Cambridge Organist Dies After Falling into River Cam

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A celebrated young Cambridge University an organist who has performed at the renowned Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols ceremony, which is aired globally each year Christmas Eve passed away following what seems to be a drowning incident in the city.

Harrison Cole, aged 25, is thought to have slipped into the River Cam near King’s College Chapel — where the Christmas concert takes place — on Saturday.

Emergency responders rushed to the location the next day following a call about a corpse found in the water near a place called the Backs, where multiple colleges border the river.

He was removed from the shallow river, typically crowded with punt boats throughout the day, yet he was pronounced deceased on-site.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police stated: “We received a call at 9:20 am on Sunday regarding a body found in the River Cam, Cambridge.”

The man's death is not considered unusual, and the case has been referred to the coroner.

Harrison, an member of the Royal College of Organists, earned a Master's degree in Music from Trinity College, University of Cambridge, and received his diploma in 2023.

Before appearing at the 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, he stated it was "a great joy and honor" to take part in this globally recognized event.

He had earlier enrolled at the tuition-charging Ipswich School as a sixth-form music student.

Former students of the old institution, known as Old Ipswichians, have included Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and H. Rider Haggard, the writer of "King Solomon's Mines."

Harrison additionally dedicated three years to the Royal Academy of Music's Junior Department, where he learned organ under Anne Marsden Thomas, who has served as Director of Music at St Giles Cripplegate Church in London since 1982, home to three pipe organs.

After taking a gap year with an organ scholarship at Wells Cathedral in Somerset, where he performed alongside the Cathedral Choir during daily Evensong, special ceremonies, and world premieres of new compositions, he began his studies at Trinity College Cambridge as an organ scholar in 2019.

After completing his studies, he worked for a year as an assistant organist at Gonville and Caius College prior to starting his role at King’s in September 2024.

While working there, he supported the choir during recordings, radio appearances, and performances, including two Festivals of Nine Lessons and Carols, as well as trips to Australia, Estonia, the United States, and Canada. He also performed at Westminster Abbey.

Harrison was scheduled to depart from King’s this summer and had just received appointments as assistants at St Paul’s Knightsbridge and St Michael’s Cornhill in London.

In a statement released by King's, it was mentioned that from these "two major music institutions," he was ready to pursue a freelance career as a pianist, organist, and conductor.

"The whole college community has experienced this sorrow deeply, especially the choir and chapel groups," said Provost Gillian Tett.

Our minds are with his family and those dear to him during this sorrowful period.

A digital profile from March mentioned that Harrison was working on "future initiatives in Slovenia and Singapore."

Apart from his passion for music, he was typically immersed in reading an excellent book, attending plays, and exploring art museums. His enthusiasm extended to studying philosophy and historical subjects as well.

While serving as Assistant Organist for King’s College choir, he was tasked with helping train the young singers, along with accompanying them during recordings, performances, and live transmissions.

A representative from King's College stated: "We were deeply saddened by the unfortunate passing of Harrison Cole."

He was an accomplished musician and a cherished part of our community, someone who will be greatly missed by numerous people.

We are striving to assist the students and faculty affected by this tragedy within our community.

We won't be making additional comments at this point in consideration of his family's private matters.

A representative from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust stated: 'An ambulance, a paramedic vehicle, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance were dispatched to Queen's Road in Cambridge early on Sunday after reports of someone in the water.'

'Colleagues from Fire and Rescue helped bring a man back to shore, however, unfortunately, despite everyone's best attempts, the individual had passed away on site.'

The Christmas Eve ceremony known as A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been conducted at King's College Chapel since 1918.

It premiered in 1928 and is currently enjoyed by approximately 370 million listeners annually, as per BBC data – with numerous fans considering it the beginning of the holiday season.

* For private assistance, contact Samaritans at 116 123, go to samaritans.org, or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support

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Worker Seriously Injured in Factory Machine Accident at SPC Affiliate

A tragic incident took place at a bakery facility owned by SPC subsidiary Shany, resulting in serious harm to an employee in his 40s.

As reported by the Dalseong Police Station and Daegu Fire Department on the 11th, approximately 9:38 a.m. the prior day, Mrs. A, a 40-year-old Vietnamese national, sustained severe cuts on her right arm when it got caught in a device for positioning bread dough at Shany’s Daegu facility located in Nongong-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu. She was taken to a medical institution.

Law enforcement officials are examining if the company neglected its duties regarding safety protocols, with allegations of professional misconduct leading to harm. Additionally, labor regulators are looking into possible breaches of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

This isn't the first safety-related incident at an SPC Group subsidiary facility. In 2022, a young employee in his 20s was killed in a compression accident at SPL's Pyeongtaek plant. The next year, a worker in his 50s passed away due to a comparable occurrence at Shany's Seongnam factory. A few months ago, yet another individual in his 50s lost his life at Samlip's Sihwa factory.

In April of this year, two employees—one in their 20s and one in their 30s—lost portions of their fingers while employed at Samlip’s Sihwa facility. At that moment, President Lee Jae Myung directed an immediate inquiry during a government session, prompting law enforcement to establish a specialized unit. Last month, the Sihwa plant underwent a recent raid and inspection.

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Woman Forced to Jump From Burning Building After E-Bike Fires

• VIDEO: Scene of a fierce fire consuming an apartment building following an overloaded electric bike battery catching fire

A female individual was compelled to leap out of a window of a structure engulfed in flames during the early part of Tuesday morning following an incident involving two electric bicycles catching fire.

The London Fire Service responded to a standalone home in Brondesbury Park, Kilburn, at 4:49 am following a fire suspected to have originated from a faulty lithium battery in an electric bike during charging.

A female had to leave the building by leaping from a ground-floor window because the primary exit was obstructed, resulting in possible fractured ribs.

She was hospitalized, with another three individuals leaving the scene prior to the arrival of emergency responders.

Six fire vehicles along with approximately 40 firefighters hailing from Willesden, West Hampstead, North Kensington, Park Royal, and Paddington arrived at the location. The crews managed to bring the blaze under control more than an hour later, at 5:52 am.

The London Fire Service has now cautioned owners of electric bicycles and e-scooters claiming that they have been present at a fire approximately once every two days, which involved an electric bike or scooter.

The officials stated: "The fire obstructed the residents' primary exit path, stopping them from leaving their apartment. Consequently, they had to leave the building via the bedroom windows."

This event underscores the importance of keeping your exit path unobstructed and explains why we advise against placing an electric bike or scooter along your way out, like in a corridor or near your entrance.

The severe effects resulting from an exit being obstructed by an electric scooter fire have been observed. Rather than this, store it in a room where you can close the door, control the blaze, and dial 999.

This event further emphasizes the significance of functional smoke detectors and temperature sensing systems.

Smoke detectors provide the first indication of a fire and we recommend that all individuals ensure they have one installed in each room where a fire might originate, with the exception of kitchens and bathrooms, which are better suited for heat detectors.

In London, we've been dealing with a fire approximately every two days, typically involving an electric bike or scooter.

Last year, there was an unprecedented total of 206 fires, which is why we encourage anyone who owns such a vehicle or is considering buying one to review our #ChargeSafe guidelines to ensure their safety and the well-being of others.

It is equally crucial not to overfill the battery and to disconnect the charger when the charging process is done. Do not leave electric bikes or scooters charging without supervision or while you are asleep.

It details the heartbreaking loss of a mother along with her two young children, ages four and eight, who perished in a home fire triggered by an altered electric bike in 2023.

A hearing conducted in March of this year was told about Gemma Germeney, aged 31, who perished in a fire along with her eight-year-old daughter, Lilly Peden, and her four-year-old son, Oliver Peden, at a residence located on Sackville Close in Cambridge .

Scott Peden, the father of the children, remained unconscious for four weeks following the fire that occurred on June 30, 2023.

The firefighting department stated that an electric bicycle being charged was the likely source of the blaze.

Mr. Peden participated in the virtual session on Tuesday, whereas Mrs. Germeney's parents and other relatives were present physically.

Miles Bennett, representing Mr. Peden, stated that an individual "performed alterations" to the lithium battery in the electric bike.

"Shortly after that temporary solution was implemented, there was a fierce fire at Mr. Peden's residence," he stated.

Last July, a disturbing video surfaced online depicting a fire engulfing a residential building in the western area. London following a high-voltage electric bicycle battery ignited.

People living in Hanwell left their homes at 6 pm on July 19, 2025, following reports of fire visible through their windows.

Videos captured the balcony of an apartment completely ruined by the flames, with thick columns of gray smoke rising into the air.

Neighbors stood outside to watch as the fire consumed the house, while some called out from their own balconies to those attempting to enter.

As the structure burned brightly, worried neighbors from an adjacent building urged people to "leave" and cautioned them that e-bike 'can explode anytime'.

London Fire Service: Essential Safety Advice

• Avoid blocking your exit path with anything, including electric bikes and scooters. Keep them stored in an area separate from primary walkways. We recommend placing these items in a secure outdoor space whenever feasible, like a garage or storage shed.
• Use the proper charger consistently; failure to do so can raise the chance of a fire hazard, and purchase an authentic one from a trusted vendor.
• Avoid trying to alter or interfere with your battery. Always adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
• Transforming traditional bicycles into electric ones with do-it-yourself kits purchased online can present significant risks. These modifications increase the likelihood of fires occurring. It is advisable to have the conversion done by a qualified individual and ensure that the battery comes from a trustworthy supplier, avoiding used options.
• Ensure your battery and charger comply with UK safety regulations. We are particularly concerned about batteries bought from online marketplaces or obtained through the internet, as these might not satisfy the necessary safety criteria. When purchasing any product, verify that it bears a UKCA or CE label, confirming compliance with UK and EU safety, health, or environmental standards. If shopping online, choose a seller based in the UK.
• Be alert to indicators that the battery or charging device may not be functioning properly — such as when the battery becomes warm upon contact or has altered its form.
• Allow the battery to cool prior to charging. It is common for batteries to become warm during operation, and it is recommended to let them cool down before trying to recharge them, as they may be more prone to malfunction when overheated. If you're charging batteries inside, kindly adhere to our guidelines for secure charging.
• Disconnect your charger after it has completed charging. Adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines during the charging process, and we recommend against leaving it unsupervised or while individuals are sleeping.
• Place alarms where charging occurs. Make sure smoke detectors are installed in places where electric bikes or scooters are charged and verify they work properly on a regular basis. You can swiftly and simply assess your home using our complimentary online home fire safety evaluation tool.

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James May Forced to Rebuild "Dangerous" Steep Steps at Historic Cottage

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James May is dealing with a 'life-threatening' injury caused by the high garden stairs at his £1 million rural home.

The former Top Gear Star, aged 63, lives in a lovely Grade II protected cottage located in the beautiful village of Ansty, Wiltshire, along with his longtime partner, art critic Sarah Frater.

However, the pair is required to redo their garden due to concerns that their raised steps are "especially hazardous" and located in a "tenuous" spot with a major fall risk.

The architects of their 18th-century cottage informed them that failing to decrease the slope could result in a "serious, possibly fatal injury" should they fall.

They have received approval from Wiltshire Council to add a handrail along with broader and deeper stairs to address the 'safety hazard'.

In proposals sent to the council at the end of last month, the architect hired by the television host suggested decreasing the slope of the stairs, commonly utilized for entry into the garden, from 52 percent to 33 percent.

May has been in a relationship with his partner since 2000, and they purchased their second property for £770,000 in 2015.

Also known as Deer Cottage, this designated structure was transformed from two separate worker’s homes into one residence in 1992.

It is located near his pub, The Royal Oak, which he purchased in 2020 following years of visits with his spouse.

A planning official stated that the 'modest' improvements to the ten garden stairs located behind the property's greenhouse are categorized as 'minor household changes,' which will not require any modifications to the structure of the designated historic building.

The wealthy and ancient village of Ansty, home to approximately 100 residents, lacks retail stores, postal services, and cash machines.

And the previous host of The Grand Tour has acknowledged that residing in the rural area is "still an unusual experience for someone from the city like me."

He stated, "I appreciate that South Wiltshire, where our cottage and my pub are located, remains truly countryside."

I enjoy the landscape and the hilly terrain (though not when I'm cycling). There are deer in our forests and sheep in the fields across from us to chat with.

I have become significantly more attuned to the seasons since spending time there. I appreciate the sound of tractors moving about during the harvest, and I'm familiar with several of the operators.

May has mainly resided in Hammersmith, western London, since 2000. He invested five years into restoring his £3 million home, which was finished in 2021.

However, last year he had to replace a brick awning after his architects alerted him that loose bricks might drop onto pedestrians.

He purchased that property in 2000 at a cost of £325,000 and another partially ruined business building in 2015 for £310,000, with both being torn down to make way for construction.

The design and access statement stated: "Although many efforts have been made to fix the current canopy, it has continued to fail, and the danger posed by falling bricks remains a threat to people beneath."

Following conversations with engineers and metalworkers, it has been determined that this design is expected to keep failing; hence, suggest a modification.

In 2019, May demolished the two properties, which included a small industrial woodworking shop, and constructed a two-story residence instead.

He subsequently relocated all his high-end vehicles and motorcycles near the location within a protected zone.

He owns numerous motorcycles and up to ten automobiles, such as a rare Ferrari 458 Speciale, a Porsche 911, and a 1989 Mini Cooper.

Throughout the restoration, he prevented a contentious conflict with his neighbors by consistently involving them in the decision-making.

A person once remarked: "I could not ask for a finer neighbor than James. He is wonderful and has included everyone at each stage of the process."

James May has been reached out for a response.

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Father’s Worst Fear: Wayward Shots Threaten Child’s Life After Course Damage

A parent is pushing for enhanced safety measures at a nearby golf course located adjacent to his multimillion-dollar standalone house following repeated incidents of errant balls striking the residence.

William Fennell, 44, asserts that the safety of his children, who are 10 and 7 years old, has been endangered, as over 60 balls have entered his yard or driveway within just the past two years.

He now faces a £3,000 charge for fixing two of his family vehicles – a Tesla The Model 3 and the Volvo V90 – both of which were harmed by errant bullets.

Several roof tiles on the outbuilding of his 16th century thatched house have also been smashed by balls from the 17th hole at the Ufford Park Resort near Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Mr. Fennell, who narrowly avoided injury as a ball whizzed past his ear, worries that one of his kids might suffer a coma if struck in the head during a severe accident.

However, he asserts that the Ufford Park Resort has not taken accountability and declined to cover the costs of the damaged vehicles, even after facing legal warnings.

He is currently ridiculing the club by purchasing the domain name uffordparkresort.com and launching a website to display images of golf balls that have ended up on his land.

The humorous website encourages golfers to retrieve their balls at no cost - however, up until now, none of the players have stepped forward to collect them.

Mr. Fennell, employed as a carpenter, relocated with his spouse to their antique five-bedroom house eight years back, aware that it was adjacent to an 18-hole golf course established in 1992 within 119 acres of historically significant green space.

He mentioned that he was originally pleased to have the "stray ball or two" landing in his yard from golfers who sliced their shots on the 458-yard par-four 17th hole.

However, he grew more annoyed upon realizing that several tiles on his shed had been shattered by wayward bullets.

Mr. Fennell mentioned that he discovered balls lying on the ground near the shed whenever his roof sustained damage.

He stated: "It suddenly crossed my mind that a ball landing on our property might result in severe harm to my children, my wife, myself, or any visitors we have."

I had some leftover tiles from when I constructed the shed, so I was able to handle the repairs on my own. I visited the club to inform them of the situation, and they assured me they would investigate it.

But shortly after, our Tesla suffered damage to the hood when a ball hit it a few months later in 2024. The entire front panel needed replacing, costing approximately £1,500.

When I returned to the club to express my concerns, they claimed they didn’t have any documentation of our previous conversation. The manager present then informed me he would bring it to the attention of their committee.

But later, I received an email stating that they weren’t liable and wouldn’t cover anything.

I attempted to communicate with the top-level management group, but they refused to interact with me. They had an outlook that there was nothing significant happening here.

Due to the Tesla being struck, I created a spreadsheet to document every occurrence of balls flying over, indicating where they landed on my property and any resulting damage.

Last year, the Volvo sustained damage to the front panel. As it's a leased vehicle, we'll be responsible for covering the £1,500 repair expenses prior to returning it.

The harm done to the Volvo made me realize how much destruction a wayward ball could inflict if it struck someone’s head.

We hired a lawyer and had a short correspondence, but Ufford Park refused to accept liability.

Mr. Fennell was recommended to sue the club for damages caused to his vehicles but put off taking legal steps due to concerns that expenses could rise to £10,000.

He subsequently chose to explore alternative methods of targeting the club, which charges £1,199 annually for seven-day membership, and opted to invest approximately £20 on acquiring multiple online domain names associated with it.

Following a conversation with his brother, who is a web developer, he chose one of the names to create a site where golfers can recover their lost balls.

Mr. Fennell currently shares images of golf balls that end up in his yard, highlighting the company or brand insignias with the expectation that they might be identified.

His site is promoted on a board located at the edge of his yard, visible to golf players during the 17th hole.

Mr. Fennell stated, "Certain individuals claim that the golf course existed before I purchased my home, implying that I shouldn't complain about balls landing here."

But I deserve to feel secure in my own yard without facing a threat of injury because of my neighbor's business operations.

Individuals could claim it resembles residing near an airport and enduring constant sounds, yet such noise won’t result in a hospital visit. It’s absurd to imply it was our responsibility to move here.

It’s not unfair to request that golf balls remain inside the boundaries of the course. I’m not opposed to golf players, but the course should bear the responsibility.

I can't prevent my children from playing outdoors, but I'm always worried about the risk of balls going over.

His anxieties increased when he heard "a click" from a golfer striking a ball far away as he was heading to his vehicle, then a "whistling noise" as a ball zoomed past his head and landed in a garden area next to him. He recounted the event in January of this year as "horrifying."

Mr. Fennell stated that his objective was still to have Ufford Park Resort cover the costs of damage done to his family’s vehicles and to "hire a professional golf course designer" and implement any suggestions made to enhance safety.

He stated that the course and its design required an update to reflect advancements in golf equipment over the past few years, allowing players to drive the ball with more power and distance.

Mr. Fennell stated, "The true issue is that they refuse to invest any funds and have operated without consequences. This is an enterprise putting nearby residents at risk and acting in a shameful manner."

The Ufford Park Resort, acquired at an unknown cost by LQ Resorts in 2022, stated that it carries out 'routine assessments of risks' for everyone using the golf course as well as residents in the surrounding area.

A statement from the resort, which features a 90-room hotel, spa, and fitness center, stated: "We are deeply proud of our regional standing and make every effort to keep our golf course central to the community."

We approach our duties with great seriousness. We are dedicated to ensuring a secure atmosphere for our staff, guests, and surrounding community.

Since our establishment in 1992, we have been involved in curriculum revision, wayfinding systems, and awareness campaigns, emphasizing the duties of responsibility for golfers during play.

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NHIA Pushes for Health Insurance on Driver Licenses and Vehicle Records to Boost Crash Victim Care

CHIDI UGWU

The head of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has suggested an alliance with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) designed to enhance urgent medical care for individuals involved in road accidents by incorporating health insurance details into driver's license and car registration procedures.

During a formal visit to the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, Dr. Ohiri suggested the initiative, highlighting that the partnership would enable quick determination of the health insurance details of accident victims and remove the administrative delays typically linked with obtaining urgent medical care.

As stated in a document authored by Osondu Ohaeri, the Deputy Corps Commander, Ohiri, who serves as the Corps Public Education Officer, mentioned that this program aims to guarantee that those affected get immediate medical care without facing monetary barriers during their rescue and treatment.

In response, the Corps Marshal expressed approval of the suggestion and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for naming Dr. Ohiri as Director-General of NHIA, referring to him as "a perfect fit for the role."

He pointed out that the FRSC, serving as the primary authority for traffic control and road safety regulation in Nigeria, continues to support programs aimed at improving the security and well-being of all road users throughout the nation.

The Chief of Staff stated that every FRSC clinic across the country is recognized as a certified medical facility and mentioned that the creation of FRSC Health Maintenance Limited aimed at incorporating the whole road transportation system into cost-effective health insurance.

He stated that the initiative focuses on transportation companies, drivers, and individuals belonging to road transport unions, with an estimated total number exceeding 10 million across the country.

He also mentioned that FRSC maintains a registry containing over 12 million licensed drivers and is open to collaborating with NHIA so that enrolling in health insurance becomes part of obtaining or renewing a driver's license. This partnership, according to him, would ensure better safety, increased availability of emergency medical services, and timely assistance for accident victims regardless of their economic situation during the rescue.

The Chief of Staff also conveyed the Corps' willingness to collaborate with NHIA in integrating National Health Insurance information into passenger lists and other transportation documents, aiming to enhance emergency response systems and improve medical services within the road transport industry.

Emphasizing FRSC's long-term dedication to post-accident assistance, the Corps Marshal pointed out that the organization was the pioneer in Nigeria to create an specialized ambulance system along with emergency medical stations positioned at high-risk accident areas throughout the nation, reinforcing its devotion to protecting lives on Nigerian highways.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).