Latest news with #HolyTrinityChurch
Perth Now
7 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Celebrations as Rottnest church reaches golden milestone
A church on Rottnest Island created by a priest who thought he was heading to Garden Island and enlisted the US Navy's help in its construction is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The golden jubilee of Rottnest's Holy Trinity Catholic Church will be held on Sunday, June 15, with a Thanksgiving Mass at 10am led by Archdiocese of Perth Vicar General, the Very Rev. Monsignor Vincent Glynn. It will include the blessing of a newly commissioned golden memorial plaque, followed by a high tea in the church courtyard. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Holy Trinity Church stands as a tribute to its founder, the late Monsignor Sean 'Mons' O'Shea. He first arrived on the island in 1961 — mistakenly believing he was heading to Garden Island — and held Mass in makeshift venues such as the island's picture theatre. By 1975, his dream of a dedicated place of worship became reality, thanks to the support of then Archbishop Lancelot Goody, local board member Des Sullivan, and architect C.J. Gabriels. The church's structure, including a distinctive ochre facade, movable side doors and adjoining priest's quarters, remains almost entirely unchanged today. Perhaps most memorable is the church's carillon of bells, installed in 1985. Without a crane on the island, Monsignor O'Shea arranged for the US Navy's Pacific Fleet to airlift the bells by helicopter. Mons O'Shea because just as famous for his hospitality as his homilies, becoming known for welcoming guests with pikelets and fig jam. Even after suffering two strokes, he continued his ministry until his retirement in 2012. He died later that year and is buried in the church courtyard. Current chaplain Fr Joseph Rathnaraj encouraged Catholics as well as visitors and admirers of Rottnest Island to the jubilee celebrations. 'This is a time to honour Monsignor O'Shea's legacy and give thanks for 50 years of ministry, prayer, and peace shared here on the island,' Fr Joseph said. Ferry services will be available from Fremantle and Hillarys.
Local Sweden
10-04-2025
- Local Sweden
What's the best place in Sweden for a spring getaway?
We asked our readers for their best tips for a spring getaway in Sweden, and with answers ranging from Kiruna in the north to Skåne in the south, there should be something for everyone. Advertisement Abhineet in Gothenberg had a lot of tips for spring getaways on the west coast, including Smögen, Lysekil, Strömstad, Grundsund, Kungshamn, Marstrand and the Koster Islands, as well as Gothenburg itself and its nearby archipelago. 'There are small towns with nice cafes and not a lot of crowds,' he said. 'The west coast is famous for seafood, but there are plenty of nice vegetarian and other options at cafes too.' Michael, from the UK, also said that Gothenburg was his favourite Swedish spring destination. 'Trams. Archipelago. Craft breweries. Trams. Saluhallen. Alingsås for fika nearby. Trams. The gardens,' he said.' 'Did I mention it has trams?' A beautiful summer sunset in Båstad. Photo: Hamza Al Darawsheh Hamza Al Darawsheh, who lives in Båstad, a popular summer resort in the northwest of Skåne, recommended the area for its 'countryside and sea everywhere'. He particularly recommended Västra-Karup for beautiful countryside, as well as Torekov and central Båstad for views of the sea. Sunny Arboga. Photo: Jill Advertisement Jill, originally from Kent, recommended Arboga in Västmanland, around a two hour drive west from Stockholm. She lives and works in Arboga as an event producer, and it's clear how passionate she is about the area as a tourist destination. 'For a calming spring break you can mingle with the locals in this idyllic medieval town and admire the mural of St. George and The Dragon in the Holy Trinity Church which also has the largest church lanterns in Scandinavia,' she wrote. 'You can also walk along the oldest cobbled street in Sweden, look at the beautiful wooden houses on the longest street in Sweden with just wooden buildings, stay in a cabin on the shores of Lake Hjälmaren and visit living history watching the locks in operation at Hjälmare Canal.' Advertisement One survey respondent, a 13-year-old boy living in Stockholm, had two spring getaway tips. The first was Kiruna in Lappland, in the far north of Sweden which he recommended due to the 'amazing mountains and interesting mix of Swedish, Finnish and Sami culture'. 'You must visit one of the many mountains in Kiruna,' he wrote, while adding that visitors try the 'regional meatball, but also some local Sami cuisine like reindeer meat or elk stew.' 'Lappland is a beautiful region,' he added. 'Make sure to visit other cities.' His second recommendation was Gotland, an island in the Baltic sea which is perhaps best known for hosting the Almedalen political festival in the summer. He recommended Gotland because of its 'beautiful beaches and historic towns,' although he said that besides this, there's 'not much to see'. 'While in Gotland they should certainly visit Fårö, which means lamb islands in English. They are known for their excellent lamb burger and meatballs. The beaches on Fårö are amazing and I would recommend visiting them.' A sunset in Gotland. Photo: Pramodh He wasn't the only respondent to recommend Gotland as a spring destination. Pramodh, a 34-year-old Indian working as an engineer at Eriksson also said the island was a great place to visit. 'The days are already getting longer in the spring and Gotland with its beautiful pebble beaches around Visby face westward. It's really nice to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine, or chill in the parks or on the beaches.' Spring is the off-season for Gotland, which really comes into its own as a holiday destination in the summer. 'I think it's a place that one can actually enjoy already from Spring,' Pramodh said. 'There's Högklint we can hike to, Night clubs we can enjoy in Visby, Beautiful sunsets to enjoy at the beaches. It's not very cold and not super warm either. A perfect weather to enjoy the attractions of the Island apart from just the beaches.' Visiting popular summer destinations in the off season does sometimes mean that you have to plan ahead, as some places are only open during the summer. 'It could be a bit tricky to rent a bike,' he added, 'as most service providers operate from June 1st.' He also recommended visiting the Lumelunda caves. Advertisement Liuba's picture of a lighthouse on Öland. Photo: Liuba Liuba had another island on her spring getaway list: Öland, off the east coast of Småland. 'It's a unique place in terms of nature,' she wrote. 'It is one of the most important places for bird migration (make sure to visit Ottenby fågelstation!), there are seals and rare orchids can be found everywhere, the list can go on!' She also had a top tip when it comes to eating in Öland. 'Their specialty is kroppkakor, don't miss it!' Fryksås fäbod in Dalarna. Photo: Marcus Marcus, a 32-year-old film producer based in Stockholm, said that Fryksås in Dalarna was his favourite place in Sweden for a spring getaway. He said that visitors should make sure to check out the 'idyllic, more-than-400-year-old fäbod,' a former summer farm where cattle were taken to graze. 'The fäbod is on a hill created by the largest meteor to land in northern Europe (150 million years old). It has a great hotel with good food (amazing julbord for example) and a stunning restaurant up on the hill serving only local ingredients including a lot of local game and vegetables. Their läfsor [a type of soft flatbread popular in Norway] and raggmunk are especially to die for.' 'Further up the hill you find Orsa Grönklitt with apres ski and a whole ski center for rentals of skis or bikes.' In the warmer months, there's still a lot to do, Marcus said. 'In the summer, lake dipping, mountain biking and hiking is on the agenda. It's never too packed due to limited availability in vacation rentals and it's the best place to relax and unwind.'
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Beautiful short coastal walks in Wales you need to try
There's no better way to embrace the great outdoors than lacing up your hiking boots and heading for the Welsh coast. With the salty breeze in your hair, the crash of waves and dreamy sea views stretching to the horizon, walking along the bracing Welsh coastline invigorates the senses. Wales has an extraordinary 870-mile-long coast path—the first in the world to trace an entire nation's shoreline. The famous trail is bursting with dramatic headlands, hidden coves, ancient ruins, and wildlife. While walking its full length is a bucket-list challenge, you don't need to be an ultra-hiker to enjoy its best bits. Throughout the long-distance route, there are countless short walks and circular trails that offer epic coastal scenery without requiring a full expedition. This spring, why not venture out on a shorter stretch of the Wales Coast Path and discover a side of the Welsh coastline that's easy to explore in just a few hours? From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here READ MORE: It was a boring Christmas present but I use it everyday and it's remarkable - and it's now 50% off READ MORE: Next shoppers snapping up 'holiday essential' £50 skirt that 'goes with anything' There are plenty of treks to choose from; you can have a windswept clifftop stroll, follow a historic path leading to a medieval castle, or a route that weaves through secluded bays. Wales also has plenty of walks with unexpected surprises—from islands only accessible at low tide to scenic routes where you can spot dolphins, puffins, and even ancient standing stones perched above the waves. We've handpicked some of the most beautiful short coastal walks in Wales—routes that are easy to tackle but packed with jaw-dropping scenery, fascinating history, and wild beauty that makes you want to slow down and admire the view. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers walkers 15 miles of coastline to explore via waymarked trails. You can attempt the entire route or walk smaller sections of the coast if you want to spend a short day on the coast. One of the easier trails is the Nash Point loop walk, a 4½-mile, mostly gentle hike across windswept clifftops. The route includes several historical sites, including the Nash Point Lighthouse, Atlantic College and Holy Trinity Church, Marcross. Nash Point is located right in the heart of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. It offers a dramatic, fossil-rich bedrock beach, a Grade II-listed lighthouse and plenty of picnic spots for a blustery feast by the sea. The loop walk begins and ends from the small Nash Point car park and covers varying terrain, including boggy fields, narrow and overgrown coastal paths and a college campus. A 4.4-mile circular walk that takes you on the glorious Pembrokeshire Coast Path Trail. Highlights of this walk include Limestone cliffs, beaches and the famous Bosherston lily ponds, where you'll find otters, waterfowl and water lilies. Follow the trail to St Govan's head to find a secluded chapel hidden on a wild and windy beach. Wedged in the limestone rocks, historic St Govan's is a unique chapel carved out of the cliffs on the Pembrokeshire Coast. It's a steep hike down weathered stone steps to get your moment of solace by the sea. Worms Head Walk is an incredibly scenic trail that starts near the National Trust Shop. This 6-mile route allows you to take in the stunning views across Rhossili Bay and venture out to Worm's Head – two small and pretty islands off the headland of Rhossili that are joined to the coast at low tide by a causeway. This walk includes a gentle headland hike and a slightly more challenging tidal walk. The first part of the route is around the Rhossili headland, and the second part is out to Worm's Head. The two parts can be done together and suit families with older children. However, the walk to Worm's Head takes only 2.5 hours on either side of low tide, so check the tide times. Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey's west coast is home to the church of St Dwynwen - the Welsh patron saint of lovers. It's the perfect place in Wales for a romantic stroll and a picnic with your fave. Discover the island on a 3.5-mile circular route from the Newborough Forest car park near Niwbwrch. It's a fairly straightforward track as Llanddwyn is only around 1km long, so it doesn't take long for the ruins of Santes Dwynwen's chapel to come into view on your walk. Route highlights include forests, sandy beaches and the dreamy Tŵr Mawr lighthouse. Seals are also regularly seen around the island, and playful dolphins or harbour porpoises are frequently spotted in the choppy waters. A scenic, 5-mile walk along a rugged coastline rich in animal, plant and marine life. This coastal headland is just a few miles from Wales' smallest city, St Davids. Visit this tiny city for various outdoor activities and independent cafes. On this walk, you'll be treated to sweeping views of Cardigan Bay in the distance, stone roundhouses and small touches of history. While hiking, look for the ancient Neolithic burial chamber of Coetan Arthur and the hill of Carn Llidi, which overlooks St David's Head. This five-mile linear coastal route heads from Penarth's Victorian pier along the coast to Lavernock Point. You'll be taking in several historical sites along the way, including an anti-aircraft battery, prehistoric dinosaur footprints, and Sully Island, once inhabited by swashbuckling smugglers. History fans should visit Lavernock Point, which, in 1897, was the site of Marconi's first radio transmission over the open sea. You can then cool off in the ocean and take a bus back to the starting point. To get vibrant and colourful photos, time your walk so you hit the pier at sunset. For a coastal walk with a dose of history and plenty of wildlife spotting, Penmon Point on the eastern tip of Anglesey is a must-do coastal walk. This 3-mile out-and-back trail takes you past the 12th-century Penmon Priory and its ancient dovecote before leading you to the Penmon Lighthouse, perched dramatically at the choppy water's edge. The views across Puffin Island are spectacular, and if you're lucky, you might even spot these black and white cuties bobbing in the waves. You should also watch for snoozing seals, as they are often seen lounging on the surrounding rocks. After your walk, warm up with a coffee and a cake from the Point Café, which has some of the best sea views in Wales. Tucked away on the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, this short but stunning 2.5-mile coastal walk has everything you'd want from a seaside ramble. The route starts from Morfa Nefyn and follows a scenic coastal path to the picturesque fishing hamlet of Porthdinllaen, where the pastel-coloured houses are set right on the sand. One of the biggest highlights is the eclectic Ty Coch Inn, a beachside pub regularly named one of the best in the world. Grab a drink, sit back with your toes in the sand, and soak up the dreamy views across the Irish Sea. If you fancy a longer walk, you can extend the route by exploring the nearby headland, where you might spot seals basking on the rocks below. This 5-mile linear coastal walk takes you from the buzzing university town of Aberystwyth to the quiet seaside village of Borth, with epic views. The route climbs steep Constitution Hill, where you can take a panoramic view of Cardigan Bay before following the coastal path past rugged cliffs and open countryside. One of the most intriguing sights on this walk is the submerged prehistoric forest at Borth Beach, where ancient tree stumps are revealed at low tide. Thought to be around 6,000 years old, these eerie remnants of a long-lost woodland are steeped in local legend—some even say they belong to the mythical drowned kingdom of Cantre'r Gwaelod. Once you reach Borth, you can catch the train back to Aberystwyth or reward yourself with fish and chips by the sea. Combine city and sea on this family-friendly walk. This easy, mainly traffic-free, circular trail runs for just over six miles around Cardiff Bay and across to the seaside town of Penarth via Pont Y Werin. You can easily take the train to Cardiff Bay or Penarth for this walk. Follow the 'Cardiff Bay trail' signs to complete this easy and scenic loop walk. This scenic and relatively flat trail is designed for walkers and bikers and is a perfect way for people to explore the waterfront in a low-impact way. It's also a great way to explore Cardiff Bay's fantastic attractions and get sea views across the barrage. Along the trail, you'll see some of Cardiff's historic and modern landmarks, such as the Norwegian Church, Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd and the Pierhead building. There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments. The vibrant waterfront area has many cafés, bars, and restaurants.
