VIDEO: Funnyman Harry Hill shows off his Hobby for Wirral Festival Of Firsts

8:00am Saturday 28th June 2014 in News

By Craig Manning, Chief Reporter

Harry Hill with some of his work before Thursday’s unveiling. Picture: Craig Manning

MENTION the name Harry Hill and the last thing that probably comes to mind is his work as an artist.

The entertainer – who gave up a career in medicine to follow a showbusiness path – has earned a reputation as one of this country’s finest comedians, complete with trademark large collars and energetic style.

His work includes national tours, Harry Hill’s TV Burp, fronting You’ve Been Framed and the recent foray onto the big screen in the Harry Hill Movie.

But he is just as prolific with a paintbrush and will show off a selection of work from his My Hobby exhibition as part of Wirral’s Fourth Festival Of Firsts, which opens next Saturday (July 5).

The exhibition, which formed part of the Edinburgh Fringe Arts Festival in 2013, was unveiled to an invited audience at the Holiday Inn, Hoylake, on Thursday night.

His work reveals a parallel universe where celebrity and nature come together in surreal landscapes.

His subjects include Sir Bruce Forsyth, Cheryl Cole, Chris Tarrant and Sir Paul McCartney, whose Heswall-based photographer brother Mike is also exibiting a selection of his work during the festival.

Harry told the Globe: “I got this call out of the blue from the festival’s organiser John Gorman, and he asked me whether I’d be up for having these paintings in his exhibition.

“So I thought ‘why not? It’ll be a laugh and gets them out of the house’.

“I’ve been to Liverpool a few times on tour, but had no idea really of the geography of Liverpool and the rural surroundings I’ve been missing out on.”

Harry’s love of art began in school and was something he has honed over the years, drawing and painting for fun. It was “just knocking about”, he said.

But it was after his guest appearance on fellow comic Frank Skinner’s chat show in 1996 that it really took off.

He continued: “They give the show’s guests a little present for taking part and gave me a box of oil paints, and that’s when I really started to paint, wanted to get the hang of oil paints.

“I never went to any classes, but gradually worked out how to do it, just for fun.

“When your doing a painting, making up a pot and are focused on something other than comedy, in that sense it’s a good therapy.

“A lot of people are self-conscious about it, and say ‘oh no, I can’t draw, I can’t do it’.

“The fun of drawing is that you don’t have to show your work to anyone else. You can shove it in a draw.”

Away from the easel, he is also planning a return to the stage and TV.

He said: “If you’re going to do a tour, you need a bit of time to work on stuff. I’ve been in a situation before where you rush into a tour and are not quite ready for it.

“I’ve started doing a few gigs and worked out a few gags for that, I’m also developing some new TV ideas.”

The Festival Of Firsts, showcasing the borough’s artistic talents, takes place at venues in Hoylake, West Kirby and New Brighton from Saturday, July 5 ending on July 13.

Poetry performances, concerts, jazz parades, competitions, writing workshops and world premieres of plays will feature.

The programme for this year’s showcase features appearances by Liverpool playwright Willy Russell.

Radio Merseyside presenter Johnny Kennedy will present his performance of Simply Shakespeare, a tribute to the Bard.

The Poetry Proms will take place in New Brighton on Sunday, July 6.

Hoylake will host a Music Proms on Saturday, July 12, and organisers would like to hear from anyone interested in taking part.

There will also be talks and art workshops in Hoylake Community Centre on July 13.

There will be concerts of classical and popular music, featuring performances from guitarist Craig Ogden, Wirral Ukulele Orchestra, C-City and the Dave Gilbertson Saxophone Ensemble.

Proceeds from this year’s festival will go to Claire House children’s hospice.

The full festival programme is now available from www.festivaloffirsts.com

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Just the Ticket for Barnet, Potters Bar, Hendon, Finchley, Edgware, Mill Hill, Elstree and Borehamwood: June 20, 2014

3:00pm Friday 20th June 2014 in News

Your guide to some of the best things to do in the area in the week ahead.

Here’s your guide to some of the best things to do in the area in the week ahead:

• Stables Open Day

The newly-opened Art Stables is celebrating is successful launch with an open day. Meet the tutors and try your hand at some art.

Sternberg Centre, Manor House, East End Road, Finchley, June 22, 11am to 4pm. Details: artstables.co.uk

• Peppa Pig

Peppa is back by popular demand! This time she’s bringing Daddy Pig, Mummy Pig and George with her, giving youngsters the chance to meet the family. You can also follow the holiday fun trail and take part in other Peppa surprises.

Brent Cross shopping centre, Lower Mall, June 28, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Details: brentcross.co.uk

• In the Footsteps of the Famous in High Barnet

Royalty, writers, artists, explorers, sportsmen, comedians and prime ministers – they’ve all lived or stayed in Barnet and this walk will show you exactly where.

Meet at High Barnet tube station, Barnet Hill, June 29, 11am. Details: 020 8440 6805, barnetsociety.org.uk

• Com.Unity Choir 10th Anniversary Celebration

An evening of music and dance from the golden era of swing to celebrate theinclusive, interfaith and multicultural community choir’s tenth birthday. The Three Belles will perform with The Bevin Boys Swing Band singing and playing 30s, 40s and early 50s dance music.

Allum Hall, Allum Lane, Elstree, June 21, 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Details: comdotunity.co

• Tried and Trusted Short Film Awards 2014

An evening from some of the finest short movie makers in the region, where you can see the work of up and coming talent and established amateurs, and ask the directors questions as they compete for the title of Hertfordshire and North London Short Film of the Year.

The Ark Theatre, off Elstree Way, Borehamwood, June 28, 7.30pm. Details: 020 8238 7288, thearktheatre.co.uk

For a full list of events, see the Just the Ticket pages in this week’s Times Series newspapers in print or online here.

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Enfield students quiz Helena Bonham Carter on film career

10:58am Monday 23rd June 2014 in News

By Charlie Peat

Students from Broomfield School with Helena Bonham Carter

Drama students had a chance to speak to double Oscar nominee Helena Bonham-Carter.

Pupils at Broomfield School, in Wilmer Way, Enfield, were able to put their questions to the BAFTA-winning actress about her film The Young and Prodigious TS Spivet.

Held at the Courthouse Hotel in London’s West End, ten students from the school watched a preview of the film before quizzing the actress about the movie, her career, life on a film set and how she got into the film industry.

Film club leader at the school Martha Braggins said: “Our drama students benefited hugely from this amazing opportunity.

“They gained an insight from Helena into the mechanics of making a major feature film such as TS Spivet, in particular the actress’ preparation for the role of Dr Claire, and were also able to ask questions about Helena’s wider career and the industry in general.

“Overall though, they couldn’t believe how natural, down to earth and friendly in real life Helena was.”

Speaking about the event, the actress said: “I loved it and I loved their interest and enthusiasm. I hope they did genuinely enjoy it, and I hope they’ll spread the word.

“So many people watch films on their own at home and it’s not a communal thing, so for me to sit here and hear the laughter, the appreciation, the jokes, you can tell also when a story is being well told and what point you go across from watching it through the eyes of the audience so it was hugely helpful.”

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Dancers take on Charleston’s challenging steps

8:40am Wednesday 11th June 2014 in News

Appleton Primary School pupils dance the Charleston

Youngsters got into the groove at a national schools dance contest held in the city yesterday.

A total 24 schools from across the country came to The New Theatre for the finals of the Great Big Dance Off.

Among them were Eynsham Primary School’s Under The Sea routine from Disney movie The Little Mermaid and a Charleston dance by 26 from Appleton Primary School.

Teacher Gemma Leggett said: “We have been rehearsing for about an hour a week for six weeks. It has been hectic.

“It is very fast and there are a lot things to remember.”

The results from the contest – which also included secondary schools – were not available last night.

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Six men appear in court accused of child sex exploitation in Banbury

4:17pm Thursday 26th June 2014

SIX men have appeared in court charged with grooming and abusing six underage girls in Banbury.

Paedophile jailed for 14 years for historic sexual abuse of four girls aged between six and 10

3:07pm Thursday 26th June 2014

A PAEDOPHILE has been jailed for 14 years after abusing four Oxford girls aged between six and 10.

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OxVox call on Oxford United owner Lenagan to break silence

9:30am Thursday 26th June 2014

IAN Lenagan has been urged by OxVox to clear up the uncertainty surrounding Oxford United after the club was the subject of extensive takeover rumours.

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Jayden trial: Blakeley pushed pregnant ex-girlfriend down stairs, jury told

1:37pm Thursday 26th June 2014

A JURY has heard evidence from Ben Blakeley’s ex girlfriend who alleges he pushed her down the stairs when she was seven months pregnant.

SCALES OF JUSTICE: 19 people convicted at county magistrates’ courts

11:00am Thursday 26th June 2014

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Heavy rain, hail and lightning forecast for Oxfordshire as severe weather warning issued

10:59am Thursday 26th June 2014

A SEVERE weather warning has this morning been issued as heavy rain is expected to hit Oxfordshire tomorrow and again on Saturday.

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Essex boys’ role in £70m ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ scam

5:00pm Friday 20th June 2014 in News

Daneil Gooding

WHEN Essex boys Shaun Rumsey and Daniel Gooding accepted offers of sales jobs in Spain, it may have sounded too good to be true.

Rumsey, 33, from Basildon, and Gooding, 39, from Brentwood, would sell shares in specialist diamond, mining and medical companies to more than 1,000 retired people across the UK.

The scheme was not unlike the one orchestrated by Jordan Belfont, played by Leonardo di Caprio, in Hollywood movie the Wolf of Wall Street.

Living in Madrid apartments with flights, expenses and rent covered by their new employers, they were among scores of “gift of the gab”

Essex salesmen recruited by Australian Jeffrey Revell-Reade, 49, and Londoner Anthony May, 58.

Despite the veneer of being a legitimate business, their roles were to sell what are now known to have been worthless shares in US-listed dormant and shell companies. Put simply, it became the UK’s biggest ever boiler room scam, netting nearly £70million.

Rolex watches and jewellery worth thousands of pounds were given as incentives to top sellers each month.

But while some colleagues of Rumsey and Gooding realised early on the scheme was a massive scam, and headed back home, the pair rose to become key players in an organisation that traded for four years.

They were finally brought to book and jailed following a seven-year international investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.

Deborah Weston, a Serious Fraud Office accountant who was a case principal investigator for six years, said: “A lot of salesmen went over from Essex where they advertised specifically for young men.

“They would pay for flights and rent out there. It was the reverse of a normal interview.

“If applicants knew anything about shares they would not get the job, in case they became suspicious.

“Hundreds went over from Essex.

Some came back after a few days because they didn’t like what they saw. But Sean Rumsey and Daniel Gooding became team leaders with team names.”

Rumsey, also known as Sean Logan, led a sales team called the Bulls. When he was arrested landing at Gatwick after a flight back from Spain, he was found to have two watches and a ring with a combined insurance value in 2008 of more than £123,000.

Gooding was using the pseudonymDaniel Tresadern and used this name to buy a home in the exclusive Oaklands Park development in Hutton, near Brentwood, for £1.27million.

The top salesmen earned hundreds of thousands of pounds and were able to invest in overseas and UK property.

Ms Weston added: “Rumsey got hundreds of thousands, plus it was all expenses paid, including entertainment.

Rolexwatches were prizes for top salesmen.”

At least ten victims who came forward as part of the Serious Fraud Office probe were from Essex.

One was left “isolated” after losing his money and now has only a small Army pension to live on.

Another victim invested her £200,000 life savings to try to fund care for her elderly disabled mother, and lost the lot.

Rumsey, from various addresses across Basildon, and Gooding from Oaklands Park, Hutton, were jailed for five and three years respectively last year for their part in the scam.

They were found guilty of one count each of conspiracy to defraud after becoming managers of different Spanish boiler rooms during the con, which ran from 2003 to 2007.

Their jail sentences could only be reported after Revell-Reade, from Dursley, Gloucestershire, and May, of South Norwood, South London, were last week convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud and jailed for nine years and six months and seven years six months respectively.

Ms Weston said salesmen like Rumsey and Gooding befriended potential investors and effectively groomed them to part with cash.

She said: “Part of the con was to promise whatever it took to get a sale.

“They befriended the vulnerable and the old. Very enticing leaflets were sent to people whowould return them for more information.

“The salesmen who rang would note down personal details, for example likewhen their grandchildren visited, and ask them about this on the next call to befriend them.

“They used very slick, sophisticated, underhanded and manipulative tactics.”

The biggest single investment was well over £1million. Others lost from £1,000 upwards.

Ms Weston said: “We knew straight away it was a fraud, but gathering the evidence took six years. We had to follow the trail of where the money went and it involved several countries.”

It was also a family affair.

Gooding’s sister Emma Farmer, 41, also from Hutton, received three years after being found guilty of conspiracy to defraud, while their mother Michelle Coleman, 62, of the same address, pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering and was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

The total she laundered through a trail of bank accounts, ending at the Isle of Man, was £252,425.

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Google is undeterred; after brilliantly failing to wedge itself into our living rooms with Google TV (though it’s made modest inroads with the Chromecast dongle), the company is rumored to be mounting another effort by partnering with other companies to put out set-top boxes loaded with Android.

According to CNET’s sources, at least one of the devices will run on the NVIDIA Tegra 4 chip, although Intel-based boxes are also expected.

Presumably, this Android set-top box offers some sort of gaming features along with TV and movie streaming. It only makes sense; in addition to the presence of the Tegra 4 chip, Amazon’s Fire TV box is definitely geared toward gaming, and there have been several Android-based game consoles floating around (most notably Ouya). Why wouldn’t Google at least attempt to one-up them all?

We’ll find out more about Google’s plans for our living rooms this week at its I/O conference.

Watch: RAF Benson crew are top guns for Tom Cruise’s new movie Edge of Tomorrow + videos

9:00am Wednesday 4th June 2014 in News

The Puma HC Mk1 used in the opening to Edge of Tomorrow

TOM Cruise, best known for his role as Top Gun’s Maverick, relied on a team of expert aviators from Oxfordshire for his latest movie.

Futuristic film Edge of Tomorrow, out in cinemas now, shows Cruise and co-star Emily Blunt pitting their wits against an alien race hitting the earth in an unrelenting assault.

In a dramatic opening sequence, Cruise, who plays Major William Cage, is helicoptered in to London’s Trafalgar Square – by a crew from RAF Benson near Wallingford.

The crew from RAF Benson.

The Oscar nominee said: “Landing a helicopter in Trafalgar Square was one of those exceptionally cool moments in a career spent in locations all around the world. It was great fun for all of us.”

Nikki Hamilton, spokeswoman for the air base, said: “A Puma HC Mk1 from RAF Benson was tasked to support a commercial contract on behalf of Warner Brothers.

“The crew chosen for the task were some of the most experienced – Squadron Leader Brad Hewitt (aircraft captain), Squadron Leader (then Flight Lieutenant) Chris Burgon (handling pilot), and Flight Sergeant Al Clulow (crewman).”

Squadron Leader Brad Hewitt, currently Officer Commanding B Flight of 230 Squadron, said: “Working with Mr Cruise was something that I never thought I would do when I joined the RAF.

“The Puma was an absolutely fantastic aircraft for this task. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, flying into Trafalgar Square past so many of London’s iconic monuments. I think it’s a great advert for the RAF – this is what its personnel and its aircraft are capable of.”

Crews from RAF Benson have also helped in the filming of BBC productions Top Gear and D-Day: The Last Heroes.

Our top stories:

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Earlier this month, Logitech bolstered the featureset of its Harmony Ultimate and Smart Control remotes by adding support for SONOS’ wireless speaker system. Today, it’s become clear that the company didn’t want to risk the Harmony brand leaving our head, as it’s now added support for one of the hottest products out there: Nest Learning Thermostat.

With this new functionality, you’ll never have to endure getting up off of the couch while watching Game of Thrones just because the room temperature is as cold as the hearts of many on the show. Instead, you can simply pick up the remote and beam your desired temperature right on over to your Nest. It’s hard to beat that kind of convenience.

Adding Nest extends the Harmony Ultimate’s existing support for the most advanced home devices. With one touch of the remote or the Harmony App on your tablet or smartphone, you can dim your Philips Hue lights, turn on your TV, start a movie, and now set the temperature on your Nest thermostat.

A couple of years ago, it felt to me like Logitech’s interest in Harmony was beginning to wane. Lately, though, that doubt has been shattered, as the company is clearly very interested in making sure that the Harmony Ultimate and Smart Control remotes are as attractive as can be. With the support it’s been adding lately, the company’s definitely on the right path.

Charity offers free cinema tickets

3:13pm Tuesday 24th June 2014 in News

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WITH England out of the World Cup, youngsters in Bradford are being offered the opportunity to switch their attention to a different kind of soccer entertainment.

The education charity Into film is inviting young people and youth groups to be along the first to see the new movie Believe at a free preview screening at the Leeds Bradford Odeon.

The screening will take place at 1 pm on July 15, three days ahead of the nationwide release and is the fictionalised story of a football manager in the 1980s who helps a young boy fulfil his dreams.

To book free tickets visit: believepreviewscreenings.eventbrite.com or contact: jo.davey@intofilm.org

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