access junction on to the A513, ground and roof mounted solar panels and two existing electricity substations retained) on land at Rugeley Power Station, Armitage Road, RugeleyCH/26/225: Non material amendment of CH/19/201 to amend the configuration of a pond and rerouting of footpath on land at former Rugeley Power Station, Armitage Road, Rugeley, WS15 1PRCH/24/243/A: Discharge of pre-commencement statutory biodiversity net gain condition of CH/24/243 (erection of single-storey rear extension to create three additional ensuite rooms) at Talbot House, 28-30 Talbot Street, Rugeley, WS15 2EGSouth Staffordshire District Council26/00646/LUE: Equestrian, personal storage in an existing building, hardstandings and the remains of a house at Locks Paddock, Oaken Lawn, Kingswood26/00644/FULHH: Single-storey side/front extension for an ancillary annex and a single-storey rear extension for an extended kitchen/dining room and study at 42 Station Road, Codsall, WV8 1DA26/00640/TTREE: TPO 23/18001/TPO: T1, Copper Beech – selective reduction of lateral branches by up to three metres on the west of the crown and roof side only at Stonegarth, Greenhill, Wombourne, WV5 0LD26/00641/TTREE: TPO 16/1975: T1, Horse Chestnut – dismantle and remove at 136 Walsall Road, Great Wyrley, WS6 6LA26/00636/FULHH: Erection of a traditional oak framed workshop and store outbuilding at White Sytch Cottage, Blymhill Common, TF11 8JP26/00632/FULHHL: Installation of railings to existing boundary walls serving three dwellinghouses under common ownership at The Paddocks, Mile Flat, Greensforge, DY6 0AU26/00586/FUL: Retrospective construction of hardstanding at Appletree Lodge, Fairfield Lane, Otherton, ST19 5NX26/00570/FULHH: Single-storey side and rear extension at 52 Rennison Drive, Wombourne, WV5 9HW26/00515/FULHH: Retention and alteration of an existing timber store, including the installation of uPVC shiplap cladding and a reduction in height at 8 Penda Grove, Perton, WV6 7NWLichfield District Council26/00950/HED: Removal of a section of hedgerow (6.10 metres) on hedgerow east of Lichfield Road, Kings Bromley26/00936/FUH and 26/00937/LBC: Installation of 28 ground mounted solar panels at Pipehill House, Walsall Road, Pipehill, WS13 8JU26/00931/FUH: Section 73 application to remove condition 4 of 22/01311/FUH (erection of single-storey glamping pod within domestic curtilage) to allow the glamping pod to be rented out to third parties at 6 Christ Church Gardens, Lichfield, WS13 8BB26/00926/FUH: Conversion of existing garage into bedroom, internal alterations and new front porch with canopy at 18 Mavesyn Close, Hill Ridware, WS15 3RA26/00934/FULM: Hybrid application for full planning permission for a health centre (Use Class E(e)), sports pitches/open space, access, associated infrastructure and landscaping, and outline planning permission for a care home (Use Class C2) with access for determination and all other matters reserved on land south of Milestone Way, Burntwood26/00932/FUH: Erection of a part two-storey rear extension and garage conversion at 12 Spode Avenue, Handsacre, WS15 4EU26/00924/ADV: Installation of internally illuminated three fascia signs, three booth lettering signs and one digital booth screen at McDonalds, Hermes Road, Lichfield, WS13 6RZ26/00921/LBC: Works to Listed Building to allow the replacement of 11 existing non-original timber casement windows with bespoke heritage flush casement timber windows at 45 Stowe Street, Lichfield, WS13 6AQ26/00916/FUL: Demolition of an existing dwelling house and the erection of a replacement self-build dwelling with associated external amenity space and parking area at New Buildings Farm, Croxall Road, Lichfield, WS13 8QY26/00912/CLP: Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed): loft conversion with a rear dormer and a hip roof to gable end to form a new bedroom and ensuite at 25 Fotherley Brook Road, Little Aston, WS9 0PD26/00917/FUL: Demolition of existing dwelling and existing buildings, erection of one replacement property and five new dwellings with associated infrastructure, landscaping and BNG at Lynn Nurseries, Lynn Lane, Lynn, WS14 0EP26/00883/FUH: Erection of a front two-storey extension and facelift, rear and side elevation material change, garage conversion and erection of new detached garage at Sycamore House, Roman Road, Little Aston, B74 3AQ26/00880/FUH: Erection of ground floor side and rear extension and first floor extension over existing garage with dormer extension at 13 Anson Close, Burntwood, WS7 9HW26/00838/COU: Change of use from Class B8 with ancillary offices, trade park and showroom to Class E (d) indoor recreation with ancillary facilities for golf simulation (no external alterations) at Unit B2 Multipark Burntwood, Cannel Road, Burntwood, WS7 3FUContinue Reading
Finalists announced for Merseyside Independent Business Awards 2026 – Good News Liverpool
THE shortlist has been revealed for the 2026 Merseyside Independent Business Awards (MIB Awards), shining a spotlight on the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations helping Liverpool City Region thrive.Now in their 13th year, the awards celebrate the region’s independent business community, from start-ups and family-run firms to charities, social enterprises and established employers.Winners will be announced at a black-tie awards ceremony at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool on Thursday 15 October, when around 500 guests are expected to come together to celebrate another year of business success across the city region.Organised by Morecrofts Solicitors, the awards were founded in 2013 as part of the firm’s bicentenary celebrations and have since grown into one of the region’s most recognised business awards.Alison Lobb, managing partner at Morecrofts, said: “Every year we’re reminded just how much talent, hard work and determination exists across the Liverpool City Region, and this year’s shortlist is no exception.“What stands out is the variety of businesses being recognised. We have innovative tech companies, independent retailers, hospitality businesses, manufacturers, community organisations and inspiring individuals all making their mark.“Getting to the finalist stage is a fantastic achievement in itself and I’d like to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist. We look forward to welcoming them to the Titanic Hotel in October and celebrating their success.”The Liverpool Business Improvement District returns as headline sponsor of the event. Bill Addy, chief executive said: “Independent businesses give our city region its character. They’re often the places people remember, recommend and return to, and they play a huge role in making Merseyside such a great place to live, work and visit.“The quality of entries this year has once again been outstanding and the finalists represent the ambition, creativity and resilience that can be found right across the city region.“Congratulations to everyone who has been shortlisted and good luck for October.” 2026 finalists – Merseyside Independent Business AwardsCulture & Tourism Business of the Yeardot-artHope Street HotelShiverpoolSound CityThe DaffodilCreative Business of the YearK2 ArchitectsLoveLossDiscoBallsNew Brighton Creative Futures CICPalm House StudioWild ThangFood Venue of the YearLuca Small Plates and CocktailsMarayNORDParliament Square CoffeeSpitroast KitchenRetailer of the YearEquip2CleanLiverpool Art FairSolo Car SalesTaskersThe Wild Loaf BakeryChildren-Focused Business of the YearFreedom to Flourish CICLittle FoxesSafe Hands CICSelect Training CICTalk the Talk the Education CICCommunity Interest Company of the YearBaltic Creative CICEvolving Mindset CICPoWEr Collective CICSafe Hands CICTalk the Talk the Education CICDigital & Technology Business of the YearGoodShip*MICTPALIViper ProductionsBusiness Person of the YearAdele Hollywood – Unity LivesAmy Gwynn – Hospitality EntrepreneurJames McConville – Solo Car SalesSean Keyes – SutcliffeSimone Roche MBE – We Are PoWErBest Start-UpCharmingo Sews AcademyFreedom to Flourish CICGoodShip*Ujima Ice CreamWild PantryTrades & Manufacturing Business of the YearAlgeosClan ContractingMersey RawSGD Fire ProtectionTry & LillyProfessional Services Business of the YearMICTOscar Ip & Co. Chartered AccountantsPALISutcliffeHealth & Wellbeing Business of the YearJust 4 Men BarbershopLaugh For Life Comedy Talk the Talk Education Your Voice Your ChoiceEmployer of the YearAlgeosStructec (N.W)The Forshaw GroupThe MIB Awards continue to attract a high calibre of entries from across the region, with finalists selected by expert judging panels representing a range of business sectors.For more information, visit www.mibawards.co.uk or contact the awards team at [email protected].
15-year-old boy is sixth charged in connection with attempted murder
A 15-year-old boy has today been charged with conspiracy to murder, actual bodily harm (ABH) and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.The youngster, from Basildon in Essex, is the sixth person to be charged in connection with the attempted murder of a man in Gorefield on May 31.He has been released on police bail to return to Milton Police Station on September 9, and cannot be named because of his age.Police at the scene of the May 31 shootingFive people made preliminary court appearances before Luton magistrates on July 22 and were remanded into custody after the shooting incident, which happened at Leverington Common at about 1.55am.Paramedics attended and the victim, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in a critical but stable condition.The following people have since been charged: Jesse Hughes, 31, of St Thomas’ Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, with attempted murder, possession of a firearm and perverting the course of justice;Billy Cameron, 21, of Grosvenor Road, Basildon, Essex, with conspiracy to murder and perverting the course of justice; Brandon Walsh, 29, of Long Riding, Basildon, Essex, with conspiracy to murder and perverting the course of justice;Eleanor Warren, 30, of Willingham Gardens, Flitton, Bedfordshire, with perverting the course of justice;Leah Foley, 34, of Byrd Court, Basildon, with assisting an offender. None of the suspects entered a plea, and they will remain in prison until a plea and trial preparation hearing, which is due to take place on August 19.A 35-year-old man from March, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has been released on police bail and is due to return to Thorpe Wood Police Station on August 31.
Midlands law firm recognised in national ranking guide
The firm has once again made it into the Chambers & Partners High Net Worth GuideAward-winning Midlands law firm FBC Manby Bowdler has won national recognition for the excellence of its work in a prestigious legal guide.Partner Michelle Monnes-Thomas, who heads up the firm’s community care team, also retains her Band 2 listing in the latest guide.Michelle Monnes-Thomas | Photo: FBC Manby BowdlerChief executive Neil Lloyd said the rankings underlined the firm’s commitment to excellence, especially dealing with what can be the complex legal issues of high net worth clients. He said: “It is brilliant that we have again been recognised for the quality of the work we offer in this new Chambers guide. It is a tremendous endorsement of the work our team delivers every single day.“Serving high-net-worth clients is not just about managing wealth, it can be about how we navigate family dynamics, risk management and complexity. We are not just giving expert legal advice, we’re protecting families and legacies.“Chambers is one of the most rigorous and respected guides in our profession and we are incredibly proud to feature so prominently. It reflects the trust and confidence our clients place in us.”The firm’s Shropshire private client team also maintains its Band 1 ranking as does partner Graham Fuller, who heads up the firm’s wills, probate and lifetime planning team in the county. Shrewsbury colleague Samantha Roberts has again been listed as an associate to watch.FBC Manby Bowdler has enjoyed a period of significant growth in the last year while retaining its roots as a trusted family law firm across the Black Country, Shropshire, Birmingham and Worcestershire.It has opened new offices in Birmingham city centre and Wolverhampton, acquired Black Country practice Jordans Solicitors and made a number of high-profile recruitments.The growth comes after the firm became the founding member of the Adeptio Law Group, which was launched after a £30million private equity investment by Horizon Capital in 2024.Neil added: “Our continuing growth and success is closely tied to our role within Adeptio. We are helping to build a national law group that combines the qualities of the best regional firms with the scale and innovation of a modern, national business.”Continue Reading
Casting promises ‘fresh perspective’ on modern classic on Leicester stage
‘This new interpretation honours the heart of the original story,’ say producersThe central character in one of the most popular plays of the century will be played by a woman for the first time in a new production coming to Leicester.Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden play Chris’s parents (photo: Rich Lakos)The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the story of Chris Boone. He is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers, but is unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is discovered killed, Chris comes under suspicion. Chris becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue uncovered. What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, forcing Chris to confront truths that will be a test of courage, independence and trust.The play, inspired by the multi-million-selling, internationally acclaimed novel by Mark Haddon, premiered at the National Theatre in 2012. It immediately received widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking theatrical design and emotional storytelling. It remains one of the most successful and acclaimed British plays of the 21st century and has been seen globally by more than five million people.Now, a new production is taking to the stage at the Curve – with a change in the lead role, as Chris will be played by a woman, Alex Keenan, a role alternated by Imi Price.The producers say the casting brings “a fresh perspective to one of contemporary theatre’s most iconic characters,” and that “this new interpretation honours the heart of the original story, inviting audiences to experience it through a new lens”.Keenan and Price join EastEnders favourite Charlie Brooks – best known for her long-running role as Janine Butcher in the soap – and Joe McFadden, known from the BBC’s The Crow Road and Holby City, ITV’s Heartbeat and as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. Brooks and McFadden play Chris’s parents, Judy and Ed.The new production is produced by Birmingham Rep and theatre and film company Melting Pot, whose productions have won Oscars, Tony Awards, Baftas and Olivier Awards.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time runs at the Curve from Tuesday October 20 to Saturday October 24.Continue Reading
Cambridge road reopens after sinkhole filled with concrete
A busy city road closed to traffic in June when a sinkhole appeared has reopened.The hole on Milton Road in Cambridge was first spotted on 22 June and was estimated to be up to 3m (10ft) deep.Cambridgeshire County Council said repairs had been delayed by a damaged sewer. An Anglian Water spokesperson told the BBC it had been fixed towards the end of July.The council thanked “everyone in the community for their patience and understanding”, as well as highways officials “for their hard work and dedication in resolving this complex issue”.