Latest news with #lifetimeachievement
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
TOM UTLEY: I like an honest pint, the Isle of Wight and Tim Henman. Am I next for a Lifetime Achievement Award in Dullness?
Raise a glass with me today to the great Peter Hansen, 85, the worthy winner of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award presented by The Dull Man's Podcast for that most admirable and underrated of qualities, dullness. I confess I had never heard of him until the other day, but then I suppose this was only to be expected of the winner of such an award. It turns out that he is the inventor of the unpleasant, sulphurous smell they add to otherwise odourless natural gas so as to alert us to leaks – a dullish invention, I grant you, but one that must surely have saved countless lives. As it happens, I may well owe my own life to Mr Hansen, although I didn't know this at the time of an unfortunate incident in our kitchen many years ago. I had hired a monoglot Slovakian painter and decorator, Marek, who in the course of his work hammered a nail into a gas pipe behind the skirting board. We might have known nothing about it if it hadn't been for Mr Hansen's revolting smell, which quicky filled the room. As I rushed around, frantically throwing open all the windows before searching in the cluttered cupboard under the stairs for the valve to turn off the gas at the main, Marek just stood there, squinting at his Slovak-English phrasebook and repeating over and over again: 'Vorterpitter, vorterpitter.' When at last I'd located and closed the valve, I asked him to show me his phrasebook, so that I could work out what on earth he'd been trying to say. He jabbed a paint-stained finger at the words: 'What a pity!' But back to Mr Hansen and that award, which he accepted with great good humour, self-deprecation and courtesy – three laudable attributes that, in my experience, often go hand-in-hand with dullness. 'I couldn't be more proud,' he said. Comparing the smell of his gas-additive to that of 'bad eggs' and 'flatulence', he said: 'I had to look for the nastiest smell I could think of. That was the choice. I can't describe the smell. It's just horrible.' He had made hardly any money out of his invention, he explained, because he was in his 30s at the time and 'I wasn't very business wise'. 'But I had the kudos that I delivered the smell and that was enough for me.' Before I go an inch further, I must warn any readers who suspect I may have my tongue in my cheek when I write in praise of dullness that they couldn't be more wrong. Indeed, I agree heartily with Albert Einstein when he declared: 'A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.' I will merely observe that this world might be a degree or two safer today if only Albert and his fellow physicists had embraced dullness to the full, instead of devoting their lives to developing exciting new theories about nuclear fission. As for myself, I like to think I've been the very embodiment of dullness since my early teens. At school, I was never one of the cool kids who worshipped Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and the Stones. Though I wouldn't have dared tell my classmates, I much preferred Cliff Richard, Dusty Springfield and Val Doonican. While the in-crowd bought their casual clothes in Carnaby Street, mine came from Marks and Sparks. These days, I've graduated to John Lewis for most of them. At my posh school and university, the cool brigade also liked (or at least professed to like) the beat poet Allen Ginsberg, artists such as Mondrian and Kandinsky and the novels of James Joyce and Jean-Paul Sartre. I infinitely preferred John Betjeman, Gainsborough and Millais, PG Wodehouse and good old Jane Austen, whose books I have read again and again ever since, with never diminishing pleasure. As for my other tastes, you can keep your fancy cocktails, your haute cuisine and exotic foreign holidays on faraway islands I've never heard of. Give me an honest pint, a steak and chips – and, for choice, a holiday cottage in the British Isles. This year, we're off to the good old, dull old Isle of Wight. In the world of work, meanwhile, I flatter myself that I've devoted almost 50 years to expressing heroically dull opinions in print – dull and desperately old-fashioned, anyway, in the view of many of my sons' generation. You should see how my boys roll their eyes, for example, when I write that it's simply absurd for any individual to insist on being referred to by the plural pronouns 'they' and 'them'. They yawn when I express my fear that today's teachers and university lecturers brainwash their students with a crassly distorted, Left-wing view of our islands' history, which paints almost everything about our past as pure evil. Does it never occur to them that Britain has damn sight more to be proud of than almost any other country on the planet? Why else do they think the UK is the number one destination of choice for so many migrants fleeing the world's hell-holes (far too many for our own welfare and social cohesion, in my dull, old-fashioned view)? As for celebrating dullness for its own sake, I've written columns in praise of Britain's suburbs as the ideal places to live. I've described, ad nauseam, my love of crossword puzzles and afternoon telly, and my dislike of fashionable phrases such as 'reaching out', 'can I get?' and 'going forward' when it's used to mean 'in future'. I've confessed in print how I've begun to irritate even the patient Mrs U, by scowling 'don't mention it' every single time another driver fails to thank me for pulling over to let him pass on a narrow road. Once, I even wrote a piece extolling Tim Henman! Enough said. True, dullness on its own isn't always a desirable quality. For instance, you have only to think of John Major, Theresa May and our present walking disaster, Keir Starmer, to realise that a Prime Minister needs something rather more. A functioning brain, for starters, and perhaps the guts to stand up for common sense against those who would bankrupt us all. But I must stop now, before I bore you all to tears. I have an appointment with my regular crew of old codgers at the pub, where we'll swap ancient jokes we've all heard a million times before, and tell each other how much better life was in the old days, before the entire world went mad. Never let it be said that we don't dare to be dull! Oh, but before I go, I suddenly remember that in the course of almost 50 years of rambling in print, I've told that story about Marek the decorator on more than one occasion. Is it too much to hope that this will boost my chances of a future award for dullness?
BBC News
24-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Gloucestershire man who invented gas smell wins 'dull' award
An 85-year-old scientist who invented the smell that is added to natural gas has received a lifetime achievement engineer Peter Hansen was asked by a company to produce a smell to add to gas, which is otherwise scent he created was added at Milford Haven refineries and means that people can "smell" gas has now received the inaugural lifetime achievement award from The Dull Man's Podcast, which is produced by a team from Gloucestershire. "I had to look for the nastiest smell I could think of," Mr Hansen said. "That was the choice. I can't describe the smell, it's just horrible."Demitris Deech, from the podcast, who interviewed Mr Hansen in one episode, said: "Peter was very popular and then we had some feedback asking, 'Has he won an award? Has he got an MBE? Has he been knighted? Has he got a Nobel Prize?'"None of that – and so we thought we'll invent a prize for him, which is The Dull Man's Podcast award."Mr Hansen said: "I have discussed my award with my family and I was surprised a lot of people don't realise that natural gas is odourless." Mr Hansen said that, in the 1970s, he had a phone call from a "gentleman in Newport", in south Wales, asking him to develop a smell for a natural gas company."Natural gas had just entered the country," Mr Hansen said."The pipeline was being built across to Newport steel works and up towards the Midlands to be distributed across the country."They were looking for a smell they could inject into the gas. They were serious and it was important and urgent."After sending the gas company samples of his smell substance from his own new business, Mr Hansen faced another problem."The problem was they wanted 40,000 litres delivered in two months," he said."I was a fresh new company, that would take me a year to produce."For a while, he went into production with a friend from Bristol – but his friend's company went bust so he decided to sell the formula to the gas company."Because I was in my 30s, I wasn't very business wise," Mr Hansen said. "I should have tied something up in writing but it was all done on trust."But I had the kudos that I delivered the smell and that was enough for me."
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Wiltshire Police dog handler recognised for 50 years of service
A retiring police dog handler says he feels "a whole mix of emotions" after receiving a national award for 50 years of Unit manager Ian Partington, who joined Merseyside Police in 1975 and then Wiltshire Police in 1998, worked with the specialist dog section for 33 years whilst holding the ranks of sergeant and then has been given a National Police Chiefs' Council Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to Partington said he had a feeling of "great pride, but also one of humility as well". In 1986, the officer was promoted to sergeant, then six years later began working in the Merseyside Dog Section. His job has seen him deployed to numerous high-risk situations, including an IRA bomb threat at the Grand National in Partington transferred to Wiltshire Police as the Dog Section Sergeant and remained in the dog section as a handler with all types of police also took on the role of the force dog trainer whilst in the ranks of both sergeant and inspector. He retired as a police officer in 2006 and became the dog section trainer. "Anybody who's had dogs; pets or working dogs, you can't separate them but your first dog is always incredibly special and your first job with that dog is incredibly special," Mr Partington told BBC Radio first dog he received was a rescued German Shepherd called Zack."He was really quite young when I got him. I didn't really know what I was doing. Made an awful lot of mistakes and he taught me an awful lot," he said."I've been incredibly fortunate, I've been blessed with my working life. I've had some wonderful opportunities, I've worked with some fantastic people," he added. Supt Steve Cox, who recommended Mr Partington for the award, said, "Ian takes immense pride that he has passed and continues to pass on his years of knowledge and skills, and nothing gives him more pleasure than seeing his handlers having successful deployments, winning awards at trials, and quite simply watching them develop and improve."Ian is an amazing person; he is passionate and hard-working, and to this date, he continues to deliver his role to the highest standards."
BreakingNews.ie
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Rod Stewart ‘flabbergasted' to receive lifetime achievement award from children
Rod Stewart said he was 'absolutely flabbergasted' to be presented with a prestigious lifetime achievement award by his children. Stewart (80) performed his hit Forever Young after being presented with the trophy at the American Music Awards (AMAs). Advertisement The father-of-eight was introduced to the stage by five of his grown-up children. He told the screaming audience: 'I'm absolutely flabbergasted. I didn't know they were here – my children.' Rod Stewart performs after accepting the lifetime achievement award at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas. Photo: AFP via Getty Thanking all the musicians he has played with over the years, he added that when he was young: 'I had this burning ambition to sing. 'That's all I wanted to do. I didn't want to be rich or famous. And here I am a few years later, picking up this wonderful award.' Advertisement Other winners at Monday night's AMAs included Billie Eilish, who won Artist of the Year, and Eminem, who was named Favourite Male Hip Hop Artist. Eilish swept two major categories, winning Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft and Song of the Year for Birds of a Feather. She also earned accolades for Favourite Pop Song, Favourite Touring Artist and Favourite Pop Album. Gracie Abrams was crowned Best New Artist, while Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars took home Collaboration of the Year and Favourite Music Video for Die With A Smile. Advertisement Post Malone and Beyonce were named Favourite Male and Female Country Artists, respectively. Stewart, who is also known for songs including Da Ya Think I'm Sexy? and Maggie May, is due to play the coveted Sunday teatime legends slot at Glastonbury next month. In 2024, he promised he would not retire but confirmed his 2025 European and North American shows would bring an end to his 'large-scale world tours', with his next slate to be held at more intimate venues. Stewart is set to continue the North American leg of his tour in July. Advertisement Entertainment Rod Stewart denies 'rift' with Penny Lancaster: We... Read More The 80-year-old's latest album, a collaboration with Jools Holland, was released in February 2024. Wife Penny Lancaster, who married the rocker in 2007, posted on her Instagram stories that she was 'so proud' of her husband's lifetime achievement award. The couple share two children, while Stewart also has six other children, including socialite Kimberly Stewart, model Ruby Stewart and reality star and musician Sean Stewart, from previous relationships.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Princesses, PMs & stars all captured by Sun's Arthur Edwards as he receives gong
OUR BRILLIANT ARTHUR Find out how a lorry driver's son ended up travelling to 120 countries to become the Royals' favourite snapper Mike Ridley , Sun feature writer Published : 0:01, 23 May 2025 IN the world of press photography there are legends – and then there is Arthur Edwards. Our royal photographer has been on The Sun's staff for 50 years, and in that time he has become a household name for his brilliant pictures. 15 Sun snapper Arthur Edward with the press pack on the day PM Margaret Thatcher quit in 1990 Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd And to mark his incredible career, Arthur, who is still working at the age of 84, was last night presented with the well-deserved Lifetime Achievement prize at the annual Press Awards. He received the honour for a feat in national newspaper history that is unlikely ever to be repeated. In half a century working for Britain's favourite newspaper, lorry driver's son Arthur has visited 120 countries to take photos – not only of the royals, but also many of the world's best-known faces. Today he shares some of his favourite pictures – a tiny fraction of the thousands he has taken for readers of The Sun since he joined the staff in December 1974. Lady Diana Spencer, 1981 Probably my most famous Diana picture came about because I knew that the girl who would marry Prince Charles was a nursery assistant. But I didn't know where she worked, so I went to three pre-schools in West London before I came across the Young England Kindergarten in Pimlico. 15 With a bit of luck and sunlight, Arthur Edwards captured his most iconic photo of Diana at a Pimlico nursery Credit: The Sun I knocked on the door and asked the principal: 'Does Lady Diana Spencer work here?' When she said yes, I asked if Diana would pose for a photograph for The Sun. Diana agreed, but she wanted to have two of the children with her. Suddenly the sun came out. With the help of God's light, an ordinary photo became a fabulous picture. Margaret Thatcher and her cat, 1978 I was sent to Flood Street in Chelsea , where Mrs Thatcher lived when she was leader of the Opposition. Prince Harry & Meghan make money trashing the Royals - why should we pay for his security? | Royal Exclusive Show It was the Sunday before the 1978 Tory Conference and The Sun's Editor asked if I could get a picture of Mrs T writing her speech. 15 She was known as 'Thatcher the Milk Snatcher', but the Iron Lady showed her soft side in 1978 – as Arthur snapped her sharing a quiet moment and a saucer of milk with a cat Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun She looked so young back then and happily posed for a photo. But when she was seeing me off later, a cat jumped up on the wall. I saw the soft side of our future Prime Minister – who would become known as the Iron Lady – when she almost purred: 'Kitty, you want your milk.' Despite being nicknamed Thatcher the Milk Snatcher when she was Education Secretary and ended free school milk for children, she happily poured some into a saucer for the cat. It made a couple of brilliant pictures. David Beckham getting his OBE, 2003 I have photographed David many times, and he has always been a superstar. Nothing is too much trouble for him. 15 David Beckham kisses Victoria on the nose after getting his OBE in 2003 – a sweet moment captured when she refused to smile for the camera Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun When he received his OBE from the late Queen, I asked his wife Victoria to smile. But she never does, and she looked at me as if I was asking her for a thousand pounds. So David just kissed her on the nose, which I thought was lovely, and it made a great picture. Sir Paul McCartney, 2001 He was promoting some scarves that his wife Linda had designed. But the photo call at Kew Gardens was so chaotic that he walked away. 15 Sir Paul McCartney pulls a lemon from his pocket and poses with a smile in 2001 – telling Arthur, 'Call me Macca' Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun Back then, The Sun was starting to print colour pages, and I was desperate for a bright photo that would get into the paper. So I waited outside the main pavilion until he came out, and I said: 'Excuse me, Sir Paul.' He replied: 'Call me Macca.' When he realised what I wanted, he pulled a lemon out of his pocket and posed happily for this very colourful picture. Donald Trump, 2016 During his first campaign for the US presidency in 2016, he was at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland. I tried to get a photo that was different, so I took him with a copy of that day's Sun. 15 Donald Trump at Turnberry in 2016 – Arthur secretly thought he didn't have a prayer of winning the presidency… how wrong can you be? Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun I asked him to take his hat off but he said no, adding that his hair wasn't good, and he would not do it. On the plane home, I said to my colleague, The Sun's Chief Feature Writer Oliver Harvey: 'I don't think he's got a prayer in the election.' How wrong can you be? Prince Charles and Ronald Reagan, 1981 I was in Wellington, New Zealand, at the start of a world tour with Prince Charles when we heard the shocking news that US President Ronald Reagan had been shot. The royal tour was due to end in Washington DC, and after the assassination attempt, we assumed that leg would be cancelled. 15 Charles joked about the persistence of the British press, after the snapper asked President Regan to stand for a shot - despite a recent assassination attempt Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun But by the time we had visited Australia and Hawaii, President Reagan had recovered, and his first official meeting was with the prince at the White House. They were sitting by the fireplace and I asked them both to stand up. Reagan, who was still frail, could not believe what I'd asked. But Charles stood up and said: 'The British press – they are so persistent.' Prince Philip, the Queen and Zara Phillips in carriage, 1984 Every year Philip competed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The Queen and their granddaughter Zara are on his carriage. 15 Prince Philip competes at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1984, with the Queen and granddaughter Zara Phillips cheering from his carriage Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun Philip's biggest fan was his wife, who suffered every fault and every mistake he made – but when he won, she always cheered the loudest. Harry and the hand mark, 2015 This is the moment he got his revenge on me for revealing during New Zealand's breakfast TV that he was losing his hair. 15 Harry takes his revenge for Arthur revealing the prince's thinning crown Credit: PA:Press Association 15 Harry's purple handed artwork We were visiting a youth club where the youngsters asked him to do a hand print on the wall in purple paint. He did – then placed his hand firmly on my head. Prince Charles with Tom Jones and Lionel Richie, 2019 I seem to have been taking pictures of Tom Jones all my life, from his early days in Wales to last year's D-Day celebrations in Normandy. Although he is quite old now, like Elvis, Sir Tom has never lost that fabulous voice. 15 Prince Charles with his great friend Tom Jones and Lionel Richie in Barbados, 2019 - a rare snapshot of music legends and royalty together Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Lionel Richie is a great friend of the now King Charles. I photographed him at the Coronation concert at Windsor Castle, but I love this picture of the three of them, which I took in Barbados. Brian May on Buckingham Palace roof, 2002 Queen guitarist playing the National Anthem on the palace roof to open Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee concert. Genius. Not many people bothered to photograph it because there was a star-studded line-up to come, including Cliff Richard, Ozzy Osbourne and Paul McCartney. 15 Brian May rocks Buckingham Palace roof, 2002, playing the National Anthem to kick off the Golden Jubilee concert - a shot that led to friendship and tea with the Queen guitarist Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun Afterwards, Brian asked if he could use my picture of him finishing in triumph – playing the guitar that his dad had made for him – on his social media. Naturally I said yes, because he had done such a brilliant job under immense pressure. Later, Brian invited me to tea and we became quite good friends. Tony and Cherie Blair, 2005 I went along to Downing Street with our political editor Trevor Kavanagh who was interviewing the Prime Minister in the beautiful garden. 15 Cherie Blair asked for a photo with Tony — Arthur said, 'Give him a hug' His wife Cherie asked if they could have a picture together? I said 'give him a hug'. They loved the photo so much the Blairs gave a signed copy to every visitor to No10. I've got a signed copy of it at home. Mother Teresa, 1980 Prince Charles went to visit Mother Teresa in Calcutta and pray with her, which of course we couldn't photograph. 15 Of all his rich and famoous subjects, Arthur says Mother Theresa was the most humble, compassionate person But I photographed her these orphans who had been abandoned on the streets and this wonderful woman, who is now a saint, took them in. Of all the famous people I've photographed, she was the most humble, compassionate person. I am so lucky to have met her. Princess Anne and Gorbachev, 1980 I have been to the Kremlin a few times, including once when I photographer Diana Ross there. 15 Princess Anne meets President Gorbachev at the Kremlin in 1980 This time I went with Princess Anne who visited the USSR space centre before meeting President Gorbachev.
