Tributes have been paid to Eddie Jordan after the death of the Irish businessman and former owner of the Silverstone-based Jordan F1 team.
Jordan passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning (20/03) at his house in Cape Town in South Africa, having publicly revealed in December that he had been diagnosed with bladder and prostate cancer. He was 76 years old.
The Dublin-born businessman founded the Silverstone-based Jordan Grand Prix F1 team in 1991, having spent the previous few years racing as Eddie Jordan Racing in the F3000 junior series.
The team was able to race in F1 for over a decade, winning four races and managing a best finish of third in the Constructor’s Championship in 1999 before Jordan sold the team just before the start of the 2005 season.
In their time in F1, Jordan became known for giving debuts to a number of talents, most notably future seven time world champion Michael Schumacher, who made his debut for Jordan in 1991.
After multiple ownership changes in the 20 years since, the team now races as Aston Martin F1, having recently moved from the factory set up by the Jordan team when they first joined the sport to a new facility, also at Silverstone.
As well as owning an F1 team, Jordan also established a career as a pundit and broadcaster, working for the BBC and Channel 4 in their F1 coverage between 2009 and 2024, while he also co-hosted the Formula For Success podcast with former F1 racing driver and fellow pundit David Coulthard. He would also remain connected in the F1 business, having served as the manager for acclaimed designer Adrian Newey and helping to broker his move from Red Bull to Aston Martin last year.
Jordan also had business interests outside motorsport, with interests in a multitude of business operations. He was also known as a keen rock music fan, frequently playing the drums.
In a statement confirming his passing, Jordan’s family paid tribute to Jordan, nicknamed EJ. They said, “EJ brought an abundance of charisma, energy and Irish charm everywhere he went. We all have a huge hole missing without his presence. He will be missed by so many people, but he leaves us with tons of great memories to keep us smiling through our sorrow.”
Andy Cowell, Team Principal of the Aston Martin team that can trace its lineage back to Jordan’s ascent to F1 in 1991, was among several figures to pay tribute.
Cowell said, “Eddie Jordan was one of the all-time motorsport greats. He was a one-off, a wonderful human being, and a charismatic leader who founded this team and took it to F1 in 1991. His vision laid the foundations for us and he leaves a lasting legacy for the entire motorsport community. Today we pay tribute to a legend of the sport and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Lawrence Stroll, the Executive Chairman and owner of the Aston Martin F1 team, also paid tribute by saying, “Eddie Jordan was a true racer, a great leader, and one of the biggest characters in our sport. He was a friend who I have known for more than thirty years and I will miss him greatly. My thoughts, and those of everybody at Aston Martin, are with his family and friends.”
Aston Martin also have additional decals on the rear wings of their race cars for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix as a tribute to Jordan.
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, said, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Eddie Jordan. With his inexhaustible energy he always knew how to make people smile, remaining genuine and brilliant at all times. Eddie has been a protagonist of an era of F1 and he will be deeply missed.
“In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and those of the entire Formula 1 family are with his family and loved ones.”
Former world champion driver Damon Hill, who raced for Jordan and won the team their first race in 1998, was also among those who paid tribute. He said, “We’re all very sad and shocked. We knew Eddie was fighting the disease and while we knew it was serious, we thought there might be a chance he would win, but sadly he has lost that. There will never be another like Eddie Jordan, You’ll hear about what he is like.
“My thoughts go to the Jordan family who are lovely people. Eddie was a huge influence on me and many people in motorsport and around the world, there will never be another like him.”
TV presenter Jake Humphrey, who worked with Jordan for the BBC’s F1 coverage between 2009 and 2012, said on social media, “Utterly devastated. EJ has left us. Formula One won’t see the likes of Eddie ever again where a guy with a love for racing can hustle his way into the sport and end up winning races.
“More important than race wins though, he won hearts. I will never forget how his face would always light up whenever he saw a Jordan GP jacket, flag or cap… as we traveled the world together years after the team had been sold. His greatest achievements were Mikki, Zoe, Kyle and Zak. His incredible 4 kids who share his spirit. His wife Marie is one of the strongest, most wonderful women I have ever met.
“The 4 years we spent together hosting F1 on the BBC were greatest of my career. Wing-walking, scooter riding, car driving madness that I know he loved deeply.”
His fellow pundit and podcaster Coulthard also paid tribute, saying, “Eddie Jordan was a force to be reckoned with beyond what anyone could expect in Formula 1. He was a gift to Formula 1 & he was a gift to Ireland.
“There will be endless people telling Eddie Jordan stories as long as there is still Formula 1 around. It has been an honour calling him and friend & all of our love to his family & his four children, Mikki, Zoe, Kyle & Zak.”
A man described by police officers as ‘truly evil’ has been jailed for life for killing three members of his own family and plotting a school shooting in Luton.
Nicholas Prosper, 19, of Leabank Court, Luton, faked a firearms certificate to fraudulently purchase a shotgun online, before using it to kill his mum, brother and sister less than 24 hours later on Friday 13 September 2024.
He appeared at Luton Crown Court earlier this week, where he received three life sentences for killing Juliana Falcon, 48, Kyle Prosper, 16, and Giselle Prosper, 13. He had previously pleaded guilty in a hearing last month, and he will now face a minimum of 49 years in prison.
An investigation launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit following the murders soon uncovered meticulous plans made by Prosper to carry out a shooting at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, which he had attended when younger.
Prosper, who viewed a significant amount of violent videos online and was fascinated by mass shooting events, intended to kill more than 30 people as part of his plot to gain notoriety as a mass murderer.
He was stopped from carrying out his plan when his family bravely attempted to fight him off, with their efforts alerting a neighbour who called Bedfordshire Police. He fled the flat but was arrested around two hours later shortly before 8am by two officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Khanna said, “Our thoughts today are first and foremost with Juliana, Kyle and Giselle and all who knew and loved them.
“They should be who we remember, their names who we say rather than the person who carried out these despicable murders and who intended to carry out an unimaginable level of harm to innocent school children.
“In my entire policing career, which has included many years spent investigating murders, I have never encountered anyone capable of such horrific acts whilst showing no remorse. I have been utterly shocked and appalled by the actions and plans of the offender in this case and am pleased that this truly evil individual will now be serving a significant proportion of his life behind bars.
“This has been an incredibly difficult and complex investigation, and I would like to thank all the officers and staff involved in achieving this result today.”
Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy added, “Everyone at Bedfordshire Police is utterly shocked and appalled by the sickening actions of this individual and we are pleased he is now facing a significant time in jail.
“This was a lone individual whose plans were fortunately disrupted. I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of his family, the neighbour who called police, our officers who apprehended him, and all who have worked tirelessly to secure the compelling evidence which ensured he was brought to justice.
“I know this does not take away from the sheer horror of the incident and his sickening plans to target school children. I do not underestimate the impact on the staff, parents and carers of pupils at schools across the country, but particularly those associated with St Joseph’s School.
“We have worked closely with the local authority to provide support to schools across Luton and we would urge all staff and parents to make use of the support that Luton Borough Council has put in place.
“We will have community officers out and about around schools in the area in coming days, please do talk to them about any concerns you may have.”
Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said, “The details that came out in sentencing are deeply distressing, shocking and upsetting for everyone who knew the family, and also for pupils, their families and staff across our wonderful school community. Our thoughts are with all of them at this time.
“We are supporting St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School including the availability of counsellors for any pupil, family member of staff that needs it; as well as standing up wider support in the community for anyone that is distressed by the revelations in court.
“As troubling and concerning as these revelations are, it is important to remember that this individual was not able to cause any harm to the school and there are robust systems in place to keep children safe at school at all times. Security at Luton schools is constantly reviewed and monitored and in the last couple of weeks we have asked schools to review their lockdown procedures and school site security; and offered to support any school that feels they would like to carry out additional site security surveys.”
The Stables in Milton Keynes has announced details of an exciting new music week for young people taking place this summer.
Running from 11-15 August, The Stables Music Week will offer five days of intensive, fun and creative music making at the popular arts venue, where young musicians can come together to share their love of music, play with other young people and be part of an exciting group exploring different kinds of music – everything from classical to jazz, from rock and pop to folk, as well as trying out new instruments and musical styles.
Participants can also have the opportunity to make new connections with other young musicians and build their confidence, teamwork and communication skills. The week will culminate in an end-of-course concert in front of family and friends.
The Music Week is for any young musician, aged 11-18, who plays an instrument. There is no minimum grade requirement and there are no auditions, so it’s open to the widest range of young musicians.
The Music Week tutors are all professional musicians, teachers or leaders of community music groups, who are chosen for their inspirational musical leadership and commitment to coaching young people.
Graeme Surtees, Head of Learning & Participation, said, “The Stables Music Week gives young musicians a chance to play and learn together and experience making music as a team, in anything from a small band to a something the size of an orchestra! It’s a great way to make musical friends and whether you’ve played in a band or orchestra before or just haven’t had chance to yet.”
Applications for the Music Week are now open – for full details visit stables.org and search Music Week.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a number of sexual assaults at an event in Milton Keynes.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they received reports that a number of people had been touched over their clothing and kissed at an event at The Craufurd Arms music venue in Stratford Road, Wolverton, on Friday night (14/3).
As part of their appeal, police confirmed that a 39-year-old man from Newport Pagnell has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault by touching. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Investigating officer PC Paige Barker said, “We are investigating these incidents and supporting the victims.
“We have made an arrest in connection with the incidents but we are appealing for anyone who was at the event on Friday and believes they may have information to please contact us via our online reporting form, quoting reference 43250126294, or you can call 101.
“We would remind members of the public that victims of sexual offences are entitled to life-long anonymity.”
Willen Lake have announced the return of Flavour Fest, packed with street food and family fun, which will take place on Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April.
This season’s festival of food features market stalls alongside a multitude of street food offerings, plus additional live entertainment, face painting, and an egg-stremely egg-citing Easter Trail.
This free-to-attend food festival is set to deliver a weekend filled with food, music, and family-friendly fun. Food lovers can indulge in a variety of street food options, with returning vendors from last year including The Rub, Lime Face, La Pitta and Urban Spice Box.
Guests can also enjoy stone-baked pizzas and an outdoor bar from the Willen Lake Café, who will have a stall in the square of the festival.
New for this year, the festival will feature a market area, showcasing local artisan crafts and produce, cheeses, sweet treats and more, perfect for a spot of Easter shopping.
Families will also have the chance to participate in the Easter Trail, a free and fun, seasonal activity for children to enjoy throughout the event. In addition, live music, a DJ, and face painting will keep the festival atmosphere lively throughout both days.
“Flavour Fest was a huge success last year, and we’re excited to bring it back for Easter with even more to enjoy. The addition of market stalls and the Easter Trail will make this a truly special event for the whole family,” said Tom Fogg, Senior Operations Manager at Willen Lake.
Beyond Flavour Fest, visitors can make a full day of their trip by exploring further activities Willen Lake has to offer. Thrill-seekers can test their limits at Treetop Extreme, or take on a round of Adventure Golf with friends and family. For water lovers, the lake offers a range of watersports, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedal boating. Those looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy a scenic walk or cycle around the lake, take a boat ride, or simply unwind in the beautiful surroundings.
