Easter is one of the sweetest times of the year for chocolate lovers.
But if wouldn’t really consider yourself to be a confectionary fan, then one local business might have something more up your street.
How about an egg made entirely out of cheese instead?
Chocolate eggs and Easter-themed sweets fly off the shelves every year when the annual holiday rolls around, but for those who don’t have much of a sweet tooth, the appeal to hit your local shop or supermarket to stock up isn’t always there, and you’re often left feeling a bit unfulfilled or like something’s lacking.
You can get Easter eggs made entirely out of cheese / Credit: Butlers Cheeses
Based in rural Lancashire, the fourth-generation family cheesemakers is known for its handmade farmhouse hard, soft, and blue cheeses, as well as its cheddar – with its Blacksticks Blue, Button Mill, and Sunday Best being among some of its best-selling varieties.
That’s not all the company’s known for though, as it’s developed a cult-following of dairy fans who are absolutely obsessed with its Cheese Easter Eggs.
Delicious and versatile, and also aptly-described as a “truly egg-cellent” invention, the independent company has taken its award-winning Farmhouse British Cheese and moulded it into the shape of a classic Easter egg.
Image: Butlers Cheese
This half egg is the perfect gift for a cheese lover or for those who prefer savoury over sweet, and also makes a cracking centrepiece for your cheeseboard, or an indulgent treat to spread on a hot cross bun.
There’s two different types eggs to choose from, so you can either go for the Cheddar Cheese Egg if you like to keep things simple and celebrate the the best of classic cheese, or if you’re a fan of a stronger flavour, then there’s the Blacksticks Blue Cheese Egg.
Both varieties of egg are either available on their own, or as a letterbox gift that comes complete with crackers and chutney.
Leeds United have issued a statement regarding their tribute to a fan who has sadly passed away.
Colin Westby was watching the game against Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday 18 October when suddenly he became ill and was taken to hospital.
The 68-year-old was then placed into a medically induced coma but after a period of 'unresponsiveness', the difficult decision was made to stop life support.
Colin was a huge Leeds United fan, and attended matches for over 50 years as a Season Ticket Holder of the club.
Leeds United have issued a statement showing their support, and have confirmed they will be holding a tribute to Colin.
The statement posted on Leeds United's social media is as follows: "Leeds United are heartbroken to learn of the passing of supporter Colin Westby at the age of 68.
"Colin suffered a medical emergency ahead of our Premier League fixture with Manchester United on Sunday 18 October at Elland Road.
"After being transferred to hospital, he was placed into a medically induced coma and sadly following a period of unresponsiveness, the decision was made to withdraw life support.
"Colin was a long-standing Season Ticket Holder at the club, attending matches for over 50 years. The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Colin’s family and friends at this sad time.
"We will pay tribute to Colin in the 68th minute of our next Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur, on Saturday 7 November."
Of course, in true Leeds United fashion, fellow flans flocked to the comments to pay their respects to Colin and express their support for his family.
Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
The Hoot -
17th March 2023 
