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ABC News
25-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Tonga's King calls for political reform
King Tupou the VI has called for improvements to the country's democratic system. His call comes 15 years after democratic reforms were introduced . The reforms introduced by former King George V, removed the Monarchy's executive control of government and increased the number of MPs elected by the people. However, the Monarchy would retain control of certain portfolios such as Foreign Minister. "We have now come through the conduct of the Parliamentary Elections in a peaceful manner," said King Tupou VI. "However, the challenge of democratic transition still requires improvement, as it is merely based on a developing economic situation."
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Wales Online
I found a lakeside escape in Wales that feels like a luxury retreat in the Alps
I found a lakeside escape in Wales that feels like a luxury retreat in the Alps I think I've found the most perfect view in all of Wales.... I'm sitting on the balcony of my room, glass of fizz in hand, looking out over what could easily be mistaken for Lake Como or an Alpine escape (Image: Portia Jones ) I'm convinced I'm witnessing the most incredible sunset I've ever seen, and I should know; I've chased many in my time. The sky's pulling off a dazzling gradient of colour as golden hues melt into midnight blues and finally inky black, over an idyllic forest-and-lake landscape. I'm sitting on the balcony of my room, glass of fizz in hand, looking out over what could easily be mistaken for Lake Como or an opulent Alpine escape. Snow-capped peaks? No. Dramatic lake views framed by forested hills? Absolutely. The twist? I'm in Wales and staying at the grandiose Lake Vrnwy Hotel in Powys. Located in a 24,000-acre estate on a forested hillside overlooking a dramatic, mountain-ringed lake, this swish hotel commands one of the most impressive views of Lake Vyrnwy reservoir and has been wowing visitors since 1890. Neither would be here without a very thirsty Liverpool (Image: Portia Jones ) The origin story of this hotel is intertwined with the scenic lake and dam because neither would be here without a very thirsty Liverpool. In the 1800s, the port city of Liverpool was booming but had a wildly insufficient water supply to keep residents hydrated and industry flourishing. So, in true British fashion, they scouted for aqua and found it right here in the verdant Vyrnwy Valley. With over 400 streams and a perfect rocky base, it was declared the ideal spot to drown an entire Welsh village and build what became Britain's first large masonry dam. Cheers for that. Article continues below Llanwddyn was relocated uphill, the valley was flooded, and by 1889, water began its 68-mile journey east to keep Liverpudlian kettles boiling. It was the world's second-largest civil engineering project back then, and the vast reservoir remains Severn Trent's most ambitious. To impress visiting dignitaries and business types marvelling at this outstanding engineering feat, the Liverpool Corporation built the hotel in 1890, and demand soon exploded. It's located in a 24,000-acre estate on a forested hillside overlooking a dramatic, mountain-ringed lake (Image: Portia Jones ) And you can see why, it's a total stunner, with views over the lake that still astonish. Royalty even popped by to have a nose. In 1910, 20 years after the hotel's completion, the then Prince of Wales, later King George V, arrived to officially open the dam and visited the hotel. Since then, the hotel has been extended and spruced up with new bedrooms, a conference and banqueting suite and the Tavern bar. The Bisiker family now owns it and has been run by Anthony Rosser since 2000. Lake Vrnwy is also part of the Rarebits Collection, which includes Wales' top country house hotels, historic inns and restaurants. I had come for a mid-week escape with my obliging husband to see if this historic hotel lived up to the hype and delivered more than just dreamy lake views. Location Lake Vyrnwy is obviously the star attraction here (Image: Portia Jones ) Lake Vyrnwy is obviously the star attraction here, and the hotel is ideally positioned for panoramic views across the water and alpine-looking landscape. Perched above the reservoir, you're just a short walk or drive from a nature reserve, forested trails and cascading waterfalls. Cross the masonry dam and you'll find a visitor hub, RSBP bird hide, cafe, bike hire and boathouse offering watersports, kayak and SUP rentals. Like most of North Wales, the main drawback here is the lack of public transport, so a car is essential in these parts, especially if you want to explore further afield and chase some waterfalls. Perched above the reservoir, you're just a short walk or drive from a nature reserve, forested trails and cascading waterfalls. (Image: Portia Jones ) Facilities Lake Vyrnwy has all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a four-star stay, but with a bonus historic personality. Fancy restaurant dishing up posh plates? Check. Grand drawing room straight out of a period drama? Check. Glass-fronted spa with a whirlpool and views so dreamy you'll simply forget your life, admin and stresses. Big check. And yes, there's a bar with a lake view, because it would be rude not to. This sprawling lakeside hideaway is full of nooks and crannies to explore (Image: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa ) This sprawling lakeside hideaway is full of nooks and crannies to explore and unwind in. Sip fizz on the terrace while the sun dips behind the hills, head to the small but mighty spa for a steam and soak, or cosy up in the homely Tavern Bar with a pint. The spa and wellness centre also enjoys lake views from a sun trap terrace, a big bubbly hot tub and heated loungers. The 'thermal suite' offering includes Showers of Monsoon & Fragrant Mist, blending cold and warm water, promising a "multi-sensory experience". There's also a salt Steam and sauna. Treatment-wise, you have a range of massages and facials to soothe tired limbs and scrub faces squeaky clean. Push the boat out and boom the Champagne & truffles deluxe treatment for a luxury facial utilising truffle skincare with specialist lifting massage techniques. Dining The Tower Restaurant is the hotel's main dining option (Image: Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa ) The Tower Restaurant is the hotel's main dining option, serving breakfast, afternoon tea and classic British cuisine with a Welsh twist. Typical plates include Welsh beef fillet, truffle mashed potatoes, pan-fried seabass fillets with roast Mediterranean vegetables, and roast duck two ways. We went all in on the mains: a Welsh lamb rump for me (because when in Wales, right?) and a parmesan-crusted chicken breast for my husband. Now, I'm outrageously fussy with lamb. If it's not blushing in the middle, I'm not interested; it may as well be shoe leather. Thankfully, the chef understood the assignment. A gloriously pink, tender cut that practically melted on the fork arrived. It came served with a red wine jus and a rich and creamy sweet potato dauphinoise, a delicious variation of the classic French dish that added sweetness to the plate. The chicken, meanwhile, was a pan-seared, parmesan-crusted delight accompanied by herb mash potatoes, grilled asparagus and a rich lemon-basil butter sauce that was divine. We went all in on the mains (Image: Portia Jones ) While the food and service were on point, the restaurant's interior décor is a little meh for my taste. It doesn't quite match the rest of the hotel's charming, antique-laden character. It's more 'conference room afterthought' than 'romantic lakeside retreat.' The vibe is a little dated and clearly banking on the impressive lake views to distract you from the nondescript interior that would benefit from a few bold design tweaks. If the weather's behaving, dine alfresco on the terrace and soak up lake views instead. Afterwards, pop to the Tavern bar for a bevvy in relaxed surroundings and if it's a warm night, sip your wine outside and enjoy the stillness and soothing sounds of nature. Bliss. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Rooms Lake Vyrnwy has all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a four-star stay (Image: deJetleyMarks Photography ) Choose from a mix of garden and lake view rooms, though I strongly recommend you get a lake room with a balcony for maximum viewing pleasure. Rooms feature the expected offerings of private bathrooms with walk-in showers, bathrobes, free toiletries, tea and coffee makers, work desks, and flat-screen TVs. A few dog-friendly rooms are also available for a small fee, welcoming well-behaved pups. Morning coffee with a view (Image: Portia Jones ) Our room was reasonably sized with classic 'country house hotel' vibes and featured a balcony, heavy drapes, and antique-looking furniture possibly predating email. Much like the restaurant, the décor isn't exactly a design statement unless the statement is 'we stopped updating this in 1998.' But let's be honest, you're not here for Farrow & Ball colour palettes and industrial chic lighting. You're here for that knockout lake view, and it absolutely delivers. Verdict and booking You'll feel like you're in the Alps (Image: Portia Jones ) Lake Vyrnwy Hotel might benefit from a few interior design touches, but who cares when the views are this magnificent? With a fizz in hand and the sun setting over that woodland-hugged reservoir, you'll feel like you're in the Alps, with fewer zeroes on the bill. The spa's a bonus, the food's spot-on, and the location? Peak Wales. Article continues below Prices at Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa start from around £195 B&B per night for two sharing, a two-hour session with use of the spa's thermal suite is £15 per person for hotel guests. Treatments should be pre-booked (extra). Book through the Rarebits Collection at or call 01570 470785.
India.com
16-05-2025
- India.com
Mumbai's Landmarks: The Fascinating Folklore You Must Know
Mumbai operates as India's financial center and largest metropolitan city where its urban skyline and cultural richness and historic landmarks make it famous. Historic sites throughout Mumbai conceal both modernity and a vast collection of myths and tales that make these landmarks come alive. Throughout successive generations these legends have accumulated mystical elements that enrich Mumbai's great architectural accomplishments. Mumbai houses seven legendary stories that reveal the hidden past of its well-known landmarks consisting of temple sites and colonial buildings. 1. The Gateway of India: A Symbol with Supernatural Undertones Mumbai's recognized Gateway of India monument received its dedication in 1924 to mark the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in India for their royal visit. Although it functions as a symbol of British imperial control, local traditions connect supernatural spiritual forces to these grounds. Local people believe that sheltered water spirits guard Arabian Sea fishermen through their power of storm protection near the historic monument. Dwindling reports of ghostly figures near the site occur only through undocumented midnight stories. 2. Haji Ali Dargah: The Floating Shrine Located at Worli Coast within a tiny island the Haji Ali Dargah functions as both a respected shrine of faith and an exceptional work of engineering. Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari built his tomb from his coffin inside the shrine after becoming a Sufi saint despite being born wealthy. Future traditions say he requested his departed container be tossed into the ocean upon death then it naturally stopped near the existing dargah site. Spiritual believers view the shape where the shrine connects to the mainland as appearing with every tide change as a result of divine action. 3. Elephanta Caves: Guardians of Ancient Secrets These fifth to eighth century AD structures located at Elephanta Island received UNESCO World Heritage recognition because they contain elaborate rock carvings of Shiva statues. People in the region believe the cave region was previously occupied by Yakshas which the locals recognise as mysterious nature spirits. Resident people from adjacent areas cite everlasting echoes inside the caves that they describe as heavenly communications. Many people of faith believe that the enormous Trimurti sculpture inside the main cave endows healing benefits to individuals who dedicate sincere prayer to it. 4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT): Haunted by History Named originally Victoria Terminus, CSMT stands today as an exquisite Gothic Revival structure where Mumbai trains originate from their central point. Many workers lost their lives to accidents while the grand station was built in the late 19th century. Evidence of afterlife disturbances started spreading between people throughout the years in relation to the haunted building. Nighttime employees working for the railway system provide spooky firsthand accounts about hearing ghostly footsteps while observing mysterious dark figures moving within the building areas. The imagined supernatural occurrences surrounding this important site increase the unknown elements associated with this historical structure. 5. Banganga Tank: A Sacred Oasis Steeped in Mythology You can find the holy Banganga Tank situated within the center of the Walkeshwar district. The myth states that Lord Rama shot his arrow into the earth during his search for water for Goddess Sita where the spring which exists today began to emerge. Large numbers of pilgrims visit the tank to conduct religious ceremonies as well as to receive divine blessings. According to local stories celestial beings suddenly materialize at the site at night which elevates the location to have both religious power and natural attractiveness. 6. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: A Legacy Born Out of Defiance The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel which opened in 1903 preserves the essence of defiance against British colonial arrogance as well as functioning as a prestigious hotel. History claims that Jamsetji Tata initiated the hotel construction in response to Watson's Hotel refusing his entry because the establishment operated under a whites-only policy. Reports of supernatural phenomena emerge from the hotel's building at this site with its important historical significance. Staff members together with guests have described coming across the ghostly figure of a lady dressed in white while roaming through hotel corridors during the night. These reports stem from the deaths caused by the 2008 Mumbai attacks. 7. People worship in Mount Mary Basilica beyond the modernization of its surroundings. Every year during September and throughout the rest of the year people from various faiths gather at Mount Mary Basilica which stands on a hill in Bandra. The church at Mother Mary is built in honor of the Virgin Mary but once received her statue from a shipwreck which occurred hundreds of years ago. People often relate many wonders to this basilica as they witness cures and receive prayer answers through its doors. Numerous people consider the story of a blind woman who restored her vision when she touched the base of the altar to be one of the most interesting miracles at this site. A continuous stream of believers visits this site due to its inspiring stories that offer comfort to those in need. Final Thoughts Mumbai's notable landmarks act as containers of cultural historical wealth combined with age-old legends. Every monument represents distinct historical stories that weave together three components between history and mythology with local cultural practices. Throughout the modern city existence stories guide us to acknowledge that magic permeates through history from the past which continuously weaves into the present times. Explore these concealed tales when visiting the city because they show you the heart of Mumbai where real stories transform into mythical narratives.
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The FA Cup final, an occasion full of historic traditions and unusual quirks
This season's FA Cup campaign concludes on Saturday when Manchester City take on Crystal Palace in the final at Wembley. There will be no celebrities having a pre-match kickabout, at least one of the teams might be wearing jeans and the King is unlikely to hand over the trophy. But there will be a pre-match hymn, royalty will play a role, at least one side will be suited and booted and, at the end of the game, both sets of players will climb a flight of stairs to receive medals. Advertisement It is all part of the quirky, showpiece occasion which was first held at the Kennington Oval in 1872 and has been staged at Wembley — with a few exceptions — for more than a century. 'The FA Cup stretches back to the 1870s as a Victorian event, then it became more of a social event for ex-public school teams, and by the First World War it had become a mass, popular event at the Crystal Palace but it was still quite informal,' says Dr Alexander Jackson, curator at the National Football Museum. 'It changed when it went to Wembley in 1923.' In the past 102 years, traditions and rituals have become as big a part of FA Cup final day as the football. Here are just a few… A hymn written by a dying Anglican cleric in the 1800s might not scream 'pre-match razzmatazz', but the pre-kick-off rendition of Abide With Me has become a staple of the build-up to FA Cup finals. It was not always the case. The traditional song dropped out of the cup-final routine in the 1970s and 80s as fan culture evolved and it was considered outdated. But this century it has been reintroduced with a modern twist, often performed by operatic singers around 15 minutes before kick-off. The tradition began almost 100 years ago as part of a bigger push for 'community singing'. In his book, The Cup: A Pictorial Celebration of the World's Greatest Football Tournament, the author and journalist Richard Whitehead wrote: 'It was first sung in 1927 before the Arsenal-Cardiff City final. Some accounts suggest that it was introduced at the initiative of TP (Thomas) Ratcliff, who conducted the pre-match community singing. 'Other versions claim FA secretary Frederick Wall wrote to Buckingham Palace to ask what King George V might like to hear. He replied that 'Abide With Me' was a favourite of his and Queen Mary. 'In the post-war cup finals in particular, there was a fervour in the rendering of the hymn which made it an occasion in itself,' wrote Wall's successor Stanley Rous. 'Even so, Rous decided to drop it in 1959 but the decision was met with howls of protest and he had to backtrack.' After Abide with Me has been sung and the teams have walked onto the pitch, Wembley will reverberate to fans from both sides singing God Save the King, the national anthem and a reminder of the historic links between the FA Cup final and Britain's Royal family. The ties were not so close from the beginning. 'King George V was the first monarch to attend the FA Cup final, in 1914, and it was dubbed 'the Royal cup final',' says Dr Jackson. Advertisement 'Through the 1900s, we started to see Royals attend other football matches and I think the Prince of Wales went to either an FA Cup final or an England international. 'George V himself went to an Army vs Navy game in his role as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. 'He was encouraged to go to the 1914 cup final by a friend and a confidant, Lord Derby, who was an aristocrat with quite a skill for understanding how to popularise and keep the monarchy in the public eye in a positive way. 'From the 1870s until 1913, it was aristocrats or members of the FA who were the guests of honour. 'From 1914 until the 1970s, it was predominantly the monarch who was guest of honour and who presented the trophy with a few exceptions, such as when the monarch was overseas or ill. For instance, in 1952, the cup was presented to Newcastle United by Sir Winston Churchill.' In more recent times, William, Prince of Wales, a fan of Aston Villa and the Football Association president, has become a cup final regular. In the more homogenised world of 21st-century football, pre-match entertainment at a cup final might feel very similar to the high-profile fixtures of the Premier League. In the past, though, it was very different. In the 1980s — often regarded as one of the golden eras of the cup final — while standard league games often passed with almost no additional entertainment, cup-final day at Wembley was different. On the pitch before the main match, teams of fans of celebrities sometimes played out their own contest, and from 1971 to 1977 supporters from the competing teams took part in a special edition of the BBC show It's a Knockout. It all began in the 1920s with the more traditional ritual of community singing. 'They had this repertoire of different songs which culminated in Abide With Me,' Dr Jackson says. Advertisement 'This was the inter-war period and there were concerns about social cohesion in terms of communism and socialism and the depression years were coming, with the economic impact on Britain. 'So community singing was an idea to try to bring people together and they started off by using a lot of old wartime songs, trying to hark back to that togetherness of the war years. 'They handed out song sheets, there were conductors and they had bands and some of them were picked up on early radio broadcasts with the idea being that people at home could get involved.' One of this year's finalists, Manchester City, caused something of a stir in the past two seasons when they arrived at Wembley in casual clothing — trousers and branded cup-final T-shirts in 2023, jeans and club polo shirts a year later. Last year's winners, Manchester United, by contrast, arrived at the stadium in tailored Paul Smith suits, upholding a tradition dating back many years that teams who reach the final get measured up in advance for matching, smart attire. It is a tradition that Crystal Palace will stick with this weekend with the manager, Oliver Glasner, also confirming that he will swap his customary casual garb for a suit at Wembley. A post shared by APSLEY | BESPOKE LONDON TAILOR (@apsleybespoke) 'Into the 1950s, players would have been turning up in suits automatically for all games and the club blazer would have been standard dress, reflecting wider society,' says Dr Jackson. 'That's what men wore — trousers, a jacket, a shirt and a tie. Men's casual wear hadn't really developed massively. 'By the 60s and 70s, men's fashion was changing, becoming more casual, but to a certain degree, once you start having more TV coverage, making sure everyone was well dressed was probably about clubs starting to think about their image from a media point of view. 'And then players wearing their suits, walking around the pitch before the game, then going back inside and getting changed into their match kit became part of the ritual of the FA Cup final.' It does not always go well, however. In 1996, Liverpool turned up in cream Armani suits, were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United, and were forever tarnished, probably unfairly, by a suggestion that they took fashion more seriously than football. Most cup finals now end with players receiving the trophy on the pitch, usually on a specially-erected podium that allows perfect branding opportunities. But in the FA Cup, dragging weary limbs up the steps to the Royal Box to collect medals and silverware has become a staple part of the day. That changed from 2001 to 2006 when, with Wembley being redeveloped, the final moved to Cardiff, where the then Millennium Stadium did not allow for a walk through the stands and up to the second tier. Advertisement But at Wembley, the tradition is upheld. It is not unique — Copa del Rey winners Barcelona and runners-up Real Madrid climbed the steps at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville last month — and other finals played at Wembley, including the Carabao Cup and the EFL play-offs, have followed the same pattern. But it is unusual. 'You can see footage from 1914, when Tommy Boyle of Burnley becomes the first man to be presented with the cup by a reigning monarch, and he goes up to the VIP area where the King and the dignitaries are,' says Dr Jackson. 'So we know it was the same at the Crystal Palace. 'I think the idea was that the players rose up to them as opposed to bringing the VIPs down to ground level. 'And in the 1900s, people would flock across the pitch at the end of the game, so there would be mini pitch invasions — of an orderly nature — where everyone would walk across the pitch to get closer and watch that presentation of the trophy to the players.'
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Expert shares how to spot rare coin worth over £100,000
There were only thought to be seven of these coins ever made, making them extremely sought after An expert has reminded Brits to keep an eye out for an ultra-rare penny coin that could be worth more than £100,000. His advice comes after reportedly spotting the piece on eBay for an eye-watering price of £120,000. The coin in question is a 1p coin dated 1933. Its rarity stems from the fact that only an estimated six or seven were minted by the Royal Mint. The reverse of this precious penny showcases the image of Britannia wielding a trident, while King George V's portrait is on the other side. Regarding the coin, the Royal Mint website explains: "No record was kept at the time of how many pennies dated 1933 were made but it is thought to be no more than six or seven. With no precise record of the number made, and with the coin having been struck to ordinary circulation standard, it seemed possible that one might turn up in everyday use, prompting a generation to search their change for the rare but ultimately elusive penny of 1933." It is thought to be one of the most expensive and most sought-after coins in the UK. In 2016, one of the coins sold for an impressive £72,000 at a London auction. But speaking on social media platform TikTok, an expert known as the Coin Collecting Wizard told his followers that he had 'finally' found one of these coins on eBay. He explained: 'Well, it has finally happened. 'A 1933 penny has appeared on eBay currently at £120,000. Have you ever heard about the 1933 penny?' He went into more detail: 'Generations of people searched through their change in the hope of finding one.' If this coin was genuine it could mean there are more than seven of these coins in existence. 'Experts have always worked on the assumption that only seven such coins were minted,' he continued. 'And if genuine, this one would be worth at least £100,000. 'By yesterday, bidding had reached a little over £90,000, while the owner listed as Suzanne X failed to respond to email requests for more information.' His video was uploaded on May 7, and at the time of reporting, the listing on eBay seemed to have been removed. He added: 'The Royal Mint had no plans to make any pennies in 1933 because there were already plenty around. However, a small number were produced following requests for a commemorative coin. 'Experts have always worked on the basis there were seven. Assuming the coin is genuine, the owner could be sitting on a life-changing amount.' But he did issue a warning. 'However, coin collectors are always wary that criminals might be trying to cash in by creating fakes,' he said.
