The Royal Mint has announced that the first coins to bear the effigy of King Charles III have officially entered circulation today.
In what marks the historic transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III on the public's money, following the passing of the former back in September after 70 years on the throne, the first coins to bear The King’s portrait - are 50 pence pieces, and they will start to appear in circulation in Post Offices around the UK from today.
The coins not only bear The King's face, but are also said to commemorate the life and legacy of the late monarch.
The reverse of the 50 pence features a design that originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown, and includes the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield, and in between each shield is an emblem of the home nations - a rose, a thistle, a shamrock, and a leek.
4.9 million 50 pence coins with King Charles III's face on have been sent to UK Post Offices today.
The coin will first begin being distributing as change when customers make a purchase in store, The Royal Mint explains, before a total of 9.6 million 50ps eventually enter circulation in line with the public demand for them.
"Today marks a new era for UK coinage," commented Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity for coin collectors to add to their collections, or start one for the first time. We anticipate a new generation of coin collectors emerging, with people keeping a close eye on their change to try and spot a new 50p that bears the portrait of our new King.
"The Royal Mint has been trusted to make coins bearing the Monarch’s effigy for over 1,100 years and we are proud to continue this tradition into the reign of King Charles III."
Also speaking as the coins enter circulation today, Nick Read - Chief Executive Office of the Post Office - said: "It is a tremendous honour for the Post Office that the first coinage featuring King Charles III is being released into circulation via our extensive branch network.
"December is our busiest time of the year so the coin will be entering our network in a phased manner.
"If you don’t receive the new 50p in your change on your first visit to a Post Office, you may well get it in your change in a subsequent visit, so keep a look out for it."
Coins with King Charles III's face on have officially entered circulation today / Credit: Royal Mint
All approximately 27 billion UK coins with Queen Elizabeth II's face on will remain legal tender and in active circulation, and will eventually be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for new coins.
The Royal Mint explains that historically, it has been commonplace for coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to co-circulate.
"This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental impact, and cost," The Royal Mint said.
Featured Image - Royal Mint
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American rapper cancels rescheduled Leeds gig AGAIN due to ‘ongoing illness’
Action Bronson cancels Leeds gig for a second time, and it's safe to say fans aren't happy.
Ariyan Arslani, better known by his stage name Action Bronson, is an American rapper, chef and TV personality with a huge following.
The star was meant to perform at Project House last Tuesday 30 June but the show was cancelled the morning of, and subsequently the venue released an updated date of Tuesday 7 July.
It seems fans of Bronson may be experiencing some deja vu, as the gig has yet again been cancelled with short notice.
Except this time, no rescheduled date has been given.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
The statement by Project House reads: "We have been informed by Action Bronson's team that regrettably, due to an ongoing illness he will be unable to perform at Project House this evening.
"We're incredibly sorry to be cancelling at such short notice. We had hoped last week's postponements would allow for sufficient recovery time but sadly, that has not been the case. Action is as disappointed as we are and we'd like to wish him all the best. Refunds will be issued from the point of purchase."
And it's fair to say the comments are...interesting, with fans far from happy about a second cancellation.
One comment reads: "Well enough to play two shows in London and one in the Netherlands, but just can’t seem to shake a cold to get to Leeds."
Whilst another disappointed fan commented: "He’s not ill guys! Obviously not a knock on the lovely folks at project house, but that’s a bullshit reason he and his team have come up with for insurance purposes!"
Leeds comedy club announce first ever family-friendly comedy show
Clementine Hall
The Glee Club is giving families a brand-new way to spend their weekends with the launch of a new comedy experience for the whole family.
If you're looking for a new way to spend time with the whole family, then look no further.
The Glee Club is bringing a monthly family-friendly comedy show to the city that will deliver laughs for children, parents, and grandparents alike.
Featuring some of the UK's best family comedians, each two-hour lunchtime show will showcase a mix of British and international acts who specialise in entertaining audiences of all ages.
Image: Supplied
Every performance will feature age-appropriate comedy, ensuring parents, children and grandparents can all enjoy the experience together.
The line-up on Sunday 18 October includes acclaimed performers Steffan Alun, Mat Ricardo and Kirsty Newton.
The Glee Club founder Mark Tughan said: “We’re so excited to bring family-friendly comedy to Leeds for the first time. These shows will bring the same quality entertainment Glee Club is known for but to a whole new younger audience.
“We’ve always believed comedy is best enjoyed live, and these shows are all about creating a fun, welcoming experience that the whole family can enjoy together, and where parents can finally enjoy live stand-up without needing to arrange a babysitter.”
For a limited time, guests can book the new family shows with a half price discount in The Glee Club summer sale. Find out more and book your tickets here.
So grab your tickets, rally the family together and get ready to laugh your socks off at The Glee Club.
Emily Sergeant -
8th December 2022 
