Latest news with #ChristopherEvans
Western Telegraph
29-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Family face Pembrokeshire beach hut council tax premium
In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Christopher Evans, of Llangoedmor, sought approval for a Lawful Development Certificate for a beach hut for holiday use only at Argo Fach, Poppit Sands, near Cardigan. The applicant wished to secure a Certificate of Lawfulness for use of the property as a beach hut, in order to seek an exemption from the second homes council tax premium. For a Certificate of Lawfulness to be granted, an applicant must demonstrate that the use has been continuous and without interruption for a period of at least 10 years. Late last year, Pembrokeshire councillors voted to drop the council tax premium on second homes from 200 per cent, effectively a treble rate of council tax, to 150 per cent. Prior to that, second-home owners in the county were charged a 100 per cent (or double rate) premium. An officer report recommending a Lawful Development Certificate be issued said there was no reason to doubt the applicant's claim that the property known as Argo Fach has been in use as a beach hut and not for residential use. It goes on to say that Argo Fach 'an extended wooden beach hut that is very modest in size, scale and facilities,' at the rear of Poppit Sands car park, with its usage going back many years. It adds: 'The application form indicates that the use (as a beach hut) began more than 10 years before the date of the application, in 1954, as a beach hut for family use in the summer. The cover letter discusses the start of use as a beach hut, presumed to be 1954 and most likely arranged by the applicant's father (who was a solicitor) on an assumed 100-year lease.' It says the applicant states that, other than for during childhood and then returning to retire in 2000, he has lived outside of Wales and had little do with the running of the property, which his mother looked after. 'The application states that the property is used when family visit the beach and is occupied for two weeks of the year when family members visit from Essex,' it adds. It concludes: 'Based on [a sworn affidavit], the Authority's recent research, and the submitted evidence, it is reasonably clear that from 1954, the beach hut known as Argo Fach has been in use as a hut to support beach and social activity. The Authority therefore has no reason to doubt what is said in the application.' A Certificate of Lawfulness was issued by park planners.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
International Firefighters' Day 2025: Date, history, significance, and celebrations
International Firefighters' Day, observed annually on May 4th, honors the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters worldwide. Originating from a tragic 1998 wildfire in Australia that claimed five lives, the day recognizes the inherent dangers firefighters face daily. Celebrations include expressing gratitude, promoting fire safety, and supporting firefighter organizations, fostering community respect and unity. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads International Firefighters' Day 2025: Significance Popular in International International Firefighters' Day 2025: How to celebrate? Thank You Notes: Writing a card or note to your local firefighters thanking them for their service. Public Events: Participate in or plan neighbourhood gatherings to celebrate firefighters. Parades, ceremonies and open houses at fire stations are a few examples. Fire Safety Education: To avoid crisis and lower the risk of fires, use this chance to teach others and yourself about fire safety procedures. Social Media: To spread awareness and gratitude for firefighters, share posts and anecdotes on social media sites using the hashtag #InternationalFirefightersDay. Donate: Take into account donating to local fire safety projects or organisations that assist firefighters. Firefighters are known for their courage as they put their lives in danger to protect communities and the environment. The brave-hearts are honoured on the International Firefighters' Day (IFFD), observed every year on May way of celebrating this day is by expressing gratitude to both present and former firefighters. Another popular method is to wear and display red and blue ribbons, which stand for the two main elements firefighters deal with: blue for water and red for December 2, 1998, Geelong West Fire Brigade members responded swiftly to a request for assistance to firefighters fighting a wildfire in Linton, Victoria, Australia. The fire vehicle was engulfed in flames as it was travelling to fill up its water many as five firefighters from the brigade lost their lives. They were identified as Garry Vredeveldt, Christopher Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas and Matthew Firefighters' Day was eventually established in 1999 to honour those firefighters' valour and to thank all firefighters for their selfless day recognises the value of firefighters' commitment and devotion while serving as reminder of the inherent risks they confront on a day-to-day basis while battling fires and reacting to by encouraging people to show their gratitude and support for the warriors, the day promotes a sense of respect and togetherness throughout are numerous ways to honour firemen and commemorate International Firefighters' Day:
News18
04-05-2025
- General
- News18
International Firefighters' Day 2025: Date, History, Significance, Celebrations And All You Need To Know
Last Updated: International Firefighters' Day is observed to honour the courageous men and women who put their lives in danger to protect communities from catastrophes. International Firefighters' Day 2025: The courageous firefighters who put their lives in danger to protect communities and the environment are honoured on the International Firefighters' Day (IFFD), observed every year on May 4. It is also a time to honour firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty. Expressing gratitude to both present and former firefighters is one way to commemorate International Firefighters' Day. Another popular method is to wear and display red and blue ribbons, which stand for the two main elements firefighters deal with: blue for water and red for fire. International Firefighters' Day 2025: History advetisement On December 2, 1998, Geelong West Fire Brigade members responded to a request for assistance to firefighters fighting a wildfire in Linton, Victoria, Australia. A sudden change in wind direction, brought on by a cold front, caused the fire vehicle to be engulfed by flames as it was travelling to fill up its water tank. Five firefighters from Geelong West Fire Brigade, Garry Vredeveldt, Christopher Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas and Matthew Armstrong, lost their lives in this incident. International Firefighters' Day was eventually established as a result of this horrific event. International Firefighters' Day 2025: Significance On International Firefighters' Day, we honour and show our gratitude to the courageous men and women who risk their lives to defend communities all around the world. It recognises those who have died while performing their duties and remembers the courage and sacrifice of firemen, both former and present. The day emphasises the value of firefighters' unshakeable commitment and devotion while serving as a moving reminder of the inherent risks they confront daily while battling fires and reacting to emergencies. Additionally, by encouraging people to show their gratitude and support for these courageous warriors who bravely and devotedly defend lives and property, the day promotes a sense of respect and togetherness throughout communities. International Firefighters' Day 2025: How to Celebrate? There are numerous ways to honour firemen and commemorate International Firefighters' Day: Thank You Notes: Spend a few minutes writing a card or note to your local firefighters thanking them for their service. Public Events: Participate in or plan neighbourhood gatherings to celebrate firefighters. Parades, ceremonies and open houses at fire stations are a few examples. Fire Safety Education: To avoid crises and lower the risk of fires, use this chance to teach others and yourself about fire safety procedures. Social Media: To spread awareness and gratitude for firefighters, share posts and anecdotes on social media sites using the hashtag #InternationalFirefightersDay. Donate: Take into account donating to local fire safety projects or organisations that assist firemen. International Firefighters' Day 2025: Facts International Firefighters' Day is observed annually on May 4, honouring the courageous men and women who put their lives in danger to protect communities from fires and other catastrophes. This day is important because it honours the commitment and selflessness of firemen worldwide. The origin of International Firefighters' Day can be traced to a tragic incident that occurred in Australia. Five firefighters died on December 2, 1998, while fighting a major fire near Linton, Victoria. The local community was greatly impacted by this incident, which also led to a global movement to honour and value firefighters' contributions. International Firefighters' Day was created in 1999 to honour those firefighters' valour and to thank all firefighters for their selfless service. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 04, 2025, 07:10 IST
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
900-year-old ‘haunted' house in Porthcawl some are 'too scared' to get close to
900-year-old 'haunted' house in Porthcawl some are 'too scared' to get close to One person who visited recently said they were 'too scared' to get closer because of tales of hauntings at this incredible slice of history Sker House was originally built as a monastic grange of the Cistercian order over 900 years ago, just outside Porthcawl (Image: Getty ) A recent TikTok video has brought fresh attention to one of Wales' most mysterious historic buildings - Sker House, located just outside the seaside town of Porthcawl. The video, which shows the property in daylight, has sparked renewed interest in the site's long history and its reputation for being haunted. Sker House is around 900 years old. It began as a monastic grange built by Cistercian monks from Neath Abbey, who used the surrounding land for farming. Over time, the original structure was largely lost, but in the late sixteenth century it was rebuilt into the Elizabethan-style house that still stands today. TikToker Christopher Evans, who shares videos about places to visit, where to eat and what to do in Wales paid a visit, walking towards the building in the bright sunshine. Approaching the house, he said: 'I come in peace', and said he was "too scared" to get closer. He also shared that he had heard rumours that the ghost of a woman who had died from a broken heart had been spotted in the area. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here sker house Zooming in to the bright yellow building, he said: 'It literally looks so weird.' He later added: 'I'd love a little tour of that house but, no actually I regret saying that.' Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent The house is thought to be privately owned and not open to the public, but is clearly still a point of fascination for people, as many have been flocking to the comments section of Christopher's video to discuss their thoughts. One person said: 'I was too scared to go up to the building. Much braver than me!!" Someone else added: 'If I had a car and drove I would go round the uk - mostly Wales, exploring abandoned houses and places.' The light-hearted clip also seemed to confuse some people who watched it, as another person noted: 'How can you be scared when you're a mile from the house?' Much of the medieval layout is now gone, but elements of the earlier building may remain in nearby structures like the medieval barn, Tŷ yr Ychen, which is a Grade II listed building according to information online. Sker House itself is now a Grade I listed building and considered to be one of the most significant examples of Elizabethan architecture in South Wales. Over the years, the house has been associated with lots of ghost stories and local folklore - some linked to R.D. Blackmore's 19th-century novel, The Maid of Sker, which drew inspiration from the house and its setting. Another novel called Sker House by Ronald Welch was also published in 1955. Article continues below So whether or not you believe in ghosts, there's no denying it has been leaving a lasting impression on people visiting or those from around the area based on the reaction it has been receiving from people over the years.
