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One person has died after two trains collided in Bedford, according to British Transport Police The ambulance service says 89 people have been injured, with 11 of them suffering "very serious injuries" Both trains were en route to London St Pancras when the collision occurred. One train was the 4:40 pm East Midlands Railway service traveling from Corby to London St Pancras, while the other was the 3:50 pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras. East Midlands Railway says that there will be no more services from London St Pancras today due to the collision. It stated: "East Midlands Railway services to and from London St Pancras are suspended for the remainder of service today, Friday 19 June 2026. "EMR customers are advised not to attempt to travel on these routes today. Below is a statement from the East of England Ambulance Service, providing further details about this incident: “The East of England Ambulance Service was called to a collision involving two trains at Elstow, near Bedford, at around 5:15pm. “We quickly declared a Major Incident and put our emergency response plans into action. “We sent a large number of resources to the scene, including more than 20 ambulances, specialist Hazardous Area Response Teams, and six air ambulances. All patients with the most serious injuries have now been taken from the scene to hospital. “Sadly, one person died at the scene. A further 11 people suffered very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured, and a further 56 people had minor injuries. Those with minor injuries were treated at the scene or taken to hospital where needed. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we thank all emergency service colleagues for their swift response.” Buses will run between London St Pancras and Bedford Passengers have been advised that a bus service will be running between St Pancras and Bedford on Saturday. UPDATE Saturday 20/06/26 According to the emergency services, nine individuals were in critical condition as of Saturday morning, out of a total of 28 who remain in hospital. EMR has said its services to and from London St Pancras have been suspended over the weekend, with trains beginning or ending their journeys at Bedford. People intending to travel directly to St Pancras from locations such as Sheffield, Lincoln, and Derby will need to consider alternative routes. The train operator has advised travellers that tickets which had already been bought could be used at no extra cost to travel with other operators.

Leicester’s Museum Square will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of Caribbean joy as the Windrush Tea Party returns for another amazing celebration on Saturday 20th June. Organised by Opal22, the event takes place from 12pm to 8pm at Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester, and invites families, friends, and communities of all backgrounds to come together for an unforgettable day honouring the legacy of the Windrush Generation. With entrance operating on a ‘pay-what-you-can-afford’ basis to help keep the celebration accessible to all, the event offers opportunities to celebrate the stories, traditions, and contributions that continue to shape Britain today. Windrush Day marks an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the Caribbean migrants who answered Britain’s call after World War II and helped rebuild the country. From the NHS and transport services to education and public services, the Generation became the backbone of modern Britain. Despite facing racism, discrimination, and difficult working conditions, they brought resilience, culture, music, food, and a strong sense of community that continues to shape Britain today. The Windrush Tea Party is our way of saying thank you, by sharing stories, Celebrating Caribbean heritage, and honouring the generations whose contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated. Visitors can look forward to a full day of festive delights, including live performances from celebrated artists and emerging talent, uplifting steel pan music, and Caribbean food stalls serving mouthwatering flavours from across the islands. The event will also feature cultural market stalls offering handmade goods, artwork, and keepsakes, alongside a dedicated Kids’ Activity Corner packed with games, crafts, and family- friendly fun. Guests can enjoy friendly competition and community spirit at the Dominoes Corner, relax and dance in the heart of the celebration, or indulge in the Caribbean High Tea Experience — a luxurious Caribbean-inspired twist on a classic British tradition. Headlining This Year’s Celebration: This year’s event will be hosted by comedian Annette Fagon, bringing laughter, energy, and plenty of entertainment throughout the day. Headlining the event will be special guest appearances from beloved Gogglebox stars Sandi and Sandra, whose presence adds major excitement and star power to this year’s celebration. They will be joined by incredible live performances from: • Contrast Steel Band • Attraction B • Angela’s Angels • Sam Harris • Plus many more special musical guests and performers bringing the sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean to Leicester city centre. Caribbean High Tea For those looking to indulge, a Caribbean-Infused High Tea is available for pre-order and offers the perfect way to relax and soak up the atmosphere. For just £35 per person, guests will have access to a sheltered seating area within the square while enjoying a carefully curated High Tea experience with a Caribbean twist With your own space to rest and refresh while still enjoying full access to the event, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere around you. As part of our long-standing tradition, we are offering a reduced High Tea to our invited Windrush elders as a heartfelt thank-you for their contributions and sacrifices. Pre-booking is required for all High Tea guests, including elders. Visit https://opal22.co.uk/ to reserve your place . PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY This year, entrance to the Windrush Tea Party will operate on a pay-what-you-can afford basis, helping to support the future growth and sustainability of this much-loved community celebration while ensuring the event remains accessible to all. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Opal22 continue delivering a vibrant day of culture, entertainment, education, and community connection, while supporting event production, performers, community engagement, and the preservation of this important annual tradition. By contributing what they can, attendees play a valuable part in ensuring the Windrush Tea Party can continue celebrating Caribbean heritage and honouring the Windrush Generation for many years to come. Come celebrate the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and the power of community. Let’s make this Windrush Tea Party one to remember! For more information about the Windrush Tea Party and other initiatives by Opal22, Visit www.opal22.co.uk Event Details: Date: Saturday June 20th, 2026 Time: 12pm - 8pm Location: Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester Entry: Pay What You Can Afford High Tea Experience: £35 per person (advance booking required) UPDATE CHECK OUT THE PICTURES HERE Faces of the Windrush Tea Party 2026

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a fire at the Shell service station on Uppingham Road this afternoon. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: “Officers are in attendance at a petrol station in Uppingham Road, Leicester, following reports of a van on fire. The force was called at 1.19pm this afternoon (Saturday). When we arrived, along with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service, we found a man in his 60s who had burn injuries. He has been taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition. A van, parked on the forecourt, was also alight. A 62-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. No other people were injured. An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the fire. Part of Uppingham Road was closed, but has since reopened. The petrol station remains closed for investigation work.” Audio version of this report: Our initial News Video report. READ RELATED POST HERE

Two men who filmed themselves threatening, assaulting and stealing from several victims have been convicted. In the early hours of 21 November last year, police received a report that several men had attended an open party at an address in North Kilworth which had been advertised on Snapchat. Shortly after arriving the group – led by Richile Vangu, 20 – began threatening attendees with a knife. He demanded they hand over designer clothing and forced them to transfer money. Trying to exert control over them, Vangu even forced some of the victims to dance for him, which another man filmed on a mobile phone. When some victims told Vangu they could not each transfer £1,000 – the sum he initially demanded – to him, they were told to go to an address in Bath Lane later the same day to pay. On the afternoon of 21 November, some of those who had been at the party went to Bath Lane, where they did transfer money. However, while inside the property Vangu fired a BB gun at them and repeatedly whipped one of the victims with a belt. Some of the group were also punched repeatedly. This too was filmed by one of the group and uploaded to social media. When a woman inside the address told Vangu police were en-route, Vangu and his associates ran from the property before officers arrived. During the investigation, officers were told that Vangu was known on TikTok as ‘Trixta’ and, following further enquiries, he was arrested at an address in London on 27 November. During the ongoing investigation, officers found those who had been with him were Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, and two others who were then arrested between 3 and 15 December. Today (Friday 19 June), following a trial at Leicester Crown Court two men were found guilty of their crimes. Vangu, of Bowes Road in Southgate, London, has been found guilty of all 15 counts he was indicted for: four counts of robbery relating to the events in North Kilworth; six counts of blackmail at the same location; four counts of blackmail at the events in Bath Lane; and one count of actual bodily harm (ABH) on a victim in Bath Lane. He pleaded guilty to ABH on a second victim in Bath Lane at a previous hearing. Akinrinola, of Slippers Place in Southwark, London, has been found guilty of: six counts of blackmail at the North Kilworth event and three counts of the same charge at Bath Lane; four counts of robbery in North Kilworth; and, two counts of ABH on two victims in Bath Lane. He has been found not guilty of one count of blackmail. The pair are due to be sentenced at the same court on Monday 27 July. Detective Constable DC Adam Battley, the officer in the case, said: “It’s been apparent throughout the investigation and court case that none of the gang had any care or concern for those who they’d caused harm. “They thought they were above the law and could bully and exploit others for their own gain. The fact that they even filmed themselves carrying out their crimes and posted some videos on social media shows that they thought their actions didn’t matter. “Rather than accept that what’d they’d done amounted to serious criminal offences, they pleaded not guilty and took the case to trial. “I hope today’s outcome provides the victims with a sense of justice that those who caused significant harm – and could well have gone on to do the same to others – are now going to spend time in prison.” Two other men, both 19, were arrested and charged with offences in connection with this incident, but were found not guilty on all counts. Leicestershire Police News - Published :16:10 19/06/2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 might be coming home, but the crown for the best curry capital remains firmly planted here in Leicester the home of curry lovers. England, let's go! As you watch the next game, have your beers ready and order in a curry. Leicester has been confirmed as England’s Curry Capital for the next two years! The city was successful in its bid to retain the title of England Curry Capital and was confirmed as the winner in a special presentation ceremony at the city’s Chutney Ivy restaurant (Thursday 18 June). After holding the title from 2024-2026, Leicester was up against some real titans of the Indian food world in a public vote which also included Bradford, Manchester, London and Birmingham. Leicester took the public vote with 73.6% and Bradford took second place. It is hoped that the award will give restaurants and hospitality businesses across the city a boost and encourage people to travel and sample the incredible range of cuisines available in Leicester. While many of England’s curry-loving cities base their cuisine around a single country or area, Leicester boasts cuisines from more areas of South Asia than anywhere else. Restaurants showcase unique flavours and cooking techniques from Nepal, many different regions of India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Leicester’s unique and varied cuisines reflect the city’s make-up, with various communities each contributing their own culture and influences to the restaurant scene. This diversity of tastes means that Leicester has the highest number of South Asian restaurants per head in the UK, an average of 47 restaurants per 100,000 people. The England Curry Capital award was presented to Visit Leicester’s Place Marketing Manager Jackie Ledger as the city representative who was pivotal in supporting the campaign by broadcast and Pukaar travel writer Vallisa Chauhan on Thursday 18 June 2026. The ceremony was hosted at award-winning restaurant Chutney Ivy - the current holders of ‘Best Fine Dining Restaurant’ and ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the Leicestershire Curry Awards. Also in attendances were dignitaries including Deputy Lieutenant Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Kulwinder Singh Johal, Shivani Raja MP Leicester East, Shockat Adam MP Leicester South, and Leader of Leicestershire County Council Dan Harrison. It is not just about curry when it comes to this award. The main purpose is to highlight the huge contribution that South Asian cuisine makes to our country, and what each city has contributed in terms of cultural influence. Curry Capital founder and journalist Romail Gulzar said: “Our curry heritage is woven into England’s identity. The cities who competed for this title are not just serving food, they are serving history, innovation and pride. Any one of them would have been a worthy winner, but I am delighted that Leicester has been chosen by the public.” Visit Leicester Director Mike Denby said: “I’m delighted that we’ve brought this title back home. As a proud Yorkshireman, I know just how stiff the competition is from places like Bradford, so for Leicester to win the public vote should be a massive boost for our restaurants and hospitality businesses.” Pictures by Leicester Media Online England Curry Capital award is brought to you by Pukaar Group

“You can ask for help” – This is the message a woman has asked us to share following the sentencing of a man for offences including assault, intentional strangulation and controlling and coercive behaviour. Earlier this month, Tom Horn, 33, was jailed for 32 months after pleading guilty to three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of intentional strangulation, one count of intentional suffocation, and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour. He was also issued with an indefinite restraining order. The offences happened over a period between March 2022 and December 2025 and included Horn assaulting the victim, slamming a door on her foot, damaging property that belonged to her and stealing money from her. The victim of the offences, who reported the offending to police in June 2025, has spoken about the impact of what happened, but also about how she is now rebuilding her life and her important message to others who are in similar circumstances to ask for help. She said: “I still struggle daily with my mental health and lots of things still massively trigger me. I also suffer a lot of anxiety when going out. “But I now know that it was not my fault. I think it is important to highlight that I now know I did not deserve any of the things that happened to me and I am not worthless. I am slowly but surely rebuilding myself and my life. “I wanted to break the cycle of what was happening which is why I broke my silence and reported to police. It is so important that people know they can ask for help. The support is there. Please do talk to someone.” Officer in the case, Police Constable Waqar Elahi said: “I know the courage it took for the victim in this investigation to speak to police but doing this helped her receive the right support and to bring the offender before the courts. The message being shared by the victim today is an extremely important one and I fully appreciate her bravery in doing this. “My thanks also go to partner organisations who helped in providing the right support to the victim involved. “Please know that if you are a victim of similar offending, help and support is available to you. Please speak to someone you can trust. If you feel comfortable to, you can report to police by calling 101 or reporting online at www.leics.police.uk. Always call 999 in an emergency.” Horn was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday 9 June. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 13:10 19/06/2026

The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots returns to Leicester on Sunday 28 June 2026, bringing colour, music, and celebration to the city’s streets. One of the brightest processions in the Midlands, the vibrant festival will begin at Gallowtree Gate with a tumultuous welcome ceremony called a pahandi. The inauguration will commence at 11.30am. This year’s event is especially significant as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) marks its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades since its founding in 1966. Thousands of festival-goers from across the UK are expected to gather to hand-pull the 40-foot chariot carrying the beautiful Deities of Lord Jagannatha (Krishna), His sister Subhadra, and Lord Balarama through Leicester city centre, accompanied by traditional music, devotional singing, and energetic dancing. The colourful procession will travel from the city centre along the Golden Mile before arriving at Cossington Park, where visitors can enjoy a full afternoon of family-friendly activities, including live cultural performances, mantra meditation, children's entertainment, and a free vegetarian feast for all. At Cossington Park, there will be a variety of experiences for all the family, including a cultural stage show, mantra meditation, children’s fun activities and a free vegetarian meal for all. Pradyumna Das, President of ISKCON Leicester, says: “Rathayatra Festival of Chariots is one of the world’s oldest and most colourful street festivals, and we are proud that Leicester hosts the second largest celebration of its kind in Europe. This year is particularly special as ISKCON celebrates its 60th anniversary. We look forward to welcoming thousands of people to take part in this unique cultural event, which combines ancient tradition with a spirit of inclusivity, joy, and community.” History The traditional Jagannatha Rathayatra is a celebration more than 5000 years-old, observed in the ancient holy city of Jagannatha Puri in Orissa, India, widely regarded as one of the world's oldest continuing street festivals. Devotees believe that if they get the honour of pulling the ropes of the giant chariot, carrying Lord Krishna, known as Jagannatha – Lord of the Universe, then at the end of this life, they will be granted a place in the spiritual world. East meets West This ancient festival was first brought to Western shores in 1967 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Since then, this festival has become a popular cultural event in major cities around the world. Leicester is proud to host the second largest such celebration in Europe. When: Sunday 28th June 2026 Where: From Gallowtree Gate (outside Sports Direct) to Cossington Park, Belgrave. Time: Welcome ceremony 9.30am, Procession starts 11.30am at Gallowtree Gate, Leicester City Centre Arrives Cossington Park 2.30pm for free festival The Hare Krishna Festival of Chariots returns to Leicester on Sunday 28 June 2026, bringing colour, music, and celebration to the city’s streets.

A care home in Quorn is inviting the local community to celebrate Armed Forces Day in style. On Saturday 27th June from 2pm–4pm, Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, is opening its doors to honour the Armed Forces with its very own party. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the nation to show their support for the people who make up the Armed Forces, from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets. Visitors will be able to enjoy the home’s beautiful gardens while being serenaded by the Leicestershire Coop Snibston brass band. There will be plenty of fun and surprises throughout the afternoon, including a visit from the Quorn Royal British Legion, re-enactors and a celebratory tea dance from Quorn AMC Dance School to mark the occasion. Resident Sandra, 83, said: “It is wonderful that we will be marking Armed Forces Day at the home. I am really looking forward to the entertainment and being with everyone. I was married to a Royal Marine, so it is very special to me.” Lonsdale Mews is officially accredited as a ‘Veteran Friendly Framework’ care home, which recognises best practice and high-quality standards of care for the Armed Forces community. Jo Davison, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating Armed Forces Day and welcoming the community to the Lonsdale gardens to enjoy the afternoon with us! “Many residents who live at Lonsdale Mews know someone who was in the Armed Forces. Days like these are incredibly important to them, as it gives them the opportunity to honour the memories of those who served. “On behalf of the team that have worked hard to put this together, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join our celebrations; we’re looking forward to an enriching day of music, reflection and gratitude.” Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and pub. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. For more information on Lonsdale Mews, please call Customer Relations Manager Jenny Cartwright on 01509 801 587, email jenny.cartwright@careuk.com or visitcareuk.com/lonsdale-mews.

Latest The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an updated heat-health alert (HHA) for parts of England, warning that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups. An amber heat-health alert is now in place for the East of England, South East, South West and London until 8pm on Tuesday 23 June. A yellow heat-health alert is in place for the West Midlands and East Midlands during this time. Other regions of England are currently unaffected. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours, and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice. Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather. UKHSA guidance on staying safe in hot weather is available online. There you can find a full list of the groups who are especially at risk, as well as advice on keeping yourself and others safe during periods of hotter weather, such as: keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest. If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening. Also check weather forecasts to see when it will be cooler knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them The UKHSA data dashboard carries further detail on our Heat Health Alerting system, and on the potential impacts of increased temperatures, and more tips for coping in hot weather can be found on the NHS website. UPDATE 18/06/26 UKHSA

Our neonatal homecare team has celebrated a major milestone after successfully supporting its 1000th baby through its innovative home phototherapy service for newborn jaundice. Baby Fernandes became the 1000th baby to receive treatment through the service after being referred to the Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP)-led jaundice clinic by a community midwife, when he was found to be jaundiced at home at just two days old. Following assessment, baby Fernandes was able to receive phototherapy treatment safely at home with the support of the neonatal homecare team, completing his treatment successfully after four days and being discharged. Before the introduction of home phototherapy, baby Fernandes would have required admission to hospital for the duration of his treatment. Instead, he was able to remain at home with his family while receiving the same high-quality care and daily monitoring from the specialist team. Baby Fernandes’ parents said: “We feel incredibly lucky that our baby could be treated at home rather than spending those first precious days in hospital. The service allowed us to focus on bonding as a family while receiving expert support every step of the way. Knowing our baby was the 1000th to benefit from the service really highlights how many families have been helped in the same way.” Claire Inglis, Lead Nurse for Neonatal Homecare, said: “Reaching 1000 babies is an incredible achievement and reflects the dedication, skill and commitment of our neonatal homecare and ANNP-led jaundice clinic teams. Every baby we support at home represents a family who can remain together during those precious early days, while ensuring babies continue to receive safe and effective treatment. “We are particularly proud that this service continues to grow across the region, improving the experience of care for families and reducing the need for hospital admissions wherever it is clinically appropriate.” The service, which launched at Leicester’s hospitals in January 2023, has transformed the care of babies with jaundice by allowing eligible newborns to receive phototherapy treatment at home rather than in hospital. Before the service was introduced, babies with jaundice would routinely be admitted to hospital for phototherapy treatment. Of the 1000 babies supported so far, 813 have been cared for through Leicester’s service, with 100 babies supported at Northampton General Hospital and 87 at Kettering General Hospital. The success of the service has also enabled a hub-and-spoke model across the region. Leicester supported Northampton General Hospital to establish its own home phototherapy service in September 2023, followed by Kettering General Hospital in April 2024. Just one week before this milestone, Northampton General Hospital celebrated supporting its 100th baby through the service. Families continue to praise the benefits of receiving treatment at home using phototherapy equipment provided by the neonatal homecare team, supported by daily monitoring and expert clinical oversight. As well as home phototherapy, the neonatal homecare team provides a range of services including home oxygen support and feeding tube care, helping babies who need additional support to spend more time at home with their families. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News 16th June 2026 116 June 20266 June 2026

Great Central Railway (GCR) is introducing a new programme of Relaxed Running Days, designed to provide a calmer, more accessible heritage railway experience for visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and other additional needs. Launching on Thursday 18 June, the initiative will take advantage of the railway’s quieter midweek operating days to create a more predictable and supportive environment for visitors and their families. Relaxed Running Days will feature reduced visitor numbers, a gentler pace throughout the day, dedicated quiet and relaxed carriages on steam services, and staff and volunteers who have received SEND awareness guidance to help ensure all visitors feel welcome and supported. Visitors attending Relaxed Running Days will also be able to claim a free carer ticket per booking. To ensure the scheme is used appropriately, recognised proof of entitlement will be required when booking or travelling, details of the programme forms part of the railway’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion while recognising the unique characteristics of a working heritage railway. Great Central Railway has also developed a comprehensive Sensory and Accessibility Guide which is featured on their website (gcrailway.co.uk) to help visitors understand what to expect during their visit, including information about sounds, sights, movement, station facilities and accessibility considerations. Malcolm Holmes, General Manager of Great Central Railway said "We want everyone to feel able to enjoy the unique experience of travelling on Britain's only double-track main line heritage railway. Relaxed Running Days are designed to remove barriers wherever possible and create an environment where visitors with additional needs, together with their families and carers, can visit with confidence. "While we cannot change the historic nature of our railway, we can make sure people have the information, support and understanding they need to enjoy a great day out." The initiative has been developed to support a wide range of visitors, including people with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, learning disabilities, anxiety and hidden disabilities. Following the launch on 18 June, further Relaxed Running Days are scheduled until the autumn. The railway hopes the programme will encourage more families, carers, schools and community groups to experience one of Leicestershire’s leading heritage attractions in a way that suits their individual needs. For more information and visitor guidance, visit www.gcrailway.co.uk. FU Media News 18th June 2026

The Great Central Railway is saddened to announce the passing of its much-loved Traffic Department cat, Onslaught, who passed peacefully on Wednesday 17 June, surrounded by those who cared for her. For the past 12 years, Onslaught has been a familiar and cherished presence at Loughborough Central station, where she spent much of her time around the Traffic Office. Whether greeting visitors, keeping staff company, finding opportunities to share in a packed lunch, or simply enjoying a sunny spot by the station, she became a well-known and much-loved member of the Great Central Railway family. Named after HMS Onslaught, an Admiralty M-class destroyer vessel which served with the Royal Navy during the First World War, over the years, countless volunteers, staff, supporters and visitors came to know Onslaught and many made a point of looking out for her during their visits. She became a popular subject for photographs and fond conversations alike. While she may have been a cat by name, to many across the railway she was far more than that. She was a colleague, a mascot, a source of comfort on difficult days and a familiar friend whose presence brought joy to so many people. Heritage railways are built by people, but places like ours are also shaped by the characters who make them unique. Onslaught was undoubtedly one of those characters. Everyone at the Great Central Railway would like to thank Onslaught for the companionship, smiles and moments of happiness she brought over the years. The Traffic Office, and indeed the railway itself, will not quite be the same without her. She will be greatly missed. FU Media News