Philip recovering from ‘successful’ heart surgery

THE Duke of Edinburgh has undergone successful heart surgery – just three months before his 100th birthday.

Buckingham Palace said Philip had the procedure for his pre-existing heart condition at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in

London on Wednesday. The Palace said the 99-year-old duke will remain in hospital for “treatment, rest and recuperation” for a number of days. Concern will be heightened for the duke because of his advanced age, with the Duchess of Cornwall saying on Wednesday that Philip was “slightly improving” and adding: “We’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

Philip has been treated for heart problems in the past and in 2011 was rushed to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the royal family were preparing for Christmas.

In the serious health scare, he was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire.

AN INTIMATE live music venue with ambitions to open its own studio is no longer at risk of permanent closure.

POP, in Hyde, opened its doors four years ago but was thrust into difficulty by the Covid pandemic.

Music Venue Trust placed the not-for-profit venue on its red list last year, meaning it was one of the UK’s 30 grassroots venues most at risk of closure.

But having been supported by the community and backed by a crowdfunder which raised more than £11,000, POP has now been taken off the trust’s red list.

Jackie Francis, POP Founder, said: “We are overwhelmed and very grateful to so many people. POP looks forward to reopening the community hub when permitted, and we will be very excited to welcome everyone back. Thank you so much.”

Jackie says that POP’s plans to open a recording and editing suite, as well as launching a podcast and YouTube channel, are now secure.

The venue is now also able to wait until lockdown restrictions are eased for live music gigs to make a comeback, which could be as early as May 17 with social distancing in place.