Famous branches: A sprawling cedar tree in London, known for appearing with the Beatles in the video for Rain, has gained new fame as a finalist in a European tree contest. The ancient tree stands in the gardens of Chiswick House, where its sweeping limbs have become a landmark of both music and history. Contest organisers included it under the Rooted in Culture theme, alongside other notable trees like a historic oak tied to Lady Jane Grey and one in Wiltshire said to have inspired the British rock band Radiohead's King of Limbs album. The competition highlights how trees can hold stories that bridge art, heritage, and nature, connecting generations through shared cultural roots.

Kind kitchen: In Austin, Texas USA, the owners of a long-running Korean restaurant have built a community tradition by giving away over 15,000 free meals to anyone who shows up. Once a month, Korea House opens its doors for a free lunch, and cooks and waitstaff volunteer their time to prepare and serve traditional dishes. Locals, students, and homeless guests eat together at crowded tables, sharing food and conversation. The restaurant's owners say their faith and gratitude inspire the event. Tips are collected and donated to those in need, keeping the spirit of giving moving forward. For many, the event represents more than a meal; it's a reminder of generosity at its simplest form and the power of food to bring people together.

Motion control: Engineers at Meta, the company behind Facebook, have created a wrist device that turns hand movements into computer commands. The bracelet senses tiny electrical signals from wrist muscles and converts them into actions like typing, scrolling, or selecting text without touch. Built by Meta's Reality Labs, it uses artificial intelligence to recognise motion patterns across users, improving accuracy as it learns. The device connects by Bluetooth and needs no invasive setup. Designed to help people with limited mobility or those managing multiple screens, it offers a glimpse of how technology could soon respond directly to muscle movement, blending physical gestures with digital control.

Urban stargazing: A volunteer group called PopScope is turning ordinary sidewalks into astronomy viewing spots, giving city dwellers a chance to see the night sky up close. Started in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada), the project sets up telescopes in busy areas and invites anyone passing by to take a free look at planets, stars, or the moon. What began as a local experiment has grown across several countries, with hundreds of pop-up events drawing curious crowds. Reactions often shift from surprise to awe as people glimpse Saturn's rings or Jupiter's moons through city lights. For the volunteers, it's less about data and more about connection, reminding everyone that even in crowded streets, there's still wonder waiting above.

Only enemies speak the truth; friends and lovers lie endlessly, caught in the web of duty. ~ Stephen King

We can't plan life. All we can do is be available for it. ~ Lauryn Hill

Spark Jump provides low-cost internet to homes with children under 18 but no broadband connection. No credit checks or contracts. Contact Addington.net on 962 7244 or book online at steppingup.nz

Speak For Yourself Toastmasters Club. Ever wanted to practice speaking in front of others? Come and see what we're all about, and meet some awesome people! Upper Riccarton Library, 71 Main South Road Sockburn, 6.15pm-8pm on Tuesdays. 0273996535

Volunteers required by the Down by the Liffey Gallery, Lincoln for monthly 3 hour shifts. Contact 3252832 for further details.

Greater Hornby Residents Association. Meetings are held in the last Sunday of every month in the Hornby Rugby Clubrooms, Denton Park at 2pm. All welcome.

Tecorians a friendly club for people looking to gain confidence, stimulation or simply enjoy talking to interesting people. Meetings 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Phone or text 021 395 587

Rolleston Toastmasters. Ever wanted to practice speaking in front of others? Come along and join our fun, friendly and most importantly SUPPORTIVE atmosphere. You are welcome to come along and just watch to see what we do, we won't pressure you to speak in front of everyone. The Mens Shed, 54 Dynes Road, Rolleston 6.15pm - 8.15pm. Every Monday.

Prebbleton Craft Group Craft Day, Every second Thursday 7-9pm, Prebbleton Cottage, Cnr Blakes & Springs Road, join us to create a variety of craft projects. 0212156164

Free notices for not for profits grace@coffeenews.co.nz

1. Was Chile a home to the Inca, Maya, or Aztec people?

2. Greece is the westernmost country on the Mediterranean Sea - T/F?

3. What is the smallest bird in the world?

4. In the movie The Wizard of Oz, is Kansas portrayed in colour or black and white?

5. What does A.I. stand for?

Historic hub: Long before any modern metropolis, ancient Rome became the first city to house over a million people. Its bustling streets, flowing water, and thriving markets made it the urban heart of its time, unmatched until centuries later.

Palace giant: The Royal Palace of Caserta in southern Italy was built for Bourbon kings and remains one of the largest royal residences in the world. Designed to rival Versailles, it holds hundreds of rooms and vast gardens that still draw visitors today.

Blood hunt: When it comes to mosquitoes, the females are the ones causing all the trouble. They need blood to develop their eggs, so they seek out people and animals. Males, meanwhile, stay harmless by sipping nectar instead.

Sky span: Hidden in Washington's Olympic Peninsula in USA, the High Steel Bridge rises hundreds of feet above the Skokomish River. Once built for trains and now open to cars, it remains one of the tallest and most striking bridges in the country.

Fossil fizz: A brewery once brewed beer using yeast taken from ancient whale fossils. The experiment turned an ordinary drink into something unusual, blending science with craft brewing and giving people a chance to sip a little bit of history.

Did you hear about the feline who won a dog show? It was a cat-astrophe.

Moe: What animal can jump higher than a house? Joe: Any animal. Houses can't jump.

What time is it when an elephant sits on your fence? Time to get a new fence.

If you want to make some money, get into flower sales. I hear business is blooming.

1. Inca 2. False, Spain and Morocco 3. Hummingbird 4. Black and white 5. Artificial Intelligence