Latest news with #Whittle
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Stop your nonsense! Dithering BBC told to agree deal to televise Glasgow 2026 or else it will have damaging ramifications for the Commonwealth Games and beyond
The BBC have been warned to 'stop their nonsense' - and secure a deal to televise the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Every Games since 1954 has been screened for UK viewers by the national broadcaster, but the corporation's role in next year's event is in doubt following news that a deal has not yet been struck. Mail Sport understands that, although talks are ongoing with different parties, the BBC are reluctant to proceed despite their long history with the Games. Former Scottish track star Brian Whittle, now a Conservative MSP, says if the BBC don't show the Games it will be 'another nail in the coffin' for sport in Scotland - and he is urging the UK Government to step in should the broadcaster not agree terms. 'They absolutely should be showing the Games,' he said. 'If I was to hazard a guess, I'd say this was the curse of the 'dancing around the handbags to do a deal'. 'The driving force behind this is probably the logistics and the money side of things and the amount of money it costs to host one of these things.' Whittle fears the future of the Games will be in jeopardy if the BBC are not involved. 'As we currently stand, the reason the Games are in Scotland is because the Games are struggling, and were struggling to become financially viable in Australia. So it's really important, even if it is a reduced (event), that this is successful and is seen by as many people and validated by as many organisatons as possible. 'If the host nation's broadcaster decided it wasn't big enough, how on earth can (other) countries be persuaded to host the Games? 'It's crucial that the BBC stop this nonsense.' Whittle competed in three Games during his athletics' career, winning silver in the 4x400m in 1990. He said it was 'massively important' as an athlete for the Games to be shown on television, and to obtain exposure to a much bigger audience. 'The 1986 Commonwealth Games (in Edinburgh) was my first major outdoor Games,' he said. 'It brought me to the homes of people across the country, and then two weeks later I won the European championship. 'As a home nation, you get to wear the Scotland vest, and it's a stepping stone to a much bigger arena. 'I was a fledgling UK athlete at the time, but it was about being able to compete alongside contemporaries and be seen. The Commonwealth Games is unbelievably important to our home athletes.' Asked if he felt there should be cross-party support for the BBC to remain the host broadcaster, Whittle said: 'Yes, definitely'. 'I think there would be cross-party support for this and, if there's political pressure to be put on the BBC, it should be done. 'I will be doing exactly that and speaking to the BBC and asking what they're playing at. 'I know outside broadcasters have already been subcontracted, so I just don't believe it. I do think it's a dancing around the handbags thing. 'It's vital that they keep the association with the Games. More and more key sports are not hosted on the BBC any more. It's really important, especially in a home Games, that the BBC are the host broadcaster. 'The ramifications - if it didn't happen - would be a massive blow to sport in this country, because these major Games are a shop window for physical activity and sport. If a big swathe of the population doesn't have access to that, the inevitability is that less people will see world class sport at that level, less kids will be enthused by that. 'My worry is that there is this continual decline in participation, in physical education, fitness, health, in sport, and that would just be another nail in the coffin.' The Department for Media, Sport and Culture told Mail Sport that the BBC's failure to commit so far is a matter for 'Commonwealth Sport and Glasgow 2026'. But a spokesperson added: 'The Commonwealth Games is an amazing sporting event, and the Government is keen that Glasgow 2026 provides another great opportunity to inspire millions by bringing elite sport into our living rooms.' Glasgow stepped in to save the day with a 'revamped' Games after Australia pulled out of the event in 2023, due to a significant rise in costs. The Games' future was immediately put in doubt, but a decision was agreed for Glasgow to host the competition on a scaled-down basis, with financial help from Commonwealth Games Australian, and the Commonwealth Games Federation. Organisers have made clear that no public money will be used to host the Games in Scotland, although the UK government will provide financial support should there be an increased security threat. The revised edition will feature ten sports and six para-sports, across four different venues - after securing £100m from the Australians to host. Though massively reduced in size, it's a model that organisers hope can be used in further iterations, so that a long-term future is secured.
Business Wire
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Spanish Mountain Gold Announces Completion of Shares For Debt
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (the "Company" or "Spanish Mountain Gold") (TSX-V: SPA) (FSE: S3Y) (OTCQB: SPAUF) is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's news release on July 4, 2025, the Company has completed a shares for debt transaction with Whittle Consulting Ltd., an arm's length creditor of the Company ('Whittle') to settle an aggregate of $379,720 in outstanding debt (the 'Debt'). In settlement of the Debt, the Company has (i) paid Whittle $14,320, in cash, and (ii) issued 2,110,919 common shares in the capital of the Company (the 'Shares') as directed by Whittle at a price of $0.1731 per Share (the 'Debt Settlement'). The Debt Settlement extinguishes the Debt owed to Whittle for past services to the Company. Closing of the Debt Settlement was subject to a number of customary closing conditions, including, but not limited to, approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. The Shares are subject to a statutory four month plus a day hold period in accordance with applicable securities legislation. About Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Spanish Mountain Gold Project (Project) towards construction of the next gold mine in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia. The Company will publish, within 45 days of the July 3, 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) news release, a new NI 43-101 Technical Report setting out the new executable vision to advance the Project. This new NI 43-101 Technical Report, with a de-risked and optimized PEA with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), will supersede the prior technical report of the Company. Upon receipt of the new PEA and updated MRE, the Company will decide the next steps to advance the Project to position the Company to make a construction decision in or before 2027. We are striving to be a leader in community and Indigenous relations by leveraging technology and innovation to build the 'greenest' gold mine in Canada. The Relentless Pursuit for Better Gold means seeking new ways to achieve optimal financial outcomes that are safer, minimize environmental impact and create meaningful sustainability for communities. Details of the Company are available on and on the Company's website: On Behalf of the Board, 'Peter Mah' President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information. The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to information with respect to, the potential to extend mineralization within the near-surface environment; the potential to expand resources and to find higher-grade mineralization at depth; the timing, size and budget of a winter drill program, and the results thereof; and the delivery of a maiden resource for the Phoenix Target, and the timing and results thereof. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
West Australian
10-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Albany's Volunteer State Emergency Services local manager Nathan Anderson steps down after dedicated service
Albany's Volunteer State Emergency Service has a new local manager after Nathan Anderson stepped down at the end of last month. Ben Whittle owns a metal fabrication business and has been a volunteer for 11 years and has stepped up to the top job. He paid tribute to his predecessor who had been in the role for 2½ years. 'Nathan is one of those guys who will do anything for you, and he has kept the unit running well,' he said. 'He just has other commitments with his time, but he is still part of the unit, he's still hanging around.' Mr Whittle said he wanted to move on from his role in operations and he was ready for a new challenge. 'I wanted to step up in the ranks and keep the unit running smoothly,' he said. He said he was hoping to attract younger volunteers with Facebook and TikTok campaigns. 'The young fellas have got TikTok up and running so we can hopefully be better at using social media as a recruitment tool and increase awareness of what we do,' he said. Mr Whittle said he volunteered because he wanted to give something back to the community. 'When you do a stretcher-assist with St John WA or rescue people in all weathers, it's great to see the gratitude of the people you have helped out,' he said. In May this year he won the top award at the Great Southern's Volunteer of the Year Awards with a range of community organisations and individuals recognised on the night. His new deputy manager is Gavin Murdock, who has moved into the role after being a section leader.
South Wales Argus
09-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly council leader survives no-confidence vote
Cllr Sean Morgan 'ignored the request of the majority of councillors' when his cabinet agreed the closures in May, Plaid Cymru group leader Cllr Lindsay Whittle alleged. Members of a scrutiny committee had earlier recommended the closures be deferred so community groups could explore taking over the at-risk sites. Some 13 Plaid or independent members also signed Cllr Whittle's notice of motion, which called on Cllr Morgan to resign, at a meeting held on Tuesday July 1. But the ensuing debate became a sorry state of affairs, frequently derailed by party political squabbling and heckling. Caerphilly woman denies sexually touching 15-year-old boy Serial shoplifter banned from supermarket strikes again Man banned from keeping mammals after dog lost its eye No sooner had the signatories started to air their grievances than Labour backbenchers launched a seemingly prepared counter-attack, singling out councillors to request their views on the council's performance on a wide range of issues from brownfield site redevelopment to the Welsh language. Cllr Colin Gordon, the presiding member, at first sympathised with the perplexed Plaid contingent, and said it was 'quite correct' these Labour questions had little to do with the matter at hand. But he then allowed them, despite protests from those being questioned, because he said a Plaid councillor had 'opened the door' to a wider debate by first raising the council's handling of Blackwood Miners' Institute. The descent into 'whataboutism' meant discussions of the leader's handling of the library closures were often sidetracked and, indeed, there were several periods when Cllr Morgan was hardly mentioned – during a debate which was supposedly all about his leadership. Attempting to keep a lid on the meeting, which regularly resembled an unruly classroom, was Cllr Gordon. But even he became embroiled in several back-and-forths, and at one point warned Cllr Whittle he would be asked to leave the council chamber if he continued 'interfering'. Cllr Nigel Dix, who leads the independent group but did not sign the notice of motion, called the theatrical scenes 'a comedy of errors', adding: 'I've seen better acting on Crossroads.' The chamber did fall silent to hear from Cllr Brenda Miles, whose status in the Labour group has been uncertain since she challenged the leader over the libraries in an email she sent to all councillors. Cllr Miles, who did not sign the notice of motion, said she wanted to 'put the record straight' following several other councillors' references to her. 'My status on the council at the moment is that I am not a member of the Labour group… but I am a member of the Labour Party', she explained, adding she was facing 'disciplinary action'. It was Cllr Miles who proposed deferring the library closures during May's scrutiny meeting. She called the library issue a 'legitimate debate to have' but said councillors 'should be focusing on the scrutiny process' and whether it was operating correctly as a 'critical friend to cabinet'. Other councillors on both sides of the no-confidence row did at times stay on track. Critics who signed the notice of motion included Plaid's Cllr Gary Enright, who said the council's leadership left him 'unenthused and uninspired', and Cllr John Roberts – also Plaid – who claimed the library closures made some communities feel like 'second-division wards' of the county borough. Defenders of the leader included Labour's Cllr Arianna Leonard – who said Cllr Morgan does the top job 'sincerely, creatively and responsibly' – and cabinet member Cllr Shayne Cook, who said he was 'proud' of the administration's record on housing. Cllr Morgan, responding to the notice of motion, said it 'certainly feels like a personal attack from the opposition, rather than one based on reason'. He said the consultation on libraries may have found stiff opposition to the closures from their core users, but in making decisions the council – which has to save millions of pounds over the next three years – 'must still consider the needs of the vast majority of residents who do not use a library'. He also accused Plaid of 'hypocrisy' over the issue, and told the meeting that a previous Plaid administration closed Aberbargoed Library in 2011 despite '80% of the scrutiny committee voting to keep the library open'. Cllr Whittle rejected the leader's claim of a personal attack, replying the no-confidence vote was 'purely on the issue of the libraries'. He added being council leader was a 'tough job' and said he himself had faced a Labour vote of no-confidence during his own time in the position. The council voted 37-21 against the motion of no confidence, with no abstentions.
Perth Now
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Perth's live music scene is under attack from grumpy NIMBYS
People who move close to live music venues should not be allowed to immediately complain about the noise and have them shut down, says the man charged with revitalising Perth's music scene. Instead, the State Government could step in with better planning and environmental regulations to stop infill development from making Perth's live music venues unsustainable. That is the view of West Australian Music chief executive Owen Whittle, a former Unions WA boss who took the top job at WAM last year with a vision of better advocating for an industry that is flourishing artistically but struggling financially. Mr Whitte told The West Australian the companies building new residential or hotel developments close to existing live music venues should be forced to do more to minimise the noise inside apartments. They should also seek some kind of acknowledgement from new residents that they will be living close to regular loud music to prevent them from immediately trying to shut them down. Mr Whittle would also like to see changes to the way noise measurements are taken so they reflect the noise from inside residential apartments rather than outside, which is often now the case. Spacey Jane at The Rosemount on January 14th, 2025. Credit: Alan Chau / The West Australian 'It (noise complaints) is probably the greatest issue that I'm facing at the moment,' he said. 'Infill in theory should be great for music venues because you're bringing people into the vicinity, but you unfortunately have people who move close and complain about the noise. It's ridiculous and I think they're complaining about the very thing that makes those places where they want to live. 'It's something that across the board is a problem. When we've got a planning system that allows (new builds) to be butting up adjacent to iconic live music venues — someone's dropped the ball there somewhere along the line. It should never have happened.' WAM CEO Owen Whittle at The Rosemount in North Perth. Credit: Jackson Flindell / Jackson Flindell / The West Aust Making it easier for live venues to stay afloat could have a knock-on effect, Mr Whittle suggested, that would make them more profitable, make it easier for bands to make money and help keep a lid on ticket prices for punters already struggling with the cost of living. The rise of music streaming services like Spotify have left musicians increasingly reliant on playing shows and selling merchandise to make money. At the same time, some Perth music venues have been on life support since COVID, thanks to a perfect storm of rising costs, reduced revenue from alcohol as younger people drink less of it and a rising regulatory burden. In Fremantle, several big new builds are stoking fears for some local venues. A new hotel is being built just metres from popular live music venue Freo Social, sparking fears it may be forced to reduce its trading hours — despite being there first. And the proximity of the high-end redevelopment of the Elders Wool Stores to Clancy's Fish Pub has fans of the venue's live music scene similarly nervous. Mr Whittle said he was encouraged by the State Government's recent decision to extent the $1.2 million annual contemporary music fund, which he said would help to bring back WA Music Week in September. The event was shelved last year at a time when WAM itself was facing a shake-up. He said he hoped to prove a solid return on that investment to justify future funding increases.
