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The Guardian
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Stanford Fraser Steele obituary
My father, Stanford Fraser Steele, who has died aged 82, was a prolific maker and artist. His art encompassed drawing, sculpture, video, site-specific installations and woodworking. Throughout his working life Stan was a visiting tutor and external examiner for many art schools, and senior lecturer in fine art at the University of East London (formerly North East London Polytechnic) for 30 years. His artwork is held in private collections and in the Government Art Collection. Born in Edinburgh, the son of May (nee Kerr Smith), an architect's assistant, and George Fraser Steele, a psychiatrist, he had an intriguing childhood. Stan lived for many years at a psychiatric hospital near Dundee, where his father worked. It was a baronial-style Victorian building, surrounded by forests and with a working farm where Stan spent his time riding the Fergie tractor, whittling wood and picking potatoes with the patients. After studying at the High School of Dundee and then Brentwood school, Essex, at 16 he went to Walthamstow School of Art, where he met the musician Ian Dury, who became a longtime friend. They both went on to the Royal College of Art in London and were taught by Peter Blake in the early 1960s. At the RCA (where he was awarded the Silver Medal for painting and the Prix de Rome travel scholarship) Stan met Rachel Wellings, who was studying textiles. They married in 1967. Stan rented a floor with other artist friends at St Katharine Docks, east London, the first SPACE studio. With Keith Albarn and other artists he designed the World of Islam Festival at the ICA, London, in 1971, which went to Rotterdam as the Islamathematica exhibition, culminating in the publication of The Language of Pattern (1974). A move from London to the countryside in 1975 renewed Stan's childhood interest in tractors and land. It stimulated ideas that would become repeated themes in his artwork: man and machines, both their relationship to the land and expressions of the memories the machinery evoked. He bought vintage tractors, an old truck and other farm machinery, learned to plough and acquired a saw bench to cut timber. He made charcoal drawings and clay wall reliefs of the machinery and figures, recorded the tractor sounds and stitched an embroidery piece showing the technical details of his tractor. In the 90s Stan joined Housewatch, a group of artists using video and film, and they presented work at various sites in London: Broadgate Square, the South Bank and Hoxton Square for the opening of the Lux Centre, before undertaking a touring exhibition in Japan in 1992. One of Stan's seminal works was at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Colchester (1995). Unearthed One Acre was a year-long installation with live work – cultivation and harvesting of potatoes – in a field he ploughed. Part of the crop was served at the cafes of the Whitechapel and Arnolfini art galleries. Stan retired from the University of East London in 1996 and moved to the Suffolk coast, selling his tractors to work on restoring wooden boats and designing and building his own studio. More recently, he moved to Edinburgh, where he returned to working on large-scale charcoal drawings, wooden reliefs and making woodwork planes. He is survived by Rachel, his children, Sam and me, his grandchildren, Ruby, Honey and Bryce, and his brother, Graeme.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Top cider brand pulled from UK supermarket shelves, pubs & restaurants forever in ‘huge loss'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR cider brand based in the UK has officially ceased operations. The company made the announcement after just eight years in business. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Jaspels has officially ceased operation, with the owners detailing the main reasons for closure Credit: Instagram Jaspels was set up on the Welsh island of Anglesey in 2017 by Janet and Adrian Percival, a trained bio-chemist. The pair initially put out a call on social media for apple donors to help launch the business. Jaspels went on to thrive, with the company taking on a production unit in Amlwch. Their cider was served up at pubs, restaurants, and stores on Anglesey and mainland Britain. Company statement In a recent statement, the company cited seasonality challenges, lease issues, and a change in personal circumstances as the main reasons for closure. "Jaspels has closed for a number of reasons," Janet wrote in a Facebook post. She went on to discuss the "unfair lease conditions" her company had encountered. "The estate went back on the initial agreement terms and we were only offered 12 months lease," she said. "This made a significant impact on the future planning of the business and impossible to make the cider on those terms." After already changing locations once, Janet explained they "could not possibly move the business again". Scotland Lifts 44-Year Football Booze Ban: Inside Ayr United's Historic Pilot Scheme She continued to say "seasonality challenges made it unviable in the end". "A change of personal circumstances also meant we could not continue as myself and Ade separated due to stress," Janet added. While she left the business in November 2024, it officially ceased operation this month. She closed out her message by thanking Jaspels' loyal patrons over the years. "I would like to say that we loved every moment of Jaspels and will miss the barn and bar massively," Janet said. NHS guidelines on drinking alcohol According to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week risks damaging your health. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level if you drink most weeks: men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis spread your drinking over 3 or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week if you want to cut down, try to have several drink-free days each week If you're pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. You read more on the NHS website. "It is very sad for the island and ourselves." Jaspels Anglesey Craft Cider is an award-winning brand, with a Sustainable Business Award, a Silver Medal, and the Best Newcomer award at the Welsh Perry and Cider Society Championships among the accolades. Customer reaction Customers shared their sadness at the news, with locals offering fond farewells to the location. "That is sad news, as quite often I'd cycle past and pick up a bottle or have a refreshing glass of cider there. I hope they reopen somewhere," wrote one fan. "Very sad news indeed. A lovely venue on a sunny day," said another person. A third commenter described the news as a "huge loss" to the island and drinks industry. More on drinks Plus, the supermarket own-brand prosecco that's been dubbed "better than Selfridges". And Tesco has slashed the price of a popular and award-winning liqueur. A round-up of the 24 best acohol-free drinks currently available. Plus, an award-winning Caribbean rum that makes the perfect cocktails. And the best rose deals you can nab for the perfect summer treat.
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Science
- IOL News
South African team shines at International Mathematics Olympiad with record-breaking performance
The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is celebrating a historic achievement as the national team secured its best ranking in 25 years at the recent International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO) held in Australia from 10 to 20 July. Competing against high school students from over 100 countries, the South African contingent finished in an impressive 38th place, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of its young mathematicians. Every year, the IMO presents a formidable challenge, testing the mathematical prowess of students through complex problems over two intense days. Each participant tackles three problems for 4½ hours each day, demonstrating not only individual expertise but also the ability to perform under pressure. This year, South African students faced tough competition from powerhouse teams, including those from the People's Republic of China, the United States, and the Republic of Korea, yet they rose to the occasion with remarkable skill. The results were outstanding, with six students proudly bringing home awards. Youkyum Kim, a Grade 12 student from Reddam House Durbanville in Cape Town, earned a Silver Medal. Meanwhile, Moied Baleg from The Settlers High School in Bellville, Eli Williams from Westerford High School in Cape Town, Pocoyo Pun from Elkanah House in Cape Town, Yian Xu from Redhill High School in Sandton, and Ellen Grant-Smith from Westerford High School also excelled, each receiving Bronze Medals or an Honourable Mention. Professor Seithuti Moshokoa, Executive Director of SAMF, expressed tremendous pride in the team's performance. 'We're so pleased with how our team did this year. They worked really hard, and this achievement shows just how talented they are,' he remarked. His sentiments reflect the dedication and passion for mathematics that propelled these students to success. The pathway to this achievement was supported by Old Mutual South Africa, highlighting the importance of institutional backing in nurturing talent in mathematics. The competition's rigorous format ensures fairness, with leaders and teachers meticulously checking answers after the event to confirm accurate scoring. As a non-profit organisation established in 2004, SAMF is committed to enhancing mathematical excellence across the nation. By fostering an environment that encourages professional development for educators and promotes mathematical advancement, SAMF plays a pivotal role in shaping a future rich in innovation across various sectors, including science, business, finance, and engineering. This year's achievements at the IMO not only reflect the individual brilliance of the students but also the collective effort in building a solid mathematical foundation across South Africa. With the momentum gained from this success, SAMF's future initiatives will be crucial in sustaining and amplifying this talent pool, offering excellent prospects for the continued advancement of mathematics in the region.
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
The Open 2025: Scottie Scheffler's revelation, the Scot being backed and Tom McKibbin
The latest from Royal Portrush ahead of The Open Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Our golf correspondent reports from the media centre and also digs out some stories behind the scenes at Royal Portrush. Family comes first for world No 1 Scottie Scheffler Scottie Scheffler is riding high at the top of the world rankings on the back of an incredible three-year spell, but he'll always put wife Meredith and son Bennett first. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'My responsibility is to my family and that's where my priorities lie,' declared the American. 'I love being able to come out here and compete, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not.' World No 1 Scottie Scheffler speaks to the media during a press conference prior to The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush |Scheffler was responding to a question about playing more of an international schedule, having been limited so far to Genesis Scottish Open appearances. 'Yeah, I'd love to be able to travel the world and play golf. There's a time and a place for that, and right now, with the way my life is, it's not really the time or the place,' he said. Connor Graham has been heavily backed to finish as the leading amateur at Royal Portrush | The R&A Punters fancy Connor Graham to be top amateur Punters have been piling on Blairgowrie teenager Connor Graham to claim the Silver Medal for leading amateur. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Oddschecker, an odds comparison website, revealed on Tuesday that 51 per cent of all the bets for top amateur have been placed on the 18-year-old. Graham is 11/2 in the betting market for the coveted prize claimed last year at Royal Troon by Nairn's Calum Scott. Cameron Adam, the second Scottish amateur in the field, is a 7-1 shot. As for their hopes of pulling off a Claret Jug win, Graham is listed at 2000-1 while Adam is 2500-1. Northern Irish trio Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin pictured during a practice round together at Royal Portrush on Tuesday | AFP via Getty Images Local hero Tom McKibbin has 'all the tools to succeed' Rory McIlroy may be the centre of attention for the home fans but Tom McKibbin, his Holywood clubmate, could give them something to shout about as well this week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I don't know what it is about Northern Ireland, but they have two of the most beautiful golf swings ever produced in golf,' said Jon Rahm of McIlroy and McKibbin. McKibbin joined Rahm's Legion XIII team in the LIV Golf League this season and has now been part in three title triumphs, the latest coming on Sunday at Valderrama. 'He's a fantastic golfer in general,' added Rahm of the 25-year-old. 'He's got all the tools he needs to succeed in this game, and so far in his early career, he's done so.' The Open is the best value for fans among the four majors in terms of the cost of tickets, according to Betway | AFP via Getty Images It's official! The Open offers best ticket value The Open offers the best value for golf fans in terms of the cost of tickets out of the four men's majors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bookmakers Betway - - compared the total four-day tickets prices for the game's biggest events in 2025 and it delivered some good news for the Claret Jug joust.
Otago Daily Times
14-07-2025
- Science
- Otago Daily Times
Scientist's contributions recognised
Sue Grimmond has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. PHOTO SUPPLIED A leading environmental scientist and University of Otago graduate has been elected to one of the world's most distinguished scientific bodies. University of Reading atmospheric and oceanic sciences Prof Sue Grimmond has been named a Fellow of the Royal Society, for her pioneering research on the interactions between urban environments and the atmosphere, which has significantly advanced the field of urban climatology. She is one of just 90 outstanding researchers from across the world, elected to join the Royal Society — the United Kingdom's national academy of sciences — as recognition for their substantial contributions to the advancement of natural knowledge. Prof Grimmond was humbled by the recognition, but also "very honoured". "It reflects the enormous contributions from my research group and everyone I have collaborated with during my career, and who have supported and inspired this work." After studying physical geography and graduating with a Bachelor of Sciences degree at the University of Otago in 1980, she completed her Master of Sciences and PhD in climatology and hydrology at the University of British Columbia, in Canada, where she studied the movement of water vapour in towns and cities. She then worked at Indiana University, in the United States, and King's College, in London, before joining the University of Reading in 2013. At Reading, she holds the position of Met Office joint chair, building links between academic research and weather forecasters. Prof Grimmond is the author of more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on urban climate, land-surface modelling and hydroclimatology, and she has pioneered understanding about the exchange of heat and moisture between the atmosphere and urban surfaces, such as buildings and roads. As well as leading research projects, she has served as president of the International Association for Urban Climate, she was awarded a European Meteorological Society (EMS) Silver Medal in 2024 for her work in urban meteorology, and was the first female recipient of the Symons Gold Medal in 2020 for her outstanding work in urban climatology.
