bbcuk--2020-02-09--The dark story of the Welshman behind Hollywood's park

Los Angeles is famous for stardom , glamour and the giant Hollywood sign perched on the hillside , but to outsiders of the city few will realise the famous sign is situated in one of the biggest parks in America - a park that was gifted by a Welshman with a dark past .
As film stars gather to take their place on the red carpet ahead of the Oscar 's ceremony , BBC Wales ' Peter Shuttleworth takes a look at the Welsh connection .
The history of Griffith Park can be traced back to when it was home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tinsel town 's gems attracting thousands of visitors every year .
It features the Los Angeles Zoo , a Greek amphitheatre and the Griffith Observatory , which has been featured in several feature films including Rebel Without a Cause , The Terminator , Back To The Future , Star Trek and La La Land .
But who was the man that gifted the land to the city of angels ?
His name was Griffith J Griffith and he was born a world away from Hollywood on a farm in the village of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in 1850 .
Not much is known about his life in Wales but it is thought he emigrated to America at 16 , travelling with his uncle .
When he arrived , he was taken in by an elderly couple who gave him board and a chance to attend school in exchange for labour .
Griffith later got a job as a mining correspondent for a newspaper in San Francisco , following the California gold rush .
His expertise led to opportunities in mining syndicates and it was through these that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the City of Angels He was now a wealthy man and moved in elite circles .
Some were impressed by Griffith 's confident demeanour , others thought he `` had an exaggerated strut like a turkey gobbler '' .
Griffith even called himself `` Colonel '' but no-one knew why as the only military title he 'd ever officially held was a `` major '' of rifle practice with the California National Guard .
It did n't stop ambitious Griffith as he moved to establish himself in LA high society by heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Rancho Los Feliz in the north-east of the city before cementing his position as an LA socialite by marrying the daughter of a prominent family in 1887 .
His life seemed like the epitome of the American dream but took a dark twist when he later attempted to murder his wife Christina , leaving her with life-changing injuries .
On the outside , the glamorous , successful couple seemed like the perfect A-list celebrities .
But behind closed doors , Griffiths was abusive .
He was suspicious of his wife 's fidelity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who did n't drink alcohol to the outside world , Christina later said he was frequently drunk in the confines of their home .
Indeed , his marriage to Christina was said to have almost never happened - it is understood he called off their engagement on discovering that she was not the sole heir to the family fortune .
Her shocked family begged him to reconsider to save their daughter from the shame of being rejected and he did - on condition Christina was made the sole heir to the family 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ego' His first act of social benevolence was his `` Christmas present '' of 1896 when he and Christina donated 3,015 acres of their land to the city of Los Angeles for use as a public park .
`` It must be made a place of rest and relaxation for the masses , a resort for the rank and file , for the plain people , '' Griffith told the Los Angeles City Council when he donated the land .
`` I consider it my obligation to make Los Angeles a happy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay my debt of duty in this way to the community in which I have prospered . ''
In return , the city agreed to name it after the self-made mining entrepreneur and philanthropist who had arrived in the United States less than 20 years earlier with nothing .
`` The land was n't in the city back then , '' said LA historian Michael Eberts .
`` He said he was giving the land to the city before it was too late because he said someday LA will be a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The land , though , was n't valuable then because you could n't grow crops - now it 'd be worth millions in real estate .
People also accused him of trying to skip paying tax .
`` Griffith did have a strong reformer streak but he had quite an ego - he wanted to be seen to be doing good things with his wealth . ''
But Griffith wrecked this legacy by shooting his wife at point blank range in a drunken rage while on holiday in Santa Monica in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times on 7 September 1903 , reported that Griffith shot her as she was on her knees after `` forcing her to answer , at pistol point , some irrational questions as to her faithfulness and knowledge of any attempt to poison him '' .
The article continued : `` She jumped up and ran to a window , out of which she jumped , falling onto a roof some fourteen feet below fracturing her shoulder blade . ''
She survived the shooting in the Arcadia Hotel 's presidential suite but lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The brutal attack shocked people in LA and Griffith became persona non grata overnight .
He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to commit murder before being convicted of a lesser charge of assault with a deadly weapon .
• Go Jetters cartoon go to Hollywood During the trial , the reputation Griffith had built up over the years was shredded - even his defence argued he suffered `` alcoholic insanity '' .
Griffith 's excuses for shooting his wife were that he had suffered from paranoid delusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a deadly weapon - an attack which left his wife blind in one eye - his punishment was nominal .
The secret alcoholic was sentenced to just two years in jail .
During his time in prison , Christina divorced him taking full custody of their teenage son and he was ostracised by LA 's socialites .
On his release from prison , he tried to repair his damaged reputation but the city was having none of it .
As part of his attempt to ingratiate himself back into high society , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second `` Christmas present '' of a theatre and science hall to be built at his expense at Griffith Park .
While the city council accepted , park commission members blocked it thinking Griffith was trying to buy forgiveness for shooting his wife .
• 10 things we spotted in the Oscars class photo '' He bemoaned the fact he could n't be seen as the great philanthropist he wanted to be remembered as , '' said Mr Eberts of the Los Angeles Historical Society .
`` There were stickers on LA police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's no excuse for domestic violence ' and someone put one on the sign for Griffith Park .
`` We appreciate the park , it means so much to the people of LA , but shooting your wife , oh my word that is not acceptable . ''
Griffith died of liver disease in July 1919 and left the bulk of his $ 1.5m estate to the city to build a Greek Theatre and an observatory , where admission was free .
`` There 's no whitewashing of Griffith and his failings and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Dr Ed Krupp , director of Griffith Observatory since 1974 .
`` There 's no forgiving Griffith for shooting his wife but there is an understanding that there was more to the man . ''

Los Angeles is famous for stardom, glamour and the giant Hollywood sign perched on the hillside, but to outsiders of the city few will realise the famous sign is situated in one of the biggest parks in America - a park that was gifted by a Welshman with a dark past. As film stars gather to take their place on the red carpet ahead of the Oscar's ceremony, BBC Wales' Peter Shuttleworth takes a look at the Welsh connection.


bbcuk--2020-02-09--The music icons captured by Scots amateur photographers

There 's a moment in the pseudo-documentary Rude Boy where leather-clad fans of The Clash are filmed queuing at the Glasgow Apollo - scruffy , grinning and making some questionable two-fingered gestures to the camera .
For Chris Brickley , this is the sort of material that transports him back to some of the most memorable gigs of his life in Scotland from the late 1970s and 80s .
Not professionally-shot images of artists enthralling fans on stage , but the messier snapshots of crowds , fashions and venues - many of which are no longer in operation .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 52-year-old is attempting to preserve .
He intends to self-publish a book of some 2,000 amateur shots of concerts across Scotland from 1974 to 1990 , from high profile artists to memorabilia , ticket stubs and backroom gigs .
`` I wanted to do something that 's a lot of work , but that people would like , '' he said .
`` It 's not just an exercise in navel gazing , it 's important to our culture .
`` Music used to be so democratic - people could just pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost so much more these days .
`` The other angle is that I love street fashion , what people actually looked like .
`` The ones I like the most are the crowd shots where you 're right in front - you not only see the band , you see the backdrop .
People 's hair , split ends and leather jackets . ''
Over the past year Chris has painstakingly sourced images through social media , all from amateur photographers who posted their old shots for nostalgia 's sake .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest names of the era - David Bowie at the legendary Glasgow Apollo in 1978 , The Clash in 1985 at Edinburgh 's Coasters and the Pixies at The Venue in Aberdeen in 1989 .
But Chris also went to great lengths to feature towns and villages which he says are `` rarely mentioned in Scottish music history '' .
He said : `` I am a huge fan of The Cramps and The Fall - there is an infamous tour they did co-headlining in 1980 and they played the Stagecoach Hotel in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday night .
`` I looked into it as a venue - it was just off the M74 and it was a great stop-off point and a lot of great bands played there , like Simple Minds and The Pretenders .
`` There 's a great story there .
That 's what it 's all about .
Everyone knows the Apollo ( in Glasgow ) but when you dig down , that 's the nature of gig-going . ''
The 500-page photobook has secured £14,000 in sponsorship as well as £4,000 which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will be published have yet to be finalised , but Chris says he is working against the clock .
He added : `` Some of the hardest pictures to source were places such as the Mars Bar and Zhivago 's - that 's where Simple Minds started playing their gigs .
They achieved great success by playing every single toilet you 'd go in .
`` Most of these places are gone and we 're losing people as we go .
That 's why this has to be done now . ''

"I wanted to do something that's a lot of work, but that people would like," he said. "It's not just an exercise in navel-gazing, it's important to our culture.


bbcuk--2020-02-09--Clare Grogan: 'I'm still waiting for the bubble to burst'

To many Clare Grogan is and always will be Gregory 's Girl .
To others , she 's the Glaswegian teenager who burst on to Top of The Pops singing Happy Birthday .
In 2020 , she wears a number of hats , and that 's what she credits for giving her a long career .
She says her 17-year-old self would never have believed she would be doing the same job at 57 .
The actress , singer and presenter says she refuses to give in to age .
She said : `` I like working , I love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities despite choosing one of the most difficult businesses in the world .
`` I just do my best and give my all to every job .
That 's the way I was brought up and I think that 's why I 've maintained a career of 40 years . ''
She added : `` I absolutely refuse to give in to the age thing .
`` There are less parts for women - that 's a fact .
It is changing now , but I concerned myself with keeping myself grounded and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an answer .
`` Part of it is hanging onto your own self-belief which is very difficult to do .
But the fact that I diversified has really helped keep me working .
`` I had bills and a mortgage to pay so I had to just look at what was being offered and go where I am wanted . ''
After worldwide success in the early 1980s with Altered Images and Gregory 's Girl , her tandem career of acting and singing took her from drama Skins to Red Dwarf , EastEnders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
Her film credits include Bill Forsyth 's Comfort and Joy and The Wee Man and she has just finished filming Christmas movie Perfect Strangers due out in December .
She jokes : `` It 's not like I 'm going to get a proper job anytime soon - no one would have me . ''
At the age of 57 , Clare has just finished filming her first cooking show .
Corner Shop Cook Off will turn Gregory 's Girl into Gregory 's grill as it challenges chefs to whip up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convenience stores .
Masterchef : The Professionals winner Gary Maclean goes up against guest chefs to try to create the best three-course meal with £15 of food from the shop 's shelves .
Clare is well-placed to turn her hand to a cooking programme .
Her husband is former Altered Images bandmate , music producer Stephen Lironi , who is also a successful restaurateur in London .
She said : `` The competitiveness of chefs is hilarious .
The funniest thing for me was watching the chefs ' reactions when they walked into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's all about great ingredients and produce and there they were faced with a tin of processed peas .
I really loved that moment when it dawned on them that they were going to have to drum up something special with ingredients they would never use .
`` You could really see the panic in their faces . ''
This summer sees the return of Altered Images as Clare performs at Summer Nights at Glasgow 's Kelvingrove bandstand with fellow 80s singer Edwyn Collins .
She loves meeting up with musicians who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early years rubbing shoulders and becoming close friends with bands such as Wham !
and Spandau Ballet and was even named by Gary Kemp as the inspiration for their hit True .
Clare said : `` It 's really interesting to me - all those years ago in the Top Of The Pops green room we would n't make eye contact with each other , we were socially inept .
Now it 's nice to get the chance to get to talk to people and not go bright red .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most of us were so very young when we hit that first phase of fame .
There is just that feeling that we all get it . ''
And she likes to get out on the stage and relive all those moments with the audience .
`` Who knows when the bubble will burst , but my shows are sold out and it is beyond nostalgia , '' she said .
`` We do new songs , songs we love and for me I am just delighted that people still want to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience and they are mostly my peers - we are all music fans , we are all here for the same reason , to have a good time .
Simple as that . ''
Corner Shop Cook Off is on the BBC Scotland channel on Wednesday 19 February at 20:00 and afterwards on the BBC iPlayer .

"For them it's all about great ingredients and produce and there they were faced with a tin of processed peas. I really loved that moment when it dawned on them that they were going to have to drum up something special with ingredients they would never use.


bbcuk--2020-02-07--Brexit: What trade deals has the UK done so far?

Following Brexit , the UK is free to strike new deals for selling goods and services around the world .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is on a tour of Australia and Asia , to try to secure some of these deals .
The government will also have to negotiate a new trade agreement with the EU as a top priority .
So , what is free trade and what deals has the UK already done ?
What international trade does the UK do ?
Selling goods and services to other countries is central to the UK 's economy and supports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total value of UK trade was £1.3 trillion and almost half was with the EU .
UK trade in goods - the products that can be bought and sold - was worth £840bn in 2018 .
Of this , cars were the biggest single export at £33.3bn , followed by medicine and mechanical power generators at £24.7bn each .
But trade is n't all about goods .
Services - the skills which a country provides - were worth almost £460bn in 2018 .
Examples include finance , insurance , accounting and law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often provide after-sales services as well .
For example , a company that sells or leases power generators may also profit from offering maintenance and repair contracts .
Management consulting and technical services were the biggest UK service exports in 2018 , worth £81.3bn .
A free trade deal aims to encourage trade by making it cheaper .
It does this by reducing or eliminating tariffs - charges for trading across borders .
These deals usually cover goods , but sometimes include services too .
Trade agreements also aim to remove quotas - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods that can be traded .
Trade can also be made simpler and faster if countries have the same rules , such as the colour of wires in plugs .
The closer the rules are , the less likely that goods need to be checked .
So why have tariffs and quotas at all ?
While free trade agreements aim to boost trade , too many cheap imports could threaten a country 's manufacturers .
In order to protect local car makers , for example , a country could impose tariffs on vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why does the UK need an EU trade deal ?
The UK will need an agreement with the EU to stop new tariffs and other trade barriers coming into force after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020 .
During the transition period the UK will remain part of the EU 's trading arrangements - the single market and the customs union .
That means no tariffs , quotas or checks will be introduced .
The point of the transition is to give both sides some breathing space while a trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to get ready .
If any trade deals are reached , either with the EU or other countries , they will not start until the transition period ends .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken in favour of an EU trade agreement that builds on the deal that Canada has .
Tariffs on most Canadian goods , such as machine parts , have been eliminated .
However , there are some additional checks , such as customs and VAT .
Services , like banking , are much more restricted .
The financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - so getting a deal in this area will be a high priority .
• What is the transition period ?
How easy will it be to negotiate a UK-EU trade deal ?
Neither side wants tariffs and quotas - so that part of the trade deal could be straightforward .
But getting agreement around rules and regulations could be much tougher .
The UK and the EU currently have the same rules - from the financial help companies are allowed , to the way wine is labelled .
Moving away from some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the UK to secure trade deals with other countries .
But the EU wants the UK 's rules to remain similar , to prevent its companies gaining an advantage .
Even if a trade deal is agreed , it will not eliminate all checks because the EU requires certain goods ( such as food ) from non-EU countries to be checked .
Time is also a problem .
The transition is due to end on 31 December , and formal trade talks are not likely to start until early March .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If negotiators fail to reach a deal , the UK faces the prospect of trading with the EU under the basic rules set by the World Trade Organization ( WTO ) .
If the UK had to trade under WTO rules , tariffs would be applied to most goods which UK businesses send to the EU .
This would make UK goods more expensive and harder to sell in Europe .
Having WTO terms would also mean full border checks for goods , which could cause traffic bottlenecks at ports .
And the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access .
Qualifications would no longer be recognised and it would be much harder for workers to travel to the EU .
This would affect everyone from bankers and lawyers , to musicians and chefs .
What trade deals has the UK done so far ?
While it was an EU member , the UK was automatically part of around 40 trade deals the EU had struck with more than 70 countries .
In the run-up to Brexit , the UK was given permission to copy these agreements .
So far , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deals , covering 50 countries or territories .
These represent just over 8 % of total UK trade .
The following deals are expected to take effect at the end of the transition period , according to the Department for International Trade :

Brexit: What trade deals has the UK done so far? Published 20 September 2022
Image source, Getty Images
A UK-US trade deal could be many years away, Prime Minister Liz Truss has said, ahead of talks with US President Joe Biden.
Since Brexit, the UK has signed trade deals and agreements in principle with 71 countries and one with the EU.
However, the majority of these are simply "rollovers" - meaning they copied the terms of deals the UK previously had when it was an EU member, rather than creating new trading arrangements.
Will there be a US trade deal?
However, Mr Biden played down the chances of an imminent UK-US trade deal in 2021.
Ahead of her first meeting with the US President, Ms Truss admitted that she didn't expect negotiations to start "in the short to medium term".
Brexit supporters previously touted the prospect of a US-UK trade deal as a key benefit of leaving the EU.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Mr Biden previously played down the chances of a post-Brexit free trade deal between the US and UK
What is a free trade deal?
A free trade deal aims to encourage trade between countries by making it cheaper and simpler. It normally applies to the exchange of goods, but occasionally to services as well.
Making trade cheaper is usually achieved by reducing or eliminating tariffs. These are government taxes or charges for trading goods across borders. A car importer might have to pay a 20% tariff on top of the vehicle's price, for example, to bring it into a country.
Trade can also be made simpler if countries have the same rules, such as the colour of wires in plugs or food safety requirements. The closer the rules are, the less likely that goods need to be inspected.
Why have tariffs and quotas at all?
While free trade agreements aim to boost trade, too many cheap imports could threaten a country's own manufacturers. This could affect jobs.
For that reason, a government might choose to put tariffs on certain things. Tariffs on car imports, for example, could help protect local car makers from cheaper vehicles coming in from abroad.
Image source, EPA Image caption, The UK-Japan deal was signed in October 2020
What trade deals has the UK signed since Brexit?
Since it left the EU, the UK has had the freedom to pursue it own independent trade deals.
Most recently it signed a deal with New Zealand on 28 February 2022.
New Zealand is a small trading partner, accounting for less than 0.2% of total UK trade.
While the deal is unlikely to boost the UK economy by much, it could lead to more New Zealand lamb being sold in the UK.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, British farmers are worried about competing with cheap foreign imports, such as beef
The Australia deal was the first trade agreement negotiated from scratch by the UK since it left the EU. UK farmers warned they could be undercut by cheap imports, which could cost jobs. However, the UK government insists the deal contains protections for the sector.
A deal with Japan was signed in October 2020. It was the first that differed from the existing EU trade deal.
An agreement with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein was announced in June 2021 and builds on the previous agreement the UK had with these countries.
Talks with India began in early 2022, although no deal has yet been reached.
The UK has also applied to join an existing trade agreement between 11 Pacific Rim nations. The government hopes to become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) by the end of 2022.
What happened to the trade agreements the UK was already part of?
Before Brexit, the UK was automatically part of any trade deal the EU had negotiated with another country. At the time the UK left, the EU had about 40 trade deals covering more than 70 countries.
The UK government says it has secured rollover deals with 69 of the original countries.
What is the UK-EU trade deal?
After Brexit happened on 31 January 2020, the UK and EU needed to decide the rules for their future trading relationship.
This was important because the EU is the UK's largest and closest trading partner.
After months of negotiation - which went down to the wire - a UK-EU trade deal came into force on 1 January 2021.
The deal prevented any tariffs and quotas being introduced - which would have made it more expensive to trade between the two partners.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The UK-EU trade deal went down to the wire, with fishing proving to be one of the major sticking points
But not everything is the same as it was before Brexit.
As the UK no longer has to follow EU rules on product standards, new checks have been introduced.


bbcuk--2020-02-08--Coronation Street: Why it's more than just a soap

Forget dating apps or school sweethearts , 18-year-old Cat Davies met her girlfriend through their shared love of Coronation Street .
`` Instead of loving a rock band or a Netflix series , I 've always loved Corrie '' , she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat .
The show , which has been running since 1960 , aired its 10,000th episode on Friday .
It 's the longest running soap in the world .
The anniversary episode saw Ken Barlow decide to leave the famous cobbles although the character will still be part of the show - he 'll just live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't end with the closing credits .
She runs a fan page for Carla , a character in the programme .
`` We all make video edits of our favourite characters , so we take bits of them in the programme and add music and effects . ''
Both Cat and her girlfriend Shan made these video edits , and so found one another on Instagram .
After speaking online , they decided to meet up in 2016 when Cat was visiting Manchester , from south west Wales .
Cat met `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' from the online community surrounding the soap .
Apart from juicy storylines keeping her hooked three nights a week , she says watching it religiously has made her a `` more understanding person '' .
`` It always made me judge people less .
The different stories just show you that you never know what 's going on behind closed doors . ''
The storylines , although sometimes unrealistic ( let 's not talk about Vicky 's birth scene ) , are important to a lot of viewers .
Recent topics have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Someone I know really connected with Carla 's psychosis storyline last year .
`` When you watch it you can gain an understanding of things you might not have even known you were going through . ''
26-year-old Holly Morgan has been watching Coronation Street for more than ten years .
She agrees that the storylines are more than just something to watch with a cuppa .
`` There 's an emotional abuse storyline at the moment , and that 's something I went through .
`` Having things like that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go through ; a lot of people do n't really understand emotional abuse and gaslighting .
`` This storyline has got people talking .
It opens people 's eyes . ''
With more choice of big budget programmes at our fingertips , Cat says soaps still have a place in entertaining all ages of people .
She said : `` There are loads of good new series ' but you 'd be wrong to say soaps are out of date .
`` Because it 's never ending , you have this constant connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So , to some people it 's just a show , but to others it can mean a great deal because of how they connect with these characters and what they 've gone through . ''
To mark its 10,000th episode on Friday , there was a nostalgic episode filled with nods to previous characters and plots .
Whether it 's dramatic storylines , funny characters or a way to meet new friends , millions of people still agree with Cat that there 's `` nothing better than to come home and just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

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bbcuk--2020-02-08--What could Brexit mean for fishing?

What could Brexit mean for fishing?

It has always been an emotional issue in the UK 's relationship with the European Union .
Fishing : a symbol of the sovereignty that supporters of Brexit say will now be regained .
The EU has already announced that an agreement on fisheries is a pre-condition for the kind of free trade deal , with no tariffs or quotas , which both sides say they will try to work towards .
But the UK says any such agreement must be based on the understanding that , after Brexit , `` British fishing grounds are first and foremost for British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period until the end of this year , fishing will continue to be governed by the EU 's Common Fisheries Policy ( CFP ) .
That means the fishing fleets of every country have full access to each other 's waters , apart from the first 12 nautical miles out from the coast .
But they ca n't catch whatever they like .
EU ministers gather for marathon talks every December to haggle over the volume of fish that can be caught from each stock .
National quotas are then divided up using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the UK got what its fishing industry says was a bad deal .
It 's further complicated by the fact that parts of the British quota have been sold off by British skippers to boats based elsewhere in the EU .
In England , for example , more than half the quota is in foreign hands .
Overall , more than 60 % of the tonnage landed from British waters is caught by foreign boats .
So , Brexit is a chance for a fresh start .
Outside the EU , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the UK will control what 's known as an exclusive economic zone ( EEZ ) , a vast maritime territory stretching up to 200 nautical miles into the North Atlantic .
The government wants to hold annual talks with the EU on access to those UK waters and on quotas .
That 's what other independent coastal states like Norway do .
And fishing communities in the UK , which were strong supporters of the campaign to leave , are insisting on this basic change .
But because UK waters are so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU is under pressure from its fishing communities to maintain the status quo .
It wants the UK to grant the same level of access there is now , with only gradual change envisaged , in order to `` avoid economic dislocation for EU fishermen that have traditionally fished in the UK waters '' .
The EU also wants to divide up the amounts that each country 's boats are allowed to catch in a way that will not be up for negotiation every year , and which can not be changed unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Given that the UK has left the EU in order to set its own rules , it might appear to be in the driving seat in this argument ( or should that be at the helm ? )
But it 's not just about where fish can be caught - it 's also about where fish can be sold .
This is particularly important , because most of the fish landed by UK fishermen is exported ( while most of the fish eaten in the UK is imported ) .
In 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The total catch by UK vessels into UK ports was 395,000 tonnes .
About 100,000 tonnes of UK exports were salmon ( which does n't count in landings figures ) .
Three quarters of UK fish exports are sold in the European Union , and some parts of the industry - such as shellfish - would collapse if they were suddenly faced with tariffs or taxes on their produce .
The UK says access to markets should be nothing to do with access to fishing waters , but the EU is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal on fish , it insists , there will be no special access to the single market .
Remember that a deal on fish would not just affect fishermen ( and women ) , of which there were an estimated 11,961 across the UK in 2018 .
There were also about 18,000 people employed at fish processing sites in 2016 .
And it 's not just about fishing at sea - there are also inland sites such as salmon fish farms , which would be affected by any deal .
Plenty of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including : • Taking account of the different priorities of big industrial trawlers and smaller boats • Working out how fishing ranks alongside other issues in trade talks .
• Nations such as Scotland wanting to go their own way And it 's worth remembering that fishing is only a tiny fraction of the overall economy both in the UK ( less than 0.1 % ) and in the rest of the EU ( some landlocked countries have no fishing fleets at all ) .
According to the Office for National Statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK economy in 2018 .
By comparison , the financial services industry was worth £132bn .
But fishing still has political power .
The EU 's negotiating mandate is only a draft , produced by the European Commission .
But , if anything , the language it contains is likely to become tougher once member states with big fishing communities have had their say .
The UK government will also be under enormous pressure not to give ground .
If there is any compromise to be found , it would probably involve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to EU boats , which is lower ( but not much lower ) than they have now .
The two sides had already agreed , in the political declaration that accompanied the EU withdrawal agreement , that they would try to reach a deal on fisheries by 1 July this year .
Given the tight timescale , and the political sensitivities on both sides , it looks set to generate one of the first ( but not the last ) big arguments of these negotiations .

A British trawler was seized by France in October because it was not on an EU list of vessels that had been granted licences to fish in French waters. The UK government said the trawler had been granted a licence but it was unclear why it was not on the list. The vessel was subsequently released.


bbcuk--2020-02-08--The research centre dedicated to the science of cracks

Whatever their size , cracks can be bad news .
They make planes fall out the sky and bridges fall down .
On a more mundane level they trip you up on a badly-maintained pavement .
Now Strathclyde University in Glasgow is claiming a world-first with a centre dedicated to a new science of cracking-up .
The concept of peridynamics - from the classical Greek words for `` around '' and `` force '' - emerged from the United States at the turn of the century .
It uses sophisticated computational models to simulate and analyse these fissures that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the director of Strathclyde 's Peridynamics Research Centre , Dr Erkan Oterkus , says cracks are not always a bad thing .
`` Think about a chocolate bar , '' he says .
`` If you want to enjoy this bar you have to open the package .
`` To open the package , what you need to do is tear the package .
So you need to create a crack . ''
So far , so delicious .
`` Then your teeth need to split this chocolate bar into smaller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of cracks in your mouth .
If you think about it , cracks are everywhere . ''
Dr Oterkus came to Glasgow from Turkey via Nasa in Virginia .
His co-director Dr Selda Oterkus is also his wife .
The peridynamics centre is part of Strathclyde 's engineering faculty but it is not all bridges , planes and ships .
Selda explains that they have been working with the Japanese giant Samsung to examine cracking in electronic components .
These cracks appear because of steam in unexpected places .
`` The electronic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` During storage and shipping these components absorb moisture .
Then during the soldering process , when you want to combine the electronic components together , the temperature rises and it creates vapour pressure - it creates a crack . ''
`` It 's the same idea .
If you want to make popcorn in your home , it has a shell and it has content in it , '' she says .
`` And when you heat it , the shell gets broken because of high vapour pressure inside .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how cracks form and spread but each tends to focus on a different scale : very small things or quite big ones .
The computer modelling used in peridynamics means it can be used to simulate cracks of any size in often complex materials like composites .
A fundamental principle is that the same equation can be applied to a material whether or not it has a crack .
One challenge to which it is being applied is global heating .
As the climate warms it is opening shorter shipping routes between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seas on the edge of the Arctic .
The sea ice on these northern routes can be cracked but ships can crack too .
Peridynamics can simulate the behaviour of both as they interact .
`` What we know from history , for example the Titanic accident , is that if we are just designing ships without considering the effect of ice impact , it can create big damage to the ship 's structure , '' Erkan says .
`` By using peridynamic methodology we are trying to simulate what is happening in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modelling ice as a material and the ship as a material , and we are trying to simulate what happens when these two different objects are in contact with each other . ''
Peridynamics can also simulate how aircraft behave when they are struck by hail or lightning .
But it can also be applied to softer objects too .
Like us .
It can be used to calculate the damage a bullet would do to a human body .
Thermal flows , whether in an aircraft struck by lightning or a cold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by hot water can be calculated .
The discipline challenges not just existing techniques , but tenets of physics that have prevailed for more than 2,000 years .
The Aristotelian view was straightforward : to move something you must touch it .
That works but it 's not the whole story .
Let 's say you want to smash a wine glass .
You could throw it at the wall .
You 've touched it and it 's moved - that 's what 's called a local force .
Or you could just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You have n't thrown it - gravity did the work this time , without touching it .
That 's a non-local force .
Peridynamics can take account of both types , using the concept of the `` horizon '' .
Not , in this case , the thing behind which the Sun vanishes at night .
In this case it 's the term for how near or far away a non-local force can be and still have an effect .
The research centre is engaged in a three-year project supported by the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this horizon can be defined .
Peridynamics holds out the prospect of increasing safety by better understanding how forces near and far could affect buildings , aircraft and even our bodies .
In practical terms it could mean the difference between a ship cracking the ice or ice cracking the ship .
Or indeed whether that chocolate bar cracks your teeth .

"What we know from history, for example the Titanic accident, is that if we are just designing ships without considering the effect of ice impact, it can create big damage to the ship's structure," Erkan says.


bbcuk--2020-02-08--Imprisoned by cladding: The flat owners who cannot sell

Thousands of people in the UK are living in flats they can not sell , because the outside wall is covered in cladding .
Sometimes it 's combustible , like the material that turned Grenfell Tower into an inferno .
But people may become prisoners in their homes even when it is n't - because the freeholder has n't paid for it to be tested .
`` It 's lovely round here , '' says Dan Gilson , looking across the canal basin outside his home .
A duck paddles in the water , and narrowboats bob gently .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rays on the bright February morning , and the quietness belies the fact we 're inside the M25 .
Dan sighs .
`` It 's just a shame about the cladding . ''
The flat Dan , 38 , and his wife Rhiannon Robertson , 34 , share in De Beauvoir Wharf in Hackney is covered in wood-effect panels that they 've recently discovered have a combustibility rating of D , signifying a `` medium contribution to fire '' .
Since the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 , in which 72 people died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Highly combustible `` aluminium composite material '' ( ACM ) cladding spread the Grenfell fire at terrifying speed .
The most recent government figures show that 450 buildings are covered in it , 356 of which are residential .
Freedom of Information requests by the BBC have identified a further 99 tower blocks covered in high-pressure laminate ( HPL ) cladding , which is also combustible - although the true figure may be higher , as only about two-thirds of local authorities responded .
This is the material that covered the student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November 2019 - and is also what covers Dan and Rhiannon 's building .
As a result , fire marshals now watch over it 24 hours a day .
The couple became aware something was wrong the month before the Bolton fire , when Rhiannon , who 'd bought the flat in 2013 , tried to get a new , cheaper mortgage .
The new lender sent a surveyor around , who made clear the cladding was going to be a problem .
`` I contacted [ housing association and building owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get through to anyone for love nor money .
They have a central call centre who do n't know anything , '' says Rhiannon .
`` I eventually managed to get it out of someone that we had HPL .
One of the first letters we got about this said , 'We 're really sorry to hear about the situation , but this could take several years to resolve . '
'' Since then , after repeated requests from Dan , Rhiannon and other residents , L & Q has confirmed that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cladding covers some of the walls .
Because of this , the flat was valued at £0 , which put an end to Rhiannon 's plan to remortgage it .
L & Q told the BBC that some tests on the building had been carried out , but more would be needed .
`` We will not be able to provide a timescale for any remedial works to be carried out until our investigations are complete .
Our immediate priority is the safety of our residents which is why we have introduced fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are carried out , '' the company said .
It added that it was committed to testing any cladding on the buildings it owned , but that this work would be `` prioritised based on risk , with higher-risk buildings being inspected/having necessary remedial work carried out first '' .
Many flat owners are finding themselves in a similar position , even when the cladding on their building is classified as low-risk .
So cautious have lenders become , in fact , that even non-combustible cladding is preventing owners from selling or remortgaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most high-street lenders are now asking for extra tests if someone wants to buy a flat in a building with cladding .
Santander told the BBC it needed `` confirmation the building has been tested in accordance with the latest government guidance '' for buildings over six storeys , while Lloyds `` currently does n't offer new mortgages on high-rise block properties with cladding '' unless they have been independently assessed .
Barclays needs similar assurances of a building 's safety .
Some other lenders did n't reply to the BBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assurances of safety , flat owners usually have to apply to the freeholders of the building .
The freeholders then have to find a company to take samples of cladding from the external wall , at various heights , which are sent away for testing .
In June 2012 , Angela , 33 , an IT manager at a charity , bought a 30 % share of a flat in Wallington , south London , also through L & Q .
`` This was my dream , to have a place of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tears from her eyes .
`` I 'm from a council estate .
My mum was a cleaner , and my dad was n't around .
I went to uni and got my IT career , and I wanted to own something .
I could n't afford anything as a full owner , and I have n't got anyone to ask for help , so I did shared ownership .
I thought , 'This is it , I can finally do it . '
'' Canon Court , the building in which Angela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera manufacturer Canon .
Work to transform the former office block into flats finished in September 2010 , and as part of the renovation , the building was covered with cladding called Rockclad .
Last year it looked as though Angela would be able to buy the remaining 70 % of her flat , when her bank , Santander , approved her for a larger mortgage .
But Rockclad is classified as being combustible - albeit having a `` very limited contribution to fire '' .
Angela sobs quietly as she describes how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted , has now become a prison .
`` I just want out , '' she whispers .
Of the eight people who took refuge in a flat on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower four survived , and four died .
The strengths and weaknesses of the London Fire Brigade 's response to the huge challenge of Grenfell may explain why .
Although Santander was ready in principle to lend her more money it would n't give her a mortgage to buy the rest of the flat without further tests on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided to try to sell the flat instead , and as she feared , her interested buyer got a £0 valuation from Barclays .
If extra tests could be performed , Barclays said , to ensure it was safe , a mortgage could be approved .
But L & Q told her in a letter that there was a `` nationwide shortage '' of qualified surveyors , and any tests and remedial work could take `` several years '' - the same as they told Rhiannon and Dan .
In this case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so it is n't responsible for `` providing the documents that mortgage lenders are asking for '' , it says .
Instead a survey is being organised by Trinity Estates , acting on behalf of a residents ' management company .
`` We appreciate the difficulties this may cause some customers and will provide them with an update of expected timescales and , of course , the content of the completed survey , '' a Trinity spokesman said .
While the cladding on Angela 's building makes a `` limited contribution '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tower block where Adam Woznicki lives is fully compliant with the latest regulations .
But he too can not sell .
Adam , 44 , moved to the UK from Poland in 2000 .
He bought a 25 % share of the flat in Zenith House , Colindale , from housing association Notting Hill Genesis ( NHG ) in 2015 .
He and his wife , also Polish , had their first child , a son , two years ago .
Soon after the birth , Adam 's wife began experiencing postnatal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more difficult by the fact that her parents back in Poland had been diagnosed with cancer .
The couple decided to sell and move back to Poland , but found themselves plunged into a nightmare when they also received a £0 valuation , and a request from the buyer 's bank for a fire risk assessment .
First the risk assessment provided by NHG was rejected , because it was carried out in 2016 , before the Grenfell fire .
NHG says a new fire risk assessment has been carried out , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cladding , and the insulation underneath , must be tested before he can sell .
When these tests will be carried out is unclear .
An NHG spokesperson said : `` Unfortunately , the resident 's block is not one of those identified as highest priority for testing . ''
In desperation , Adam has tried to arrange a survey himself .
`` I 've spoken to the fire brigade , and they ca n't do any checks on the cladding .
An independent fire assessor would cost me about £15,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from NHG anyway to start fiddling with the cladding . ''
The NHG spokesman confirmed this , saying : `` We can not allow intrusive surveys to be independently arranged , as we need to maintain control over who conducts these surveys and witnesses them . ''
Adam 's wife has now moved back to Poland with their son .
`` It 's so hard for us , '' he says .
`` I just want to be together with my family .
If I could afford it , I 'd find a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here . ''
As it is , three-quarters of his income goes on the mortgage , rent and bills , and out of the little that remains he has to pay for flights every second weekend to see his family .
`` Otherwise my boy will start drawing him and my wife without a dad , '' he says .
A light at the end of the tunnel for Rhiannon and Dan , Angela , and Adam seemed to come in the form of a new procedure announced in December 2019 .
Devised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( RICS ) , the Building Societies Association , and UK Finance , the External Wall System ( EWS ) review is described as `` a new industry-wide valuation process which will help people buy and sell homes and re-mortgage in buildings above 18 metres '' .
It involves a `` qualified professional '' conducting a fire-risk assessment , before signing an EWS1 form , which is valid for five years .
The surveyor can tick a box saying there are no combustible materials , or recommend remedial works are carried out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam have found themselves in a Catch-22 .
The BBC has seen correspondence to all of them , from L & Q and NHG , with letters and emails saying that the form ca n't be issued without intrusive tests to the cladding ... which is exactly what the residents are already waiting for .
In Adam 's case , NHG said their insurers were `` not happy with the liability '' of signing the EWS1 form to say the building was safe .
The RICS told the BBC : `` A building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be able to confirm what materials are on the building , and the EWS process is a set way for them to confirm to valuers that an external wall system has been assessed by a suitable expert . ''
However , it added : `` It is true that in some cases where all attempts to establish the cladding system have been taken and it is still unclear , intrusive works will still be required . ''
The Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government said : `` The government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with unsafe ACM cladding in social and private sectors . ''
It did not explain what action it plans to take in connection with buildings covered in other forms of combustible cladding , though the BBC understands that the government has begun logging them .
Adam , like the others trapped in their flats , is at the end of his tether .
He shows a desperate letter he 's written to NHG 's chief executive , explaining his pain at being separated from his loved ones , and appealing to her `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a clue what 's going to happen , '' he says .
`` Unless the government step in and do something , nothing will . ''

"I contacted [housing association and building owner] L&Q and couldn't get through to anyone for love nor money. They have a central call centre who don't know anything," says Rhiannon. "I eventually managed to get it out of someone that we had HPL. One of the first letters we got about this said, 'We're really sorry to hear about the situation, but this could take several years to resolve.'"


bbcuk--2020-02-08--Quiz: How busy has Brexit made MPs?

Quiz: How busy has Brexit made MPs?

At the end of every Parliament , the Commons authorities release statistics about how many questions have been asked , @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's called a `` sessional return '' - and we now have all @ @ @ @ @ 2017 to 2019 parliamentary session .
Test your knowledge on what MPs have been up @ @ @ @ @ you get on !

Test your knowledge on what MPs have been up to below and share how you get on!


bbcuk--2020-02-08--Bishop Treacy's National Railway Museum photos show 'power of steam'

An archive of 12,000 pictures from one of `` Britain 's best railway photographers '' is being digitised at The National Railway Museum .
Taken by Bishop Eric Treacy over about 40 years they are mostly in black and white and feature steam locomotives and the men who worked on them .
He was taking railway pictures at a station in Cumbria when he died in 1978 .
The museum said Treacy 's pictures were `` of a way of life that 's now entirely gone '' .
Ed Bartholomew , lead curator at the museum , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best railway photographers .
`` His evocative images successfully capture our long-lasting fascination with the power of the steam railway , both in its heyday and declining years .
`` They were n't just excellent records of the locomotives and rolling stock , but of a way of life that 's now entirely gone . ''
The camera-clicking cleric was born in 1907 in London but most of his photographs actually feature northern scenes .
He became a deacon in the Church of England in 1932 , served as an army chaplain in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bishop of Wakefield before retiring in 1976 .
It was after the war that Treacy moved to Yorkshire and took many railway pictures in the county .
His favourite subject was the Settle to Carlisle line , often amid the scenery of the Yorkshire Dales .
Ian Beesley , an acclaimed photographer , said : `` I know his work and early on in my career he was an influence as he photographed around Yorkshire .
`` He was meticulous in his pictures and had a set style , he was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the things he shot . ''
Treacy died suddenly in 1978 , appropriately enough at Appleby Station in Cumbria while photographing the locomotive Evening Star .
A plaque on the station commemorates him as a `` lover of life and railways '' .
British Rail named an electric locomotive after him in honour of his contribution to railway photography in 1979 .
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk .

He became a deacon in the Church of England in 1932, served as an army chaplain in World War Two and rose to be the Bishop of Wakefield before retiring in 1976.


bbcuk--2020-02-08--Why is there less snow on Scotland's mountains this year?

Winter in Scotland conjures up images of the snow-topped mountains which attract visitors in their droves every year for walking , climbing and snowsports .
But enthusiasts say they have noticed a difference in recent years , with milder weather leading to less snow cover .
What have conditions been like this winter ?
It has snowed this year , and is expected to do so again when Storm Ciara hits Scotland in the coming days , but lots of what has fallen has melted in thaws or been stripped away by strong winds .
Ben Dolphin , president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said it was n't unusual for conditions to vary from year to year on the hills .
But he added : `` I do n't know any Scottish winter enthusiast who 'd feel at ease with what 's happened for the last two years , or who would think those winters fit into the 'normal ' pattern of mild and cold winters .
`` It 's not just the lack of snow , it 's the high night-time temperatures , and the longevity and persistence of mild weather patterns . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Azores for weeks at a time .
`` These recent winters do feel different .
I 've been up here a lot over the years , always in January or February , and I 've never seen it looking as snowless as this . ''
Lee Schofield , of Highland and Islands Weather , offers free weather observations to tourists visiting the Cairngorms .
He said temperatures in his home village of Carrbridge were 3.5 degrees higher last month than they were in January 2019 .
`` That is a considerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would expect to see , '' he said .
`` Between Christmas and New Year a very warm plume of air brushed past the north west and this set new December high temperature records for the UK . ''
Mr Schofield added that Achfary in north west Sutherland recorded 18.7C one night - which was higher than the area 's average maximum temperature in summer .
What has been causing these conditions ?
The Mountain Weather Information Service provides weather forecasts to aid mountain safety for 10 upland regions across the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern Uplands in Scotland .
Forecaster Garry Nicholson said Scotland had been feeling the effects of fluctuating air masses between milder tropical maritime southwesterlies and colder polar maritime northwesterlies .
This has brought cycles of freeze and thaw through the winter .
`` There have been some lengthy periods of sub-zero conditions on the Scottish mountains with snowfalls , but there have also been episodes of much warmer temperatures and a marked thaw , '' he said .
`` On balance , we have lacked periods of prolonged cold air , and although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been lacking a really substantial snowfall and consolidation across the hills . ''
The cause can be traced back to the Polar vortex , which has been strong this year .
`` Westerly winds around the Arctic Circle have been more constant , which has n't allowed lobes of Arctic air to escape into the mid-latitudes as can sometimes be the case , '' Mr Nicholson said .
`` Whilst the weather patterns this winter are part of natural variability over the north Atlantic , these 'westerly winters ' have been generally more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as global temperatures have risen . ''
He said there had been some notable exceptions , such as in 2010 , 2013 and most recently in 2018 , when the Beast from the East brought low temperatures and heavy snow .
What is the impact of milder winters ?
Mountaineering Scotland , which represents the interests of climbers , walkers and skiers , warns that the conditions should not give visitors to Scotland 's hills a false sense of security .
It urges people to check mountain weather forecasts and avalanche risk assessments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Scottish Avalanche Information Service this season .
It recommends that people should carry ice axes and crampons , as well as suitable clothing for sudden changes in the weather .
`` Winter is always a fickle season in the Scottish mountains , and ideal conditions are often elusive and short-lived - and certainly hard to predict in the long term , '' a spokesman said .
Scotland 's mountain ski resorts have had to invest in snow-making factories to try and guarantee snowsports on lower slopes .
Almost 100 tonnes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a month at Cairngorm Mountain , near Aviemore , in preparation for the start of its winter season in December .
Other mountain ski resorts , including Nevis Range near Fort William , have also invested in snow-making equipment .
Warmer weather has also led to the closure this weekend of the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre at Aviemore after 20 years .
Alan Stewart , who runs the centre with his family , said this was due to a lack of snow and higher temperatures .
For welfare reasons , he does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over 10C .
`` It 's not rocket science , '' he said .
`` It 's climate change . ''
He added : `` The temperature is the main thing .
It started becoming an issue five years ago - there is no snow , only heavy sleet and rain , and trails never get a chance to dry out . ''
Concerns have also been raised about the impact of mild winters on the environment .
Ticks , which can spread a harmful infection to humans , emerged early last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arthropods usually start to emerge in March .
Mr Dolphin , who works as a countryside ranger , said it was also possible to see more tree diseases and pressures on mountain wildlife .
`` It doubtlessly means our winter specialists like ptarmigan being pushed up the hills with the snowline , and some plant or moss species that rely upon summer snow patches for their long-term survival , disappearing completely , '' he said .
All pictures are subject to copyright .

It has snowed this year, and is expected to do so again when Storm Ciara hits Scotland in the coming days, but lots of what has fallen has melted in thaws or been stripped away by strong winds.


bbcuk--2020-02-09--Storm Ciara: Flooding and gales hit the UK

Scotland is braced for Storm Barbara which is expected to bring gusts of up to 90mph in some areas .

Disruption expected as Storm Brendan arrives in the UK. Video, 00:02:11Disruption expected as Storm Brendan arrives in the UK


bbcuk--2020-02-09--Strictly Come Dancing's first 'relaxed' live show brings delight

Alfie Cutting has always wanted to see the Strictly Come Dancing live show but often finds it too stressful because @ @ @ @ @ he was delighted when the dancers brought their first accessible show to Nottingham and he @ @ @ @ @ Revel Horwood .
Alfie , from Derby , said : `` I think autistic people @ @ @ @ @ do need more things like this and I like that it is happening . ''

Alfie Cutting has always wanted to see the Strictly Come Dancing live show but often finds it too stressful because of his autism.
So he was delighted when the dancers brought their first accessible show to Nottingham and he got to meet judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Alfie, from Derby, said: "I think autistic people or people with learning difficulties do need more things like this and I like that it is happening."
Video journalist: Chris Waring


bbcuk--2020-02-08--Sepsis amputation surgeon back at work after losing legs

A surgeon who has amputated thousands of limbs during his career has returned to work after having both of his @ @ @ @ @ Neil Hopper , 43 , underwent the operation after becoming seriously ill with sepsis last @ @ @ @ @ who works at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro , recently performed his first surgery after @ @ @ @ @ amputation .
Now he wants to make sure all amputee patients have access to the @ @ @ @ @ .

A surgeon who has amputated thousands of limbs during his career has returned to work after having both of his legs removed.
Vascular surgeon Neil Hopper, 43, underwent the operation after becoming seriously ill with sepsis last April.
Mr Hopper, who works at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, recently performed his first surgery after returning to work - an amputation.
Now he wants to make sure all amputee patients have access to the best possible rehabilitation after surgery.
You can see more on this story on BBC Inside Out on BBC One in the South West at 19:30 GMT on Monday 10 February, and afterwards on the BBC iPlayer.


bbcuk--2020-02-09--Storm Ciara: Homes under threat and travel disruption across England

England has been hit by major travel disruption , flooding and power cuts as Storm Ciara wreaks havoc across the country .
Heavy rain and gales of 60mph to 80mph have brought some air , ferry and rail journeys to a standstill - with gusts of 97mph recorded on the Isle of Wight .
Fallen trees blocked roads and railway lines and people tried to protect their homes as rivers overflowed .
Drivers were rescued from rising water amid more than 200 flood warnings .
Homes in Bury , Ramsbottom and Blackpool were evacuated due to flooding .
Residents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep water out of their homes after the River Eden swamped the town .
The River Nidd in Yorkshire was expected to overflow flood defences at Pateley Bridge and the Environment Agency issued a red `` danger to life '' warning .
That was later downgraded .
A surfer was rescued by the Coastguard more than two hours after getting into trouble off the coast of Hastings , East Sussex .
James Bovill tweeted that an uprooted tree had `` fallen between two homes on Richmond Road , Solihull , appearing to narrowly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Hope all inside are OK but seems like incredibly good fortune , '' he said .
The QE2 Bridge at the Dartford Crossing was shut and traffic was being diverted through the East tunnel .
The M11 in Cambridgeshire was closed in both directions between junctions nine and 10 over fears that a damaged aircraft hangar roof at Duxford Airfield could be blown on to the motorway .
Avanti West Coast cancelled all trains north of Preston , and Northern cancelled more than 140 trains across northern England .
Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50mph across the network on Sunday , warning passengers to only travel by train that day `` if absolutely necessary '' .
Bosses at London Euston station ordered a closure its entrances for half an hour due to overcrowding fears , shortly after 13.00 GMT .
The Premier League football match between Manchester City and West Ham was postponed in the interests of supporter and staff safety .
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol ( Swep ) shelters opened across the country to protect homeless people from the elements .
Visitor attractions including Chester Zoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , closed due to safety concerns .
Amanda Owen , known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess , tweeted a video of a trailer being washed away .
She told BBC Radio York she had brought all her sheep down from the hill where they were grazing 1,700ft ( 518m ) above sea level .
But she could not take them hay because streams had become `` raging torrents '' .
`` If one of those sheep jumped in , or indeed the sheep dog or a person , that would be it - end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that water is incredible .
It 's massively dangerous . ''
Thousands of homes were left without power across parts of England and energy suppliers were working to restore supplies .
In Cumbria , Pete Savin tweeted the BBC video of the swollen River Kent passing through Kendal .
Mountain rescue teams helped people who had become stranded in vehicles at a flooded caravan park in Keswick .
In Shap , newsagent David Anderson said he was trying to keep water out of his shop in Main Street .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is going right down the street .
`` We 've got two lads trying to mop it out and sandbags to try and prevent water getting to our living accommodation . ''


bbcuk--2020-02-09--Damage and disruption as Storm Ciara blows in

Storm Ciara has brought flooding , travel disruption and power cuts as it swept across Scotland .
The storm brought wind speeds in excess of 80mph , while heavy rain led to flooding and damage to property .
In Perth , three people were injured after part of a pub roof collapsed after being hit by a chimney breast .
In Hawick in the Scottish Borders the front of a guest house collapsed after the building 's foundations were swept away by the River Teviot .
Met Office warnings for strong winds and heavy rain remain in force for much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is hit by severe gales The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also issued multiple flood warnings for many parts .
In Hawick , Bridge House guest house was partially destroyed after a swollen River Teviot washed away the building 's foundations causing the front of the property to collapse .
Police said no-one was injured in the incident and a cordon had been place around the building .
Police in Dumfries said the River Nith burst its banks at Whitesands and flooded the surrounding road .
They urged people to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11:00 .
Scottish Borders Council has also warned locals in Galashiels , Selkirk , Kelso and Jedburgh about the possibility of local rivers rising because of heavy rain .
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks said about 900 properties were without power after Storm Ciara affected supplies in Mull and Lochearnhead in Perthshire .
The company said it had restored power to about 2,000 properties throughout Sunday morning after winds damaged overhead power lines .
SP Energy Networks said supplies were also affected by the storm in the south-west , with outages in Lockerbie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire service said three people were passed into the care of the ambulance service after a chimney breast fell onto a pub roof in St John 's Street in Perth .
Police said a cordon had been placed around the area until the damage could be assessed by experts .
In a Facebook post , staff at The Venue said : `` Thankfully nobody has been seriously harmed but the business will be closed until we find out the extent of the damage caused to our building . ''
Rail companies , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead before travelling and warned they will be operating reduced timetables and speed restrictions on Sunday .
In Edinburgh , passengers due to travel on cross-border rail services from Waverley Station were being asked not to go to the station because of the number of travellers already waiting for services heading south .
Staff said the station remained open to passengers wishing to travel within Scotland , but those heading south were being asked to make other arrangements .
The last cross-border services were due to leave Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon .
Avanti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between London and Scotland , took the decision not to run trains north of Preston , as a result of the impact of Storm Ciara .
Network Rail said services would not be operating through Saltcoats because of waves crashing over the sea wall .
Services between Kilwinning , Largs and Ardrossan are also affected .
There are also reports of fallen trees causing problems .
The line between Elgin and Keith is currently blocked .
Network Rail said it was working to clear the route .
In Aberdeenshire , road users were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number 61 bus was blown over on the Newburgh Road in severe gales .
The driver reported that he and all the passengers had escaped the incident unharmed .
The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for wind and rain .
The wind warning will remain in force until midnight and covers the whole of Scotland .
A yellow warning for rain covering the southern half of Scotland is also in force until midnight .
An earlier amber warning for heavy rain for the south-west of the country lapsed at 10:00 on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland women 's Six Nations match against England at Scotstoun being postponed .
The game was due to kick off at 12:10 in Glasgow , but officials said a decision for player , spectator and staff safety had been taken to call off the match .
CalMac is warning passengers that its services remain liable to disruption due to the weather and are urging passengers to check ahead before travelling .


bbcuk--2020-02-09--Storm Ciara: Flooding after 93mph winds battered Wales

Homes have been evacuated and there is widespread travel disruption and flood damage after Storm Ciara hit Wales .
A yellow Met Office warning for wind is in place after gales of up to 93mph ( 150km/h ) were recorded in Aberdaron , Gwynedd .
A severe flood warning - which means there is a possible danger to life - remains in place on the river Elwy .
A caravan park and homes were evacuated in St Asaph , Denbighshire , after river levels rose .
North Wales Police evacuated Spring Gardens Caravan Park and properties in Llys y Felin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre '' set up in the leisure centre .
A £6m flood defence scheme was opened in the city in 2018 .
Meanwhile , numerous other flood warnings and alerts remain in place across the country .
At 18:00 GMT , more than 2,800 homes were without power due to the weather , according to Western Power Distribution .
At its worst , more than 4,500 homes suffered power cuts .
Flights from Dublin were also grounded and ferries were cancelled , leaving rugby fans stranded after Saturday 's Six Nations clash between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antoniazzi , who went to the game , said hundreds of people were waiting in the airport for flights and there was little information .
Wales fan Hywel Rees , from Carmarthenshire , said : `` We are now waiting for accommodation somewhere in Dublin overnight , and the flights have been rearranged for tomorrow .
`` The friends I 'm with have got to go to work tomorrow .
I 've got an added complication of arranging carers for my wife at home . ''
A number of schools in north Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaged in the storm .
Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy in Llanrwst will be shut following flooding , while Ysgol y Creuddyn in Conwy will be closed due to a `` significant risk that more slates will fall '' , with school leaders saying they will reassess the situation in the morning .
In Merthyr Tydfil , Ysgol Coed Y Dderwen will also be closed on Monday due to damage to scaffolding which was surrounding the school .
How has travel been affected ?
Transport for Wales said numerous rail services were not running or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some to remain closed on Monday due to damage .
It advised passengers to check before travelling .
After rail lines were flooded during heavy rain and damaged by high tides , no trains will run on the Cambrian lines on Monday .
The Conwy Valley line will also be closed , with a rail replacement bus between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog .
Flights were cancelled in Dublin while ferries crossings between Rosslare and Pembroke were also called off .
Roads in Llanrwst were flooded and a woman had to be rescued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 4ft ( 1.2m ) of water at about 05:35 GMT on Sunday , according to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service .
`` The crew said the water was around waist height , '' said Bob Nellist , group manager for the fire service .
`` There is localised flooding in Llanrwst and the main road , the A470 , has been closed .
We have led a number of residents to safety .
There are some houses flooded but we do n't the exact number at the moment . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high number of calls across north Wales . ''
Ted Pierce , who runs a business in Llanrwst , said he was awoken by a neighbour minutes before the river bust its banks , flooding his shop with 3ft ( 90cm ) of water .
`` It came through the shop , just ran straight through the shop at the front and out the back , '' he said .
`` It 's one of the worst floods I 've ever seen here in Llanrwst in my life and I am born and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP Robin Millar said in a tweet : `` It 's clear there is significant flooding , damage to property and disruption in Llanrwst from Storm Ciara .
Why does this keep happening ? ''
He supported calls for an independent review of flood mitigation measures in the Conwy Valley .
The owners of the Grade I listed 16th Century Gwydir Castle in Conwy , who have been restoring the Tudor building for 26 years , said they had been `` devastated '' after the water breached a wall they had built .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by floods in recent years and owner Judy Corbett said : `` It 's completely heartbreaking , it 's devastating . ''
The Welsh Government said last month that a 2018 review by Natural Resources Wales confirmed communities in the Conwy Valley were benefitting from reduced flood risk .
`` With the incredibly strong winds and intense rainfall , Storm Ciara is causing dangerous conditions along our coastline , and causing river levels to rise quickly , '' said Richard Preece from Natural Resources Wales .
`` Our staff have been monitoring forecasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clock , and teams have been out at vulnerable areas doing everything they can to reduce the risk to people . ''
How bad is the storm ?
A Met Office yellow weather warning for wind for the whole of the UK was in place until 23:59 on Sunday , meaning there is a danger to life .
A warning for rain covered the majority of Wales and was in place until 18:00 .
BBC Wales weather forecaster Derek Brockway tweeted : `` The wind has reached violent storm force 11 at Aberdaron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's also very mild .
10 to 14°C but does n't feel it ! ''
A gust of 86mph ( 138km/h ) was also recorded in Capel Curig in Snowdonia on Saturday night .
Officials from Natural Resources Wales said people living near the Welsh coast should be prepared for possible flooding , and urged them check the latest alerts and warnings over the weekend .
Lifeboat rescue services warned people not to risk their own lives and lives of volunteers to get pictures of the waves , while mountain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared and not take unnecessary risks .
• Flooding has closed the A470 in Llanrwst , Conwy , A548 Pentre Isaf , Conwy and A525 Bangor Road , Wrexham , A547 Mill Street , Abergele , Conwy , and the A4069 in Llangadog , Carmarthenshire .
• Two lanes on the M4 westbound , between junction 24 at the Coldra and 25 at Caerleon , are blocked due to a fallen tree • The Britannia bridge between Anglesey and the mainland is open to cars only , along with the Cleddau Bridge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monmouthshire , is closed with diversions in place to the Prince of Wales Bridge • Lloyd 's coaches said it had withdrawn Sunday services including the 28 Tywyn - Dolgellau , X29 Machynlleth - Tywyn , T2 Aberystwyth - Bangor , and T3 Wrexham - Barmouth • The A5 near Llyn Ogwen , Bethesda is closed due to a landslide In Cardiff the fire service was called after residents reported plaster falling down at the Lydstep flats in Gabalfa - where the cladding had been removed .
The building has since been made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cardiff Bay , was cordoned off for public safety reasons due to the high water levels .
The council said it would review whether to reopen the area on Monday .
Meanwhile some parks in the city were locked on Sunday as a result of the poor weather .
And pictures appeared on social media showing a wall had collapsed at Pendre Gardens , Brecon , Powys , while there are reports on social media that a historic footbridge in Betws Y Coed appears to have been swept away .
North Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Champneys retail park in Llandudno , after shop signs blew off in the wind .


bbcuk--2020-02-09--Storm Ciara: Flyaway trampolines cause rail delays

Flyaway trampolines caused rail chaos when Storm Ciara blew them on to tracks across England .
All services were stopped between Bedford and Luton after a trampoline struck a train and reportedly became stuck in overhead wires .
Trains into London were delayed when trampolines flew on to lines at Bickley and Chelsfield .
Network Rail asked people living close to railway lines to fix trampolines to the ground to ensure passenger safety .
Steve White at Thameslink told the BBC there had been three trampolines on the network during Storm Ciara .
`` I believe this trampoline [ near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part on the fast line overhead lines and other parts on the slow line , '' he said .
Owen Roffe tweeted that an announcement on the train told passengers a trampoline had got stuck in overhead wires .
A Network Rail spokesman said : `` In particularly windy weather , our lineside neighbours are asked to help keep the railway free of any unexpected debris by tying down or clearing away garden furniture such as trampolines .
`` This helps us ensure we can move passengers and freight as safely and reliably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RoSPA said trampolines should be stored safely `` particularly during winter months when the wind can force a trampoline to become airborne '' .
`` Tie down large trampolines - there are tether kits available that can be used for this purpose , '' it said .
`` With smaller trampolines , flip them upside down .
`` Remove safety netting from enclosure or cage frames to reduce the sail-like qualities of the cages during windy weather . ''


bbcuk--2020-02-10--HIV in older people: 'I thought it was a young person's illness'

When 59-year-old Ashley was in hospital with appendicitis , neither Ashley nor the doctors considered HIV .
`` They said there 's nothing wrong with you , you 've had a virus - not knowing that I 'd still got the biggest virus you could possibly get , '' Ashley recalls .
Ashley was diagnosed with HIV three years ago , after having unprotected sex .
But the late diagnosis meant the virus had already started to damage Ashley 's immune system .
`` It was pretty much touch and go . ''
Ashley 's experience is n't unusual - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received a late diagnosis in 2018 , according to figures from Public Health England ( PHE ) .
Health professionals and charities say both the stigma and misconception that older people are not sexually active means symptoms are not always picked up .
`` Over-50s , people who 've come out of divorce , or marriage , they think they 're safe , '' Ashley says .
`` Because nobody can get pregnant anymore , 'there 's no danger ' .
`` Because 'those illnesses are for young people ' .
But they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Figures obtained by the Victoria Derbyshire programme from PHE show rates of sexually transmitted infections ( STIs ) in the over-45s have increased by about a third in the past five years .
Norah O'Brien , a sexual health expert from PHE , says older people themselves often do n't perceive themselves to be at risk .
It is a view echoed by 63-year-old Karen Norton , who contracted HIV a number of years ago in Africa .
`` The majority of us all believe we 're invincible and it 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` Professionals sort of assume that an over 50-year-old would n't have this illness .
`` It 's an assumption that I think is generally something we all make about over 50-year-olds .
`` You do n't really like to think of your mother or father having this - but it 's so possible . ''
Karen took a long time to open up about her diagnosis , fearing she would be judged .
`` You feel as if you 're carrying a dirty secret that you have to hide , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have unprotected sex then it can happen to you .
I 'm a living example . ''
Last month , figures showed the number of people diagnosed with HIV in the UK had dropped substantially since 2012 - particularly among gay and bisexual men .
In response , the Terrence Higgins Trust said a focus was now needed beyond communities stereotypically associated with HIV .
Aled Osborne , from Brigstowe , which is a Bristol-based charity supporting people affected by HIV , says those in the over-50s bracket may wrongly believe HIV is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people still remember the HIV/Aids campaigns of the 80s and 90s , he says , and they have n't necessarily received correct information since .
`` Living with HIV now is not the death sentence it was in the 80s and 90s .
We have effective treatment , '' he said .
`` People living with HIV who are on effective treatment can not pass the virus on . ''
The life expectancy of those prescribed anti-retroviral drugs at an early stage is in line with that of the general population .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased risk of death in the year following diagnosis compared with those who are diagnosed early and begin treatment immediately .
Ashley has struggled with the late diagnosis .
`` I did n't mind being HIV positive .
I do n't mind it at all .
But it was just that delay - that they did n't find it , '' Ashley says .
`` It was so long… and the damage done to my body - I 'm a little bit bitter about . ''
Follow the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of our stories here .

"They said there's nothing wrong with you, you've had a virus - not knowing that I'd still got the biggest virus you could possibly get," Ashley recalls.


bbcuk--2020-02-10--NDAs 'should not silence sexual harassment claims'

Non-disclosure agreements ( NDAs ) should not be used to prevent someone from reporting sexual harassment in the workplace , according to new guidance .
Arbitration service Acas has published advice for firms and workers about NDAs , including how to avoid misuse .
Several high-profile scandals have exposed how NDAs are often used to silence mainly women alleging sexual harassment and misconduct .
Acas said misusing these agreements can be `` very damaging '' to an organisation .
NDAs are contracts or parts of contracts that typically prevent staff and ex-staff making information public .
They can apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas , or anything likely to damage an organisation 's reputation , and are sometimes known as `` gagging orders '' or `` hush agreements '' .
Acas chief executive Susan Clews , said : `` The news has reported on victims coming forward that have alleged appalling abuse by high-profile figures who have then tried to use NDAs to silence whistleblowers .
`` NDAs can be used legitimately in some situations but they should not be used routinely or to prevent someone from reporting sexual harassment , discrimination or whistleblowing at work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to crack down on 'gagging ' clauses It emerged that NDAs were used by ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and his company to settle allegations of sexual misconduct .
He was fired by The Weinstein Company before it eventually went bust .
As part of the bankruptcy filing , the company said it released anyone `` who suffered or witnessed any form of sexual misconduct by Harvey Weinstein '' from their NDAs .
Mr Weinstein denies that he ever engaged in `` nonconsensual sex '' .
Acas said its new advice states that NDAs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from : reporting discrimination or sexual harassment at work or to the police ; whistleblowing ; or disclosing a future act of discrimination or harassment .
It also states that employees should be given a reasonable length of time to consider signing a non-disclosure agreement including allowing them to consult a trade union or lawyer .
Additionally , Acas advises that NDAs should `` never '' be used routinely , stating they `` should not be used to hide a problem or brush it under the carpet '' .
Ms Clews said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their staff understand what NDAs are , how to prevent their misuse and examples where they will not be needed . ''

Acas said its new advice states that NDAs cannot be used to stop someone from: reporting discrimination or sexual harassment at work or to the police; whistleblowing; or disclosing a future act of discrimination or harassment.


bbcuk--2020-02-10--Rugby concussion: Swansea University study into protecting women

Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports for women and one of the few sports where men and women play in exactly the same way .
But recent research suggests female players are at a greater risk of suffering concussion than men - and the effects are more severe .
Swansea University is carrying out a pioneering study to understand why .
The work is also studying if changes to the way female rugby players train can cut the risk of concussive injuries .
• Head injuries in sport : What are the rules ?
Rebecca Redmond , 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Swansea University 's women 's rugby team and suffered concussion during a home game last month .
`` I had a knock to the head about three minutes into the game and as soon as I did it I knew something was n't right , '' she said .
`` I was told I had had a big impact so I went to the hospital and they said I had concussion and I had to stay out for two weeks . ''
Ms Redmond knew she had hit her head with force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specially designed to record where and when players hit their heads in real time .
Players in both the men 's and women 's teams have been wearing the mouth guards since September and early results show they sustain head impacts in different ways .
Elisabeth Williams , a senior lecturer in biomedics at the university 's college of engineering , is behind the study .
She said : `` Head impacts in the men 's game are usually caused by player to player contact whereas with the women it 's often head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That 's enabled us to be specific about how we can train the women differently to improve the areas where the women are weaker , which might not necessarily be the same as men , so we train them as women and not as small men . ''
She added : `` Recent research in the neurology field has reported that axons [ nerve fibres ] in women 's brains are a lot thinner and they have fewer microtubules [ hollow tubes that give shape to cells ] .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ external force , a woman 's brain will have a higher risk of injury than a man 's brain .
Collecting objective data about how hard these players are hitting their head can help us develop strategies to limit brain injury . ''
• Warburton says France not serious over concussion The results of the study are due to be published later this year but the research has already led to changes in how the female players train - focusing on developing neck strength and encouraging them to fall facing down , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasted a few days .
She said she has confidence in the new techniques and is looking forward to returning to the field .
`` After it happened I felt drunk and dizzy and I had waves of sickness .
I carried on playing because I did n't realise what had happened , '' she said .
`` The neck training we have been doing and learning to fall differently has built my confidence up because I know I am safer . ''
'Nothing will put me off' Prop forward Ruth Lewis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swansea University , Ospreys and Wales .
She said she has had three concussions but the risks have not put her off the game .
`` My most recent one was last August and it was quite a bad one - I went to the hospital and I had bruising on the brain , '' she said .
She added : `` Players and coaches have a better understanding about how serious concussion is .
It comes with the game and there are rules to make it as safe as possible .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me off . ''
Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap is head of rugby at Swansea University .
She said the women 's game was growing and has welcomed more research .
`` Rugby is an exciting game and it 's a sport for all , no matter what your shape or size is , '' she said .
`` When I started as head of rugby here a few years ago we were struggling to get a first 15 side out and now we have more than 70 members .
We 're working as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The more data we can get will help all women 's teams going forward . ''
• Concussion is a temporary injury to the brain caused by a bump , blow or jolt to the head • Symptoms usually start within 24 hours , but sometimes may not appear for up to three weeks

"That's enabled us to be specific about how we can train the women differently to improve the areas where the women are weaker, which might not necessarily be the same as men, so we train them as women and not as small men."


bbcuk--2020-02-10--The 200-year-old diary that's rewriting gay history

A diary written by a Yorkshire farmer more than 200 years ago is being hailed as providing remarkable evidence of tolerance towards homosexuality in Britain much earlier than previously imagined .
Historians from Oxford University have been taken aback to discover that Matthew Tomlinson 's diary from 1810 contains such open-minded views about same-sex attraction being a `` natural '' human tendency .
The diary challenges preconceptions about what `` ordinary people '' thought about homosexuality - showing there was a debate about whether someone really should be discriminated against for their sexuality .
`` In this exciting new discovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that homosexuality is innate and something that should n't be punished by death , '' says Oxford researcher Eamonn O'Keeffe .
The historian had been examining Tomlinson 's handwritten diaries , which have been stored in Wakefield Library since the 1950s .
The thousands of pages of the private journals have never been transcribed and previously used by researchers interested in Tomlinson 's eye-witness accounts of elections in Yorkshire and the Luddites smashing up machinery .
But O'Keeffe came across what seemed , for the era of George III , to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships .
Tomlinson had been prompted by what had been a big sex scandal of the day - in which a well-respected naval surgeon had been found to be engaging in homosexual acts .
A court martial had ordered him to be hanged - but Tomlinson seemed unconvinced by the decision , questioning whether what the papers called an `` unnatural act '' was really that unnatural .
Tomlinson argued , from a religious perspective , that punishing someone for how they were created was equivalent to saying that there was something wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem strange indeed that God Almighty should make a being with such a nature , or such a defect in nature ; and at the same time make a decree that if that being whom he had formed , should at any time follow the dictates of that Nature , with which he was formed , he should be punished with death , '' he wrote on January 14 1810 .
If there was an `` inclination and propensity '' for someone to be homosexual from an early age , he wrote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural , otherwise as a defect in nature - and if natural , or a defect in nature ; it seems cruel to punish that defect with death '' .
The diarist makes reference to being informed by others that homosexuality is apparent from an early age - suggesting that Tomlinson and his social circle had been talking about this case and discussing something that was not unknown to them .
Around this time , and also in West Yorkshire , a local landowner , Anne Lister , was writing a coded diary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story told in the television series , Gentleman Jack .
But knowing what `` ordinary people '' really thought about such behaviour is always difficult - not least because the loudest surviving voices are usually the wealthy and powerful .
What has excited academics is the chance to eavesdrop on an everyday farmer thinking aloud in his diary .
`` What 's striking is that he 's an ordinary guy , he 's not a member of the bohemian circles or an intellectual , '' says O'Keeffe , a doctoral student in Oxford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homosexuality might have been expressed privately in aristocratic or philosophically radical circles - but this was being discussed by a rural worker .
`` It shows opinions of people in the past were not as monolithic as we might think , '' says O'Keeffe , who is originally from Canada .
`` Even though this was a time of persecution and intolerance towards same-sex relationships , here 's an ordinary person who is swimming against the current and sees what he reads in the paper and questions those assumptions . ''
Claire Pickering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she imagines the single-minded Tomlinson speaking the words with a Yorkshire accent .
He was a man with a `` hungry mind '' , she says , someone who listened to a lot of people 's opinions before forming his own conclusions .
The diary , presumably compiled after a hard day 's work , was his way of being a writer and commentator when otherwise `` that was n't his station in life '' , she says .
O'Keeffe says it shows ideas were `` percolating through British society much earlier and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - with the diary working through the debates that Tomlinson might have been having with his neighbours .
But these were still far from modern liberal views - and O'Keeffe says they can be extremely `` jarring '' arguments .
If someone was homosexual by choice , rather than by nature , Tomlinson was ready to consider that they should still be punished - proposing castration as a more moderate option than the death penalty .
O'Keeffe says discovering evidence of these kinds of debate has both `` enriched and complicated '' what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-Victorian era .
Prof Fara Dabhoiwala , from Princeton University in the US , an expert in the history of attitudes towards sexuality , describes it as `` vivid proof '' that `` historical attitudes to same-sex behaviour could be more sympathetic than is usually presumed '' .
Instead of seeing homosexuality as a `` horrible perversion '' , Prof Dabholwala says the record showed a farmer in 1810 could see it as a `` natural , divinely ordained human quality '' .
Rictor Norton , an expert in gay history , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as natural - but these were more likely to be from philosophers than farmers .
`` It is extraordinary to find an ordinary , casual observer in 1810 seriously considering the possibility that sexuality is innate and making arguments for decriminalisation , '' says Dr Norton .
Who was the writer of this diary ?
Matthew Tomlinson was a widower , in his 40s when he wrote his journal in 1810 - a man of a `` middling '' class , not a poor labourer but not rich enough to own his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he would have looked , '' says library manager Ms Pickering .
There are no pictures of Tomlinson , who is thought to have lived between about 1770 and 1850 .
`` Very dour , '' she suggests .
And a `` bit of a hypochondriac '' .
`` I imagine if you stopped him at his gate for a chat he 'd talk about his gout more than anything else .
`` I 'd love to have a conversation with him about what Wakefield was like at the time , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private diaries , covering 1806 to 1839 , ended up in Wakefield Library , but they were there by the 1950s and are presumed to be part of an earlier acquisition of old books and local documents .
There are three surviving volumes and at least another eight are missing .
But they show vivid detail about life in Wakefield in the early 19th Century .
During elections , Tomlinson was appalled by the corruption , the rum drinkers having to be carried home in wheelbarrows and the `` hired ruffians '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sceptical about expensive ceremonies and celebrations , calling them all `` humbug '' .
This was not a closed world .
His social circle seemed to be avid readers of books and newspapers , following reports of revolutions abroad and riots and insurrections at home .
They saw elephants marching through Wakefield in a circus parade and military bands who had competed to hire the most talented black musicians .
We know where he lived - Doghouse Farm in Lupset , because he carefully wrote it on the front of his journals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the landowner 's estate , is now under a housing estate and a golf course .
All that survives are his diaries .

"It must seem strange indeed that God Almighty should make a being with such a nature, or such a defect in nature; and at the same time make a decree that if that being whom he had formed, should at any time follow the dictates of that Nature, with which he was formed, he should be punished with death," he wrote on January 14 1810.