Latest news with #HenleyOnThames
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Ireland is learning what Britain has already discovered: the status quo does not endure
Last weekend, I did my best impression of a Shire Tory. I was at Henley Regatta, the world's most prestigious rowing competition (spectating, not participating). The town – Henley-on-Thames – is a bit like Dalkey in south Dublin: close to the capital, with a kind of ambient sense of wealth hanging in the air. It was once the seat of Michael Heseltine and, more recently, Boris Johnson . This is Conservative heartland. These people hoped that David Cameron would be prime minister forever. If you want in on establishment Britain, I suggest that the 35-minute train journey out of Paddington Station, London , is a very good place to start. What an upset, then, when last summer this seat – held by the Tories since 1910 – was lost to the centrist upstart Liberal Democrats . Suddenly this leafy, riverine, bourgeois utopia was no longer Conservative heartland. And the truths that the Tories believed were incontrovertible (such as that no matter how bad things got, England's rich southeast would stay loyal) were revealed to be much flimsier propositions than anyone in the party headquarters had ever bargained for. The stickiness of their appeal turned out to be not so sticky after all; the 'matter of fact' was, instead, contingent. So what's the moral here? We are biased towards trusting the status quo will endure. We are not very good at understanding that what is happening might not continue to happen. This basic psychological disposition is hard to override. And it's why the Conservatives were caught off guard in Henley-on-Thames in June 2024 by the Liberal Democrats. It's also why Cameron put erroneous faith in the idea that his country would not vote to leave the European Union – 'things just don't change that much', you could hear his internal monologue whirr when he pulled the referendum trigger. It is also why sensible experts in January 2022 just could not believe that Vladimir Putin would invade Ukraine with that level of force. Until he did. It's a human instinct. But as a tool of political analysis, it's about as sophisticated as a dog that believes it has been abandoned every time its owner leaves home: 'the immediate state of affairs are the only plausible state of affairs'. I suspect my labradoodle, Dougal, would have failed to recognise that Henley was vulnerable to falling to the Liberal Democrats, too. READ MORE And so to Ireland, which is staring into Donald Trump 's abyss, and wondering why on earth we ever left the economy so vulnerable to the whims of one irrational actor. As an economic model, Ireland's in the 21st century worked. Rescuing the country from the economic doldrums and transforming it into one of Europe's most cosmopolitan nations handed us a kind of centrist political stability that was the envy of much of the Continent (and latterly Westminster). But designing an economy on multinational corporate wealth works only so long as there isn't a lunatic in the White House hellbent on blocking multinational corporate investment. When there is someone like that in the Oval Office, it doesn't look like it makes much sense at all. No matter how glib that may be to point out. A few caveats: some predicted Ireland's fiscal miracle could all end in tears, and several commentators warned last year that the country's next economic crisis would come not from within our own borders but from Washington. Trump, economist Stephen Kinsella said last year, would be 'the most obvious source' of upset; the shock could even make Ireland's earlier period of austerity 'look like an episode of the Care Bears', he told the podcast The Entrepreneur Experiment. And it is not just Trump, but Europe that threatens Ireland's cushy deal right now: it is clear the glittering highs of this model will not endure forever. Ireland is exposed on two fronts. Here is the strange thing. Ireland is a country very used to vertiginous social change – the 2010s saw that rapid and radical liberalisation with the gay marriage and abortion referendums that we are all too used to vaunting. And there's recent experience of severe economic crisis followed by recovery. With this experience we might expect Ireland to be unusually alive to the fact that upheaval and disruption lurk around corners (even if we cannot predict exactly what shape it might take) and to organise our political structures accordingly. This is not a call for pessimistic thinking. I have lost track of the number of times that I have to remind myself that pessimism, like optimism, is deterministic. Believing everything is destined to go wrong is one simple way to ensure it will. But it is a self-reminder (as much as anything else) that the status quo is not permanent, no matter how much we will it to be. The Tories were not fated to rule over Henley forever just as Ireland was not always guaranteed a best friend in the White House.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Henley Festival 2025: What you need to know
Motown legend Diana Ross is set to headline the opening night of this year's Henley black-tie music and arts festival takes place on the riverside in Henley on Thames over five Ross will perform at the event's Floating Stage on Wednesday, along with McFly and Rick Astley later in the festival, based on the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border, was first held in 1982. It attracts about 25,000 people each year. Now aged 81, Ross started her career at Motown in the 1960s, achieving stardom with The Supremes, on hits like Baby Love, Stop! In The Name Of Love and You Keep Me Hanging split from the group in 1970 and went on to score more than 50 UK chart hits, including Upside Down, Endless Love and Chain performers on the Henley line-up include comedians Ed Byrne and Alistair McGowan, while Mel Giedroyc is set to perform her first DJ festival's charitable initiative aimed at nurturing upcoming talent - Rise - continues, with local acts White Lakes and Conor McLain Festival made headlines in 2022 when former prime minister Theresa May was spotted enjoying Craig David's set on the day her successor Boris Johnson resigned. Who are this year's Henley Festival headliners? Wednesday 9 July – Diana RossThursday 10 July – McFlyFriday 11 July - Rick AstleySaturday 12 July - Hacienda ClassicalSunday 13 July - Matteo Bocelli, Jamie Cullam Getting to Henley Festival The concert is staged at Henley Bridge. The post code is RG9 2LY, a 15-minute walk from the town nearest train station is Henley-on-Thames, which has links to London (1 hour) and Reading (20 minutes). The festival entrance is a 10-minute walk from the is pre-bookable parking available on you want to arrive by boat, limited moorings within the Henley Festival enclosure are available to Visit Henley website can help plan your stay and journey by public transport. When do the gates open and what can I bring? Gates open at 17:00 BST with the shows ending at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, 01:00 on Friday and Saturday and 23:30 on are three bookable restaurants as well as a variety of street-food-style concessions. Visitors are not permitted to bring their own food and drink into the festival sarnies and pork pies are more your thing - bring your deck chairs and rugs as picnics can be enjoyed in the car park throughout the festival. What should I wear? The event is billed as the UK's only all-black tie festival. So it is strictly posh clobber only - dinner jackets and bow ties, long or short evening dresses, formal lounge suits and smart jumpsuits are all allowed. Turn up in denim, leather or casual clothing or trainers and you will be jogging home. Accessibility issues Festival goers with disabilities can apply for a free ticket for a care Badge parking is available and much of the site and audience areas have wheelchair ramps. Contact the event organisers for specific details. What is the Henley weather looking like? The festival starts just as the UK's third heatwave of the summer is forecast to arrive later this heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency, for regions including London the South East and South West, from Wednesday until 15 the advice on coping with the sun - slap on the sun cream, drink plenty of water and wear a the BBC website to check the weather forecast for Henley for the latest on each day of the festival You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Leander Club updates code of conduct after claims
A prestigious rowing club says it has updated its code of conduct after being accused of failing to properly investigate sexual assault allegations. Women at the Leander Club, in Henley-on-Thames, walked out over personal safety fears and refused to train with male teammates as a result, an ITV News investigation reported. Both men accused of sexual assault and harassment denied the allegations. In a statement to the BBC, Leander's chairman Pete Bridge said athletes were "at the heart of this club" and that a "strict and confidential process" had been followed "to protect those involved". "We continually review our safeguarding measures and have updated these in line with our ambition to ensure rowing is inclusive and accessible for the next wave of athletes pursuing their dreams of international sporting success," he said. The club has been dubbed a "medal factory" for its record of supplying rowers at the Olympics and Paralympics over the years. But the ITV News report revealed disharmony at the club after two of its male athletes were accused of serious sexual assault and harassment 'Strict procedures' In the first case the club found ''insufficient evidence'' to launch a full disciplinary process, while the second was overturned on appeal. The accused was allowed to return to the club following a short led to female rowers refusing to use the club's gym at the same time as male members and protesting by wearing white ribbons on their response to the report, the club said: "Leander Club takes seriously all issues relating to the safeguarding of our athletes. "We have strict procedures in place to carefully examine any formal complaints and regularly review our club disciplinary processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, treating our athletes fairly and with respect."In addition to an updated code of conduct, we have partnered with a specialist external provider to ensure members of the club know without doubt the standards we expect and the ways to highlight any individual misconduct. "When issues are raised, we will continue to take immediate action where necessary to protect the welfare of our athletes." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Britain's most prestigious rowing club which has scores of Team GB athlete members is 'plunged into rape scandal'
Britain's most prestigious rowing club, which has produced legions of Olympic champions over the last century, has been rocked by claims it failed to investigate multiple claims of rape and sexual assault. At least three male rowers are understood to have been accused of raping female club members within the last five years at the club in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The world-famous establishment is considered a 'global leader in rowing', according to Leander Club's website, which adds that members have secured 159 Olympic and Paralympic medals since 1908 - with 62 of these being gold. Among the damning allegations levelled at the club, as revealed by The Telegraph, are that: A man raped a female squad member in 2022 and was allowed to continue rowing A second man was suspended and then excluded following a harassment claim against him. He was readmitted on appeal and later accused of rape by a different female rower A third man was accused of raping a female rower, who was then forced to participate in a two-week training camp with him Female squad members, backed by more than a dozen of the male rowers, say allegations of sexual assault were ignored or dismissed by the Leander committee. They also accused the club of cultivating a culture of sexism and misogyny. One of the rape allegations, reported in April 2023, related to an incident said to have occurred during a team night out, at a flat in Henley. The woman, who was 18 at the time, is understood to have spoken to Leander Club and Thames Valley Police. But she subsequently failed to give a formal statement to police and later withdrew her complaint. According to sources, the woman had found the process too 'stressful and traumatising', but the situation did not end there. The accused man, who denies any wrongdoing, was allowed to 'train, eat and socialise in the same room as the victim', according to a letter of complaint subsequently sent to the club on October 23, 2024. Eighteen female and 15 male club members urged Leander to investigate 'multiple, serious allegations' against the individual 'as a matter of urgency'. Less than two weeks later, on November 6, 2023, chairman Pete Bridge and welfare representative Keith Settle informed members that the matter had been investigated but there was 'insufficient evidence' to progress it to a disciplinary. Despite a male witness and several women volunteering to provide evidence, none were spoken to before the investigation was closed, it is claimed. The female victim is understood to have left Leander following the incident. In a second claim, a male rower is accused of having harassed a female club member. He was suspended, but was allowed to return under appeal. Another rower then claimed this same individual had previously raped her, but it is believed this allegation was not brought to the attention of the club or the police. The man denies any wrongdoing. With his appeal still standing, the women's team reacted by boycotting training, before wearing pink instead of traditional white vests when they returned. They also wore white ribbons as a symbol of solidarity with victims of sexual abuse and rape. In a third instance, a male rower was accused of rape by a female club member in 2020. It is understood that after complaining to the club, she then had to attend a two-week training camp with the man she had accused. Despite the allegations becoming 'common knowledge' among the rowers, members were said to have been left aghast by an after-dinner speech given in 2022 by a veteran club member. The individual is understood to have made remarks of a sexual nature and referred to his penis during the speech. Many club members say they have been left feeling uncomfortable and unsupported by Leander in the wake of such accusations. One told ITV News: 'It's really triggering and makes people not feel safe. We didn't even want there to be men in the gym at the same time as us. We didn't want to represent the same club as people who've been accused of things like that. 'We wanted to say "we're not okay with it, we stand together as a will not stay silent.' Another said: 'Anyone with talent is protected in the system. People think [rowing' is elitist and it's privileged. 'If you have enough money, enough status, if you're good enough at sport, it's okay. 'We were failed by the very system that was supposed to protect us.' In a statement, Leander said: 'Leander Club takes seriously all issues relating to the safeguarding of our athletes. 'We have strict procedures in place to carefully examine any formal complaints and regularly review our club disciplinary processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, treating our athletes fairly and with respect. 'In addition to an updated code of conduct, we have partnered with a specialist external provider to ensure members of the club know without doubt the standards we expect and the ways to highlight any individual misconduct. 'When issues are raised, we will continue to take immediate action where necessary to protect the welfare of our athletes.' Mr Bridge, the Leander chairman, added: 'The athletes in our squads are at the heart of this club. 'When safeguarding issues arise, as with any organisation, there is a strict and confidential process that is followed to protect those involved. 'We continually review our safeguarding measures and have updated these in line with our ambition to ensure rowing is inclusive and accessible for the next wave of athletes pursuing their dreams of international sporting success.' Leander's extensive cohort of champions include Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell, Victoria Thornley and Lola Anderson.
Sky News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Top chef Ryan Honey reveals the cheap place he loves - and the overrated chain he would avoid
Every Thursday, our Money blog team interviews chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks and more. This week, we chat to Ryan Honey, head chef at The Duke in Henley-on-Thames. The best chef in the UK is… Mark Birchall at Moor Hall, hands down. The guy has just bagged three Michelin stars, and if that doesn't make him the best in the country right now, I don't know what does. His food is next-level, the kind of stuff that makes chefs jealous. If you're not dreaming of eating at Moor Hall, are you even serious about food? The worst type of behaviour in kitchens is… people who walk in thinking they're Gordon Ramsay before they've even mastered chopping an onion. I once had a guy in an interview tell me he didn't believe in "kitchen hierarchy" and that he'd "rather collaborate than take orders". Safe to say, he didn't make it past the trial shift. A kitchen runs on discipline and respect - if you don't get that, you're in the wrong industry. The one thing you never, ever want to see on a menu again is... snails. I know, I know, the French will come for me, but I just don't get it. They're chewy, they taste like whatever you drown them in, and honestly, I'd rather eat the garlic butter on its own. Some things just don't need to be on a plate - snails are one of them. A tip that non-chefs might not know to make them a better cook or make a certain ingredient better… salt your meat way earlier than you think you should. Like, hours before. Let it sit and soak in. Most home cooks season just before cooking, but if you give salt time to do its thing, the flavour goes deep, and you get a better crust. Also, stop being scared of butter. It makes everything better. The one thing you hate that some customers do is… ordering a steak well done and then complaining it's tough. Mate, you just asked me to cremate a £40 piece of meat - what did you expect? Also, people who rush the kitchen when they can see we're at full tilt. You came for a good meal, not a drive-thru burger - relax, have a drink, and trust us to do our job. One cheap place I love to eat is... The Bird in Hand in Sandhurst. It's one of those old-school, no-nonsense pubs where the food is actually good rather than just being "good for a pub". I always get the satay chicken kebabs with chips and salad -simple, tasty, and always bang on. One way we save money is... cutting waste by only ordering what we need daily, we make sure everything gets used, and negotiating hard with suppliers. Could the government help? Of course - lower VAT for hospitality, better support for small businesses, and maybe a bit of regulation on wholesale food pricing wouldn't go amiss. But until then, we just have to keep adapting. My tip for preventing waste is… use everything. Peel, stems, bones, offcuts - there's always a way to get more out of your ingredients. We dehydrate veg peelings and turn them into powders for seasoning, use bones for stocks, and any decent trimmings go into pies or terrines. Waste isn't just bad for the planet; it's literally throwing money in the bin. My favourite restaurant chain is… Miller & Carter. It's just solid, well-cooked steak. If I'm sharing, it's the côte de boeuf every time. But if we're talking about overrated chains? Nando's. Sorry, but it's just chicken with some decent seasoning - why are we all acting like it's some kind of life-changing experience? One ingredient you should never skimp on is… a proper olive oil. A cheap one is pointless - it's like drinking bad wine. But I'll give rapeseed oil some credit; a good cold-pressed one can be great for cooking at high temps. Still, for dressings, finishing, or dipping bread? Olive oil all the way. You get what you pay for.
