World Marble Championships to take place in West Sussex
The World Marble Championships are taking place in Tinsley Green in West Sussex on Friday.The championship, which has been held at the Greyhound pub since 1932, has been staged annually since 1588, except for when Covid-19 forced the postponement of the competition.Organiser of the championship, Julia McCarthy-Fox, told BBC Breakfast that she has travelled over from New Zealand for the tournament, which she has been helping to run for 35 years.She said: "I like it, as a tournament we have built it up to what it is today and it is an old tradition we want to keep going."
The village of Tinsley Green, less than five miles from Gatwick Airport, is known worldwide as being the home of British marbles.The event attracts visitors from all over the world, with some wishing to take part and some just there to watch the games. The competition will be made up of 15 or 16 teams, with six players per team - although some people just turn up on the day, Ms McCarthy-Fox said. Other competitors come from Germany, France and the USA, she said. Chris Pampel, one player who is from Germany, said sometimes "you only need a little bit of luck" in the match.
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Times
13 minutes ago
- Times
Foreign Office to help British tourists flee missiles in Israel
The Foreign Office will dispatch staff to Israel to help British tourists fleeing by land to Jordan and Egypt. 'Rapid response' teams will assist travellers making their own way to the border crossings for the Sinai Peninsula and on the road to Amman, Jordan. The government considered whether to charter planes for repatriation flights, it is understood, but ministers did not believe there would be sufficient demand. David Lammy, the foreign secretary, told the Commons: 'I can announce today that we are further also updating our travel advice to signpost border crossing points and send in rapid deployment teams to Egypt and to Jordan to bolster our consular presence near the border with Israel.' Downing Street played down suggestions of a full evacuation plan. 'No, I don't think we've moved beyond the travel advice we've set out already,' a spokesman said. Sir Keir Starmer has urged all British citizens in Israel to register their details for information on a dedicated portal, which will allow officials to assess how many people are stranded. Civilian flights are not expected to take off before Thursday. Many routes are suspended until at least June 23. The US has advised its citizens that land crossings to Jordan are open and there are flights from Jordan 'on a limited basis'. Dozens of British tourists have already escaped by land to Egypt and Jordan. Some are reported to have chartered a private boat to Cyprus, a 200-mile journey across the Mediterranean. One British tourist, Simon, 34, said he was planning to 'do a border run' from Tel Aviv on Tuesday after a building 100m from his hotel was destroyed by a missile strike. 'I am planning to travel via the Jordan river crossing tomorrow morning,' he said on Monday. 'I'll be trying to get a train from Tel Aviv, then cross the border and make my way to Amman to travel home. 'The sounds of the bombs and the interceptors are terrifying, and there's no knowing if things could escalate at short notice. The route out could be closed; and also things could escalate to the point that hotels are targeted directly.' Ghaith Ahmad, a taxi driver from Bethlehem, confirmed he had taken British tourists from Israel to the border. 'Yesterday, I took some guests from London,' he said. 'One woman in the group said she was worried and scared because of the situation in Jerusalem. They hope they can get back to London from Jordan.' Most Britons have said that, despite another 'terrifying' barrage of missiles on Sunday night, they were planning to wait until Israeli airspace reopened. David Weitzman told Times Radio that Sunday 'was one of the worst nights of my life', and that 'there was a massive explosion, the whole hotel shook' as he cowered in a bomb shelter with 60 others. David Weitzman 'I went into the street,' he said. 'There were fire engines, police, ambulances. The whole place was just a mess. It's horrific. I just want to get out. The embassy is just useless. I phoned them this morning and said I need to get out. They said, there's nothing we can do for you. The airspace is closed. I said to them, well, there are things called buses. You could take us to Jordan. You could take us to Sharm el-Sheikh.' Gabriella Somerville, 58, the founder of the aviation company ConnectJets, who came to Israel for an airline conference, described the government response as 'as good as a crisp packet in the wind'. She added: 'What we've got here is a whole lot of people who are very fearful, ballistic missiles firing non-stop and no advice at all as to what we should be doing. There were some people who took a small boat out from Tel Aviv to Larnaca [in Cyprus] — it was going to take nine hours with five people on it, a mix of Americans and Brits. You've then got people going to the borders panicking. This is putting people in incredibly risky and vulnerable situations.' Harvey Bratt, 67, a charity worker from northwest London, was in Israel to celebrate the birth of his grandson. 'It is very terrifying,' he said. We can hear the dull thud of either the missiles hitting buildings or being taken out by the Iron Dome defence system. We're waiting to hear from the Foreign Office, we haven't yet heard anything from them.' Another Briton, Zach Margolin, 31,said he was in the bomb shelter of his Airbnb when it was 'wrecked' by a strike overnight. Charlotte Henry, a journalist from London, said: 'Last night was the most scary I've been, it was pretty unpleasant. No-one has any timeline on anything.' Charlotte Henry, a journalist, said the situation was 'scary' Cris Reidsma, a Dutch citizen, navigated the Negev desert to reach the border into Egypt in a taxi with American and Russian tourists, and last night was awaiting a flight back to the Netherlands from Sharm el-Sheikh. 'I have the feeling that most people go to Jordan. However, flights from there are expensive and the airspace closes regularly,' he said. 'It was a crazy adventure, but it all went pretty smoothly.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Five tennis-themed holidays across Europe in time for Wimbledon from UK countryside clubs to Greek coastal resorts
You can even brush up on your skills alongside former world number eight Marcos Baghdatis NEW HOLS PLEASE Five tennis-themed holidays across Europe in time for Wimbledon from UK countryside clubs to Greek coastal resorts Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TENNIS season is upon us and Wimbledon begins in less than two weeks' time. But why leave all the fun to the pros? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal features programmes designed by former British No 1 Annabel Croft Credit: Supplied These tennis-themed holidays will get you volleying like Alcaraz and serving like Raducanu in no time. Sophie Swietochowski shares her five top picks for keen tennis players. 1. Puente Romano MARBELLA, SPAIN YOU won't need to worry about tiring yourself out on the tennis courts at Puente Romano Marbella, as this resort's excellent selection of restaurants will keep you very well fuelled. Set on the city's Golden Mile, the plush hotel houses famous Japanese spot Nobu and a sophisticated Peruvian joint as well as a whopping 18 other restaurants. 6 Puente Romano Marbella is great for foodies as well as tennis fans Credit: Supplied Its well-known tennis club, which opened in 1979, has welcomed a whole host of sporting heroes through its doors, including Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Boris Becker. And that's no surprise when you consider the range of facilities here. There are ten tennis courts (eight clay and two plexipave) plus four padel courts, as well as massage rooms, a sauna and Turkish bath to soothe any aching muscles. All of this does come with a pretty hefty price tag, though. GO: Private tennis coaching costs from €80 per hour. Four nights' B&B costs from £1,167pp including flights from Gatwick on October 31. See Emma Raducanu reveals she keeps being BANNED from Italian Open grounds and was exposed by 2. Foxhills CHERTSEY, SURREY ANYONE wanting to stay a little closer to home should look no further than Foxhills Hotel & Country Club which is tucked away in 400 rolling acres of Surrey countryside. However, it is still close enough to the capital if you want to get in on the Wimbledon action for real. 6 Foxhills Hotel & Country Club is tucked away in 400 rolling acres of Surrey countryside Credit: Supplied The resort features nine tennis courts in total (four acrylic, four artificial clay and one all-weather), plus you can try your hand at the increasingly popular racket sport of padel on one of three courts, or even pickleball – another fun racket pastime. Little ones aspiring to make it into the big leagues should head down to the hotel on June 28 to see the juniors competing in the Road To Wimbledon tournament. Tired of all the tennis? Stretch your limbs in the on-site yoga cabin, kick back in the luxurious spa or grab a tipple on the terrace, overlooking the golfing green. GO: A double room costs from £355, based on two sharing on June 29. See or call 01932 872 050. 3. Pine Cliffs Resort ALGARVE, PORTUGAL WHETHER you're a total beginner or a seriously experienced player, Pine Cliffs has a training programme to suit all skill levels. Set on the coast in Portugal's Algarve region, the 5* resort isn't just a fly-and-flop spot – although there are plenty of sunloungers and ample balcony space for those who do want some chill time. 6 Pine Cliffs has a training programme to suit all skill levels Credit: Supplied It's also home to an excellent Tennis Academy, with programmes that have been designed by former British No 1 Annabel Croft. There are eight floodlit courts: two clay and two hard tennis courts as well as four for padel. Guests can book on to group sessions or weekend tennis camps, while those taking their favourite sport a little more seriously can sign up for some private coaching to improve their game. GO : Adult Tennis or padel weekly coaching courses start from £300 per adult and £265 per child in off-peak season (Nov to March) and £326 per adult and £291 per child in peak season (April to Oct). : Adult Tennis or padel weekly coaching courses start from £300 per adult and £265 per child in off-peak season (Nov to March) and £326 per adult and £291 per child in peak season (April to Oct). Seven nights' B&B is from £1183.20pp including flights from Luton and transfers on September 30. See 4. Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel CORFU, GREECE UP for a bit of friendly competition? If you're travelling solo, you'll love this tennis-themed package at the 4* Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel on Corfu's eastern coast. 6 The 4* Grecotel Luxme Daphnila Bay Hotel is great for solo travellers Credit: Facebook Week-long packages booked through travel agent Solos Holidays come with five days of tennis camp and no single supplement, meaning each guest gets a room to themselves. Anyone keen to put their new skills to the test can get stuck into the weekly mixed-doubles finale with prizes. Just try not to get distracted by the jaw-dropping views from the quartz-sand hard courts – the Ionian Sea looks dazzling from up there. When you're not unleashing a mean serve, there are watersports galore, or mountain biking in the surrounding hills. GO : A seven-night, all-inclusive Corfu Tennis trip costs £1,995pp including flights and transfers from the UK on October 6, as well as a welcome drink, a five-day tennis programme and an experienced Solos Tour Leader. : A seven-night, all-inclusive Corfu Tennis trip costs £1,995pp including flights and transfers from the UK on October 6, as well as a welcome drink, a five-day tennis programme and an experienced Solos Tour Leader. Call 020 8951 2900 or see 5. City Of Dreams Mediterranean LIMASSOL, CYPRUS WITH a Serve & Stay package at the City of Dreams Mediterranean, you'll be able to hone your skills and improve on your weaknesses under the eagle eye of skilled coaches. Each stay includes several days of training at the Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy, all of which is overseen by the former world number eight himself. 6 The Serve & Stay package at the City of Dreams Mediterranean is great for honing your skills Credit: Melco Resorts Participants will receive personalised consultations and tailor-made programmes. Outside of training, you're free to unwind in five-star luxury in the city of Limassol. Music fans are in luck as the hotel puts on live performances in the evenings, while the days can be spent learning to surf on the resort's Waverider simulator. Or guests can just take a cooling dip in one of three outdoor swimming pools. GO : A four-night Serve & Stay getaway costs €1,565pp (£1,330) on selected days in September and October and on a half-board basis. : A four-night Serve & Stay getaway costs €1,565pp (£1,330) on selected days in September and October and on a half-board basis. The package includes three days of tennis training, unlimited soft drinks, water and coffee during dinner. See Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Park it right here: World famous national attraction opening all of its campgrounds for first time since 2019
The world-famous Yosemite National Park is slated to open all of its campgrounds for the first time in six years. Some of the northern California campgrounds, of which the landmark-filled park has 13, were previously closed in 2019 during a temporary government shutdown. Then, the Covid pandemic hit. "We're very excited to have these campgrounds open to the public as we enter the busy summer season," said Acting Yosemite National Park Superintendent Ray McPadden. "Camping in this park is truly a magical experience, and we want to provide the opportunity for as many visitors as possible." Additional openings, the agency said, will add some 500 campsites for the public's use. That includes the White Wolf Campground and the Tamarack Flat Campground, which are both opening within the next 10 days. Reservations for the pair began on Sunday morning, and Yosemite Creek Campground is set to open on July 1. Earlier in the year, park officials announced Yosemite would require reservations for entry. A plan to introduce a permanent day-use reservation system this spring has been put on hold, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. Reservations are required for all campgrounds from April till October. Still, the Trump administration-approved reservation system spans fewer hours and dates than any previous system, according to SFGate. Notably, national parks saw a record 331.9 million recreation visits last year, marking a surge of 6.36 million recreation visits since 2023. The previous record was set in 2016. 'Opening dates for Bridalveil Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows Campgrounds will be announced soon,' the National Park Service said. 'All other park campgrounds are listed on the website and are currently available for booking.' But the decision also comes at a fraught moment for the agency and U.S. public lands in general, and ahead of what is expected to be another active wildfire season. In May, a nearby blaze forced evacuations and road closures in Moro County. Earlier in the year, the National Parks Service took even more blows following years of budget cuts and staff shortages, as the Trump administration fired thousands of employees. Since then, the administration has been fighting it out with the courts. Although, Government Executive reported earlier this month that agencies have made preparations to implement layoffs if the court order blocking them is lifted. In April, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum – who has been working to repeal Biden-era protections in Alaskan wilderness and reclaim abandoned coal mines this month – ordered that all parks remain open and accessible, despite operational impacts. The president's proposed 'Big Beautiful' spending bill further slashes funding for park staffing, the National Parks Conservation Association wrote, and promotes the expansion of oil and gas drilling and the sale of millions of acres of public lands. '[The Senate reconciliation bill] turns its back on America's most treasured places and the dedicated public servants who protect them,' Director of Clean Energy and Climate Policy Daniel Hart said in a statement. Outside Magazine reported. The reconciliation text states that national parks, national monuments, and designated wilderness areas would be exempt from auction. The Justice Department also said last week that the president has the authority to abolish national monuments protected by his predecessors.
