We had some great events this week, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Have a look at what we have on offer.
There are a couple of spaces left for our events at the start of the week, but feel free to show up to our craft and Lego time at the weekend.
A Search and Recovery Dog, who specialised in searching for the bodies of missing people underwater, has been awarded a prestigious PDSA Medal posthumously for his unwavering devotion to duty and service to society following an impressive 11-year career.
Springer Spaniel Barra, who sadly died earlier this year aged 14, has become the 43rd recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit*, the equivalent of the animals’ OBE.
Alongside his handler Iain Marshall, (57), Barra helped locate missing people on waterways across the UK – and was often requested personally by families who were desperate to find their loved ones.
Thanks to Barra’s incredible work, many families have been reunited with the bodies of their loved ones and have been able to lay them to rest.
Award reaction
Commenting on the award, Jan McLoughlin, Director General at PDSA, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be honouring Barra posthumously with the PDSA Order of Merit.
“Barra’s outstanding devotion to duty and service to society was demonstrated time and time again throughout his decade-long career, and his exceptional skills went above and beyond that of normal companionship, making him a very worthy recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit.
“Awarding the PDSA Order of Merit to Barra posthumously is a fitting tribute to his lifetime of dedication and hard work.”
Barra’s owner, Iain, added: “I am absolutely over the moon that Barra has received the PDSA Order of Merit posthumously.
“We never did any of this for recognition in the form of awards or medals, we did it to help families who needed us but none the less, we are delighted to see Barra’s commitment to search and recovery being recognised by PDSA in this way.
“Barra was an incredible Search and Rescue Dog but also a loving and important member of our family – we had an incredible bond and I miss him every day.”
Barra’s story
As a volunteer coastguard in Scotland, Iain Marshall was moved by the amount of incidents taking place on the River Clyde and wanted to do something to help some of the families affected.
English Springer Spaniel Barra was born in Wales on 15 March 2010 as part of a litter from a local Police Dog. Iain saw the post online and travelled to Wales to meet him.
In 2011, after less than a year of training with Mick Swindells of Search Dogs UK, and Dave Jones of International Rescue Training Centre Wales, Barra qualified as Scotland’s first underwater sniffer dog.
Upon qualifying, the Springer Spaniel moved to his forever home in Luss, Scotland with Iain where his career began.
A year later, Iain recruited his second Springer Spaniel Eriskay in the same way and the trio made up voluntary organisation K9 Search and Recovery.
Barra worked all over the UK, including on many high-profile national investigations where desperate families personally requested him to come on board due to his esteemed reputation.
One significant example of Barra’s inspirational work is when he found the body of a missing person in the River Clyde in 2013. A 30-year-old male had been missing for three and a half weeks but had sadly passed away. Barra helped to locate him, enabling his family to come to terms with his death and allowing them to hold a funeral to celebrate his life.
After an incredible 11-year career, Barra retired in 2022 due to mobility issues and sadly, after two years enjoying retirement, Barra passed away in May 2024.
Iain shared the news on the K9 Search and Recovery Scotland’s Facebook page adding: “Barra devoted his entire life to helping others right up to the age of 13 years, which is remarkable. Barra and I had a special bond and I can’t imagine life without him.”
PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme
PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme was instituted in 1943 by the charity’s founder, Maria Dickin. She believed that if animals were recognised for their heroic actions, it would help to raise their status in society and ensure better treatment. The charity continues this legacy today with the world’s leading Animal Awards Programme.
The PDSA Order of Merit is one of four awards available. It recognises animals who display outstanding devotion above and beyond normal companionship, and animal acts that symbolise their special relationship with humans.
“By awarding animals with the PDSA Order of Merit, we hope to ensure that extraordinary animal contributions to society can be formally recognised and honoured, however and wherever they occur,” Jan added.
To date, the charity has awarded the PDSA Order of Merit to 43 animals, including 12 horses and 31 dogs including Barra.
Cold War Scotland
13 July 2024 to 26 January 2025
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
Admission: Free
A new exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland explores Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War. Cold War Scotland (13 Jul 2024 – 26 Jan 2025), features dozens of objects on display for the first time, including secret intelligence training documents and a map of central Scotland marked to highlight targets under threat of nuclear attack.
Scotland’s unique geography and topography provided a useful base for NATO military preparations and research during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union following the end of the Second World War. Opening this Saturday, 13 June, the exhibition tells the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
For the first time visitors will see an Ordnance Survey map of Scotland hand-painted to highlight areas that were expected to be affected in the event of a nuclear attack, particularly major cities, military bases and dockyards.
Created in the 1980s, it is colour coded to indicate the point of explosion and scale of the impact across the central belt and beyond. Atomic power brought jobs and investment to some of the country’s most remote areas, but as global tensions mounted this threat of attack or nuclear disaster became part of everyday life. Cold War Scotland explores both the visible and invisible legacies of the war in Scotland.
The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers, for example, within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences.
The exhibition also draws on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Firsthand accounts include a young mother who decorated her daughter’s pram with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) badges.
A rattle made from an old laundry detergent bottle emblazoned with the CND logo was given to them during the Peace Marches of the early 1980s and is on display in the exhibition.
The exhibition also reveals the physical remains of the Cold War; the ruined bases, forgotten bunkers and decommissioned nuclear power stations still evident across the Scottish landscape.
This infrastructure became part of the fabric of local communities, none more so than the US-controlled listening and monitoring station at RAF Edzell in Angus, now commemorated with its own bespoke tartan.
Dr Meredith Greiling, Principal Curator of Technology at National Museums Scotland, said: “From nuclear submarines to lively peace protests and observation stations perpetually monitoring for devastating attack, the Cold War permeated every aspect of life in Scotland for decades.
“This conflict is so often remembered on a global scale, but this thought-provoking exhibition will offer a Scottish perspective of the period, allowing Scots from all walks of life to tell their remarkable stories for the first time.”
Further highlights of the exhibition include artwork from Glasgow’s 1951 Exhibition of Industrial Power and a toy nuclear power station, operated by steam and hot to the touch when played with.
Both these examples highlight the spirit of optimism, progress and modernity associated with atomic energy in postwar Britain. In contrast, a Geiger counter used by farmers in East Ayrshire to test for radiation in sheep following the Chernobyl Disaster illustrates the enduring but unseen impact of the Cold War on Scotland’s landscape.
The exhibition will be supported by a book and programme of events including curator tours and talks. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling.
The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Cold War Scotland is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 9 – 25 August 2024.
Cold War Scotland is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 9-25 August 2024.
@edartfest
#EdArtFest
TONIGHT (Sunday 14 July), pubs and bars across England and Wales can keep their doors open until 1am as England bid to become champions of Europe, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed.
Following the Three Lions’ emphatic (Eh? – Never a penalty! – Ed.) semi-final win on Wednesday night, the team is set to go head to head with Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.
The heavyweight clash will kick off at 8pm, with fans up and down the country coming together to show their support.
Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, meaning pubs and bars will be able to stay open for an extra 2 hours tonight.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We’re so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It’s right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and—do we dare to dream?!—hopefully celebrate an England victory.
“I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first responders who will be working across communities to keep us safe.
“I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team the best of luck. Let’s bring it home.”
As well as bringing fans together for longer, tomorrow night’s extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until 1am on Sunday night and thanks to the Home Office for making the changes to the licensing rules for allowing this to happen.
“The changes give fans even more time to enjoy the game, support our pubs and hopefully celebrate football finally coming home.
“Fans have shown us resoundingly this tournament that there is no better place to watch our teams and soak up the atmosphere than the great British pub. This Sunday the BBPA urges everyone to get down their local, support our pubs and get behind the boys. Come on England!”
UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come together and cheer on the home nations.
The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate an historic England win.”
IN THE INTEREST OF BALANCE IT’S ONLY FAIR TO SAY THAT NOT EVERYONE IN THE BRITISH ISLES IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘AN HISTORIC ENGLAND WIN’:
MAY the best – and not just the luckiest – team win tonight! – Ed.
Former US President Donald Trump was rushed to hospital after multiple gunshots were fired during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in an assassination attempt.
Mr Trump suffered a flesh wound to his ear but was not seriously injured. The ex-President but was taken to a medical facility as a precaution but has since been released.
One man in the crowd was killed and two others are in a critical condition following the shooting spree.
The gunman, who was shot dead by security staff, has been named as 20 year old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park in Pennsylvania.
President Joe Biden said: “I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
“I’m grateful to hear that he’s safe and doing well. I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information.
“Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.”
Former President Barack Obama posted: “There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
“Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics.
“Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump’s rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
“Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack.”
MORE NEWS TO FOLLOW
A new partnership between Dundee-based charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust and Poseidon Expeditions will enable those on a trip of a lifetime to Antarctica to help fund vital wildlife and cultural conservation on the island of South Georgia.
Since its founding in 1999, Poseidon Expeditions has taken thousands of intrepid travellers to the most remote corners on earth. Now, Poseidon Expeditions will donate £100 to the South Georgia Heritage Trust every time a new passenger books a cruise featuring South Georgia, which will help fund SGHT’s ongoing conservation work on the island.
The sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia is famed for its iconic wildlife, with scenes of humpback whales, southern elephant seals, seabirds and vast colonies of king penguins often featuring in landmark series such as the BBC’s Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Planet Earth.
It is also synonymous with world-famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken Cemetery.
The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) has been working to conserve South Georgia’s wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage since 2005.
The charity delivered the world’s largest rodent eradication project, which against all odds successfully removed invasive rats and mice (accidentally introduced by whalers 200 years ago) which were predating the eggs and chicks of millions of native birds and had almost pushed one species, the South Georgia pipit, to extinction.
Since the island was declared rodent-free in May 2018, SGHT has been supporting ongoing efforts by the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands to make sure that South Georgia’s 10-15,000 annual visitors don’t inadvertently undo this amazing feat and that South Georgia remains an ecosystem in recovery.
Luke Smith, Director of Development at the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: “We’ve had unprecedented success in removing the invasive rodents that were decimating South Georgia’s native bird populations, but as a small charity we need as much support as possible for our work to continue and grow.
“Donations from Poseidon Expeditions will enable us to further protect and preserve the island’s special environment and wildlife for future generations through conservation work.
“This support will also contribute towards scientific research, help run the South Georgia Museum, and deliver major cultural projects on or related to the island, such as saving Shackleton’s heritage at Stromness and a major art installation which will act as a whale memorial at Grytviken.
“We are extremely grateful for Poseidon Expeditions’generosity, and we are very much looking forward to working together for the benefit of South Georgia, and all its beauty.”
The company’s chief executive officer, Angelica Vorea, said: “Poseidon Expeditions has been committed to safe and environmentally responsible exploration of the polar regions since 1999.
“We are privileged to bring visitors from all over the world to encounter the wonders of South Georgia and the wider Antarctic region. We know how much our guests value the opportunities they have to experience such sights and we are delighted to have teamed up with SGHT in this way so that our company can contribute to their important mission.”
The small British Overseas Territory of South Georgia lies 1,500km east of the Falkland Islands, and is home to theSouth Georgia Museum which SGHT runs on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.
To find out more about the work of SGHT and its ongoing work to protect the wildlife, landscape and cultural heritage of South Georgia visit: www.sght.org, and to find out more about Poseidon Expeditions visit www.poseidonexpeditions.com
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault which occurred in Victoria Park last night (Friday, 12 July, 2024).
Around 6.50pm a 19-year-old man was with two friends in Victoria Park, off Newhaven Road, when they were approached by two men on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.
One of the men proceeded to stab the victim in the arm before they both made off on the bikes in the direction of Craighall Road.
Emergency services were called and the victim was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as stable.
The first suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9, and was wearing a balaclava, all black clothing and black trainers.
The second suspect is described as being in his early 20’s, of slim build, 5ft9 and wearing black clothing.
Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack on the victim and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding this attack.
“Victoria Park would have been busy at the time of the incident and we would like to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or may have seen the two suspects on Sur-Ron style motorbikes.
“We would also appeal to anyone with private CCTV or dashcam footage of the surrounding area to check in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to our investigation.
“Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 3052 of Friday, 12 July, 2024. You can also speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
The graves of six soldiers who fought and died during World War 1 have finally been marked with their names over 100 years after they died.
Rededication ceremonies were held at each grave, with services taking place on 10 and 11 July 2024.
The services took place at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s (CWGC) Dadizeele New British Cemetery, Stasegem Communal Cemetery and Hooge Crater Cemetery, all in Belgium. They were organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.
The services were also attended by serving soldiers of The Royal Irish Regiment, members of The Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association and the families of Sjt Connell, Pte McCann and Pte Reynolds.
JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron, said: “It has been a privilege to have organised these rededication services and to have had so many people in attendance, both from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“It is important that the sacrifices of these Royal Dublin Fusiliers are not forgotten as they paid the ultimate sacrifice for all our freedom in the face of tyranny.”
On 8 August 1918 the Allies launched the 100 Days Offensive near Amiens, France, ending the stalemate of the Western Front and forcing the German Army to retreat. All six of the men rededicated this week were killed during this phase of the war.
Sjt Connell had arrived on the Western Front on 20 December 1915. He died on 5 October 1918 when 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers were moving into the front line near Ledegem. He was 21 years old.
His remains were recovered and buried in Dadizeele New British Cemetery as an unknown Serjeant of 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Because he was listed as missing, Sjt Connell was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
He was posthumously awarded the Military Medal.
Pte McCann enlisted into The Royal Dublin Fusiliers and joined 2nd Battalion on the Western Front on 10 June 1915. He died on 21 October as his battalion was in the process of withdrawing from the front line.
Pte McCann’s remains were buried in Stasegem Communal Cemetery as an unknown soldier of 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers. As he was missing, he was commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
LCpl James Edward Freer, Cpl Edward Doyle, Pte Bertie George Reynolds MM and LCpl George Washington were all members of 1st Battalion The Royal Dublin Fusiliers when they died, on 28 and 29 September 1918 in the area around Gheluveld.
All four men were missing following the fighting and were commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Their remains were recovered together after the war and buried side by side in Hooge Crater Cemetery as unknown soldiers of The Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
More recently researchers have submitted evidence to CWGC to identify the final resting place of these men at Hooge Crater Cemetery. Further research by CWGC, the National Army Museum and JCCC confirmed their findings.
The service was conducted by the Reverend Jason Clarke MBE CF, Chaplain to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. He said: “These men laid down their lives in the service of others.
“Each one a precious soul, each one loved and cherished by family and friends; and now each one known and honoured by name by us in that honoured rest they so deserve for the service they gave to others.”
The headstones over the graves were replaced by CWGC.
CWGC said: ‘Caring for the graves of these courageous men is both an honour and a privilege for the CWGC.
‘Their stories, uncovered through meticulous research, serve as powerful reminders of their bravery and dedication. The CWGC remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving their memory in perpetuity.’
British legend Lulu has revealed she is living with moderate hearing loss – after a hearing check at Specsavers revealed the impact that 60 years in the music industry has had on her hearing.
The news that her career has damaged her hearing comes just weeks after the Scottish singing sensation – who is on her seventh decade of performing her debut single ‘Shout’ – wowed crowds at Glastonbury and announced dates in November as part of her farewell ‘Champagne for Lulu’ tour.
The music icon is now calling on music lovers to take steps to protect their own hearing, as a new poll reveals 23% of gig goers in Scotland think loud music has damaged their hearing.
The study, commissioned by Specsavers of 900 adults who attend concerts and festivals, found that, in Scotland, 40% have noticed a negative impact on their hearing immediately after a gig – with 47% experiencing ringing in their ears, 33% buzzing and 35% a muffled sensation. Just over a quarter (26%) said they had suffered temporary hearing loss, while just under a quarter, (21%) experienced pain in their ears.
Despite this, over half (55%) of those in Scotland planning to attend a live music event this summer are unlikely to wear hearing protection. Of these, 48% said they avoid it because they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the experience as much, and over a quarter (33%) thought it would alter the quality of the music, which is not the case.
Lulu said: ‘After being on stage nearly all of my life, I have always noticed ringing and muffled sounds, but never really thought much of it.
‘Music has always been a cornerstone of everything I do, so it’s incredibly important that I can still enjoy it. Wearing hearing aids will mean I can continue to hear every note.
‘But it’s more than just this – connecting with people is a huge part of my life and I want to be able to join the conversation and not be left out of it. The good news is it’s not too late for me to preserve the rest of my hearing.
‘Using hearing protection is such a simple and easy thing to do when around live music and I urge others to wear it.
‘Music is still my life, and I plan to carry on enjoying it for many years to come.’
The average volume at a live music event is between 115 and 120 decibels (dB) – which could damage hearing if exposed to it for long enough without hearing protection. The survey found a quarter (74%) of people in Scotland didn’t know that the average volume was that high.
Romaan Babar, audiologist at Specsavers, said: ‘With festival season well underway, it is crucial music lovers protect their hearing. Repeated exposure to high decibel levels at gigs and festivals has the potential to lead to permanent damage, such as sound-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.
‘In fact, hearing damage can start at around 85 dB if you are exposed to it for eight hours plus – such as at a festival – if you don’t wear ear plugs. Each additional 3 dB of volume cuts that exposure time in half, so by the time the volume reaches 100 dB, which is still less than the average gig, it could only take 15 minutes for your hearing to be damaged – which is quite scary.’
Specsavers has partnered with Lulu, DJ Woody Cook, who has tinnitus, and the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) to promote the need to wear hearing protection to live music lovers and people who work in the sector.
Woody says he wishes he’d taken steps to protect his hearing earlier. He says: ‘Without doubt, the tinnitus I suffer with today is a result of listening to loud music. Sometimes it makes me feel like I have a continual electric buzz or high-pitched noise in my head which makes me feel really disorientated.
‘I love music – and obviously, I work as a DJ – so my tinnitus has a massive impact on my personal and professional life. I wish I had known about the risks earlier. I’m now taking steps to protect my hearing from any further damage and recommend others to do the same.’
In another survey, among those working in venues with loud music in 91% have experienced a negative impact on their hearing, with reporting tinnitus (36%) or hearing loss (36%). 29%) rarely or never wear hearing protection at work – with a quarter (25%) saying that’s because their employer has not provided them with it.
The NTIA, which represents the UK’s clubs, bars and pubs, launched the Listen for Life campaign last October to raise awareness of the importance of hearing protection. It has partnered with Specsavers as part of a new industry report ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ to launch a new Night Time Economy Charter, which will help businesses to better look after the hearing health of colleagues and customers.
Mike Kill, CEO of the NTIA, says it’s worrying how common hearing loss and tinnitus are for those working in the night time industries. He added: ‘We want those who enjoy going to festivals, gigs, pubs, bars and clubs to be able to enjoy them without damaging their hearing – and for those who work in loud environments to be given the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves.
“This charter can play a massive part in doing that.’
Romaan Babar adds: ‘What might start as a minor annoyance after a gig can lead to long-term consequences.
“It’s never too late to start protecting your ears. Wearing ear plugs, not standing too close to speakers, and taking breaks from loud environments can all help preserve your hearing.’
You can read about more about hearing protection in the ‘It’s time to talk about hearing’ report here: www.specsavers.co.uk/reports/hearing-health-2024, and more about ‘Listen for life’ and the NTIAs 10-point charter for businesses here: https://ntia.co.uk/listen-for-life-campaign/
Find out more about hearing protection at Specsavers at specsavers.co.uk/hearing.
International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has pledged new UK aid funding to provide life-saving assistance to up to 150,000 Sudanese refugees who are fleeing escalating violence in Darfur.
It’s estimated that more than 2 million people have fled Sudan due to the violence which erupted following a coup in April last year, including more than 1,200 people entering Libya daily.
This forms part of the Government’s commitment to work with international partners to address the humanitarian crises which lead people to flee their homes, and to strengthen support for refugees in their home region.
This £2 million package will go towards the humanitarian response in the hard-to-reach Alkufra region, where the UN estimate up to 45,000 refugees are currently in desperate need of support.
Health provision in Alkufra is minimal and was struggling even before the humanitarian crisis. Under the strain of thousands of refugees, in need of medical assistance, the system is now on the verge of collapse.
Alongside international partners, this funding will help deliver much-needed emergency health, water, sanitation, hygiene, and child protection services to an estimated 150,000 individuals taking refuge in Eastern Libya, as well as the communities hosting them.
The Minister of State for Development, Anneliese Dodds said: “The UK is committed to delivering life-saving aid to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, including children, as they flee violence in war-torn Sudan.
“Alongside our international partners, this support in Libya will deliver much-needed water and emergency health, sanitation and hygiene services to these displaced refugees.”
