We’ve got an exclusive first read from her latest book, where you can dive in and get a chilling preview, only on Silver Magazine. Step into a country house dressed for Christmas, cosy on the surface but with secrets underneath…

Nick, an investigative journalist, has taken shelter at remote Yorkshire hotel Mistletoe Manor during a blizzard. To pass the time, he and his fellow guests have agreed to a game of Secret Santa, wrapping items they’ve found in the hotel, and gifting them to one another. And twenty-something PR woman Violet has just unwrapped the Christmas tree star…

* * * * *

One of the star’s points isn’t gold. It’s a dull crimson, as though it’s been dipped in paint. But as they stare, it becomes clear that it’s not paint at all.

‘That’s . . . is it . . .?’ Lorraine manages, and Violet turns the star round to examine, immediately dropping it as it smears her hand.

‘Oh my God!’ She holds her hand away from her body in horror. ‘Is this a joke? Does someone here think this is funny?’

David is on his feet, shepherding Emily from the room. ‘What? What is it, Daddy?’ she asks, craning her neck to see.

‘I think I heard mewing. We need to find Jingle. Come on . . .’ David urges her away.

Nick wonders if he’ll be the same kind of dad to Cara – alert, kind, protective. He hopes so.

In the drawing room, there’s uproar. Branson is shouting, ‘What the hell kind of gift is that?’

Violet looks as though she’s about to pass out, and Alan has his arm around a shuddering Lorraine. ‘Can’t stand the sight of blood,’ he mouths.

‘My goodness,’ says Matilda to Nick. ‘Someone’s got a peculiar sense of humour.’

Alan reaches to pick up the fallen star.

‘Don’t,’ says Nick. ‘Fingerprints.’

The others stare at him, aghast, and Violet gives a strange, high giggle.

‘You think this is a crime?’ she demands. ‘Come on! It’s just a horrible joke.’

But Nick is looking at Branson. The handsome older man is pale, his forehead is clammy, and he’s gazing fixedly at the stairs.

‘If none of us is injured . . .’ he says. ‘Penny.’

Donal extends a hand to Branson. ‘Give me your room key.’

‘I don’t . . .’ Branson pats his pockets. ‘I musta left it up there.’

‘I’ve got mine,’ says Donal, patting his pocket. He runs to the hall then takes the stairs two at a time. Nick follows, with Branson and Alan. The others gather in the hall.

‘Would you like a hug?’ Destiny asks Lorraine, and she nods tearfully. The two women cling together as Matilda and Violet stand rigid and fearful by the drooping Christmas tree.

There was no star on its top branch yesterday, Nick realises, but there’s no time to think about what that means. Donal has drawn to a halt by a panelled door in the corridor on the other side of the stairs from Nick’s room. He knocks, tentatively.

‘Hello? Mrs Mitchell?’ There is silence behind the door.

‘Could be she’s put her earplugs in and gone back to sleep,’ says Branson. ‘She sleeps like the dead with those things.’

Nick glances at him, and the older man’s bravado drains away. Branson closes his eyes, bracing himself.

‘Go on,’ Nick tells Donal. ‘Or do you want me to do it?’

He pictures Penelope sitting up, still half asleep, shocked at the intrusion. Donal shakes his head. He fits the key into the lock and turns it, pushing the door open. The room is dark, the shutters closed, but the vanity light shining from the bathroom illuminates a human shape in the double bed.

‘Penny!’ Branson shouts. ‘Wake up, honey!’

She doesn’t stir.

Nick moves towards the bed. ‘Let me check,’ he says. He’s thinking about the time he did a first aid course, that if Penelope’s really hurt, he knows how to make a tourniquet, he can staunch the blood, he can . . .

Donal folds back the shutters and grey light spills into the room. Now, the men can see that Penny is lying on her back. Her left arm is flung out as if in greeting, her right hand a claw on the pillow. Her eyes are open, her mouth a rictus of fear – and in her neck there’s a wound so deep, Nick involuntarily turns away, but not before he sees the blood soaking into the pillow, the spatters across the bedspread. She has clearly been dead for several hours.

‘Branson, Alan, out of the room,’ he says urgently. ‘Don’t come any closer, go and find David right now. We need a doctor.’

‘She’s my wife!’ storms Branson. ‘I need to see what’s . . .’

He steps nearer and sees the damp red pillow, the spray of arterial blood.

‘Oh God, no,’ he whispers. He collapses against the wall. ‘Penny, no.’

‘Come on, mate,’ Alan half lifts him and pulls him from the room.

A woman’s voice floats from below. ‘What’s happening? Is she OK?’

Nick takes charge. ‘Donal, could you go and break the news to the others, please? Alan, can you ask someone to look after Branson downstairs, then find David, and I’ll stay with the bo—with Penelope.’

Donal nods as he heads for the door, and Nick feels profoundly grateful for the young man’s swift grasp of the situation.

‘We need to try and find a way to call the police,’ Nick adds. The scene is surreal: the old-fashioned bedroom, the red blood, the falling snow. He should be at the office near Blackfriars Bridge right now, eating a festive Tesco meal deal, typing up his notes, thinking about last-minute presents for Harriet.

‘I’ll ask everyone to try their phones again,’ says Donal. ‘The landline’s dead, and the Wi-Fi seems to be out.’

‘Yes, it wasn’t working last night when I arrived,’ says Nick. ‘Could you maybe have a look at the box, just to make sure a wire hasn’t come loose?’

‘Sure,’ says Donal, already on his way out. ‘But I think it’s the snow. There’s a mast up on the moors, it’s probably been damaged in the blizzard.’

Nick knows he’s right. He’s just finding it hard to believe that in a world where basically everything runs on Wi-Fi, AI and tech, they can’t get an urgent message to the police.

Somebody is wailing downstairs. Nick can hear gasps of horror, the sound of a woman sobbing. Donal has done his duty, then. Perhaps Nick should have taken on that horrible task, but the truth is, he doesn’t know who to trust and someone needs to stay with the body and ensure it’s not moved.

Clues, he thinks. Forensics. Nick scans the room. The shutters were closed when they came in, but the curtains were open – that may mean nothing, of course. On Branson’s side of the bed, there’s a mobile phone, clearly out of battery, and a half-empty glass of water. Nick bends to sniff it, and inhales that ferric tang he recognises from his own bathroom tap. He straightens up, feeling foolish. It’s not as if she was poisoned – it’s perfectly clear how she died.

On Penelope’s bedside table, there’s a lamp, switched off, and a book – The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. She doesn’t seem to have got far with it, judging by the bookmark placement. Nick feels a sharp pang of sorrow that now she’ll never finish it. Beside it is a lavender-silk eye-mask – why wasn’t she wearing it? Did she rip it off when she heard a noise?

Nick looks more closely at the polished surface. There’s an almost invisible trail of fine, white dust. Surely not drugs. Neither Penelope nor Branson seems the type. Some kind of vitamin powder? It suddenly strikes him why it looks familiar – it’s the dust that comes from ripping open a thick envelope. He sees their sunny kitchen last summer, Harriet tearing open a thick cream envelope, scanning a wedding invitation. His heart sinking, knowing he’d need a new suit, they’d need to buy a present . . . the ripped envelope made just that kind of fine dust on the worktop.

Nick crosses to the metal waste bin, under the desk. He shouldn’t touch anything . . . he creates a makeshift mitten from the bottom of his T-shirt and gently pulls it out. There’s the envelope – thick, white, torn open, a single P in black ink on the front. And beside it, next to an apple core and a crumpled information leaflet about Castle Howard, there’s a leaf of plain white paper, screwed into a ball. Nick pinches it by the corner, holding it through his T-shirt, and pulls it out, unfolding the creases. These five words, too, are in black pen, printed in neat capitals:

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID.

Get the book

Four days before Christmas, twelve stranded strangers gather round a crackling fire, sheltering from the raging storm outside. . .

But their relief is short-lived: as the snow deepens, the tree-lined avenue winding through the hotel’s parkland becomes impassable. Their isolation is complete. The next morning, a body is found in one of the luxurious four-poster beds. As twelve strangers become eleven suspects, who among them has checked in with murder in mind? And will any of them live to see another Christmas. . .?

Murder at Mistletoe Manor by F. L. Everett is the perfect festive read. Get it here.

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Martin Webb is not the sort of entrepreneur who fits neatly into a single box. Over the past three decades he has built and sold multimillion-pound businesses, volunteered thousands of hours as a police officer, mentored young people, and thrown himself into a range of charitable causes. Now he is turning his attention to politics, putting himself forward to be the first independent Mayor of Sussex in 2026.

Born and raised in Brighton, Webb left the city as a teenager to attend grammar school in Lancashire on a military scholarship before returning south to study business at the University of Brighton. By the ‘90s he had already co-founded what has been called “the largest hospitality company in the South.” Venue mix: pubs, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, even a fitness centre. At its peak it had turnover of over £24 million, and more than 300 employees.

Selling that business might have been the end of the story for many entrepreneurs, but Webb has always been restless. He went on to open what he describes as the UK’s first social-enterprise pub in Brighton (the Robin Hood), where part of the profits were channelled directly into good causes.

He also set up a rural economy venture in France, hosted a business-based TV show, wrote a weekly business column for The Telegraph, and published his own crime novel, The Most Dangerous Man in Brighton. The ventures may have varied in scale and style, but they all share a focus on enterprise, creativity and community.

Working with the police…

Running in parallel with his business career has been a long commitment to volunteering. Webb signed up as a Special Constable with Sussex Police and went on to serve for many years as a Special Sergeant. He has saved lives on duty, earned medals and commendations from the Chief Constable, and was recognised for his contribution during the Covid pandemic.

He has also raised money for Greenpeace, supported the Off the Fence homeless charity, and mentored young entrepreneurs through the Prince’s Trust.

It is perhaps no surprise that this combination of commercial know-how and public service has led Webb to seek political office. He believes Sussex needs fresh leadership rooted in independence from party politics, and he is campaigning on issues that touch daily life: safer streets, better public transport, affordable housing, and more visible local policing. He talks often about his own family life in West Sussex with his partner, an NHS nurse, and their four children, linking his priorities back to the needs of ordinary households across the county.

In person, Webb is direct and energetic, the kind of man who clearly thrives on projects and ideas. His story so far is proof of a willingness to take risks. With the mayoral election on the horizon, he is stepping into a new arena – one where his mix of entrepreneurial drive and civic duty will face its biggest test yet.

I thought I’d put him through a few questions, find out what his plans are…

You’ve gone from the Brighton nightclub scene of the ’90s to standing for mayor of Sussex. How do you think your past has shaped the person you are today?

A lot has happened to me since the ’90s. I’ve set up loads of other businesses, been a TV presenter and writer, and spent nine years volunteering as a frontline police officer. I’ve also raised my family in Sussex. So yes, all those things combined have absolutely shaped who I am today – hopefully someone who’s grounded, sensible with lots of common sense and empathy.

Some people still remember you for that hedonistic nightlife era. Do you see that as a liability or an asset now you’re in politics?

One of the reasons I did well in the ’90s is that I wasn’t into the hedonistic party lifestyle myself. I was pretty sensible back then – busy building the business, employing lots of people and trying to deal with all the drama that being an entrepreneur throws your way. I’d like to think that building a big business in Brighton ought to be an asset in my campaign – it shows I’ve got a track record. And staying power.

You’ve built and sold several businesses. Which lessons from entrepreneurship are most relevant to running a county?

This is a really good question, as I’m always amazed that the ministers actually running the show have so little business experience.

One thing you learn in business is that if things are going badly, you need to do something positive to turn things around. That’s the opposite of what the government’s doing now.

As an example, the increase in NI contributions for employers is a tax on jobs. And as a result, businesses aren’t employing new people. It’s a crazy policy as it stops growth and will reduce tax income. It’s the opposite of what an entrepreneur would do, and shows a real lack of insight from those in charge.

On (TV show) Risking it All you mentored struggling entrepreneurs. What would you say to critics who think your success isn’t relatable to ordinary people?

I’d say my experience is totally relatable. I started with nothing – I didn’t have rich parents to help or any other form of outside help. I just worked my socks off doing something I loved doing. Can’t get more relatable than that, as I think that would be many people’s dreams.

You’ve written both business books and fiction. Do you think your creative side gives you a different perspective on leadership?

I’ve always tried to harness my creative side. My role as an entrepreneur has included being a designer, architect, advertising director, and so on. I love being creative and thinking of new, better ways to solve problems.

I think people are fed up with leaders banging away, using failed solutions, hoping things will turn out OK, when they clearly won’t. And I don’t want to do that. I aim to utilise originality and imagination to find solutions that work.

You spent years volunteering as a community police officer. What did that experience teach you about the realities of crime and policing in Sussex?

It taught me that there is too much crime and too few officers. It taught me that the police do their very best but get held back by lack of resources. Crime in real life is very unlike the angle you see in TV dramas. In reality, there’s so much crime linked to mental health issues and addiction.

You’ve spoken about being let down by the force during a crisis. What happened, and how has it influenced your views on how policing should be managed?

I had a collision with a drunk driver while I was on duty that resulted in me suffering from really bad PTSD. I was having panic attacks, insomnia for months afterwards, which led me to seek help for my mental health. It was awful; I literally thought I was going to die.

Sussex Police offered no support whatsoever. They acted as if they couldn’t care less, despite me volunteering two shifts a week and giving up most of my spare time to keep my community safe for years. It took them four months to even pick up the phone to see how I was.

I was shocked to learn the hard way that Sussex Police is a pretty poor employer. If I get elected, I’ll fight to change the culture at the top of Sussex Police. They need to do better for the brave and committed people who work there.

Do you think Sussex Police is currently fit for purpose? Where are they failing residents?

The latest Home Office report into Sussex Police rates them as ‘average’. I think the people of Sussex deserve better than average, and I’ll make sure we get the police service we need and demand.

The rank-and-file officers of Sussex Police are fantastic, but it’s higher up in the command team where things are less impressive. And change needs to happen quickly.

How would you balance the need for tougher policing with concerns about civil liberties?

I don’t think we have the balance wrong right now. I’m all for face recognition technology and other innovative ways to apprehend offenders.

Why Sussex? Why now? What made you decide to stand for mayor?

I’m a Sussex person, my family go back generations in the county, and it’s the place I love and call home. I’m also 60 years old, with a lifetime of relevant experience and skills.

Above all, I think I could really do the job well. I know I can make a real, positive difference to people’s lives by using two simple things: common sense and hard work. I’ve got the energy, vision and passion to make a real go of this.

What do you think is the single biggest issue facing Sussex today?

Crime is out of control in our towns and cities. This is the first thing I would address. People need to feel safer. We need to tackle the shoplifters. We need to crack down on anti-social behaviour. It’s simple.

How would your leadership style differ from career politicians?

I’ll be straight talking. I’ll listen. I won’t patronise people or speak in sound bites. I’ll be honest with people. I’ll be visible and not stuck behind a desk. I’m also not in it for the money like some.

You’ve created jobs through your businesses. What’s your plan for tackling unemployment and boosting local enterprise?

We need LOTS more investment that will lead to quality, well-paid jobs. I want to create an entrepreneurial culture in Sussex.

I’d like to see more investment and expansion in the areas we’re already excelling in; top-level manufacturing, media, and the tech sector

I also want to launch a mayor’s show to showcase Sussex products and services. We make, grow and produce some amazing wine, cheese, and other amazing items. We now need to shout from the rooftops about how great we are, across the UK, Europe, and even the USA – and get selling to the world.

Housing is a critical issue across the South East. What’s your approach to development versus protecting Sussex’s natural environment?

This is a massively complex problem, but in a nutshell, I’d favour brown-field over green-field development, and I’d want to ensure that large developments have conditions attached to provide infrastructure, such as doctors’ surgeries.

We need to build, but not at the cost of our amazing green spaces. Once fields disappear, they’re gone forever.

Do you see yourself as a populist candidate, or do you want to appeal to the centre ground?

I see myself as the local home-grown candidate who’s in touch with regular working people. I think I ‘get’ what concerns people most, and I think I can come up with practical, workable solutions to get our problems fixed.

Politically, I’m pretty much in the centre ground. But what’s more important is that I’ll always put Sussex first – I think that’s what people really want.

If you win, what’s the first tangible change Sussex residents will notice in your first year as mayor?

The first thing I’ll do is make our county safer and crack down on crime. In the first year, I’ll focus on shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, and rural fly-tipping.

People will notice more hi-viz foot patrols in our towns and cities. I’ll try to make people feel safer – if I can achieve that, it will be a good start.

As you can imagine, the first year will be incredibly busy for me if I am elected, and my other priority will be to do everything possible to boost business across the county.

www.martinwebb.com

(Martin Webb has neither paid for nor received any payment for this article)

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Martin Webb – the man who would be mayor appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter, Mrs Doubtfire), the story follows four retirees at Coopers Chase retirement village: Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie). All of whom pass at least some of their time investigating cold cases, as the Thursday Murder Club, until a real murder actually lands on their doorstep.

Sir Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan. Giles Keyte/© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

Between them they have a bunch of skills well suited to the job – particularly Elizabeth, who has a shady past as a spy, or something equally secretive in MI6. Also Joyce, who was a nurse and is excellent at knowing things like how long it takes a stab victim to bleed out, and so forth. Joyce’s other skill is making cakes.

If you’ve read the book – and with over 15 million copies of the debut novel sold already, many have – you’ll be familiar with the story. If you haven’t, there are no spoilers in this article. Not that you need worry about it. The book managed to keep me guessing whodunit for quite a while, but somehow on screen it seems less of a challenge to work it all out. I’ll admit that might be down to the fact that I do actually know who dun it. But anyway.

The casting

When you read a book, you picture the characters in your mind. It’s one of the best things about reading as opposed to watching, and I was curious to see how the TMC would translate. Generally, I think this is well cast, although I had Elizabeth down as less emotional and warm. I pictured Eileen Atkins, but got the softer Helen Mirren. Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim was a shoo-in, and Celia Imrie is a cracking Joyce.

But Pierce Brosnan as Red Ron is wildly miscast. Not the lairy, bumptious gobby socialist of the book, Brosnan is way too charming, with a very reserved energy, and don’t get me started on the wildly fluctuating accents. For Ron, I imagined Ray Winstone, not Remington Steele. But not only that, I’m afraid Brosnan is missing the comedy bone. The man is not funny, and Ron’s character in the book is heavy on the comedy.

Pierce Brosnan, Tom Ellis. Giles Keyte/© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

I loved Jonathan Pryce as the delightful Stephen, slowly disappearing into dementia – an excellent bittersweet performance. And there’s a pretty stellar British cast lined up for the other characters, including Naomi Ackie as Donna, Tom Ellis as Jason Ritchie – Ron’s son, David Tennant as Ian Ventham, and Richard E. Grant as gangster Bobby Tanner. Does Grant make a good villain? I’ll let you have a guess at that. I love Grant, but this is not his metier. He’s about as menacing as one of Joyce’s cakes. Daniel Mays makes a great DCI Chris Hudson, with the right touch of comedy and brash faux Sweeney vibes.

Naomi Ackie and Daniel Mays. Giles Keyte/© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

There is some eye candy in the shape of Henry Lloyd-Hughes, who plays a very sexy Bogdan. Perhaps one of the major upgrades in terms of characterisation. And I always love to see David Tennant, although his Ian Ventham is far too much like his recent Tony Baddingham in Jilly Cooper’s Rivals on Disney+. Is this what he does now, play English baddies? I don’t care really, he’s always watchable, but it’s not exactly a stretch for this fine actor.

David Tennant, Henry Lloyd Hughes. Giles Keyte/© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

Mirren, long tipped by fans for the role of Elizabeth, called the book “utterly charming” and said she relished playing the sharp, enigmatic leader of the group. Brosnan described Ron as “a stout fellow of good character… humorous, theatrical, with wonderful set pieces.” Kingsley compared his psychiatrist Ibrahim’s empathy and analysis to his own craft as an actor, while Imrie said she “fell in love” with Joyce’s warmth and innocence.

Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie. Giles Keyte/© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

Great location

Shot at Shepperton Studios and on location in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, the film brings Coopers Chase vividly to life. Columbus calls it “the Hogwarts version of a retirement community.”

Since its release in 2020, Osman’s debut novel has become the UK’s best-selling book of the decade. He says he was inspired by his mother’s retirement village. “I thought, what if there was a murder here? I bet you these people could solve it.”

This is not challenging or groundbreaking in any sense of the word. Except perhaps for the premise that the main protagonists are in a care home. But it’s great viewing for a Sunday afternoon, and will absolutely appeal to the billions of Agatha Christie et al fans that crowd the world. Myself included. I enjoyed the book, and I enjoyed the film – although the latter perhaps rather less so.

The Thursday Murder Club lands on Netflix globally on Thursday 28 August 2025

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post The Thursday Murder Club – more hit than miss, just about appeared first on Silver Magazine.

With everyone increasingly active online, awareness of internet security is critical. With the growing use of technology comes the risk of swindles, including scams and online threats. It’s important to be proactive about your online safety to protect yourself from these risks.

Common scams

Scammers use several methods to try and leverage the information they need. This includes sending phishing emails that mimic banks or retailers, tricking victims into sharing personal details.

Tech support scams involve fake calls from companies like Microsoft, claiming computer issues and demanding payment or remote access. Some fraudsters even deceive victims into giving them money through dating platforms. Other examples include lottery scams that promise winnings but require upfront fees, as well as fake charity pages asking for donations for non-existent causes.

These acts prey on trust and generosity, making awareness key to your own protection.

Key safety tips

Using strong, unique passwords is essential. Choose combinations with at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid easily guessed details like names or birthdays and consider a password manager that can help store and generate secure passwords.

Watch out for phishing risks and keep software updated to protect against cyber threats. Use secure connections, avoiding public Wi-Fi for private tasks, and consider a VPN for added security.

Be cautious of phishing attempts

Phishing is one of the most common ways scammers steal personal information. Always be cautious when you receive suspicious emails, texts or calls requesting sensitive details. If in doubt, contact the company directly through official channels to check. Make sure you never click on suspicious links or attachments, as they could lead to malicious websites.

Protect personal information

Be mindful of how much information you share, especially on social media. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts and avoid sharing sensitive data such as your full address publicly. Remember, cybercriminals can use small insights to target you with more specific attacks.

Keep software and devices updated

It’s crucial to keep your devices up to date. Install antivirus software and firewalls to help defend against malware and viruses.

To make things easier, you can set your devices to update automatically whenever new patches or security fixes are released. These updates often address vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Use secure connections

When accessing sensitive websites (such as online banking or shopping sites) avoid using public Wi-Fi, as it can be insecure. If you have no choice, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for anyone to intercept your data.

What to do if you suspect a scam

If you believe you’ve been scammed, it’s important to act quickly. Contact the local police if you suspect that money has been stolen or if you’ve provided personal details. Inform family members or trusted friends so they can offer support and help you assess the situation.

Make sure to change the passwords for any affected accounts to prevent further damage. If you’ve provided credit card or banking information, alert your bank or credit card company immediately.

By staying aware, you can greatly reduce your chances of being caught out. Taking the time to educate yourself will allow you to enjoy all the benefits the internet has to offer with fewer risks. Stay vigilant and always trust your instincts – if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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If you thought we’d come a long way since burning bras, think again. A new survey commissioned by the Women’s Institute (WI) reveals that depressingly, nearly two-thirds of adults (64%) in the UK believe misogyny is a significant issue, with almost a third considering it a really serious problem.

Conducted by Opinium ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, the poll underscores the everyday challenges women face, highlighting a troubling reality that women, particularly younger ones, experience misogyny in deeply personal and practical ways.

The personal impact on women’s lives

The survey found that women aged 18-34 are particularly affected by misogyny, sadly often adjusting their daily behaviour to enhance their sense of safety. In the past year:

• 41% of young women avoided eye contact or limited interactions with strangers.
• 37% shared their live location with friends or family while travelling alone.
• 42% pretended to be on a phone call when walking by themselves.
• 27% clutched a bunch of keys between their fingers as a makeshift weapon.

By contrast, men in the same age group reported far lower rates of similar behaviours: only 14% used a phone as a prop, 18% shared their location, and just 10% carried keys in their fist.

Melissa Green, CEO of the WI, emphasized the need for urgent action. “Our polling makes for depressing reading at a time when women and girls’ rights are being challenged on every front.

“For women to feel that the UK is a far less safe place for them is unacceptable and deeply concerning – and needs to be tackled through social prevention, as well as political deterrence, and in allyship with men.”

Read more: Late diagnoses of ADHD and autism in women – the hidden cost

A worsening trend?

The WI’s findings align with last year’s Girls’ Attitudes report from Girl Guiding, which revealed that sexism (used interchangeably with misogyny in their report) has risen in the last ten years. In that survey:

• 47% of 11-21-year-olds feel less safe because of sexism and misogyny, a significant rise from 17% 10 years ago.
• 69% believed they were expected to act differently because of their gender.

While it is difficult to compare directly across years, these statistics suggest that concerns over misogyny are not improving but may be intensifying. If more women are adapting their behaviour out of fear and reporting a decline in their sense of safety, the issue requires urgent social and legislative attention.

Challenging misogyny: steps forward

It’s not all bad news. Despite the alarming figures, the survey also found that adults are taking action to challenge misogyny in their daily interactions:

• 37% of adults have had conversations about gender equality with men.
• 17% have walked a female friend to her car or home to ensure her safety.
• 16% have refused to participate in misogynistic conversations.
• 13% have called out sexist language in conversations.
• 8% have intervened when witnessing a woman being harassed.

Encouragingly, the proportion of men and women challenging misogyny is relatively balanced (28% of men vs. 31% of women), suggesting a growing awareness across genders. However, there is still much work to be done.

How to combat misogyny

Tackling misogyny requires collective effort from individuals, communities, and policymakers. Here are some ways everyone can help challenge and reduce its impact:

• Call out sexist behaviour. If you hear misogynistic jokes or comments, challenge them.
• Listen to women’s experiences. Understanding their concerns fosters empathy and action.
• Be an active witness. Intervene safely when witnessing harassment.
• Support gender equality initiatives. Advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness.
• Educate yourself and others. Learn about misogyny’s impact and encourage discussions in your circles.
• Speak up when safe to do so. Challenge misogynistic behaviour when possible.
• Support other women. Offer solidarity and assistance to those experiencing misogyny.
• Educate young people. Encourage conversations about gender equality from an early age.
• Engage in activism. Support or join movements advocating for women’s rights.
• Encourage male allies. Help men understand how they can contribute to positive change.

The WI’s report paints a concerning picture of how misogyny continues to shape the everyday experiences of women in Britain. However, the growing willingness to challenge it signals hope for a future where gender equality becomes the norm rather than the exception.

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This is usually money, whether  directly or indirectly, through personal information. But it’s not just hacking and social engineering methods they rely on. It’s underlying factors like fear and digital literacy. We delve into how and why swindlers can use these to manipulate you and others.

The Fear Factor

Fear is one of the strongest human emotions. It’s a key feature of our survival instinct that’s fundamental to who we are as people. Scammers intentionally play on this to override rational thinking and responses. This often pushes victims to act without proper forethought, placing them and their money or details in harm’s way. You can see the evidence in many scamming techniques.

Urgent threats: Many common scams create a sense of urgency that pressures you into acting. A message, email, or call warning of bank account closures or overdue payments puts you on the spot. This can evoke a panic response, cloud your judgement, and make you do things you normally wouldn’t. Scammers use the threat of further repercussions to make action seem like the best (or only) way forward.

Fear of missing out: A different approach relies on a gentler form of fear – the fear of missing out. Promotions for investment opportunities and time-limited deals often seem too good to be true. And they usually are. The more a scammer can get you interested in their offering, the more vulnerable you become.

Read more: Deepfake AI and why you need a safe word

The Digital Divide

Some criminals rely on people’s lack of digital ability to get what they want. Older generations are typically less familiar with the warning signs. They’re more likely to believe that a phishing email or hoax call is legitimate. The absence of an internet connection sometimes makes people vulnerable. But it can also be poor digital literacy while connected.

Scammers tend to exploit the digital divide by:

Posing as an authority or legitimate company: Verifying the identity of someone contacting you is tricky enough for most. For someone with limited knowledge of the online world, the risks are even greater. Impersonations often target people without the power to verify. This makes phishing emails, fake social media profiles, and ‘robocalls’ more likely to succeed.

Using lack of knowledge: Complexity is another way scammers pull wool over the eyes. It’s easier to deceive people unfamiliar with certain technologies and processes. Unsolicited tech support scams and fake software updates are common examples. Scammers may then sell your data on the dark web, which even the most tech-savvy people could be unaware of.

Fear and the Digital Divide combined

These two factors often work hand in hand. Many scamming techniques exploit vulnerabilities linked to both. For example, an inability to verify someone’s identity combined with an urgent threat increases the likelihood of action.

It’s always best to stay calm, seek support from someone else, and avoid making rash decisions.

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Nobody who has been paying attention for the past 20 years is likely to reply to an email from a Nigerian prince offering untold riches. But even some of the smartest have fallen for the latest generation of highly advanced deepfake AI scams. Which is why you should consider a safeword. Sexy, right?

Fake calls and texts

Fake texts purporting to be from your offspring saying they’re in trouble or need money are old news. But AI has enabled scammers to send you a convincing voice note or even set up a video call that looks and sounds exactly like your child. It could be a deepfake with their [your child’s] face and voice planted on to another person, who is actually talking to you live. Like wearing a living mask. It’s insanely believable.

… you could have a live conversation with someone who looks and sounds exactly like your son or daughter

AI technology can make scarily accurate videos and audio recordings using images, audio data or videos already published. Creators take existing images or videos and feed the data to an AI generator, creating a believable replica. The voice and face can be planted on another person. So you could have a live conversation with someone who looks and sounds exactly like your son or daughter. It is emotionally manipulative and designed to tug on the heartstrings. After all, what kind of monstrous parent isn’t going to help their child if they call with an emergency?

So far, these types of deepfakes have mostly been used to replicate famous faces. In 2022, a deepfake surfaced of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy calling on his soldiers to lay down their weapons and return home. Videos of Donald Trump being arrested have also been widely circulated. Depressingly, some celebrities have found porn being made using deepfakes of their images.

But this doesn’t mean you are immune to receiving a deepfake impersonation scam. Especially if you have family members with a visible online presence. It is important to verify the authenticity of unexpected requests, especially if they’re asking for money or sensitive information.

Phishing using ChatGPT

Phishing is a cyber-attack where the criminals impersonate bona fide individuals, businesses, or organisations to deceive people into sharing sensitive info. Such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.

Gone are the days of looking out for grammar and spelling mistakes to decipher if an email is a phishing expedition. Scammers are now using ChatGPT and other similar programmes to make very believable deepfake emails and messages that look like they have come from legitimate sources.

ChatGPT and similar AI applications can even copy the tone of a company’s communications and automatically correct poor spelling and grammar. Which means looking for the old tale-tell signs is becoming harder.

Read more: Navigating red flags in online dating

Fake verification

On to banks. And online banks, such as Starling or Monzo, have grown in popularity. But their rise has opened the door to fake verification scams. These banks don’t have bricks-and-mortar branches where humans can verify your identity. Instead, they rely heavily on video and photographic verification. Hello AI corruption and identity theft.

Fake accounts with fake identities and even fake videos are being made to secure loans, credit cards…

When signing up to these services, the banks will generally ask for a photo of your ID and a video of yourself to verify your documents. But what happens when these are AI-generated deepfakes? Fake accounts with fake identities and even fake videos are being made to secure loans, credit cards, and make transfers, leaving unsuspecting people out of pocket.

These sorts of scams can happen with banks that have physical branches too. But with precautions, such as two-factor verification with a fingerprint, and being sent a verification code by text when using their online services, and stringent fraud protection protocols, such as automatically blocking suspicious-looking transactions and alerting customers immediately, it is generally more difficult for opportunistic scammers.

With online-only banks being especially popular with younger customers, it’s worth having a bank security conversation with your children, even if they’re already adults.

How to protect yourself from deepfakes

To mitigate the risks associated with deepfake impersonation scams, it’s crucial firstly to be aware of the games being played, so you can at least try to spot them. Also for individuals to verify the authenticity of unexpected requests, especially those involving financial transactions or sensitive information.

Smell a deepfake rat, such as ‘your child’ asking for money? Try to directly contact the person who is supposedly calling you. Or seek confirmation from a reliable source before taking any action.

Choose a safeword or phrase

A good place to start is with a safeword or code or phrase to protect yourself and those close to you from fakes such as the frantic phone call that starts with “Mum, I’ve crashed the car and need money!” Choose a safeword or phrase that you can all use and share to identify that you’re real.

It is worth sitting down with family and maybe even close friends to agree this together. Make sure it’s unique so that scammers can’t guess, but something that everyone will remember. And, obviously, tell everyone in the safeword circle of trust not to share it. Otherwise this will quickly become a pointless exercise.

If you get calls, texts, emails or whatever, supposedly from a friend or family member and you don’t trust it, make sure to ask them for the secret code so you know it’s really them.

Extra steps to foil fraudsters

Even the most memorable code can slip someone’s mind. But there are additional steps you can take to make sure it’s a genuine call, message or email. If the caller is getting in touch to tell you they have a new number or email address, get in touch with them via their previous details to check before engaging.

Never fall for “Don’t tell anyone” line

This tactic is difficult if it’s a distressed call. But if it seems dodgy, hang up and call the number back. If you have another device handy, such as a laptop or landline, stay on the phone. But get in touch with the caller via another method at the same time. A quick Facebook or desktop WhatsApp message to ask if the person is OK could save the day.

Never fall for “Don’t tell anyone” line. This can be a way to minimise the chance of you finding out that this is a blag. And the person being impersonated is actually fine. Even if it feels wrong and a bit intrusive, consider asking other people if they’ve heard about the caller’s supposed emergency.

Spotting fake emails and texts

While fake emails and texts are less likely to be riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes there are other telltale signs that you’ve received a scummy AI-generated fake. The obvious precaution is to not click on a link or open an attachment from a sender you don’t trust. This still happens with alarming frequency, drawing unsuspecting people onto malware or phishing sites.

Check the email address carefully. It might look legitimate, but have a slight variation on the real thing. For example, the format could be slightly different, such as ending with a .com when the real company uses the .co.uk format, or the company name might be presented differently to the genuine emails.

Generic greetings, such as “Dear Valued Customer”, can be another giveaway. Even mass mail-outs from legitimate companies can personalise every email, so it’s addressed to you.

If the email or text claims to be urgent or makes a threat such as claiming your account will be suspended unless you provide immediate information, this creates pressure for the receiver to act quickly. And when someone acts in a state of panic, they might not do their due diligence and check if the message is real.

Protect your information and identity

Always be wary of requests for personal information, such as passwords or bank account details. Legitimate companies and organisations do not ask for such data by email or text. Messages that claim changes have been made to your account that you didn’t authorise or expect should be checked out too. Verify the claim via the company’s official website or customer service channels.

If you have any doubts at all, it is wise to check with the company directly rather than engaging with the email or text. Investing in antivirus software and email filters can help detect and block suspicious messages, including those with deepfake content.

Staying informed about emerging deepfake technologies can help protect against manipulation and fraud. And, as the old saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you’ve been snared by an AI deepfake or any kind of scam, start HERE

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Deepfake AI scams and why you need a safeword appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Inspired by her love for history and cosy crime, Everett dreamed up Edie York. A Manchester-based reporter stuck answering telephone calls at her local paper. Until she gets caught up in the death of a Home Guard soldier.

Everett shares how her book deal came about, after thirty years as a journalist, how WWII became the setting for her series, and the solitude that comes with being a writer. 

Who are you, and what’s going on?

F. L. Everett

I’ve been a journalist, columnist and editor for thirty years. I’ve self-published a novel and had several non-fiction books published. But during the pandemic, I turned 50, my son had long left home, I’d finally rejected the terrifying concept of getting a full-time job, and I decided it was time to concentrate on a novel I first started ten years ago, and see if I could get it published.

Writing fiction is all I’ve ever wanted to do – but with the need to earn a living it’s been hard to give it the time it needs to succeed. I felt it was now or never, so I sent a tweet in reply to publisher Bookouture’s request to see new synopses, and they liked the idea enough to follow it up. Two years later, I have a three book deal to write the Edie York series, about a brave and nosy young journalist in WWII Manchester. Who keeps getting drawn into murder investigations.

The first is out on 21 September, and book two is already written.

What aspects of your life experiences do you find yourself drawing upon most frequently as you craft the characters and plots in your crime novels?

I have been a journalist on a local paper but obviously not during WWII. People don’t change that much though, and I’ve met many people who have lent a little of themselves to the characters. In Annie, Edie’s best friend, there’s a bit of my own dearest friends – people who can sometimes annoy you, but you love them enough for it not to matter. I loved writing about Edie’s newspaper colleagues, and I believe I’ve made them up – but who knows!? 

Her editor, Mr Gorringe, is a stickler for grammar – and so is my dad. So I think I’ve probably borrowed little bits here and there. In Lou, my irascible detective inspector, I can see certain elements of my husband. I didn’t think I was anything like Edie – until I described her to my best friend (‘small, nosy, won’t take no for an answer’) and she snorted. 

In terms of plot, that really is made up. But I know Manchester very well, having grown up there and lived nearby until ten years ago. I now live in the West Highlands, but I go back all the time to see family and friends. The book is a bit of a love letter to my home town. I do a lot of research to find out where certain buildings would have stood in 1940, where was bombed and when. It’s given me a new appreciation for the buildings that stayed standing!

Could you share a glimpse into your writing process? How do you go about developing a crime storyline that keeps readers engaged?

I wish I had a process. Basically, I begin with the victim, and the circumstances of the murder scene, then work backwards to figure out who killed them and why. I don’t know if this is the normal path for a cosy crime writer, but it’s the only way I can do it. I spend a lot of time on long dog walks, thinking about alibis and red herrings, and I make voice-notes on my phone, like Alan Partridge. But I am a plotter, not a ‘pantser’ – I can’t imagine making it up as I go along. 

I begin with the victim, and the circumstances of the murder scene, then work backwards

Before I start, I write a detailed synopsis, then I break it down into chapters. It makes the process much easier. Did I mention I’m a Virgo who packs two days before a trip, and likes to do my washing on holiday, so I come home with clean clothes? Yeah. These things go deep. 

I also discuss certain things with my husband Andy, who has worryingly acute insight into how a killer’s mind might work. But largely, I just do what I’ve always wanted to do. Sit at my desk, or the kitchen table, with the cat and snacks nearby, and make it up. 

Crime novels often involve intricate details and suspenseful twists. How do you approach research to ensure your stories are both captivating and authentic?

First of all, I have an amazing historian friend, Catherine Pitt (of Pitt Stops, on Facebook). She’s been absolutely invaluable with the second book, which is quite complicated and needed a lot of research. I’d message things like ‘could you get a train to London from Manchester in April 1941 without stopping?’ and she’d find out within five minutes.

I also read a lot of WWII social history books. I have an entire bookcase dedicated to them, and I find myself ordering even more. At first it was just the basics, but now I’m getting into the obscure, white-label imports. I love reading about it, and I hate the feeling that I might be getting things wrong. I like my fiction to be rooted in genuine history. I also watch films set during the war, like Mrs Miniver and This Happy Breed. They’re invaluable for getting dialogue and class issues right. I have been to the Imperial War Museum North in Salford and the Police Museum in Manchester, both of which are incredible repositories of historic research. And then, of course, there’s Google. 

I love reading about [WWII], and I hate the feeling that I might be getting things wrong. I like my fiction to be rooted in genuine history.

In terms of plot, I love reading crime and have done since I was ten. I tend to think ‘would I guess the killer? And if so, would I guess why?’ and having read so much Golden Age crime is a real help in terms of pacing and plot twists. 

With three crime novels in the works, have you planned out all of them in one go? Or will you wing it?

No, one at time, although I do have a rough idea of the general themes of each one. I’ve just written the plot synopsis for book three, so I’ve done the hard work. Now I just have to write it.

Read more interviews – Joe McGann’s sober companion: an interview about an intervention

Many writers find inspiration from other art forms, like music or visual art. Are there any unexpected sources that have influenced your approach to crime fiction?

Yes. I think being a journalist means you’re interested in lots of different things, and I love a bit of culture. There’s reference to the arts in all of the books so far. I love researching the cultural aspects of life in the war – what they’d have seen in galleries, or at the pictures, and what music and theatre they’d enjoy. I spend a lot of time on YouTube doing ‘research.’

And of course, Edie herself is an avid reader of crime novels, so that’s fun too. Though I have to check the publishing dates to make sure she’d have been able to get them from Boots lending library. 

As you’ve transitioned into novel writing, have you discovered any surprising challenges or unexpected joys that differ from your previous work?

It’s all joy so far, apart from structural edits, which mean changing bits around like a Chinese puzzle, only to find your small alteration has messed up an entire sequence of chapter. Other than that though, I love everything about writing novels. It really is the dream. All I want in life is to be left alone to make stuff up. And to make enough money to run an animal sanctuary for abandoned cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, pygmy goats…

Writing can be a solitary endeavour. Do you find opportunities to connect with other writers or readers to discuss your ideas and thoughts? Or just crack on alone?

Being a freelance journalist is pretty solitary these days too. It’s not like when I began back in the ‘90s, when I was going all over town interviewing people in their living rooms. I love people and like to think I have lots of friends, but not when I’m working. I’m extremely solitary as a writer, like some toiling spider in a dark corner. 

It’s not like when I began back in the ‘90s, going all over town interviewing people in their living rooms

I can’t imagine being in writer’s groups and getting ‘feedback.’ Other people’s opinions are the kiss of death, and make me doubt myself. I’d much rather crack on, then find out what they think after it’s published! 

I don’t even like writing in public places like cafes. The noise! And the people! I’m much happier with a cup of tea and deafening silence. Apart from the pets snoring.

Crime novels often explore the darker aspects of human nature. How do you approach delving into these themes while keeping the narrative engaging and not overly grim?

‘Cosy’ crime is a very specific genre – there are rules. You can’t kill children or pets, and you don’t want anything too grisly at the murder scene. It’s more interesting to me to look at the psychological factors at play with crime, than peer at viscera on the pathologist’s slab. I’d always rather watch Endeavour than Silent Witness. So, I adhere to the principle of ‘if the audience doesn’t need to see it, don’t show it.’ 

Can you share a pivotal moment or realisation that pushed you to pursue crime fiction as the genre for your novels?

It’s what I love most as a reader. I think for a long time I was scared to attempt it. I knew nothing about the police or prison, and I wasn’t sure I could make it authentic in any way. Then I realised I could set it in the past, and suddenly I felt freed up to write the sort of book I would love to read.

I think it really began, though, in the school library when I was eleven. I was lurking in there one rainy lunchtime, and came across the Agatha Christie classic, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Well, it blew me away. I had never read anything so gripping or surprising. 

My wonderful grandma was a huge classic crime fan, and she introduced me to the rest of Christie, and then Sherlock Holmes stories, and Ruth Rendell. I have loved crime novels ever since, and always dreamed of writing one. I think most crime fans really love the fact that within the boundaries of a novel, calm is brought to chaos. The world is an alarming and random place, but a great crime novel narrates the pursuit of truth and justice, and ends with the case closed. It all goes back to my holiday packing, really. I like calmness and order. And I like to know everything.

In a rapidly evolving literary landscape, what do you hope your crime novels bring to readers that sets them apart and makes them memorable?

I hope they’ll invest in the character of Edie, and in her life during wartime. It’s not so long ago, but in many ways it was such a different world. I’ve tried to bring some lightness to it, as well as the darkness. My grandparents lived through the war and were both very funny. I think a lot of WWII set books overlook the fact that people made jokes, and had little irritations about queuing and sandwiches, as well as dealing with the big things. So I hope the characters feel real, and that the Manchester setting is a reminder that the war didn’t just happen in London. It was everywhere, and everyone suffered in different ways. 

I hope they enjoy trying to solve the mysteries that Edie finds herself wandering into, and lastly, I hope they like the dog. Of course I had to include one. 

Murder in the Blitz by F.L. Everett is available for purchase on 21 September as in paperback, audio, and ebook. 

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Murder in the Blitz – Interview with Flic Everett appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Making the personal so public has not improved anything, it will not bring these women back. But it will feed the greedy sense of entitlement towards information about women’s bodies and lives.

The Nicola Bulley case caused every armchair detective in the country to share half-baked theories on social media. Everything from life insurance fraud to Masonic involvement, to the unhinged hypothesis that Nicola Bulley never existed and it was part of the government’s agenda to get us all microchipped through vaccines popped up online like ghoulish boils.

The demands for the specifics came thick and fast, along with the assumptions. Was she mentally ill? If so, what was her diagnosis? What was going on in her relationship?

Against this backdrop of insatiable hunger for information in the era of the 24-hour news cycle – even when there was nothing new to report – the Lancashire police were under increasing pressure to release more details, anything to feed the beast, no matter how irrelevant it might be to the case or how distressing it might be to her family and friends.

For years to come, the police press conferences will be debated in media studies classes, especially the day when it was announced that Nicola was a “vulnerable missing person”. It is easy to see why the police might have hoped this information would quell the speculation. Unfortunately, it had the opposite effect. The demands for the specifics came thick and fast, along with the assumptions. Was she mentally ill? If so, what was her diagnosis? What was going on in her relationship? Maybe she was epileptic and had a fit by the River Wyre? Perhaps a diabetic coma would explain everything? And so on and so forth…

It was then announced that Nicola was struggling with the menopause and had issues with alcohol. Opinion veered between “Why weren’t we told this sooner?” to “Why was this information released at all?”

Self-promoting Peter Faulding, the man who claimed he’d find her body if it was in the river and then failed to do so, said he would have searched for her differently if he knew this information – but he can’t seem to explain how his search would be any different. He, like countless others, feels an outrageous sense of entitlement about Nicola Bulley’s private information.

As a childless 46-year-old, I still get asked why I don’t have any kids. If I want to tell you, I’ll volunteer the information

For women, this level of intrusion is standard. We don’t even get any peace from it in death. As a childless 46-year-old, I still get asked why I don’t have any kids. If I want to tell you, I’ll volunteer the information. If I go missing, I hope my reproductive status doesn’t make headlines. God knows how the concern trolls and amateur Poirots of the internet will react.

If Nicola Bulley’s issues with the menopause and alcohol had come out earlier, it is not hard to imagine online sympathy drying up. It is easy to dismiss a woman’s suffering if she falls short of the angelic image of the perfect victim.

Equally, the horrendous case of Emma Pattison, the Epsom College head teacher murdered with her daughter by her husband who then killed himself, brought out demands for more information. It was not on the same scale as the Nicola Bulley case, but even as it became apparent that it was a murder-suicide, there were demands to quiz the school’s caretaker and the usual “there has to be more to this than meets the eye” comments.

Once it was revealed that the police got involved after the couple had an argument in 2016, victim-blaming became inevitable.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]The only person to blame for the murders is the husband, not Emma for daring to succeed[/perfectpullquote]

The Daily Mail ran a story with this long-winded and appalling headline: “Did living in the shadow of his high achieving wife lead to unthinkable tragedy? Details emerge of the tensions behind the picture perfect lives of the Epsom College head and her husband who ‘killed her and their daughter before turning the gun on himself’.”

The only person to blame for the murders is the husband, not Emma for daring to succeed. She was at the pinnacle of her career, yet baying mobs are only satisfied when they can find a way to justify heinous crimes. A seven-year-old marital argument or the murderer’s pathetic struggles with moving from Caterham to Epsom – a distance of 15 miles – to follow his wife are not acceptable reasons to kill your family. Nothing constructive has been gained by putting this information in the public domain.

It is hard to see Nicola Bulley’s death leading to better understanding of the menopause or alcoholism, just as it’s hard to see Emma Pattison’s murder doing a damn thing to improve the lives of women who suffer at the hands of their partners, regardless of their age or socio-economic status. Instead, we are left with the private lives and medical histories of two women ripped open for all to see. They are unable to defend themselves. They are unable to define their own legacies.

The personal has become public, as is so often the case for women. It doesn’t stop as we get older. We are expected to put up with it. But when our private lives and our bodies become fair game, it is seldom the catalyst for positive change. We deserve better than to be reduced to headlines and soundbites. We deserve better than to have our lives raked over by online ghouls. We deserve better full stop.

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post Even in death, our bodies and lives are public property appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Flicking through the news stories this morning I’m seeing a slew of bad stuff going down at festivals. The final day at Reading saw mobs setting fires and brawling, with other safety concerns raised such as needle spiking, looting, and people throwing big stuff at each other.

A 16-year-old lad has died at Leeds Festival, possibly after taking MDMA. A rape has happened at Green Man festival in Wales. We’ve got arrests at Notting Hill Carnival for offensive weapons, sexual assault, and drugs; and this is over just one weekend. And only in the UK.

I guess if you lock young people up for a couple of years and then let them go berserk in a field with loads of alcohol, drugs, and loud music, some of this might have been expected. But if that’s the case, why aren’t there measures in place to manage this?

And what is the future of our festivals looking like?

She's moving to the arena but security are thin on the ground. This is orange camp off Little John's Lane pic.twitter.com/1VmP25xfLw

— Alison (@999bradders) August 28, 2022

Have we learned nothing from Woodstock 99 or Fyre?

Last weekend I sat down to watch Woodstock 99, and ended up binge watching the whole thing, my jaw falling increasingly south. Like most people, I could hardly believe was I was seeing. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s quite the watch.

As someone who owned an event management business for a decade, I was shocked and astonished at the appalling organisational tactics, mostly. And as a TV voyeur with a dark and twisted sense of humour, I confess to being absolutely glued to the whole debacle. I think I must have said “holy fuck” about twenty times per episode.

Off the back of that, even though I kinda knew the story, yesterday I watched the Fyre Festival one. Shocking in a different way, slightly more amusing because honestly, who the hell falls for that sort of PR based on an event that has never existed before? The fact that people parted with thousands of dollars for what was essentially a ponzi scheme, like Woodstock 99 also was, is appalling, of course it is. But this felt like a much more modern calamity, and I’m afraid I laughed anew at the cheese sandwich Tweet.

This stuff is so predictable, really

I was struck by a few things, watching both these documentaries. First and foremost, the ego – and astonishing charisma – of the men at the helm. To have pushed huge scale events that far forward without having everyone just downing tools is frankly astounding. You’ve gotta have some hutzpah for that kind of bullshit. Interestingly neither Billy McFarland (Fyre) nor the late Michael Lang (Woodstock) were the slightest bit repentant after the events. A psychologist would have a field day.

Secondly, how making things about money is never a great idea. Woodstock 99 was a scamola from start to finish, and Fyre was SO much about money, that people couldn’t even trust their own gut instincts about the whole thing until it was too late.

Thirdly, choosing the right acts is important. Who the hell thought Woodstock 99 should have a lineup that included Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, Rage… etc? What kind of vibe did they expect to create with that kind of music? Doesn’t look very Woodstocky to me – and Fred Durst has a lot to answer for, in my humble opinion. Apparently at Reading, the fights started breaking out when two acts with differing subcultural followings were mixed together, resulting in the modern-day equivalent of mods and rockers going at it. Jesus, first rule of large scale events – know your audience.

Fourth, if you treat people like animals, very often they’ll behave like animals. That’s in any situation.

Fifth, you can never have enough decent security, risk assessments, or medics. And I don’t just mean to keep crowd control, I mean to keep people actually safe. Stop them getting spiked or raped. Take care of them when they’re hurt or ill. Prevent people setting fires, and so on. When things get ugly in crowds, that vibe spreads FAST, motherfucker. Remember football violence?

Finally, it’s young, mostly white males who do this shit. Most people over 35 at festivals have zero energy or tolerance for this kind of crap. They’ve either got kids with them, or they’re not interested. They’re there for the music, and the vibe. And yeah, I know there are exceptions. And if I’m going to go with sweeping statements, I’m also going to bet that the boys do the damage, but often the girls egg them on. Come for me on that, I’ll stand by it.

So, should we stop letting in young people?

Now look. I’m out here fighting ageism, and that means in ALL its forms. So I don’t do the whole ‘young people today are so ghastly’ thing. Mostly they’re not. Mostly they’re brilliant. But I’m also 52 years of age and I’ve had my fair share of mosh pits and danger. If I go to a festival, honestly, I want a nice tent with a proper bed, some hot showers and clean lavs, decent food, great music, the chance to wear stupid clothes – that kind of thing.

I don’t want to set fire to others’ belongings, throw chairs at people who like folk music, fight with the vegan felafel vendor for not having bacon, or kick down a stage. None of these things feel like fun. Well, maybe kicking down a stage would feel kinda cool. But I wouldn’t do it. I’m there to have a nice time.

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But, yaknow, there are issues here. And the issues need fixing

We need better security – not just a ton of first year uni students volunteering so they get to see the bands for free. Properly trained people that cost actual money.

We need better first aid and medical support, better drug testing. There is no point telling people not to take drugs at a festival, but you CAN make them safer.

More security looking out for idiots with needles. This needle-spiking trend is grim. I honestly don’t know how to fix it, but how about stop looking for people smoking weed, and start expending more time looking for real wrong ‘uns?

And treat people well. They have paid good money to come to an event, put their trust in the organisers to look after them, entertain them, feed them… it’s not much to ask. And the prices are high – festivals are not a cheap ticket. If you treat people badly, they’ll behave badly.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

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