Tributes as Coventry school caretaker retires after 25 years
"We are incredibly grateful for his hard work and kindness throughout that time," he said. "He will be missed by all of us at Sacred Heart and we wish him the best in his retirement."Mr Henry, who has lived in Coventry his entire life, also worked as a plumber at other schools in the city run by the Romero Catholic Academy, of which Sacred Heart is a part."It's been such a great place to work and a community to be part of over the years and it's given me a really good life," he said.Mr Henry said he was looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren during his retirement.
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The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Could white storks return to London? Public's views sought on ‘talismanic' bird
The public is being asked for views on the potential return of white storks to London, as part of a project to see if the 'talismanic' birds could make a home in the capital. Long-vanished white storks have been reintroduced in southern England, leading to an 'explosion' in sightings across Greater London in recent years. Now conservationists are looking at whether the metre-tall birds, which are known to thrive in urban settings on the continent, could do the same in London. Community-focused urban rewilding organisation Citizen Zoo is conducting an appraisal on making London a 'white stork-friendly city', including habitat mapping, reaching out to boroughs across the capital to gauge their response and surveying the public about the birds. White storks could once be seen flying in Britain's skies and building their huge nests on roofs and buildings as well as in trees, but disappeared centuries ago as a breeding bird due to hunting and habitat loss. Since 2016, the white stork project in Sussex has sought to create new colonies of rehabilitated injured storks – which can act as a 'magnet' for wild birds that visit from the continent – at Knepp and Wadhurst Park, with the first successful breeding in 2020. In the four decades before the start of the project there were just 27 records of white storks across Greater London. But between 2016 and 2023 there have been 472 sightings in the capital, with the numbers increasing year-on-year, conservationists said. Citizen Zoo has worked with communities to bring beavers back to Ealing, reintroduce water voles in Surrey and restore wetlands in the capital, in efforts to bring city dwellers closer to nature, deliver wellbeing benefits and make London more resilient to climate change, and is now looking at white storks. The storks have wider ecological benefits for their habitat, creating huge nests which are homes and food sources for an array of species from insects to birds. But it is their ability to inspire people about nature that has been a key part of reintroduction efforts in the UK. Elliot Newton, co-founder and director of rewilding at Citizen Zoo, told the PA news agency: 'These are a really talismanic, iconic species that really do draw and attract attention. 'You look up into the skies and see a white stork, it's quite obvious.' And he said: 'We realised in recent years we've seen an explosion in white stork recordings across Greater London. 'And if you look across European landscapes, this is a bird that can actually thrive in urban landscapes, on chimneys, on pylons, and are associated with thriving in urban settings. 'What we want to see is how can we make London a more white stork-friendly environment, and embrace it for its ability to inspire people about the nature we can and should have close to where we live.' He added: 'As humans we can dictate what our urban environments look like, we are the actual architects of these spaces. 'It's completely within our will as a species to choose the environments that we build around us and we can make that conscious choice to integrate more nature into our cities, and that will bring a whole wealth of benefits.' The survey is being led by the University of Brighton's Rachel White, with two phases that mirror a national survey she conducted as part of the white stork project in Sussex. The first phase of the study has involved surveying a representative sample of 1,000 Londoners, and a second phase is asking residents and frequent visitors to give their view on white storks and their place in the capital. Dr White said: 'It is really important to be monitoring stakeholders' opinions and attitudes towards any reintroductions, because that's one of the main reasons that reintroduction projects fail – they haven't got the buy-in from the key stakeholders. 'It is really important to not assume, or to not just go ahead with projects, because you see the conservation value in it.' She said projects need to ensure a majority of people are onboard with a reintroduction, that the rationale has been clearly communicated and people have been given the opportunity to have their say. The national survey found overall people were very positive towards the species, even if they had never seen storks before, although there was a lack of knowledge about things such as the stork's diet, and even what they looked like. But a 'relatively small' number of people – often those who were ecologists, conservationists or birders – were not in favour of the reintroduction, largely because it was not a threatened species and they thought it should not be a priority for action, she added. The London survey will feed into the wider assessment by Citizen Zoo of the political and public enthusiasm and habitat availability for storks, and potential next steps such as creating more habitat to encourage natural colonisation or even a release similar to that in Sussex. However, Mr Newton added that 'nature has a fantastic tendency to surprise us', with the possibility storks could establish themselves in the capital of their own accord.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
‘Iconic' white storks could be coming back to London after centuries
Londoners are being consulted on the potential re-establishment of white storks in the capital, as part of a project to determine if these "talismanic" birds can once again thrive in the city. The majestic birds, which vanished from Britain centuries ago, have seen a resurgence following reintroduction efforts in southern England, leading to a notable "explosion" in sightings across Greater London. Conservationists are now exploring whether the metre-tall birds, known for flourishing in urban environments across Europe, could similarly establish themselves in London. The urban rewilding organisation Citizen Zoo is spearheading an appraisal to transform London into a "white stork-friendly city". This involves comprehensive habitat mapping, engaging with boroughs across the capital to assess their receptiveness, and conducting public surveys. Historically, white storks were a common sight in British skies, constructing their large nests on rooftops, buildings, and in trees, before their disappearance as a breeding species in the 1400s due to hunting and habitat destruction. Since 2016, the white stork project in Sussex has sought to create new colonies of rehabilitated injured storks – which can act as a 'magnet' for wild birds that visit from the continent – at Knepp and Wadhurst Park, with the first successful breeding in 2020. In the four decades before the start of the project, there were just 27 records of white storks across Greater London. But between 2016 and 2023 there have been 472 sightings in the capital, with the numbers increasing year-on-year, conservationists said. Citizen Zoo has worked with communities to bring beavers back to Ealing, reintroduce water voles to Surrey and restore wetlands in the capital, in efforts to bring city dwellers closer to nature, deliver wellbeing benefits and make London more resilient to climate change, and is now looking at white storks. The storks have wider ecological benefits for their habitat, creating huge nests which are homes and food sources for an array of species from insects to birds. But it is their ability to inspire people about nature that has been a key part of reintroduction efforts in the UK. Elliot Newton, co-founder and director of rewilding at Citizen Zoo, said: 'These are a really talismanic, iconic species that really do draw and attract attention. 'You look up into the skies and see a white stork, it's quite obvious.' He said: 'We realised in recent years we've seen an explosion in white stork recordings across Greater London. 'And if you look across European landscapes, this is a bird that can actually thrive in urban landscapes, on chimneys, on pylons, and are associated with thriving in urban settings. 'What we want to see is how can we make London a more white stork-friendly environment, and embrace it for its ability to inspire people about the nature we can and should have close to where we live.' The survey is being led by the University of Brighton 's Rachel White, with two phases that mirror a national survey she conducted as part of the white stork project in Sussex. The first phase of the study has involved surveying a representative sample of 1,000 Londoners, and a second phase is asking residents and frequent visitors to give their view on white storks and their place in the capital. Dr White said: 'It is really important to be monitoring stakeholders' opinions and attitudes towards any reintroductions, because that's one of the main reasons that reintroduction projects fail – they haven't got the buy-in from the key stakeholders. 'It is really important to not assume, or to not just go ahead with projects, because you see the conservation value in it.' The national survey found overall people were very positive towards the species, even if they had never seen storks before, although there was a lack of knowledge about matters such as the stork's diet, and even what they look like. But a 'relatively small' number of people – often those who were ecologists, conservationists or birders – were not in favour of the reintroduction, largely because it was not a threatened species and they thought it should not be a priority for action, she added. The London survey will feed into the wider assessment by Citizen Zoo of the political and public enthusiasm and habitat availability for storks, and potential next steps such as creating more habitat to encourage natural colonisation or even a release similar to that in Sussex. However, Mr Newton added that 'nature has a fantastic tendency to surprise us', with the possibility storks could establish themselves in the capital of their own accord.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
My lover wants to be with me but she's terrified of how her domineering and abusive husband will react
DEAR DEIDRE: EVEN though my married lover wants to be with me full time, she is terrified about how her husband will react if she leaves him. He is a violent bully. Her husband is domineering and abusive. He treats her and her eight-year-old son like dirt. He controls everything. She has given up seeing her friends, he constantly checks her phone and she has lost contact with all of her family. I am 33, she is 31 and I can't tell you how upset I get when she tells me about how he shouts, shoves and lashes out at her. She works for my sister's catering business and from the moment I was introduced to her I liked her. We'd always spend our lunchtime together and I would feel so excited about seeing her. Recently I bought her a small gift when I went on holiday. I was taken aback when she dissolved into tears explaining it was the loveliest thing a man had done for her. We ended up kissing and she started coming around to my house whenever she could. She can't ever stay for long enough but we have the most wonderful sex. My sister warned me to stay away because her husband has a bad reputation, she said he was capable of anything, but I refused to listen, and the affair has continued. I am desperate for my lover to leave this awful man. While she wants to be with me too, she is so frightened that he will become physically violent towards her. Dear Deidre After Dark- Understanding open relationships I worry I am being weak because I haven't stood up to him, even though I know that her safety has to come first DEIDRE SAYS: Stay away from him. Getting involved will only create more problems and place your lover in danger. She needs to make leaving him a priority for herself and her son, but it has to come from her. It's so damaging for her son to see his mum being treated so badly. Stress this to her and suggest she talks to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline ( 0800 2000 247). While you can be there to support her, she has a better chance of leaving safely if she doesn't rush straight into a relationship with you. Even a marriage she is desperate to be out of is a loss and she'll need to adjust before she can begin to contemplate a future with you. PARTNER PREFERS HIMSELF DEAR DEIDRE: MY boyfriend has admitted he pleasures himself three or four times a week, and now I feel he doesn't fancy me as we rarely have sex. He blames his low sex drive on being stressed but he has always been like this. I'm 35 and he's 36. We've been together for eight months. Everything else in our relationship is great. We only see each other on weekends, which could be part of the problem. We're both so busy with our jobs, fitness and friends. For example, I go to the gym twice a week and go out with my girlfriends regularly. My boyfriend insists his low sex drive is because of his new job. It's very stressful but he's no different to how he was when I first met him. Now I realise he masturbates so much, I'm convinced he doesn't fancy me, rather than there being a problem with his sex drive. DEIDRE SAYS: There's not much wrong with his sex drive. It sounds like he has got into the habit of finding sexual satisfaction alone, which is lazy and selfish. He needs to face up to what is happening rather than using stress as an excuse. Tell him how damaging his behaviour is to your relationship. Suggest setting aside an evening together each week for chat, kisses and cuddles with no pressure to have full sex, even though that could be the likely result. My support pack Different Sex Drives will help. I GHOSTED HER AFTER PERIOD SEX DEAR DEIDRE: A FRIEND pointed out that I had blood on my hands and face when I returned home after spending the night with an amazing girl. I'm mortified. I also had it down below too. I am a 20-year-old guy, and she is 19. We really fancied each other and after dancing together for hours headed back to her flat where, after a lot of kissing, we ended up having amazing sex. The lights were really dim so I didn't notice anything and after sex I stayed the night but left first thing without waking her up as I had work. As soon as I got home my friend told me about the blood. I am so embarrassed. I know a period is such a natural thing but I am way too embarrassed to contact her. I have heard nothing from her either. DEIDRE SAYS: She may be just as embarrassed as you or upset that you left without a word. Why not send her a message? Say you had an amazing time with her and that you would like to see her again. As you say, periods are completely natural and if you act in a mature way, she's more likely to feel at ease. Some people find period sex uncomfortable because it's messy, but you don't have to go into details about that night. It will be easier to say something in passing when you are together face-to-face. DREAM TO WED BUT BOYFRIEND'S SO CRUEL TO ME DEAR DEIDRE: ALL I want is to get married and have a family. I constantly fantasise about my boyfriend proposing but deep down I know he won't – ever. Years ago, I was told that I would have difficulty getting pregnant. I am 32 and my boyfriend is 36. We've been together for almost three years. He says he doesn't want to marry or have children. Recently, he has twice tried to break up with me. I'm sure it's because I have gained weight – something I am not proud of – but I am dieting and have started running and going to the gym. He knows I am making an effort but he also says that I don't keep the house as tidy as he'd like. I work full-time and often do overtime so there isn't a lot of time for housework. Most days I only have enough energy to come home, eat and get a decent night's sleep. I feel as though I walk on eggshells around him and it is beginning to get me down. A few weeks ago, I met a man at work who is so kind and makes me feel lovely. I know it is early days, and we are still getting to know each other, but ultimately I am going to have to choose. Which way should I go? DEIDRE SAYS: After three years together, it is only natural you are thinking about the future, but marriage and children are not the main issue here. To be blunt, he is being cruel. These are not the actions of a loving and respectful partner. There are serious issues that need to be discussed honestly if you're going to build a future. Let him know how his behaviour leaves you feeling, but don't stay in a relationship where you're permanently on edge. Do decide what you really want before involving yourself with another man.
