Elizabeth Wood

The King’s School’s all-conquering rugby squad enjoyed a once in a life-time summer tour of New Zealand and Malaysia, with the boys in blue coming up against some stiff competition, but departing both countries widely regarded as great English sporting ambassadors.

On the back one of the most successful seasons in King’s 93-year rugby history during which the squad won The Cheshire Cup and reached the last Eight in the National Cup, they found the passionate Kiwi rugby culture hard to contain.

Matched against regional and older teams, the squad worked wonders to record three wins, one draw and five losses, picking up some hard-earned and enduring lessons during the fantastic two-week trip.

The tour saw some fantastic sightseeing opportunities but none more awesome than the Haka, which, as King’s Head of Rugby Giles Hetherington, said, “was spine-tingling, motivational and terrifying in equal measure especially so close up and when personally directed.”

In total, 39 young men and six staff took the 10,000 mile flight for what Giles described, “as a  frantic fortnight in which we played some fantastic rugby at a very high standard and experienced and embraced countless new things.  It was a trip that the boys shall never forget and the memories will be discussed for just as long. The King’s School players were a credit to themselves on the field but, more importantly, off it as well. They return to the challenging school circuit better players and more mature young men. Touring is the best thing about rugby and long shall it continue.”

The tour included seven matches against New Zealand clubs and schools and two final matches in Kuala Lumpur. Starting off in Auckland with visits to the All Blacks Experience and the Sky Tower, sandwiched between competitive fixtures, the team then headed south to Taupo for further matches as well as visiting the amazing Huka Falls and surrounding thermal spas.  On to Roturua where the squad were able to experience a traditional Maori village and Hangi meal followed the next day by another adrenalin-fuelled visit down the Skyline and Luge.  The next couple of stops entered the verdant and mountainous countryside including Tauranga and Mount Maunganui with games against some mature and physical club sides, including Greeton Marist and Kahkura.

The flight out of Auckland to Kuala Lumpur saw a complete change of culture and scenery with the towering sky-scrapers and hustle of a busy city, all nestled in the Malaysian jungle. Giles added: “There were incredible sites such as the ancient Batu Caves and the tallest twin-tower structure in the world, the Petronas Towers, but naturally the rugby was still very much topped our priorities and the two final fixtures included a victory and a draw versus University of Defence Malaysia and ARAS Buffalo Rugby Club.”

Everybody Health and Leisure is set to host their biggest FREE health and fitness event at Wilmslow Leisure Centre on Saturday 16^th September 2023 with the very important National Fitness Day theme, ‘Your Health is for Life’.

Following recent investments into a brand new gym, fitness studio and changing facilities at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, the doors will be opened for a free health and fitness event like no other.

With UK Active’s National Fitness Day on the horizon, the event will celebrate the theme of ‘Your Health is for Life’, which closely aligns with the health and wellbeing charities aim to ‘improve health and wellbeing in our communities’ and provide ‘Leisure for Life’.

Everybody’s event will include:

• Free Gym Access – Health Checks and Body Analysis
• Book a free Everybody fundraiser TRAIN Class Challenge
• Free Health and Fitness Classes including Yoga, Body Pump, Group Cycling and so much more!
• Book Everybody’s Mum and baby yoga class to try for free
• Free Family Fun Swimming
• Free Taste for Life Café Smoothies
• Family Sports Activities and more

Alex Challis, General Manager at Wilmslow Leisure Centre shared:

“We are so excited to be hosting our biggest health and fitness event in Wilmslow this September. With activities on offer for all ages and abilities, why not come down on Saturday 16^th September and experience the leisure centre in all its glory. With a newly refurbished gym, fitness studio and changing facilities, the centre has never looked better. We hope to see you getting involved on the day!”

To find out more about Wilmslow Leisure Centre’s free health and fitness event visit – www.everybody.org.uk/wilmslow-leisure-centre-open-day/

Everybody Health and Leisure are a registered charity which aims to provide ‘leisure for life’ by improving the health and wellbeing of local communities. The charity operates 16 leisure facilities including 9 swimming pools and 7 Taste for Life cafes across the Cheshire East region, and delivers a range of targeted health, sports and disability and inclusion programmes. For more information please visit: www.everybody.org.uk or follow on Twitter @ebleisure.

 

In today’s digital age, passwords are the keys to our online lives, safeguarding our personal information, financial data, and digital identity. The importance of maintaining strong and secure passwords cannot be overstated. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, practising good password etiquette is crucial in ensuring your online safety and protecting sensitive information.

1. Create Strong Passwords

The first line of defence against cyber threats is a strong password. Avoid common mistakes like using “password,” “123456,” or personal information like your name or birthdate. Instead, craft passwords that combine upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Aim for at least 12 characters and consider using a passphrase which combines multiple words for added security.

2. Use Unique Passwords for Every Account

Reusing passwords across multiple accounts is a common mistake that can have devastating consequences. If one account gets compromised, hackers can access all your other accounts. Use a different password for each online service or platform to mitigate the risks.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, such as a fingerprint scan or a one-time code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password. Enable MFA whenever possible, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorised access.

4. Regularly Update Passwords

As tempting as it is to stick with familiar passwords, it’s essential to change them periodically. Aim to update passwords every three to six months to reduce the chances of successful attacks.

5. Stay Away from Dictionary Words

Hackers often use automated tools that can quickly guess dictionary words. Avoid using common words, phrases, or well-known quotes in your passwords, as they are more vulnerable to brute-force attacks.

6. Utilise Password Managers

Remembering multiple complex passwords can be challenging. Consider using a password manager to store your passwords securely. Password managers generate strong passwords, remember them for you, and ensure you don’t reuse them across different accounts.

7. Be Cautious with Security Questions

When setting up account recovery questions, avoid easily discoverable answers based on publicly available information. Choose obscure questions and ensure the answers are difficult for others to guess.

8. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

Phishing attacks remain a significant threat to password security. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for your password or personal information. Legitimate organisations will never request sensitive data through unsecured channels.

9. Update Software and Devices Regularly

Keeping your software, operating systems, and devices up to date is essential for maintaining strong password security. Software updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

10. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Protect your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password and encryption. A compromised Wi-Fi network could give attackers easy access to your connected devices and personal information.

11. Lock Your Devices

Always lock your devices with a password, PIN, or biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This provides an extra layer of defence if your device falls into the wrong hands.

12. Avoid Saving Passwords in Browsers

While web browsers offer to save passwords for convenience, it’s not the most secure option. If your device gets compromised, hackers can easily access your saved passwords. Rely on a password manager instead.

13. Educate Yourself and Others

Educate yourself and those around you about good password etiquette. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to adopt strong password practices to create a safer online environment.

14. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Regularly review your account activity and statements to identify any suspicious behaviour. Early detection of unauthorised access can prevent further damage.

15. Most important!

Keep your passwords private, and do not share them with others.

Conclusion:

Adhering to good password etiquette is fundamental to safeguarding your digital identity and protecting yourself from cyber threats. By creating strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and utilising password managers, you significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime. Stay vigilant, update your passwords regularly, and be cautious of phishing attempts to ensure your online presence remains secure. Remember, a small effort in maintaining good password hygiene can go a long way in protecting your digital world.

Contact Me

If you’d like to ask Robert Gibbons – Cara Technology –  any questions about Good Password Etiquette or IT support services or solutions, you can book his calendar here: https://cara.uk.com/robertgibbons or get in touch robert@cara.uk.com

Stockport County, one of the oldest clubs in the Football League, is celebrating its 140^th anniversary this year. Founded in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, the Club was later renamed Stockport County in 1890 and has become an integral member of the EFL and local community.

To mark the occasion, Stockport County has joined forces with the award-winning creative and performance marketing agency, TrunkBBI, to produce a film that pays tribute to the Club’s remarkable journey. The film also launches an exclusive, limited-edition kit, with just 1883 available to fans.

The kit will be available online and at the club shop on Friday, 28th July. The celebrations continue on Saturday, 29th July, as Stockport County welcome Preston North End to Edgeley Park.

The film brings together former legends and current players, taking us on a journey through some of the highs and lows of the club over the years.

The script for the film was crafted by John Hewitt, Senior Copywriter at TrunkBBI, who has remained a devoted County supporter and season ticket holder for over 50 years. Hewitt’s profound understanding of the club’s soul shines through his writing, capturing the essence of Stockport County’s rich history.

Speaking about the film, TrunkBBI’s Chief Creative Officer, Adam Britton, said:

“At TrunkBBI, we are passionate about creating meaningful sports sponsorship content that creates a strong connection with fans. We know that sports fans identify with their teams, but we also know that sports teams must also identify with their fans—giving them a real stake in what the club represents. For our exceptional content production team to turn the film around from concept to online in less than 2 weeks, speaks volumes of their talents. Talents that make me very proud to work alongside them each day.”

Alice Gregory, Head of Marketing at Stockport County, said the following about working with TrunkBBI on the film:

“Collaborating with TrunkBBI for our limited edition 140th-anniversary kit video was an absolute delight! Their creativity and vision brilliantly captured the essence of our Club’s legacy, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team to bring our milestone celebration to life. We’re very much looking forward to working with TrunkBBI on future projects at County.”

You can watch the kit launch video here: https://youtu.be/UG2ubvJjvlc

Thousands of young people from across the North West will learn about the sustainable future of flying, thanks to a new education programme being delivered at Manchester Airport’s AeroZone.

Starting in the next academic year, the Northern hub’s sustainability experts will deliver ‘Jet Zero Education’ lessons at the on-site AeroZone educational facility to dozens of schools from their surrounding areas.

Through the use of interactive technology, the curriculum will primarily focus on the role Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) will play in the decarbonisation of aviation.

Students will learn how SAF is produced, and the benefits it will bring in reducing aircraft emissions which will help meet the aviation industry’s target of net zero by 2050.

The announcement of the Jet Zero curriculum comes as the Government marks one year since the publication of its Jet Zero Strategy, which MAG supported by creating five Jet Zero Pledges, including Jet Zero Education, to support the industry’s decarbonisation targets.

Neil Robinson, CSR and Airspace Change Director for Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: “I am pleased to announce today that our Jet Zero Education programme will start in the new academic year.

 “Our AeroZone works with young people from an early age to educate and inspire them about the world of aviation and the opportunities it could present to them.

 “This initiative is a valuable extension of that, teaching the future generation of aviation professionals about the importance of a transition to net zero air travel, and inspiring them about the role they can play in the delivering that.

 “The Jet Zero Strategy continues to play an important part in bringing the sector together and, as today’s announcement shows, MAG is wholly committed to delivering on all of the pledges we made 12 months ago.

 “As a founding member of the Jet Zero Council, we are proud to be working collaboratively with Government to drive the industry’s transition to net zero by 2050.”

 Manchester Airport’s AeroZone was opened in February 2022 by Mayor Andy Burnham, and follows the model of the popular AeroZone facility at its sister airport London Stansted, which has been welcoming pupils since 2010. More than 3,500 school pupils benefitted in its first year.

MAG believes that education from an early age plays an integral role in supporting sustainability in the aviation sector, and that by helping the next generation understand the importance of decarbonisation, future industry professionals will continue to drive the agenda.

Alongside its commitment to an education programme, the airport has also made progress on its other pledges across the year. Its Jet Zero Technology competition is offering five years’ free landing fees to the first zero-emission aircraft operating transatlantic flights, and it has made significant progress with its Jet Zero Airspace pledge, passing the ‘Stage 2’ gateway of the Government’s airspace modernisation scheme earlier this year.

MAG’s other pledges included Jet Zero Research, which will fund three PhD projects focused on aviation decarbonisation, and Jet Zero SAF which will create a financial incentive to encourage airlines to exceed the UK’s SAF mandate.

Manchester Airport has established partnerships with Fulcrum BioEnergy UK and Hynet, which could make it the first UK airport with direct supplies of both SAF and Hydrogen respectively.

MAG’s CSR Strategy ‘Working together for a brighter future’ is supporting the Group to make its own operations net-zero by 2038, in line with the 2040 target set by the Government in the Jet Zero Strategy last year.