Houseplants are the new bouquets according to a recent survey by Dobbies Garden Centres, in which 24% of Edinburgh residents said they preferred to receive houseplants rather than cut flowers because they last longer.
A further 31% of Brits said they would happily give a houseplant as a gift.
Houseplants are the ultimate sustainable gift, especially for Valentine’s Day, where a long-lasting houseplant acts as a reminder to your loved ones for years to come.
Dobbies’ Edinburgh and little dobbies’ Stockbridge stores have a wide range of cost-effective houseplants are the perfect way to show your appreciation for your partner with a gift that will last. With a multitude of positive effects, houseplants have air-purifying benefits, and can enhance your home, as well as your wellbeing.
From the green-fingered plant parent to the novice gardener, Dobbies has a houseplant to make everyone feel good. Follow Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer Claire Bishop’s top tips on ensuring your gift will grow to its fullest potential:
“Houseplants make a beautiful addition to any space with their greenery and colour.
“If you are in search of a romantic but low-maintenance plant, Phalaenopsis will make an impression. These are one of the most popular houseplants, and flowering houseplants are a key trend for 2023. They make a wonderful present for anyone, coming in a range of colours as well as being easy to care for. Place them in bright, centrally heated room (but out of direct summer sun) and watch them bloom!
“Our limited edition Anthurium Clarinervium is ideal if you prefer a tropical look, with its stunning deep green leaves overlain with decorative white. Native to southern Mexico, this rare houseplant loves humidity and would find itself at home in a shower room or steamy kitchen. Ensure its soil is damp but not over-saturated by misting regularly.
“Aglaonema’s stunning variegated leaves and variations of colours lend a pop of colour to any home, guaranteeing your loved one will be thrilled to receive this patterned beauty. This houseplant loves a warm, consistent temperature so keep away from any cold air drafts. In lower light areas, aim to periodically rotate your plant for even growth.”
Visit in store or online at www.dobbies.com to explore Dobbies range of houseplants and Valentine’s gifting ideas, with plenty of styles and sizes to suit every budget and space.
For top tips on caring for houseplants, listen to Claire’s advice on the Positively Plants podcast www.dobbies.com/podcasts
Schools across Edinburgh are being encouraged to sign up to NSPCC Number Day to help more children engage with and enjoy maths.
Number Day is aimed at nurseries and schools, with teachers and pupils raising vital funds for the NSPCC.
The event takes place this Friday, February 3, with free curriculum-based downloadable activities available to schools across the country.
The event is being supported by veteran children’s TV presenter and maths enthusiast Johnny Ball.
The funds raised from this event could help fund NSPCC school’s programs like Speak Out Stay Safe, which teaches children in an age-appropriate way to recognise the signs of abuse and speak out if something is worrying them.
Our school’s team is also recruiting new Speak Out Stay Safe volunteers in specific areas of Scotland to deliver workshops in primary schools to years five and six.
Walk for Autism is returning in 2023 with a spring in its step
Walk for Autism 2023 will be one of the most successful campaigns in its history. The annual fundraising campaign invites participants from up and down the country to walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days wherever they choose.
The walking week begins on March 26 and ends on World Autism Awareness Day, April 2.
In 2022, the campaign saw over 3,800 walkers step up to the Walk for Autism challenge. Together, they raised £407,448.48 and totalled 211.6 million steps. The money raised from Walk for Autism helps to fund autism projects across the UK and Ireland, along with funding for specialist staff.
Last year’s campaign provided funding for a Health and Wellbeing Lead, who runs wellbeing groups ranging from football sessions, to cycling and hiking. Thanks to these projects, autistic people attending the groups have developed stronger social connections, built self-confidence, and felt the benefits to their mental and physical health.
Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager, Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is so close to our hearts, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year. It really helps to improve the quality of life of the people we work with, and allows us to create communities for people who need them.
“Taking part is also a brilliant opportunity to spend time outdoors and improve your health and wellbeing. It’s important to us that the challenge is inclusive to all abilities, so whether you opt for short walks each day, walking the dog, or take on longer hikes, the challenge can work around you.
“Walk for Autism also includes steps from everyday activities, such as pottering in the garden or walking upstairs. Every step counts and makes a difference.”
The 2023 campaign has been further boosted by the support of Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon, who will once again be stepping out in support of the Walk for Autism campaign.
Simon said: “I’m delighted to take part in Walk for Autism again this year because it’s really important to get everyone in the UK walking and talking about autism and it’s fun too.
“Many people taking part have a special connection to autism and they are doing their bit to help raise funds for autism projects around the UK and Ireland.”
The team are encouraging walkers to complete their steps by walking and talking with family and friends, at their own pace. Those who sign up and raise their first £20 will be sent a free ‘Walk for Autism’ t-shirt to assist in their fundraising.
Liz added: “Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland. It’s amazing to see the difference that our walkers make each year, and essential that we continue to help as many people as possible through our fundraising efforts.”
Walk for Autism is a campaign led by Autism Initiatives Group, a national charity committed to improving the lives of autistic adults and children and their families across the UK and Ireland. Founded in the 1970s, the charity recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
A 52-year-old man has died following a one-vehicle road crash on Oswald Road, Edinburgh, at the junction with South Oswald Road.
The crash involved a silver Ford Focus Zetec and took place around 5.10pm on Sunday, 29 January, 2023. The driver was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he was pronounced dead.
The road was closed until 8.55pm.
Sergeant Jill Kirkpatrick, from the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the deceased’s family and friends at this time.
“Our enquiries into this incident remain ongoing and we continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Oswald Road area, or who believes they saw the Ford Focus nearby prior to the crash, to please come forward.
“We are also keen to speak to anyone in the area who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage, as we carry out enquiries into this incident.
“Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 2466 of 29 January, 2023.”
Bank of Scotland Business Barometer for January 2023 shows:
Business confidence in Scotland fell five points during January to 10%
As National Apprenticeship Week approaches 27% of businesses in Scotland say investing in training and development presents the biggest opportunity for growth in the next six months
Overall UK business confidence reaches six-month high at 22% with twice as many businesses optimistic about the economy than in December
Business confidence in Scotland fell five points during January to 10%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 17 points at 8%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up six points to 12%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 10%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their product and service offer (42%), investing in sustainability (29%) and investing in their teams (27%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
A net balance of 14% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year. This is up from December when a net balance of 11% of businesses reported plans to make new hires.
Overall UK business confidence climbed in January, with firms reporting their highest confidence levels since July last year.
Business confidence increased by five points to 22% and the net balance of businesses feeling optimistic about the economy doubled on December’s reading to 16%.
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (6-12th February) 30% of businesses across the UK reported that they are looking at opportunities to grow by investing in staff development and training. A net balance of 17% of firms reported plans to create new jobs in the next twelve months.
Chris Lawrie, area director for Scotland for Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “Ongoing pressures from wider economic challenges are clearly continuing to impact Scottish businesses, but confidence remains in positive territory and firms’ resilience shines on.
“Over the next few months as concerns such as rising costs continue, it is important firms keep a close eye on cash flow. Having reserves ready for when challenges hit makes managing turbulent periods easier. We’ll remain by the side of Scottish firms to help them successfully navigate the months and years ahead.”
For the second month in a row, confidence in the manufacturing and service sectors increased, with manufacturing rising to 28% (up 15 points) and services up to 25% (up seven points).
Business confidence in construction was down two points to 27%, while retail confidence fell for the second month in a row to 7% (from 13%), the lowest level since February 2021.
Paul Gordon, Managing Director for Relationship Management, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial Banking, said: “After a challenging 2022, it’s heartening to see confidence rising for the second consecutive month.
“This is the first back to back increase since September 2021. There is no doubt that the business environment remains challenging and uncertainty still remains, but this improvement in optimism is very welcome as we start 2023.
“With pay expectations tempering, trade expectations set to improve, and a clearer way forward on energy price support, this may give businesses a bit more certainty and the confidence they need to inspire investment and promote growth.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:“Business confidence continues to improve following the December boost. Firms are clearly more optimistic about the wider economy and this is driving the increase, helped by precursory signs that wage and other cost pressures may be easing.
“It is still a tough environment for businesses, with high energy bills remaining a concern during the winter months, but there are grounds for optimism for 2023 if inflation starts to trend lower.”
”These factors, however, cannot mitigate my overall judgement that Mr Zahawi’s conduct as a Minister has fallen below the high standards that, as Prime Minister, you rightly expect from those who serve in your government.“
LETTER from Sir Laurie Magnus to the Prime Minister, 29 January 2023:
Letter from the Prime Minister to Nadhim Zahawi, 29th January 2023:
The Justice Secretary has announced the introduction of measures to ensure the on-going safety of prisoners while the Scottish Prison Service undertakes a review of the management of trans prisoners.
The measures will be in place until the reviews are completed and will mean that no newly convicted transgender person with any history of violence against women will be placed in a female prison – including female sections of prisons traditionally used to house males – and any transgender prisoner with this history will not be moved from a male to a female prison.
Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “I understand that the issue of any trans woman being convicted of violent and sexual offences is a highly emotive subject and that the public concern is understandable.
“As the First Minister pointed out last week, we must not allow any suggestion to take root that trans women pose an inherent threat to women. Predatory men are the risk to women. However, as with any group in society, a small number of trans women will offend and be sent to prison. Therefore, I hope that the measures I am about to highlight will offer reassurance in the ongoing ability of the prison service to manage trans individuals and ensure the safety of all prisoners.
“We must also never forget that there are victims in these cases. My thoughts remain with them.
“I explained in Parliament last week my trust in the Scottish Prison Service in managing and dealing with offenders and the risks that they can pose. That includes the tiny fraction – around 0.2% of prison population – of people in prison who are trans.
“As we always acknowledge, it is important arrangements for the management of offenders are kept under review.
“It is important to be clear, however, that SPS policies have in no way been changed or impacted by the recent passing of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (which, in any event, is not yet in force).
“SPS have already been undertaking, in dialogue with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, a review of the management of trans prisoners, which is nearing completion
“In addition, an urgent lessons learned review has been instructed in relation to the case of Isla Bryson, with any learning to be applied immediately to existing transgender cases in the prison estate. The latter review will report to the CEO by Friday 3 Feb.
“Until these reviews are complete, however, I can confirm that the following will apply (unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case the approval of Ministers will be required):
No transgender person already in custody with any history of violence against women will be moved from the male to the female estate.
No newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner with any history of violence against women will be placed in the female estate. Violence against women includes sexual offences against women.
“The on-going safety of prisoners – many of whom have experienced gender based violence in the community – will remain the priority in all actions that are taken.
“Beyond the steps being set out today, it is vital that decisions about the location and management of prisoners continue to be based on thorough risk assessment, drawing on the expertise and input of relevant professionals and applying any lessons learned from the reviews referred to.
“I am grateful to the Scottish Prison Service for their continued ongoing work in this area and for their professionalism in dealing with complex, high profile and challenging individuals within their care.”
DURING the last few days of conflict it seemed the enemy fired everything they had at us; it was like Normandy all over again with some very, very near misses.
At one point before the official surrender cam e, I was reconnoitering the area on my motorcycle just north of Ede at Veenendaal and ran into the town square of Wedderveen.
This was still occupied by the Germans and it was a scary and very disturbing feeling to see fully armed enemy troops in the square, totally ignoring my presence. I stopped there for about five minutes then decided not to chance it any longer. I returned to Ede and the unit moved off eastwards to the German border.
When the German surrender finally came, at the time we now celebrate as VE Day, I was with my unit at the 219 Battery HQ that had been set up in a farmyard just inside Holland on the Dutch-German border.
I remember it being very quiet and a few officers sitting around, probably having a few drinks. Several of the blokes wanted to set off a few rounds in celebration but the officers put a stop to that.
After a few more days our unit moved east into Germany and Iremember seeing the road sign for a place called Hitler.
We then moved on to Osnabruck where we sleppt on a deserted railway station platform. It was here that a notice was pinned up informing us that arms collected from the Germans were to be reissued to them to resist Russian attacks!
This was an unbelievable thing to witness: after all the Russians, and we, had gone through in the last your years as allies!
This is absolutely true and I wonder who issued such an order, and why at that moment?
Buddy Swimming is a great way to regain confidence and get back in the water.
Our volunteers are experienced and ensure you have support to get in the water confidently. Afterwards, we gather for a cuppa – the perfect end to our sessions!
Since its start in January 1988, the Royal Rumble has become a popular mainstay on WWE’s calendar, known for its surprise appearances and unexpected winners.
Wrestling-World.com have provided a fascinating guide on everything you need to know about the current champions, records, and stats from Royal Rumble history:
1. The most viewed Royal Rumble matches on YouTube
WWE’s YouTube channel is currently the 8th most subscribed to channel worldwide, with 92.7 million followers. WWE often upload full matches to YouTube for fans to rewatch, so below are the most popular Royal Rumble matches on the verified WWE channel. Currently, the most viewed match on YouTube is the 2017 Royal Rumble, with 128 million views. The 2017 Rumble was a star-studded affair, featuring superstar legends such as The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Goldberg, Randy Orton, and several other top stars from modern-day WWE.
The most viewed women’s Royal Rumble match, and the seventh most viewed overall, is the 2019 Royal Rumble won by Becky Lynch, with 33 million views.
The most viewed Royal Rumble matches on YouTube
Rank
Year
Views
Men’s/Women’s
1.
2017
128,298,794
Men’s
2.
2020
89,239,597
Men’s
3.
2018
80,421,380
Men’s
4.
2008
74,001,113
Men’s
5.
2016
57,912,789
Men’s
6.
2010
36,930,412
Men’s
7.
2019
33,764,419
Women’s
8.
2019
31,082,495
Men’s
9.
2012
27,972,770
Men’s
10.
2020
24,409,067
Women’s
2. Wrestlers with the most appearances in the Royal Rumble
Kane/Isaac Yankem/Diesel (20 appearances)
Dolph Ziggler (15 appearances)
Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton (14 appearances)
Goldust, The Miz, Rey Mysterio (13 appearances)
Big Show, Shawn Michaels (12 appearances)
Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, The Undertaker (11 appearances)
Mark Henry, Rikishi (10 appearances)
Great Khali, Mabel/Viscera, Sheamus, Triple H (9 appearances)
Booker T, Cody Rhodes, Edge, Godfather, John Cena, John Morrison, Matt Hardy, R-Truth (8 appearances)
Baron Corbi, Billy Gunn, Bob Holly, Cesaro, Jake Roberts, Rick Martel, Owen Hart (7 appearances)
Kane unsurprisingly still holds the record for the most Royal Rumble appearances, competing in 20 matches in the event’s history, including appearances from Dr. Isaac Yankhem and Fake Diesel. He also holds the record for cumulative eliminations at 46. Dolph Ziggler ranks in second place with 15 Royal Rumble entries, with Kofi Kingson and Randy Orton following behind with 14 entries each.
3. Who holds the record for the most Royal Rumble victories?
Stone Cold Steve Austin currently holds the record for the most Royal Rumble victories, emerging victorious in 1997, 1998, and 2001. Although technically eliminated from the 1997 Royal Rumble, Austin snook back into the ring while the officials were distracted and eliminated Bret Hart to win the match.
Just eight wrestlers have won the Rumble twice; Hulk Hogan, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Batista, John Cena, Randy Orton, and Edge.
Wrestlers with the most Royal Rumble victories
Wins
Wrestler
Year
3
Stone Cold Steve Austin
1997, 1998, 2001
2
Hulk Hogan
1990, 1991
2
Shawn Michaels
1995, 1996
2
Triple H
2002, 2016
2
Brock Lesnar
2003, 2022
2
Batista
2005, 2014
2
John Cena
2008, 2013
2
Randy Orton
2009, 2017
2
Edge
2010, 2021
4. Wrestlers with the longest cumulative time spent in the Royal Rumble
Chris Jericho (4:59:33)
Randy Orton (4:34:08)
Rey Mysterio (4:14:45)
Triple H (4:00:50)
Shawn Michaels (3:47:32)
Edge (3:31:51)
Kane/Diesel/Isaac Yankem/DDS (3:19:40)
Dolph Ziggler (3:08:40)
Cody Rhodes/Stardust (3:06:45)
John Cena (2:48:32)
Chris Jericho currently holds the record for overall time spent in the Royal Rumble match across a superstar’s career, with 4 hours, 59 minutes, and 33 seconds. In second place is Randy Orton with 4 hours, 34 minutes, and 8 seconds and in third place is Rey Mysterio, who could potentially take second place this year if he lasts over 20 minutes in the ring. In women’s matches, Charlotte Flair holds the record with 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 28 seconds.
5. Wrestlers with the most career eliminations in the Royal Rumble
Kane (46 eliminations)
The Undertaker (40 eliminations)
Shawn Michaels (39 eliminations)
Stone Cold Steve Austin (36 eliminations)
Braun Strowman (33 eliminations)
Big Show, Roman Reigns, Triple H (32 eliminations)
Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton (29 eliminations)
Hulk Hogan (27 eliminations)
John Cena (25 eliminations)
Edge (23 eliminations)
Kane currently holds the record for the most cumulative eliminations in Royal Rumble history after throwing an incredible 46 superstars over the top rope during his two dozen appearances in the company’s flagship battle royal. WWE Hall of Famer The Undertaker ranks second, with 40 total career eliminations, followed by Shawn Michaels in third place, with 39 eliminations.
A spokesperson for Wrestling-World.com commented on the findings: “The WWE Royal Rumble is one of wrestling’s most legendary events, kicking off the year and setting the tone for what is to come for WrestleMania season.
“The Royal Rumble has a rich and interesting history since its beginning in 1988, with a lengthy list of legendary wrestlers setting some iconic records along the way. The following facts and statistics offer a fascinating insight into which matches are clear fan favourites and which superstars hold the most records to this day.”
This research was conducted by Wrestling-World.com, a portal dedicated to everything about the sport of wrestling, which strives to provide readers with daily news updates from around the wrestling world.
