The pub is making a comeback
After years of decline, 'it’s opening time again for pubs' reports The Times, following news that 'the pub industry has reversed a decade of closures with a net growth of 320 pubs and bars this year.'
No doubt it's down to people drowning their sorrows. The dismal prospect of either of the main political party leaders being in charge of the country by Friday is enough to drive anyone to drink.
It's a small change – 11,000 or so pubs had apparently closed in the first eight years of the decade — but it's a step in the right direction. The research was led by a firm called Stampede, whose chief executive Patrick Clover said 'The reduction of pubs over the last decade has been heart-breaking, following devastating changes to business taxes and alcohol duties, but I hope these figures signpost a reversal of fortunes
Full story (The Times)
'Greenland is losing ice seven times faster than it was in the 1990s'
This sounds bad.
Full story (BBC)
Good news for beavers
The National Trust is reintroducing beavers to Dorset and the South Downs.
If your children haven't already got your PhD by the time they're out of secondary school, they're already behind the curve
Not really, of course. But also, they are:
On this day... in 1936
Edward VIII announced his abdication from the throne in order that he could marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. 'I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love,' he said in a radio message broadcast across the world.
Carla Carlisle on Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson (Country Life)
And finally...
A heartwarming note that shows you really can rely on the kindness of strangers. Sometimes, anyway.
