Latest news with #Blackthorn
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Cloudy with a chance of durian: Kedah town experiences bumper crop
KUALA NERANG: Favourable weather and improved farming practices have led to a bumper durian harvest in Padang Terap, making the district a top destination for durian lovers in Kedah this season. A check around Kuala Nerang town found crowds of visitors from across the country flocking to the northern border town during the short school holiday period, eager to sample a wide range of local durian varieties. Durian trader Jaafar Bakar, 63, said this year's supply from farmers in the district has been overwhelming, with daily deliveries reaching up to three tonnes. "Alhamdulillah, it's been a huge blessing. Today alone, we received over two tonnes of durian, including Musang King, Blackthorn and kampung varieties," he told the New Straits Times when met at his stall today. He said the weather had been ideal during the crucial pollination period, cloudy but not overly wet, leading to excellent flowering and subsequently high yields. "With more fruits per tree, prices have been reasonable this year. Musang King is going for RM45 per kg, Blackthorn at RM50 per kg, and kampung varieties are as low as RM6 per kg, that's RM2 cheaper than last year," he said. Durian orchard owner Syed Amaluddin Hafeez Syed Musa also attributed the high yield to optimal weather conditions and consistent orchard management. Syed Amaluddin, who owns 30 trees on a two-relong (0.52hectare) plot, said strategic use of fertiliser and regular watering during dry spells were key to maintaining plant health. "Yields have been exceptional. Some of my larger trees have at least 40 fruits ripening at once," he said. State Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani said this year's success in Padang Terap could be credited to a balance of good weather and improved agricultural knowledge among farmers. He noted that while weather plays a role, proper care is still critical. "Durian trees are sensitive. You have to treat them like a full-time job. If it's done half-heartedly, the results won't be great. More farmers today understand this and are more consistent," he said. He credited the state's Durian Kampung Premium initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, for the improved yields. However, growers in other districts, including Sik, Kuala Muda and Baling, reported less promising outcomes this season. Orchard owner Mohd Amin Zakariya, 40, from Sik, said although his yield in his 85 hectare farm had improved, overall output in the Sik and Baling remained lower than last year's due to ageing farmers and poor upkeep in surrounding orchards. "Many orchard owners here are retirees. Due to age, their farms aren't as well managed, and that seems to be a contributing factor," he said.
Belfast Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
‘I hope it inspires people to get outdoors': Woodland walk opens in Lisburn named after Lady Mary Peters
A woodland walking trail has officially opened in Lisburn named after Lady Mary Peters, the first landmark of its kind to be named after the Olympic gold medallist. It was officially opened on Thursday by the athlete who was joined by the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh, Councillor Kurtis Dickson. The woodland trail, set within the scenic grounds of Aberdelghy Golf Course, was proposed by pupils at Fort Hill Integrated Primary School in recognition of Lady Mary's historic victory at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. Lady Mary said that she was 'deeply honoured' and that, knowing the idea came from young people in the local area, makes it 'even more special'. The 1.2km walk links the Lagan towpath with the golf course and travels down Conway Lane reconnecting with the towpath. Over the past 12 months pupils at Fort Hill Integrated Primary School have worked with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to participate in a series of planting schemes designed to enhance the biodiversity of the area. Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Kurtis Dickson, said: 'This woodland trail is a fitting tribute to Lady Mary Peters — a local legend whose achievements continue to inspire generations. It's a wonderful addition to our parks network, offering a peaceful and scenic route that celebrates both her legacy and the natural beauty of our area." Speaking at the launch, Lady Mary Peters said: "I am deeply honoured to have this beautiful woodland walk named after me. Knowing that the idea came from young people makes it even more special. I hope this space inspires people to get out and enjoy the outdoors and cherish our natural environment." Watch: Lady Mary Peters visits NI school 50 years on Councillor Jonathan Craig, Chair of the council's Communities and Wellbeing Committee, said: 'Lady Mary's Woodland Walk is a shining example of how we are enhancing biodiversity while creating beautiful, accessible green spaces for everyone to enjoy. 'Our parks and open spaces across Lisburn & Castlereagh are among our greatest assets. 'Projects like this demonstrate our commitment to protecting nature and promoting wellbeing through enhancing and developing our parks and outdoor spaces." To support local wildlife, a native hedgerow has been introduced, featuring species such as Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly and Rowan trees—providing both habitat and nourishment for birds and other wildlife. Additionally, native wildflowers and pollinator-friendly bulbs have been planted to sustain vital pollinators throughout the seasons.
Extra.ie
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
The Fall star Jamie Dornan announces major career change
The pair aims to share stories from Northern Ireland, where they were born. Actors Jamie Dornan and Conor MacNeill have launched a new production company, Blackthorn Films. The company is based in Northern Ireland, where the two were born and raised. They met on the set of the 2015 film The Siege of Jadotville, and have co-starred in projects like The Tourist, The Fall and Belfast. 'Blackthorn Films was born out of a shared desire to create indigenous stories from the island of Ireland that have a true global reach,' said Dornan and MacNeill. 'The company's aim is to produce work that flips the lens and presents fresh narratives, particularly from the North of the country.' Blackthorn recently received the BBC's TV Small Indie Fund, an effort that supports grassroots production companies across the UK. They also hired producer Shauna Shivers-McAtamney to oversee their film and TV docket, who's worked as a script editor for BBC-Hulu's adaptation of Sally Rooney's Conversations With Friends, BAFTA-nominated comedy The Dry and the upcoming drama Trespasses. 'We are both most creatively content when working at home, and we are excited to collaborate with the wealth of skilled and talented filmmakers there, many of whom we have worked with before,' the pair said. 'The professionalism, positive mindset and down-to-earth nature of the key talent and crews in Ireland, North and South, is something we want to harness and embolden.'
Business Post
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Post
Restaurant Review: Superb bread and black sole outshine the Easter lamb at Blackthorn in Galway
Dining Out Restaurant Review: Superb bread and black sole outshine the Easter lamb at Blackthorn in Galway The new restaurant at The Twelve hotel in Bearna has a parrilla grill as its 'weapon of choice' Marie-Claire Digby 05:00 Blackthorn at The Twelve in Galway. Picture: Andrew Downes/Xposure
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial service honors fallen Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn crew
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A memorial service is being held Tuesday morning to honor the fallen Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn crew, 45 years after the deadly collision with another vessel. On Jan. 28, 1980, 23 Blackthorn crewmembers were killed after their ship and the motor vessel Capricorn collided near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The ceremony is being held at the Blackthorn Memorial Site in St. Petersburg and will include a wreath-laying by Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, representing each lost soul. A gun salute, laying of roses, and official comments from commanders and the Captain. The President of the Coast Guard Foundation, Susan Ludwig, will address the foundation's support for the rebuilding of the Blackthorn Memorial. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
