My Desire Teasers – October 2024 Written by the zee star Team on the My Desire Teasers blog, 29 September 2024 Coming up on My Desire this October 2024: Tuesday, 1 October 2024 – Episode 1245As Kaashvi faces suspension, R.K. Pharma’s management steps in to take the blame and prove her innocence. To lift her […]

BRITS have been told to remain vigilant as more than two dozen deadly Asian hornets have been spotted across the UK already this year.

Experts have sounded the alarm after a nest was also uncovered amid fears of an invasion in the next couple of years.

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Asian hornets eat bees and attack their hives[/caption]

Scientists have pleaded with Brits to report any sightings of the frightening pests, whose stings can be deadly.

Asian hornets eat bees and can demolish their hives in a matter of hours.

They have a 6mm stinger capable of striking repeatedly – and once they succeed a pheromone is released that drives them all crazy to kill, beekeepers have previously told The Sun.

Asian hornets don’t tend to be aggressive unless they sense their own nest is threatened, in which case they can reportedly charge in a group.

At least 25 of Asian hornets have been identified this year already, according to the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH).

They warn that without early detection and rapid response, the species could gain a foothold here in the UK and pose a serious threat to British biodiversity.

Since the first sighting of Asian hornets in Great Britain in 2016, the number of observations has rocketed with 72 confirmed sightings in 2023.

Experts rely on members of the public to report possible sightings through a dedicated app, which has received around 10,000 reports this year already but only 25 have turned out to be Asian hornets.

They’ve asked citizen scientists to use their eyes, ears, and the Asian Hornet Watch app to report anymore they believe they’ve spotted.

“Citizen scientists provide valuable information on the presence of yellow-legged (Asian) hornets across the UK, even though only a fraction of reports are confirmed sightings every record counts and ensures that the few confirmed sightings are managed effectively,” said Professor Helen Roy, Ecologist at UKCEH and the University of Exeter.

“We’re also seeing an increase in the quality and quantity of photos uploaded to the app, so we can assess the records more efficiently

“The vast amount of data we receive from citizen scientists is helping to develop the alert system and our experiences are proving useful for sharing with others in developing similar systems around the world.”

The Asian hornet has distinctive yellow legs and an orange head.

Asian hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved honeybees

Kate WilsonHead of the Animal & Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit

Their abdomen tends to be entirely dark with a single band of yellow – whereas native hornets have a predominantly yellow abdomen.

They are sometimes confused with the European hornet which is slightly bigger and an important and valued part of UK wildlife.

Another key difference is that they aren’t active at night, while European hornets can be attracted to lights.

“One of the easiest ways to identify them is by looking at their legs. Yellow-legged hornets have yellow and brown on their legs, whereas European hornets’ legs are only brown,”  Professor Roy explained.

DESTROY THE NESTS

Experts are also wary of nests, having uncovered 89 since 2016.

Worryingly, 72 of these were discovered in 2023 alone – and all have been destroyed.

So far this year, one nest has been found and exterminated.

“Evidence of overwintering yellow-legged hornet queens is concerning, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have an established population here in the UK,” Professor Roy continued.

“The strategy is to destroy nests to prevent queens from spreading, and so the role of the people in reporting potential sightings through the app is critical so we can pass that information onto the National Bee Unit to respond as quickly as possible.”

Kate Wilson, Head of the Animal & Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit, said: “Asian hornets cause significant damage to native pollinators, including our much-loved honeybees.

“APHA’s National Bee Unit continues to take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets as part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance work to protect our pollinators. 

“The Asian Hornet Watch app is an important tool to help the National Bee Unit respond to sightings as early as possible.

“Please continue to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app.”

The species originated in Asia and was introduced into France unintentionally in a pottery consignment.

In 2009, local authorities in the tourist region of Lot-et-Garonne warned people to “never attempt to destroy an Asian hornet nest yourself but call on specialist organisations, as this species charges in a group as soon as it feels its nest is threatened”, The Telegraph reported.

MUCH-loved celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is selling off three of his classic cars – including his beloved Ford Capri.

The TV star has owned the Capri – which is a Mk1 3000 GT variant from 1970 – since 2014 and used it as his “go to car”.

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instagram/kellyann.ann

The iconic motor is to be sold by Classic Car Auctions based in Leamington, Warwickshire, and it currently has just 52,000 miles on the clock.

Finished in white with a black interior, the fast Ford has a 3-litre V6 engine capable of cooking up 130bhp – which can do 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and hit 121mph.

Fans of Jamie Oliver may recognise the set of wheels from the several appearances it made on his TV show ‘Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast’.

According to the listing, Jamie spent £20,000 on restoring the Capri to its original specification, and it’s valued at £26,000.

There are believed to be only 31 examples of the Mk1 Capri 3000 GT on the road.

A spokesperson for the car auctions said: “This is a two-owner car from new, with Jamie taking possession in June 2014.

“During his ownership, the car was restored in line with its original specification at a cost of around £20,000.

“Described by Jamie as his ‘go-to car’, the Capri is well known and has made several appearances on the TV programme Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast.

“We believe that there are only 31 of these 3000 GTs currently on the road and consequently they’re very collectable.

“This is the perfect opportunity to get behind the wheel of one with the added bonus of celebrity provenance.”

The Capri isn’t the only whip Jamie is selling, as he’s also readying his 1955 Fiat 1100 Pick-Up and a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle 1500 Convertible and Bespoke Retail Trailer for the auction hammer.

The Fiat 1100 Pick-Up was introduced in 1953, with this model imported to Britain in 1973 while Jamie has owned it since 2012.

Oliver has owned the Beetle and trailer, which has been modified to include an ice cream fridge, for the past few years.

A Classic Car Auctions spokesperson added: “Jamie has a passion for cars and a real fondness for these three charming vehicles, which seem to embody something of his ‘cheeky chappie’ persona.”

The sale for the retro motors is set to take place on September 28.

This comes days after a fast Ford that once belonged to Jeremy Clarkson sold at an auction for £70,000.

Elsewhere, a lorry driver who won £15.5 million on the lotto after a tip from Mystic Meg used his whopping prize to buy a motor for every day of the week.

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The Fiat pickup was first built in the 1950s[/caption]

SWNS

A MAJOR energy supplier is now offering up to £1,700 in free cash to help struggling households with their bills.

The British Gas Energy Trust’s Individual and Families Fund is now accepting applications from those struggling with energy debt.

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This scheme is open to both British Gas and non-British Gas customers.[/caption]

Application to the fund, which issues grants to wipe any energy debts, last closed on March 8, 2024.

However, the scheme has reopened to help indebted customers get on top of their energy bills before they rise this winter.

The Individual and Families Fund was first set up in 2021 to help households struggling with energy debt.

However, unlike other energy supplier grants, this scheme’s support is available to British Gas and non-British Gas customers.

Energy customers could previously get up to £1,500 in help from the fund, but it has increased to £1,700 this winter to help an increasing number of households in debt.

Ofgem figures show that energy debt rose to a new record of £3.3billion in the first quarter of 2024.

However, not everyone will be eligible for a grant under the British Gas Energy Trust’s scheme.

There are certain criteria that you need to meet to be considered for the Individual and Families Fund, including:

• Pre-payment meter customers must have between £50 and £1,700 of energy debt
• Credit customers must have between £250 and £1,700 of energy debt
• You live in England, Scotland, or Wales
• You have not received a grant from the British Gas Energy Trust within the last 2 years
• You must be seeking a grant to clear an outstanding debt on a current or open gas, electricity or dual fuel energy account. The account must be in your name and relate to your main residence
• You have received help from a money advice agency within the last six months

Customers with energy debts worth more than £1,700 will not be eligible for support through the fund.

Although British Gas Energy Trust welcomes applications from customers of all energy suppliers, it is recommended that customers from the following companies first seek assistance through their own hardship schemes:

• Ovo Energy
• E.ON Next
• EDF Energy
• Scottish Power
• Octopus Energy
• Utilita

British Gas also offers its own customers extra support through the British Gas Energy Support fund, however, applications for this scheme are currently closed.

If you are rejected by your own energy company’s hardship fund, apply to the British Gas Energy Trust’s Individual and Families Fund by visiting www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available.

WHAT OTHER SUPPLIERS OFFER

Most energy suppliers have a discretionary grant scheme to help support their most vulnerable customers.

Grants vary by supplier and, of course, the exact amount you’ll get will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Here’s a full list of other energy suppliers offering grants.

EDF Energy

EDF’s Consumer Support Fund provides grants to support vulnerable customers struggling with energy debt.

Grants are given to help clear debt and to help fund the provision of essential white goods, such as fridges or cookers.

You can apply to the scheme at EDF’s Let’s Talk website by visiting www.forms.lets-talk.online/Login

But before you can apply for funding, you need to sought independent debt advice.

You will also need to provide your EDF account number, current debt balance and details of your household finances and vulnerability.

E.ON Next

Customers of E.ON Next can apply for cash grants to help with their energy costs.

E.ON doesn’t have established eligibility criteria, but the fund aims to help as many people as possible, and applications from individuals with the greatest needs will be prioritised. 

You must know your energy account number and provide a recent meter reading to complete your application.

As part of your application, you’ll also be asked to provide evidence of your circumstances, such as proof of household income or DWP benefit payments.

Find out more, including how to apply, by visiting www.eonnextenergyfund.com.

Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy offers a range of support, including cash from its Octopus Energy Assist Fund.

It could also include loaning a thermal imagery camera to find heat leaks in your home, which you can fix to reduce energy usage and your bill.

It also conducts home energy visits to discuss how households can reduce their usage and gives out free electric blankets.

Octopus is encouraging all customers to get in contact if they’re struggling with their bills.

Octo Assist fund is still open for applications, and customers have no deadline for applying.

Find out more by visiting www.octopus.energy/blog/octo-assist.

ScottishPower

ScottishPower has handed out more than £60m in support to customers experiencing difficulties in paying their energy bills, through its Hardship Fund.

You could qualify for help from the fund if you receive support from the following benefits:

• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s allowance
• Income support
• Housing benefit
• Universal Credit
• Tax credits
• Pension credit savings credit

Help could also be available if you have a low household income or if special circumstances, such as illness, have impacted your earnings.

To apply you’ll first need to sought advice from debt charity Step Change by calling 0800 138 1111.

You’ll then need to apply for funding through Scottish Power‘s scheme by visiting www.support.sigmaconnected.com/scottish-power-hardship-fund

If your application is successful, the fund can wipe all or part of your energy debt.

Utilita

Utilita Giving is Utilita’s charity partner and offers grants to vulnerable customers to help clear energy debt.

The fund provides grants to wipe or reduce energy debts.

However, it’s only available to customers on legacy credit meter.

To find out more and how to apply, visit www.utilitagiving.org/helping-hand-fund.

Utility Warehouse

Utility Warehouse offers financial assistance to customers struggling with their bills. 

Citizens Advice Plymouth operates the scheme, which also provides Utility Warehouse customers with budgeting advice and benefits assessments.

The hardship fund allows for debt write-offs worth between £1,000 and £2,000, depending on individual circumstances.

To find out more and how to apply, visit www.help.uw.co.uk/article/billing_and_payments/Payment-help/uw-hardship-fund.

Hello This post EndBadGovernance: IGP accuses Briton, others of ‘unconstitutionally’ plotting Tinubu’s removal  was first posted on Naijaonpoint.com.ng and is written by naijaonpoint.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has accused ten Nigerian protesters of conspiring with a British citizen named Andrew Martin Wynne to plot the removal of President Bola Tinubu by unconstitutional means, among other allegations. This is contained in the charge sheet read to Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye and nine others at the Federal High Court […]

Hello This post EndBadGovernance: IGP accuses Briton, others of ‘unconstitutionally’ plotting Tinubu’s removal  was first posted on Naijaonpoint.com.ng and is written by naijaonpoint.

Hello This post Report: Turkish giants negotiates four-month loan for Osimhen amid Napoli rift was first posted on Naijaonpoint.com.ng and is written by Obi Donald.

Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly in talks with Napoli to secure Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen on a four-month loan, Soccernet.ng reports. Osimhen, who found himself at the centre of a major transfer saga during the 2024 summer window, saw his anticipated move away from the Diego Maradona Stadium fall through. The unresolved tension from this […]

Hello This post Report: Turkish giants negotiates four-month loan for Osimhen amid Napoli rift was first posted on Naijaonpoint.com.ng and is written by Obi Donald.

Hello This post Report: Turkish giants negotiates four-month loan for Osimhen amid Napoli rift was first posted on Naijaonpoint.com.ng and is written by Obi Donald.

Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly in talks with Napoli to secure Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen on a four-month loan, Soccernet.ng reports. Osimhen, who found himself at the centre of a major transfer saga during the 2024 summer window, saw his anticipated move away from the Diego Maradona Stadium fall through. The unresolved tension from this […]

Hello This post Report: Turkish giants negotiates four-month loan for Osimhen amid Napoli rift was first posted on Naijaonpoint.com.ng and is written by Obi Donald.

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The post Bitter Woman, You’re Not Even Fit to Sit on TV – Netizens Drag MC Yaa Yeboah Over Claiming John Dumelo is Not fit to Be An MP appeared first on GhanaCelebrities.Com.