Latest news with #Holgate
TimesLIVE
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
In a Land Rover Defender 130 the world follows your pace
At the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, Land Rover debuted its contemporary reincarnation of the Defender. Attendees were agog, enticed by the prospect of future-forward technologies blended with old school toughness. Towards the end of 2020, the model went on sale in South Africa. In the lead-up to that, there was lots of manufactured hype but also a sense of anxiousness. Would it prove to be a worthy bearer of the storied lineage, or would it be a half-baked attempt, a fashion accessory with little substance, trading on the clout of a legendary nameplate? My first go in the five-door, 110 series model was at the brand's Kingsley Holgate off-road course in Johannesburg. The retro-themed looks and minimalist, robust cabin design were obvious highlights. The same for the effortless way in which the Defender sauntered over obstacles, with its air suspension and four-wheel drive system making mince meat of axle-articulating ruts, steep climbs and the obligatory wade through a waist-deep pond. Of course that was a simulated environment, not the real world. Skepticism was assuaged when soon after the launch Holgate took a Defender fleet around the continent on one of his famous humanitarian missions, seemingly without hassle. In 2021 the local range expanded with the charming Defender 90, the short-wheelbase version. My test unit was outfitted with white steel wheels, adding another layer of cool factor, throwing a nod back to its forebear. The 90 could also be had with a sliding fabric top for open-air mirth. Then Land Rover went a bit bonkers in collaboration with the company's special vehicle operations, developing a fiery V8 derivative using the marque's vaunted 5.0l supercharged motor. It emerged a manic machine, thunderingly loud and surprisingly rapid with a sinister character befitting that of a Bond villain's fleet. It played such a role in No Time To Die, the 25th installment of the 007 franchise. Last year Land Rover launched the crazier Defender Octa, which uses a BMW-sourced 4.4l V8 turbocharged petrol heart. In a relatively short time, the rebirthed Defender achieved acceptance among traditionalists and earned a new breed of consumers, who struggled to resonate with the predecessor's oil-in-fingernails nature. Last week the manufacturer sent an example of the long-wheelbase 130 my way. The largest Defender you can buy today. This particular test unit had more than 20,000km on its odometer, battle-hardened, having seen its fair share of thrills and spills. Literal spills, judging from sticky cooldrink residues left in the fridge under the central armrest. Yes, the Defender has a fridge. Not an entirely new feature – Land Rover and Range Rover models have offered it for a while. But an amenity that impresses, specially if you are a practical, family-minded type of buyer. The 130 will appeal to such kinds. It has a sunroof panel for the last seating row, which dazzled the young occupants in my tribe, in addition to many USB ports around the entire cabin. Our tester was configured with the six-seater layout, with its second row that has individual captain chairs, each donning their own armrests. It's a great way to avoid crabbiness usually induced on the open road when siblings sit with shoulders touching. Rear occupants get their own charging ports and climate control. Image: Brenwin Naidu You might want to look into alternative storage solutions (maybe a roof box) for long-haul trips, however, as boot space is paltry with the third row of seats in use. The rugged yet sophisticated execution of the cabin remains as appealing as it did when we first saw the Defender in 2019. Elements such as the exposed rivets and rubberised floors evince a sense of proper durability. That shone through on our tester with its higher mileage. The Defender had received minor upgrades along the way, including the adoption of the enhanced Pivi Pro infotainment system, which is among the best in the business. Aside from that, there are no glaring changes. An old ergonomic gripe resurfaced: when unfastening the driver's sun visor, one smacks their knuckles against the central rearview mirror. In 130 guise, the Defender is truly vast, with a length of 5,358mm, width of 2,105mm and towering height of 1,970mm. The 360° camera system comes in handy, even if the audible warnings of the park distance control are more alarming than they need to be. Somewhere in the big book of poetic African proverbs there must be something that references the Defender and how it goes unperturbed by the antics of overzealous Polo drivers. It is the rhinoceros that takes little notice of an irritating wasp hovering around its butt. Aggressive tailgaters and kamikaze Kwid motorists are less of a concern when you are behind the wheel of the hefty Land Rover. Easing along in the middle lane at about 110km/h, with the eight-speed automatic in top gear, the world seems to turn at your pace. Life is peaceful and you get to your destination completely unbothered, as long as the intrusive lane-keep assist does not get to you. The tank-like Defender imbues its driver with calm confidence. That applies when the road becomes muck, thanks to those proven off-road credentials, including a wading depth of 900mm. Should you prefer a more energetic rhythm than middle lane meandering, the 3.0l, six-cylinder, turbocharged-diesel has plenty of punch. It is the one to have for that sweet spot between power and frugality. Designated D350, the in-line motor delivers a substantial 257kW/700Nm, able to hustle the 2.6-ton 4x4 from rest to 100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds. A figure not far off certain hot hatchbacks, all while being able to achieve fuel economy figures under 10l/100km. The Defender remains one of Land Rover's best products. Hugely capable off-road, pleasant on asphalt, a cabin that blends smart conveniences with traditional tactility, and its overall brand cachet steeped in history, the appeal is easy to understand. The 130 range starts at R2,040,700 for the D350 X-Dynamic model while the V8 is R3,241,400. Pricing includes a five-year/100,000km warranty and maintenance plan.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'It was incredibly moving to hear' - York dad welcomes medical breakthrough
A YORK dad whose son was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of a life-limiting illness has welcomed news of a medical breakthrough. Sid Gornall, who lives in Holgate, has welcomed the publication of new research highlighting the early success of mitochondrial donation – a pioneering form of IVF designed to reduce the transmission of certain types of mitochondrial disease. Recommended reading: York teenager wins gold for England for third time 'These are tremendously exciting times' - sports stars back North Yorkshire estate Famous York cafe setting up shop at North Yorkshire stately home As The Press has previously reported, his son Bill, who is now 13 and goes to Manor CE School, was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease MELAS in 2020, a rare disorder that begins in childhood and mostly affects the nervous system and muscles. Bill Gornall (Image: Supplied) "The news of the breakthrough in mitochondrial donation was incredibly moving to hear," said Sid. "It gives much needed hope to any families who have children battling this devastating disease but also gives great hope for parents who have lost children. "All of the fundraising is in the hope that one day a treatment or a cure will be found. This weekend we will spend time with other families supported by the Lily Foundation and celebrate this incredible breakthrough and strengthen our resolve to spread the word about mitochondrial disease and continue fundraising to find a cure." Sid Gornall has fundraised for the Lily Foundation (Image: Supplied) The Lily Foundation is the UK's leading mitochondrial disease charity, and says the technique offers the potential for parents to have healthy, genetically related children without passing on faulty mitochondrial DNA. Liz Curtis, founder and CEO of the Surrey-based charity, said: 'After years of waiting, we now know that eight babies have been born using this technique, all showing no signs of mitochondrial disease. For many affected families, it's the first real hope of breaking the cycle of this inherited condition.' Mitochondrial disease is caused by faults in the mitochondria – tiny structures within cells that produce over 90 per cent of the body's energy. Every year, around one baby in 5000 is born with mitochondrial DNA mutations that can cause the disease. Despite years of research, there is currently no cure. Mitochondrial donation works by transferring the nuclear DNA from an affected woman's egg into a healthy donor egg with functioning mitochondria. The technique remains in the early stages and long-term outcomes are still being studied. However, this new research from the Newcastle University-based team who first pioneered the technique marks a significant milestone in what has been a years-long journey of scientific innovation, ethical debate and policy development. 'At its heart, mitochondrial donation is about choice,' said Ms Curtis. 'This breakthrough gives families more options to have healthy children and is a powerful reminder that mitochondrial research is moving forward – and hope is very much alive.' Bill and his dad, Sid (Image: Supplied)
Qatar Tribune
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Gharafa sign Jamaican Mason Holgate on 2-year loan deal from Everton
Tribune News Network Doha Al Gharafa Sports Club (SC) has signed Jamaican Mason Holgate on a two-year deal from English club Everton. The signing was announced by the club on its official X account, confirming that the 28-year-has undergone medical tests in Doha. Born in England, Holgate began his professional career with Barnsley in 2014 and went on to play for several English clubs. Last season, he played for West Ham United on loan from Everton. He previously represented England at the U-20 and U-21 levels before deciding to play for his native national team, Jamaica. On Tuesday, Al Gharafa also confirmed the renewal of contracts for Algerian Yacine Brahimi and Tunisian Ferjani Sassi for an additional season. Brahimi joined Al Gharafa in July 2022 from Al Rayyan, making 84 appearances, scoring 45 goals, and playing a key role in securing the prestigious HH the Amir Cup title in May. Sassi arrived from Al Duhail in July 2023, appearing in 63 matches and scoring 17 goals. Al Gharafa will travel to Slovakia on Thursday for a training camp running through August 4. During the camp, Al Gharafa are set to play four friendly matches as part of preparations ahead of their Qatar Stars League (QSL) opener against Umm Salal on August 15.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Foundation embarks on Mozambique expedition with Defender convoy
A convoy of Land Rover Defender vehicles is heading north as part of the Kingsley Holgate Foundation's latest expedition into Mozambique. Looking for a new or used Land Rover? Find it here with CARmag! The mission, called the Greater Gorongosa Expedition, sat out on Tuesday and focuses on delivering malaria prevention tools, educational materials, and basic aid to rural communities near Gorongosa National Park. The Holgate Foundation is known for combining off-road exploration with humanitarian work, and this trip marks another chapter in a relationship with Defender that spans more than two decades. The team will travel in a mix of modern and older Defender models, continuing a long tradition of relying on the vehicle's off-road capability in remote parts of Africa. Related: Land Rover Unveils Defender 90 V8 Softop Restomod With Whopping Price tag Two new Defender 130s, nicknamed 'Moyo' and 'Isibindi', will lead the expedition. Both recently completed a 62 000km journey through 21 African countries during the Afrika Odyssey trip. They'll be joined by four classic Defender models that have been part of earlier Holgate journeys. The vehicles are loaded with gear and medical supplies, including mosquito nets intended for families in high-risk malaria zones. The expedition highlights the continuing health challenges in Mozambique, where malaria remains one of the leading causes of child mortality. According to the World Health Organisation, sustained efforts are still needed in the region. During its last major campaign, the foundation distributed nearly 16 000 mosquito nets. While the new Defenders bring updated tech and improved comfort, the inclusion of older models is a nod to the vehicle's role in previous expeditions. Ross Holgate, who leads the mission, said the combination of new and old Defenders reflects the evolution of the brand while maintaining the same core purpose — reaching places that are difficult to access and doing meaningful work when they get there. The team departed from Hoedspruit following a community send-off at a local environmental camp. They're expected to spend the next few weeks navigating rugged terrain in one of Southern Africa's most biodiverse regions. Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Holgate Foundation Embarks on Mozambique Expedition with Defender Convoy appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Perth Now
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
May the fourth be with you
Millennium Falcon Emperial IPA Your local paper, whenever you want it. Holgate Brewhouse Forget making the Kessel Run in under 12 parsecs, the Millennium Falcon Emperial IPA is making its 12th run in bottle shops both near and far, far away. First brewed by Holgate Brewhouse in 2013 to mark its 1000th brew, Millennium Falcon is made with pale malt and an 'interstellar hopping rate' to produce an Emperial IPA that's out of this world. Think a supercharged American pale ale with fruity hop aromas, sweet pale malts and and hop bitterness. It pours a bright gold common to higher ABV beers, like a traditional Belgian golden ale (the Victorian brewer has stuck with the 9 per cent ABV of recent releases, down from the initial 10 per cent), with a small head. This year, they have opted for an all-American tropical hop, including Citra, Mosaic, El Dorado, Idaho #7 and Centennial. That super fruity hop aroma is immediately evident on the nose, notes of juicy pineapple, tart citrus, stone fruit and a touch of mandarin, alongside boiled lollies and bubblegum. The fruity flavour is underpinned by a bold hop bitterness. Like an all-out assault on the trenches of the Death Star, the boozy flavour hits hard and fast, but it remains dangerously drinkable. Just in time for May the Fourth, Millennium Falcon Emperial IPA can be enjoyed Solo or with friends. With a 9 per cent ABV, Holgate stops short of calling it sessionable, but it is very drinkable. $34.99 for a four-pack
