Vegans are set to stage protests against the “exploitative” dairy industry in Manchester city centre this weekend.
Organised by one of the UK’s leading vegan charities, Viva!, this Saturday is one of several ‘Days of Action’ that take place throughout the year, and it’ll see activists assemble on high streets in dozens of major cities and towns nationwide in an attempt to “educate members of the public about the modern dairy industry”.
They’ll also be encouraging people to opt for plant-based milk alternatives where possible, and sharing the benefits of switching to them.
Protests will be taking place in over 100 towns and cities across the UK – including here in Manchester.
Campaigners will be taking a stand outside Boots on Market Street in Manchester city centre this Saturday 27 January from 1-4pm to hand out leaflets, hold placards, and have “friendly open conversations” with people about why they should consider becoming vegan.
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Vegans to protest against the ‘exploitative’ dairy industry in Manchester tomorrow / Credit: Silvia Paten-Bonehill (via Viva!)
Viva! says its ‘Days of Action’ were set up after the charity conducted a recent undercover investigation into Home Farm – a Red Tractor-approved dairy farm that supplies milk to Freshways, which in turn, supplies milk to Costa Coffee.
The charity says it found cows at Home Farm that were emaciated, lame, and struggling to walk, while others were manhandled, slapped, and shoved, and some were even visibly-injured or in shackles.
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But despite the shocking revelations from the investigation, and what Viva! has called a “mountain of evidence indicating breaches of animal welfare laws”, Home Farm is continuing to deny any wrongdoing, according to the charity, and Red Tractor claims that Home Farm abides by their standards.
🐮 TAKE ACTION AGAINST DAIRY CORPORATE CRUELTY ON 27 JAN 🐮
There are lots of events already planned across the country, please get involved if there's an event in your local town or city! 🙌
“After seeing first-hand the despicable conditions that these poor cows and calves are being kept in at Home Farm, I knew Viva! had to act,” said Viva!’s founder and director Juliet Gellatley ahead of Saturday’s protests in Manchester.
“It was heart-rending to see these gentle curious animals being treated so badly, so that’s why we’re taking to the streets to educate the public on what the dairy industry is really like.
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“We’ll be having frank and positive conversations with people about where their food comes from, as well as giving out vegan samples to show that they do not need to rely on this cruel and exploitative industry, or compromise on taste.”
Featured Image – Silvia Paten-Bonehill (via Viva!)
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McDonald’s announces 2024 Christmas menu with new Cheesy McCrispy, Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie, and more
Emily Sergeant
McDonald’s has unveiled its Christmas menu for 2024, and there’s lots of festive feasting to get stuck into.
It’s been a long time coming, but after several chains and fast food joints have already announced and launched their festive food and drink offerings for 2024 over the last few weeks, McDonald’s has finally joined the Christmas party, and there’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup to get those mouths watering.
We’re talking Cheese Melt Dippers, seasonal McFlurrys, limited-edition festive pies, and a cheesy twist on one of the chain’s most popular burgers.
New to the menu this year is the Cheesy McCrispy, which is a “levelled up” version of the McCripsy we all know and love, taking the classic crispy chicken fillet and all the trimmings, and combining it with two slices of cheese, and lashings of rich cheese sauce.
McDonald’s has unveiled is Christmas menu for 2024 / Credit: McDonalds UK
Other burgers on the lineup are the grand return of the Big Tasty and Big Tasty with Bacon, both made with a 100% beef patty, Emmental cheese, onions, juicy tomatoes, and topped off with a unique smoky-flavoured sauce nested in a freshly-toasted bun.
Also being thrown back into the mix this year are the Cheese Melt Dippers, which are the perfect festive feast accompaniment made with camembert and served with a rich tomato dip.
Happy Meals will also be taking on a special Grinch theme this year too.
Got yourself a bit of sweet tooth though? There’s two new tasty treats to choose from this year, alongside the return of the beloved Galaxy Caramel McFlurry.
There’s a bunch of new and returning fan favourites on the lineup / Credit: Visual Karsa (via Unsplash)
If Galaxy Caramel isn’t your thing, then perhaps chocolate orange will be instead, as 2024 brings the introduction of the Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry, with Terry’s Chocolate Orange mini segments and chocolate orange sauce swirled into the ice cream, and then there’s the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Pie.
This year, McDonald’s has combined its classic pie with everyone’s favourite zesty chocolate to create a crispy chocolate pastry filled with a Terry’s Chocolate Orange-flavoured ganache.
On the hot drinks front, you have a Galaxy Caramel Latte and a Galaxy Caramel Hot Chocolate to choose from.
The full McDonald’s 2024 Festive Menu will be available to tuck into from 20 November, and is expected to stick around until the new year.
Featured Image – McDonald’s UK
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Asda relaunches over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1
Emily Sergeant
Asda is bringing back its popular £1 ‘winter warmer’ cafe meal deal to support the over 60s during the colder months.
After it was sadly revealed that almost one in five elderly people claimed there were days when they didn’t speak to a single soul last Christmas, and that during the run up to the big day, 15% said they got used to not conversing with other people, Asda has decided to relaunch one of its most widely-praised cafe meal deals again this year.
To support those who need it most as the temperatures drop, the supermarket is, once again, offering all over 60s the chance to enjoy some hearty soup, a bread roll, and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any of its cafes across the UK.
Back by popular demand, this year’s Winter Warmer initiative is bigger and better than ever, with three soup flavours to choose from.
With the offer now running until the end of 2024, Asda is aiming to transform its in store dining spaces into ‘Chatty Cafes’ – where senior citizens can come together under one roof, eat and drink, and make some new friends.
As well as its ‘Chatty Cafe’ offer, Asda colleagues will be also be donning ‘Happy to Chat’ badges throughout the festive season, checking in on older customers in store and when delivering home shopping orders, while the Asda Foundation will deliver £600k worth of grants to tackle loneliness amongst the elderly by boosting activities in the local communities, and funding Christmas celebrations.
Asda has relaunched its over 60s ‘winter warmer’ cafe deal with soup and unlimited hot drinks for £1 / Credit: Asda
“Christmas is a time to enjoy time with loved ones,” explained David Hills, who is the Chief Customer Officer at Asda, “and the fact one in 10 of our older generation is facing Christmas alone is genuinely sobering.
“That’s why we’re proud to invest almost £1 million through our in-store initiatives and grants to do what we can to tackle loneliness and isolation in the communities we serve.
“Our teams do incredible work to support communities all year round, and I’m so proud to be able to launch the Chatty Cafés initiative today, alongside our renowned Winter Warmers deal, which we know is a lifeline to many.”
Emily Sergeant -
26th January 2024 
