Television favourite Fred Dinenage MBE – whose career has spanned over five decades – delighted local retirees with tales from his time on screen when he attended the official opening of McCarthy & Stone’s Hamilton House Retirement Living development in Charlton Hayes on 10th April.

The TV stalwart – whose varied career has seen him present shows including ‘How’, ‘How 2’ and ‘Pass The Buck’, as well as a long stint as news anchor on ITV Meridian – joined guests including homeowners, staff and members of the public to talk about his illustrious career.

Attendees heard first-hand about some of the breaking news stories he has reported over the years, as well as the many factual books he has written – and ghost written – including an autobiography on the infamous Kray Brothers.

Fred commented:

“It was a pleasure to visit the guests at Hamilton House and give a talk on my colourful television career. The development provides an excellent solution for those looking to enjoy an independent and active lifestyle in retirement, and I enjoyed meeting and chatting to homeowners. It’s clear everyone values the quality of life afforded by their surroundings and the freedom of having a range of services on their doorstep.”

Nicki Beswarick, marketing manager for McCarthy & Stone Southern, commented:

“We would like to thank Fred for taking the time to visit Hamilton House. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to quiz one of Britain’s longest-serving broadcasters, and to meet a familiar face who has been gracing their television screens for so many years.”

“This particular event is just one example of the many regular and varied social activities we organise for homeowners. Not only do these get-togethers provide an opportunity for companionship, they also help to showcase the fantastic close-knit community which has been created here.”

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Princess witnesses dramatic moment as iconic plane’s ‘droop nose’ lowered for first time since November 2003.

Aerospace Bristol, home to the last Concorde ever to fly, has celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Concorde’s first British flight with a dinner attended by HRH The Princess Royal, patron of the museum.

Delivered in partnership with Airbus, the Concorde50 gala dinner was held under the wings of the supersonic passenger jet in Aerospace Bristol’s Concorde Hangar, on the edge of the historic Filton Airfield. It was from there that Concorde first took to the skies from British soil on 9th April 1969, and landed for the final time on 26th November 2003.

Fittingly, it was the pilot of that final flight, Captain Les Brodie, who returned to the flight deck and – as Her Royal Highness and distinguished guests looked on – operated the controls to lower and raise Concorde’s droop nose and activate her landing lights. The manoeuvre was possible thanks to careful restoration work by Aerospace Bristol’s conservation team and volunteers, with Concorde smoothly returning to motion as if waking for the first time since touching down more than 15 years ago.

More: "The iconic Concorde was an engineering marvel" »

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A local councillor who has represented the Patchway ward on South Gloucestershire Council for many years has stepped down from the role due to ongoing health issues.

Eve Orpen, who has been undergoing cancer treatment for over two years, submitted her resignation from the council today (14th November).

Cllr Orpen said:

“I have found it difficult to fulfil my district councillor role whilst having treatment because it involves attending meetings and events across South Gloucestershire. My treatment often leaves me very tired, and I don’t feel able to continue.”

“I would like to thank my colleagues for their understanding over the past couple of years, and especially my fellow Patchway councillor Keith Walker, who has had to take on extra work while I have been out of action.”

Cllr Pat Rooney, leader of the Labour Group on South Gloucestershire Council, paid tribute to her colleague saying:

“Eve has represented Patchway on South Gloucestershire Council for 15 of the past 23 years and I thank her for her long service. She has been a committed and valued colleague, but I understand her reasons for standing down now. Recovering her health must come first, and all of her colleagues in the Labour Group wish her an ongoing and full recovery.”

The Journal understands that as Cllr Orpen’s resignation has come within six months of a planned ‘ordinary day of election’, her seat on the council will remain vacant until the next South Gloucestershire Council elections in May 2019.

Photo (l-r): Cllr Pat Rooney and Eve Orpen.

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Details of this year’s Post-16 examination results for students at Patchway Community School show that 44 percent of all grades awarded were in the A*-B band (compared to 51 percent in 2017). The overall pass rate was 98 percent.

Students’ performance in vocational subjects remains strong, with 74 percent of all grades awarded being at Distinction level or above, which the school attributes in part to bespoke learning projects carried out in partnership with organisations such as British Aerospace, Airbus, Rowan Dartington and Rolls-Royce.

A spokesperson for the school said:

“Many students now have the high grades they need to get into the university degree courses of their choice and we are confident that we can sustain and accelerate this progress in the years to come. We would like to congratulate all students on their achievements and recognise our staff for their continued hard work and commitment.”

Subject highlights singled out by the school include:

• In English literature, 75 percent of grades awarded were A*-B
• One hundred percent of students were awarded A*-B grades in textiles and three A-level students have been offered places to study fashion design at university
• Students did exceptionally well in BTEC subjects, where all applied science students were awarded Distinction* grades, as were all those who studied sports studies

More: Top achievers singled out by the school »

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