Latest news with #AndyNorth
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
I went to the wild lands of Isle of Man, and found adventure and coastal calm
Growing up with a father who had a passion for motorsports, The Isle of Man was a seasonal topic in my household thanks to The Isle of Man TT, or Tourist Trophy - the annual motorcycle racing event that takes place in early summer on the island. While this famous series of race days might be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the island's name, it has much more to offer year round for holidaymakers. Particularly in its wild landscapes, sweeping coastal views and rugged vistas, all steeped in history and offering an interlude from the constant static of everyday life. To navigate these landscapes, we were meeting with Andy North, the author of The Wild Guide book for The Isle of Man who would act as our shepherd through the shell-strewn beaches, tree-lined hills and winding roads. A musician, photographer and owner of Happy Explorer Nature Adventures, Andy's comprehensive guidebook reveals over 400 secret locations across The Isle of Man that encourage communion with nature, and we were going to squeeze in as many of them as we could on our trip. You can find the book HERE. The Isle of Man is the world's only whole-nation UNESCO Biosphere, so submerging ourselves in nature and switching off was the goal. The Wild Guide book for The Isle of Man For those travelling from Ireland, it is just a short 40 minute flight from Dublin to Ronaldsway Airport, located to the south of the island, with Aer Lingus. A bonus experience for anyone interested in planes, as the flight is operated by a turboprop aircraft. Ferries to the Isle of Man from Ireland depart from both Belfast and Dublin for anyone who wants to bring their vehicle, and typically take anywhere from two hours forty five minutes to almost four hours. Gaiety Theatre Isle of Man Staying in Douglas allows for a great vantage point to explore the island, with nothing unreachable by car in an hour from the thriving capital. Shops, restaurants and bars offer a huge selection of options, and a stroll along the Harris Promenade awards visitors with a view of The Gaiety Theatre, which opened in 1900. On our two day excursion to the Isle of Man, we laid our heads at the Halvard Hotel, centrally located and mere steps away from the theatre making it the perfect place for theatergoers to stay. Just a ten minute walk to North Quay from the hotel, we checked out some of the eateries the city has to offer, many of which are dotted along the scenic quay. Food and drink Noa Market Cafe was our first stop for lunch, which prides itself on its commitment to craft food and local produce. Later that evening, we returned to attend the launch of The Wild Guide: Isle of Man where we sampled their Noa Brewhouse hazy pale ale, made using recycled Noa grain loaf, and afterwards enjoyed a sunset walk around the area, stopping off at Kiki Lounge for some cocktails on the way home. Kiki Lounge was crowned Bar of the Year 2024 at the Spirits Business Awards and is one of just 37 global bars featured in Michelin Guide for Bars 2024, Much like in Ireland, it is impossible to go anywhere without making a connection, with our lovely airport taxi driver telling us their his grandson worked in Kiki's and to make sure we give it a try, so stopping off for a delicious margarita was essential. For fuss-free coffee, Victory Cafe is the way to go, perched in an iconic location on the Snaefell Mountain Road along the TT course. A refurbished cold war radar station, the canteen was an oasis for our weary bodies after trekking around the area. The coffee was strong and plentiful, and the building itself was a marvel filled with plenty of artefacts from TTs gone by. Another eatery that left its mark on our memories is the Little Fish Cafe, also located on the North Quay. Chicly paired back interiors set the scene for what is to come on the menu, with immaculate quality seafood and the freshest of ingredients presented in classic combinations, from salmon and braised leek to king prawns and chorizo on sourdough. We savoured every bite and have bookmarked it as a must-return-to spot. Little Fish Cafe Food fuel is needed for an adventure on the Isle of Man, with hiking, swimming, and kayaking all on our itinerary at some of the most breathtaking locations I have ever seen. Much like Ireland, the Isle of Man is a concentrated fusion of natural beauty, and it was a treat to explore a place that both dazzled with its unique wonder and gently reminded me of home. Fanella Beach One of the first stops on our itinerary was Fanella Beach in the famed former Viking capital, Peel. Under the looming 1000-year-old castle, a gorgeous little shell beach sits on the south side of the river. On approach, the sand takes on a speckled pink hue thanks to the endless scallop shells that blanket the beach. A wade out to the right of the beach leads you to a small cove piled high with the seashells, with the tides making a distinctive tinkling noise as it clinks the shell edges off one another as they gently shift. Sweeping cliffs frame the beach, making it a scenic swim spot. Perched on the overlooking hill is a sauna, available for bookings, and taking intermittent cold plunges and hot soaks in the sauna was a tonic for body and mind. Fanella Beach in Peel Niarbyl Bay A secluded spot, this bay is a thriving hub for wildlife, and kayaking across to the White Beach, named as such for its abundance of quartz pebbles, was the way to see it all, from the dark shining head of a seal in the water to birds soaring overhead. Roaming over the quartz stones, we made our way to our ultimate destination - a fresh water infinity pool just a small climb up into the hills overlooking the beach. Perched in a cool fresh water pool overlooking the dramatic landscape was a highlight of my life, nevermind just the holiday. Making our way back across the beach, we were surrounded by towering windswept rock formations, which was unsurprising due to the area's moniker - from the Manx yn arbyl which translates to the tail thanks to the reef of rocks that stretch into the sea. The similarities and contrasts between Gaeilge and Manx were another unique experience to this trip. Our guide Andy North, author of The Wild Guide Isle of Man Whether you're a hiker, a cyclist, a foodie, an outdoorsman, a shopper, a birdwatcher or a motorsports enthusiast, the Isle of Man is an opportunity for fresh experiences. While Irish tourists often bolt in the direction of guaranteed sun, there is no replacement for an earnest sense of adventure and genuine awe that is inspired by the landscapes and lore of this isle. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Fundraiser in Neenah raises money for UW Carbone Cancer Center
NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) – Community members in the Fox Valley gathered along with Wisconsin golf legend Andy North for an event raising money for a good cause. In Neenah, on Wednesday night, Andy North made an appearance at a fundraiser being held by the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. Local 5 alumnus Warren Gerds signs books for visitors at Neville Public Museum North and others who spoke with Local Five at the fundraiser say it was great to see people there at the event to raise money for what they said is 'the best research in the nation.' We know that the impact has to go beyond Madison and we want to see that folks around the state want to put Wisconsin at the top of the map of where we are nationally. Dr. Christian Capitini, UW Carbone Cancer Center Acting Director It's almost like investing in a start-up company, you give them your seed money, let them do their thing, and before you know it, they're getting grants for millions of dollars from other places so it all works together very well. Andy North, 2x PGA Major Champion Wednesday night's event was said to be generously hosted by Ron Jankowski and Glen & Susan Tellock. For more information about the UW Carbone Cancer Center, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BBC News
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Yorkshire cyclists complete charity bike ride from Leeds to Nice
A team of cyclists have completed a gruelling 1,100-mile cycle ride from West Yorkshire to the south of France in aid of two charities. Martin Mansell and Andy North set off with a team of friends from Leeds Bradford Airport's runway on 17 June to raise money for Alzheimer's Society and Candlelighters and finished in Nice early on Tuesday were racing against Steve Dennis, who was heading to the same destination in an electric car, but taking a longer route via 21 countries. Mr Mansell said the cyclists arrived first, narrowly beating their target of completing the journey in under seven days. The cyclists reached Dover in two days, then journeyed from Calais to Nice, crossing the French Alps' highest pass - the Col de la Bonette - at an altitude of 8,907ft (2,715m). Talking about the final stretch, Mr Mansell, from Denby Dale, Kirklees, said: "We cycled all the way through the night over the Alps, it had been non-stop cycling. "That was the hardest stretch by miles, but everyone was so psyched up and ready for it."He continued: "It was the very last climb and the biggest - we set off at about 21:00 on Monday after we'd had something to eat and we climbed up to 9,000ft."It was pitch black, it was freezing, quite windy, but it was amazing."Mr Dennis described the EV journey as "exhausting" due to problems finding charging points at the right times along the initial plan was to visit 20 countries in the EV, but the journey also passed through Monaco on the way to Nice. Mr Dennis - who co-owns a travel agency with Mr Mansell - said at one point they only had 10% battery on the EV and had to divert by 50 miles to find a charger. He said: "We're definitely going to go out and celebrate that we made it, the stress levels that we've been through are ridiculous."Once they found one - at a garage in Macedonia - it was locked up and closed, but a kind staff member allowed his co-driver to charge after "feeling sorry" for them."That got us back to where we had to be, but if it wasn't for that woman we would have not got out of Macedonia, 100%."The challenge - called The Beast Unleashed - has raised more than £50,000 for charity so far. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Yorkshire cyclists begin charity bike ride from Leeds to Nice
A team aims to cycle more than 1,100 miles from Yorkshire to the south of France in a charity challenge which has already raised more than £50, Mansell and Andy North set off with four friends from Leeds Bradford Airport's runway just before 06:00 BST, heading for Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to raise money for Alzheimer's Society and will be joined on parts of the route by Mark Beaumont, who holds a world record for cycling around the world in 79 days, and ex-Huddersfield Giants rugby league star Eorl Crabtree. Steve Dennis hopes to arrive in Nice in an electric car before the cyclists, despite navigating a longer 3,300-mile (5,311km) route taking in 20 countries. Mr Mansell, 47, and Mr Dennis, who own a Leeds-based travel agents, have already undertaken a fundraising challenge together. Last year they completed a 450-mile (724km) bike ride around the perimeter of Yorkshire, raising more than £16,000 for Alzheimer's Society. The new challenge - The Beast Unleashed - is also raising money for Alzheimer's Society, as both Mr Mansell and Mr North, 64, have been impacted by Mansell's father has Alzheimer's and Mr North's father-in-law Michael recently died with the disease. "As a family we have been through the last 11 years of deterioration, and seeing how the disease decimates families and affects them," Mr North, from Shadwell, Leeds, said."We know the struggles you have to go through to cope with it." He said he appreciated the support he received but also saw how much more could be done - which is why he wanted to join the challenge and raise money for the cause. Also joining the challenge for parts of the route are actors Owen Warner and Billy Price, who played Romeo Nightingale and Sid Sumner in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Mr Mansell, from Denby Dale, Kirklees, said: "I've never cycled such a huge distance or at this high an altitude, so having both Mark and Eorl along for support and sharing their expertise will be hugely beneficial."It's incredible to have Leeds Bradford Airport backing us from the start - we're really grateful to them, and of course everyone else who has sponsored and donated so far."The team will pedal from Leeds to Dover in two days, then from Calais to Nice, crossing the French Alps' highest pass at an altitude of 9,000ft (2,743m).The challenge is also raising money for Candlelighters, a Leeds charity which helps children with cancer and their families. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Greats of the Game' event to debut at Sanford International
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Sanford Sports announced a new event featuring two golf legends and two Pro Football Hall of Fame members. Sir Nick Faldo, Andy North, Cris Carter and Ronde Barber will be part in the inaugural event. The 'Greats of the Game' will be a nine hole event, played on Saturday, September 13 at the Sanford International. 'We have been eager to bring back a special on-course event for the fans during the Saturday of the Sanford International, and this lineup of athletes and format is the perfect fit,' said Davis Trosin, tournament director of the Sanford International. 'Andy is the quintessential ambassador of the game, and we are excited to welcome Sir Nick, Cris and Rondé to Sioux Falls for an event that will bring a new level of excitement to tournament weekend.' Faldo is a six time major championship winner who has 43 professional wins on his resume, including three Masters Tournament victories. Carter and Barber are Pro Football hall of Fame members who played multiple years in the NFL. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
