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State opens new prison psychiatric center

California prison officials have opened a new psychiatric center for inmates, contending the $24-million treatment facility is proof the state is ready to shed federal oversight of mental-health care for prisoners.

The new building at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville will provide outpatient treatment for mentally ill inmates who do not require 24-hour care. Its opening was accompanied by positioning for the courts.

“It’s time for the federal courts to recognize the progress the state has made and end costly and unnecessary federal oversight,” Jeffrey Beard, secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said in prepared remarks.

The kind of care that California gives mentally ill inmates is the subject of fierce contention in U.S. District Court, where the state has filed a legal bid to end federal oversight as well as lift prison population caps that California concedes it cannot currently meet. A document filed Friday shows state’s prison population remains 49% above what the facilities were designed to hold, with Central California Women’s Facility at 82% above its design capacity.

In anticipation of also filing in court a request to end federal healthcare oversight, state officials have announced they intend this week to bring a group of Texas experts to inspect three prisons. Lawyers for inmates have asked a federal judge to allow them to accompany the state’s experts on their inspection tour. Lawyers for the state argue that doing so would be an “impermissible invasion into privileged communications.”

Judge Thelton Henderson in San Francisco has scheduled a hearing Tuesday morning to consider the dispute.

paige.stjohn@latimes.com

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Damien basketball team opens 24-0 lead, then holds off Etiwanda

Junior guard Zaire Rasshan of Damien knows football. His father, Osaar, was a backup quarterback at UCLA from 2005-09. Rasshan played quarterback his freshman season at Damien until deciding basketball was his No. 1 sport.

So when Rasshan looked up at the scoreboard Thursday night at Etiwanda in the first quarter and saw the Spartans had scored the first 24 points, he had to think football.

“That was crazy,” he said. “That’s three touchdowns and a field goal.”

Damien (17-4, 2-0) was able to hold off Etiwanda 56-43 to pick up a key Baseline League road victory. Winning at Etiwanda has been a rarity for many teams through the years. But Damien’s fast start couldn’t have been any better. The Spartans didn’t miss any shots while playing good defense for their 24-0 surge. Etiwanda’s first basket didn’t come until the 1:38 mark of the first quarter.

“When we play together, we can beat anyone,” Rasshan said.

Rasshan was a big part of the victory, contributing 23 points. Eli Garner had 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Etiwanda came in 18-1 and 1-0 in league. The Eagles missed 13 free throws, which prevented any comeback. The closest they got in the second half was within 11 points.

Damien’s victory puts it squarely in contention for a Southern Section Open Division playoff spot. The Spartans lost in the final seconds to Redondo Union in the Classic at Damien, showing they can compete with the big boys in coach Mike LeDuc’s 52nd season of coaching.

Rasshan is averaging nearly 20 points a game. He made three threes. And he hasn’t forgotten how to make a long pass, whether it’s with a football or basketball.

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Bridgerton season 4 release date, cast and trailer as star opens up on ‘obstacles’

Netflix splits Bridgerton season 4 into two parts as Benedict Bridgerton takes centre stage

The fourth instalment of Netflix’s sizzling period drama, Bridgerton, is on the horizon, and fans are eagerly awaiting the romantic journey of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) as he falls for the enigmatic Sophie (Yerin Ha). Despite his mother, Lady Violet’s (Ruth Gemmell), persistent appeals, Benedict, being the second son, has resisted settling down.

However, everything changes at his mother’s masquerade ball when Benedict becomes captivated by a mysterious Lady in Silver. He enlists the help of his somewhat reluctant sister, Eloise (Claudia Jessie), to unmask the identity of this intriguing woman. In an unexpected twist, Sophie Baek is actually employed as a resourceful maid for Araminta Gun (Katie Leung). When Benedict and Sophie cross paths again, he remains oblivious that she is his elusive Lady in Silver.

He finds himself caught between his genuine feelings for the captivating maid and his fantasy of the masked lady. The official synopsis teases: “Will Benedict’s inability to see these women as one and the same derail the undeniable spark between him and Sophie? And can love truly conquer anything – even a cross-class connection forbidden by society?” The upcoming season draws inspiration from Julia Quinn’s novel, An Offer From a Gentleman, hailed as a unique take on the Cinderella tale.

Here’s everything you need to know about the fourth season, including its release date, episode count, and cast.

When is Bridgerton season 4 out?

Bridgerton’s fourth season has been divided into two parts, set to air on separate dates on Netflix. The first part will be released globally on January 29, with the second part following on February 26. This means that die-hard fans will have to endure a month-long wait between the two parts. Netflix typically releases new titles at midnight in the US and at 8am in the UK.

Netflix’s Tudum has announced a live stream event on January 14, which will include an early screening of the first episode and red carpet coverage of the global premiere in Paris.

How many episodes are in Bridgerton season 4?

Each part will consist of four episodes, making up a total of eight episodes for the fourth season. Based on previous seasons, each episode is expected to run for approximately an hour. The series is exclusively available on Netflix, meaning viewers won’t be able to catch the new episodes on any other platform.

Benedict actor Thompson teased: “The storyline is a bit of a twist on Cinderella. You remember being told those stories as a child — the magic and the romance of them. It’s really exciting to have that weaved into the world that we know of Bridgerton … It’s such a great story, but it’s also, I hope, really relatable.”

Who is in the cast of Bridgerton season 4?

Season four will introduce several new characters, including Lady Araminta Gun, portrayed by Katie Leung. Lady Gun is a twice-widowed mother of two daughters, who is eager to see at least one of them wed. Katie Leung, a 38 year old British actress, is best known for her role as Cho Chang, Harry Potter‘s first love interest, in the Harry Potter film series.

Rosamund Li is portrayed by Michelle Mao, with her character being Araminta’s eldest daughter and most treasured child. Michelle Mao is a 27 year old actress who has previously appeared in Surfside Girls and Morgan’s Secret. Posy Li is brought to life by Isabella Wei, whose character serves as Rosamund’s younger, more compassionate sister, described as talkative and excessively welcoming. Isabella Wei is a 21 year old actress and dancer from Hong Kong, recognised for her performances in the Netflix series 1899 and Black Doves.

The entire main cast will be reprising their roles, including Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton, Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury. Two previous stars have also been promoted to series regulars – Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich and Hugh Sachs as Brimsley.

Finally, Yerin Ha joins as leading lady Sophie, and she opened up about her latest role, sharing: “What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles — something that she constantly has to overcome. Whether it’s this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict.”

Is there a trailer for Bridgerton season 4?

The official trailer for season four dropped over Christmas, sparking criticism from fans as Anthony and Kate were “missing” from the preview.

One frustrated viewer posted on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Clearly we understand Kathony [Kate and Anthony] had their season… but it truly doesn’t make sense that the VISCOUNT and VISCOUNTESS Bridgerton, the literal HEADS of the household, are nowhere to be seen Imao.”

The fresh teaser unveils Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, teaming up with Queen Charlotte, portrayed by Golda Rosheuvel, following the revelation of her secret identity as Lady Whistledown. Concurrently, Sophie’s Cinderella-esque scene unfolds as she is compelled to make a hasty exit from the ball at midnight, leaving Benedict in the dark.

The trailer also spotlights the complex relationship between Benedict and his mother, showcasing his struggle between fulfilling her aspirations and pursuing his own dreams.

Bridgerton season 4, part 1 premieres on Netflix on January 29, followed by part 2 on February 26.

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

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Europe’s longest urban cable car opens in major city just an hour from the UK

CABLE cars aren’t just for ski holidays – this urban one has just opened an hour from the UK and it’s open for tourists.

The next time you’re in the French capital, skip the Metro and hop on this cable car instead.

The new cable car will take just 18 minutes to completeCredit: AFP
The cable car in Paris stretches for just under three miles longCredit: Alamy

A new cable car has opened in Paris and it’s the longest in Europe.

It’s called Câble C1 or the Paris Téléphérique and is 4.5km, or 2.79miles long.

The line has 105 gondolas which hold up to 10 people and it was expected to transport 11,000 people per day. 

The cable car isn’t actually a tourist attraction and instead was built as an alternative for the Metro.

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The line will predominantly be used by residents. All you need to ride the cable car is a bus ticket or travel pass that you’d also be using on the metro, and it will only cost around €2 (£1.74).

The purpose of the cable car is to connect poorly served southeastern suburbs like Créteil and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges.

The journey from Créteil to Villeneuve-Saint-Georges by road takes 40sminutes-– the cable car can do it in 18.

It will fly over four municipalities in the Paris region; Créteil, Limeil-Brévannes, Valenton, and Villeneuve-Saint-Georges.

This is the seventh urban cable car to open in France, it cost a whopping €138million (around £120.8 million) to build.

While this might seem a lot – it’s much less than a new Metro line would have cost to build.

You can experience another cable car right here in the UK

There’s a cable car and caves combo at the heart of the UK that offers an almost similar experience to being in the Alps.

The Heights of Abraham in the Derbyshire Dales installed the UK’s first ever alpine-style cable car 40 years ago to get visitors up to its hilltop park.

You’ll find underground tours, play areas and woodland wanders for you and your family to enjoy.

The unique transport system cuts out the need to scramble up the steep hillside and has even inspired the likes of the London Eye and the cable car at Alton Towers.

The trip to the top takes you over trees, rock formations and the river, with incredible views of the town of Matlock Bath below you and rolling countryside stretching as far as the eye can see. 

But the cable car voyage is only the start of a day out with a difference deep in the Derbyshire Dales. 

Plus, check out the 1,024-year-old medieval town with terrifying cable car attraction that’s three hours from the UK.

And check out the cheap European city Brits often overlook – with Only Fools and Horses pub and new cable car attraction.

Europe’s longest cable car has opened in ParisCredit: AFP

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Russia opens rebuilt Mariupol theater where its airstrikes killed hundreds of trapped civilians

A historic theater in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Mariupol has opened its doors more than three years after it was pummeled in a Russian airstrike that killed hundreds of civilians sheltering inside.

Moscow-installed authorities marked the rebuilding of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater with a gala concert on the building’s new main stage Sunday night. Images shared by Russian state media outlets showed the building’s marbled pillars and staircases, and dancers wearing traditional Russian headdresses known as kokoshniks performing.

The original theater was destroyed when it was targeted by a Russian airstrike on March 16, 2022, as Moscow’s forces besieged the city in the weeks after their invasion.

An Associated Press investigation later found evidence that the attack killed about 600 people inside and outside the building — almost double an early estimate from the government.

At the time of the strike, hundreds of civilians had sought refuge in the building after weeks of relentless shelling. The word “children” had been written with paint on the street outside the building, large enough to be seen by both pilots and satellites.

Moscow said that Ukrainian forces demolished the theater, a claim that the AP’s investigation refuted.

Russian forces took control of Mariupol’s city center shortly after the strike. The ruins were bulldozed and any remains were taken to the ever-growing mass graves in and around Mariupol.

Mariupol’s Ukrainian city council, which left the city when it was occupied for Ukrainian-controlled territory, called the rebuilding and the opening of the theater “singing and dancing on bones.”

“The ‘restoration’ of the theater is a cynical attempt to conceal the traces of a war crime and part of an aggressive policy of Russification of the city. The repertoire consists largely of works by Russian writers and playwrights,” the council said in a statement on Telegram.

Guests of honor at Sunday’s opening included Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed head of the partially occupied Donetsk region, and St. Petersburg Gov. Alexander Beglov. Workers from St. Petersburg, which was twinned with Mariupol after Russia took full control of the city in May 2022, aided in the building’s reconstruction.

The Donetsk region, where Mariupol is located, has remained a key battleground throughout the war. Russia illegally annexed it in 2022, though Moscow still doesn’t control all of it. The region’s fate is one of the major sticking points in negotiations to end the war.

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Abandoned UK ghost village that’s cut off for 310 days a year finally opens to public

A TOWN frozen in time since World War II will open to the public for a limited time.

The abandoned ghost village stays cut off from the world for most of the year, with visits only permitted this week.

The abandoned village of Imber in Wiltshire is open to the public for a limited time this weekCredit: Alamy
The Ministry of Defence took over the town during World War II, converting it to a military training areaCredit: Alamy

History buffs and nature lovers alike swarm to the area, where 150 people once lived until 1943.

Since then, the abandoned village of Imber in Wiltshire, only sees visitors for 12 days out of the year.

During the second World War, residents of the area were given 47 days to evacuate their homes so the village could be turned into a military training area for troops.

While they were promised they would be able to return after the war, the village is still occupied by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to this day.

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And now it has invited the public to visit, with roads opening through Imber this week, until 8am on Friday, January 2.

Public access has been granted to the village as well as the Grade I-listed St Giles Church, which will be open from 11am to 4pm daily.

The original surviving building is free to visit during open days with any donations going towards the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) for maintenance and restoration.

Along with an old pub, the church is one of the few remaining original structures in the village.

Most of the larger stone buildings were damaged during military training, and were subsequently demolished.

Meanwhile, other houses in the village are either hollowed-out shells or have been converted into modern windowless buildings createdto simulate urban environments for military training.

While those who once lived in the village have the right to be buried on the church grounds, the only living residents now are an abundance of undisturbed wildlife, including owls, badgers, birds, and foxes.

Imber also holds open days during Easter weekend and a single day in summer, with all visitors required to adhere to the public rights of way and designated areas, and comply with signposting.

The public are permitted access to the town for 12 days out of the year, including this weekCredit: Alamy
Residents of the village were given 47 days to evacuate and never returnedCredit: Alamy

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Helen Flanagan opens up on daughter’s ‘difficult’ reaction to split from ex

HELEN Flanagan has opened up on a “difficult” fallout from her split with her ex that impacts her relationship with her daughter Matilda.

The former Coronation Street actress, 35, took to her Instagram page to give an insight into her state of mind after her children returned from their Christmas stay with Scott Sinclair.

Helen Flanagan has opened up on a “difficult” fallout from her split with her ex that impacts her relationship with her daughter MatildaCredit: Getty
Helen had got her kids back after their festive break with their fatherCredit: Instagram

In her frank video Helen, who starred as the Wicked Queen in Liverpool’s Snow White panto through the festive season, began by stating that she now had her kids back.

Her three children Matilda, 10, Delilah, seven, and Charlie, four had all been spending Christmas with their father Scott, 36.

Helen said: “What I find probably the most difficult is probably with Maltida because I feel like she’s the eldest.

“Me and her Dad broke up when she was seven.

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“I feel like Delilah is just so oblivious she doesn’t care, Charlie doesn’t care he was one.

“But Matilda is sensitive and she takes everything very much in and every single time that I get her back, she’s in a mood with me.

“She’s really moody, she’s got attitude, she’s really sassy and it’s just expected because I know it’s what it’s like.

“And I think it’s almost like she feels like I’m kind of disowning her in a way when I’ve not got her and it’s not.

“Regardless of mine and her Dad’s relationship I always want her to have a relationship with her father because I think that’s good for her.

“And regardless of everything that goes on, I always tell her that her Dad loves her and that she must love her Dad.

“It’s totally separate.”

This comes weeks after Helen publicly slated her ex Scott Sinclair for skipping their son’s Christmas nativity.

The mum-of-three lashed out online at the Bristol Rovers footballer after he posted about spending a weekend in Abu Dhabi at the Grand Prix instead.

Scott had posted snaps from his weekend in the United Arab Emirates where he watched Lando Norris secure his maiden Drivers’ Championship title.

“What a weekend-Abu Dhabi F1,” Scott wrote.

He added: “Happy Days, blurry nights..”

“You really are a piece of s***,” Helen raged, as she shared Scott’s Instagram post.

“How dare you not turn up to Charlie’s nativity.”

Meanwhile Helen posted a snap of her cuddling their son, writing: “Loved Charlie’s nativity. My star, my heartbeat.”

The Coronation Street star split from her ex-fiancé Scott in 2022 after 13 years together.

She recently hinted at trouble “co-parenting” with Scott, telling The Sun: “He lives like Somerset and I live in Lancashire. So we live so far away from each other, which is really difficult when you’ve got three young children.

“I hate calling it co-parenting because I don’t really feel like a co-parent to be honest with you anyway.”

She recently took to her social media pages to praise her mum for her support in raising their brood.

“My mum’s incredible,” Helen said.

“She really helps me bring up my children really. I’m very lucky to have that support.”

Her three children Matilda, 10, Delilah, seven, and Charlie, four had all been spending Christmas with their father Scott, 36
Helen revealed that her daughter is sensitive and takes everything inCredit: Instagram
The Coronation Street star split from her ex-fiancé Scott in 2022 after 13 years togetherCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Helen recently hinted at trouble “co-parenting” with her ex ScottCredit: Instagram
Helen explained that her daughter Matilda often appears sassy and moody with her after she’s been with her father

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Ultra-budget UNDERGROUND hotel opens on London’s most exclusive street

GETTING a budget hotel in the capital sometimes feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but now one of London’s most expensive areas has a cheap, yet underground, hotel.

Park Lane, sitting on the edge of Hyde Park, is known for being one of London‘s most exclusive areas.

Zedwell has opened a new hotel in London and it is completely undergroundCredit: Zedwell
It marks the second underground location for the brandCredit: Zedwell

In fact, a hotel in the area can often set you back hundreds per night.

For example, a night at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London in January could set you back £390 or a night at 45 Park Lane would cost around £940.

But now, there is good news for those wanting a budget option as a brand new Zedwell hotel has opened up on the famous road.

And the twist is that the hotel is completely underground.

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The new Zedwell Underground Park Lane has 133 ‘cocoons’, each of which doesn’t have a window.

The rooms are soundproofed and have “ambient lighting, purified air and body-cushioning mattresses”, according to the hotel.

Each ‘cocoon’ also comes with free Wi-Fi and an en-suite, with a rainfall shower.

Just five-minutes from Marble Arch tube station, when guests arrive at the hotel they can also use automated, self check-in desks.

And for those who are staying and working in the city, there is even a co-working space overlooking Hyde Park.

A ‘cocoon’ costs from £67.68 per night, for two people – so £33.84 per person.

The hotel marks Zedwell’s second underground hotel, with its other destination being the first underground hotel in England and is located on Tottenham Court Road.

Halima Aziz, head of hotels at Criterion, commented: “Zedwell is built around one simple idea: delivering great sleep in unbeatable locations at an affordable price point, democratising access to city centres and luxury neighbourhoods like Mayfair.

“Zedwell Underground Park Lane exemplifies our brand values and our ability to unlock complex urban sites to create value in the heart of the city.

“This opening reinforces our commitment to high-quality design, operational excellence and exceptional customer service, while continuing to scale the Zedwell brand in prime destinations.”

Inside the hotel, there are 133 ‘cocoons’ that sleep two peopleCredit: Zedwell

Zedwell is known for offering budget accommodation and over the summer opened the world’s biggest capsule hotel in Piccadilly Circus, costing around £30 per night.

Travel writer, Helen Wright, stayed at the hotel and said: “Inside, decked out with a modern concrete and timber design, there are nearly 1,000 individual sleep capsules over five floors.

“It’s a twist on the traditional ‘dorm style’ hostel set up as each guest gets privacy and security of being tucked up in your capsule, with the ability to lock it from the inside.

“On first glance, the dorm rooms, which are minimalist and dimly-lit looked a bit like a car park or a storage locker.

“It’s nothing like you’d expect a hotel room to look, so it takes some getting used to.

And each has an en-suite bathroomCredit: Zedwell

“However, inside, I was surprised to find a cute little space, with mood lighting and welcoming interiors.

“Surprisingly, it didn’t feel as claustrophobic as I thought it would – as a 5’5 woman, I was able to sit up and easily stretch my legs.

“Even more surprisingly, I had a great night sleep, with no rowdy drunken people or loud talkers disturbing the peace.”

In other hotel news, Britain’s best hotels for 2026 have been named from seaside pubs to island B&Bs.

Plus, the £89 all-inclusive holiday with hotel, flights, food AND drink included.

The hotel costs from £67.68 per night for two peopleCredit: Zedwell

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Stargazing in the Lake District: a new forest observatory opens in Grizedale | Lake District holidays

A tawny owl screeches nearby in the dark and her mate replies, hooting eerily from the forest below. A white dome floats in the gloaming above a plain black doorway outlined with red light, like a portal to another dimension. I’m in Grizedale Forest, far from any light-polluting cities, to visit the Lake District’s first public observatory and planetarium, which opened in May.

Grizedale Observatory offers immersive films in the planetarium and three-hour stargazing events that go on late into the night. There are sessions on astrophotography and, on moonless nights, dark sky astronomy with the chance to see “a glittering tapestry of stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters”. Its director, Gary Fildes, is a veteran in the field, having founded and led three UK observatories over two decades. The goal at Grizedale, he says, is to create “an immersive, year-round astronomy and science destination that brings the beauty of the Lake District skies to visitors”.

The observatory’s regular evenings form part of Cumbria’s annual dark skies festival in late October and November. The festival offers owl- and bat-spotting walks and chances to swim or canoe after dark. But the observatory does more than dip a toe in the cosmic lake – it’s a permanent centre for studying the stars. A group of 60 schoolkids is arriving in the morning.

I’m here for an Aurora Night, timed to coincide with a period of high solar activity, but the heavens are stubbornly blanketed with cloud. The first drops of rain are falling as we head into Mission Control, with its little cafe tables,hand-painted otherworldly mural, inflatable alien and row of model rockets, built to scale by the observatory’s manager, Ben Marshall, a spaceflight obsessive.

Robert Bryce Muir’s warrior sculpture in Grizedale Forest. Photograph: Stan Pritchard/Alamy

A couple of hours later, we’re all staring up in wonder at a bejewelled night sky with shooting stars – thanks to the centre’s planetarium. An illustrated talk about auroras in the Stargazers’ Lounge combines detailed explanations with a sense of cosmic wonder. In the Meteorite Lab next door, there are microscopes and little space rocks – including actual pieces of the moon and Mars.

After hot drinks in Mission Control, Gary leads us through torrential rain to the new cedar-smelling observatory he helped build. He shows us extraordinary photos of the spiralling Andromeda galaxy and the dark Horsehead nebula, silhouetted against a glowing red dust and gas cloud, all taken by the robotic telescope in the retractable custom-built dome. For nights when the weather won’t cooperate, Grizedale gives out a free clear-sky pass so visitors can come back and stargaze another time.

The observatory’s team are clearly enthusiasts. Gary has been fascinated by the night sky “ever since I was a kid growing up in Sunderland, standing in the back garden and looking up, wondering what all those stars were”. His life story is remarkable. He tells me: “I was a bricklayer for years, but that curiosity about the universe never really went away. Eventually, I decided to take a massive leap and follow that passion properly – and it changed my life. I built Kielder Observatory in Northumberland from scratch, then Grassholme Observatory in Teesdale, and now I’m working in Saudi Arabia developing the Al-Ula Manara Space Observatory, one of the most exciting astronomy projects in the world.”

Gary describes how one observatory visitor wept when she first saw Saturn through a telescope, explaining that her father used to draw planets in a wartime air raid shelter and ringed Saturn was her favourite. “For me, astronomy isn’t just about science and telescopes,” says Gary. “It’s about people. It’s about perspective, wonder, and realising that we’re all part of something far bigger.”

The Hawkshead valley looking towards the Old Man of Coniston and Tarn Hows. Photograph: Martin Bache/Alamy

No buses run to Grizedale Forest, but getting here without a car has been surprisingly easy. After an early start from Essex into London, the train up to Oxenholme takes less than three hours, racing past the Chilterns woods and Midlands canals to the cloud-capped Cumbrian fells. The branch line to Windermere is a 20-minute ride through tussocky fields of Herdwick sheep and slate-roofed, whitewashed villages. Finally, bus 505 from outside Windermere station loops round the lake and winds through hilly beech woods to reach the village of Hawkshead by lunchtime.

There are various ways of getting from Hawkshead to the observatory, about 3 miles south: by bike, taxi or on foot. I decide to walk there over the fells near Esthwaite Water and back via Hawkshead Moor. There are streams to hop and boggy hills to climb, but the views are worth it. Home to the UK’s first forest sculpture park, Grizedale has a huge collection of site-specific art. With a map of the walking trails, I follow one waterlogged path to see Andy Goldsworthy’s sinuous dry-stone wall, Taking a Wall for a Walk. Created in 1990, it’s dressed in thick moss and hidden among dense fir trees. There’s no sound other than rushing water and the calls of tiny, pine-loving goldcrests.

Forestry England lets out a little cabin next door to the observatory, and I’m sleeping there tonight. It’s a real log cabin, immaculately clean, with walls of thick pine trunks, tartan wool curtains and furry blankets. Umbrellas stand by the cabin door, on hand for the changeable Cumbrian weather. On a nocturnal trip to the loo, up a leaf-covered slope, I see a handful of stars finally winking through a gap in the clouds.

Heading back towards Hawkshead the next day, I find one of Grizedale’s newer works of art. On a grassy promontory between two waterfalls, Saad Qureshi’s Flight (2021) involves what looks like stained glass on steel filigree, creating iridescent dragonfly wings. Overnight rain has made the tumbling becks spectacular. Robert Bryce Muir’s powerful metal warriors struggle, roped together, in the trees nearby. Squelching through fields, I detour to Esthwaite, Hawkshead’s wildlife-rich lake. Redwings startle from berry-laden bushes and a cormorant skims over the water. Two swans fly overhead, their whirring wings loud in the quiet valley.

A presentation on constellations inside the planetarium

I’m staying tonight in the cosy, 17th-century King’s Arms, which reopened in August after an exquisitely tasteful refurb. My room, with its gnarled oak beams and cushioned bay window overlooking the village square, is all dusky rose and moss green, with elegant watercolours and floral fabrics. Downstairs, there’s a log-burner and local real ales in the slate-floored bar, and elegant plates in the dining room (the jalapeño jam alongside my onion bhaji is garnished with a purple pansy).

With its choice of pubs and cafes, picnic-ready delis, a well-stocked outdoor shop and a cake-filled honesty stall, fell-ringed Hawkshead is a walkers’ paradise. The former Beatrix Potter gallery (which was once her husband’s office) reopened in August as the National Trust’s first stand-alone secondhand bookshop. There’s a craft fair in the village hall and local ghost walks (£8 adults, £6 under-12s, usually on Wednesdays and Sundays).

The original Grasmere Gingerbread shop started in the mid-19th century, next to the quiet riverside churchyard where William Wordsworth lies buried. Now, 170 years later, a sister shop has appeared on Hawkshead’s pretty village square. There’s a plan to produce star-shaped cakes in support of the observatory. I stock up with chutneys from Hawkshead Relish and fresh gingerbread to take home tomorrow. Above the square, the cloudy skies are clearing and the stars are coming out.

Entrance to Grizedale Observatory is £13 adults, £8 concessions, £35 families; three-hour stargazing is £30 adults, £25 concessions, £89 families. Accommodation was provided by the King’s Arms in Hawkshead (doubles from £112.50) and the Cabin in Grizedale (from £117 a night, airbnb.co.uk). Transport was provided by Avanti West Coast (London to Oxenholme from about £35 one-way) and Stagecoach. Further information at visitlakedistrict.com

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LEGOLAND invites dogs to meet Father Christmas as theme park opens to pooches

If your dog has missed out on the festive fun so far, there’s still time to book them into Paws in the Park at LEGOLAND Windsor. There’s even the chance for them to give Santa their wish list

If you’re looking for a festive family day out that includes your four-legged friend, then LEGOLAND Windsor is offering a day that dogs will love. On December 21 and 28, the iconic theme park will host Paws in the Park, a special event that allows dogs to accompany their owners to the attraction’s Christmas celebrations.

While most dogs don’t have much interest in LEGO, beyond chewing any stray pieces found on the floor, they’ll no doubt love the festive atmosphere of the park and a new place for walkies. Dogs can sniff their way around the park while owners enjoy over 20 rides, Christmas shows, and the Elf Training Academy.

And if your dog is on the nice list this year, why not treat them to a visit to see Santa himself? After 5pm, Santa’s Grotto in the Christmas Kingdom is open to doggos who are hoping for a visit from Santa Paws this year.

Owners who want to bring their dog to the park will need to pay for a £10 Pet Pass in addition to tickets for any humans visiting, and there are a few rules to follow. Dogs need to be kept on a lead, and you must bring any dog food and snacks with you, although there will be water points throughout the park.

Paws in the Park is part of Christmas at LEGOLAND, the theme park’s festive offering which describes itself as ‘the ultimate Christmas day out’. Until January 4, the park will be decked out in Christmas décor, turning it into a brick-shaped winter wonderland.

A number of rides are still open over Christmas, including The Dragon rollercoaster and the ever-popular LEGO City Driving School. Little kids will especially love the DUPLO Dino Coaster, based on the beloved toddler toys, and the LEGOLAND Express train which takes you on a tour of the park.

You can meet Santa and his elves in LEGO form, before dropping into the grotto to meet Father Christmas himself and give him your Christmas wishes. Visitors get a special LEGO gift to remember their trip.

LEGOLAND’s Christmas attractions also include the Festival of Flurries show, a musical where the audience are encouraged to dance and sing along in a lively yuletide show. As you walk through the park, you may also spot the Nutcracker’s Marching Band, a group playing brass band versions of your favourite Christmas songs.

And of course, there are plenty of opportunities to play with the beloved brick toys, including Build to Give. For every LEGO heart built in the workshop, a LEGO set will be donated.

READ MORE: Emotional moment nurse who always works Christmas gets holiday surpriseREAD MORE: World’s first luxury theme park to open in 2026 with five-star hotel and £148million theatre

In addition to LEGOLAND Windsor, there are three European LEGO-themed parks, perhaps the most famous being in Billund, Denmark, the home of LEGO. Recently, LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany announced they’d be adding a new Harry Potter land to their list of attractions, which will include Wizarding World-themed rides and accommodation. The park plans to release more information on this new land in the next 12 months.

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Harry Potter star Jessie Cave opens up about ‘awful’ two years with boyfriend Alfie Brown after secret split

HARRY Potter star Jessie Cave has opened up on an “awful” two years with boyfriend Alfie Brown after the pair’s secret split.

The actress, 38, told of the “terrible” time, which also “massively affected” her own career and self-confidence in a lengthy Instagram message.

Harry Potter actor Jessie Cave has opened up on an ‘awful’ few years with boyfriend Alfie BrownCredit: Getty
She uploaded a series of snaps to Instagram along with a lengthy emotional messageCredit: Instagram
She opened up on the ‘terrible’ time which saw the stand up cancelled for a racist slurCredit: Instagram
The couple share four kids and secretly briefly split in 2018Credit: Instagram

It came after actress, comedian, author, and cartoonist Jessie, best-known for her role as Lavender Brown in the Harry Potter franchise, launched a podcast with stand-up Alfie, also 38.

He began performing stand-up in 2006 and is known for his work at the Edinburgh Festival and Next Up Comedy series.

He is the son of composer Steve Brown and impressionist Jan Ravens who was “cancelled” in 2023 after old footage showing him using a racist slur in 2015 emerged.

The performer has since apologised.

Marital Mayhem

Jessie Cave reveals secret split from Alfie Brown and admits break-up fears


‘WHY DO WE GO?’

Disgusted Harry Potter star Jessie Cave spots ‘balls of mould’ at soft play

Now Jessie – who revealed their previous secret split earlier this year – has let slip the detail of their rough time period on social media.

She uploaded an image of their son watching Alfie’s stage show on the TV followed by various snaps showing her man doing his day job.

Yet her emotional caption revealed the reality and she put: “My boyfriend was what is/was called ‘cancelled’ in 2023 on the day our youngest son Becker turned one.

“It was the beginning of a terrible year, two years, actually longer…. I won’t make this about me and tell you how AWFUL it has been to watch the person you love most in the world go through so much pain, public shaming and humiliation – or even how it has massively affected my career and self-confidence too – because he has just put his comedy special about it the whole thing out on YouTube, and it’s getting a brilliant and entirely well deserved response… though it’s not been easy at all to get it out there.

“I’ve watched him hide away and overthink, lose himself. I watched him do Edinburgh shows in tears at midnight, as he first worked the show out, a few months after everything disintegrated.

“I’ve watched his whole life change in the last three years, losing not only his career but with the shocking deaths of his great friend and director Adam Brace and his wonderful dad Steve Brown… two of the most vital and supportive people to him.

“I’ve watched as people we thought we could trust betray him. I’ve watched as the theatre we used to love and who we both worked with for over a decade cover up posters of him and act like cowards.

“I’ve stood by him for it all as I will stand by him forever.

“But I think the saddest thing of all is that I’ve watched him shy away from gigs when it used to be that being onstage was the most natural thing in the world to him.

“I tried to pick photos from during that time for this post but they were all too bleak. But I like the ones I’ve chosen as he looks so uncertain and scared, yet determined to find a way forwards onstage, telling jokes.”

In a brighter note, with Alfie’s The Last Cancelled Comedian show now available for free on YouTube, she added: “Everything is much better now.

“He’s back onstage again, we are close to happy (if you listen to our podcast you might know what I mean).

“I find the show very hard to watch, though I’ve seen it over 10 times. I think it’s incredible and I would love people to watch it.

“Thank you if you already have. I love you Alfie.”

LOVE STORY

In 2012, Alfie and Jessie first crossed paths at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they were both performing stand-up.

Two years later, the two were set up on a date through a mutual friend.

They went home together but didn’t see each other again – until four months later when Jessie discovered she was pregnant with his child.

They welcomed their son, Donnie, in October 2014, followed by their daughter 2 years later.

SPLIT SHOCK

In 2018 the couple went through a complicated breakup – as recently revealed on their brand new podcast Before We Break Up Again (BWBUA)

In February, on the show’s release, the hosts jokingly declared that it will run “from now until we break up again.”

Speaking with The Sunday Times, Jessie revealed that she’s not sure if the pair “will remain a couple for ever”.

In October 2020, they had a second son, and by December 2021, they announced they were expecting their fourth child.

Jessie previously admitted she didn’t know if the pair would be together foreverCredit: Getty
She told how the scandal surrounding Alfie’s remarks, made in 2015, affected her own self confidenceCredit: tiktok/@jessiecave
Jessie, 38, is best-known for her role in the Harry Potter moviesCredit: Alamy

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