Tower of London
(Picture: PA Wire)THE Tower of London’s famous ravens have gone into lockdown to protect them from avian flu.
Historic Palaces England, which runs the Tower, told us they expect to isolate the birds for some time. “We are in the process of enlarging their enclosures to offer them some more space,” they said.
There are currently nine ravens at the tower, and they have names, including Jubilee, Harri and Gripp. They are looked after by the Ravenmaster. Legend has it that the Tower will fall if the ravens leave the fortress.
The UK is having an outbreak of avian flu. On Monday, all farmers were told to keep birds indoors.
Last month, upmarket poultry farm Botterills of Leicestershire’s Belvoir Estate revealed their birds had caught the disease, meaning fewer turkeys for Christmas dinner.
Rita’s in awe of ‘hero’ parents
Rita Ora has spoken movingly about her Albanian family fleeing Kosovo in the Nineties. “If it wasn’t for my parents, I honestly believe I wouldn’t be talking to you now”, the singer told Glamour magazine this week. “It was so brave of them to leave everything behind... to build a new life.” The Albanian Prime Minister recently criticised UK politicians for rhetoric about migrants from his country. Ora was given an honour by Albania earlier this year.
Lioness Leah says coming out is hard for gay male footballers
ENGLAND women’s football captain Leah Williamson understands why gay male players don’t come out. “Coming out as gay, you are subjecting yourself to abuse on a daily basis”, says Williamson of men’s football. “I think it’s so sad,” she tells GQ. “Statistically, there have to be more [gay players]”. Gary Lineker has said he hopes that a player will come out before the World Cup in Qatar, where being gay is illegal.
Westminster cleans up its act
The now Labour-led Westminster council is planning to tackle the scourge of public urination in Soho and other parts of central London in the lead-up to Christmas. It is aiming to refurbish old public toilets that have fallen into non-use, and bring in more pop-up conveniences. There might be penalties too: one councillor warned of fines for revellers who use streets as toilets. Watch out.
Kate’s not lost her fizz
THE NEW creative director of Diet Coke, Kate Moss, hosted friends including actor Jaime Winstone to a 40th birthday party for the fizzy drink last night at Annabel’s in Mayfair. Meanwhile, US R&B royalty Mary J Blige and Usher showed up for the launch of the new London branch of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace in Shepherd’s Bush. Lady Mary Charteris was also in attendance. On the Southbank, actor Anya Taylor-Joy was at the UK premiere of her new film The Menu.
