The Daily: March 11
Jilly named top dog
The four legged spectacle that is Crufts reached its furry finale over the weekend, with talented Pooch Jilly named as best in show. Jilly, who is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or just plain adorable to you and me, beat 20,000 hopefuls from around the world, having scooped best of breed and best in group in previous rounds. Owners Sarah and Gavin Robertson from Oxfordshire couldn't be prouder of their talented pet, who has now earned herself retirement aged four. The family are hoping her lucky legacy may continue at Crufts however, as Jilly made yet produce a winning litter of her own. Other inspiring winners include three legged rescue dog Haatchi, faithful companion to his disabled owner, Owen. Hattchi won the friends for life categoryhaving turned the little boy's life around, as Owen suffers from a rare genetic condition. Hattchi has also received a new lease of life having experienced terrible cruelty when he lost his leg on a rail line. Dog lovers from as far flung as Hong Kong attended the four day competition, but the tired participants can finally take a bow wow until next year.
Corgi sacked for misbehaving
Dame Helen Miriam has been left rather bewildered in the upcoming production of The Audience, having been let down on stage by obstinate co-star Lizzy. There is no easy remedy however, as Lizzy is actually a troublesome corgi who has struggled to get to grips with stage directions. The diva like dog was all set to play Miriam's faithful companion at the Gielgud theatre in London, but has apparently had a change of heart. Worried directors were left with no other choice but to replace Lizzy days before opening night, as she refused to obey Miriam's commands in an important scene. The seven year old corgi has put her paws down when it comes to running across stage at Miriam's call, and has now been replaced by understudy Coco. She appears none too disgruntled at the decision however, and is resting up back home whilst Coco takes center stage.
Mind the gap star revealed
Widow Margaret Mccollum has come forward and revealed that the familiar warning 'mind the gap' at tube stations is voiced by her late husband Oswald Laurence. Oswald who died in 2007, has been instructing London passengers since the 1950's, until transport chiefs took the decision to axe his voice last year. Whilst busy passengers may not notice the change in the morning rush, Doctor McCollum often sat waiting just so she could hear her late husband speak. Having sat on the platform and heard a digitalized voice make the announcement, Margaret was relieved to receive a recording of Oswald from TFL. It was then to her complete joy that Margaret learnt Oswald will in fact be reinstated at embankment, where he could once again be heard last Thursday. We can now take more care than usual in minding the gap, knowing Oswald's voice lives on.
Hefty fees the wrong side of Channel
The iconic white cliffs of Dover has become a bewildered location of late, as visitors have been subjected to international charges that would be normally be found across the Channel. Both tourists and locals have been left out of pocket in the village of St Margaret's at Cliffe, which is only eighteen miles from Calais. Phone companies such as T mobile have become confused with the location however, and have been charging customers international roaming rates for making calls. A beautiful stroll along the cliffs has invited unwelcome text messenges altering customers that they are in fact in France, and will be charged 28p a minute to make a call. People have taken to switching their phones off to avoid the fees, whilst one local man was accused of having a French mistress when his wife saw the international phone bill! A few miles really can make all the difference.
Sweden Princess dies age 97
Princess Lillian, subject of Sweden's most secretive love story, has died age ninety seven after a scandalous thirty three year relationship with the late Prince Bertil. Princess Lillian met and fell in love with Prince Bertil during World War Two, but they kept their blossoming relationship secret as Prince Bertil was next in line to the throne. Whilst it is debated as to whether the pair met on the London underground or at a party, they did not actually receive a blessing to marry until Prince Bertil's nephew Prince Carl Gustaf, ascended the throne in 1973. Prince Bertil died in 1997 with his dedicated wife by his side, whilst she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday. It is thought she was suffering from Alzheimer's but has battled with ill health for several years. We can perhaps learn something from her troubled but ultimately triumphant romance in her admission; "If I were to sum up my life, everything has been about my love".
The four legged spectacle that is Crufts reached its furry finale over the weekend, with talented Pooch Jilly named as best in show. Jilly, who is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, or just plain adorable to you and me, beat 20,000 hopefuls from around the world, having scooped best of breed and best in group in previous rounds. Owners Sarah and Gavin Robertson from Oxfordshire couldn't be prouder of their talented pet, who has now earned herself retirement aged four. The family are hoping her lucky legacy may continue at Crufts however, as Jilly made yet produce a winning litter of her own. Other inspiring winners include three legged rescue dog Haatchi, faithful companion to his disabled owner, Owen. Hattchi won the friends for life categoryhaving turned the little boy's life around, as Owen suffers from a rare genetic condition. Hattchi has also received a new lease of life having experienced terrible cruelty when he lost his leg on a rail line. Dog lovers from as far flung as Hong Kong attended the four day competition, but the tired participants can finally take a bow wow until next year.
Corgi sacked for misbehaving
Dame Helen Miriam has been left rather bewildered in the upcoming production of The Audience, having been let down on stage by obstinate co-star Lizzy. There is no easy remedy however, as Lizzy is actually a troublesome corgi who has struggled to get to grips with stage directions. The diva like dog was all set to play Miriam's faithful companion at the Gielgud theatre in London, but has apparently had a change of heart. Worried directors were left with no other choice but to replace Lizzy days before opening night, as she refused to obey Miriam's commands in an important scene. The seven year old corgi has put her paws down when it comes to running across stage at Miriam's call, and has now been replaced by understudy Coco. She appears none too disgruntled at the decision however, and is resting up back home whilst Coco takes center stage.
Mind the gap star revealed
Widow Margaret Mccollum has come forward and revealed that the familiar warning 'mind the gap' at tube stations is voiced by her late husband Oswald Laurence. Oswald who died in 2007, has been instructing London passengers since the 1950's, until transport chiefs took the decision to axe his voice last year. Whilst busy passengers may not notice the change in the morning rush, Doctor McCollum often sat waiting just so she could hear her late husband speak. Having sat on the platform and heard a digitalized voice make the announcement, Margaret was relieved to receive a recording of Oswald from TFL. It was then to her complete joy that Margaret learnt Oswald will in fact be reinstated at embankment, where he could once again be heard last Thursday. We can now take more care than usual in minding the gap, knowing Oswald's voice lives on.
Hefty fees the wrong side of Channel
The iconic white cliffs of Dover has become a bewildered location of late, as visitors have been subjected to international charges that would be normally be found across the Channel. Both tourists and locals have been left out of pocket in the village of St Margaret's at Cliffe, which is only eighteen miles from Calais. Phone companies such as T mobile have become confused with the location however, and have been charging customers international roaming rates for making calls. A beautiful stroll along the cliffs has invited unwelcome text messenges altering customers that they are in fact in France, and will be charged 28p a minute to make a call. People have taken to switching their phones off to avoid the fees, whilst one local man was accused of having a French mistress when his wife saw the international phone bill! A few miles really can make all the difference.
Sweden Princess dies age 97
Princess Lillian, subject of Sweden's most secretive love story, has died age ninety seven after a scandalous thirty three year relationship with the late Prince Bertil. Princess Lillian met and fell in love with Prince Bertil during World War Two, but they kept their blossoming relationship secret as Prince Bertil was next in line to the throne. Whilst it is debated as to whether the pair met on the London underground or at a party, they did not actually receive a blessing to marry until Prince Bertil's nephew Prince Carl Gustaf, ascended the throne in 1973. Prince Bertil died in 1997 with his dedicated wife by his side, whilst she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday. It is thought she was suffering from Alzheimer's but has battled with ill health for several years. We can perhaps learn something from her troubled but ultimately triumphant romance in her admission; "If I were to sum up my life, everything has been about my love".