Latest news with #WorcestershireCounty
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-cricketer walking 523 miles to raise money for charity
Olivia Robinson, who is walking from Land's End to John O'Groats (Image: Supplied) A former cricketer is lacing up for a journey that goes far beyond the pitch. Olivia Robinson, a 36-year-old ex-Worcestershire County cricketer, is walking from Land's End to John O'Groats. She is on a mission to raise £20,000 for the cricket charity Chance to Shine by visiting and playing at cricket clubs along the route. Advertisement Ms Robinson will hit the halfway point on her journey while stopping to play cricket in Lancashire. Ms Robinson began her walk on June 5 (Image: Supplied) Ms Robinson, from Perth, Australia, said: "I've walked through six counties and stayed at 36 clubs, Ramsbottom will be number 37... that's my favourite number. "And I've walked 523 miles so far." As she travels, she is stopping at clubs to promote the sport to young people. Her Lancashire stops this week include Springhead, Ramsbottom, and Burnley cricket clubs. The walk is personal for Ms Robinson, who spent 10 years battling severe anorexia and mental health struggles. Advertisement She credits the cricketing community and her love of art with helping her recover. During her journey, she plans to reflect on her experiences and hopes to use what she learns to inspire others — while also painting scenes along the route. Ms Robinson said: "All I have to worry about is putting one foot in front of the other, fuelling myself, staying safe and not getting lost. "I'm looking forward to the simplicity of it all." READ MORE: She began her walk on June 5 and expects to arrive in John O'Groats at the end of August. A spokesperson for Chance to Shine, said: "We're so grateful to Olivia for taking on a challenge to support the work of Chance to Shine, who deliver cricket to children and young people across the country, particularly in under-served areas. Advertisement "The funds Liv raises will support the continued delivery of cricket for young people in schools and at our Street clubs. "We help support the personal development of the approximately 600,000 young people we work with each year – promoting their mental, physical, and social wellbeing. "Thanks to Liv's incredible challenge, more young people will benefit from the opportunities that playing cricket offers."
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Complex discussions over who runs Worcestershire County Council
Complex discussions over who runs council - Reform 11 minutes ago Share Save Phil Wilkinson Jones Local Democracy Reporting Service, Worcestershire Share Save BBC Reform won 27 seats on the county council after last week's elections "Complex" discussions are taking place to determine who will control Worcestershire County Council, Reform UK has said. The Conservatives lost control of the council at last week's election, but no single party won the 29 seats needed for a majority, leaving the local authority in no overall control. Reform is the biggest party on the council now with 27 seats. Alan Amos, who won the Bedwardine seat for the party, said: "These are the most complex set of discussions I've seen. I've seen people having conversations who I've never seen talking to each other before." He said his party wanted a stable majority "as you have to be able to plan ahead in order to get things done". "Nobody knows what's happening yet. There are furious and desperate attempts to form an anti-Reform coalition that haven't been successful," he added. It would make sense for the other parties "to admit they won the election to give them the chance to run the council", he said. The Tories lost 33 councillors in the latest elections, but remain the second largest party Matt Jenkins, who won re-election in St Stephen, said he would continue as the leader of the Green and Independent Alliance at county hall. Alan Bailes, the new independent councillor for Alvechurch, has joined the group, which already includes Tom Wells, the long-serving independent councillor for Powick & Longdon. "Our group is up to 10 now, so we have more clout. The independents are still independent, but we work together on motions and ideas," Jenkins said. "We are in discussion with other groups. Reform are very close to the magic number of 29 and we expect them to try to form a minority administration. "We have full council on 22 May and don't want to be in a rush, but discussions are still ongoing." Adam Kent, former cabinet member for economy and skills, has been elected as the new Conservative group leader having held his seat in Wythall. The group is much-diminished with 12 councillors, having had 45 following the elections in 2021. Kent said he was awaiting the results of other parties' leadership elections. "Once group leaders are in place, we'll be able to have more constructive discussions," he said. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
