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73-year-old great-grandad accepts creative writing holiday after GCSE success

News

73-year-old Danny Davey has been offered a creative writing and walking holiday in the Peak District after passing his English GCSE, 59 years after leaving school at 14.

The big picture: Davey's academic achievement has not only fulfilled a lifelong ambition but also caught the attention of UK holiday company HF Holidays, who invited him and his wife to a creative writing retreat in the tiny village of Thorpe, less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones.

Danny Davey from Ipswich with his English GCSE certificate
Danny Davey from Ipswich with his English GCSE certificateSuffolk New College

Why it matters: This story highlights the value of lifelong learning and shows it's never too late to pursue education or new skills.

Key details:

  • Davey passed his maths GCSE in 2016 and has now added English to his achievements.

  • He won a short story competition as part of his exam preparation.

  • HF Holidays offered Davey a place on their Creative Writing and Walking Holiday in February.

  • The retreat will take place at HF Holidays' own country house, The Peveril of the Peak, set in the rolling hills of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.

  • Danny will join others in creative writing workshops, guided walks, and one-to-one sessions with a published author.

What they're saying: Louise Haywood, senior marketing manager at HF Holidays, said, "We're always looking for advocates of learning a new skill, trying something new for the first time, having that zest for life that Danny really has."

Davey said, "I never wrote until I started [Suffolk New College] in September last year. It's 59 years since I went to school. On seeing my GCSE result, I generally felt emotional. I'm amazed.

"Everyone needs a purpose – and there is nothing better than going back to learning.

"I am very, very grateful. It's maybe a first step to getting a little tuition in creative writing, which is my goal. When I was young I used to read a lot of short stories, and I always thought I'd like to do that one day."

The bottom line: Davey's story serves as an inspiration to others considering returning to education or pursuing new interests later in life. Enjoy the holiday, Danny!

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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