Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Harrow East retailer recognised by local MP Bob Blackman after customers help raise over half a million pounds for National Lottery Good Causes

Dipak Gokani said: “I am very proud that my customers have been able to help raise such a huge amount for National Lottery Good Causes,

Harrow East retailer recognised by local MP Bob Blackman after customers help raise over half a million pounds for National Lottery Good Causes

Harrow East retailer Dipak Gokani – the proprietor of Weald News – and his customers have been celebrated by local MP, Bob Blackman, for raising over £500,000 for Good Causes through selling National Lottery products.

Gokani was awarded a National Lottery Good Causes plaque by Bob Blackman MP at a presentation at the store earlier this month, with local Camelot Retail Sales Team representatives also in attendance.


Image 2 Dipak Gokani and Bob Blackman MP

Mr Blackman said: "I was delighted to visit Weald News in Harrow this month to present a plaque in celebration of the huge contribution the store has made to National Lottery Good Causes.

"Shop owner Dipak has been at Weald News for more than 18 years and is a well-known pillar of the community. It is important that where possible we support local businesses, helping them build back stronger following the pandemic."

Camelot Divisional Sales Manager, Karl Southworth, added: “Independent retailers are central to The National Lottery’s ongoing success, having been the face of The National Lottery for almost 28 years in high streets and communities across the UK.

“With the ongoing challenges retailers are facing, it is more important than ever to recognise those who go above and beyond to serve their customers and communities.

“Thanks to National Lottery retailers and players, over £30 million is raised every week for Good Causes across the UK – going to people, projects and communities at a time where funding has never been more needed.”

Gokani said: “I am very proud that my customers have been able to help raise such a huge amount for National Lottery Good Causes, especially given that the money goes to local projects here in Harrow and right around the UK. I’ve been at this store for 18 years, so it means a lot to have been awarded with this plaque.

“I would also like to thank Camelot and my sales rep. I wouldn't have been able to raise this amount for Good Causes without their continued support over the years.”

Although Camelot is responsible for generating returns to Good Causes by operating The National Lottery, it plays no role in the allocation of funding.

This is the specific responsibility of 12 lottery distribution bodies, each with specialist knowledge of their sectors. For anyone currently looking for funding, please visit https://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/funding to find out which grants are available for your project.

More For You

Daljit Nagra departs as chair of Royal Society of Literature

Daljit Nagra (Photo: RSL)

Daljit Nagra departs as chair of Royal Society of Literature


THE Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has announced the departure of Daljit Nagra, a well-known British Indian poet, as its chair at the conclusion of his four-year term.

Amid some frenzied UK media speculation over the leadership of the 204-year-old home for Britain’s literary talent, the charity also confirmed that its director will be stepping down at the end March. It comes in the wake of rows over freedom of speech and accusations that the RSL had failed to speak out in favour of some writers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Los-Angeles-wildfires-Getty

The fires have destroyed hundreds of homes in Pacific Palisades, a high-profile area known for its multimillion-dollar residences. (Photo: Getty Images)

Celebrities evacuate as Los Angeles wildfires destroy homes

CELEBRITIES including actors, musicians, and other public figures were among tens of thousands affected by deadly wildfires in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The entertainment industry has largely paused, with events such as a major awards show and a Pamela Anderson film premiere cancelled as firefighters combat flames driven by hurricane-force winds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tirupati-temple

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which operates the temple, apologised for the incident and promised action against those responsible. (Photo: X/@TTDevasthanams)

Six dead in stampede at India's Tirupati temple

AT LEAST six people have died and 35 were injured in a stampede near the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh, authorities said on Thursday.

The incident occurred as thousands of devotees rushed to secure free passes to visit the temple, popularly known as Tirupati.

Keep ReadingShow less
People-smuggling-Getty

Last year, 36,816 people were detected making the crossing, a 25 per cent increase from 2023 and the second-highest annual total on record. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Sanctions to target people smugglers under new plan

THE GOVERNMENT has announced plans to impose economic sanctions on people smugglers in an effort to curb migrant crossings in small boats over the Channel.

The proposed measures, described as the world’s first “standalone sanctions regime” targeting people smugglers, aim to address the issue by sanctioning individuals and groups facilitating these dangerous journeys.

Keep ReadingShow less
China’s mega dam sparks
growing concerns in India

The £109.4 billion project is in the fragile Himalayan region, prone to earthquakes

China’s mega dam sparks growing concerns in India

CHINA on Monday (6) reiterated its plan to build the world’s biggest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet near the Indian border. This follows New Delhi’s concerns raised last Friday (3), stating that it will “monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests.”

The project, estimated to cost around $137 billion (£109.4bn), is located in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur frequently.

Keep ReadingShow less