Latest news with #JamesClarke
South Wales Argus
11 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport council placemaking plan welcomed by local groups
The city council's new placemaking plan sets out a series of 'quick wins' and more long-term ambitions for welcoming visitors and making the city centre more attractive for Newport's residents. 'The placemaking plan has been very much driven by what those who live and work in the city would like to see happen,' said Cllr James Clarke, the cabinet member for regeneration and business growth. 'This is a plan for the next 15 years – as some will need long-term planning and significant investment – but there are some short-term changes that will be community led, supported by the council, that people will see happening quite quickly.' Those short-term proposals include a food-focused outdoor market around the Steel Wave sculpture, and building a new playground, possibly in John Frost Square, to make central Newport a more 'family-friendly destination'. Efforts to make the city centre more attractive include better lighting, 'wrapping' empty shops with colourful designs, and making local art more visible in public spaces. 'I hope that in just a few months we will be able to demonstrate some tangible improvements in the city centre,' said Cllr Clarke. Other political groups have largely welcomed the Labour-led council's plans to bring improvements to central Newport – but while there is universal agreement that work needs to be done, the new plan's projects have been met with a degree of caution in some cases. Cllr Matthew Evans, who leads the Conservative group, said the plan contains 'some excellent initiatives' but insisted public concerns around safety and crime must be addressed 'as a matter of urgency'. 'We all want to see a better city and I will be there as a critical friend to ensure some of these quick wins are implemented,' he said. Cllr Evans did criticise a perceived 'lack of ambition in the longer term', however, and wanted to see the plan give 'far greater prominence' to the future of the city's Medieval Ship. He also said the council should take a 'more radical approach' to proposals to regenerate the southern end of Commercial Street, and create 'a giant open space which could host concerts and events all year round'. Cllr Mark Howells leads the Lliswerry independent group, and said he and his colleagues welcomed in principle a plan 'which has been missing for some time'. 'However, we remain cautious that it does not go far enough in setting out a bold or ambitious vision for the city's future,' he said. 'Newport faces significant challenges and opportunities, and we need a plan that matches the scale of that reality.' Cllr Howells said the local authority should provide more detail to residents and should have a 'more transparent' timescale for change. However, Cllr Kevin Whitehead, who leads the independent councillors from Bettws, said it would be 'harsh' to criticise the council's aspirations. 'Newport is all of our city, and we should all fully support any efforts to elevate its positive points while having the honest conversations around what it needs to address in order to realise this vision,' he said. Cllr Whitehead said changing negative perceptions of the city centre will be 'the biggest challenge', but added: 'I fully support the aspirations of the plan and would love to celebrate any goals it achieves. Some might say it's overly ambitious looking at it as a whole but I suppose time will tell.' Liberal Democrat councillor Carmel Townsend, said the 'run down' city centre is 'one of the biggest concerns raised' by residents. 'The placemaking plan doesn't go far enough,' she said. 'It should recognise that keeping the place well-maintained is essential and that significant investment is needed. The plan is 'gimmicky' and I can't see how lights, signs and stickers on empty shop windows are going to make much of a difference.' Cllr Clarke said the council 'recognises the challenges' facing the city centre 'but instead of just shrugging our shoulders or complaining, we are determined to make a difference'. 'To fully realise the vision, there will have to be support from a wide range of sources including Newport residents. Positivity will help transform the city centre and ensure it can achieve its full and exciting potential.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New 'flavour-packed' beer launched by Hook Norton Brewery
A new beer offering "bright citrus and tropical hop notes" has been launched by an Oxfordshire brewery. Hook Norton Brewery, one of the UK's oldest independent family breweries, has announced the launch of Sundial IPA. Based in Hook Norton, the brewery produces a range of "Hooky" beers and owns more than 30 pubs in and around the county. It said its newest beer is "vibrant, refreshing, and full of flavour," with "bright citrus and tropical hop notes" and a "crisp, clean finish". Managing director James Clarke said: "Sundial marks another chapter for Hook Norton. "Whilst cask ale is and will always remain our core, brewing these lighter, flavour-packed beers and creating something that bridges our rich brewing tradition with today's tastes is exciting." The drink is described by the brewery as a "pale, golden beer with light grapefruit notes and lemon zest". It is made using a blend of Admiral, Motueka, and Mosaic hops, and is dry-hopped with Amarillo and Citra. The brewery said it is perfect for "long afternoons in the sun" or a "post-work pint at the local". Sundial IPA will be available in 30L and 50L kegs, with plans to roll out in cans later this year. It will be available at the brewery's bars and in Hook Norton pubs across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.
BBC News
28-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
James Clarke: Liverpool mural for swimming hero who saved dozens
Credited with saving dozens of children and adults from drowning on Merseyside in the early 20th Century, James Clarke is known as the first black man to have a street named after him in Liverpool.A mural celebrating the "true hero" and his achievements will be officially unveiled in the city next mural, painted by renowned artist John Culshaw, will be the third in a series of works commissioned by charity Mandela8 to celebrate community role Clarke's family praised the "beautiful artistic tribute" which they said would ensure his heroics are celebrated for generations to come. Who was James Clarke? James Clarke was born in 1886 in British Guiana, now Guyana, on the northern tip of South he was 14 years old, he stowed away on a ship bound for was later adopted by an Irish family who were living on Scotland died in 1946. Why was he regarded as a hero? A talented athlete, Mr Clarke worked on Liverpool's excelled at water sports and was credited with saving dozens of children and adults from drowning in canals, docks and the River Wavertree Swimming Club member also taught countless children how to also found time to coach police boxing and swimming teams. Mr Clarke was awarded several medals for swimming and for rescuing people from dedicated to his memory have been unveiled at Eldonian Village Hall in Vauxhall and at Liverpool Aquatics Centre. The one at Eldonian Village Hall, describing him as a "multiple life-saver", read: "Despite his fame, James was a humble and helpful person."He was also celebrated in "Inspirational Black Scousers" tours at the Museum of Liverpool last Clarke's silver chain, featuring his medals, are on display in the museum's The People's Republic exhibition.A framed certificate which he received from the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society for diving into West Waterloo Dock to rescue a man from drowning on 14 February 1911 is also on museum's lead curator Kay Jones said: "James Clarke left an incredible legacy on the city that is still visible today - physically through the street named after him, but also crucially through the lives of the many people he saved from drowning and their descendants across the world."Teaching local children how to swim - after rescuing many of them from the Leeds and Liverpool canal - inevitably had huge positive impacts upon generations of local families." 'Beautiful tribute' Sonia Bassey MBE, chairwoman of the Mandela8 charity which commissioned the mural in partnership with Riverside Foundation, described Mr Clarke as a "true local hero, saving many people from drowning in the Mersey and teaching so many others to swim so they could save themselves".Mr Clarke's grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren said they were "truly honoured and deeply grateful" for the "beautiful artistic tribute" which would ensure he is celebrated for generations to said his story was one of "strength and perseverance". "Despite facing racism and physical abuse, he never let those struggles define him," they said."Instead, he rose above them to become a pillar of his community, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire not just our family but so many others."In today's world, where immigration is often spoken about negatively, his life shows the true impact of those who come here, work hard, and dedicate themselves to helping others."His resilience and unwavering spirit remind us all that it's not where you start but how you choose to move forward that truly matters."Mr Clarke is said to have often told his children: "Let colour be your last excuse, not your first".His family said that powerful message had been passed down through the generations, "reminding us that the true value lies in our actions and the choices we make".They added: "This mural embodies that message - a powerful reminder of his selflessness and unwavering commitment to making a difference in his community." The mural will be officially unveiled at 13:30 BST on Wednesday at Athol Village on Leigh Bridge Way, Liverpool. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Humble Liverpool boss Arne Slot grabs a sandwich at Asda and looks relaxed ahead of Tottenham clash
IT Asda be Liverpool for the Premier League title. 3 Arne Slot was pictured leaving an Asda yesterday Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke 3 He grabbed a sandwich and some grapes Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke 3 Liverpool look set to clinch the title on Sunday against Spurs Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke The Reds boss was pictured heading out of Asda in Hale Barns, Cheshire yesterday. Slot was all smiles on his way home as he dressed casually in a white top and cream chinos. After picking up his lunch, the Dutchman hopped into his Aston Martin DBX 4x4 car worth £250,000. Slot looked relaxed when snapped yesterday afternoon and no wonder after watching Arsenal drop points in the READ MORE IN FOOTBALL It means It will be the first title the club celebrate with fans in 35 years after Covid ruined their 2019/20 success. And struggling Though Slot will not let up until the title is confirmed, saying: "Everybody is looking forward to Sunday, but there's still a job to be done, which is one point, that's what we know and hopefully we win." Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS Liverpool have cruised their way to glory and have remained in pole position since November 2. Slot is set to become just the fourth manager in Prem history to win the league in his debut season in England, joining Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Manuel Pellegrini in the exclusive club. Arne Slot shocked by errors as Liverpool's Premier League run ends at Fulham
Bloomberg
17-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
KKR Veteran Joins Blue Owl to Lead Global Family Office Push
A former executive at KKR & Co. 's global wealth unit has joined rival alternative asset giant Blue Owl Capital Inc. to expand its offering to the world's ultra-wealthy. Blake Shorthouse is joining the New York-based firm as global head of family capital, according to a statement Monday. He will be based in London and report to James Clarke, global head of Blue Owl's institutional business.
