24 h. ago My best friend of 50 years knew me better than anyone. But when she died, no one seemed to take my grief seriously

Friends know you differently from family, but where do you sit in the pecking order after they die? Below immediate relatives, ahead of a cousin, behind a workmate?I don’t remember a time in my life when Chrissy wasn’t in it. We were born 11 days apart and were both one when our families moved on to the same street in Geelong, a port city an hour south-west of Melbourne. We had a very Australian childhood; summers spent in our bathers, running through sprinklers; swimming in back yard pools; eating sausages in bread on New Year’s Eve, when we were allowed to stay up late while our parents drank cask riesling with the neighbours, and we’d lie on the cool evening grass listening to crickets.During those blisteringly hot summer days of our childhood, we lived at the beach, where shark alarms were constant and the waves dangerous. Occasionally, Chrissy would paddle out on her inflatable red and blue raft to the big waves out the back where the serious surfers were. Sometimes, I’d panic ...

Events

5 d. ago Forfar care home invite local community to attend carnival summer fete as part of Care Home Open Week 2025 celebrations

HC-One Scotland’s Finavon Court Care Home in Forfar, Angus, is preparing to celebrate Care Home Open Week 2025 with a fun-filled day with the local community at its Carnival Summer Fete event on Saturday, June 21, 2pm – 4pm.

Politics

6 d. ago Designer perfume is 'perfect for summer' and reduced to £23 down from £47 on Boots

"A light summer perfume with subtle rose, perfect for the day or evening"

Economics

9 d. ago Millie Mackintosh's £60 Chelsea Flower Show dress is the only occasionwear piece you'll need this summer

Millie Mackintosh wore a floral maxi dress from her Friends Like These collection with Next, and it’s the perfect occasionwear dress that’ll see you through all your summer events

Economics

9 d. ago Boden offering 15% off new summer styles including 'flattering' jersey dresses

Ideal for summer days or evenings abroad, this new range from Boden has wardrobe staples for every occasion

Politics

1 week ago Next's £30 floral dress with 'beautiful print' is ideal for 'summer days and evenings'

The cream frock has a lovely blue, green and orange flower pattern and is made from a lightweight cotton-linen blend

Economics

3 w. ago Free summer horse racing tickets to give away with Arena Racing

The events are filled with great entertainment to fill the long summer days and nights so it’s a great opportunity for a fantastic free family day out with 12 race events to choose from.

Politics