Bristol Zoo bosses have ignored a second lawyers’ letter threatening legal action and gone ahead with another auction of items from the Clifton Zoo Gardens site - this time all the Victorian benches created especially for the zoo up to 150 years ago. A total of 45 cast-iron benches were placed around the Bristol Zoo site in the 1880s, and have been there ever since. Today (Monday, November 25), they were auctioned off in 45 different lots in a timed auction, with bidders trying to get the highest price before the end at 8pm. It is the third auction of items from the Bristol Zoo site, which closed more than two years ago. Ten days ago, a gala dinner was held as a fundraiser for the expansion of the Bristol Zoo Project site on the edge of the city. And last Friday, an online auction of 300 items - from sculptures and signs to door handles and crockery - netted an astonishing £160,000 as bidders from across the world snapped up the zoo-related memorabilia. The third and final auction went ahead on Monday despite a group of shareholders writing to the Zoological Society bosses warning that the sale - especially of items that they regard as integral to the setting of the Zoo Gardens - is premature, given the future of the zoo site is still the subject of a legal challenge. That challenge is the judicial review being brought against Bristol City Council by the Save Bristol Gardens Alliance group, which is challenging in the courts the awarding of planning permission to the zoo to redevelop the Clifton Zoo site and build almost 200 new homes there. The Save Bristol Gardens Alliance group is a separate campaign group to the group of shareholders led by Tom Jones. The judicial review is expected to take place in the New Year. The letter - the second one sent by the group of shareholders led by Save Bristol Zoo founder Tom Jones - warned the zoo society that the bosses could be financially liable if a future court rules that the zoo should not have sold off all its zoo memorabilia. “We continue to consider the issues and potential claims that the sales give rise to as against both the charity and the trustees,” the letter said. “Any sales which are found to be in breach of the trustees’ statutory and/or fiduciary duties have the potential to give rise to claims against the trustees personally. We therefore request that the auctions are put on hold whilst we, and your client, take stock of the position,” it added. Bristol Zoological Society have dismissed the legal letters, and condemned the ‘small well-funded group of campaigners’ for challenging the sales. Save Bristol Zoo Gardens founder and Bristol Zoo shareholder Tom Jones, said on behalf of the group of shareholders: “We were disappointed but not surprised that trustees chose to ignore our concerns and go ahead with the gala dinner, where several irreplaceable items from Bristol Zoo Gardens were sold to the highest bidder at an exclusive private event. Consequently, our lawyers have once again written to the board to very reasonably ask that all future auctions of irreplaceable Bristol Zoo assets are postponed, until the outcome of multiple legal challenges, including the forthcoming Judicial Review, are known. “However, to cover all bases, if the auctions can’t be stopped in time, we strongly urge the public to bid on these items with a view to one day donating them back to Bristol Zoo Gardens, once a better future has been secured for the site,” he added. Read next: Bristol Zoo nets more than £160,000 as bidding for zoo items goes crazy Read more: Bristol Zoo auction is 'naked greed' and must be stopped say campaigners Speaking before Friday’s auction, a spokesperson for Bristol Zoological Society said they would continue with the auctions, which she said were raising vital thousands of the zoo’s work to expand the Bristol Zoo Project site at Easter Compton, near Cribbs Causeway. “The ongoing efforts of a small group of Clifton residents to stop a conservation and education charity from progressing with its future plans, are not only wasting vital funds, but they are preventing us from saving wildlife and building a new conservation zoo, which will provide bigger habitats and higher standards of animal welfare," she said. “Instead of investing vital charitable funds where they are needed, in saving and protecting the world’s most threatened species, we find ourselves once again being forced to spend thousands of pounds in legal fees, defending further claims. This is extremely frustrating for all our staff and volunteers, who work so hard. We want a zoo which is financially resilient, can meet the needs of animals over the long-term and prioritises conservation. Our decision to close Bristol Zoo Gardens and focus our efforts on Bristol Zoo Project was based on a thorough analysis and a desire to create a new type of conservation zoo. “We do not believe the current 12-acre site in Clifton is fit for purpose as a modern, conservation zoo. We won’t give in to pressure from a small well-funded group of campaigners - who are not zoo experts and don’t understand animal welfare," she added. That sparked fury from campaigners. “Stating that opposition to Bristol Zoological Society’s plans to turn the world’s 5th oldest Zoo into luxury housing is only from ‘a small number of Clifton residents’ is highly disrespectful to the 12,000 people who have signed the petition calling for Bristol Zoo Gardens not to be sold off for luxury housing and also to the half a million visitors from all over Bristol and beyond who used to visit Bristol Zoo Gardens every year but who are no longer choosing to visit Bristol Zoo Project, formerly Wild Place Project, in South Gloucestershire ,” said Mr Jones. “The people currently running Bristol Zoological Society appear to see the world in very black and white terms of winners and losers. If you oppose plans to sell Bristol Zoo then apparently, you automatically oppose the Zoo’s conservation work as well. However, life isn’t a zero-sum game and Bristol Zoological Society needs to start taking responsibility for the consequences of its actions, rather than blaming others when it is challenged,” he added. “Between 2019-2022, Bristol Zoological Society spent £3.252 million on governance and £1 million renovating an office building which was already an office building, so to now claim that issuing a couple of letters from solicitors is diverting valuable resources away from ‘vital charitable funds and saving threatened species’, is to put it mildly, a little bit rich. Once again, look beyond the spin and it’s another public statement from the Society which doesn’t stand up to serious scrutiny,” he added. “By choosing to auction off hundreds of historic, irreplaceable artefacts, the people currently in charge of Bristol Zoological Society are intentionally vandalising something over which they are only custodians,” he said.
Conference title games a chance at a banner, bragging rights and, for some, a season-wrecking lossBarrick Gold stock falls as CIBC cuts price target, issues downgradeThe key question now is whether this seasonal spike in demand during the Winter Solstice period will be sufficient to sustain the recent rebound in pig prices. While the increased consumption during the festival period is expected to provide a short-term lift to the market, the longer-term outlook remains uncertain.
Amar Bhakta, a manager at , has filed a in California alleging that the tech giant violates employees' privacy by monitoring their personal devices. Apple requires, according to the , employees to use Apple devices for work but limits their use for personal purposes. This policy reportedly compels many employees to use their personal devices for work tasks, inadvertently granting Apple broad access to personal data through shared iCloud accounts. The lawsuit claims Apple can search, monitor, and use data from employees' personal devices, including those of family members synced to the same account, reports. It also alleges that Apple conducts surveillance of employees at home offices and reserves the right to search both Apple and non-Apple devices on company premises. "For Apple's employees, the Apple ecosystem is not a walled garden. It is a prison yard," the lawsuit states. "A panopticon where employees, both on and off duty, are ever subject to Apple's all-seeing eye." Bhakta has claimed Apple's illegally restrict employees' rights to discuss compensation, and has hindered his career progress by barring his pursuit of public speaking engagements and even insisting he remove certain details from his LinkedIn profile. The lawsuit also alleges Apple retains the right to reclaim vested stock if employees breach confidentiality agreements. "It's disappointing that Apple, whose ethos is privacy and confidentiality, would try to monitor and censor me," Bhakta stated in a press release. "I hope this complaint causes Apple to change their approach to monitoring employees outside of work and reminds employees that they have the power to stand up too." Apple has it disagrees with the claims. "Every employee has the right to discuss their wages, hours and working conditions," a spokesperson reiterated.QB Ethan Vasko benched again for a spell as Coastal Carolina falls to Georgia Southern
What we know about Russia’s new Oreshnik missileWork and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the move aims to drive “real improvements” for disabled people, whom the ministers will be encouraged to engage with on a regular basis. He told the Commons: “I am very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of new lead ministers for disability in each Government department, they will represent the interests of disabled people, champion disability inclusion and accessibility within their departments. “I’m going to chair regular meetings with them and will encourage them to engage directly with disabled people and their representative organisations, as they take forward their departmental priorities. “And I look forward to this new group of lead ministers for disability together driving real improvements across Government for disabled people.” This came during an adjournment debate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concerns about “floating bus stops”, which have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement. Intervening, the MP for Torbay, who is registered blind, said: “The Government needs to ban floating bus stops.” Sir Stephen said: “I do think this issue about floating bus stops is an important issue which we need to work across Government to reflect on.” Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who led the debate, had earlier criticised the lack of accessibility for disabled people on trains. The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP said: “Our train network does not have level access, and we heard Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson from the other place make this plea back in the summer, absolutely outrageous what she was put through. “But I was absolutely shocked to find, when I had a presentation of the TransPennine route upgrade, that the rolling stock yet to be commissioned is not going to provide that level access. “It’s absolute nonsense, it’s not even in the design of that procurement, so we must do better than this.”
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and chaos as thick smoke billowed out of the building, triggering the fire alarms and forcing staff to flee to safety. Many employees were seen rushing down stairwells and out of emergency exits, some carrying laptops and personal belongings as they evacuated the premises.Another factor is the level of customization and flexibility offered by Momenta's autonomous driving solutions. Car manufacturers are looking for partners that can provide them with tailor-made solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into their existing systems. Momenta has demonstrated a strong ability to work closely with car manufacturers to develop customized solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements. In contrast, Huawei's one-size-fits-all approach may not be as appealing to car manufacturers who are looking for more flexibility in their partnerships.
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Artists left in the lurch as gallery ditches 2025 showsThe tragic events unfolding within the Medicine Valley serve as a stark reminder of the unforeseen challenges and dangers that lurk in the shadows, ready to strike when least expected. As the community mourns the loss of lives and struggles to come to terms with the harsh reality of the situation, one can only hope that a breakthrough in treatment will soon be found, restoring faith and confidence in the healing powers of the valley once more.
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Looking ahead, Xiaomi Automotive is poised to continue its upward trajectory and further expand its market share in the electric vehicle sector. With a strong focus on technological innovation, product differentiation, and customer-centric approach, Xiaomi is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles and solidify its position as a key player in the automotive industry. As the company continues to drive growth and innovation in the electric vehicle market, it is set to shape the future of mobility and redefine the automotive landscape.
Dave Horseman reacts to boos and gel claims after gutless Bristol Rovers defeat at Leyton OrientAs they prepare to usher in another year together, He Jiong and Wang Han continue to embody the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Their enduring partnership is a testament to the power of friendship and camaraderie, serving as a source of comfort and joy for viewers year after year.In addition to the challenging gameplay, the update will also unveil a detailed travel map that players can explore as they navigate through the fantastical world of "Black Myth: Wukong." The travel map promises to be a rich and immersive environment, filled with hidden secrets, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse locations for players to discover. Whether exploring ancient temples, traversing mystical forests, or delving into dark caverns, the travel map is sure to provide players with a sense of wonder and adventure.
Secondly, a comprehensive set of macroeconomic tools and policies were deployed to support various sectors of the economy. These included fiscal stimulus measures, monetary policy adjustments, industrial support programs, and social welfare initiatives. By adopting a holistic and integrated approach, the government was able to address structural imbalances and promote a more inclusive and sustainable development model.The Falcons defense has a plethora of players hoping to return to action following the team’s bye week, one of them being second-year safety DeMarcco Hellams , who has yet to appear in a game this season. Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams says he's "definitely on the cusp of getting back on the field. ... I probably don’t have a target week, but I feel like I’m closer to coming around than not playing." — Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) November 25, 2024 Hellams suffered a significant ankle injury in the first week of the preseason and has been on injured reserve ever since. He was one of the surprises on defense a year ago as a rookie, appearing in 15 games and eventually supplanting 2021 second-round pick Richie Grant as the team’s starting safety. Obviously, with the addition of Justin Simmons this offseason, the need for another safety has been greatly diminished. With that being said, the entire secondary has been ravaged by injuries. Getting more bodies back healthy, even if they are depth pieces, is significant. This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.
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