Baton of Hope: Britain's Got Talent group to dance after Kent leg
Ms Forsyth said she felt strongly about the campaign's message after a member of her extended family took their own life in 2023."He was fun, lovely, everybody loved him," she said, and his death came as a "big shock".
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available from BBC Action Line.
The dance instructor added that Midlife Movers, which she started in 2022, had helped its members' mental health by establishing social groups and keeping participants busy."A lot of people say that for that hour they're concentrating on something else other than their problems," Ms Forsyth said.The group has members aged between 40 and 86 about 300 "movers" at its sessions across Kent.
More than 130 people will be involved in carrying the baton as it crosses the county.As well as raising awareness of suicide prevention support, the Baton of Hope campaign aims to encourage people to talk openly about their mental health struggles.Kent and Medway Baton of Hope Tour coordinator, Alice Scutchey, thanked the people working for helping baton bearers and communities "remember loved ones, celebrate hope and stand up to suicide stigma".
The Baton of Hope will tour 20 locations around the UK in 2025, passing through East Sussex on 23 September.It first toured the country in 2023.
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Telegraph
34 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The Union Flag has always courted controversy in fashion. That doesn't mean we shouldn't wear it
If 1997 was memorable for many reasons, Geri Halliwell's Union Flag mini dress was surely one of the least expected, yet it lives on in pop culture as a defining moment. Settling in to watch the Brit Awards, not even Mystic Meg could have predicted the impact and lasting legacy of a garment that Ginger Spice later revealed she had worn on a whim. 'I hadn't worked out what I was going to wear and had a stylist bring me this tight little black dress,' she explained in the 2007 Spice Girls documentary Giving You Everything. 'I was like, 'It's a bit boring, isn't it?' and I said, 'Why don't I put a Union Flag on it?' and she said, 'No, that's racist.' And I was like, 'What? That's stupid.' So I put a peace sign on the back.' No one remembers the peace sign, but everyone remembers the dress. Where Coco Chanel's little black dress signalled quiet elegance and class, Geri Halliwell's was an opinionated and patriotic upstart. It became a viral moment before the phrase even existed, the archetypal social media dress that came long before social media. Halliwell may have rejected red-white-and-blue along with every other colour except white around the time she married an F1 boss and transformed into Geri Horner, but for better or worse, her dress lives on. In 2013, Taylor Swift wore a Union Flag mini dress while modelling in the 'British Invasion' section of a Victoria's Secret show. In 2021, Dua Lipa stepped on stage at the Brit Awards in her own version, while earlier this year, American starlet Olivia Rodrigo donned spangly Union Flag shorts to perform at Glastonbury. Before the kiss-cam scandal, there was the flag dress scandal, which erupted after 'straight A' student Courtney Wright, 12, was sent home for wearing a Geri-inspired sequin Union Flag dress to mark her school's Culture Day. The furore was such that the Prime Minister felt compelled to respond, with an official spokesperson saying the PM 'has always been clear that being British is something to be celebrated. We are a tolerant, diverse, open country, proud of being British'. All right-minded Brits pride themselves on these national traits, but you don't need to be a straight-A student to see that the country is in the throes of an identity crisis. Not everyone who adopts the flag does so with unifying motives. Swift to jump on a bandwagon, Reform's Lee Anderson appeared in a Union Flag blazer 'in solidarity' with the excluded schoolgirl. However, social media users quickly discovered the blazer was from a cheap clothing site and made in India, because pride in one's country doesn't always extend to support for its manufacturing. Nor does it prevent a child in a Union Flag dress from being used as a mascot, invited to speak at a protest organised by Tommy Robinson. When the Spice Girls sang about what they really, really wanted, it surely wasn't this. When I was Courtney's age, I loved the Union Flag with the sort of nerdy enthusiasm that perhaps only blossoms after spending hours making your own from a sheet of A5 paper, carefully sketching its image with a pencil, a ruler and some red and blue felt-tip pens, and then fixing it onto a knitting needle with Sellotape. By any standards, it is an incredible piece of design. The Union Flag (the term 'Jack' began to be used in the early 17th century, when the Royal Navy flew the flag at the bow of ships from a jackstaff) is so called because it combines the crosses of three countries united under one Sovereign: the kingdoms of England, of which Wales was a part at that time, Scotland and Ireland (since 1921, only Northern Ireland has remained part of the United Kingdom). The heraldic cross of St George, patron saint of England since the late 13th and early 14th centuries, was combined with the cross of St Andrew in 1606, after James I came to the throne. The saltire of St Patrick was added in 1801, following the Act of Union between Ireland and England, Wales and Scotland, creating the Union Flag as we know it. The Union Flag was originally a Royal flag. When the present design was made official in 1801, it was ordered to be flown on all the King's forts and castles, but not elsewhere. It is today flown above Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Sandringham when the King is not in residence. In the years since I waved my shonky DIY version on its knitting needle masthead, the Union Flag has gone from cool to cringe and back again, with dizzying velocity. Before I was born, in the Sixties, it was a symbol of a joyous British boom time, worn by Twiggy (her dress was by Mary Quant) and waved by everyone (bar the Scots) when England won the World Cup. In the Seventies it also became a symbol of the far Right, adopted by skinheads and neo-Nazis as an emblem of toxic nationalism. At the same time, the Sex Pistols were fighting back with their own version of the flag, subverted gloriously by Jamie Reid in his seminal artwork for the band. Yes, his versions were scandalous, but they were also a form of graphic genius. The Pistols, through Reid and their marketing guru Malcolm McLaren, are far from the only musicians who have gravitated towards the Union Flag. Artists as diverse as Pete Townshend, David Bowie, Morrissey, Paul Weller, Damon Albarn and Noel Gallagher have all harnessed its symbolism: Bowie in a frock coat, Weller on a Vespa, Gallagher via his guitar (a customised Epiphone Sheraton by Gibson, if you care; a version is currently listed for sale on Reverb for £2,390). 'The Union Flag is very Mod-coded,' notes Richard Benson, who edited The Face at the height of the Britpop era. 'When Damon Albarn was chucking Union Flags around in 1994, he knew what he was doing. As an art student, he was well aware of its symbolism. The Face's Brit up Your Ears cover in May 1994 was a reaction against grunge, part of a deliberate attempt to reassert an English sound instead of an American one.' Three years later, Halliwell's Union Flag dress was less of a political statement than an aesthetic one, and yet it captured a mood. In 1997, Britain was an optimistic country that thrummed with an energy reminiscent of the Swinging Sixties. New Labour had won by a landslide, promising increased public investment in the arts, and support for the creative and cultural industries. Granted, Tony Blair's unctuous courting of Noel Gallagher was embarrassing, but better to invite Britpop royalty to Downing Street than studiously ignore it. As a phrase, 'Cool Britannia' might have been reviled by anyone who was actually cool, but as a vibe shift, it was welcomed. Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell wore Union Flags at London Fashion Week, and Liam Gallagher and Patsy Kensit snuggled in a Union Flag duvet cover on the cover of Vanity Fair. 'London swings again!' claimed the headline, and it did. It was still swinging in 2012, when James Bond made a grand entrance at the Olympic Games opening ceremony on a Union Flag parachute, and Stella McCartney incorporated it into her kit designs for Team GB. The iconography of that Vanity Fair cover has been recreated by Tatler magazine this month, some 28 years later, with the cover featuring the flag and the coverline 'Cool Britannia is back!' In 2025, Britain's political landscape is more fractious. So, too, is our relationship with the flag. It has always been prone to interpretation, both as something joyous and something subversive; a symbol that's been weaponised, celebrated, toyed with and appropriated in equal measure. 'In the 1990s, emphasis was placed on the union that the flag represented, and the sense of optimism that had accompanied the ascension of New Labour,' notes the fashion historian Kate Strasdin, a senior lecturer in cultural studies at Falmouth University. 'But in recent years, it has become one of the more divisive flags because of its increased association with popular nationalism. When Stormzy wore a stab vest with the black-and-white Union Flag created by Banksy for his headline act at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival, it was intended as a re-interpretation of what the flag symbolised. What did it mean to be British and who might be excluded from that identity? In a post-Brexit era, the lines of the Union Flag can be problematic.' Indeed, few under the age of 30 would rush to wear a Union Flag, bar a few Gen Z-ers wearing souvenir shop tat in an ironic way. Were they still alive, it's unlikely that trailblazing British designers such as Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen would reference the flag with the same enthusiasm as they did in the Nineties. 'It's a beautiful design, but its connotations are different now,' says Arlo, 20, who is currently studying fashion design at Glasgow School of Art. 'Given the ambiguity of what it stands for, I wouldn't dream of offending my black and mixed-race friends.' Fashion students might avoid it, but there are no such qualms among established, quintessentially English brands such as Paul Smith, Boden and Liberty, all of whom are known and loved for incorporating the British flag into their designs. Sue Longmore, the founder of Dorset-based clothing brand Maude & Fox, says, 'The Union Flag captures everything we love about being British, from our eccentricity and individuality to our heritage and craftsmanship. It's a celebration of British spirit, proudly stitched into every piece we make. It's not just a flag – it's a badge of identity, integrity and quality.' Longmore has been incorporating the flag into her designs since 2012, spurred on by the sense of pride that swept the country when London hosted the Olympics. Like many designers, she appreciates its versatility. 'It's instantly recognisable, even in fragments and new colourways. Our 'pink patriot skirt' reimagines the flag in feminine hues, yet the design still carries that unmistakable sense of identity. Not many flags have that kind of visual power.' It's precisely this visual power that has seen the flag pop up on everything from tourist-shop teddy bears to M&S carrier bags to Emma Bridgewater crockery – not to mention its appearance on untold baked goods at village fetes and country shows (patriotic cakes are a perennial favourite on The Great British Bake-Off). Twee as these renditions might be, they're part of the fabric of Britain – and always will be. The latest to co-opt the flag? Oasis, whose referencing of Mod culture has led the band to feature it heavily on their official tour merchandise. Perhaps that's what we should all do: strip out the politics, and appreciate it simply as a brilliant piece of design. If only it were that simple.
BreakingNews.ie
an hour ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight to write next James Bond film
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will write the script for the next James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has announced. It marks the latest step in a major overhaul of the iconic British spy franchise, following Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson handing over creative control to Amazon as part of a lucrative deal. Advertisement In June it was announced that Dune's Denis Villeneuve will direct the film, which will be produced by Amy Pascal and David Heyman via Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films respectively. The pair consistently maintained that they would secure a director and develop a screenplay before casting the next super spy. Daniel Craig played James Bond between 2006 and 2021 (Suzan Moore/PA) In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including the rights to distribute James Bond films. The official Bond film franchise had been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962. Advertisement There has been speculation about who will take up the mantle of Bond after Daniel Craig's final portrayal in 2021's No Time to Die. Knight, 65, is the creator of historical drama series A Thousand Blows, BBC's This Town and Netflix mini-series All The Light We Cannot See. He is also executive producer on the new series, Built In Birmingham: Brady And The Blues, which follows Birmingham City football club and key ownership figures, including former NFL quarterback Tom Brady and US businessman Tom Wagner. His upcoming projects include Netflix's Peaky Blinders film and historical drama series House Of Guinness. Advertisement In the 2020 New Year Honours list he was made a CBE for services to drama, entertainment and the community in Birmingham – the setting for Peaky Blinders, which stars Cillian Murphy as hard-drinking gang leader Tommy Shelby.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Good Morning Britain viewers rage 'there must be better presenters than these?!' as they sink claws into 'useless' hosts just minutes into ITV show
Good Morning Britain viewers let rip at the presenters of the daytime news show - slamming the co-hosts as 'useless' and 'boring'. Adil Ray, 51, and Kate Garraway, 58, hosted Friday's episode of the daytime ITV news programme. They discussed the day's top headlines, including the banning of ninja swords, the arrest of a pensioner on suspicion of poisoning children and potential payouts for motorists. But distracted fans were unable to focus on the news - turning their attention instead to the choice of hosts. Watchers have blasted the pair for 'annoying' habits - claiming that Adil is a 'rage baiter' who deliberately provokes guests and Kate frequently interrupts speakers. Taking to social media to express their outrage, otherwise loyal viewers said their irritation had forced them to change channels. 'I can't watch it when Adil Ray is on,' wrote a disgruntled watcher. 'It's been going downhill for years - not many decent presenters on there now.' Another agreed, writing: 'It's time Adil Ray was put out to pasture. I turn off when I see him. Everything that comes out of his mouth is so predictable. It's just so boring.' A third chimed in: 'So, you've got Adil Ray, he's pretty contentious on a good day, and Kate the cackling gob on. The day just gets better and better! 'Surely to god you can get better presenters than that or are these the only ones prepared to get out of bed early?' Elsewhere, commenters condemned Kate's perceived habit of 'interrupting.' 'The interruptus is strong in Kate this morning,' joked one, while Adil was not exempt from similar criticism. 'Adil, would you please stop interrupting when someone else is talking?' one said. 'I've noticed that you have done this so many times this morning that I've lost count. 'Please just allow Kate and the guests to finish what they are saying before interrupting them.' One commenter offered a scornful piece of advice to the network, saying: 'If you want to save money, get rid of Adil Ray. He is useless and an instant turn-off' Alongside a video of a man switching his television off, one wrote simply: 'Adil Ray still employed by GMB. That's shocking.' But not all watchers were as frenzied, with one praising 'the dream team' presenters. Adil in particular, has garnered a loyal following over the course his career as a comedian and media personality, with one fan writing: 'Yes! Love Fridays with Adil.' Another said of Adil's appearance: 'I'll be watching!' while another agreed: 'I only watch it when you're presenting.' Clearly a favourite for many fans, one said: 'Looking forward to seeing you.' But it's not the first time GMB viewers have raged at the pair, with some even having threatened to turn to the BBC instead. They have previously claimed the pair lacked chemistry and had a habit of talking over each other. One posted on X: 'Thanks for the warning about Ray, BBC News it is then.'; 'And again Kate overspeaks you @adilray! Why can't she let anyone else speak #GMB'; 'Adil "yep". Kate. "Umm hmm.: Adil "exactly" Kate "yeah" It's constant one-upmanship between the two as to who can be heard more. Insufferable. #GMB' 'Oh no Adil presenting... have to watch BBC today.'; 'During the press review, Kate Garraway introduced the topic of discussion & talked at length but when Adil Ray finally got the opportunity to quote something, she immediately talked over him. 'Not the 1st time this has happened & it is just so unacceptably rude!' Taking to social media to express their outrage, otherwise loyal viewers said their irritation had forced them to change channels It comes after Good Morning Britain viewers threatened to 'switch off' when Adil returned back in December after taking a break from the show. The presenter had been missing from the show for several weeks before finally making his return but not everyone was happy to see him back on their screens. Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, threatening to boycott the show after witnessing Adil's return.
