Robyn Vinter

2 weeks ago | msn.com | Robyn Vinter

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2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Robyn Vinter

It may be a sign of changing tastes, of a health-conscious nation, or yet another example of the cost of living crisis encroaching on our few simple pleasures – but it seems the large glass of wine may soon be a thing of the past. While a 250ml option used to be commonplace, it is becoming harder to find on the menus of bars and restaurants up and down the country as venues increasingly favour smaller 125ml servings.

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Robyn Vinter

Animal rights organisations have criticised the Grand National after a horse that was leading the race suffered a grim fall, while a second collapsed shortly after the competition. Broadway Boy, a seven-year-old horse ridden by Tom Bellamy, took what was described by spectators as a “sickening fall” at the 25th jump, appearing to land on his head and not moving immediately afterwards.

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Robyn Vinter

The tradition of fascinators and hats during Ladies Day is usually more about showcasing excellent style than being practical. But this year, spectators at Aintree had good need for their headwear, as the sun shone at the racecourse for the first time in almost a decade. A crowd of 45,000 people had been predicted, and as temperatures reached 19C on Friday, the Met Office said it was just short of being the warmest Aintree festival this century.

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Robyn Vinter

Paul Fairweather was in his late 20s when he volunteered to take calls from terrified members of the public for Manchester AIDSline, an organisation he set up with five friends in response to the impact of HIV across the city. Though it was four decades ago now, he still remembers some of the conversations. “Some of the calls had a really big impact on you,” he says. “I had a phone call from a woman who was phoning up about her son who had Aids.