The public are being told to keep an eye out for “a piece of history”, as the first King Charles £1 coins have officially entered UK circulation.
After the designs for the new coins were revealed back in October 2023, a total of 2.975 million £1s have now been issued to UK Post Offices and banks from today, and are currently in the process of making their way into tills nationwide.
Each of the eight UK coins feature a new design, all of which apparently highlight King Charles III‘s “passion for conservation”.
According to the Royal Mint, the bee symbol has been chosen to represent the fact that there’s more than 250 species of bee currently existing in Britain, including bumblebees, mason bees, and mining bees, and to show just what a pivotal role these “industrious insects” play in pollinating plants and fruiting trees.
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And not only can bees be found all over the country, commonly in gardens, parks, woods, orchards, and meadows, but now they can also be found on the reverse of the UK £1 coin.
The Hazel Dormouse, Puffin, and Red Squirrel are just a couple of the other species which feature on the other seven coins – which have all been created with the support of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
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Millions of new King Charles £1 coins have officially entered circulation in the UK / Credit: The Royal Mint
Rebecca Morgan, who is the Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, the country’s official coin maker is “honoured” to confirm the new £1 has now entered circulation.
“We know there’ll be a buzz of excitement amongst collectors and the public to get this special piece of history in their change,” she added. “We hope the designs across all denominations spark important conversations about the conservation of these important species.”
Commemorative sets of the new coins are also available from The Royal Mint’s website, if you’re keen to collect them all, and will set you back £34.
Featured Image – The Royal Mint
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
20th August 2024 
