West Virginia
Braxton County 36, Lincoln 27
Buffalo 45, Parkersburg Catholic 18
Cameron 54, Hundred 0
Clay-Battelle 36, Valley Fayette 7
East Fairmont 38, Liberty Harrison 26
East Hardy 42, Page County, Va. 6
Fairmont Senior 49, Robert C. Byrd 12
Fayetteville 28, Clay County 0
Gilmer County 55, Beallsville, Ohio 0
Grafton 23, Philip Barbour 0
Graham, Va. 59, Bluefield 54
Herbert Hoover 14, Scott 7
Huntington 49, Brooke 6
Hurricane 28, Winfield 15
Independence 49, Midland Trail 7
James Monroe 34, Greenbrier East 6
Johnson Central, Ky. 23, Capital 6
Keyser 67, Petersburg 15
Martinsburg 56, Eastern, D.C. 14
Millbrook, Va. 42, Jefferson 20
Mingo Central 58, Wyoming East 13
Montcalm 20, Hannan 14
Moorefield 25, Frankfort 14
Morgantown 59, Anacostia, D.C. 0
Mount View 42, River View 6
Musselman 54, Spring Mills 7
Nicholas County 22, Greenbrier West 0
Nitro 9, Poca 6
North Marion 42, Elkins 21
Parkersburg 24, St. Albans 7
Pendleton County 48, Notre Dame 20
Pocahontas County 7, Tucker County 0
Point Pleasant 44, Lincoln County 6
Preston 26, Hampshire 21
Princeton 46, Shady Spring 21
Ripley 14, Parkersburg South 7
Riverside 19, Woodrow Wilson 14
Roane County 42, S. Point, Ohio 22
Shadyside, Ohio 41, Magnolia 14
Sherman 25, Tug Valley 20
Sissonville 22, Chapmanville 15
South Harrison 42, Doddridge County 0
Spring Valley 55, Cabell Midland 26
St. Marys 42, Ritchie County 8
Summers County 47, PikeView 6
Tolsia 26, Wayne 8
University 41, John Marshall 14
Valley Wetzel 44, Tygarts Valley 34
Van 20, Meadow Bridge 6
Wahama 26, Ravenswood 14
Webster County 12, Richwood 6
Weir 41, Oak Glen 0
Westside 44, Liberty Raleigh 0
Wheeling Park 41, Perry Traditional Academy, Pa. 20
Williamstown 25, Tyler Consolidated 14
Willow Wood Symmes Valley, Ohio 32, Paden City 0
Wirt County 33, Calhoun County 6
Ohio
Ada 38, McGuffey Upper Scioto Valley 6
Akr. Coventry 39, Can. South 13
Akr. Ellet 21, Akr. Springfield 14
Akr. Hoban 42, Can. McKinley 14
Akr. SVSM 46, Akr. Firestone 6
Alliance Marlington 35, Poland Seminary 21
Andover Pymatuning Valley 22, Mineral Ridge 18
Anna 28, Arlington 0
Archbold 17, Hicksville 7
Ashland Crestview 27, Galion Northmor 6
Ashtabula Lakeside 26, Ashtabula Edgewood 6
Ashville Teays Valley 31, Williamsport Westfall 24
Athens 41, Vincent Warren 0
Attica Seneca E. 54, Greenwich S. Cent. 20
Avon 21, Strongsville 14
Avon Lake 23, Elyria 21
Baltimore Liberty Union 53, Caldwell 6
Barberton 34, Norton 6
Barnesville 40, Newcomerstown 6
Bascom Hopewell-Loudon 163, Tiffin Calvert 35
Batavia 26, Lees Creek E. Clinton 21
Beaver Eastern 64, Millersport 6
Bedford 68, Berea-Midpark 34
Bellevue 38, Huron 3
Bellville Clear Fork 42, Fredericktown 7
Belmont Union Local 48, Woodsfield Monroe Cent. 8
Beverly Ft. Frye 35, Belpre 0
Bidwell River Valley 51, Reedsville Eastern 27
Bloom-Carroll 31, Sparta Highland 21
Bluffton 27, Cory-Rawson 0
Bowling Green 34, Rossford 25
Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 36, Parma Padua 34
Brunswick 17, Medina Highland 14
Bryan 28, Van Wert 19
Bucyrus Wynford 41, Findlay Liberty-Benton 14
Burton Berkshire 33, Painesville Harvey 6
Byesville Meadowbrook 47, New Concord John Glenn 40
Cadiz Harrison Cent. 52, Uhrichsville Claymont 41
Caledonia River Valley 48, Upper Sandusky 12
Cambridge 26, Wintersville Indian Creek 19
Can. Glenoak 42, Woodside, Va. 17
Canal Fulton Northwest 28, Lodi Cloverleaf 14
Canal Winchester 24, Thomas Worthington 21
Canfield S. Range 24, McDonald 14
Cardington-Lincoln 49, Worthington Christian 13
Carrollton 26, St. Clairsville 7
Centerburg 31, Utica 19
Chagrin Falls Kenston 21, Amherst Steele 17
Chardon 28, Chesterland W. Geauga 0
Chesapeake 40, Oak Hill 14
Chillicothe Huntington 35, Sugar Grove Berne Union 28
Cin. Aiken 56, Bishop Brossart, Ky. 14
Cin. Country Day 19, Bethel-Tate 13
Cin. Hillcrest 41, Cin. College Prep. 21
Cin. Hills Christian Academy 41, Jamestown Greeneview 22
Cin. Mt. Healthy 18, Batavia Amelia 0
Circleville Logan Elm 26, Chillicothe Zane Trace 24
Cle. St. Ignatius 45, Parma Normandy 0
Clyde 49, Tiffin Columbian 0
Coldwater 58, Kenton 39
Cols. Africentric 32, Ansonia 26
Cols. Beechcroft 13, Akr. Buchtel 7
Cols. Bexley 41, Canal Winchester Harvest Prep 20
Cols. Briggs 27, Cols. Linden McKinley 6
Cols. DeSales 28, Lancaster 7
Cols. Franklin Hts. 26, Cols. Eastmoor 20
Cols. Grandview Hts. 40, Cols. Centennial 0
Cols. Northland 38, Cols. Independence 24
Cols. South 41, Cols. East 8
Cols. Upper Arlington 26, Cols. St. Charles 14
Cols. Walnut Ridge 8, Cols. Watterson 3
Cols. West 42, Cols. Mifflin 41
Cols. Whetstone 9, Pataskala Watkins Memorial 6
Columbia Station Columbia 29, Independence 21
Columbiana 63, Berlin Center Western Reserve 52
Columbiana Crestview 55, Cle. Collinwood 14
Columbus Grove 35, Pandora-Gilboa 29, OT
Convoy Crestview 40, Rockford Parkway 27
Copley 35, Twinsburg 28
Cortland Lakeview 24, Campbell Memorial 21
Coshocton 38, Navarre Fairless 0
Creston Norwayne 45, Akr. Manchester 14
Cuyahoga Falls 13, Kent Roosevelt 0
Cuyahoga Hts. 35, LaGrange Keystone 13
Danville 27, Howard E. Knox 0
Day. Carroll 34, Riverside Stebbins 21
Defiance Ayersville 59, Edon 6
Delaware Hayes 20, Delaware Buckeye Valley 13
Delta 53, Tol. Christian 0
Dover 45, Cle. Cent. Cath. 12
Dresden Tri-Valley 27, Cols. Marion-Franklin 7
Dublin Jerome 58, Logan 0
Dublin Scioto 24, Westerville S. 15
E. Palestine 37, Salem 35
East Carter, Ky. 33, W. Union 0
Edgerton 46, W. Unity Hilltop 6
Elyria Cath. 44, Sheffield Brookside 0
Erie McDowell, Pa. 31, Warren Howland 10
Fairfield Christian 28, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place 6
Findlay 31, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 0
Franklin Furnace Green 50, Manchester 22
Ft. Recovery 21, Sidney Lehman 20
Gahanna Cols. Academy 62, Grove City Christian 0
Gahanna Lincoln 39, Westerville Cent. 10
Galion 49, Bucyrus 7
Garfield Hts. Trinity 24, Gates Mills Hawken 6
Garrettsville Garfield 56, Middlefield Cardinal 32
Geneva 16, Madison 15
Genoa Area 52, Tol. Scott 12
Gibsonburg 64, Bloomdale Elmwood 26
Gilmer County, W.Va. 55, Beallsville 0
Grafton Midview 29, Lorain 26
Greenfield McClain 34, Frankfort Adena 21
Hamler Patrick Henry 34, Spencerville 7
Hanoverton United 38, Malvern 20
Haviland Wayne Trace 28, Paulding 23
Heath 63, Warsaw River View 0
Hebron Lakewood 20, Amanda-Clearcreek 19
Hilliard Bradley 65, Cle. JFK 0
Hilliard Davidson 26, Grove City 10
Holland Springfield 51, Fremont Ross 32
Hubbard 20, Bay Village Bay 0
Hudson 17, Austintown Fitch 7
Ironton Rock Hill 33, Minford 14
Jeromesville Hillsdale 53, Ashland Mapleton 7
Johnstown-Monroe 29, Chillicothe 12
Kansas Lakota 37, Arcadia 7
Kings Mills Kings 35, Lebanon 7
Kirtland 31, Chagrin Falls 7
Lakeside Danbury 37, Vanlue 0
Lawrenceburg, Ind. 37, N. Bend (Cleves) Taylor 3
Leavittsburg LaBrae 35, Conneaut 17
Leipsic 43, Dola Hardin Northern 14
Lewis Center Olentangy 31, Hilliard Darby 10
Lewistown Indian Lake 49, N. Lewisburg Triad 0
Lexington 24, Ontario 6
Liberty Center 14, Defiance Tinora 10
Lima Bath 28, Delphos St. John’s 27
Lima Perry 42, Antwerp 34
Lima Sr. 24, Middletown 17
Lisbon Beaver 36, Akr. North 0
London Madison Plains 44, Cedarville 0
Louisville 21, Canfield 17
Louisville Aquinas 35, Alliance 14
Lucas 49, E. Can. 27
Macedonia Nordonia 38, Mayfield 37
Magnolia Sandy Valley 35, Gnadenhutten Indian Valley 28, OT
Mansfield Sr. 35, Sunbury Big Walnut 7
Mantua Crestwood 39, Beloit W. Branch 26
Maple Hts. 49, Cle. John Adams 6
Marietta 51, McConnelsville Morgan 48
Marion Pleasant 42, Cin. Shroder 0
Martins Ferry 74, Rayland Buckeye 0
Massillon Jackson 36, Akr. East 13
Massillon Perry 24, Vandalia Butler 14
Massillon Tuslaw 16, Smithville 15
Maumee 20, Tol. Bowsher 14, 2OT
McArthur Vinton County 34, Chillicothe Unioto 7
McComb 45, Carey 0
Mechanicsburg 49, W. Jefferson 18
Medina 55, Lakewood 0
Mentor 57, Massillon Washington 31
Miamisburg 44, W. Carrollton 0
Milan Edison 50, Oberlin Firelands 17
Millbury Lake 26, Montpelier 20
Minster 26, Ft. Loramie 20
Mogadore Field 34, Minerva 0
Monroeville 47, Crestline 13
Mt. Blanchard Riverdale 23, Waynesfield-Goshen 6
Mt. Vernon 22, Marion Harding 20
N. Baltimore 40, Holgate 6
N. Can. Hoover 24, Lyndhurst Brush 20
N. Jackson Jackson-Milton 35, Southington Chalker 0
N. Robinson Col. Crawford 46, Mt. Gilead 26
N. Royalton 38, N. Ridgeville 20
New Lexington 24, Lancaster Fairfield Union 6
New Middletown Spring. 31, Brookfield 27
New Philadelphia 14, Can. Cent. Cath. 6
Newark 41, Zanesville 0
Newport, Ky. 16, Cin. Finneytown 14
Northwood 42, Elmore Woodmore 28
Oak Harbor 42, Fostoria 14
Oberlin 26, New London 22
Olmsted Falls 33, Parma 18
Orange 21, Cle. Hay 14
Orwell Grand Valley 19, Jefferson Area 7
Ottawa-Glandorf 38, Mississauga North Prep, Ontario 13
Pataskala Licking Hts. 31, Galloway Westland 0
Pemberville Eastwood 21, Tol. Start 15
Peninsula Woodridge 56, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA 14
Perry 35, Painesville Riverside 28
Perrysburg 47, Oregon Clay 7
Philo 44, Zanesville W. Muskingum 7
Pickerington N. 41, Grove City Cent. Crossing 13
Plain City Jonathan Alder 35, Marysville 14
Plymouth 39, New Washington Buckeye Cent. 19
Pomeroy Meigs 42, Gallipolis Gallia 7
Portsmouth Sciotoville 49, Crown City S. Gallia 16
Portsmouth W. 26, Proctorville Fairland 20
Racine Southern 21, Portsmouth Notre Dame 14
Reigning Sports Academy 56, Fostoria St. Wendelin 12
Reynoldsburg 35, New Albany 28
Richfield Revere 34, Medina Buckeye 28
Richmond Edison 29, E. Liverpool 14
Richwood N. Union 49, Marion Elgin 15
Rittman 47, Richmond Hts. 8
Roane County, W.Va. 42, S. Point 22
Rocky River 53, Fairview 13
Rootstown 28, Newton Falls 7
S. Charleston SE 48, Spring. NW 12
Salineville Southern 33, Bridgeport 22
Sarahsville Shenandoah 42, New Matamoras Frontier 0
Sebring McKinley 24, Windham 20
Shadyside 41, Magnolia, W.Va. 14
Sherwood Fairview 21, Wauseon 15
Solon 36, Aurora 6
Southeastern 48, McDermott Scioto NW 12
St. Marys Memorial 43, Sidney 39
Stow-Munroe Falls 56, Green 41
Strasburg-Franklin 41, Bowerston Conotton Valley 0
Streetsboro 42, Ravenna SE 20
Struthers 42, Youngs. Liberty 12
Sugarcreek Garaway 47, Dalton 28
Sullivan Black River 50, Collins Western Reserve 7
Swanton 36, Tol. Ottawa Hills 6
Sycamore Mohawk 39, Fremont St. Joseph 14
Tallmadge 27, Ravenna 24, OT
Temperance Bedford, Mich. 44, Tol. St. Francis 21
Thornville Sheridan 35, Granville 23
Tol. Cent. Cath. 31, Cols. Hartley 28
Tol. Rogers 21, Sylvania Southview 12
Tol. Whitmer 29, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit 20
Tol. Woodward 58, Oregon Stritch 29
Tontogany Otsego 42, Metamora Evergreen 12
Toronto 36, Wellsville 16
Troy Christian 33, Day. Christian 6
Uniontown Lake 17, Akr. Garfield 0
Urbana 28, London 26
Vermilion 28, Lorain Clearview 20
Versailles 13, Celina 7
Vienna Mathews 49, Ashtabula St. John 6
W. Lafayette Ridgewood 21, Lore City Buckeye Trail 0
W. Salem NW 41, Loudonville 7
Wadsworth 27, Ashland 24
Warren Champion 42, Atwater Waterloo 27
Warren Harding 35, E. Cle. Shaw 0
Warrensville Hts. 59, Cle. John Marshall 6
Washington C.H. 42, Johnstown Northridge 6
Washington C.H. Miami Trace 51, Circleville 12
Waterford 37, Corning Miller 6
Waverly 39, Piketon 0
Westerville N. 24, Groveport-Madison 21
Westlake 30, Eastlake N. 28
Wheelersburg 49, Ironton 6
Whitehall-Yearling 39, Cols. Ready 25
Wickliffe 41, Rocky River Lutheran W. 6
Willard 31, Castalia Margaretta 24
Willoughby S. 33, Chardon NDCL 19
Willow Wood Symmes Valley 32, Paden City, W.Va. 0
Wilmington 42, Morrow Little Miami 12
Wooster Triway 27, Millersburg W. Holmes 26
Worthington Kilbourne 29, Lewis Center Olentangy Orange 28
Youngs. Boardman 41, Youngs. East 0
Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley 35, Apple Creek Waynedale 6
POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS
Arcanum vs. DeGraff Riverside, ppd. to Aug 27.
Archbishop Wood, Pa. vs. Huber Hts. Wayne, susp.
Batavia Clermont NE vs. Fayetteville-Perry, ppd. to Aug 27.
Bellbrook vs. Waynesville, ppd. to Aug 27.
Brookville vs. Lewisburg Tri-County N., ppd. to Aug 27.
Carlisle vs. Franklin, ppd. to Aug 27.
Casstown Miami E. vs. Milton-Union, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Anderson vs. Middletown Fenwick, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Gamble Montessori vs. Hamilton New Miami, ppd.
Cin. Glen Este vs. Cin. Princeton, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Madeira vs. Norwood, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Mariemont vs. Day. Oakwood, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Moeller vs. W. Chester Lakota W., ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Sycamore vs. Cin. La Salle, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Turpin vs. Cin. McNicholas, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Western Hills vs. Cin. NW, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Winton Woods vs. Clayton Northmont, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Woodward vs. Cin. Walnut Hills, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cin. Wyoming vs. Cin. N. College Hill, ppd. to Aug 27.
Clarksville Clinton-Massie vs. Blanchester, ppd. to Aug 27.
Cle. Hts. vs. Youngs. Mooney, ppd. to Aug 27.
Day. Jefferson vs. New Madison Tri-Village, ppd. to Aug 27.
Day. Meadowdale vs. Piqua, ppd. to Aug 27.
Day. Northridge vs. Tipp City Bethel, ppd. to Aug 27.
Day. Thurgood Marshall vs. Spring. Shawnee, ppd. to Aug 27.
Dublin Coffman vs. Springfield, ppd. to Aug 27.
E. Central, Ind. vs. Harrison, ppd. to Aug 27.
Fairborn vs. New Carlisle Tecumseh, ppd. to Aug 27.
Fairfield vs. Centerville, ppd. to Aug 27.
Goshen vs. Hamilton Ross, ppd. to Aug 27.
Greenville vs. Eaton, ppd. to Aug 27.
Hamilton Badin vs. Cin. Taft, ppd. to Aug 27.
Hamilton vs. Milford, ppd. to Aug 27.
Hillsboro vs. Mt. Orab Western Brown, ppd. to Aug 27.
Kettering Alter vs. Kettering Fairmont, ppd. to Aug 27.
Lockland vs. Miami Valley Christian Academy, ppd.
Loveland vs. Liberty Twp. Lakota E., ppd. to Aug 27.
Maria Stein Marion Local vs. Day. Chaminade Julienne, ppd. to Aug 27.
Middletown Madison Senior vs. Oxford Talawanda, ppd. to Aug 27.
Milford Center Fairbanks vs. Bellefontaine Benjamin Logan, ppd. to Aug 27.
Morral Ridgedale vs. Ridgeway Ridgemont, ppd. to Aug 27.
New Bremen vs. Bradford, ppd.
New Paris National Trail vs. Camden Preble Shawnee, ppd. to Aug 27.
Norwalk St. Paul vs. Sandusky St. Mary, ppd.
Reading vs. St. Bernard Roger Bacon, ppd. to Aug 27.
Spring. Cath. Cent. vs. Spring. Greenon, ppd. to Aug 27.
Spring. NE vs. Spring. Kenton Ridge, ppd. to Aug 27.
Springboro vs. Mason, ppd. to Aug 27.
St. Henry vs. Covington, ppd. to Aug 27.
Tipp City Tippecanoe vs. St. Paris Graham, ppd. to Aug 27.
Trenton Edgewood vs. Monroe, ppd. to Aug 27.
Trotwood-Madison vs. Troy, ppd. to Aug 27.
Union City, Ind. vs. Union City Mississinawa Valley, ppd. to Aug 27.
Van Buren vs. Harrod Allen E., ppd. to Aug 27.
W. Alexandria Twin Valley S. vs. New Lebanon Dixie, ppd. to Aug 27.
W. Liberty-Salem vs. Germantown Valley View, ppd. to Aug 27.
Wapakoneta vs. Bellefontaine, ppd. to Aug 27.
Williamsburg vs. Cin. Deer Park, ppd. to Aug 27.
Zanesville Rosecrans vs. Lancaster Fisher Cath., ppd. to Aug 27.


MARIETTA, Ohio — The Eastern girls cross country team placed second out of 11 teams in its season opener Saturday during the 2016 Elizabeth S. Broughton Memorial Invitational held at the Broughton Nature Area in Washington County.
The Lady Eagles had four of the top 20 individual efforts in the 118-competitor girls event, which allowed the Green and White to finish the day with a team tally of 59 points.
Lancaster won the girls title with 44 points, while Woodrow Wilson (82), Caldwell (97) and Warren (123) rounded out the three through five spots.
Jessica Cook paced Eastern with a third place effort of 21:12.0, followed by Ally Durst in fifth with a 22:30.1. Taylor Parker also finished in the top-10 with an eighth place time of 22:46.9.
Laura Pullins was 18th overall with a mark of 23:22.4 and Kaitlyn Hawk rounded out the team tally by finishing 35th with a time of 24:49.8.
Rhiannon Morris was 37th with a time of 24:55.6 and Lexa Hayes was 56th with a mark of 27:11.0.
Mary Kate McElroy of Fort Frye won the girls race with a time of 20:36.0. Elise Johnson of Lancaster was the overall runner-up with a mark of 20:54.0.
On the boys side of the event, Eastern had only three runners compete and did not have enough participants to net a team score. Woodrow Wilson won the 14-team boys title with a tally of 54 points, while Marietta (86) and Caldwell (102) rounded out the top three spots.
Colton Reynolds paced the Eagles with a 28th place effort of 19:30.7, followed by Matt Clingenpeel in 58th place with a time of 21:26.9. Eion Marcinko was also 87th out of 156 runners with a time of 23:07.8.
Chris Barbera of Woodrow Wilson won the boys race with a time of 16:52.0. Justin Anderson of Fort Frye was the overall runner-up with a mark of 17:14.2.
Complete results of the 2016 Elizabeth S. Broughton Memorial CC Invitational are available on the web at baumspage.com
Bryan Walters can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2101.


WELLSTON, Ohio — Amid unreal heat, and temperatures topping out in the mid-90s, the Meigs High School cross country teams finished in the top half of the team standings at Saturday’s Wellston Golden Rocket Cross Country Invitational at Wellston High School.
The Lady Marauders were among nine squads that amassed team scores — and finished fourth thanks to placing their top five runners in the top 45, along with winning the sixth-score tiebreaker against Alexander.
The Meigs boys were sixth out of a dozen clubs, but were only five points from finishing fourth — as their top seven runners all placed in the top 50.
The Southern Lady Tornadoes with four runners and the South Gallia Lady Rebels with two also participated at Wellston, as did Southern’s boys with three runners and South Gallia with two.
At least five runners must compete — and finish the race — in order for a school to post a team score.
A total of seven runners is the maximum number scored.
The Lady Marauders and Alexander actually scored 117 points, but Meigs finished fourth and Alexander fifth based on the sixth-score tiebreaker.
Athens easily captured the team championship, scoring 29 points by placing five runners in the top-12 — and all seven scores in the top 18.
Chillicothe, paced by individual race winner Laikin Tarlton in 21 minutes and 23 seconds, was the runner-up with 63 points — followed by Vinton County with 79.
Jackson was sixth with 164 points, followed by Federal Hocking (203), Huntington (213) and Portsmouth Clay (216).
For the Meigs girls, junior Caitlyn Rest finished 16th in 24 minutes and seven seconds, while sophomore Taylor Swartz was 19th in 24:36.
Fellow sophomore Marissa Noble was 27th in 25 minutes and two seconds, while senior Gracie Hoffman finished 34th in 26:08.
Ariann Sizemore mustered the fifth score for the Lady Marauders by placing 45th in 27:20, while sophomore Kacie Ballard’s 29:18 was good enough for 59th — and for the tiebreaker against the Spartans.
Madison Cremeans was the seventh score for Meigs, placing 72nd in 31:21.
Not scoring points for the Marauders but also completing the race were freshman Katilyn Brinker (84th in 32:59) and junior Carmen Doherty (91st in 35:32).
All four of Southern’s girls placed between 41st and 55th — with all four finishing in under 29 minutes.
The two freshmen — Sydney Roush (26:49) and Baylee Wolfe (27:36) — finished 41st and 46th respectively, while the two sophomores — Mallory Johnson (28:02) and Madison Lisle (28:49) — finished 52nd and 56th.
South Gallia sophomore Jessica Luther placed 21st in 24 minutes and 44 seconds, while senior teammate Autumn Norris was 73rd in 31:25.
There were 101 runners in the girls high school race.
On the boys side, the Marauders were sixth with 136 points, trailing fourth-place Chillicothe by only four points (132) and fifth-place Huntington by three (133).
Athens easily captured the team championship, amounting 35 points by placing four runners in the top eight and five in the top-17.
Alexander was the runner-up with 93 points, as Trimble took third with 115.
South Webster was seventh with 180 points, followed by Jackson (203), Pike Eastern (205), Federal Hocking (247), Oak Hill (271) and Wheelersburg (282).
The Marauders were paced by senior James Parsons, who placed 13th in 19 minutes and 40 seconds.
Cole Betzing was only 30 seconds behind in 22nd (20:10), while Landon Davis was 36th (21:02), Eli Leigh was 40th (21:09) and Dillon Mahr was 44th (21:27).
Andrew Monroe (47th in 21:28) and Nate Hoover (50th in 21:44) were the other two Meigs scores.
The four non-counting scores for the Marauders were Colton Heater (64th in 23:20), Jake Roush (66th in 23:40), Cole Hoffman (92nd in 26:40) and Brady Smith (106th in 29:16).
Southern junior Larry Dunn led the Tornadoes, crossing the line in 11th in 19 minutes and 38 seconds.
Fellow junior Connor Wolfe was 25th for Southern in 20:30, while senior Lucas Hunter finished 49th in 21:43.
South Gallia’s two runners were sophomores Tristan Janey (78th in 24:30) and Gavin Bevan (89th in 25:53).
Evan Leist of Pike Eastern — in 17 minutes and 28 seconds — was the individual race winner, as 118 runners competed in the boys high school race.
Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106


COLUMBUS — Noah Brown has had more surgeries than catches in his career at Ohio State, but has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, who predict he could be OSU’s No. 1 receiver this season.
Urban Meyer thinks the sophomore wide receiver can have an All-Big Ten type season.
Running back Curtis Samuel, calls him “a big-time player.”
Assistant coach Kerry Coombs upped the ante even more and called him “a phenomenal player.”
All this for a player with one career catch who didn’t play at all last season after suffering a broken leg in practice 12 days before Ohio State’s season opener.
Ohio State’s players were devastated when Brown broke his tibia and fibula when he landed awkwardly last August.
What they’d seen in practice was impressive. They knew they’d just lost a valuable asset.
Brown, who had two surgeries to repair his broken leg, was one of the great “What-if’s?” of the 2015 season for OSU.
If he had been healthy, the Buckeyes’ passing game might not have been forced to be so reliant on Michael Thomas working his magic.
If he’d been able to play, OSU might have gotten back to the College Football Playoff.
“He was right there with Mike. He for sure would have been a starter last year,” Meyer said at the Big Ten media days. “I’m hoping he has an All-Big Ten year for us. My expectations are really good. That was a tough injury.”
Brown says he doesn’t think about what could have been.
He’s focused on this season.
“What could have been is what I feel like it’s going to be this year,” he said. “I’m hungry, I can’t wait to get back out there. I’m excited.
“Every game that I wasn’t able to be out there ate away at me. Football is what I know, what I love. Having that taken away from me hurt.”
As a 240-pound freshman, Brown played his way into the receivers rotation with his blocking ability.
Since then, he has dropped 20 pounds and made himself into probably the most complete receiver Ohio State has on its roster.
“My best attribute is probably my route running and my hands. But I can also stretch the field,” he said. “I think I can do a little bit of everything.”
Quarterback J.T. Barrett said, “Noah has like suction cups on his hands. You can throw it anywhere around him. Throw it around Noah and he will be able to get it.”
One thing Brown hasn’t grabbed hold of and held tightly, though, is all the preseason praise coming his way.
“In my mind that’s all hype. I don’t really pay attention. I try to go out and do what I can do. I’m looking forward this year to showing people what I can do so it’s not ‘Noah could have done this. Noah could have done that,’ ” he said.
A year later than expected, what Brown can do will be a very important part of Ohio State’s season.

Ohio State eager to get Brown on the field


BIDWELL, Ohio — This time, the Lady Raiders were on the right end of a four-set affair against a TVC-Hocking squad.
That’s because the River Valley High School volleyball team captured a four-set victory on Thursday night, defeating visiting Belpre by counts of 25-13, 25-18, 16-25 and 25-22.
The win was the Raiders’ first of the season, as River Valley had lost two road tilts at two Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division clubs — at Eastern on Monday and Federal Hocking on Wednesday.
Both of those contests were also decided in four sets, as River Valley is a member of the TVC-Ohio.
Against Belpre, the Lady Raiders racked up 28 kills and 28 assists, with a serving percentage of 90-percent.
They also served up 11 aces, along with collecting 26 digs and five-and-a-half blocks.
Carly Gilmore garnered good all-around efforts with 11 kills, three blocks, eight digs and a pair of aces.
Jaden Neal notched seven kills for River Valley, while Rachael Horner and Emily Adkins added three apiece.
The team’s two setters — Angel Toler (13) and Isabella Mershon (11) — combined for all but four of the club’s assists.
Toler tallied five of the 11 aces as well, while Mershon — like Gilmore — mustered two.
Toler trailed Gilmore in digs by two (six).
The Lady Raiders return to the road, and return to non-league action, against another TVC-Hocking team in Southern on Monday.
Paul Boggs can be reached at 740-446-2342, ext. 2106


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A home owner in Henlow has won a new iPad thanks to a photo taken with her Cockapoo puppy, Holly.


Autism Bedfordshire’s Summer Activity Scheme which took place between July and August this year saw record numbers of children attend.
The scheme, which gives children with autism the same experiences as others their age, successfully supported 140 children from Luton and across the county.
Autism Bedfordshire
Autism is a developmental disability which profoundly affects the way a person thinks, communicates and relates to the world around them. Children with autism often struggle to access mainstream services and community amenities due to the noisy, crowded and overstimulating environments.
The Summer Activity Scheme provided a range of activities for children with autism aged 3 to 17 years with specialist trained staff on hand to offer support. Each child had the opportunity to participate in outings such as day trips to the farm, swimming, soft play and trampolining, while providing a much-needed respite break for their parents and carers.
Gill Christmas, funding manager of Autism Bedfordshire, said: “We are absolutely delighted that once again the Summer Activity Scheme has been such an incredible success. We have received such positive feedback from all who attended. We would like to particularly thank the hard work and dedication of our staff for making this year’s scheme possible.”
Another cause for celebration is that the charity is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Established in 1991, Autism Bedfordshire currently support over 1,000 families across the county and run a number of services in Luton including a social activity group for children with autism, a youth club for teenagers with the condition, a day time adult social group plus skills courses and employment support for adults with autism.
Autism Bedfordshire has been shortlisted alongside four other charities to be Luton Town Football Club, Supporters’ Charity of the Year. They are calling on their members, local businesses, supporters and the local community to get behind them in their bid to be selected. The voting system went live on the football club website last Thursday and will close at noon on Friday, September 2.

Summer scheme supports autistic children


Autism Bedfordshire’s Summer Activity Scheme which took place between July and August this year saw record numbers of children attend.


The guarantee by the Treasury that farming will continue to be financially supported by the British government up to 2020 in the wake of Brexit has given much needed clarity to farmers, and this is welcomed by the National Farmers Union (NFU).The news should mean that farmers can count on receiving financial aid for, amongst other things, agri-environmental schemes already in place, to take them through to their conclusion.
NFU president Meurig Raymond said he was extremely pleased to hear the news following his discussions with Secretary of State Andrea Leadsom, her department and the Treasury over recent weeks. He said this was good news for farmers and certainty in the short term now allows time for the industry and DEFRA to formulate a domestic agricultural policy that is fit for purpose.
Mr Raymond said: “ We’ve been emphasising to the government at all levels that the success of the UK’s largest manufacturing sector - food and drink - worth £108 billion to the UK economy, is underpinned by the farming sector. With the agricultural budget now retained and agri-environment agreements honoured, I am delighted that the Prime Minister and DEFRA have understood the importance of farming and food production.”

FARMING MATTERS: Guaranteed support for farmers following Brexit


The guarantee by the Treasury that farming will continue to be financially supported by the British government up to 2020 in the wake of Brexit has given much needed clarity to farmers, and this is welcomed by the National Farmers Union (NFU).The news should mean that farmers can count on receiving financial aid for, amongst other things, agri-environmental schemes already in place, to take them through to their conclusion.


The world’s largest aircraft was damaged this morning after hitting a telegraph pole during its second test flight.
The £25m Airlander 10 - which is part-plane and part-airship - is understood to have sustained damage to its cockpit when it ploughed into the pole.
Aftermath of the Airlander 10 crash on Cardington Airfield, Bedford. Photo: Glyn Dobbs
No-one was injured in the accident, which happened as the aircraft was coming in to land at Cardington Airfield at around 11am
Following the collision, developers Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) Tweeted: “We’re debriefing following the second test flight this morning.
“All crew are safe and well and there are no injuries.”
The helium-filled aircraft had its first test flight from the airfield on August 17 taking to the skies for the first time.
Aftermath of the Airlander 10 crash on Cardington Airfield, Bedford. Photo: Glyn Dobbs
Christened the ‘Martha Gwyn’, the vast aircraft measures 302ft long and is around 50ft longer than the biggest passenger jets.
Engineers have spent three years working on the Airlander 10, which is filled with 1.3million cubic feet of helium - enough to fill 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
It was first developed for the US government as a long-endurance surveillance aircraft but it fell foul of defence cutbacks.
The huge aircraft will be able to stay airborne at heights of up to 20,000ft with a 10-tonne cargo for two weeks at a time at speeds of up to 90mph.
Airlander 10 outside
HAV hopes to be building 10 Airlanders a year by 2021.
HAV were contacted for comment.

£25million Airlander hits telegraph pole on second flight


The world’s largest aircraft was damaged this morning after hitting a telegraph pole during its second test flight.


Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the classic tale of Holly Golightly so memorably played by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic film, has been given a new lease of life as a stage play with music, starring Georgia May Foote.
Georgia was runner up in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing and her television credits include Coronation Street, This Is England ‘86 and Grange Hill.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is her professional stage debut.
She said: “I am so excited that for my first theatre role I will be playing such an iconic character. I cannot wait to join the cast. It’s a wonderful adaptation of an incredible story and I’m really thrilled to be part of it.”
Based on Truman Capote’s classic novella, the story is set in 1943 New York. Fred, a young writer from Louisiana, meets Holly Golighty, a charming, vivacious and utterly elusive good time girl.
Everyone falls in love with Holly, including Fred. But Fred is poor and Holly’s other suitors include a playboy millionaire and the future president of Brazil. As war rages in Europe, Holly begins to fall in love with Fred - just as her past catches up with her.
The story has been adapted for the stage by award winning playwright Richard Greenberg and contains memorable songs from the era as well as original music by Grant Olding.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is sure to capture the hearts of audiences and sparkle like a diamond in a Tiffany’s window.
The show is on at Milton Keynes Theatre at 7.30pm from Monday September 19 through to Saturday 24 with additional 2.30pm matinees on the Wednesday and Saturday.
Tickets cost from £16.50 and are available online at www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 871 7652.

Corrie star Georgia May Foote sparkles at Milton Keynes


Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the classic tale of Holly Golightly so memorably played by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic film, has been given a new lease of life as a stage play with music, starring Georgia May Foote.


The choice of leaf-based beverages on offer has mushroomed in recent years, from builder’s tea or nothing, to every flavour from peppermint to rhubarb & ginger.
Now, a third generation of teas is brewing. This will concentrate less on exotic new flavours and more on health benefits as producers look to capitalise on a market that remains huge – with 165 million cups of tea consumed in Britain every day – but faces growing competition from coffee.
Tetley has looked into the tea leaves and predicts we are in for a range of “remedy” teas – enriched with medicines, from painkillers to antibiotics – some of which may even be offered as cures for hangovers and remedies for tiredness, the report suggested.
We can also expect tea to be consumed through an array of alternative “delivery mechanisms” such as tablets, jellies, sprays and sorbets, according to a new report Tetley has done with so-called futurologist consultancy Future Foundation.
“Britain’s love affair with tea is enduring. The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th century, but now we are entering a period of rapid change,” said Laurent Sagarra, head of product innovation at Tetley.
“The way we consume tea has gradually evolved since the 17th Century, but we are now entering a period of rapid change,” she said.
“We’re constantly innovating, grading, blending and tasting and now’s the time to see what’s next for the iconic British cuppa,” she added.
The proliferation of teas will give High street coffee shops a run for their month, the report suggests, with “tea-total” outlets offering a range of exotic tastes and flavours.
Nick Chiarelli, director of the Future Foundation, said: “Our report predicts that exciting and satisfying new tea formats will develop, and that tea will evolve to deliver personalised health benefits.”

New generation of teas could cure hangovers, report suggests


The choice of leaf-based beverages on offer has mushroomed in recent years, from builder’s tea or nothing, to every flavour from peppermint to rhubarb & ginger.


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.
Happy 25th birthday to the internet! In August 1991, British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee published the first web page.
And on August 23, 1991, he gave the public access to it.
Handily, the page told readers how they could set up their own website, whatever the heck a website was.
You can view a version of that original web page here. Compared to what we have now obviously it is very basic but will go down in history as one of the most important developments of all time.

The World Wide Web is 25 today: Here’s 25 things the internet changed forever


The internet is 25 years old today and we take a look at 25 things the world wide web changed forever.


The chance to stay in one of the country’s biggest castles with the promise of Knight School, Horrible Histories and huge looming turrets to explore was like music to my eight-year-old audience’s ears.
“So we get to play all day, then have a knights’ sleepover as well?” Even with mum and dad in tow he knew he was in for something special. And I wasn’t unexcited myself.
At over 1,100 years old Warwick Castle offers its 21st century visitors free reign to explore magnificent stately rooms, dungeons and impressive grounds.
And its owners, Merlin Entertainments have brought history to life with a flaming fireball launch from the trebuchet (the largest in the world ), breath taking displays from enormous birds of prey, blood and guts from the Horrible Histories, spooks and ghouls undergrounds, jousting, archery, knights and endlessly more.
But the best part? Now, you don’t even have to go home. When the castle closes its gates the fun is only just beginning as another exciting adventure awaits – the promise of a sleepover in the shadows of kings.
The castle has been home - and imprisonment - to kings and earls, hosted royal banquets and parties and even has links to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. So the latest addition of year-round camping lodges at Knight’s Village really does mean a sleepover steeped in history.
No time to make it round the maze or see the joust? We can come back tomorrow morning after breakfast. The words are like magic to my little knight-in-training. And even mum and dad are tingling to wake up in such magnificent grounds after enjoying an evening by the river and some of the best views you could ever wish for.
An afternoon arrival showed us that a day at the castle just isn’t enough. But once evening arrived there really was a whole new adventure waiting.
Families can banquet in the great food hall where majestic thrones, flags and plates of armour take you right back hundreds of years. But what really grabbed our attention was the entertainment and chance for children to go wild.
The castle’s brilliant staff pulled everything out of the bag for the youngsters. Circus skills, archery, more knight and sword training – it was a summer Kids Club, but one where the grown-ups are elbowing to get involved as well. Though the less interested still get to enjoy a superb evening relaxing on the porch, watching the fun and basking in the last of the sunshine.
But of course, the centrepiece of Knight’s Village - the lodges. They’re great. With everything from mod-cons (plugs, and WiFi) to replica weaponry and armour, there’s something to keep all ages happy.
Unless you go for the premium, they’re on the cosy side. But with hundreds of years of history on your doorstep, there’s certainly no reason to want to cram inside and watch television.
And of course if it’s sunny and you have a taste for something a bit more medieval, you can get yourself booked up for Glamping and take on a huge cloth tent, complete with four-poster beds and a pair of thrones to watch over the evening entertainment as the sun sets.
It was as peaceful and entertaining a night as you could hope for, with happy children and happy mum and dad all looking forward to a return to the banquet for a hearty breakfast and another go at flag spotting.
The best bit about sleeping among the trees where inspiring history once unfolded? Waking up to stunning views in complete tranquillity. Looking out over the new camping village (which prides itself on not harming the historic grounds in any way and that not one tree was felled in its construction), you really can imagine yourself hundreds of years back in time.
And being able to head back through the gates to do it all again for a second day of exploring.
Warwick Castle’s Knight’s Village is as magical as you could expect from a stay in a truly historic location, and with activities continuing well into the night, acres of grounds to explore, and a historic town just metres outside, there’s no reason not to be excited.
Earning an excited thumbs up from mesmerised children, the stay really delivered as the perfect place to enjoy history on your doorstep this summer.
Warwick Castle’s Knight’s Village offers seasonal stays in Glamping tents or year-round accommodation in its wooden lodges. Prices start from £41.30 per person.
Visit www.Warwick-castle.com to book or more information.

TRAVEL REVIEW: Exclusive sleepover at one of the country’s biggest historical castles


The chance to stay in one of the country’s biggest castles with the promise of Knight School, Horrible Histories and huge looming turrets to explore was like music to my eight-year-old audience’s ears.


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.
Financial recruiter Goodman Masson took first place in the list by jobs site Glassdoor, based on reviews submitted to its website by current and former staff.
The company, which is based in London and also has offices in Dusseldorf, was praised by staff for its “huge investment” in staff benefits and “great” parties twice a year.
“The attention paid to the wellbeing of staff is at a level rarely matched elsewhere,” said an anonymous employee working in the London office.
In second place was technology firm Cisco Systems, and in third place was insurer HomeServe.
West Midlands-based HomeServe, which employs 1,200 people at its headquarters in Walsall and has 2.1 million customers in the UK, was commended for its attitude towards the treatment of its staff.
“The salary is very competitive and you are rewarded very generously for your hard work and just for carrying out your role. The company has a great framework for career progression and is always looking to promote people internally for job roles,” said a water supply engineer working at the firm.
Greg Reed, chief marketing officer at HomeServe, said: “We believe if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers. This means creating a culture where people genuinely enjoy coming to work every day because they feel what they do really makes a difference in our customers’ lives.”
Temping firm LOLA and Screwfix completed the top five. Other companies in the top 20 included Apple, American Express Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever and John Lewis.
Google is known for its plush offices, but doesn’t make the top 20 companies for work-life balance. Its new London office has sleep pods so workers can take a nap, although perhaps this is an indication of long hours.
For a company to have been considered, at least 50 work-life balance ratings must have been submitted by UK-based employees in the past year.
The top 20 companies for work-life balance:
1. Goodman Masson
2. Cisco Systems
3. HomeServe UK
4. LOLA Staffing
5. Screwfix
6. American Express
7. BP
8. Peninsula Business Services
9. ARM Holdings
10. Unilever
11.Thomson Reuters
12. Kantar Worldpanel
13. Atkins
14. Téléfonica
15. Credit Suisse
16. Rolls-Royce
17. John Lewis
18. Waitrose
19. Lloyds Banking Group
20. Apple

Revealed: The top UK companies for work-life balance


A recruitment firm has been named the best company in the UK for work-life balance.


Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.
The study shows exposure to traffic pollution is a trigger for daytime sleepiness - and may also trigger SNORING.
More than 12,000 adults were included in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study.
The findings show that people exposed to high levels of pollution had a 65 per cent greater chance of suffering from daytime sleepiness, compared to those who had no exposure.
Traffic noise in the bedroom was also a trigger - with people 46 per cent more likely to feel sleepy in the day if exposed.
And the research also suggests that people are also 29 per cent more likely to be a habitual snorer if they are exposed to traffic noise while they sleep.
Daytime sleepiness affected one in five people involved in the study, while one in four reported habitual snoring.
Ane Johannessen, an epidemiologist at Bergen University in Norway, wrote the study together with Professor Thorarinn Gislason and other Northern European researchers.
She said: “Exposure to traffic should be taken into account when planning treatment for patients with sleep disturbances, because reducing noise and pollution exposure in the bedroom may have a beneficial effect.
“Reducing exposure through relocating the bedroom away from pollution sources or making the bedroom more soundproof to protect against traffic noise, as well as mapping alternative and less polluted outdoor everyday routes may help patients with their sleep disorders.”
The study also showed that men, older subjects, smokers and those with lower education were more likely to report habitual snoring.
They were usually less physically active, with a higher BMI, and more likely to have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Women, older people, smokers, and those with lower education were more likely to report daytime sleepiness.
The new research is due to be presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in London next month.
Professor Jorgen Vestbo, President of ERS and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The question of who snores may be a running joke in some households but for many snoring is a serious issue, with direct links to physical and mental well being and the same is true for daytime sleepiness.
“We want people to think more about the environment around them and the impact it can have - from the way they sleep to the air they breathe.”
To coincide with Congress, the ERS will be holding some free public lung function testing, starting in Trafalgar Square on September 2 and 3.

Sleepiness linked to traffic noise and pollution


Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.


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Are you a drill sergeant, a worshipper, a skipper or a teammate? Experts have identified four types of parent when it comes to teaching their children how to DRIVE.


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.
The online retailer today revealed that it is introducing its Amazon Dash Buttons to the UK.
The dinky little gadgets are a one-touch way to order a host of popular products without all that complicated rigmarole of actually logging onto your Amazon account and searching for them.
The Dash Buttons are literally that, small plastic boxes housing a button, which when pressed will connect via wi-fi to your Amazon account and using one-click buying order your selected products.
Each button is linked to a particular item and there are 40 brands available from launch so you can get everything from cat food to condoms and nappies to NERF ammunition delivered to your door.
Daniel Rausch, director of Amazon Dash, explained the thinking behind the devices: “We’ve all experienced the frustration of running out of something we need - Dash Button and Dash Replenishment Service are designed to make that moment a thing of the past.
“Dash Buttons offer the convenience of one-click shopping from anywhere in the home - they can be placed near those frequently used items you don’t want to run out of, and when you see supplies running low, the Dash Button makes it easier than ever to order more. Just press the button and your item is on its way.”
The £4.99 devices are only available to Amazon Prime customers, which means you’ll have to sign up to the £79-a-year service to enjoy the Dash Button’s convenience. The good news is that you’ll get £4.99 back off your first order of each product.
Alongside the buttons, Amazon also announced the UK rollout of its Dash Replenishment Service.
Like the button this links to your Amazon account but rather than having to do the ordering yourself it allows connected smart devices to order supplies themselves.
This means the likes of washing machines, dishwashers and printers from big-name brands including Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool and Siemens can monitor your consumables usage and order more before you run out.
If they could just design a button that remotely loads the dishwasher too, they could be onto a winner.

Amazon Dash lets you order your loo roll at the touch of a button


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)
“I’m gonna roll you over, and rock you stupid, and leave you there just humming...”
David Brent is back. I never thought I’d write those words but here is the middle-aged master loser – on the big screen as a documentary team follow his dream of a ‘rock tour’ to save him from life as a sanitary products sales rep.
The Office was incredible TV, that made you wince and laugh in equal measure, the likes of which we haven’t fully seen since.
David Brent: Life On The Road picks up the potent unfulfilled dreams of Slough’s favourite office manager and presents the full horror of what happens when Brent cashes in his life savings and pensions to finance a tour for his band Foregone Conclusion. The good news is that this the best Gervais has been in years – capturing the brilliant comedy/pathos at the heart of The Office and delivering big time both in the laughs and the cringe inducing awfulness of Brent’s socially awkward overdrive.
This isn’t for those who are easily offended or just after some gentle humour – Life On The Road is a comedy-tragic-em-up that will rip your heart out even while you’re spitting popcorn.
This older Brent is a lonelier than ever, his hired bandmates won’t socialise with him or even let him on the expensive tour bus he’s shelled out for; he even has to pay them to have an after show drink with him at one point.
The expected adoring crowds don’t exactly turn up and the record company scouts are more interested in the genuinely talented aspiring rapper Dom Johnson (Doc Brown) who Brent has guest rap on some of his songs in an effort to make them both ethically friendly and youthful.
The excellent Tom ‘Love & Friendship’ Bennett is great as Brent’s one Lavichem office pal and Diane ‘Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe’ Morgan has a fun cameo as a PR tasked with the impossible job of making Brent ‘cool’.
Doc Brown, though, steals all his scenes with looks to camera of such sheer uncomfortableness that I’d love to see him get his own spin-off movie.
Life On The Road takes mid-life desperation and blows the door off it in fine comic style.
You’ll laugh, you might even cry but be warned you might also very well hurt yourself due to the unsafe levels of cringe.

Review: Cringeworthy David Brent brings tragedy to comedy


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)


Motorists now change their car more often than they switch their mattress or even their mobile phone, suggests new research.
The length of time motorists keep a car has plummeted from around five years to two years or less, reveal latest figures.
The data produced by automotive experts, cap hpi, shows that some car makers now see average returns of vehicles in 24 months, and there is evidence of a growing number of 18-month leases in the market.
Mattresses should be changed every seven or eight years to ensure a good and healthy night’s sleep, according to chiropractors, while mobile phone contracts are on average between 18 and 24 months.
Expert say car manufacturers are managing volumes in the used market by varying contract lengths by model and remarketing channels.
Philip Nothard, retail and consumer specialist at cap hpi, said: “What we are seeing is the ‘iphonification’ of the car industry as consumers increasingly pay to drive rather than pay to own their vehicles.
“It’s the same model as the mobile phone industry where people are comfortable paying a monthly fee - only they are now doing this with their vehicles as well as their mobiles.”
He said the growth of personal contract purchase (PCP) and other finance options is having a “profound” effect on the car industry.
Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is also increasing, as motorists increasingly look towards usership rather than ownership.
Around four out five new car sales (80 per cent) are now on finance, according to estimates by cap hpi.
Mr Nothard added: “Not so long ago it was fairly common for motorists to have their cars for a minimum of five years or longer, but that has now changed dramatically and dropped to just two years for millions of motorists.
“After buying a house, the car was usually the biggest outlay for most consumers but now they are far more likely to change their car more often than their mattress.
“Consumer demand remains strong in the used car market and there are lots of used bargains waiting to be snapped up.
“As PCP becomes more popular and accessible in the used market, motor dealers expect its use to double in the future so we’re going to see people changing their cars with increasing regularity.”

Motorists change their car more often than their mobile phone


Motorists now change their car more often than they switch their mattress or even their mobile phone, suggests new research.


British Transport Police have issued a warning after a gang placed wooden planks across a railway line and watched a train smash into them.
The gang are currently being hunted by police after the incident in Buckinghamshire on August 11, where a group were caught on camera putting large wooden planks across railway tracks.
A member of the public called 999 but before anything could be done, a train crashed into the planks.
The train was badly damaged but not derailed and there were no injuries. However, passengers said they felt the carriage ‘jump in the air’.
Investigating officer PC Jay Townsend used the incident as an opportunity to fire out a nationwide warning.
“This was an incredibly stupid thing to do and it beggars belief that someone would think this was a funny thing to do,” he said.
“Not only is trespassing on the railway extremely dangerous – with trains travelling well in excess of 100mph – but this could have caused the train to derail, and who knows what might have happened.
“We were lucky this time but acts like this can easily have fatal consequences.”
PC Townsend is now hoping to catch the culprits and bring them to justice.
“Although these images are grainy, we are releasing them in the hope that someone comes forward with information,” he added.
“Do you know who might have done this? Have you seen someone bragging about this on social media, or maybe uploading a video of themselves on the tracks?
“If you have any information, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting 505 of 11/8.

British Transport Police issue warning after train ‘jumps in the air’


British Transport Police have issued a warning after a gang placed wooden planks across a railway line and watched a train smash into them.


It’s after dark, it’s a crisp, clear and slightly nippy night and I’m on the top deck of a Viking river cruise longship clicking madly.
Like everyone else, I’m trying to get the perfect ‘sail-away’ picture of the Budapest skyline and in particular the spectacularly illuminated parliament building, that I have seen a hundred times in most of the glossy river cruise brochures and Sunday papers.
Budapest Parliament Building
Once the Viking Embla captain had finished demonstrating his prowess with the river equivalent of a ‘three point U turn’ in the middle of the Danube, we cruised under the famous Chain Bridge and elegantly began our ‘Passage To Eastern Europe’ and our voyage of discovery through five countries – Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Still clutching our cameras and phones, we suddenly became aware of how chilled we all were… after all we’d been jostling like the paparazzi, to get the best pictures for over an hour. Time for a hot cup of tea and bed!
River cruising as a sector has enjoyed exponential growth in the last five years and no company has expanded its fleet and market presence more than Viking river cruises.
I wanted to find out why river cruising has become so popular and the ‘must do’ holiday and whether Viking’s ‘strap-line’ claim about ‘Exploring The World In Comfort’ is justified or just marketing hype!
Iron Gate Gorge Face
Our Eastern European adventure had begun with a short flight from London to Budapest and a seamless transfer to the centrally located luxury ‘Sofitel’ hotel, our base for the first two days.
Within minutes of arrival, we were offered a short and helpful walking orientation tour. Whilst many of us were admiring a first look at some of the historical architectural masterpieces Budapest has to offer, it didn’t take long for some of our fellow British guests to become much more excited by a nostalgic spotting of a large C&A shop. Yes, the same famous nationwide retail brand which disappeared from our high streets about 15 years ago!
This two nights stay in the Hungarian capital, was really a good combination of pre-cruise tours offered by Viking and personal sight-seeing. Like most guests, we took the organised coach tour and discovered that it was really a joining of two cities… ‘Buda’ the hilly and older side of the Danube and ‘Pest’ the flatter and more modern.
The city tour took in both and included a visit to the castle complex in ‘Buda’ to see the Mathias Church, with a fantastic view over the whole city from Fisherman’s Bastian. Back in the Pest side, we enjoyed a trip down busy and vibrant Andrassy Street – the Oxford Street of Budapest – all the way to Heroes Square.
However, it was also nice to have the time to explore the city independently, including the colourful and huge Central Market Hall and the infamous House of Terror, once the Nazi and fascist headquarters. It’s now a museum and a dark reminder of the cruel persecution that took place in Hungary after the Second World War.
On the subject of human cruelty and persecution, no visit to Budapest would be complete without a stroll along the edge of the Danube to see the ‘Shoes’, one of the most emotional and poignant memorials in Europe.
These bronzed shoes are in homage to the many Jews, who were herded to the river by the Nazis in the 1940s, made to take off their shoes – because they were expensive – and leave them. They were then shot at this spot and their bodies allowed to fall into the river.
As we took in this unbelievable sight, tearful visitors could be seen to light memorial candles and utter prayers. This was a place to reflect on how fortunate we are.
After a hectic couple of days sightseeing, it was almost relief to make the short stroll from the hotel to our ship ready for the cruise. Seamlessly, our bags were waiting for us in our cabin.
Our stateroom, as they like to call it, was on the middle passenger deck. It was spacious, with a sumptuously comfortable bed; excellent bathroom with luxury toiletries; a safe big enough for a laptop computer; a fridge and a private verandah. Given how lucky we were with the sunshine in eastern Europe in May, this was a fantastic facility for Danube watching.
With open seating and informal dining, you could sit anywhere for any meal. This meant you could stick to the people you were travelling with, or use it as an opportunity to meet interesting new people all the time.
We met a classical cellist; a former record company boss; and a senior NASA boffin, amongst many others. It made for interesting and lively meals, though the folks from the US mainly wanted to grill the Brits on the upcoming EU vote and even more importantly to them, Downton Abbey!
Our second port of call in Hungary, brought us to the contrasting small town of Kolocsa and a visit to the Puszt Horse Stables. Here we were treated to a horse show with riders cracking their whips; riding without saddles and generally showing off their equestrian skills. I tried my hand at ‘whip-cracking’ but failed miserably. Given that whips were on sale as a souvenir, I suspect my wife was secretly relieved by this particular lack of natural talent!
As we cruised gently eastwards down the Danube, meeting different local tour guides along the way, there were two recurring themes… dumplings and Dracula!
Yes, it seemed that every guide we had, would attempt to convince us that their grandmother’s dumpling recipe was the best and that their version of the Dracula legend was the most authentic. In the end, I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps there was a connection between the two, as the closer we got to the Transylvania region of Romania and the Vampire legends, the more we were told about the importance of garlic in the dumpling recipes. I guess one can never be too careful!
Our next two ports of call were Vukovar in Croatia and the Serbian capital of Belgrade. Despite continuing to play jolly tourists and seeing the sights, there was no escape from the ever-present physical reminders of the bloody war, which tore apart the region in the early 1990s. We encountered bombed out buildings yet to be restored, bullet holes in walls and locals with their vivid memories of what had happened here.
Perhaps the most telling moment, was when we were divided into small groups for home visits in a rural Croatian village. We went to the house of Bianca, who served up Slivovitz and chocolate cake. She told us how she had been forced to leave her home during the war and how Serbs had occupied it for six years. After the war, she was thankful to be able to get it back. With tears in her eyes, she told me, “I am happy though, because unlike so many of my friends and family, I didn’t lose anyone”. Again, we left with a refreshing sense of perspective.
One of my favourite things about river cruising, is the ‘cruising’. There is something elegantly relaxing and peaceful about sitting on the sun deck with a book and a hot coffee, watching the scenery slide by. We had a whole day of this as we left Serbia and cruised onwards to Bulgaria.
The only time we needed to leave our seats was for another delicious lunch served with wine and to grab our cameras. This was in readiness of our passing through the famous Iron Gate Gorge, and for a look at the magnificent 120 foot high sculptured face of the last king of Dacia glaring at us from the rock face.
By the following day we had arrived in the town of Vidin, in the north-western part of Bulgaria, bordering Romania. It was from here that we had the chance to take a roller coaster-style coach ride through the rural countyside to visit what are known as the Belogradchik Rocks.
Made largely of limestone, these impressive rock formations form a long strip over a mile wide, more than 18 miles long and 650 feet high. Many fit members of our group braved the climb to get the best pictures, whilst the rest of us, myself included, satisfied our photographic desires by taking pictures of the people struggling up the 150 steps to get the best view of the rocks!
In contrast, the following day we had arrived in Rousse, the fifth largest city in Bulgaria. Sometimes known as Little Vienna because of its many elegant buildings, and impressive architecture, the city attracts many tourists. Here another tour guide, passionate to share everything about her city and indeed herself, tried to convince us that her grandmother’s dumplings were the best. She also told us that she was a triplet. The other two are both boys she told us. This didn’t stop one guest asking: “Are you all identical?”
Finally, we had our shortest cruise of the trip, literally across the river to Giugiu in Romania, where we boarded our coach for the two hours drive to the Romanian capital of Bucharest.
Given our close proximity to Transylvania, again we heard all about the exploits of Vlad the Impaler, who lived there during the 15th Century. It was Vlad and his evil deeds, who was we were told the real inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula creation.
It was in Bucharest that we spent our final night, this time in the very comfortable Radisson Blu hotel. Contrary to our expectations however, this city was busy, seemingly affluent, modern and booming. Some of the buildings and monuments were spectacular and almost pointlessly massive.
Dominating the city was the People’s Palace… the Parliament building, built by Nikolai Ceausescu during the height of his influence. Believe it or not, this building is the second largest in the world after the Pentagon in the United States. We were lucky enough to have a tour and after being guided around the building for two hours, our guide told us: “You have now seen just three percent of the building”.
This cruise through eastern Europe, felt different from other river cruises I have been on. Heading east on the Danube towards Romania was more than just a relaxing and romantic vacation. The opportunity to pass through five countries, all coming to terms with huge challenges in recent years, turned it into an historical and at times emotional adventure as well.
As we were seamlessly transferred back to the airport for our flight home, I understood with great clarity why river cruising has become so popular. Without doubt the Viking River Cruise claim about ‘Exploring the World in Comfort’, was perfectly justified.
Cruise Travel Facts
Professor Ian Cooper’s sailed with Viking River Cruises on their ‘Passage To Eastern Europe’, an 11-day holiday along the Danube priced from £1,695 per person on selected dates in 2017. It includes full board with all meals plus drinks (wine, beer & soft drinks only) and seven guided tours. The price also includes return economy flights and is based on two people sharing a standard stateroom.
For further information: www.vikingcruises.co.uk
Tel no: 0800 319 66 60


It’s after dark, it’s a crisp, clear and slightly nippy night and I’m on the top deck of a Viking river cruise longship clicking madly.


Bryony Page may have wowed crowds by becoming the first Brit to win an Olympic medal on a trampoline.
But new research suggests injuries sustained from indoor trampoline parks are an “emerging health concern”.
The warning comes after a study recorded 40 children needed medical treatment at one hospital in the space of just six months after trampoline accidents at an indoor park.
Last week 25-year-old Bryony won a silver medal in Rio, performing twists and turns at a staggering 30ft.
But while many youngsters may wish to emulate her, researchers stress the danger of using indoor trampoline parks, where many kids bounce simultaneously, on beds placed in close proximity to each other.
Researchers reviewed the medical records of Australian children under 17, who sought medical treatment at a children’s emergency care department between July 2014 and January 2015.
The team focussed solely on injuries sustained whilst at a trampoline park.
During a six month period, the team recorded 40 child patients, 55 per cent of which were girls, requiring treatment for their injuries.
The average age of each child patient was 10, but the youngest was just a year old.
Most of the injuries, a third, occurred while the child was on the trampoline.
And a fifth - 18 per cent - of the injuries were caused by a failed landing.
But in eight cases, the injury was the result of several different children of different sizes using the trampoline at the same time.
The research, published in the journal Injury Prevention, revealed over half of the children (52.5%) injured were simply jumping and not attempting any flips or somersaults at the time.
Six children injured themselves by landing awkwardly on something on the trampoline, such as protective padding designed to prevent falls.
Bruising and sprained ankles were the most common injuries, with 55% of the children’s medical records detailing these.
A third fractured elbow and ankle bones.
But for five children, their injuries were more serious and required surgery and a hospital admission.
Author Dr Christopher Mulligan, from The University of New South Wales said: “Most children were injured while involved in simple jumping activities (52.5%).
“However, five children (12.5%) were injured while attempting somersaults or flips.
“Six children were injured when they came into contact with something while on the trampoline.
“This included two children who landed on balls, and four children who landed on, or caught their feet in, the less elastic padding surrounding them or the hard surface floor.
“In terms of the injuries observed, the majority of patients presented with a soft tissue injury or sprain ( 55%) or fractured bone(s) (37.5%).
“One child sustained a lip laceration. One child presented with concussion, and one with chest pain.
“The lower extremity was the most frequent site of injury (67.5%), followed by the upper extremity (15%).
“The most common sprains were of the ankle. The most common fractures were supracondylar fractures of the elbow and fractures of the ankle.
“There was one fracture/dislocation of a cervical vertebra. No patients sustained a loss of consciousness.”
He added children using trampolines at home are more at risk of falling off it as they are raised above the ground or falling through the padding.
But at centres “double bouncing, or multiple users on a single trampoline, carried a significant risk for injury.
“This occurred particularly when small children were jumping with larger peers
or other adults.”
The study was published in the BMJ’ s Injury Prevention.


Bryony Page may have wowed crowds by becoming the first Brit to win an Olympic medal on a trampoline.


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Woburn Safari Park is holding a new fundraising fortnight for charity Tusk with activities that include a rare twilight walk into the Duke of Bedford’s private estate with engendered Asian elephants.
Woburn Safari Park is home to five Asian elephants, a species that is endangered in the wild largely because of human-elephant conflict, habitat loss, deforestation and loss of vital food and water resources.
Endangered Asian elephants will roam the Woburn Estate
The Park has provided us this exclusive video footage of the elephants enjoying a roam around the Duke’s private estate.
Special activities to raise funds for the charity have been organised, with mini VIP trips to see the majestic animals up close and a unique evening event that includes an exclusive guided tour of the park, a twilight walk with a herd of endangered Asian elephants in the woodlands of Woburn’s private estate and a special conservation talk from Charlie Mayhew MBE, the CEO of Tusk.
There will also be daily games and face painting sessions in the Foot Safari, and all profits from the events and activities will be donated to Tusk. HRH the Duke of Cambridge and Lord Robin Russell, the Duke of Bedford’s brother, are also royal patrons of the charity.
Tomorrow (Thursday August 25), the Bedfordshire park will open its gates for a rare evening walk with a herd of Asian elephants in the woodlands of the Duke of Bedford’s private estate. Accompanied by park keepers, guests will enjoy exclusive access to the elephants’ playground, follow the female herd and watch them feed, dust, bathe and play together in a serene woodland environment. There will also be the chance to meet 23-month old elephant calf, Tarli.
Endangered Asian elephants will roam the Woburn Estate
The experience also includes an exclusive after-hours tour of the Road Safari reserves to see the big animals, as well as a conservation talk in the Safari Lodge by Charlie Mayhew MBE, founder and CEO of Tusk. The talk will reveal the charity’s fascinating work behind 50 field conservation projects in 18 African countries. There will then be a delicious barbeque with two complimentary drinks on the terrace, which boasts breath-taking views over the Desert Springs meerkat enclosure and Swan Lake.
And until August 29 special mini VIP Trips will allow visitors to come face-to-face with the animals in the Road Safari or Foot Safari.
For more information visit the website.

VIDEO: Endangered Asian elephants roam Duke’s private estate


Woburn Safari Park is holding a new fundraising fortnight for charity Tusk with activities that include a rare twilight walk into the Duke of Bedford’s private estate with engendered Asian elephants.


A pastor and a Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer are among the 12 hopefuls competing to win the 2016 series of The Great British Bake Off.
The amateur bakers, competing to follow in the footsteps of last year’s champion Nadiya Hussain, will again seek the approval of judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood.
However the seventh series could be the last on the BBC. Its three-year deal with producers Love Productions expires at the end of this run and ITV is bidding to poach the format.
Ms Berry, 81, hinted at tensions behind the scenes between the new batch of contestants donning their aprons. She said: “They know the standard that it is, which is now pretty high. And I think they were slower to bond this year than they were in the past.”
The bakers include Andrew, 25, originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in Derby and works as an aerospace engineer for Rolls-Royce. A Cambridge University graduate, Andrew has set his heart on designing a baguette concorde.
The oldest contestant in this year’s lineup will be Lee, a 67-year-old who has worked in various pastoral ministries for the past 30 years – most recently as the pastor of his local church in Bolton. A former builder, he had a complete change of direction in the mid 1980s, when he turned to theology and took up baking.
The youngest baker is Michael, a 20-year-old from London who is studying politics and economics in Durham. He enjoys making “big grand cakes” and making Greek pastries inspired by his Cypriot heritage.
Teaching Assistant, Benjamina, 23, who started baking aged 14 just for fun, recently graduated with a 1st in Economics & lives in south London.
The contestants also include 66-year-old former primary school head teacher Val, and 31-year-old secondary school PE teacher Candice. Mother of two Kate, 37, is a farmer’s daughter from Norfolk, is a qualified nurse and works on an acute respiratory ward. Candice, 31, from Bedfordshire, was taught to bake by her beloved Nan, and strives to emulate her bakes aiming to be “even half the lady she was.”
Hollywood said Nadiya’s success – she is judging a junior version of the series and is presenting a documentary on her culinary inspirations – had raised the bar for this year’s batch.
“Nadiya went to a whole new level, and because of that I think it put the pressure on them more, and I think we felt that in the tents as well,” the judge said. “But actually they came out tops.
They started quite nervously but once they settled down they got into it. Then the baking started to flow and the standard got really really good.”
The Great British Bake Off launches on August 24 on BBC One at 8pm.

Great British Bake Off contestants: Rolls-Royce engineer and pastor join 2016 lineup


A pastor and a Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer are among the 12 hopefuls competing to win the 2016 series of The Great British Bake Off.


Fertility experts are calling for tougher regulations around IVF treatment because the solutions used to grow embryos can influence the birthweight and health of babies.
They want firms a clear list of ingredients for the solutions like those used to regulate food such as peanut butter.
The demand follows the results of a trial that shows that the composition of these laboratory cultures influence the health of the resulting embryos and babies.
The trial found that they affected the numbers of viable embryos created, the rates of successful implantation in the womb, the pregnancy rates and the babies’ birthweights.
The findings were published in the journal Human Reproduction, together with a second paper that reviews what is currently known about embryo culture media.
The second paper concludes: “There is a strong case for demanding full transparency concerning the compositions of and scientific rationale behind the composition of embryo culture media”.
The journal’s editor-in-chief, Professor Hans Evers, called for “urgent action” by industry and regulators in the wake of the findings, saying that, just as with foods such as peanut butter, the exact composition of the culture media should be listed.
He said: “Floating an embryo for only a few days in a culture medium affects the birthweight of IVF children nine months later.
“Small differences in birthweight may reflect more subtle disturbances that only will manifest themselves later in life.
“As of today, not knowing the exact composition of their IVF culture media is no longer an option for clinical embryologists.”
Dr John Dumoulin, the IVF laboratory director at Maastricht University Medical Centre in The Netherlands, and his colleagues recruited 836 couples who were scheduled for IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) treatment at one of 10 IVF centres.
Dr Dumoulin said: “For the first time, by means of a large randomised controlled trial, we have shown that human embryos that are cultured in vivo are sensitive to their environment and that something is programmed into these embryos during those few days before transfer to the womb that still has an effect nine months later.
“This being the case, we must be aware that David Barker hypothesised that the environment in early life, from foetus to the first two years of life, can have a significant effect on long-term health.
“This means that we should be careful and we should no longer blindly accept new culture media, or other alterations in laboratory or clinical procedures, without first rigorously studying effectiveness and safety.”
In the second paper, a working group of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, led by Professor Arne Sunde, of the University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, made the same recommendations.
Their research showed that culture media vary widely, their composition is usually unknown by the embryologists, doctors and patients, and figures about the influence of the media on outcomes are conflicting.
Prof Sunde said: “The key issue is that we must know the composition of the culture media we use, since it seems to induce differences in the make-up of the children born.
“We have no information about long-term consequences of this, but we cannot rule out that the composition of the culture media may affect the health of children as they grow up and become adults.”
At present, there is no uniform regulation of embryo culture media. In Europe, the majority of media approved for use carry the CE mark, but other non-CE media can still be used.
Prof Sunde added: “It is not obligatory to declare changes and the information we might get is far from sufficient.
“We want to know in detail what changes have been made and the scientific basis for the changes, including animal and human clinical data backing the change.”


Fertility experts are calling for tougher regulations around IVF treatment because the solutions used to grow embryos can influence the birthweight and health of babies.


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.
Passengers traveling with British Airways, easyJet and Thomas Cook will be charged £25 if any claim they make is unsuccessful, as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will no longer mediate between customers and airlines.
Previously, the CAA would act as the ‘middleman’ in negotiations between customer and airlines in disputes regarding flight delays and cancellations or missing or damaged luggage.
British Airways, along with easyJet and Thomas Cook, have signed up to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), which charges customers a £25 fee for unsuccessful claims for compensation.
However, passengers with other airlines, including Flybe and Ryanair will be able to pursue complaints without fear of financial loss as these airlines have signed up with the Retail Ombudsman which does not charge customers to use the service.
Also, Eurowings and Lufthansa will use German company Söp, which similarly does not charge a fee.

BA and easyJet passengers could pay £25 charge for flight delay complaints


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.


In July 1966 the England football team was about to pull off the impossible and London was fast becoming the hip, groovy and happening place to be.
High in the charts was The Kinks, with their second hit, Sunny Afternoon. This popular four-piece pop combo, fronted by Ray Davies and his younger brother Dave, hailed from North London, and were to become one of the most influential rock groups of all time.
Sunny Afternoon UK Tour cast
Fast forward almost 50 years and you don’t have to be a Dedicated Follower of Fashion to realise that Sunny Afternoon is back and riding high.
In 2014 Ray’s searingly honest musical slipped onto the genteel stage of Hampstead Theatre, blasted out its silver-haired audience, and won a whole new set of fans, before transferring to the West End, becoming a major hit and winning four Oliviers.
England didn’t make the cut at this year’s World Cup but Sunny Afternoon is set for continued success with a national tour playing in Milton Keynes Theatre from next week (August 30) and Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from September 27.
The cast were putting the finishing touches to the show at rehearsal studios on The Isle of Dogs in East London when I caught up with them.
I watched key cast members Ryan O’Donnell, playing Ray Davies, Mark Newnham, as brother Dave, Garmon Rhys as bassist Pete Quaife and Andrew Gallo playing Kinks’ drummer Mick Avory, going through their paces, including a rousing rendition of Sunny Afternoon before sitting down with them for a chat.
Tousle-haired Ryan, a former member of the Jethro Tull entourage, has already appeared in the 1960’s Who musical, Quadrophenia. He had to pass muster with The Kinks’ frontman Ray before bagging the part.
“I remember meeting Ray backstage once, after I’d got the part, and he said ‘Hi, nice to meet you’. He nodded his head and said: ‘So, you’re doing this are you? Ah’. And we shook hands and that was it, “said Ryan.
“Ray is very hands on. He comes to watch it quite a lot and he’s very supportive. He comes to all the auditions and is involved in casting.
“When you go into the final round of auditions there is this quiet man sitting at the back with a steely glare, passing judgement - which is pretty intimidating.
“I didn’t know much about The Kinks before I saw the show a couple of years ago, but obviously I knew the songs. They’re so iconic. But you don’t realise how many they wrote. It can be overwhelming for audiences. Just one great song after another. It’s a helluva show.”
Garmon, who has recently played Agatha Christie’s young detective, Tommy, and Wilfred Owen in the WWI drama, Regeneration at Northampton, here plays disillusioned guitarist Quaife, who suffers a crisis of confidence at the peak of the band’s success.
“My favourite song in the show is You Really Got Me,” he said, “Because it’s the first time you get to see the band play together as a four-piece properly, when they’re on Top of the Pops and you get a real buzz when you hear those first chords. It’s amazing.”
“I like Set Me Free, which is a pretty sexy tune, with all the trippy vocal harmonies and guitar riffs,” added Ryan.
“I have a constant battle with our music director, in songs like Sunny Afternoon. He comes up to me and says: ‘You are singing it like Ray but could you sing it a bit nicer? A bit brighter? It is supposed to be a happy moment in the show!’
“I say that it’s a lazy afternoon but he says: ‘Yeah, but it’s not a lazy moment in the show!’”
Garmon says that Britain can’t get enough of the 1960s. “It was a pioneering era for culture and fashion, especially British music and apparel.
“It was where a lot of modern fashions were started. Our wardrobe department have had it easy because the clothes and shoes, like the Chelsea Boots, are still in fashion.
“And our audiences are not all in their 60s. We have kids of all ages because everyone loves 1960’s music.”
“The reason Sunny Afternoon has been so successful is that audiences don’t just come to hear amazing songs that they remember but there are a lot of familiar themes - money, homesickness, the class struggle.”
“A lot of people come up to me,” said Ryan, “who were around at that time and didn’t know the full story. This has a strong narrative, is a fascinating play, as well as a great musical.”
Andrew Gallo, who came to MKT with Saturday Night Fever, has an impressive drum solo in Sunny Afternoon which earns the admiration of everyone.
“I was originally up for Pete, Mick and their manager. I had five drum songs to learn plus their scenes and, just in case, another song. I hadn’t touched the drums for a year so I booked myself into a studio and drummed for about four hours solid until I gave myself blisters!”
He first heard The Kinks at the age of 12 after discovering a cache of old cassette tapes while sitting with mates in a neighbour’s attic. “We just played them on a loop. They were amazing”.
Mark, who plays wild Dave, swilling fizz, swinging from a chandelier, bedding the birds and wearing a frock or two, used to play The Kinks songs when he was in a band in Brighton.
“I knew that Ray and Dave had a tempestuous relationship. Their songs are so iconic. It was so magical the way Ray wrote about stuff. He came up with some incredible lyrics. I haven’t stopped listening to The Kinks since I got the job.
“Dave is a real gift to play. He’s so flamboyant and has such a verve for life. And the script is fantastic. You could take the songs out and still have an incredible play.
“I auditioned in front of Ray, which was interesting. I had already auditioned for Pete and Dave. I did my Pete stuff first and had my fringe over one way and then, when I did my Dave audition, I said: “Do you mind if I manipulate my fringe?’ which made Ray laugh.
“I moved it into a centre parting and he said: ‘Oh yeah, you’re playing a different character’. ‘Yeah, I’m playing your little brother!’ and again I made him laugh.”
Sunny Afternoon plays at Milton Keynes Theatre August 30-September 3 and Aylesbury Waterside, September 27-October 1. To book visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes or www.atgtickets.co.uk/aylesbury,

No lazing on a Sunny Afternoon for new cast ahead of Milton Keynes and Aylesbury dates.


In July 1966 the England football team was about to pull off the impossible and London was fast becoming the hip, groovy and happening place to be.


Fans of The Kinks are in for a spectacular evening with the arrival of Sunny Afternoon to the area.
The band from North London hit the music scene big time in the early Sixties with hits including You Really Got Me and Lola.
Brothers Ray and Dave Davies formed The Kinks. Ray was the primary songwriter and the band’s definitive sound rocked a nation and influenced generations of music lovers.
Sunny Afternoon has won multiple awards during its run in the West End, and now the show is on tour with stops at The Waterside in Aylesbury and Milton Keynes Theatre.
Producer Richard Darbourne said: “Ray Davies is one of the best British songwriters we’ve ever had. There is an iconic Kinks sound and some amazing song writing. He wrote for a particular age, he was very observational. It resonates with that particular time and it either induces a memory in people today, or brings in new listeners who hear their music for the first time on radio.”
The show promises to have a real concert vibe to it.
Mr Darbourne said: “There is no band in the pit, it’s a quite spectacular event. The actors are musicians as well. Finding the right personnel for any show is a major challenge. We needed four Kinks and their understudies and they have to learn the music and sound like The Kinks with an authentic sound. There is a catwalk that goes into the audience, it’s a logistical nightmare but we’ve kept it for the tour. We felt it was important to retain it and keep the show as it is seen in the West End.”
Sunny Afternoon comes to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday August 30 - Saturday September 3. To book call 0844 871 7652 or visit www. atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes. It then visits Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury from Tuesday September 27 to Saturday October 1. Call the box office on 0844 871 7607 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/ aylesbury.

Kinks musical hits Milton Keynes and Aylesbury stages


Fans of The Kinks are in for a spectacular evening with the arrival of Sunny Afternoon to the area.


Video game escapism in its purest form.
No Man’s Sky in undeniably a work of art, but have you got time to look around the whole gallery?
No Man’s Sky launched last week after much hype and billed as quite literally the biggest video game ever made.
The self-perpetuating game, which promises to be potentially endless, was four years in the making by a tiny team in game production terms. And you can tell as it will instantly take your breath away.
Make no mistake there has never been anything like this before. As you fly ever deeper into the universe, new planets and solar systems roll silently into view – some will have been seen before, others discovered for the very first time. And you have 18 quintillion of them to choose from...
Each has its own set of flora, fauna and inhabitants. By exploring, players gain information about the planets that they can submit to The Atlas, a universal database that can be shared with other players of the game and for which they are rewarded in currency each time.
Each planet is a work of art you could spend hours studying, analysing and dissecting. These works of art are housed in an endless gallery and for art connoisseurs it will be Manna from heaven.
However, most people’s playing time will be finite.... unless you’re at university and can afford to miss the odd class here and there to squeeze in just one more exploration of a peculiar alien planet.
And that is where one of the game’s key sticking points comes in. As much as No Man’s Sky takes us to Infinity and leaves us wondering what waits beyond, there is also an almost irresistible itch which you can’t scratch because you can never truly “complete” this game in the traditional sense.
But that is very much a personal take on NMS, many people might enjoy jumping on for a couple of hours here and there, discovering lots of different things and logging it to the Atlas, if anything it could be cathartic but many people like a beginning, a middle and an end to their games.
No Mans Sky is undeniably a work of art
The care, thought, time and brilliance that has gone into this utterly original video game is mindblowing and deserves to be experienced by PlayStation gamers.
It is the purest form of video game escapism we have ever seen and should be celebrated as such.
But it will more likely go down as a cult classic than the blockbuster success it’s craft deserves.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.
Having an unrewarding job as you start out on the career ladder makes you more depressed, worried and had more trouble sleeping.
And if you stay stuck in positions with low levels of job satisfaction it affects you not just you mentally but physically too, including catching more colds, having a bad back and poor heart health.
But if you are happy in your job or finally get your dream job as your career progresses your overall health gets a boost.
The study by Ohio State University sociologists found job satisfaction in your late 20s and 30s has a link to overall health in your early 40s.
While it impacts on physical health, its effect was particularly strong for mental health.
Lead author and doctoral student Jonathan Dirlam said: “We found that there is a cumulative effect of job satisfaction on health that appears as early as your 40s.”
The study highlighted the importance that early jobs have on people’s lives.
Associate professor of sociology Dr Hui Zheng said: “You don’t have to be near the end of your career to see the health impact of job satisfaction, particularly on your mental health.
“The higher levels of mental health problems for those with low job satisfaction may be a precursor to future physical problems.
“Increased anxiety and depression could lead to cardiovascular or other health problems that won’t show up until they are older.”
He added the study was carried out before the credit crunch and said: “The recession almost certainly increased job insecurity and dissatisfaction, and that could have resulted in more negative health effects.”
The study used data from 6,432 Americans followed from the ages of 14 to 22 as part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979.
Researchers examined job satisfaction trajectories for people from age 25 to 39 and their health on turning 40.
Participants rated how much they liked their jobs from 1 - dislike very much - to 4 -like very much.
They were then divided into four groups: consistently low and consistently high job satisfaction, those whose satisfaction started high but was trending down and those who started low but were trending higher.
About 45 per cent of participants had consistently low job satisfaction, while another 23 per cent had levels that were trending downward through their early career.
About 15 per cent of people were consistently happy at their jobs and about 17 per cent were trending upward.
Mental health was most affected by people’s feelings about their jobs with those in the low job satisfaction group throughout their early careers scored worse on all five of the mental health measures studied.
They reported higher levels of depression, sleep problems and excessive worry and were more likely to have been diagnosed with emotional problems and scored lower on a test of overall mental health.
Those whose job satisfaction decreased were more likely than those with consistently high satisfaction to have frequent trouble sleeping and excessive worry, and had lower scores for overall mental health.
But they didn’t see an impact on depression scores or their probability of being diagnosed with emotional problems.
Those whose scores went up through the early career years did not see any comparative health problems.
Those in the low satisfaction group and those who were trending downwards reported poorer overall health and more problems like back pain and frequent colds compared to the high satisfaction group.
But they weren’t different in physical functioning and in doctor-diagnosed health problems such as diabetes and cancer.
As with mental health, no effects were seen on physical health for those trending upward.
The findings was presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Seattle.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.