Thunderstorms Expected in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent is set to experience six hours of thunderstorms today, June 14, 2024, between 11am and 9pm. Temperatures in the area are not expected to rise above 15 degrees Celsius. However, the prediction of thunderstorms has been removed for tomorrow. According to the BBC weather report, the city will witness variable clouds, scattered showers, and a few sunny intervals this afternoon, with showers being locally heavy and thundery. The evening will see lingering showers and cloud, turning dry and clear overnight.

Historic Pub Damaged in Shelton

A pub located in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, was significantly damaged after a BMW crashed into it at around 12:30 am on June 13, 2024. Following the incident, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been working to secure the former Harry Ramjams pub to ensure public safety. A demolition crew and gas engineers were also brought in, and a stretch of Shelton New Road was temporarily closed but reopened by rush hour. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and other related offences.

Woman Receives Thousands of Boyfriend Applications

Vera Dijkmans, a TikTok user with over seven million followers, received 5,000 applications to be her boyfriend after posting a request online. However, she found only three suitable candidates and remains single after going on dates with each. Dijkmans shared her experiences of sifting through inappropriate applications and unusual propositions, including one man offering to exchange blood samples. She plans to continue her search for love offline in the future.

Royal Navy Technician Loses Eye

Royal Navy technician Elliott Courtman lost his left eye in a freak accident involving a helicopter antenna in June 2020. The incident occurred during a night shift on HMS Queen Elizabeth, where the unprotected antenna pierced his eye socket. Despite initial efforts to save his eye, a serious infection led to its removal in December 2021, resulting in his medical discharge from the navy. Courtman has pursued legal action against the Ministry of Defence and secured a settlement.

Bristol Pub Closing but May Become Community-Owned

The Lion Tavern in Clifton Wood, Bristol, will close under the current ownership after nearly 16 years of operation. The family-run pub has been a central part of the community, and there are initiatives underway by local residents to purchase and preserve it as a community asset. The pub recently secured official status as an asset of community value.

Pipp&Co to Open Café in Bristol

Artisan doughnut maker Pipp&Co will open its first café in Bristol next month. Known for its handcrafted doughnuts sold at various markets, the café will feature items such as Belgian chocolate mousse cruffins and cinnamon rolls. The Pipp&Co team expressed their excitement for the new venture, which has been years in the making.

Massive Drug Seizure in North Tyneside

North Tyneside authorities seized 200 counterfeit England shirts and 27,000 illegal cigarettes from a property in Meadow Well, North Shields. The operation was conducted by North Shields Neighbourhood Policing Team and North Tyneside Trading Standards following community reports. The items found had a combined value of approximately £36,600. An investigation into the seized goods is ongoing.

House of the Dragon Renewed for Third Season

HBO has announced that its epic fantasy series “House of the Dragon” has been renewed for a third season. This announcement comes just days before the premiere of the second season on June 17, 2024. The series, a prequel to “Game of Thrones,” features British actors Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, and Olivia Cooke. The new season continues to explore the civil war in Westeros between King Aegon and Queen Rhaenyra.

Upcoming Changes to MOT Tests

The Department for Transport is set to investigate the safety of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which may soon be included in MOT tests. This initiative comes in response to concerns that malfunctioning ADAS could pose risks to drivers. Trials will assess the reliability and failure rates of systems such as autonomous emergency braking and steering assistance.

Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier’s Captain Speech Mishap

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier shared a humorous incident where he lost his train of thought during a captain’s speech before an England match in 2021, leading to laughter among his teammates. Trippier’s speech mishap became a source of ongoing jokes within the team, highlighting the camaraderie among the players.

Fleet Street Bar Returns to Newcastle

The former Fleet Street bar in Newcastle, which closed in 2015, is set to re-open next month with a new focus on live entertainment and sports. The reopening follows a significant investment to revamp the premises. Local residents and former patrons have expressed excitement over the bar’s return, reminiscing about its past and looking forward to its new offerings.