The faith film Jesus Revolution, distributed by Kova International in 157 cinemas across the UK and Ireland, has reached over £100,000 in its first week. Making £56,243 on opening weekend (23rd-25th June), this film has nearly doubled its revenue since then, with church groups selling out cinema screens at weekday showings.
While headlines often tell us that the Church in the UK and Ireland is in decline, this clearly tells a different story. The Church is engaged and interested in good faith content and there is a demand for it in mainstream cinema. The KOVA team have been inundated with requests for new locations, group bookings and permission to share and publicise local screenings.
All Photos: Courtesy of the Jesus Revolution Movie
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always been a decent car, but it’s spent most of its life in the shadows on the BMW 5 Series.
Mercedes has upped its game in recent years, though, with more dynamism in its designs, consigning to the history bin its reputation of making big saloons for older people.
It has also introduced some plug-in hybrid versions, including the one driven here, the E300e.
While traditional petrol and diesels are offered with some mild-hybrid tech, the E300e comes with a 2.0-litre petrol mated to an electric motor. It is good enough for 320PS and a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds. That is not bad for a big saloon car.
And the Mercedes-Benz does this while emitting a ridiculously low 35g/km of CO2, managing as much as 188mpg – figures the mild-hybrids can’t even dream of.
It will even do 34 miles of all-electric driving at motorway speeds, and a full charge takes 90 minutes from a 7.4kW home wall box.
In AMG Line trim, as tested, you get some sporty bodywork, along with 18-inch alloys, a wireless phone charger, adaptive LED headlights and heated leather seats. The model also houses dual-zone climate control, a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that includes navigation as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
The engine is smooth and quiet, only producing any noise when you rev hard. And, pulling off the line, the extra torque provided by the electric motor makes a noticeable difference to the pace.
While big saloons don’t make for the best handling cars, Mercedes has done an excellent job. But the excitement is to be found in the rival 5 Series, with Mercedes tuning the E-Class more for comfort over cornering prowess, despite the AMG Line moniker.
The plug-in E-Classes have even softer suspension, so there’s more lean in the bends. An equivalent 5 Series handles more keenly, but if you want to buy a driving experience, a sporty-trimmed C-Class or 3 Series may be a better fit.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of grip and the steering is precise, although feedback through the wheel could be better.
Around town, the ride can be a little bouncy, but it soon settles at anything over 40mph, making the E-Class a sublime motorway cruiser.
The interior is lovely, with very comfortable seats, helped by adjustable lumbar support.
The infotainment system is impressive, too, with a responsive screen and intuitive menu options. Voice control is included as well, making things even simpler.
The Merc’s digital instrument cluster provides all the information you could want to know, including the remaining battery levels.
There is a decent amount of space inside, especially in the front, and there’s a lot of storage room in the cabin.
The boot capacity is only 370 litres, reduced from 540 litres in the mild hybrids, as the E300e loses underfloor storage due to the batteries.
Safety equipment is packed into the E-Class as standard, featuring semi-autonomous parking, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and blind spot assist.
Unsurprisingly, the E-Class has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and you get a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Overall, the E-Class is comfy, full of equipment and offers excellent economy in plug-in hybrid form. But is the plug-in version worth it? Indeed – the Benefit in Kind saving is especially significant if you’re a company car driver.
Fast Facts – Mercedes-Benz E-Class [E300e AMG Line] as tested:
Max speed: 155 mph
0-62 mph: 5.8 secs
Fuel economy: 188 mpg (WLTP)
Engine layout: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with electric motor
Max. power (PS): 320
CO2: 35 g/km
Price: £57,225
Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Max Dickens describes himself as an author, a playwright and a recovering stand-up comedian. But he has a problem. He’s thinking of getting married, but not sure which of his friends he should choose as his best man. His book Billy No-Mates is an in-depth, honest and humorous investigation of male friendship and the story of how he figured out who the most appropriate friend was.
Dickens unpacks an account of how he struggled to compile a list of ten men friends from which to choose his best man. He googles the phrase ‘getting married, no best man’. He’s surprised to find 994 million results. He is hit with the bombshell realisation that he isn’t alone in his isolation.
He investigates the many factors which can affect our ability to make and maintain friendships. He talks about the risk of loneliness due to moving away from where your friends are, or having poor health which cuts you off from others. Divorce, bereavement, unemployment, or retirement can reduce and sometimes sever our connections with friends. Dickens refers to a 2019 YouGov survey suggesting that one in five men have no close friends, and, according to sociologists, men face ‘network shrinkage’ as regular contact with friends dwindles after the peak of connection around the mid-twenties.
Photo: Max Dickins
At one point Dickens says that with increasing regularity he found himself experiencing ‘a peculiar form of grief: the discombobulating experience of hearing about his male friends’ engagements, marriages, health scares and other massive life changes through social media’ rather than face to face contact.
I can relate to many of the scenarios he presents and have often wondered what would be a normal number of men friends to have. How many blokes do you need in your life who can be there when you are in a crisis or who you can trust with confidential information? Yet in our culture there are many who feel isolated, disconnected and lonely, with no context for meaningful connection and friendship.
Billy No-Mates has an interesting section on male banter, which has gained a bad reputation in recent years as it has transitioned from blokes having a laugh to some men taking the opportunity to put others down. I liked his point about how cruel men can be in giving their mates nick names and how the Best Man’s speech often is an opportunity to deride and embarrass the groom for all sorts of youthful misdemeanors.
Men have the reputation of being closed books when it comes to emotions, preferring to tough things out rather than appear needy. His research revealed that hanging out with male friends was considered by many men as an escape from the emotional intensity and expectations of their home and work life rather than an opportunity for close connection.
The popularity of men’s groups and men’s sheds is discussed. Some may provide a sense of belonging and purpose as men work shoulder to shoulder fixing stuff, while other groups are aimed more at improving mental health and wellbeing as men enjoy chat and friendly banter over a brew.
Clearly, making and maintaining male friendship is not something which happens automatically. It needs to be intentional, and that requires effort. Billy No-Mates is a good read with plenty of humour alongside the more serious findings of Dickens’ research, which included him trying out renting a friend. Who knew that was an option?
Integrity Music recently celebrated surpassing one million subscribers on the label’s YouTube channel – putting it in the top one percent of all channels on the platform. Integrity Music’s writers and artists produce some of the most familiar worship songs sung in churches around the world today, including Way Maker and 10,000 Reasons.
Integrity Music is part of David C Cook, a nonprofit global resource provider serving the Church with life-transforming materials. Integrity Music’s President, Jonathan Brown, said: “When you look in Scriptures, milestones are always marked so we can look back in wonder at what God did. Here at Integrity Music, milestones like this are not about building our reputation or getting glory for ourselves. It’s about the fact that over 300 million worshippers have viewed the videos on this channel to worship with us, representing 237 countries around the world. That’s a huge milestone for which God gets all the glory.”
Integrity Music’s YouTube channel features engaging music videos that showcase the authentic, groundbreaking worship projects and songs written and sung by the likes of Matt Redman, Leeland, Darlene Zschech, Mitch Wong, and Citizens. Being active on YouTube is a part of Integrity’s larger desire to help people world-wide experience the manifest presence of God and resource the church with songs of substance. The Integrity Music team celebrated the milestone accomplishment by giving glory and credit to God and recorded a special video that includes several messages of thanks to their subscribers, including from Integrity artists Paul Baloche and Leeland. Watch it here.
Everybody seems to want the SUV treatment nowadays – even those driving the smallest hatchbacks.
As a result, there’s an increasing demand for mini-crossovers – basically, a tiny hatchback that’s slightly raised up and typically has some roof rails and dark grey cladding around the wheel arches to give a more rugged appearance. That describes the Hyundai Kona quite nicely.
Its looks won’t win many awards, but diagonal lines of bodywork surrounding an arguably Lexus-inspired corset-shaped grille exudes some personality, along with thinned-out day-running lights and a funky rear.
The entry-level SE Connect gets 16-inch alloys, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Premium adds 18-inch alloys, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen with navigation, a wireless phone charger, heated front seats and steering wheel, keyless entry and an engine start/stop button. It also boasts a KRELL premium sound system and electric folding door mirrors.
The flagship Ultimate grade offers electric front seats, leather seat trim, a tilting/sliding sunroof and LED headlights.
There is also an all-electric model, while on the non-hybrid petrol version, there’s another trim called N-Line. This grade adds some sportier bodywork, which sets the tone nicely for the full hot-hatch version, the 280PS Kona N.
However, sensible trousers are being worn here, so it’s the self-charging hybrid version in mid-range Premium trim on test for this review.
There is only one powertrain available: a 1.6-litre petrol engine connected to an electric motor for a combined 141PS. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic gearbox are also mandatory features.
The Hyundai moves away well, with the electric motor providing an extra helping hand. Mind you, zero to 62mph still takes 11.3 seconds, which is only marginally quicker than the petrol non-hybrid.
It will also go a short distance with the engine off, as long as you don’t make excessive demands of the throttle.
The acceleration is good for nipping in and out of traffic around town, while the Kona feels accomplished at motorway speeds, too.
The suspension setup is firm, which helps with the handling, meaning it’s agile, limiting body roll well around bends at speed.
However, pushing the limits is difficult because the Kona’s steering doesn’t weight up sufficiently at higher speeds. The result is that the bias towards handling over ride comfort feels excessive.
Inside, the cabin is nice and the infotainment system is pleasingly simple to use. The screen is clear and responsive – and the KRELL audio system sounds impressive.
The driving position is raised slightly, the visibility is reasonably good, and the seats are comfortable thanks to adjustable lumbar support.
You will find the interior space is a touch tight if you’re a very tall driver. But it’s sufficient for most, while the rear isn’t overly generous.
Boot space measures 374 litres, expanding to 1,156 litres with the rear seats folded in a 60/40 arrangement.
The Kona manages 56.5mpg, emitting just 114g/km of CO2, while a five-year unlimited mileage warranty is also on offer (eight years for the hybrid system), with Hyundai being one of the most dependable brands for reliability.
The model is also very safe, with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Overall, the Kona Hybrid is okay, but it’s getting a significant refresh in the coming months, which will undoubtedly catapult it up the ladder of desirability. In which case, I’m tempted to wait for that.
Fast Facts – Hyundai Kona Hybrid (1.6GDi 6-speed auto, Premium trim) as tested:
Max speed: 115 mph
0-60 mph: 11.3 secs
Fuel economy: 56.5 mpg (WLTP)
Engine layout: 1.6-litre four-cylinder with electric motor and front-wheel drive
Max. power (PS): 141
CO2: 114 g/km
Price: £29,115
Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hyundai Kona Hybrid
Skoda has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and nowadays, the Octavia is one of the highest-regarded cars in its class.
It is challenging to make a typically boxy car attractive, but that hasn’t stopped Skoda from trying – and it’s got decent looks with thinned-out headlamps and a chiselled lower grille.
Three trims are offered, with the entry-level SE getting 16-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights and day-running lights, electrically adjustable door mirrors, dual-zone climate control and lumbar support for the front seats.
The SE Technology gets navigation and a 12-month internet subscription via the infotainment system, while the SE L gets 17-inch aero alloys plus microsuede upholstery and rear tinted windows.
There is also a performance vRS version of the Octavia Estate, but that’s another story. For people who don’t drive like their hair set on fire, the SE L is the top-of-the-range model – and that is what is tested here.
Two petrol engines are offered – a 1.0-litre TSI with 110PS and a 1.5-litre TSI with 150PS, although both are available as non-hybrids or mild hybrids.
It is the diesel I’m interested in, though – the 2.0-litre TDI.
You get from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, which is reasonably good, with lots of low-rev grunt from the engine, which pulls away well from a standing start.
It doesn’t break a sweat at motorway speeds and deals with low-speed driving around town just as well.
Regarding handling, the Octavia is set up for a comfortable, soft ride, which can cause the odd bounce over uneven road surfaces. But despite this, it’s no slouch when it comes to cornering.
There is plenty of grip; the steering wheel weights up nicely at higher speeds, and while it’s not nimble or particularly fun to drive, it more than ticks the box.
The DSG automatic gearbox changes smoothly, and it’ll automatically take itself out of gear to coast when it can, saving fuel.
Inside, the cabin is well-designed, with an attractive layout and soft-touch materials. The Skoda doesn’t look quite as high-end as some of the German premium brands, but in some lighter colour combinations, it doesn’t look far off.
The dashboard is shaped, so the centre of it is closer to the occupants in the front, bringing the infotainment touchscreen within easy reach.
The infotainment system is impressive, with a sharp and responsive screen, large icons and an intuitive menu layout, although there’s a lack of shortcut buttons. At the same time, the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster is equally nice and informative.
Alas, most of the air-con controls are buried in the screen, so it’s a fiddle to use on the go. But at least the temperature controls always remain in view along the bottom of the screen, regardless of which menu you’re on.
The Octavia is very comfortable to sit in, too, and visibility from the driver’s seat is reasonably commanding.
There is a lot of space in the front and rear, too, so even taller occupants won’t be struggling for room. And there are lots of places to store things, including a deep cubby behind the gear lever.
Boot space is a generous 640 litres, which expands to a massive 1,700 litres with the back seats folded down in a 60/40 configuration.
Economy figures are impressive, too, with this test car claiming 62.5mpg, producing just 118g/km of CO2.
Skoda has a good reputation for reliability, but you’ll still only get a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty included, although you can extend this if you’re willing to pay extra.
The Octavia Estate earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and comes with automatic emergency braking, driver fatigue sensor and lane-keep assist as standard. In addition, the SE Technology adds front and rear parking sensors, while the SE L model gets adaptive cruise control.
Skoda Octavia Estate
Overall, the Octavia Estate is a nice to drive, comfortable, pleasant and a highly practical machine, boasting impressive economy figures, especially on the diesel.
Regrettably, the diesel is more expensive than the petrols, which manage miles-per-gallon figures of 50 or more. So, unless you’re doing high mileage and need the extra fuel economy, on balance I’d probably go for the petrol instead.
Fast Facts – Skoda Octavia Estate [SE L 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG] as tested:
What do you associate with the word home? A person or a place perhaps? Somewhere in which there is a strong sense of welcome and belonging? What then when life goes pear shaped, or we make a choice which leads us down a road to lostness and loneliness? Don’t we just long to be home? it’s almost as if we are programmed with a need to head back to the familiar, to what represents security, no matter what the reason for our leaving in the first place.
Sadly, there is a generation of young people growing up who have left home because it wasn’t a good place to be. Their feeling of lostness must be greatly amplified.
I first read Henri Nouwen’s book The Return of the Prodigal in the mid nineties. With a subtitle of A Story of Homecoming I immediately connected with the theme. The book is centred around the story of the Prodigal Son which Jesus told. Nouwen discovers much about himself as he sits and looks at the original Rembrandt painting based on that story. Little did he know what a journey of discovery would take place in his own heart.
As Nouwen examines the three principal characters in the story, he can identify with the younger son in his desire to leave behind safety and security, strike out on his own, and subsequently squander the inheritance his father gives him. He can also identify with the elder son’s anger and self-righteousness at seeing what he regards as his faithfulness overlooked by the father, whilst his younger brother’s waywardness is seemingly celebrated.
But he also draws out the nature of the compassionate father, who loves both sons equally. Nouwen realises that he needs to go beyond identifying with either of the sons, and to move away from adolescent desire for independence and sibling rivalries, and to become a welcoming father himself to others.
Neuwen is very honest about his own inner struggles and failings as he looks at the two sons. About his own journey Neuwen writes: The farther I run away from the place where God dwells, the less I am able to hear the voice that calls me Beloved, and the less I hear that voice, the more entangled I become in the manipulations and power games of the world.
Speaking of the younger son Neuwen writes: Once he had come again in touch with the truth of his sonship, he could hear, although faintly, the voice calling him the Beloved and feel, although distantly, the touch of blessing. This awareness of, and confidence in, his father’s love, misty as it may have been, gave him the strength to claim for himself his sonship, even though that claim could not be based on any merit.
It’s all too easy for us to wander off to distant lands, squander our inheritance and then feel a sense of disconnection and disappointment. This book is a reminder that our heavenly father still looks out every day, hoping his kids will come back home.
The Return of The Prodigal by Henri Nouwen is published by Dartman, Longman and Todd.
If you’re after an estate car, Peugeot might not be the first manufacturer you look towards.
But the 308 SW (short for Sports Wagon) might be right up your street.
With modern looks, an imposing front end and diagonal claw-like day-running lights, it’s something different and full of personality.
It is the Allure Premium, on test here, with 17-inch alloys, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice control, LED headlights, leather steering wheel, 3D SatNav, and keyless entry/go.
Power comes from a 130PS 1.2-litre petrol hooked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
While a 1.2-litre three-cylinder doesn’t sound exciting, it’s excellent for its size. There is quite a bit of low-end grunt to get you off the line and a surprising amount of performance on offer.
Granted, it won’t pin you back in your seat, but it’s more than capable and well-suited to all speeds.
The ride comfort is up to the job, and the handling impresses. The 308 SW is adept at taking bends thanks to grippy tyres and a well-tuned chassis. However, the steering needs to weight up sufficiently in the corners to really push limits.
Inside, the cabin is well-designed and futuristic, with a flat-bottomed, curiously flat-topped steering wheel. Then there’s the i-Cockpit display on the dashboard, which looks lovely and is angled towards the driver.
The screen is clear, responsive, intuitive, and highly customisable. Meanwhile, the digital instrument screen is informative and pleasant to look at. That said, the flat-topped steering wheel can obstruct it.
The cabin is reasonably spacious, too, although taller rear-seat passengers might feel a little cramped. Boot space is 608 litres, which expands to 1,634 litres if you fold the rear seats in a 60/40 split.
In terms of running costs, you’ll get 52.1mpg from the PureTech 130 engine, producing 130g/km CO2 in the process.
Peugeot’s reliability is average nowadays, but a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty is on hand.
The 308 SW achieved a four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. Safety kit, such as automatic emergency braking, active safety brake, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition, are included.
The Peugeot 308 SW is a pleasantly surprising contender in the estate market, offering good looks, practicality, and generous equipment levels.
The French family motor impresses, given the small engine, and its handling defies its large body.
Furthermore, Peugeot hasn’t been greedy with the asking price.
Fast Facts – Peugeot 308 SW (Allure Premium PureTech 130 Auto) as tested:
Max speed: 130 mph
0-62 mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 52.1
Engine layout: 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol with front-wheel drive
Beneath the trailing branches of a weeping willow tree, boat-master Mark stands, clip board in hand, calling out the names of his passengers for the day. Queuing politely, one by one, little groups step forward and board the narrow boat. Mark pauses to welcome each guest with a smile, and his assistant Gayle, warns us to mind our heads as we descend the five wooden steps down into the body of the barge.
As the midday sun heats the air, a luminous light creates a hot fuzzy haze over the surrounding countryside. England’s distinctive greens gleam pleasantly against a turquoise sky. It is this striking colour combination, enhanced by a watery Turner-esque sort of light and shadow, which pulls phone cameras out of pockets. It’s enthralling. Everyone is taking photos. Like we’re seeing things for the first time.
Under Mark’s careful hand, the old coal barge glides along the canal, moving just a smidge slower than some walkers on the tow path. An abundance of vegetation lines the embankment, water lilies are momentarily submerged and tall green blades bow down gracefully in the rolling wake of the boat. Every now and then the hypnotic scrolling scene is interrupted by a gaggle of baby ducklings paddling quickly atop the water as they try to catch up with Mummy.
Up on deck Mark points to a pile of chunky, sliced tree trunk on the bank: “Last week that tree fell right across the canal and blocked our path completely, we had to get the passengers off the boat and have them picked up by coach.” He tugs his cap and chuckles: “I towed the boat back up the canal, all the way to the marina!” He seems quietly pleased that his normally uneventful journey was interrupted by a victorious mini-drama.
Thin sandwich triangles and volcanic jam scones are served on a ceramic cake stand adorned with painted pink roses. In an unhurried fashion two smiling ladies serve us tea, coffee and fizz. Everything is mesmerizingly slow; the boat; the water; the service; the pace; the chatter; my thoughts. A tinny radio plays familiar northern soul tracks, playful children wander up and down. The underside of a low stone bridge draws a small crowd of passengers onto the small front and rear decks. They comment on the quality of the bridge’s workmanship, but the sight sends a shiver down my spine.
I’m reminded that my great uncle was crushed when he accidentally slipped between his boat and the side of a bridge such as this. Several days passed before he died. I try to imagine what life must have been like for him and my great-grandparents who lived and worked on a canal boat similar to this one. On a warm summer’s day, in capable hands, on a well cared for boat, it feels oh so safe and civilised. In this comfortable re-imagined construct I can’t begin to understand the level of treachery and risk my ancestors endured. And perhaps I don’t have to. Perhaps they wouldn’t want me to. Perhaps they would just want me to raise a glass to them and experience the magic of a safe, slow, sail, drenched in vibrant colour and sunshine.
Achieving the right work-life balance can be challenging for any parent, especially in a world altered by the pandemic.
However, there are ways to make it work, and NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has shared some helpful tips for Fathers’ Day that can guide dads, and mums, in achieving that balance.
One of the most important things you can do is to eliminate daytime distractions by setting boundaries and sticking to them. This means turning off your phone or computer during family time or setting aside specific hours for work-related tasks.
Another important tip is to structure your time to be optimized. This means planning your day and setting achievable goals for your work and personal life.
You may also want to consider scheduling family time on your calendar to ensure that you make time for your loved ones.
Delegating tasks to your team can also be helpful, as it can free up more time for you to focus on your priorities.
It is also important to aim for integration rather than trying to separate work and family life altogether. This can involve finding ways to incorporate your family into your work life or finding ways to bring your work home with you.
Finally, remember that quality time with your family is more important than quantity. Being fully present during family time can show your commitment to your children and your work.
Helen McCarthy, Chief People Officer for NHSPS, said: “This Fathers’ Day, take these tips to heart and strive for a healthy work-life balance. It may not be easy, but with some effort and intentionality, you can find a way to make it work.
“Remember, your family and your work are both important and finding a balance is key to living a happy and fulfilled life.”
Main Photo Credit: Caroline Hernandez via Unsplash
