Blackpool 'giftmas' tree a treat for 200 children
The Half Way House pub in Blackpool has initiated a 'giftmas' tree project to provide Christmas presents for nearly 200 underprivileged children. Traditional decorations on the tree were replaced with tags indicating an anonymous child's age and gender. Patrons were encouraged to pick a tag and donate a suitable gift. This initiative led to over 185 children receiving gifts for Christmas. The landlords highlighted the importance of the project, acknowledging that many children might not receive gifts otherwise. The presents will be distributed through Blackpool's Children's Services. This initiative is significant in the UK, where around 4.2 million children live in poverty, and research suggests one in five might not receive a Christmas present. Following the success of this scheme, other pubs in the same chain are following suit. The chain’s marketing manager praised the initiative for demonstrating the pivotal role pubs play in their communities, ensuring that many children will have gifts to open this Christmas.
'United at Christmas': football club launches original carol
Cambridge United Football Club, inspired by Baptist minister and fan Simon Cragg, has introduced an official club carol titled 'United at Christmas' to connect football enthusiasts with the teachings of Jesus. This unique carol was a highlight of a 1,000-person carol service at Abbey Stadium, attended by players, staff, and fans. It was also featured at halftime during the club’s FA Cup match against Fleetwood. The lyrics of 'United at Christmas' use football-related imagery to convey themes of love, hope, and peace, and include references to the club's nickname and historical Christian narratives. Club director Graham Daniels, a former player and head of Christians in Sport, noted the growing openness to faith in football. He credits past Christian footballers like Gavin Peacock and Cyril Regis for setting strong examples of faith in the sport, leading to a cultural shift where being a devout Christian and a professional footballer is respected.
Teenagers found guilty of transgender schoolgirl Brianna Ghey's murder
Two teenagers, aged 16, were convicted of murdering 16-year-old transgender girl Brianna Ghey in Cheshire. Brianna was lured to Linear Park and stabbed 28 times. The assailants, a boy and a girl, were 15 at the time and denied the murder, each blaming the other. Their premeditated plan for the killing was evidenced by a handwritten murder plan and messages. During the four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, it was revealed that the girl, known as Girl X, had a fascination with violence and serial killers. The boy, Boy Y, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, is non-verbal. Prior to the murder, they compiled a 'kill list' of other children. Brianna's mother, Esther Ghey, expressed her enduring grief and gratitude to those who showed kindness to Brianna in her last moments. She also urged empathy for the families of the convicted teens. Brianna's father, Peter Spooner, shared his heartbreak over his loss. The case, which incited global protests against transphobia, awaits sentencing by Judge Mrs Justice Yip. Police believe the motive was not transphobia but a general thirst for violence.
Falling inflation could boost the housing market – but there’s a catch
The Bank of England's interest rate hikes, aimed at reducing inflation, have led to a slowdown in the UK housing market. Recent data reveals a significant drop in house prices, the largest since October 2011. This decline, most pronounced in London, reflects the impact of pandemic-driven price surges. Despite this decrease, the housing market faces long-term challenges. Interest rates have risen, functioning slowly like drip filter coffee, and have a delayed effect on the market. This delay is due to the time taken for banks to adjust mortgage rates and for these changes to be reflected in official statistics. The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a 1.2% drop in house prices over a year, marking the fastest decline in over a decade. Financial markets anticipate rate cuts next year, which could revive the market. However, the overall cost of living remains high, with increased expenses from food to household bills. Over a million people will face higher mortgage costs next year.
