The Daily: April 11
‘Father’ of IVF passes away
Sir Robert Edwards, Nobel prize winner, scientist and co-pioneer of IVF, died yesterday peacefully in his sleep. Sir Edwards worked alongside Dr. Patrick Steptoe to develop the technique of In Vitro Fertilisation which has helped bring more than 4 million children into the world. Their work and discoveries caused a sensation in July 1978 when Louise Brown was born – the first ever ‘test-tube baby’. Cambridge University released a statement saying Edwards 'will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues.'
Friends pay tribute to Thatcher
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has spoken out to pay tribute to the late Baroness Thatcher, describing her as 'a heavyweight politician and a striking person.' It is with much sadness, reveals his spokesperson, that the 82-year-old Gorbachev will not be able to attend the funeral on Wednesday 17 April due to health problems. Nancy Reagan also announced she was too ill to come but has asked the chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation to represent her at the service. Her spokeswoman said: ‘Mrs Reagan is heartbroken over Baroness Thatcher’s death and would really like to be there in person to pay her respects.' It has also been confirmed today that Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will not be invited and reports suggest that Thatcher’s children, Mark and Carol, have insisted no Argentina officials at all should be invited. Ten members of staff from the Ritz have been invited in a gesture to honour the care she received while staying there. Further details of who will be in attendance at the ceremonial funeral at St Paul's Cathedral are expected to be released later by Downing Street.
Kate Bush awarded CBE
Yesterday singer Kate Bush received her CBE for services to music from the Queen at Windsor Castle. The 54 year old artist said she was 'incredibly thrilled' to be granted the honour and joked that the award will be kept 'on top of the Christmas tree.' Kate Bush was only 19 when she emerged on the music scene as a unique and unusual song-writer, and she is heralded for totally changed the face of music in the late 70s. The singer, who went on to perform with renowned artists such as Prince, Eric Clapton and Elton John, would like to dedicate her CBE to her family and musical collaborators.
Paul McCartney tops Rich List
The top five wealthiest musicians in Britain remain unchanged from the 2012 list. Sir Paul McCartney, who has topped each list since 1989 when he was worth around £80m, is Number 1 yet again with an estimated £680m. Andrew Lloyd Webber was second, with £620m, while Irish rock band U2 were third, with £520m. Other notable entries were Sir Elton John coming in fourth on the list, Keith Richards placed 8th and Sting sharing the ninth spot with the Harrison family. The full list will be published by the Sunday Times 21 April.
New BBC chief’s contract criticised
It was recently revealed that the new Director General of the BBC would walk away with £225,000 even if fails in his role. These details of Tony Hall’s contract, released to the public for the first time ever, were heavily criticised especially considering his predecessor George Entwistle received £450,000 when he resigned after just 54 days in the job following the Jimmy Saville scandal. This sum is equivalent to 12 months notice and was on top of his £877,000 pension. Lord Hall, the former Royal Opera House chief, states he aims to 'get closer to our audience so they can get the content they want, when and how they want it.'
Sir Robert Edwards, Nobel prize winner, scientist and co-pioneer of IVF, died yesterday peacefully in his sleep. Sir Edwards worked alongside Dr. Patrick Steptoe to develop the technique of In Vitro Fertilisation which has helped bring more than 4 million children into the world. Their work and discoveries caused a sensation in July 1978 when Louise Brown was born – the first ever ‘test-tube baby’. Cambridge University released a statement saying Edwards 'will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues.'
Friends pay tribute to Thatcher
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has spoken out to pay tribute to the late Baroness Thatcher, describing her as 'a heavyweight politician and a striking person.' It is with much sadness, reveals his spokesperson, that the 82-year-old Gorbachev will not be able to attend the funeral on Wednesday 17 April due to health problems. Nancy Reagan also announced she was too ill to come but has asked the chairman of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation to represent her at the service. Her spokeswoman said: ‘Mrs Reagan is heartbroken over Baroness Thatcher’s death and would really like to be there in person to pay her respects.' It has also been confirmed today that Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will not be invited and reports suggest that Thatcher’s children, Mark and Carol, have insisted no Argentina officials at all should be invited. Ten members of staff from the Ritz have been invited in a gesture to honour the care she received while staying there. Further details of who will be in attendance at the ceremonial funeral at St Paul's Cathedral are expected to be released later by Downing Street.
Kate Bush awarded CBE
Yesterday singer Kate Bush received her CBE for services to music from the Queen at Windsor Castle. The 54 year old artist said she was 'incredibly thrilled' to be granted the honour and joked that the award will be kept 'on top of the Christmas tree.' Kate Bush was only 19 when she emerged on the music scene as a unique and unusual song-writer, and she is heralded for totally changed the face of music in the late 70s. The singer, who went on to perform with renowned artists such as Prince, Eric Clapton and Elton John, would like to dedicate her CBE to her family and musical collaborators.
Paul McCartney tops Rich List
The top five wealthiest musicians in Britain remain unchanged from the 2012 list. Sir Paul McCartney, who has topped each list since 1989 when he was worth around £80m, is Number 1 yet again with an estimated £680m. Andrew Lloyd Webber was second, with £620m, while Irish rock band U2 were third, with £520m. Other notable entries were Sir Elton John coming in fourth on the list, Keith Richards placed 8th and Sting sharing the ninth spot with the Harrison family. The full list will be published by the Sunday Times 21 April.
New BBC chief’s contract criticised
It was recently revealed that the new Director General of the BBC would walk away with £225,000 even if fails in his role. These details of Tony Hall’s contract, released to the public for the first time ever, were heavily criticised especially considering his predecessor George Entwistle received £450,000 when he resigned after just 54 days in the job following the Jimmy Saville scandal. This sum is equivalent to 12 months notice and was on top of his £877,000 pension. Lord Hall, the former Royal Opera House chief, states he aims to 'get closer to our audience so they can get the content they want, when and how they want it.'