England

Cambridge University wins trademark dispute over rowing

The university initiated legal proceedings in response to an attempt by Cambridge Rowing Limited to secure a trademark registration.

A dispute over trademark rights has been resolved in favor of the University of Cambridge, which successfully opposed a local rowing company's attempt to register its name.

Omar Terywall, to the left of centre frame and looking directly out of the image. He is smiling slightly, has a dark, neatly trimmed beard, flecked with grey on his chin, and has on circular, black-framed glasses. He is bald. He is wearing a dark blue, collared top, with a white 'Cambridge Rowing' insignia on the right. Behind Omar are several sporting rowing boats mounted on racks inside a boathouse. — Omar Terywall set up Cambridge Rowing Limited to introduce novices to the sport

The university's objection was based on concerns that allowing Cambridge Rowing Limited to trademark its logo could potentially harm the university's reputation and give the company an unfair advantage.

As the owner of trademarks for the "Cambridge" name, the university has the authority to prevent others from using it in specific contexts.

Omar Terywall, founder of Cambridge Rowing Limited, expressed disappointment and distress over the outcome, describing the experience as a difficult and intimidating process.

Terywall indicated that he plans to appeal the decision made by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), seeking a reversal of the ruling.

In 2021, Terywall, aged 46, founded Cambridge Rowing, which offers rowing experiences on the River Cam under the name Cambridge Rowing Experience.

Omar sitting in a single scull rowing boat on the side of a river. He is smiling slightly, while holding an oar in each hand. It is a fine, bright day. He is wearing a dark blue, collared T-shirt, with all three buttons done up, though his arms are covered by a white top worn underneath the T-shirt. He is wearing dark blue jogging bottoms and the tops of his knees are just in shot. His boat is against a pontoon edge, which is to the right of frame. Behind Omar is the far river bank, with a narrow boat moored up, a grassy bank, trees and a building. The river looks calm and it is a bright day. — Terywall said he hopes to lodge an appeal against the trademark decision

According to Terywall, over 5,000 individuals new to rowing have been introduced to the sport through his company.

A trademark application for the company's logo was submitted by Terywall in January 2022, but it was met with opposition from The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge.

The University of Cambridge had previously registered "Cambridge" as a trademark and has since taken steps to prevent other companies, including those based in the city, from using the name.

During a hearing held on July 2, 2025, university representative Guy Tritton argued that the Cambridge Rowing logo, which features a shield, rowing blades, and the company name, bears a strong resemblance to the university's branding, implying a connection between the two.

The University of Cambridge has registered a trademark for the word "Cambridge"

According to a written ruling, IPO hearing officer Rosie Le Breton determined that there is a likelihood of confusion between the services provided by Cambridge Rowing and those offered by the university.

Le Breton stated that this confusion would inevitably lead to Cambridge Rowing gaining an unfair advantage, capitalizing on the university's substantial investment in building its prestigious reputation through widely publicized accomplishments.

As Le Breton explained, Cambridge Rowing would be leveraging the university's reputation to its own commercial benefit, effectively profiting from the opponent's established image.

Ultimately, Le Breton denied Cambridge Rowing's trademark application and required the organization to reimburse the university £2,400 in costs.

An eight-person racing rowing boat on the River Thames in London. The rowers are wearing the pale "Cambridge Blue" sports kit and are facing towards the camera. A coxswain with "Cambridge" written across their back is seated closest to the camera, but is facing away from us. The oars are all in the water as the rowers are pulling through a stroke. Behind the boat in the far distance is an imposing road bridge. There are trees and bushes on the left of the image, where the river bank meets the water. — The first Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race was held on the River Thames in 1829

In response to the decision, Terywall expressed significant disappointment, characterizing the outcome as deeply frustrating.

He noted that the people of Cambridge would likely be upset to discover that a single entity has ownership of the name "Cambridge", as it does not contribute to the city's overall growth or prosperity.

According to a university representative, prior to initiating legal proceedings, the institution attempted to find a mutually beneficial solution, engaging in discussions in a cooperative manner without intending to hinder the applicant's business operations.

A building, centre frame and shot from below. It is a boathouse on the River Cam, though the water is not in frame. It has a blue, roller shutter type door, over which a banner reading "learn to row' is hung. An external staircase can be just be seen on the left. On the first floor is a balcony with chairs. Two white flag poles stretch up from the balcony railings. The building has a pitched roof, which is set against a mostly blue sky, though there are some clouds. There are similarly sized buildings on either side. — The Cambridge Rowing Experience is run from the City of Cambridge Rowing Club

However, after these negotiations failed, the representative explained that the university was compelled to object to the application, as it frequently encounters instances of third parties using names that intentionally or unintentionally leverage the university's reputation for their own gain.

Cambridge Rowing has until 3 March to file an appeal.

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Therapy dog Dan brings joy to care home residents

At the age of 84, John Weller found it challenging to settle into his new surroundings at a care home, but his situation improved upon meeting Dan, a golden retriever.

At the age of 84, John Weller faced difficulties adjusting to his new life in a residential home, but his outlook changed with the introduction of Dan, a friendly canine companion.

A golden retriever is standing in front of a man sitting in a chair in a room at a care home. The man is looking down at the dog. A woman is standing next to the man and looking down at the dog and smiling. — John Weller was struggling to adjust to life in a care home and missed canine company until he met Dan the golden retriever

Having recently relocated to a care home in Chorley, Lancashire, Weller deeply missed his beloved pets, Rocky the miniature schnauzer and Jovi the whippet, which he had left behind.

It was observed by the care home staff that regular interactions with Dan, a golden retriever, had a profoundly positive impact on Weller's mood.

According to Weller, spending time with Dan brings him joy, and he appreciates the opportunity to stroke and feed Dan, which reminds him of his own dogs.

Weller keeps photographs of his former pets in his bedroom and often looks at them, but he also eagerly anticipates Dan's visits.

Upon his arrival at Gillibrand Hall Care Home, staff noted that Weller was experiencing a period of low mood, having had to leave behind his familiar routines and previous home.

However, as Weller formed a close bond with Dan, his confidence began to grow, and the care home staff observed that these interactions also brought back fond memories of his time with his own pets.

Dan's owner, Fiona Hill, described the dog as gentle, although occasionally lively, and noted that Dan seems to have an innate ability to respond to the needs of each resident.

The presence of Dan often evokes strong emotional responses from the residents, with some becoming tearful with joy upon his arrival, and he facilitates the sharing of stories about their own pets, which can initially be emotional but often lead to happy conversations and laughter.

As Dan's owner, Hill expressed pride in the comfort and companionship the dog provides, helping residents to open up and form connections.

The care home manager, Kathy Spencer, revealed that Dan had recently been recognized as employee of the month due to the significant positive impact he has had on residents, including Weller.

A golden retriever is sitting on a grassed area carpeted in snowdrop flowers. A woman's hand can just be seen holding his lead. — John Weller says he looks forward to Dan's visits

Spencer noted that Weller's mood and confidence have shown significant improvement since meeting Dan.

For Weller, the experience of pet therapy with Dan extends beyond anxiety reduction, as it allows him to reconnect with his passion for dogs and reminisce about happy memories.

The strong bond between Weller and Dan provides comfort and calm, highlighting the benefits of pet therapy in care home settings.

England

Woman sentenced to prison for murdering and dismembering partner

Anna Podedworna has received a life sentence following her conviction for the murder of Izabela Zablocka.

A woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering her partner and dismembering her body, which was then buried in a garden over 15 years ago.

A mugshot of Anna Podedworna — Anna Podedworna was convicted of murder by a jury on Tuesday

It was in 2025 that Anna Podedworna contacted Derbyshire Police, providing them with information that led to the discovery of Izabela Zablocka's remains in a house on Princes Street, Derby.

Podedworna, a 40-year-old resident of Boyer Street in Derby, had a background as a skilled butcher, but her profession did not prepare her for the severity of the crime she committed; she was found guilty of murder by a jury.

On Wednesday, at Derby Crown Court, Podedworna received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years for her role in Izabela Zablocka's murder.

During sentencing, Mrs Justice Williams KC noted that the evidence presented in the trial highlighted the strong family bonds Izabela shared, particularly with her mother, grandmother, and daughter Kasia.

Izabela maintained regular contact with her family in Poland, but her disappearance was marked by an uncharacteristic silence, particularly when she failed to call her daughter on her 10th birthday, 4 September 2010.

The judge emphasized that Podedworna's actions had a profound impact on Kasia, who was left without a mother and struggled to understand her sudden disappearance.

The judge acknowledged the perseverance of Izabela's family, who never gave up hope of uncovering the truth behind her disappearance, and noted that without their efforts, Podedworna's crimes may have gone undetected.

Podedworna showed no remorse for her actions, and the judge rejected the idea that she deserved credit for eventually contacting the police in 2025, as this was seen as an attempt to manipulate the investigation.

Readers are warned that this article contains distressing details.

A woman sat on a sofa in a denim-like jacket. — Izabela Zablocka was described in court as a loving mother who was "extremely close" to her family back in Poland

The two women had moved to the UK from Poland in search of work and lived together in the Normanton area of Derby.

The last known contact with Izabela was a phone call to her mother in Poland on 28 August 2010, after which she was never heard from again.

According to prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC, shortly after this call, Podedworna murdered Izabela, dismembering her body with a large knife.

Investigators discovered that Podedworna had previously worked as a skilled butcher, a job that involved using large knives to debone and portion turkey carcasses.

The body was then buried in the garden, and a layer of concrete was laid over the grave.

In 2025, Kasia, now an adult, approached Polish TV journalist Rafal Zalewski and asked for his help in investigating her mother's disappearance.

A crime scene in place in Princes Street where two tents have been erected — Zablocka's body was buried in the garden of a house in Princes Street

Zalewski confronted Podedworna at her home in Boyer Street, Derby, but she initially denied any knowledge of Izabela's whereabouts.

However, under mounting pressure, Podedworna eventually contacted Derbyshire Police and provided them with the location of the body.

A thorough search of the Princes Street property led to the discovery of Izabela's remains.

In a statement read out in court, Kasia described the traumatic impact of her mother's disappearance on her life.

Izabela looks at her daughter, Kasia. — Izabela's daughter Kasia, now an adult, told the court through a victim impact statement she had been haunted throughout her childhood wondering where her mother was

Kasia recalled being extremely close to her mother and feeling devastated by her sudden and unexplained disappearance.

The experience left a deep emotional scar, and Kasia struggled to cope with the uncertainty surrounding her mother's disappearance.

For years, she wondered why her mother had stopped contacting her, feeling abandoned and unsure of what had happened.

Instead of enjoying her childhood, Kasia was preoccupied with thoughts of her mother and the reasons behind her disappearance.

Despite the uncertainty, Kasia always believed that her mother would not have left her without a reason.

Podedworna claimed to have acted in self-defence, but this was rejected by both the jury and the judge.

Clive Stockwell KC, representing Podedworna, suggested that some unknown event must have triggered her actions, given her previously good character.

Stockwell also highlighted the impact of the sentence on Podedworna's children, who would have to spend a significant part of their lives without their mother.

However, Mrs Justice Williams emphasized that Podedworna's brutal treatment of Izabela's body was consistent with a killing motivated by anger and a deep-seated dislike for her partner.

The judge noted that Podedworna had continued to deceive those around her, including Izabela's mother, her own mother, and the police, about the circumstances of Izabela's disappearance.

This pattern of deception continued over the years, with Podedworna showing no remorse for her actions.

England

Reform leader resigns amid council investigation into racism allegations

Councillor Chris Large has stepped down from his position as leader of the Staffordshire Reform group, a move that comes shortly after his initial appointment.

An investigation is underway into allegations of racism against a former Reform councillor in Staffordshire, who recently resigned from their position as group leader just days after being appointed.

Chris Large is standing in front of the county council building, he is wearing a suit and tie and smiling at the camera. — Councillor Chris Large stepped down from his leadership and cabinet responsibilities last week, saying it was due to a family bereavement

Documents obtained by the BBC reveal that the council has referred a complaint regarding councillor Chris Large, a former cabinet member, who allegedly made or endorsed racist comments on his TikTok account, as evidenced by confidential emails.

Due to the complexity and severity of the allegations, the council has assigned an Independent Investigating Officer to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Councillor Large has denied any involvement in the comments, attributing them to a hacked account, and stated that there were unauthorized logins, resulting in the account's deletion.

Large's resignation as leader and cabinet member for finance was announced last week, citing a family bereavement as the reason for his decision to step down.

This resignation occurred shortly after he oversaw the approval of Staffordshire County Council's £840.8m budget for 2026-27.

Large was slated to succeed councillor Ian Cooper, who had previously resigned amidst allegations of racism, which Cooper has not publicly denied.

At the time of Large's appointment, his party highlighted his extensive experience as a chief executive in the finance and banking industry, spanning over 30 years, as well as his 35-year residency in the county.

According to records from Companies House, Large has been listed as the director of 12 companies over the past 20 years, all of which are currently dissolved.

These companies also list France as Large's country of residence.

Large explained to the BBC that his involvement with the dissolved companies was related to his role in transforming and turning around businesses.

He stated that the closure of some businesses led to the creation of new ones, highlighting the positive outcomes of his work.

In response to Large's resignation, Philip White, the Conservative leader of the opposition, expressed sympathy for Large's family situation while also criticizing his appointment as leader.

White stated that Large's involvement in the racism scandal that led to Ian Cooper's resignation made him an unsuitable candidate for the leadership position.

White emphasized the need for stability in Staffordshire, given the recent turnover of leaders, and hoped that the Reform party could find a suitable replacement from their ranks.

Martin Murray, the acting leader of the county council, had previously thanked Large for his contributions and expressed support for his decision to resign, citing the importance of prioritizing family.

Murray's statement reflected the council's understanding of the personal circumstances that led to Large's resignation.

The Reform UK party has stated that it will not be taking any action against Large regarding the complaints about his social media activity.

The positions of cabinet member for finance and elected leader of the Reform group remain vacant, awaiting new appointments.

A council spokesperson explained that the authority takes all concerns about the conduct of elected members seriously and will address them in accordance with the council's Standards Complaints process and Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, council members are scheduled to meet and vote on the proposed budget, which includes a 3.99% council tax increase, on February 12.